When in college should you start studying for the MCAT?

The absolute earliest you should take the MCAT is in the summer of your sophomore year. If that sounds like something you want to do, we'd recommend you start studying in the spring. However, remember that your MCAT scores are valid at most institutions for three years after you take the test.

What year of college should I start studying for the MCAT?

The earliest time we recommend you to take the test is the summer before your junior college year. Therefore, it would be reasonable to start studying in the spring of your sophomore year. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you want to plan the date of your MCAT.

How far in advance should I start studying for the MCAT?

Believe it or not, most students who do well on the MCAT spend between 200 and 300 hours preparing for the exam. When you start your prep will be determined by your test date and by what other work and academic commitments you have—usually 3 to 6 months before your exam.

At what point in college do you take the MCAT?

If you hope to attend medical school immediately after you graduate, then you will need to complete pre-med coursework and take the MCAT by early May of your junior year in order to get your score before submitting your application in June when the cycle opens.

Do you take the MCAT junior or senior year?

The MCAT is something that requires planning and should not be taken on a whim. The ideal time to take the MCAT is the spring of your junior year of college, if you plan to attend medical school immediately following graduation.

When to start studying for the MCAT | BeMo Academic Consulting

Is freshman year too early to study for MCAT?

The absolute earliest you should take the MCAT is in the summer of your sophomore year. If that sounds like something you want to do, we'd recommend you start studying in the spring. However, remember that your MCAT scores are valid at most institutions for three years after you take the test.

What year do most students take the MCAT?

You should aim to take the MCAT after your sophomore year of undergrad. At this point, you've taken most, if not all, of the prerequisite courses, so you should have a firm grasp of the material.

Will a 500 MCAT get me into med school?

Although the average now is a little bit higher, 500 is typically good enough. Don't worry about your stats. You can apply, in the context of having diversity as well for medical schools. It's just what it is, you play the cards that you're dealt.

Does GPA or MCAT matter more?

In other words, students with higher GPAs and MCAT scores have a better chance of getting into medical school. On the other hand, it's really difficult to get into medical school with a low GPA. The lower the GPA, the higher the MCAT score needed to get into medical school, and vice-versa.

Does GPA matter for MCAT?

If your GPA is on the low side, you'll need higher MCAT scores to compensate. But remember: Although grades and scores play a large role in your application, medical schools are also interested in who you are, why you want to be a physician, and whether or not you have a clue about what being a doctor is really like.

What month is best for MCAT?

The MCAT exam is offered in January & March through September, and there are thirty MCAT test dates to choose from. Aim to take the MCAT as early in the year as possible, preferably no later than mid-May before AMCAS application submissions begin in early June.

Can you do well on the MCAT without studying?

A 511 on the MCAT currently corresponds to the 81st percentile, meaning that fewer than 20% of testers achieve a 511 or higher. Clearly, scoring well on the MCAT is hard if you do not study properly.

How many times can you take the MCAT before it looks bad?

First, assess your situation to determine if you actually need a higher score. Next, consider the energy you have and whether or not you have sufficient time to dedicate to studying all over again. Lastly, consider how many times you've already taken the MCAT. We recommend not taking the test more than three times.

How do freshmen start preparing for the MCAT?

Start preparation and practice early.

“I would take the practice exams earlier. I would start the flash cards from the beginning.” He suggested taking practice exams early to give examinees time to address any knowledge gaps and to learn how to apply their knowledge to the MCAT exam style of questions.

How do I know if I am ready to take the MCAT?

Typically, you should be taking between 5 and 10 full-length practice tests over the course of your MCAT prep. If you've taken 5 or 10 practice tests, then you have plenty of data to look at. If you've only taken one practice test, then you're not ready.

How rare is a 525 MCAT?

Attaining a score of 525 on the MCAT means you performed in the 100% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 131 (C/P) 132 (CARS) 131 (B/B) 131 (P/S).

How many B's can I get for med-school?

I would say to have a competitive chance at most medical schools you probably want to have a GPA above 3.5 So a B or two per semester is probably OK but do you want to make sure you get mostly A's or A- in your science and math courses.

Is 503 a good MCAT score?

Can I Get Into Medical School With a 503 MCAT Score? Although a 503 MCAT score is on the lower end, it is far from being the lowest MCAT score accepted by med school. If you have a 503 MCAT score, you should focus on improving other aspects of your application such as your GPA and essays.

How rare is a 528 MCAT?

According to the AAMC, out of the approximately two hundred thousand students who take the exam each year, between 30 and 70 achieve the highest score of 528 on the MCAT.

Is 504 a bad MCAT score?

A 504 on the MCAT is an above-average MCAT score. According to recent AAMC stats: A 504 is 60 percentile rank on the MCAT.

Should I retake a 507 MCAT?

If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 507.

When should I start applying for medical school?

You will submit your application to medical schools in May or June the year before you actually matriculate. For example, if you plan to start medical school in August of 2025 you will submit your applications in May of 2024.

What classes do I need to take before the MCAT?

All of the content on the MCAT exam is covered in introductory courses at most colleges and universities, including introductory biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and first-semester psychology, sociology, and biochemistry.

How old are most med school students?

Most med students are around 24 years old when heading into their first year. The average graduating age is 28, but it's never too late to go to med school. Non-traditional applicants often fear it may be too late to attend medical school. It's important to know there is no age limit to attending medical school.

Is Khan Academy good for MCAT?

The Khan Academy MCAT prep course is a good resource for students who not only have a tight budget but want an MCAT prep course that is AAMC-approved. With thousands of practice questions to help you study for the MCAT, you might not need to look for other supplemental MCAT resources.