How to study for the MCAT?

How you study for the MCAT depends on your goals, preferred study style, schedule, and more. The best way to study for the MCAT is to find a method that works for you, make a plan, and stick with it. You may want to study in a traditional classroom, live online, on your own, or even with a tutor. Your MCAT study plan should include reviewing content, learning strategy, as well as realistic, full-length practice.

The answer to "is the MCAT hard?" is "it doesn't have to be". The MCAT covers a lot of content, and asks you to use what you know in new or unfamiliar contexts. The length of the MCAT is also a test of your stamina. As you get to know the MCAT's content in your prep course, you'll also learn strategies for conquering the test.

How long to study for MCAT?

How long you'll spend studying for the MCAT depends on where you start, what your target score is, and what your schedule is. The average student will spend 240 hours on their MCAT prep over several months. You'll want to study until you are consistently scoring in your target range on full-length practice tests, and feel comfortable with every aspect of the MCAT.

When to take the MCAT?

The best time to take the MCAT for you will depend on your schedule and when you'll be able to devote time to preparing, as well as when you'll be applying to medical school. To be able to submit your application early, you'll need to have your MCAT score in hand before June of the year you'll be applying. There is an admissions advantage to submitting an early application.

How many times can you take the MCAT?

The AAMC has testing limits on how many times you can take the MCAT exam. Voids and no-shows count toward your lifetime limits. Remember that you can only be registered for one seat at a time. The MCAT exam can be taken up to 3 times in a single testing year and up to 4 times in a 2 consecutive-year period. The MCAT exam can be taken up to 7 times in a lifetime.

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Frequently asked questions

How to study for the MCAT?

How you study for the MCAT depends on your goals, preferred study style, schedule, and more. The best way to study for the MCAT is to find a method that works for you, make a plan, and stick with it. You may want to study in a traditional classroom, live online, on your own, or even with a tutor. Your MCAT study plan should include reviewing content, learning strategy, as well as realistic, full-length practice.
Is the MCAT hard?

The answer to "is the MCAT hard?" is "it doesn't have to be". The MCAT covers a lot of content, and asks you to use what you know in new or unfamiliar contexts. The length of the MCAT is also a test of your stamina. As you get to know the MCAT's content in your prep course, you'll also learn strategies for conquering the test.
How long to study for MCAT?

How long you'll spend studying for the MCAT depends on where you start, what your target score is, and what your schedule is. The average student will spend 240 hours on their MCAT prep over several months. You'll want to study until you are consistently scoring in your target range on full-length practice tests, and feel comfortable with every aspect of the MCAT.
When to take the MCAT?

The best time to take the MCAT for you will depend on your schedule and when you'll be able to devote time to preparing, as well as when you'll be applying to medical school. To be able to submit your application early, you'll need to have your MCAT score in hand before June of the year you'll be applying. There is an admissions advantage to submitting an early application.
How many times can you take the MCAT?

The AAMC has testing limits on how many times you can take the MCAT exam. Voids and no-shows count toward your lifetime limits. Remember that you can only be registered for one seat at a time. The MCAT exam can be taken up to 3 times in a single testing year and up to 4 times in a 2 consecutive-year period. The MCAT exam can be taken up to 7 times in a lifetime.

About the MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test^® (MCAT^®), developed and administered by the AAMC, is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that helps medical school admissions officers assess your knowledge as a prerequisite to the study of medicine.

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About the MCAT

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