Is 4 Months Enough Time to Study For the MCAT?
For some people, four months isn't enough time to study for the MCAT. They're busy with work, family and other commitments. But if you're able to make a few changes, four months can be enough to get you ready for the exam.
The key to preparing for the MCAT is creating a study schedule. This can be done in a variety of ways. A typical schedule will involve three to five hours of studying per day, five days a week. That's enough to cover the basics of the test, but it doesn't provide much breathing room.
In the weeks leading up to the test, you should take a few practice tests and use them as a diagnostic tool. Some students may find they need to add more study time to make sure they cover all of the material. Other students may see their scores stay the same, while others will see a decline.
If you're able to take a week off, that can help you retain information better. You can also take a sleep chronotype quiz to determine your peak study time.
The old MCAT was easier to study for a few weeks, but now you'll need more time. You'll want to be ready for the test in September. During that time, you'll have more free time to focus on your study schedule.
The good news is that you can create a study schedule that's tailored to your unique needs. For example, you can take two full-length practice tests a week. Doing this will help you identify what areas you're weakest and swap those out for new material.