One of the most common questions I hear is, “How long should I study for the MCAT?”
Studying for the beast that is the MCAT is no joke! The size of it alone can be super intimidating. So, it’s no wonder after I did a quick poll on Instagram that a lot of you are feeling scared to even start studying for the MCAT!
I remember feeling that same fear, especially after hearing all those horror stories of people studying for ages and then not doing well on the actual test. But instead of letting that fear paralyze me, I used it as motivation to come up with a realistic study timeline. Once I had a plan in place, it made such a difference in boosting my confidence and making sure I was ready to achieve my dream score on the MCAT.
In this post, I’ll outline three realistic MCAT prep study timelines so you can find the one that best fits your unique situation. Whether you’re a full-time student, working part-time, or have other commitments, you can customize a timeline that works for you. So, get ready to totally flip that fear on its head, dive into full focus mode, and never look back until you crush it on test day!
This post is all about how long to study for the MCAT.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
Find Out How Long to Study for the MCAT
Why You Need a Realistic Timeline for Studying for the MCAT
The MCAT is a marathon of a test, lasting (with breaks included) over seven hours. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and intimidated when you imagine what it’s going to take to study for it.
Ever heard the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”? That’s the mindset you’ll need here. Instead of seeing the MCAT as this giant, scary monster, shift your perspective. Break it down into manageable daily tasks.
Here’s where creating a practical timeline can help you estimate when it’s right to take the MCAT.
It can help you lay out how much time you can actually spend daily on those everyday prepping tasks, such as content review books, question banks, practice tests, and other study tools.
The Benefits of Creating a Timeline for Your MCAT Prep
Having a solid study plan timeline will be your best friend on this journey. Here are a few reasons why.
- Structure and Organization – When you’re staring down a mountain of MCAT material, having a paced timeline will give you a roadmap to follow. It’ll help you break down the overwhelming amount of content into manageable chunks, making everything feel much more doable.
- Efficiency – With a well-thought-out study plan timeline, you can make sure that you’re dedicating enough time to each subject or section. You’ll likely feel less overwhelmed and more eager to get started and keep going.
- Accountability to Yourself – When you have a schedule laid out in front of you, it’s harder to procrastinate or skip studying sessions. It keeps you on track and motivated to stick to your goals.
- Adaptability – Life happens, and sometimes unexpected things come up that can throw off your study schedule. Having a study plan timeline allows you to see at a glance how you can adjust and make up for lost time without feeling like you’re falling behind.
- Reduced Stress – The MCAT is a high-stakes exam, and the pressure can be intense. However, having a study plan timeline in place can help you know exactly how much time you’ll need to study enough to be prepared. It takes away the uncertainty and gives you a sense of control over the process.
How Long to Study for the MCAT: Use this Scoring System!
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is a realistic timeline for me? I personally think a three-month timeline is a really great place to start. However, there are various reasons why you might want to add to that.
If you’re still unsure, I came up with a scoring system based on a few scenarios that can help give you a good idea of how long you realistically might need to prep for the MCAT.
If you want to play along, here’s how it works: Give yourself points based on three factors, including how long it’s been since you were studying these areas, how many science classes you’re missing, and how much time you can dedicate each week to uninterrupted study time based on your other commitments.
Scoring System for Selecting Your Ideal Timeline
These steps lay it out for you. Plus, I’ll go deeper into the reasons why each timeline may or may not be right for you below.
- As a foundation, start at 5. Then subtract points for each scenario that applies to you.
- It’s been 2-plus years since you studied the content: Minus 2
- For 3-plus years: Minus 3
- If you’ve forgotten everything: Minus 4
- Haven’t taken ONE of the science classes? Minus 2
- Haven’t taken TWO of the science classes? Minus 4
For details on the classes, go to my blog post Classes to Take Before MCAT.
- How many hours do you have to dedicate to studying in a week?
Add a point for each 8-hour (non-consecutive) study block you can fit per week. For example, if you can fit two 8-hour study sessions, then add 2 to your score from the above section.
- Use your points total to help select your best timeline to follow.
- 7-10 points = 3 Months
- 5-7 points = 4-5 months
- 0-5 points = 6-9 months
So, using my experience as an example, we can put this scoring system into action. When I was studying for the MCAT, I had at least three gap years under my belt. So, starting with a score of five, I’ll subtract three, giving me a temporary score of 2. Since I had time for at least three eight-hour study sessions per week, I can add three. My final score is 5, which means I needed four to five months to prep for the MCAT. (And that’s the exact timeline I used successfully IRL!)
Depending on your total score, you can figure out the ideal study timeline for you. It’s all about finding the right balance for your unique situation!
Why a 3-Month Study Timeline Might Be Perfect for You
Typically, three months is the recommended amount of time to adequately and effectively prep for the MCAT. However, before you take this timeline and run with it, first make sure one or both of these reasons apply to you.
Reason #1: You Can Make Studying for the MCAT Your Full-Time Job
You’ve got plenty of time with minimal commitment, making it possible to put in 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. Perhaps you’ve already taken all the recommended courses from AAMC. While the material may or may not be fresh in your mind, with 8-hour study days, you can easily get through all the studying you need in just 3 months. It’s totally doable and realistic for you.
Reason #2: You Have a Really, Really Solid Foundation
You’ve recently aced all those recommended classes, the content is fresh in your mind, and you’re feeling pretty confident about it all. In this scenario, you probably won’t need to spend hours and hours every day reviewing content.
Maybe you’re a junior dealing with a heavy course load, but because of that strong base, you can still manage to study within a 3-month window and aim for the score you desire, even while juggling other commitments. Or, perhaps lighten your course load during this period to dedicate some additional time for MCAT prep.
Three Reasons for Taking 4 to 5 Months to Study for the MCAT
So, why extend it to a four to five-month timeline? Well, if you’re like me and fall into this category, there are a few scenarios where spending an extra month or two to prep for the MCAT makes sense.
Reason #1: Missing a Science Class and Need More Time for Content Review
If you haven’t taken all the recommended science classes, you’ll need extra time to study on your own, especially the more challenging topics like biochemistry and physics.
Sure, psychology might be a bit easier to grasp, but if biochemistry is new territory for you, it’s wise to allow yourself plenty of time to get comfortable with the material. Tackling at least one tough science class through self-study should be feasible within this extended timeframe.
Reason #2: You’re Not Able to Do a Full-Time Study Schedule
If you’re in a situation like I was, where you’ve got other stuff going on and a full-time study schedule seems out of reach, don’t worry – there’s still a way! Maybe like me, you’re balancing work, family, or other responsibilities that demand your time. In my case, I was pulling 12-hour shifts as an EMT.
My EMT shifts were flexible, so I could adjust my schedule to allow for solid study time. By working three to four shifts weekly, I could dedicate three to four days for eight-hour study sessions each day. I could also swap shifts with colleagues, take overtime shifts, or pass on shifts to occasionally squeeze in an extra study day each week.
So, even though I had a job that demanded my attention, I managed to stretch my study timeline to five months. It wasn’t traditional, but it worked perfectly for me. It just goes to show that with a bit of flexibility and determination, you can make it work, no matter what life throws your way.
Reason #3: The Material Isn’t Too Fresh in Your Mind
Even though you’ve taken the recommended classes, it feels like ancient history now, and your base knowledge is a bit shaky. This situation is common for non-traditional students.
If you have a part-time job or a flexible work schedule to accommodate your study needs, then you can put together enough eight-hour study days to really immerse yourself in the material. Since you have the luxury of time to dedicate yourself fully to MCAT prep, you’ll be able to brush up on all that content within a four to five-month time frame.
When It’s Best to Take 6 to 9 Months to Study for the MCAT
Sometimes it’s best to let “slow and steady win the race.” Your life, schedule, and commitments may prevent you from dedicating as much time as you’d like to prep and study, but all is not lost. Simply take more time so when you walk into the exam, you’re ready to go!
I remember when I was in your shoes, I didn’t realize it then, but looking back, I see that the key to my success on the MCAT was having that extra time to absorb the material and not putting too much pressure on myself. Finding that balance of steady progress and self-care was so important.
Reason #1: The MCAT Is More Your Part-Time Focus
You’re stuck in a rigid 8 to 5 job with no wiggle room to go part-time or switch shifts. Add in a long commute, and suddenly, slotting in MCAT study time becomes a bit of a puzzle. Maybe you can only manage about 20 hours a week for the MCAT.
In this scenario, it might be wise to aim for a study period of six to nine months to give the full amount of time you need to excel without burning out.
Reason #2: You Graduated a Few Years Ago and Don’t Have Full-Time to Study
You’re juggling work, family, and maybe other commitments that demand your attention. It’s like studying for the MCAT is a part-time job on top of everything else you already have going on.
When life is bustling, finding the time to sit down and absorb complex MCAT material can be tough. And it’s not like you can magically create extra hours in a day, right? That’s where a more extended study timeline comes in handy. Giving yourself the space to pace your learning and revisit concepts can make a world of difference.
You Could Use a Ready-Made MCAT Schedule Tool?
No more getting lost in calculations, missing important milestones (like regular practice exams) or procrastinating your daily study goals. MCAT Roadmap includes an in-depth tool to make it 10x easier for you to create a realistic and detailed study plan for your MCAT. As part of MCAT Roadmap, you get access to a full study planner including step-by-step instructions.
On top of that, you will learn all the nitty gritty details like mapping out your 3 study phases, which materials you’ll get the most of (without draining your budget) and a bonus Notion template with lots of extra tools.
You’ll be learning all the success strategies that helped me reach my personal goal score of 516 and how you can get there as well!
Conclusion: So, How Long to Study for the MCAT? It Depends on You!
Determining how long to study for the MCAT really depends on your unique situation. Whether you have a busy schedule, need to balance work and study, or have the luxury of a more flexible timeline, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Take the time to assess your knowledge base and time availability. Then, set realistic goals, create a study plan timeline that works best for you, and, most importantly, trust in your ability to succeed.
So, take a deep breath, trust the process, and believe in yourself. No matter how long you choose to study for the MCAT, whether you need a 3-month, 6-month, or 9-month timeline, with dedication, perseverance, and hard work, you can conquer this exam and take a huge step forward toward your dream of becoming a doctor.
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