Studying for the MCAT is a long, challenging process, but you don’t have to do it all by yourself! Lots of students form MCAT study groups that can be great resources to help you push through even the toughest days. In this guide, I’ll go over all the pros and cons of studying for the MCAT in a group and let you know exactly how to find your own MCAT study group.
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List of Pros and Cons of MCAT Study Groups
Benefits of Joining MCAT Study Groups
Group sessions are an excellent way to supplement your MCAT studying. From helping you stick to your schedule to showing you new study techniques, your groupmates can give you all kinds of support throughout this difficult journey.
1. Accountability
Studying in a group means you have to follow along with the group’s study schedule if you want to make the most of each session. If you know you have a study group meeting coming up, for example, you might feel more motivated to get through all the necessary material before that session. Students who study by themselves may be more tempted to slack off from their established study schedule because they don’t have anyone holding them accountable.
2. Learn New Techniques
Everyone studies in their own unique way, and the members of your MCAT study group might have study techniques and methods you’ve never thought to try before. Ask around to see how everyone else in your group studies individually. Then, try out the techniques that sound like they could be a good fit for you. You might just discover your new favorite study method!
3. Motivation
It can be really tough to stay motivated on your own during your MCAT prep, especially when you start getting into material that might not come as naturally to you. When you feel down or unmotivated, your study buddies can give you the pick-me-ups and inspiration you need to stick with it. Try texting your study group chat the next time you need some motivation and watch the support come flooding in!
4. Support for Difficult Topics
The MCAT is packed with challenging material, and, chances are, you’ll find yourself struggling to wrap your head around a tough section at some point. Your MCAT study group can give you support by explaining the material to you in a new way or offering up some resources that helped them better understand it. Whether it’s their own analogy, a video they watched, or a podcast they heard, they can point you toward resources that break things down in a more digestible way.
I’ve always had a hard time with anatomy during medical school and meeting up with a few friends produced much better results than studying on my own. So find out which topics you could use that extra boost for and an MCAT study group might be the answer!
5. Lower Test Anxiety
One of the keys to overcoming test anxiety is to take the fear out of the exam. Studying in a group often makes the MCAT material and even the exam itself much less intimidating. If you find the right group, you’ll probably start to have fun at your study sessions! That positive association with preparing can give you a huge confidence boost that really comes in clutch on exam day.
When to Avoid Group Studying
Group studying is a helpful way to supplement your study schedule, but it shouldn’t be used as a total replacement for individual studying. There are some cases where group studying will be less effective in comparison.
Group sessions are usually discussion-based, with you and your group mates going over questions you had or playing review games. This means that group study is most effective for reviewing material you’ve already learned. You shouldn’t rely on group study to teach you new concepts that you haven’t gone over in individual study sessions yet.
In other words, the foundation of your MCAT studying will always be the work you do on your own or one-on-one with a tutor. Group study is an add-on that can help you clarify concepts and review to keep things fresh in your mind.
How to Find MCAT Study Groups
The internet makes it easy to find an MCAT study group! Whether you’re looking for virtual study buddies or people to meet in person, searching around on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram can help you connect with people who have similar goals.
Some MCAT study groups on Facebook have thousands of members who are all seeking study buddies. Others even offer a variety of in-person groups sorted by state!
You can also try asking around at work or at school if you happen to be in a clinical job or a pre-med program.
Tips for Making the Most of Your MCAT Study Group
Once you’ve found your perfect MCAT study group, here are a few tips you can use to help you make the most of your group sessions.
1. Be Wary of Group Size
Remember, this is a study session, not a party. In the case of group study, “the more the merrier” isn’t always the best policy to follow. You can rotate your group to include different people, but you should try to limit the size of a group session to no more than 6 people. This will make it easier for everyone to stay focused without it devolving into more of a social event.
When I was meeting up with friends to study for end-of-block finals in medical school I always just wanted to be a chatty Cathy and talk about the latest happenings which resulted in zero productivity. This had been especially true for me when there were more than 3 people. So give it a try and find out what group size works for you!
2. Prepare for Sessions Beforehand
Always make sure you review the material that will be discussed at the group session in advance. You might be able to pick up on a few key concepts while you’re there, but you won’t be able to fully participate in the discussion and review without preparing on your own first. Plus, you might miss the opportunity to ask questions about concepts you’re struggling to understand, which means you could end up stuck figuring it out by yourself when you could’ve gotten help way faster from your study buddies.
3. Find Study Buddies from Various Backgrounds
Even though each study session should be limited to a certain number of people, that doesn’t mean you have to study with those same people every time. Look for study buddies from a variety of backgrounds who can give you different perspectives on questions you may have. It’s useful for everyone to have the same goals in mind, but you might all reach for them in different ways, which leads to more creative and enlightening discussions.
Final Thoughts on MCAT Study Groups
If you’re having trouble staying motivated during your MCAT studies, an MCAT study group might be exactly what you need! You can find support, learn new study techniques, and even make some friends along the way. Have fun and happy studying!
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