6 MCAT Prep Books to Help You Ace the Exam
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is used by medical schools to evaluate applicants. Most applicants who do well on the MCAT spend 200-300 hours preparing for the test, and using an MCAT prep book can help you improve your score from good to great.
Why Use an MCAT Prep Book?
An MCAT prep book can help students prepare for what they’ll see on the actual test, and they’re especially useful for students who plan to spend a lot of time studying, as well as those who want to retake the test in order to improve their scores.
Top MCAT Prep Books
Students can hone their test-taking skills by answering practice questions provided in each book. Access to three full-length practice tests, as well as instructional videos, practice tests, and quizzes. This test book is the official guide to the MCAT. You’ll learn how the AAMC scores the test and how it can help you.
Can you self study for the MCAT?
Some people will be able to prepare for the MCAT on their own, and in that case, you won’t need a full MCAT prep course; however, you won’t know until you start. (They also include the diagnostic and full-length practice test for free if you sign up for one of their courses.)
How long should I give myself to study for the MCAT?
So, where should you begin? Most people will need 10u201315 hours per week for at least four to six months to study for the MCAT, with a total of at least 200 to 300 hours of MCAT study time.
How can I study for MCAT at home?
Here are some of the best MCAT study tips to help you prepare for the big day!
- Do practice questions.
- Take full-length practice tests.
- Use Khan Academy or other videos as a supplement.
- Use good material.
- Take the MCAT when you’re ready.
- Review content.
- Study with friends.
What subjects should I start with for MCAT?
If you’re going subject by subject, I’d start with gen bio and chem, then move on to the courses you’ve taken recently (orgo, biochem), or alternate subjects every day.
Is a 520 A good MCAT score?
A score of 520 places you in the top 98th percentile of all MCAT test-takers, putting you in the top 98th percentile of all MCAT test-takers. To put the score in context, the median MCAT score for matriculants in the 2019-2020 academic year was 511.5.
Is 3 months enough to study for MCAT?
How long should I study for the MCAT? Twelve weeks, or three months, is usually enough time to study for the MCAT at a rate of about 20 hours per week, which can be compressed or extended depending on your schedule. This study schedule can be adapted for any set of MCAT prep books.
Is 500 hours enough for MCAT?
I recommend that students devote at least 15 hours per week to studying for the MCAT, which equates to just over 2 hours per day, every day. 500 hours at 15 hours per week equates to 30 weeks or just over 8 months of preparation.
Is 1 month enough for MCAT?
Studying for the MCAT in a month is a difficult task, but if you already have a strong science and critical reading foundation and can devote a significant amount of study time per week, you might be able to get the score you need by following this week-by-week plan.
Is the MCAT all multiple choice?
The official MCAT is administered entirely through a computer interface, with all questions being multiple-choice. The Physical Sciences section comes first, followed by the Verbal Reasoning section, and finally the Biological Sciences section.
How do I study MCAT fun?
8 Ways to Have a Good Time While Preparing for the MCAT
- Make up fun mnemonics.
- Study with a friend.
- Incorporate videos.
- Listen to music while studying.
- Keep active!
- Take study breaks.
- Use self-care days.
What is the most effective way to study for the MCAT?
MCAT Study Habits: The Top 10
- Focus on Accuracy.
- Build Stamina.
- Take as Many Full-length Practice Tests as Possible.
- Simulate REAL MCAT Conditions.
- Practice Dealing With Distractions.
- Manage Your Stress.
What score is good on the MCAT?
A “good” MCAT score is one that places you near or above the average percentile for matriculants at your target medical schools; for example, in 2017u20132018, the average MCAT score for students admitted to an MD program in the United States was between 510 and 511, with an average GPA of 3.71 (source: AAMC).
What is the highest MCAT score?
Under the current MCAT, the maximum possible score is 528, and the median score among incoming students in 2020 was 517 among the 43 medical schools with the highest MCAT scores. Here are the 43 schools where students scored the highest on the updated exam.
Which MCAT prep is best?
2021’s Best MCAT Prep Courses
- Blueprint is the best overall prep course. Kaplan is the best live-online prep course. MCAT Self Prep is the best customizable prep course. Altius is the best for guarantees. The Princeton Review is the best intensive study course. Magoosh is the best value.