What I Would Change If I Had to Study for the MCAT Again

I ended up scoring a 520 on the MCAT, but if I had to start all over tomorrow, there are definitely a few things I'd do differently. None of these are huge changes, but together I think they would have made my studying more efficient and probably a lot less stressful.

1. I'd Start Practice Questions Way Earlier

This is probably the biggest one.

I spent way too much time thinking I needed to "finish content review" before I was ready for practice questions. Looking back, I learned way more from getting questions wrong than I did from rereading notes or watching another content video.

Don't wait until you feel ready. Just start.

2. I'd Treat Every Practice Session Like the Real MCAT

I definitely wasn't perfect about this.

Sometimes I'd pause a question set, check my phone, grab a snack, or get distracted for a few minutes. On test day, you obviously can't do that.

Every practice session is a chance to train your brain to focus for long periods of time. I would take that much more seriously if I had to do it again.

3. I'd Simulate Test Day Better

Taking a full-length is one thing. Simulating the MCAT is another.

I'd wake up at the same time, eat the same breakfast, follow the official break schedule, and stay off my phone during breaks. The goal is for test day to feel like just another practice exam.

4. I'd Start UWorld Earlier

UWorld ended up being one of the best resources I used, but I wish I had started it sooner.

The explanations are incredible, and honestly that's where most of the learning happens. If I were starting over, I'd be using UWorld much earlier in my study schedule.

5. I'd Take Better Care of Myself

Probably my biggest regret.

Toward the end of studying I was sleeping less because I thought another hour of studying would help my score.

Looking back, I'd choose the extra hour of sleep almost every time. A well-rested brain is worth way more than one last cram session.

Final Thoughts

I'd just start practicing earlier, make my practice more realistic, use UWorld sooner, and take better care of myself.

If you're studying for the MCAT right now, hopefully you can learn from my mistakes instead of making them yourself.