How to Study for the MCAT: Proven Strategies for Success

The MCAT is one of the most challenging exams on the path to medical school—but with the right plan and mindset, you can conquer it. Thousands of students take the MCAT every year, but only those with a focused strategy and consistent practice earn top scores that stand out to admissions committees.

Whether you're planning to take the MCAT during undergrad or in a gap year while completing a global health internship, this guide will walk you through proven tips and new strategies to help you ace the exam and move one step closer to becoming a doctor.

Create a Personalized MCAT Study Plan

The foundation of MCAT success is a clear, realistic study plan tailored to your schedule and goals. First, assess how much time you can dedicate weekly to studying, and choose a timeline that fits:

3 months: For full-time studiers with minimal outside obligations
4–6 months: Ideal for part-time workers or students with lighter schedules
6–8+ months: Best for busy undergrads balancing classes and other commitments

Use digital planners or MCAT study apps to time-block your weeks and track progress. The best plan balances structure with flexibility and includes content review, practice questions, and full-length test simulations.

Take Full-Length Practice Tests Regularly

The MCAT is more than 7 hours long—and practicing under real test conditions is critical. Start by taking diagnostic tests early in your prep to understand your baseline. Then, schedule full-length practice tests every 2–4 weeks to:

Build mental endurance
Practice time management
Identify weak areas for review

Use both free and paid resources for practice exams. Time yourself strictly and simulate testing conditions (including breaks) to mirror exam day as closely as possible.

Use Practice Questions as Part of Content Review

Active learning beats passive reading. While content review is important, practicing with MCAT-style questions is even more valuable. Combine both by:

Using question banks during your content review
Creating flashcards from missed questions
Tracking question types where you struggle most

This method reinforces high-yield topics and helps you internalize the application of knowledge, which is what the MCAT tests most.

Choose High-Quality Study Resources

Not all MCAT prep materials are created equal. Focus on depth, not quantity. The best MCAT prep tools and courses offer:

Video lectures with strong instructors
Full-length, realistic practice exams
Adaptive question banks
Analytics to track your progress and pinpoint weaknesses

Choose materials that match your learning style and timeline. Consider structured courses if you need accountability and expert guidance—or self-study bundles if you’re more independent.

Balance MCAT Prep with Your Current Responsibilities

If you’re in undergrad or taking on extracurriculars, be careful not to overload yourself. Reduce your course load (if possible) or schedule MCAT study blocks during lighter semesters.

Taking a pre-med internship abroad in a gap year can also be a smart strategy—giving you space to study and build meaningful clinical experience without competing academic pressure.

Track and Target Your Weakest Areas

After a few practice exams, patterns will emerge. Maybe it’s passage-based chemistry. Maybe it's timing on the CARS section. Whatever it is, lean into your weak points.

Use question logs or Excel trackers to monitor:

Frequently missed topics
Timing per section
Confidence levels vs. performance

Then, adjust your study plan accordingly. Prioritizing these areas improves your score faster than reviewing what you already know.

Research MCAT Requirements at Your Target Schools

Before test day, check the average MCAT scores for the schools you’re applying to. You can find this data on the AAMC MSAR tool and school websites. This helps:

Set realistic target scores
Stay motivated while studying
Focus your effort based on competitiveness

If your dream school requires a 512 and you’re averaging 505, it’s a sign to extend your prep timeline—or consider retaking if needed.

Advanced MCAT Preparation Strategies for 2025

Ready to go beyond the basics? These new insights can take your prep to the next level.

Integrate Content and Testing Skills Simultaneously

Don't separate review from application. Combine them by:

Reviewing a chapter → answering practice questions → summarizing key takeaways
Using spaced repetition software like Anki to reinforce memorization
Studying topics with the goal of answering real MCAT-style questions about them

This hybrid approach builds test-taking stamina while reinforcing mastery.

Use Technology to Customize Your Prep

Adaptive platforms can tailor practice sets based on your past performance. Apps and trackers can send reminders, suggest flashcard decks, and guide your review timeline.

Explore:

Khan Academy MCAT resources (free)
UWorld or Blueprint analytics
Study apps like Brainscape, Notion, or MCATBros tools

Combine these tools with real-world experience through programs like Go Elective, where you can apply medical knowledge in hands-on environments abroad.

Train for Endurance: How Long Is the MCAT?

The MCAT is 7 hours and 30 minutes long, including breaks. To prepare:

Take at least 4–5 full-length tests before exam day
Simulate the exact structure and timing
Train your brain for sustained focus and stamina

Endurance is just as important as content knowledge. Don’t overlook it.

Manage Test Anxiety with Resilience Techniques

Many high-performing students struggle with test-day nerves. Build a mental toolkit that includes:

Deep breathing and mindfulness
Positive visualization
Short physical workouts during breaks

Meditation apps or 5-minute mental resets during study sessions can build mental resilience over time.

Study with Peers for Accountability and Perspective

MCAT prep can be isolating. Study groups provide:

Peer explanation of tough concepts
Shared resources
Motivation and accountability

Meet virtually or in person once a week to review tough topics or go over practice questions together.

Add Real-World Learning to Your Study Plan

Sometimes, the best MCAT prep happens outside the books. Consider:

Shadowing physicians
Volunteering in hospitals
Joining Go Elective’s pre-med internships to gain global clinical experience

These opportunities make textbook concepts more tangible and boost your understanding of healthcare systems—something that may even help with CARS reasoning or application-based science questions.

Final Thoughts: You Can Master the MCAT

Crushing the MCAT is about more than memorization—it’s about strategy, consistency, and believing in your preparation. Set a realistic timeline, focus on your weak points, and train your mind as much as your memory.

Want to boost your application while preparing for the MCAT? Explore Go Elective’s medical internships in Kenya and Tanzania. They offer pre-med students firsthand exposure to global health, physician mentorship, and hands-on learning that makes your application—and your test essays—stand out.

You've got the tools. Now it's time to put them to work.