Ello, MCAT
TOols to tackle the mcat
Here we go
Get ORganized.
Get Motivated.
How do you start studying for the MCAT?
Being successful at the MCAT starts with a positive mindset and a consistent study schedule that works for you. As I first started tackling the MCAT, I was overwhelmed with how much information there was, where to focus my energy, and most importantly where the heck to start. How do you create a study plan? I started by creating a tentative schedule & adapted it as I went along. I did not follow a rigid schedule but focused more on building my endurance and ability to focus for long periods of time rather than sticking to someone else’s schedule. I wanted to focus on the quantity & quality of time I spent daily. I also wanted it customizable, so I could adjust as I went along, based off my initial diagnostic and outside commitments. As I began building my study tracker, I found that finding a place to start studying came natural. It might be first helpful to ask yourself: when are you taking the MCAT? How much time do you have? And are you self prepping or using an MCAT prep course? In order to track personal progress in my scheduler, I included the topics I needed to review and my practice test results for each practice test. Download the template of schedule tracker (Excel spreadsheet) here.
Helpful tips I learneD About the MCAT that helped with my mindset:
YOU ARE NOT LATE. YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN TIME!!
65% requires no prior knowledge as it’s a critical thinking test.
Avoid stressing on time pressures: have the expectation to always complete a meaningful review after each practice test.
Understand what you are reading. Practice reading complex text. BE an active reader.
Have a strategy. Decide how many hours you can commit, and schedule in a day off.
Helpful online resources
Study TIPS
Jackwestin
Basic chemistry concepts refresher:
Typed notes MCAT topics
Strategies for approaching CARS
Kaplan quick sheet:
MCAT Course through Khan Academy
Free MCAT Prep Course
Helpful online resources
Free PDF’s available for download
Organized INformation by topic
Amino acids are essential for protein shape & function and are commonly tested on the MCAT. These molecules may be small, but there’s a lot to know about amino acids (AA).
You’ll be expected to identify an amino acid by the name, three-letter abbreviation and one- letter abbreviations. So familiarize yourself with the structure of each AA: The α-amino acids in peptides and proteins (excluding proline) consist of a carboxylic acid (–COOH) and an amino (–NH2) functional group attached to the same tetrahedral carbon atom.
You’ll also be expected to understand that all amino acids have at least two pKa values. I found it helpful to study up on how to calculate the isoelectric point (PI) using pKa values rather then memorizing PI values.
pKa1 is the pKa of the carboxyl group and is usually around 2
pKa2 is the pKa of the amino group and is usually around 9-10
If the amino acid has an ionizable side chain, then there will be three pKa values.
The pKa of a group is the pH at which half of the molecules of the species are deprotonated or [HA]=[A-]
Check out this table on Amino Acids: link to iCloud Pages document. The PDF includes information on the structure, function, the associated pKa’s & polarity of 20 amino acids. Amino Acids are organized by mnemonics to assist with memorization i.e. polar, non-polar & charged amino acids. An updated version of AA table will appear at a later date. Please download to make your personal edits.
Check out this table on Hormones: To be posted: March 2023
An example of a weekly schedule with 10-hour study blocks 3X a week:
**Weekday Study Schedule:**
**Day 1:**
- 8:00 am - 10:00 am: Biology (Cellular and Molecular Biology)
- 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: General Chemistry (Atomic Structure, Periodic Trends, Chemical Bonding)
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch Break
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Psychology (Sensation and Perception)
- 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Physics (Kinematics, Newton's Laws)
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Break
- 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Practice Questions and Review (Biology and Chemistry)
**Day 2:**
- 8:00 am - 10:00 am: Biology (Genetics)
- 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Organic Chemistry (Nomenclature, Functional Groups)
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch Break
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Psychology (Learning and Memory)
- 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Physics (Forces, Energy, and Work)
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Break
- 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Practice Questions and Review (Biology and Organic Chemistry)
**Day 3:**
- 8:00 am - 10:00 am: Biology (Physiology: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Digestive Systems)
- 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Biochemistry (Enzymes, Metabolism)
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch Break
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Psychology (Cognition, Consciousness)
- 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Physics (Fluids, Waves, and Optics)
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Break
- 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Practice Questions and Review (Biochemistry and Physics)
**Tips:**
1. Start each study session with a brief review of the previous day's topics to reinforce your learning.
2. Break down complex topics into smaller, manageable subtopics to improve understanding.
3. Utilize flashcards, diagrams, and mnemonics to aid in memorization.
4. Practice active recall by summarizing key concepts aloud or in writing.
5. Use online resources, MCAT prep books, and official AAMC materials for practice questions and passages.
6. Take short breaks (5-10 minutes) every 1-2 hours to relax and recharge your mind.
7. Review and analyze your practice questions to identify areas of weakness and focus on them during future study sessions.
8. Prioritize understanding and application of concepts rather than rote memorization.
9. Stay consistent with your study schedule, but also be flexible to adjust based on your progress and needs.
10. Take care of your physical and mental well-being by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying active.
This is just an example schedule, of one of my weeks but you can modify it according to your preferences and specific areas that demand more focus. Adapt the topics and time blocks based on your strengths and weaknesses.