When I first started studying for the MCAT, I had no idea where to begin. Everyone online seemed to have a different “best” strategy, and it was easy to get overwhelmed. What I eventually realized is that there isn’t one perfect plan — but there is a way to build a plan that actually works for you.
Here’s exactly how I approached it, what I used, and what I’d do again if I had to take the MCAT all over.
1. Give yourself real time — not just leftover time
The MCAT isn’t something you can casually fit in between classes or work without structure. I gave myself a full summer — three months — to focus only on the exam. If you’re studying while in school, I’d recommend six months minimum so you have enough time to balance both.
The biggest challenge for me wasn’t the content — it was consistency. You have to hold yourself accountable every single day. That meant saying no to plans with friends, keeping a set schedule, and treating studying like a full-time job. It’s not easy, but it’s temporary, and it pays off.
2. Start with content review — but make it active
I spent my first month on content review. My main resources were the Kaplan books, which gave me structure, and YouTube videos to fill in gaps or explain things in different ways. I also subscribed to premedsuccess.com, which offers high-yield summaries and visuals that helped me remember details more efficiently.
During this stage, I wasn’t just reading or highlighting — I made sure to actively learn. I’d explain topics out loud as if I were teaching someone, make quick flashcards for anything I kept forgetting, and watch videos until I could connect concepts without notes.
Two YouTubers I relied on the most were Yusuf Hasan and Professor Eman. They’re both great at taking complicated topics and breaking them down in a way that actually sticks. If you’re a visual or auditory learner, I can’t recommend them enough.
3. Move on to practice questions early
After the first month, I started shifting from content review to practice-based studying. I used UWorld for question banks, and that’s where my progress really started to take off.
At first, I got a lot of questions wrong. But that’s normal — the goal isn’t to score high right away, it’s to learn why you’re getting questions wrong. I made a notebook just for UWorld mistakes and wrote down patterns I noticed, like missing detail-oriented questions in CARS or misinterpreting graphs in Bio/Biochem. Overtime, my accuracy and confidence improved a lot.
Whenever I noticed a weak area, I went back to YouTube or the Kaplan book for that topic. This constant loop of practice → review → relearn was what helped me retain information long-term
4. The final six weeks: simulation and strategy
Six weeks before my test date, I started taking one full-length exam per week. I treated each one like the real thing — same timing, same breaks, no distractions. After every test, I took two full days to review it in depth using the Jack Westin AAMC extension, which explains why each answer choice is right or wrong.
Those review days were honestly more valuable than the exams themselves. I learned how to recognize trick questions, manage my pacing, and think through each passage efficiently.
By this point, I also made a schedule to go through every single AAMC question and passage before test day. The AAMC material is the closest thing to the real exam, and getting comfortable with their logic style made a huge difference. This material is gold!
5. On test day — confidence comes from preparation
By the time test day came around, I wasn’t relying on luck or hope — I knew I had put in the work. I ended up getting a score I was genuinely proud of.
The best part wasn’t even the score itself, but the growth that came with it. The MCAT forced me to build habits I never had before — consistency, discipline, and the ability to push through frustration. Those skills matter even more than the exam itself because they’re the same ones I’ll need in medical school and beyond.
6. Final thoughts
If you’re starting your MCAT journey, know this: it’s okay to feel intimidated at first. The hardest part is just beginning. But once you start, keep showing up every day, even when you’re tired or unmotivated. You’ll be surprised at how much you can handle when you stay consistent.
The MCAT is tough, but it’s also proof that you can take on something huge and come out stronger. For me, it wasn’t just a test — it was a reminder that I can do hard things. And that mindset will carry me through medical school and every challenge after.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMHRpqA7/ : Here’s a TikTok I made with some more detail!