How to Score 520 on the MCAT - Justin's Tips

Jul 16, 2024

How to Score 520 on the MCAT - Justin's Tips

Introduction

  • Presenter: Justin
  • Topic: Strategy to score 520 on the MCAT
  • General Tip: Follow the basics of this strategy for success

Preparation Strategy

Study Timeline

  • Recommended Dedicated Study Time: 3 months
  • Justin's Study Time: 6 months
    • 4 months while working in a research lab
    • 2 months solely dedicated to the MCAT

Sections of the MCAT

  • Chemistry and Physical Sciences
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
  • Biology and Biochemistry
  • Psychology and Sociology

Step-by-Step Process

1. Content Review

  • MCAT Prep Books: Essential for content review
    • Recommended: Kaplan
  • Daily Target: 2-3 chapters/day
  • Anki: Use for spaced repetition
    • Recommended Guide: Anking's guide to using Anki for the MCAT
    • Pre-made Deck: Jack Sparrow deck
  • Psych/Soc Section: Use condensed documents from Reddit
    • Recommended Document: 86-page document on r/MCAT
  • CARS Practice: Use Jack Weston
    • Improve consistency with practice, then work on timing
  • Supplementary Resource: Khan Academy for challenging concepts
  • Total Content Review Time: ~1 month in a 3-month plan

2. Practice Questions

  • Recommended Source: UWorld
    • AMC-style questions with explanations
  • Practice Flow:
    1. Review existing Anki cards
    2. Practice questions from UWorld (60 at a time)
    3. Daily CARS practice
    4. Review questions, use Khan Academy as needed
    5. Track questions in an Excel sheet

3. Full-Length Exams

  • Practice Exams: Blueprint and AAMC full-lengths
    • Space out AAMC full-lengths (one every week for 5 weeks before the exam)
    • Mimic test day conditions
  • Review Plan:
    1. Take full-length on Saturday
    2. Break on Sunday
    3. Review half of the exam on Monday
    4. Review second half on Tuesday

Review Plan

  • Total Study Plan Overview:
    1. Content Review
      • Prep books, Reddit documents, Jack Weston, Khan Academy, Anki
    2. Sprinkle in Practice Questions
    3. Gradually increase practice stamina
    4. Weekly full-length exams
    5. Thorough review and AMC question packs

Conclusion

  • Feeling overwhelmed is normal
  • Adapt and modify the plan as needed
  • Happy studying!