MCAT Practice Test Advice

MCAT Practice Test Advice

Crafting Your Practice Test Schedule for MCAT Success

Review the AAMC's syllabus

We understand you're eager to start practicing, but your first step is to review the AAMC's syllabus for the MCAT and try their official free practice questions. This simple effort establishes a reliable baseline, saving you time and money by showing you exactly what to study.

Strategically reserve the rest of the AAMC's materials (Question Packs, Full-Length Practice Exams, etc.).

After completing this early process, reserve the rest of the AAMC's MCAT materials (i.e. practice question packs, full-length sample test, practice exams) for during and after your content review. Saving AAMC full-length practice tests for the end of your study regimen (about one month prior to your test date) is also beneficial in that your scores on AAMC practice tests will offer you the best indication of your score on the real exam.

CLAIM YOUR FREE MCAT PRACTICE TEST

Design a Personal Study Schedule

Design an MCAT study schedule for yourself in order to get through your content review most efficiently. On average, aim to set aside approximately 3 to 6 hours of study time per day for about 3 to 6 months. You may need more or less time depending on your knowledge and activities going into the MCAT. For instance, if you read The New York Times, The Economist, or The Wall Street Journal for fun or if you earned a 4.0 GPA in your basic science courses, then you may not need as much time to study! Likewise, you are human and life happens; therefore, include "free days" in your schedule to use for catching up if you fall behind in your studying or for doing something fun that is not related to the MCAT.

You are welcome to follow the Gold Standard MCAT study schedule or refer to our blog article, How to Make an Effective MCAT Study Schedule for a straightforward, 5-step approach to design your own personalized MCAT study schedule.

Review Daily, Test Weekly

MCAT prep notes

Get a limited amount of MCAT prep materials in front of you and move forward on a daily basis.

Make gold notes - your personal, condensed notes that contain the most valuable learning points from each MCAT practice test that you do. You should have no more than 1-2 pages after each test and you should review all your Gold Notes before doing an additional practice test.

Also, review the MCAT Biochemistry Review Summary, MCAT Physics Equations Sheet, MCAT Organic Chemistry Mechanisms and MCAT General Chemistry Review which we have put online.

How often should you take practice tests?

Strive to start taking practice tests at least 2 months prior to your test date at a frequency of 2 to 3 practice tests per week. You will get the most out of each MCAT practice test by:

  • studying for the practice test before taking it
  • taking practice tests in a systematic manner
  • scheduling time to review each completed practice test
  • seeing each practice test as an opportunity to learn and improve
  • monitoring your performance and recalibrating as necessary
  • pouring over explanations for your mistakes/guesses, and
  • making Gold Notes!

Pattern Recognition

There is a basic and critical concept in medicine called "pattern recognition". It is not true that there is an infinite number of possible concepts tested by the MCAT (though you may have felt this way because of the wide breadth of your learning and practice materials). The concepts are quite limited and so are the patterns. It's OK if you have no clue on a couple of questions, that's not important. However, you should be on the right track for almost all questions, and it is very important that you remain focused to the point that you assure yourself that if you know the answer, you get it right. Before you go on, don't tell yourself: "Great, I got that one"; say the opposite: "I wonder what silly mistake I just made." That way, you will seek, find it and then move on.

Get Your Body Ready for the Real MCAT Exam

It's normal to feel nervous about the MCAT, but with enough preparation, you will successfully hurdle the test day experience. Since you've finished the content review and practice phases, this final week is all about optimizing your performance environment and body clock.

Optimize Your Environment

Simulate Test Day: For any final practice, strictly time yourself. Use earplugs and noteboard.

Set Your Clock: A week before, get your body clock ready. Go to bed and wake up at the exact time you will on test day. Take any final practice tests at your exam's scheduled start time.

Lock Down Logistics

The Critical ID Check: The most important rule: Your valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID must EXACTLY match the name on your AAMC registration. Have this ready.

Know the Center: Research your test center. Visit it ahead of time to confirm travel time and parking. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early for the multi-step check-in process.

Be Ready for Security: Be aware the check-in involves an ID check, a photo, and a palm-vein scan every time you enter or exit the room.

Fuel Your Brain

Practice Your Meal: For your final exams, eat the exact same breakfast and lunch you plan to have on test day. Stick to protein and complex carbs and avoid sugary foods.

Pack Smart: Bring your water, medication, and easy-to-eat snacks/lunch to store in your locker. Remember: You cannot leave the building during breaks.

Manage Caffeine: Stick only to your normal caffeine routine.

The Day Before

Relax: The day before the exam, spend no more than two hours reviewing your high-yield quick-sheet or error log.

Active Rest: Put away your materials by mid-afternoon. Your brain needs to rest, not cram. Engage in a relaxing activity until it's time to sleep.

For more tips, refer to our blog article on this topic: Overcoming Your MCAT Exam Fears

Gold Standard MCAT Prep Resources

Equip yourself for MCAT success with Gold Standard's expert advice and complete resources.