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When is the best time to take the MCAT ?
About to be a college undergraduate freshman, major choice- biology
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Hello, Ifra,
You're on an exciting journey, and it's fantastic that you're planning ahead for the MCAT. Research and expert advice suggest that the best time to take the MCAT is after your first two years of coursework—usually in the spring of your junior year. This timing allows you to complete important classes like chemistry, biology, and physics, which are essential for the exam. While you can take it after your sophomore year, waiting a bit longer ensures you have all the foundational knowledge you need.
Choosing a spring test date in your junior year also fits well with the medical school application process. To get ready, plan for about 3 to 6 months of focused study time. Start preparing about six months before the exam so you can dive deep into the material and understand the test format well. Use reliable resources like Kaplan, Princeton Review, and AAMC for your study. Make a study plan that targets your weaker areas and practice full-length tests under timed conditions to get a feel for the real exam. It's important to review any mistakes and learn from them. Stay consistent—study regularly while taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and exercising to keep burnout at bay.
Keep your confidence high, trust your preparation, and always remember your goal of getting into medical school. You've got this! Good luck!
You're on an exciting journey, and it's fantastic that you're planning ahead for the MCAT. Research and expert advice suggest that the best time to take the MCAT is after your first two years of coursework—usually in the spring of your junior year. This timing allows you to complete important classes like chemistry, biology, and physics, which are essential for the exam. While you can take it after your sophomore year, waiting a bit longer ensures you have all the foundational knowledge you need.
Choosing a spring test date in your junior year also fits well with the medical school application process. To get ready, plan for about 3 to 6 months of focused study time. Start preparing about six months before the exam so you can dive deep into the material and understand the test format well. Use reliable resources like Kaplan, Princeton Review, and AAMC for your study. Make a study plan that targets your weaker areas and practice full-length tests under timed conditions to get a feel for the real exam. It's important to review any mistakes and learn from them. Stay consistent—study regularly while taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and exercising to keep burnout at bay.
Keep your confidence high, trust your preparation, and always remember your goal of getting into medical school. You've got this! Good luck!
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
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Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Ifra,
The best time to take the MCAT is typically in the spring of your junior year or the summer before your senior year of college. This timing works well because it allows you to complete most of your pre-med courses—such as Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Biochemistry—which are essential for doing well on the exam. Taking the MCAT in the spring gives you the opportunity to study over winter break and during the early spring months, without the added pressure of senior-year applications. Additionally, taking the test before your senior year allows you to submit your med school applications early, keeping you on track to start medical school right after graduation. If you don't get the score you were hoping for, taking the test during this time frame also leaves room for retaking it before application deadlines. By planning ahead and scheduling the MCAT at the optimal time, you give yourself the best chance to perform well while balancing your undergraduate commitments.
The best time to take the MCAT is typically in the spring of your junior year or the summer before your senior year of college. This timing works well because it allows you to complete most of your pre-med courses—such as Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Biochemistry—which are essential for doing well on the exam. Taking the MCAT in the spring gives you the opportunity to study over winter break and during the early spring months, without the added pressure of senior-year applications. Additionally, taking the test before your senior year allows you to submit your med school applications early, keeping you on track to start medical school right after graduation. If you don't get the score you were hoping for, taking the test during this time frame also leaves room for retaking it before application deadlines. By planning ahead and scheduling the MCAT at the optimal time, you give yourself the best chance to perform well while balancing your undergraduate commitments.