2 answers
Ariana
Student
Las Vegas, Nevada
1
Question
Asked
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How do I properly prepare for the MCAT?
I am a High school Senior graduating with an Associates in Science and I want to pursuer a high education in college. I would like to become an Immunologist and/or an Anesthesiologist.
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2 answers
Heike Hermanns
Program Manager
10
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Heike’s Answer
Hi there,
Since you're still a high school senior, the most important thing to know is that the MCAT is several years away. Do not start serious MCAT studying while you're still in high school. Focus on excelling in your college science courses first.
Before taking the MCAT, you'll need to complete the prerequisite college coursework that medical schools expect, including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology. As a high school senior graduating with an Associate of Science:
- Focus on choosing a strong undergraduate program.
- Take biology, chemistry, physics, and math seriously.
- Develop excellent study habits.
- Seek research opportunities in biology or immunology.
- Volunteer or work in healthcare settings.
- Shadow physicians when possible.
The best MCAT preparation today is not studying MCAT books. It's building a strong foundation in science and developing the discipline needed to succeed in rigorous college courses. By the time you're ready to take the MCAT, you'll have completed most of the subjects it tests.
Since you're still a high school senior, the most important thing to know is that the MCAT is several years away. Do not start serious MCAT studying while you're still in high school. Focus on excelling in your college science courses first.
Before taking the MCAT, you'll need to complete the prerequisite college coursework that medical schools expect, including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology. As a high school senior graduating with an Associate of Science:
- Focus on choosing a strong undergraduate program.
- Take biology, chemistry, physics, and math seriously.
- Develop excellent study habits.
- Seek research opportunities in biology or immunology.
- Volunteer or work in healthcare settings.
- Shadow physicians when possible.
The best MCAT preparation today is not studying MCAT books. It's building a strong foundation in science and developing the discipline needed to succeed in rigorous college courses. By the time you're ready to take the MCAT, you'll have completed most of the subjects it tests.
Thank you so much! I’ve been so lost and this is very helpful. I appreciate your reply😊
Ariana
Jean Noel Sanchez
Developer/Data Analyst
88
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jean Noel’s Answer
Hi - Preparing for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a multi-year strategy, especially starting as a high school senior graduating with an Associate's Degree. Having college credits under your belt gives you a fantastic head start, but since MCAT scores expire after **2 to 3 years**, you will not actually take the exam until your **junior year of college** (around 2 to 3 years from now).
Here is your roadmap to position yourself for a high MCAT score while pursuing Pre-Med for Immunology or Anesthesiology.
---
## 1. Master the Core Prerequisite Courses
The MCAT does not test memorized trivia; it tests your ability to apply basic scientific concepts to complex research passages. Focus on building a rock-solid foundation in these core college courses:
* **Biology:** General Biology, Genetics, and Cell Biology
* **Biochemistry:** *The single most critical subject on the MCAT.* Pay special attention to metabolic pathways and enzyme kinetics.
* **Chemistry:** General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
* **Physics:** Algebra-based Physics (Mechanics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics)
* **Psychology & Sociology:** Covers behavior, social structures, and biological bases of behavior.
* **Critical Analysis & Reasoning (CARS):** Humanities, social sciences, and philosophy analysis.
---
## 2. Map Your Pre-MCAT Timeline
```
Year 1–2 of University Months 6–4 Before Exam Months 3–1 Before Exam
┌───────────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────────┐
│ • Complete Prereqs │ ────► │ • Content Review │ ────► │ • Practice Tests │
│ • Build CARS Skills │ │ • Anki Flashcards │ │ • AAMC Materials │
│ • Shadowing/Research │ │ • Question Banks │ │ • Weakness Targeting │
└───────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────┘
```
### Phase 1: Content Foundation (College Years 1–2)
* **Don't just pass—understand:** Treat every introductory science exam as pre-MCAT prep. Focus on *why* phenomena happen, not just memorizing formulas.
* **Read daily:** Read long-form articles from publications like *The New Yorker*, *The Economist*, or scientific journals to build reading stamina for CARS.
### Phase 2: Dedicated Content Review (3–4 Months Out)
* **Resource Set:** Use a comprehensive book set (Kaplan or Princeton Review) alongside **Anki** (spaced repetition software) using pre-made decks like *AnKing* or *MilesDown*.
* **Active Recall over Passive Reading:** Instead of highlighting chapters, test yourself constantly on mechanisms, formulas, and terminology.
### Phase 3: Practice & AAMC Calibration (2–3 Months Out)
* **UWorld Question Bank:** High-yield practice passages that mirror the difficulty and depth of the actual exam.
* **Official AAMC Material:** In the final 6–8 weeks, use only official practice tests and question packs from the AAMC (the test-makers). Take 4 to 6 full-length, timed practice exams in realistic test conditions.
---
## 3. Career Path: Immunology vs. Anesthesiology
Both specialties require completing a 4-year MD or DO medical degree, but their residency paths differ after medical school:
| Path | Post-MD Training | Core Focus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Anesthesiology** | **4 years** (1-year internship + 3-year Anesthesiology residency) | Surgical pharmacology, airway management, pain medicine, critical care. |
| **Immunology** | **5–6 years** (3-year Internal Medicine or Pediatrics residency + 2–3 year Allergy/Immunology fellowship) | Immune system disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, immunotherapies. |
---
Here is your roadmap to position yourself for a high MCAT score while pursuing Pre-Med for Immunology or Anesthesiology.
---
## 1. Master the Core Prerequisite Courses
The MCAT does not test memorized trivia; it tests your ability to apply basic scientific concepts to complex research passages. Focus on building a rock-solid foundation in these core college courses:
* **Biology:** General Biology, Genetics, and Cell Biology
* **Biochemistry:** *The single most critical subject on the MCAT.* Pay special attention to metabolic pathways and enzyme kinetics.
* **Chemistry:** General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
* **Physics:** Algebra-based Physics (Mechanics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics)
* **Psychology & Sociology:** Covers behavior, social structures, and biological bases of behavior.
* **Critical Analysis & Reasoning (CARS):** Humanities, social sciences, and philosophy analysis.
---
## 2. Map Your Pre-MCAT Timeline
```
Year 1–2 of University Months 6–4 Before Exam Months 3–1 Before Exam
┌───────────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────────┐
│ • Complete Prereqs │ ────► │ • Content Review │ ────► │ • Practice Tests │
│ • Build CARS Skills │ │ • Anki Flashcards │ │ • AAMC Materials │
│ • Shadowing/Research │ │ • Question Banks │ │ • Weakness Targeting │
└───────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────┘
```
### Phase 1: Content Foundation (College Years 1–2)
* **Don't just pass—understand:** Treat every introductory science exam as pre-MCAT prep. Focus on *why* phenomena happen, not just memorizing formulas.
* **Read daily:** Read long-form articles from publications like *The New Yorker*, *The Economist*, or scientific journals to build reading stamina for CARS.
### Phase 2: Dedicated Content Review (3–4 Months Out)
* **Resource Set:** Use a comprehensive book set (Kaplan or Princeton Review) alongside **Anki** (spaced repetition software) using pre-made decks like *AnKing* or *MilesDown*.
* **Active Recall over Passive Reading:** Instead of highlighting chapters, test yourself constantly on mechanisms, formulas, and terminology.
### Phase 3: Practice & AAMC Calibration (2–3 Months Out)
* **UWorld Question Bank:** High-yield practice passages that mirror the difficulty and depth of the actual exam.
* **Official AAMC Material:** In the final 6–8 weeks, use only official practice tests and question packs from the AAMC (the test-makers). Take 4 to 6 full-length, timed practice exams in realistic test conditions.
---
## 3. Career Path: Immunology vs. Anesthesiology
Both specialties require completing a 4-year MD or DO medical degree, but their residency paths differ after medical school:
| Path | Post-MD Training | Core Focus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Anesthesiology** | **4 years** (1-year internship + 3-year Anesthesiology residency) | Surgical pharmacology, airway management, pain medicine, critical care. |
| **Immunology** | **5–6 years** (3-year Internal Medicine or Pediatrics residency + 2–3 year Allergy/Immunology fellowship) | Immune system disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, immunotherapies. |
---