I have just completed a post-bac program at UPenn and achieved a 4.0 in eight upper level biology and chemistry courses (Biochem, Genetics, Physio, Histo, Pharmacology, Advanced Cell Biology, etc.). I know that this is not the knowledge base tested on the MCAT, though. I am starting now to study for the MCAT and plan to take it in April, which will give me three months prep time. I am no longer taking courses or working, so I can afford to dedicate ALL my time to studying. I took the MCAT five years ago and did not score as well as I’d hoped (DO range scores). However, I did very little preparing, so I am pretty sure I can do much better given proper preparation. I am not too concerned about my verbal and bio scores both because I have a strong verbal background and because of the post-bac bio preparation. However, I am very concerned about preparation for Chemistry, Physics, and Orgo. Here are my questions:
- Do you think I have enough time to prepare for these sections, given that I took Chemistry, Orgo, and Physics eight, seven, and six years ago (respectively)?
- I was planning on specifically reviewing only chem, physics, and orgo for my preparation. I figured if I took ample practice exams, these would constitute my “studying” for bio and verbal (given my strengths in these subjects). Do you think this is a good strategy?
- How many hours per day and how many times per week would be a good study schedule if I wanted to score a minimum of 10 on each section?
Thanks!