Preparing for the MCAT: Tips and Advice from an Expert

In the tutoring world, Dr. Stuart Donnelly is known as “Dr. MCAT.” With 24 years of teaching experience, a unique take on MCAT prep, and a great sense of humor, he has become a favorite tutor of Apply Point clients (and consultants). 

We asked him to answer some of our clients’ most frequently asked questions. 

When should I begin studying for the MCAT? “I would say six months before you take it—though, some students leave it until a little later, say, five months before the test. It depends on how strong your background knowledge is in chemistry, physics, biology, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology. If you’re not feeling confident in these areas, start six months before because it will take three months just to get through the material.” 

What’s the biggest mistake I could make when prepping for the MCAT? “A major mistake students make: They wait to take the practice test until they get through all the material. And because it takes three months to read the material the first time, by the time they take a practice test, their score is nowhere near where they want to be, and they freak out. So, they go back to reading the material again for another month or two. They’re putting off that next practice test often until the week before the real thing. And their score is still terrible. I think students can begin taking practice tests as soon as two weeks into the studying process. When you’re taking a practice test for the first time, you don’t know how to take the test yet. The first two or three practice tests are going to be just awful. So, get used to it and get it out of the way quickly.”  

Is there a "best way" to take a practice test? “When you’re taking a practice test, take it at the same time in the morning as when the tests are; have your routine be the same as it will be on test day.

The MCAT is such a long exam—the “seat time,” including breaks, is about seven and a half hours. How can I build my stamina? “By doing lots and lots of practice tests. Seriously, that is the only way to do it. Early into practice, students don't have the stamina yet and lose concentration. They don’t have any time management skills yet either. It's only when you've taken three, four, or five practice tests that your score starts to improve. And when you’ve taken seven or eight of them, you get closer to your target figure. I would say nine or 10 tests into it, you start to score in the ballpark you're looking for. And then you want to do that at least two or three times more to make sure that it wasn't a fluke. Then you're ready to take the test. We’re talking about 20 weeks—at least—of preparation. You could take the test every other week.”

Any advice for test day? “Keep your schedule the same as it normally is. If you’d normally have a cup of coffee in the morning, make sure you get your cup of coffee. You'll also want to be familiar with the testing center. Go the day or week before just to make sure you know what train to catch or where to park, and which room the test is in. On the day of the exam, you want to get there as calm and relaxed as you can be.”

Related: Thinking of Retaking the MCAT? Here’s What You Need to Know.

The 2023-2024 Allopathic Medical School Application: An Overview with Suggested Timing

If you’re looking to start medical school in the Fall of 2024, now is the time to get started with the application process! Applying to medical school is arduous, but with proper planning, you can reduce your stress and maintain a manageable task load.

The four components of the medical school application include:

1. Standardized tests: MCAT and CASPer

2. AMCAS application 

3. Secondary Applications

4. Interviews

Standardized Tests: 

MCAT: Your MCAT scores are typically valid for three years prior to matriculation, and you can take the exam up to three times.

• Register: Select your preferred date, as well as a few alternative dates that would work. You can register for the test here. The ten day deadline prior to the test is your last opportunity to schedule, reschedule, or cancel. 

• Prep: Start preparing for the MCAT at least six months prior to your planned test date.

• Sit for the exam no later than May 26, 2023 (scores released June 27): This will avoid application delays. Keep in mind that we actually recommend that you take your final exam by mid-April so that you can re-direct your attention to preparing the AMCAS application. 

Review our blog post on Retaking the MCAT.

CASPer: This test gauges your ability to critically evaluate complex scenarios and employ sound judgment and communication skills. Not all medical schools require applicants to take the CASPer, however, a growing number of allopathic programs do, currently over 40. Your CASPer score is generally only valid for one application cycle. 

• Register: You can register for the test here. You are able to reschedule your CASPer test any time prior to starting the test. 

• Prep: You will want to familiarize yourself with the test format and content by taking a sample test a few days before you take the exam. 

• Sit for the exam during the Spring/Summer of 2023. 

The CASPer score is often requested alongside your secondary application or prior to an invitation to interview. Opting to take the test earlier in the cycle, rather than later, will allow you to have your scores readily available when requested, meaning that you can dedicate that time to preparing your secondary application materials or for mock interviews. It will also ensure that your application is not delayed as you wait for your scores. 

Review our blog post on CASPer.

AMCAS Application: Submit no later than mid-June.

• AMCAS application opens and will be available here on May 2, 2023.

• First date to submit AMCAS application: May 30, 2023

• First date that processed applications will be released to medical schools: June 30, 2023

We recommend that you submit your application in early to mid-June because your application will go through a verification process prior to the data being released to medical schools. This can take anywhere from a couple of weeks early in the process, to over a month during peak application submission periods. Note, in order to complete verification, your application must contain your official transcript, so request this document as well as your letters of recommendation a month or two before your planned submission date (by March 30, 2023). 

You also want to submit your AMCAS application early because this step triggers schools to send out secondary application materials, either automatically, or after a pre-screen of your application. 

Review our blog posts on the AMCAS application:

How to Get High-Quality Letters of Recommendation

Set Yourself Apart with a Compelling Medical School Personal Statement

The Medical School Application: Key Tips to Consider Before you Begin Drafting the Work and Activities Section

AMCAS Work & Activities Section: Hobbies

2024 AMCAS Work & Activities Section Will Include New Experience Category: Social Justice/Advocacy

AMCAS 2024: “Disadvantaged Applicant” Question Revised to Broader Adversity Question

Secondary Applications: Submit within two weeks of receipt.

Secondary applications are typically sent between June and August, although they can come later depending upon the timing of your AMCAS submission. Many schools will not review your application file until you have submitted your secondary application. And, because most schools review applications on a rolling basis, and invite applicants to interview accordingly, it is important to send in your secondary application materials promptly. 

Additionally, because many of the schools will use at least some of the same prompts, you can start preparing responses to the most commonly asked questions as soon as you’ve submitted your AMCAS application. 

Review our blog post on common secondary application questions. 

Medical School Interviews: Fall through Spring (invitation only)

Many applicants receive invitations to interview following their submission of secondary applications and/or CASPer test scores. Schedule yours as early as possible. And before solidifying your travel plans, you should contact nearby schools to which you’ve applied and let them know you have an interview in the area in case they have availability. This serves the dual purpose of letting the other school know that you are “in demand,” while also showcasing your strong interest in their program.

Review our blog posts on this topic:

The Medical School Interview

The Medical School Interview: Preparing for the Traditional One-on-One Interview

The Medical School Interview: Preparing for the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)

The Medical School Post-Interview Thank You Note

Thinking of Retaking the MCAT? Here’s What You Need to Know.

It is not unusual to retake the MCAT. Data from the AAMC shows that between 2019 and 2021, 38 percent of test-takers were “repeaters,” who had taken the test at least once before. And “repeaters” tended to achieve score improvements. 

--Those with an initial score between 472 and 517 saw a median score increase between two to four points. 

--Those with an initial score between 518 and 528 saw a median score increase of one point.

The analysis also found that the longer the period between your first and second exam, the bigger the point gain. Many factors likely play into this, one of them being as simple as completing helpful college or postgraduate coursework. 

How many times can I take the MCAT?

You can take the MCAT up to three times in one calendar year and four times across two calendar years. There is a lifetime cap of seven times. We recommend taking the MCAT a maximum of three times—really, you should aim for two. Medical schools prefer it. 

How do schools use updated MCAT scores? Will they use my best score?

Different schools use different strategies for multiple score submissions. In an AAMC admissions officer survey (2017), representatives mentioned the following methods: 

• Review all submitted scores in conjunction with respondent’s explanation of the score change

• Use only the highest score

• Average all of the submitted scores

• Use only the most recent score 

If you are considering retaking the test in order to target a particular school, we recommend that you contact the admissions office first to ask how they will use the updated MCAT score. This is because achieving a particular score can be more challenging if a school averages the submitted scores, rather than using either the best or most recent exam result.

What do I need to consider as I think about retaking the MCAT?

--First and foremost: is it necessary to retake the test? 

Review the average MCAT scores for the schools that you are interested in. Are you within the average range of scores at your desired schools? Would you consider adding schools to your list that do match your performance? 

If you fall below the average for your target schools and you do not want to reconsider your school list, you will likely need to retake the test. MCAT scores are often used as a preliminary filter for secondary applications. 

--How are the other components of your application?

A low or borderline GPA creates a stronger case for retaking the MCAT. You want to be sure that your application demonstrates your ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment, so if both scores are on the low end, you should consider how to bolster at least one of them by retaking the exam or taking additional classes. 

--Is it clear why you didn’t achieve the score you had expected and/or do you understand how to improve your test prep process?

Is your score much lower than your practice exams? Did you have a stressful situation or an illness that impacted your performance? Is there good reason to believe that with some changes in your preparation, such as hiring a tutor, you will do better on the test? If you only achieved a point or two below your typical practice exams, do you have a plan to reinvigorate your efforts? If you do retake the exam, you’ll want to improve your score. So, consider carefully if you have a clear path to do so.

--Do you have the time to retake the test?

If you retake the test, you’ll want to commit to a study plan that will ensure you improve your initial score. Doing so will take time away from other endeavors including extracurricular activities, research, and clinical experiences. Consider your overall application and where you are most likely to benefit by spending time. 

We encourage you to make the decision that will best help you to meet your goals. You will need to achieve an MCAT score high enough to keep you in the running for the schools that you’re interested in. But you’ll want to balance that with gaining other meaningful experiences that will also prepare you for medical school. Admissions committees review applications holistically because they’re looking for great candidates, not perfect ones.

Post-MCAT Survey Shows Prospective Medical Students are Increasingly Interested in Schools that Provide Academic and Social Support

Earlier this year the AAMC released its 2020 Post-MCAT Survey results. This survey, administered annually, provides insight into the individuals who take the MCAT—their backgrounds, preparation strategies, career plans, and interests. In 2020, 39.2 percent of test-takers responded to the online survey, which equates to over 30,000 people. The survey is provided after the MCAT is submitted, but prior to the test-taker receiving results. This year’s findings show slight, but persistent shifts in the socioeconomic background of MCAT test-takers, an increased interest in the academic and social support provided by medical schools, and growing concern about the cost of applying to and attending medical school. 

Below, we provide selected findings from the latest survey:

Premedical Life and Experiences

To gauge socioeconomic status, the AAMC uses the Education Occupation (EO) indicator, which classifies test-takers as EO-1 through EO-5 based on a parent’s highest educational level and occupation. Every year since 2016, the largest proportions of MCAT test-takers have come from those categorized as EO-5 (a parent obtained a doctoral degree and/or is employed in an executive, managerial, or professional occupation) and EO-1 (a parent obtained less than a college degree and/or is employed in any occupation) at 25.4 percent and 24.1 percent, respectively. It is important to note, however, that the percentage of MCAT test-takers classified EO-1 has declined slightly each year since 2016, with a 2.6 percentage point decline over the last five years.

Most respondents, 61.9 percent, decided that they wanted to study medicine prior to entering college. And a large number reported having spent time volunteering in a healthcare setting (84.9 percent), shadowing a physician or other healthcare professional (80.9 percent), and just over half (50.7 percent) participated in a laboratory research internship program for college students. 

More respondents graduated from college prior to taking the exam (53 percent) than not (47 percent). But this percentage has shifted annually, with the exact opposite occurring in 2016 (53 percent taking the test pre-graduation and 47 percent taking it post). Most of those who had graduated did so recently: 42 percent within the last year and 31.9 percent within the last one to two years. Just 12 percent had taken five or more years between graduation and the MCAT. About 60 percent reported taking courses at a college or university in the three months prior to the MCAT, while just over a quarter (27.6 percent) said that they had not attended school in the past three months. 

MCAT Preparation Strategies

Most respondents reported that they started their preparation by reviewing the scope of topics that the MCAT covers (81.4 percent) and assessed their progress throughout their study period using practice exams (82.4). Over three-quarters of respondents created a study plan to fit their schedule (75.2 percent), identified their strengths and weaknesses using practice exams (78.3 percent), and assessed their readiness by taking a final practice exam (78.4 percent).

In terms of the concepts, most prepared by answering practice questions while studying each topic (87.8 percent), consistently reviewing content they had previously studied throughout their preparation (82.6 percent), and testing their understanding of concepts studied (80.7 percent). Slightly fewer made sure to review each answer choice in the practice questions to determine why they were correct or incorrect (74.7 percent) and mixed in their review of different topics throughout their studying (74.9 percent).

The most used resources were the Official MCAT Practice Exams (85.4 percent) and commercially published MCAT prep books (72.6 percent). In terms of utility, 73.1 percent of those who used the Official MCAT practice exams described them as “very useful,” and 61.7 percent of those who used the Official MCAT Section Bank found it “very useful”. While just 45 percent of those who used commercially published MCAT prep books called them “very useful,” another 38.4 percent labeled them “useful.”

Almost all (89.7 percent) respondents said that they prepped for the day of the test by taking a timed, online practice test with scheduled breaks to “mimic the exam day.” A large number also practiced pacing so that they could get through all the questions in each section in a timely manner (85 percent), and most (79 percent) made sure to get plenty of sleep the night before the exam. 

When asked to name their biggest challenges in preparing for the MCAT, over two-thirds said that they struggled with maintaining confidence in their ability to succeed on the MCAT (67.6 percent) and 60 percent noted their difficulty with getting through the large amount of material they needed to learn for the test. 

Career Plans and Interests

Most respondents noted that they are “very likely” to apply to an MD-granting medical program (86.8 percent), while just under one-third said that they are “very likely” to apply to a DO-granting program (32.4 percent). Both percentages have been relatively stable since 2016. 

When asked what would encourage their application to medical school, students were most likely to select: finding a school where I will feel comfortable (88.9) and a fit between my interests and a school’s mission (83.4). However, the number of students who selected availability of academic support in medical school (71 percent) and availability of social support in medical school (63.9 percent) both increased significantly from 2016 (+7.8 percentage points, +11.5 percentage points respectively).

When test-takers were asked to describe what would discourage them from applying, most students selected grades, MCAT Scores, and other academic qualifications (72.5 percent). The number of those who selected the cost of applying to medical school (53.1 percent) and the cost of medical school (68.9 percent) as deterrents has increased by 6.5 and 6.1 percentage points respectively since 2016.

For full survey results visit https://www.aamc.org/media/51241/download

Early MCAT Registration Numbers Show Significant Interest in Medical School

The AAMC announced a positive outlook for future medical school classes. When the MCAT registration opened in early May, after having been closed in March and April due to stay-at-home orders, 62,000 people registered online. This is a significant increase from the typical 10,000 to 12,000 on the opening day of registration. Similarly, registration for the American Medical College Application Service in early March showed an increase of 50 percent (in the number of applications started in the same period last year) in the first three days. While not all these prospective students will submit applications, it does provide reason for optimism about the future.

President and CEO of the AAMC, David Skorton, MD, said, "We're very encouraged by students' strong interest in registering for the MCAT exam. We're starting to see hints of strong interest in people entering the field overall, even though it's quite early in the medical school application process. It is a great sign if this preliminary trend continues, because our country needs more doctors."