Have you already gone through the MCAT registration process and begun studying for the big test? If you haven’t started yet, you might be overwhelmed by all the subjects to review and the material to cover.
This is why it’s important to create an effective study plan for the MCAT practice test AND the actual exam. A study plan is a schedule allowing you to block time out daily to review for exams. This is helpful to manage your time between responsibilities beyond studies as well, such as your work and academic life, social life, among other duties.
Why Create an MCAT Study Plan?
You’re probably wondering: Why bother creating a study plan? Can’t I just study whenever I have free time?
Take note that the MCAT is no joke! You need to put in a couple of hundred hours to study until you feel confident enough to take the test. Here is why taking the time to create a study plan is beneficial for MCAT takers:
- It’s personalized
You don’t find and follow any old study plan you see online. You have the freedom to create your own study plan and have it catered to what is best for YOU.
You get to call the shots and set time out to study when you can study efficiently. If you are a morning person, you can schedule to wake up early to begin studying after breakfast. Or, if you prefer reviewing after sunset, create a schedule to study after dinner.
Another benefit is that, if you think you aren’t studying as efficiently at that time of day, you can experiment and switch things up until you find your mojo.
If you begin to study by squeezing time between errands, you lose motivation and don’t feel like you can study your best.
- You plan ahead and stay consistent
You don’t only plan when to study, but what you should study. This gives you a solid outlook and set expectations of what topic you should be in after a few weeks’ time. This prevents you from studying different subjects without a set date, which can confuse your brain and keep you off track.
- Avoid burnouts
You will schedule your study time AND breaks. Rather than studying all day every day without a study plan, you have a timer and get to relax, making time for hobbies or rest.
Doing so will prevent you from burning out, which is a common occurrence for MCAT takers. By giving yourself time to do what you love and need, you have more motivation to continue on with your studies. And this time, you’ll have a clearer and healthier mind ready to take in the topics you’re currently reviewing.
Wrapping It Up
Before you begin studying for the MCAT, make sure that you create an effective study plan catered to you and your needs. This will help you stay on track with your materials and increase the chances of you passing with flying colors!
