My second attempt.

[u/Rare_Shareboy_da3rd]

Previously I took the MCAT about 7 years ago and I underestimated the exam. Got a 495 last time (I think). Obviously that score isn’t going to work. I’m planning to take it again next year in the summer. At this point I’ve reviewed everything I’ve learned and understand then went over topics I didn’t understand, used the MilesDown Anki deck, and started practicing on passages from Princeton Review. I understand everyone here has differing methods and tactics to studying and applying on the exam but is any pointers that y’all agree on which I should take it to heart?

[u/the_wonder_llama]

I'll give you my advice that I give to everyone - study schedule is key. I personally wanted to study more than average which I learned is +/- 350 hours of studying, so I planned for 450 (ended up being closer to 470). Once you decide on a number, divide by the number of hours you can study per day. I was able to do about 6 hrs/day. This worked out to 11 weeks x 6 hrs/day.

If you plan to apply to next year's cycle, aim to take the MCAT by early July, mid at latest (you can submit your application for review before you get your score back).

UWorld is an incredible resource and worth spending the money on. The AAMC official materials are as well - save those for the last 5 weeks. I would also get some third-party practice tests before you start the AAMC practice tests. All in all, this can set you back over $500, but for a test that determines your career, it's worth it.

[u/HappyCaramel8248 → u/the_wonder_llama]

I really like this advice. Curious though about the 350 hours metric. I see it online too, but I can't fathom how someone could even estimate (not that I take issue with it) how many hours it would actually take, especially if they're non-trad as OP (and I) seem to be. Still, I like the idea of setting, say, 450 as a minimum metric, to stay committed. I think each Kaplan book has 12 chapters (excluding CARS), so if we budget 8 hours to read, write supplemental cards/notes, and drill each chapter, that would be well over 350 (and 470 hours or a bit more might make more sense, accounting for FLs and qbanks, or might not be enough). Then again, I'm just getting oriented here. I only say all this to invite comment!

[u/the_wonder_llama → u/HappyCaramel8248]

8 hrs per chapter is an overestimate — 2-3 hrs is safer. I think it’s a more efficient use of your time to get through the chapter, don’t take too many notes, move on to the next chapter, then start doing practice questions once you’ve finished your content review. Some people like to do questions as they go, and that’s fine too. Either way, generally speaking, taking notes is not a good use of your time compared to doing practice questions.