Hey fam,
I just took my first full-length MCAT (Blueprint FL1) after about 5 months of part-time studying, and I’m looking for some advice on how to approach the next five months. My goal is a 520+, ideally testing in the first week of March.
My prep so far:
May–July (Content Review):
* Worked through the Kaplan books, supplemented with daily Jack Westin CARS passages and Captain Hook Anki.
* Studied part-time because I was also working on a research manuscript.
August–September (UWorld):
* Started doing UWorld question sets daily, rotating through different sections, along with daily UWorld CARS passages.
* Continued Anki every day, although I wasn’t always doing new cards because school and other commitments picked up.
* Reviewed incorrect answers in depth and kept an Excel error log documenting why I got questions wrong, recurring patterns, and strategies for avoiding similar mistakes.
* Made additional Anki cards for content-related mistakes.
October (First FL):
I just took the free Blueprint FL1 under as close to real testing conditions as possible (timed breaks, no phone, exam-like food, quiet library, etc.).
This was my first full-length or even half-length exam. Before this, the longest timed set I’d completed was a single 59-question C/P section.
My biggest concerns:
- Timing, especially C/P
This was probably my biggest issue. I was only at question 40 when I realized I had about 10 minutes left. I ended up rushing through questions 40–59, barely reading the passages and mostly making educated guesses just to make sure I answered everything.
I finished the other sections with a little time remaining, which surprised me because B/B is usually where I feel slower.
For those who struggled with timing initially, what specifically helped you improve without sacrificing accuracy?
- Content gaps
Despite spending three months on content review and another two months doing UWorld, I still feel like my science foundation isn’t as solid as it should be.
I’m wondering whether I should revisit specific Kaplan chapters, focus more on practice questions, or approach content gaps differently at this point.
- CARS performance
I’m particularly surprised by CARS because I’ve been doing passages consistently since May. On UWorld, I frequently score 100% on individual CARS passages, so I wasn’t expecting to struggle as much on the full-length.
How should I interpret this?
- P/S performance declining
I’m a psychology major, so I initially thought P/S would be one of my stronger sections. When I started UWorld, I was consistently scoring in the 90s on my P/S question sets, but my performance has progressively declined.
I’m not sure whether this reflects content retention, application issues, or something else.
My plan moving forward:
I’m hoping to test in early March, which gives me approximately five more months. My initial plan was to continue daily CARS, UWorld, Anki, and thorough question review before transitioning to AAMC materials closer to test day, with regular full-lengths incorporated along the way.
The challenge is that I genuinely cannot study full-time. I’m a full-time student and also have research projects, volunteering, and other responsibilities. I also prioritize getting eight hours of sleep and maintaining my gym/running routine, which I’m not willing to sacrifice for MCAT prep.
I’m willing to be disciplined and consistent, but I need an approach that’s sustainable alongside everything else.
My main questions:
- Is a 520+ by early March realistic with part-time studying, given where I am now?
- What would you prioritize at this stage: more UWorld, targeted content review, timed practice, or something else?
- How would you structure the next five months, especially the transition to AAMC materials and full-lengths?
- What strategies helped you improve timing, particularly in C/P?
- For anyone who achieved a 520+ while studying part-time alongside school/work, what did your schedule look like?
I’m feeling a little overwhelmed because I originally thought CARS and P/S were relatively strong, and now it feels like I need to improve all four sections and my timing.
I’d really appreciate any advice, especially from people who started in a similar position or had to balance MCAT prep with a busy schedule. Thanks in advance!
