While getting ready to start studying for the MCAT, it is normal that you feel overwhelmed. When you look at all of the review books, practice exams, test banks, and etc. you need to go through, you might feel anxious. Don't dismiss this as only a YOU thing, this is a very normal feeling. I went through the same exact thing. I'm going to briefly go over exactly how I studied so hopefully this will help you future pre-med students.
For the review books, I followed a very specific method. I would first read an entire section. For example, if I was reading the biology review book, I would first read the whole bolded section (note I am saying section and not chapter. For example, if you're on the proteins chapter, the first section might be about DNA). While reading the section, I would highlight key words that I thought were important. I know many people highlight A LOT but it is important to only highlight key words so maybe 3 or 4 words MAX. One of the most important skills for the MCAT is being able to identify key words so practicing with these review books is really helpful! Afterwards, I would grab a blank piece of paper and read the section again while taking very brief notes. Writing things down helps me memorize facts better so these notes helped, especially when it came to review time. Do not make more than a page or 2 of notes for each chapter, keep them brief. Along with this, if I did not understand a concept, I would watch a video right then to clarify. I feel like it is important to clarify concepts right then and there because you might forget to do so later.
During this content review, I would recommend doing a few questions from the test bank each day. These questions will get you used to the type of questions you will be asked. Make sure to review wrong answers too because understanding why an answer choice is wrong is just as useful as understanding why an answer is right. Additionally, I would recommend taking a practice exam every weekend while studying. Designate either Saturday or Sunday, get up at 7 and start taking your exam at 8 to simulate the real test taking environment. Take minimal breaks, only ones permitted by AAMC and take a snack and water. No phones or anything! After taking that test, you should be done for the day because trust me, you will be fried. One of my biggest mistakes was not taking practice exams in the test taking simulation. I took long breaks in between so when I went to take the actual MCAT, by the time I got to the last section, my brain was completely fried. Practicing is KEY. The day after your exam, I would recommend sitting down and going through the test. Look at concepts that you didn't understand properly and go through each answer choice just like you would do for the test banks. This review is just as important as the actual exam because it will help you understand the test better and force you to review concepts that you might not know as well! Make sure to google any words that you don't understand!
After all of this, I would recommend going through the flashcards once or twice a week just for a brief review. Make sure to leave the last week before your exam for 2 practice tests with review (which will take 4 days) and 2 days of content review with the study guides you made or the end of the chapter reviews at the end of each chapter. That last day before your test, do something you like and DO NOT STUDY. You do not want to burn out for test day.
I would also recommend taking the tests on your computer and not printing them out. The actual test will be on the computer so you should get used to looking at a computer screen for a long period of time and learning short cuts on the computer which might help you.
At the end of the day, do not be scared of having to retake the MCAT. I did not retake the MCAT because I was applying early decision so I did not have the time but MANY people do. The first time will definitely be a learning experience because no matter how much you practice, the stress and anxiety will never be the same so DO NOT be scared.
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