Two questions about the MCAT?

1. If I were you, I would wait to buy the books AND study for the MCAT. First of all, I think the current editions of the Examkrackers books are geared toward the paper version of the MCAT instead of the computer version. Also, you should wait to start studying for the MCAT until after you take your lower level science classes. Most MCAT books assume that you have already taken science classes that cover the material, so they do not go very much in depth. MCAT books are ideal for REVIEWING the material, not learning it for the first time. I understand that you’re ambitious and want to get a head start on studying for the MCAT, but honestly…you probably won’t remember the things you study now two years later, so it’s pretty much pointless to start this early. In my opinion, you should wait at least a year to start studying for the MCAT.

2. When you take the test depends on when you’re planning on applying to med school and if you’re planning on taking a year (or more) off after graduating. If you’re planning on going straight to med school after graduating, I would recommend taking it in the summer between your sophomore and junior years. You should be applying to med school the June of your junior year, meaning you should have finished your MCAT by then. Yes, med schools accept scores from your sophomore year. Don’t quote me on this, but I believe they take scores up to 2 years old from the time you apply…Also, the MCAT tests only on material covered in LOWER level science classes, so you should take the MCAT after your sophomore year, when the lower level material is still fresh in your mind. If you wait until junior year, then you learn more advanced things in school that aren’t covered on the MCAT, and you might have forgotten the things that ARE covered.

Good luck to you!

I’d wait to buy the books, because you never know how the test might change in the future. Also, I’d recommend taking the MCAT your junior year, not your Sophmore year. You most likely will not have gone through enough classes to know the material yet. Many of my friends took the MCAT the summer between Junior and Senior year. While most of the information is covered in the review books, you really need the college class background in biology to do well on the test. And trust me, you only want to take it once. I recommend taking the summer between Junior and Senior year off to do nothing but study for the test. Your college courses will lay the groundwork, and the summer of studying will fine the information. Good luck!