Description

Many variables can impact your efficacy when preparing for the MCAT, including when you choose to take it. What is the best time to write the MCAT — and how can you optimize your prep?

Timing is Everything: Creating a Balanced & Aligned MCAT Study Plan 

In this episode of Success Unlocked, I was pleased to sit down for a conversation with one of our wonderful MCAT coaches, Rachel Waldman. Rachel is a fourth-year biology student at the University of Victoria who took the MCAT after her second year, opting for a short but intense study schedule. Our thoughtful discussion is full of valuable insights about what this experience taught her — and what you need to know before making a similar decision on your own journey. 

We explore:

• Why Rachel chose to write the MCAT early and how her course schedule supported that decision
• What you should consider when deciding when to take the MCAT and how to ensure that you have the bandwidth
• How the MCAT differs from the LSAT (and Rachel’s favourite MCAT study strategies)  
• Why devoting all of your time to test preparation may cause more harm than good
• The importance of having a social circle that understands your MCAT prep stress — and will celebrate your wins! 

Guest bio: Rachel Waldman is a fourth-year biology student specializing in neurobiology at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. 

Timestamps:‌ ‌

01:47  Meet Rachel Waldman

03:07  Writing the MCAT early

05:51  Deciding when to write it

08:58  Have something apart from studying

10:37  Support systems

12:29  MCAT v. LSAT

14:08  Study strategies

18:31  Rachel’s relationship with her score

21:14  Coaching v. tutoring

23:17  First step

24:38  Outro

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