Podcasts about aamc mcat

If there were any podcast episode not to miss, it's this one! The AAMC has announced test dates for 2024 and registration is opening soon! Get the must-knows from Phil and Azaii during this special episode. Stick around for a bonus: what month should you register for testing? See the links below for important AAMC and Jack Westin links. Test dates and Registration Webinar US: https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/registration-opening-january-june-2024-mcat-dates Canada: https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/canadian-mcat-calendar-scheduling-deadlines-and-score-release-dates Territories and International: https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/us-territories-and-international-mcat-testing-calendar Registration Opening Webinar: https://aamc.elevate.commpartners.com/p/231012_mcat Jack Westin Academic Advising https://calendly.com/academic-advising-4/academic-advising-consultation?utm_campaign=podcast&utm_source=118 Fee Assistance Program US: https://students-residents.aamc.org/fee-assistance-program/fee-assistance-program-fap Canada: https://students-residents.aamc.org/fee-assistance-program/fee-assistance-program-canadian-examinees Accommodations https://students-residents.aamc.org/mcat-exam-accommodations/mcat-exam-accommodations About Jack Westin - The team at Jack Westin is dedicated to a single goal: giving students the highest quality learning resources. Jack Westin understands that students can't crush the MCAT without the perfect blend of critical thinking and fundamental science knowledge. To this end, Jack Westin is dedicated to providing students with cutting edge comprehensive tools, courses, and practice materials. The Jack Westin MCAT science and CARS courses, taught by the world's best and most engaging MCAT instructors, are designed to do more than just teach students the MCAT—it supercharges studying and encourages lifelong learning. Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!

Join Sara Stasko and David Snider for a special edition of the DUing Cool Things Podcast called How to DU Cool Things: Medical School. In this episode, Sara, Senior Associate Director, Healthcare and Clinical Research Career Community at the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, gives her tips and insight into the Medical School Admission Process and steps students can take to explore this career pathway. Linked below are resources mentioned by Sara in the episode and a link to schedule a career coaching appointment. Knowlton Connect Resource for Exploring Careers in Healthcare. AAMC MCAT study/info Schedule an appointment

What determines how we behave? Phil and Azaii discuss socializations, norms and the sanctions that enforce them. Phil Hawkins and Azaii Calderon Muniz from Jack Westin discuss anecdotes, advice, and ramblings on the premed years, the MCAT, and life both inside and outside of medicine. Have new episodes and MCAT Strategies delivered to you by subscribing. https://anchor.fm/jack-westin-mcat-podcast Jack Westin - Free MCAT Practice https://jackwestin.com/

It's time to wrap up the psych disorders and 7A with the dissociative disorders, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Come for the content, stay for the stories! Phil Hawkins and Azaii Calderon Muniz from Jack Westin discuss anecdotes, advice, and ramblings on the premed years, the MCAT, and life both inside and outside of medicine. Have new episodes and MCAT Strategies delivered to you by subscribing. https://anchor.fm/jack-westin-mcat-podcast Jack Westin - Free MCAT Practice https://jackwestin.com/

Azaii and Phil continue the psychological disorders and 7A by talking through some of the personality disorders. Let us know which disorder you found most interesting to learn about! Phil Hawkins and Azaii Calderon Muniz from Jack Westin discuss anecdotes, advice, and ramblings on the premed years, the MCAT, and life both inside and outside of medicine. Have new episodes and MCAT Strategies delivered to you by subscribing. https://anchor.fm/jack-westin-mcat-podcast Jack Westin - Free MCAT Practice https://jackwestin.com/

Azaii and Phil continue their discussion of psychological disorders, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder and more! Come for MCAT review and stay for the interesting disorders and conversation. Phil Hawkins and Azaii Calderon Muniz from Jack Westin discuss anecdotes, advice, and ramblings on the premed years, the MCAT, and life both inside and outside of medicine. Have new episodes and MCAT Strategies delivered to you by subscribing. https://anchor.fm/jack-westin-mcat-podcast Jack Westin - Free MCAT Practice https://jackwestin.com/

Phil and Azaii venture into the realm of psychological disorders! Join them in a discussion of stigma and prevalence, the DSM-5 and anxiety. Phil Hawkins and Azaii Calderon Muniz from Jack Westin discuss anecdotes, advice, and ramblings on the premed years, the MCAT, and life both inside and outside of medicine. Have new episodes and MCAT Strategies delivered to you by subscribing. https://anchor.fm/jack-westin-mcat-podcast Jack Westin - Free MCAT Practice https://jackwestin.com/

Azaii and Phil wrap up their discussion of personality. They talk about perspectives related to Myers Briggs personality types, Skinner and Albert Bandura. Phil Hawkins and Azaii Calderon Muniz from Jack Westin discuss anecdotes, advice, and ramblings on the premed years, the MCAT, and life both inside and outside of medicine. Have new episodes and MCAT Strategies delivered to you by subscribing. https://anchor.fm/jack-westin-mcat-podcast Jack Westin - Free MCAT Practice https://jackwestin.com/

Phil and Azaii start their dive into section 7A of the AAMC psych outline by talking about personality. Especially, how do the psychoanalysts and humanists view personality? Phil Hawkins and Azaii Calderon Muniz from Jack Westin discuss anecdotes, advice, and ramblings on the premed years, the MCAT, and life both inside and outside of medicine. Have new episodes and MCAT Strategies delivered to you by subscribing. https://anchor.fm/jack-westin-mcat-podcast Jack Westin - Free MCAT Practice https://jackwestin.com/

Phil and Azaii discuss the most recent AAMC MCAT announcement for the year 2022! We talk through changes to registration day, choosing a date and planning ahead once you're registered. Phil Hawkins and Azaii Calderon Muniz from Jack Westin discuss anecdotes, advice, and ramblings on the premed years, the MCAT, and life both inside and outside of medicine. Have new episodes and MCAT Strategies delivered to you by subscribing. https://anchor.fm/jack-westin-mcat-podcast Jack Westin - Free MCAT Practice https://jackwestin.com/

Alex Starks talks about the different strategies and details on biosignaling tested on the AAMC MCAT exam. He dissects topics such as G Protein Coupled Receptors, Receptor Tyrosine, Kinase, voltage-gated ion channels, and much more! [01:23] What is Biosignaling? [02:23] Voltage-Gated Ion Channels [05:34] Ligand-Gated Ion Channels [08:54] Enzyme-Linked Receptors  [13:30] The G-Protein Pathways  [15:06] The Mechanisms in the G-Protein Pathway [19:01] Quiz Section Full show notes

The MCAT is a mile wide but it is only an inch deep! I talked with Paul, a Blueprint MCAT Instructor, about his journey and advice for all MCAT test takers. Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/mp-227-balancing-your-life-as-an-mcat-test-taker/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://blueprintprep.com/mcat (Blueprint MCAT) https://students-residents.aamc.org/prepare-mcat-exam/prepare-mcat-exam (AAMC MCAT materials)

AAMC made a big announcement last week about MCAT changes for 2020 because of Covid-19 and social distancing, including changing the length of the MCAT. In this video I discuss how your MCAT practice test strategy needs to change to best prepare for the shorter MCAT exam. This video is part of a 2020 MCAT update video series where I will be breaking down what each AAMC MCAT update means for premeds and their MCAT prep. In PART 1 I discussed that the 2020 MCAT will be shorter.In PART 2 I discuss the New 2020 test dates and multiple daily MCAT sessions.I'm Dr. Andre Pinesett and I'm on a mission to transform the lives of 1 million students by 2025. ANY premed (including you) can get into Med School! *WEBINARS* Learn HOW TO STUDY FOR THE MCAT INDEPENDENTLY: https://www.studenttransformation.com/independentMCAT ***SPECIAL OFFER*** To help you develop a healthy and productive mindset, I created “The Successful Student 21-Day Mindset Makeover”. This course will break down the false beliefs you have about school and teach you the 3 principles that enabled me to dominate premed and medical school. They will allow you to become your best-self. Click HERE to get 50% OFF!! *** SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel and Turn on Live notifications so you never miss a LIVE. INSTAGRAM @TheStudyDoc New Episode EVERY Monday! *** I was the under-performing, stressed out student, so I completely understand. But I developed a revolutionary new approach to studying and time management that changed everything and enabled me to DOMINATE college, and DOMINATE Stanford Med School. For over 15 years I have been helping students, particularly disadvantaged, underrepresented and minority students get motivated, get confident, study better and maximize their potential. You will learn strategies for developing a healthy mindset, time-management, productivity, study efficiency and getting into medical school. This podcast is for premeds who want to get into a top medical school. If you like what you see here, then you will LOVE MY ON-DEMAND COURSES. They feature innovative, effective and most importantly, easy-to-follow systems that cultivate happy, healthy and high-achieving students. Visit my WEBSITE for more! ***LIFE-CHANGING COURSES*** LEARN HOW TO DOUBLE YOUR STUDY EFFICIENCY (Save $50) DOMINATE THE MCAT WITHOUT AN EXPENSIVE PREP CLASS (Save $100) LEARN HOW TO COMPOSE YOUR MED SCHOOL APPLICATION AND PERSONAL STATEMENT (Save $150) DOMINATE YOUR MED SCHOOL INTERVIEWS I'm here to help you, all you have to do is let me! I respond to all messages personally, so contact me: CONTACT DR. PINESETT

AAMC made a big announcement last week about MCAT changes for 2020 because of Covid-19 and social distancing, including changing the length of the MCAT. In this video I discuss how your MCAT practice test strategy needs to change to best prepare for the shorter MCAT exam. This video is part of a 2020 MCAT update video series where I will be breaking down what each AAMC MCAT update means for premeds and their MCAT prep. In PART 1 I discussed that the 2020 MCAT will be shorter.In PART 2 I discuss the New 2020 test dates and multiple daily MCAT sessions.I’m Dr. Andre Pinesett and I’m on a mission to transform the lives of 1 million students by 2025. ANY premed (including you) can get into Med School! *WEBINARS* Learn HOW TO STUDY FOR THE MCAT INDEPENDENTLY: https://www.studenttransformation.com/independentMCAT ***SPECIAL OFFER*** To help you develop a healthy and productive mindset, I created “The Successful Student 21-Day Mindset Makeover”. This course will break down the false beliefs you have about school and teach you the 3 principles that enabled me to dominate premed and medical school. They will allow you to become your best-self. Click HERE to get 50% OFF!! *** SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel and Turn on Live notifications so you never miss a LIVE. INSTAGRAM @TheStudyDoc New Episode EVERY Monday! *** I was the under-performing, stressed out student, so I completely understand. But I developed a revolutionary new approach to studying and time management that changed everything and enabled me to DOMINATE college, and DOMINATE Stanford Med School. For over 15 years I have been helping students, particularly disadvantaged, underrepresented and minority students get motivated, get confident, study better and maximize their potential. You will learn strategies for developing a healthy mindset, time-management, productivity, study efficiency and getting into medical school. This podcast is for premeds who want to get into a top medical school. If you like what you see here, then you will LOVE MY ON-DEMAND COURSES. They feature innovative, effective and most importantly, easy-to-follow systems that cultivate happy, healthy and high-achieving students. Visit my WEBSITE for more! ***LIFE-CHANGING COURSES*** LEARN HOW TO DOUBLE YOUR STUDY EFFICIENCY (Save $50) DOMINATE THE MCAT WITHOUT AN EXPENSIVE PREP CLASS (Save $100) LEARN HOW TO COMPOSE YOUR MED SCHOOL APPLICATION AND PERSONAL STATEMENT (Save $150) DOMINATE YOUR MED SCHOOL INTERVIEWS I’m here to help you, all you have to do is let me! I respond to all messages personally, so contact me: CONTACT DR. PINESETT

New MCAT updates from AAMC this week about MCAT changes for 2020 because of Covid-19 and social distancing, including new 2020 MCAT test dates, multiple MCAT sessions per day and faster MCAT score reporting. This video is part of a 2020 MCAT update video series where I will be breaking down what each AAMC MCAT update means for premeds and their MCAT prep. In PART 1 I discussed that the 2020 MCAT will be shorter. In this video, I discuss the details of the new MCAT exam scheduling and test dates. I’m Dr. Andre Pinesett and I’m on a mission to transform the lives of 1 million students by 2025. ANY premed (including you) can get into Med School! *WEBINARS* Learn HOW TO STUDY FOR THE MCAT INDEPENDENTLY: https://www.studenttransformation.com/independentMCAT ***SPECIAL OFFER*** To help you develop a healthy and productive mindset, I created “The Successful Student 21-Day Mindset Makeover”. This course will break down the false beliefs you have about school and teach you the 3 principles that enabled me to dominate premed and medical school. They will allow you to become your best-self. Click HERE to get 50% OFF!! *** SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel and Turn on Live notifications so you never miss a LIVE. INSTAGRAM @TheStudyDoc New Episode EVERY Monday! *** I was the under-performing, stressed out student, so I completely understand. But I developed a revolutionary new approach to studying and time management that changed everything and enabled me to DOMINATE college, and DOMINATE Stanford Med School. For over 15 years I have been helping students, particularly disadvantaged, underrepresented and minority students get motivated, get confident, study better and maximize their potential. You will learn strategies for developing a healthy mindset, time-management, productivity, study efficiency and getting into medical school. This podcast is for premeds who want to get into a top medical school. If you like what you see here, then you will LOVE MY ON-DEMAND COURSES. They feature innovative, effective and most importantly, easy-to-follow systems that cultivate happy, healthy and high-achieving students. Visit my WEBSITE for more! ***LIFE-CHANGING COURSES*** LEARN HOW TO DOUBLE YOUR STUDY EFFICIENCY (Save $50) DOMINATE THE MCAT WITHOUT AN EXPENSIVE PREP CLASS (Save $100) LEARN HOW TO COMPOSE YOUR MED SCHOOL APPLICATION AND PERSONAL STATEMENT (Save $150) DOMINATE YOUR MED SCHOOL INTERVIEWS I’m here to help you, all you have to do is let me! I respond to all messages personally, so contact me: CONTACT DR. PINESETT

New MCAT updates from AAMC this week about MCAT changes for 2020 because of Covid-19 and social distancing, including new 2020 MCAT test dates, multiple MCAT sessions per day and faster MCAT score reporting. This video is part of a 2020 MCAT update video series where I will be breaking down what each AAMC MCAT update means for premeds and their MCAT prep. In PART 1 I discussed that the 2020 MCAT will be shorter. In this video, I discuss the details of the new MCAT exam scheduling and test dates. I'm Dr. Andre Pinesett and I'm on a mission to transform the lives of 1 million students by 2025. ANY premed (including you) can get into Med School! *WEBINARS* Learn HOW TO STUDY FOR THE MCAT INDEPENDENTLY: https://www.studenttransformation.com/independentMCAT ***SPECIAL OFFER*** To help you develop a healthy and productive mindset, I created “The Successful Student 21-Day Mindset Makeover”. This course will break down the false beliefs you have about school and teach you the 3 principles that enabled me to dominate premed and medical school. They will allow you to become your best-self. Click HERE to get 50% OFF!! *** SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel and Turn on Live notifications so you never miss a LIVE. INSTAGRAM @TheStudyDoc New Episode EVERY Monday! *** I was the under-performing, stressed out student, so I completely understand. But I developed a revolutionary new approach to studying and time management that changed everything and enabled me to DOMINATE college, and DOMINATE Stanford Med School. For over 15 years I have been helping students, particularly disadvantaged, underrepresented and minority students get motivated, get confident, study better and maximize their potential. You will learn strategies for developing a healthy mindset, time-management, productivity, study efficiency and getting into medical school. This podcast is for premeds who want to get into a top medical school. If you like what you see here, then you will LOVE MY ON-DEMAND COURSES. They feature innovative, effective and most importantly, easy-to-follow systems that cultivate happy, healthy and high-achieving students. Visit my WEBSITE for more! ***LIFE-CHANGING COURSES*** LEARN HOW TO DOUBLE YOUR STUDY EFFICIENCY (Save $50) DOMINATE THE MCAT WITHOUT AN EXPENSIVE PREP CLASS (Save $100) LEARN HOW TO COMPOSE YOUR MED SCHOOL APPLICATION AND PERSONAL STATEMENT (Save $150) DOMINATE YOUR MED SCHOOL INTERVIEWS I'm here to help you, all you have to do is let me! I respond to all messages personally, so contact me: CONTACT DR. PINESETT

AAMC made a big announcement yesterday about MCAT changes for 2020 because of Covid-19 and social distancing, including changing the length of the MCAT. This episode is part of a 2020 MCAT update series where I will be breaking down what each AAMC MCAT update means for premeds and their MCAT prep. Check out Part 2 HERE where I discuss the New 2020 test dates and multiple daily MCAT sessions.Changes to the MCAT test length, including:1. The entire MCAT test will be 5 hours 45 minutes2. The CARS, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences and Psych social sections are all shortened. Learn what you need to do to adjust to these MCAT changes. I'm Dr. Andre Pinesett and I'm on a mission to transform the lives of 1 million students by 2025. ANY premed (including you) can get into Med School! *WEBINARS* Learn HOW TO STUDY FOR THE MCAT INDEPENDENTLY: https://www.studenttransformation.com/independentMCAT ***SPECIAL OFFER*** To help you develop a healthy and productive mindset, I created “The Successful Student 21-Day Mindset Makeover”. This course will break down the false beliefs you have about school and teach you the 3 principles that enabled me to dominate premed and medical school. They will allow you to become your best-self. Click HERE to get 50% OFF!! *** SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel and Turn on Live notifications so you never miss a LIVE. INSTAGRAM @TheStudyDoc New Episode EVERY Monday! *** I was the under-performing, stressed out student, so I completely understand. But I developed a revolutionary new approach to studying and time management that changed everything and enabled me to DOMINATE college, and DOMINATE Stanford Med School. For over 15 years I have been helping students, particularly disadvantaged, underrepresented and minority students get motivated, get confident, study better and maximize their potential. You will learn strategies for developing a healthy mindset, time-management, productivity, study efficiency and getting into medical school. This podcast is for premeds who want to get into a top medical school. If you like what you see here, then you will LOVE MY ON-DEMAND COURSES. They feature innovative, effective and most importantly, easy-to-follow systems that cultivate happy, healthy and high-achieving students. Visit my WEBSITE for more! ***LIFE-CHANGING COURSES*** LEARN HOW TO DOUBLE YOUR STUDY EFFICIENCY (Save $50) DOMINATE THE MCAT WITHOUT AN EXPENSIVE PREP CLASS (Save $100) LEARN HOW TO COMPOSE YOUR MED SCHOOL APPLICATION AND PERSONAL STATEMENT (Save $150) DOMINATE YOUR MED SCHOOL INTERVIEWS I'm here to help you, all you have to do is let me! I respond to all messages personally, so contact me: CONTACT DR. PINESETT

AAMC made a big announcement yesterday about MCAT changes for 2020 because of Covid-19 and social distancing, including changing the length of the MCAT. This episode is part of a 2020 MCAT update series where I will be breaking down what each AAMC MCAT update means for premeds and their MCAT prep. Check out Part 2 HERE where I discuss the New 2020 test dates and multiple daily MCAT sessions.Changes to the MCAT test length, including:1. The entire MCAT test will be 5 hours 45 minutes2. The CARS, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences and Psych social sections are all shortened. Learn what you need to do to adjust to these MCAT changes. I’m Dr. Andre Pinesett and I’m on a mission to transform the lives of 1 million students by 2025. ANY premed (including you) can get into Med School! *WEBINARS* Learn HOW TO STUDY FOR THE MCAT INDEPENDENTLY: https://www.studenttransformation.com/independentMCAT ***SPECIAL OFFER*** To help you develop a healthy and productive mindset, I created “The Successful Student 21-Day Mindset Makeover”. This course will break down the false beliefs you have about school and teach you the 3 principles that enabled me to dominate premed and medical school. They will allow you to become your best-self. Click HERE to get 50% OFF!! *** SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel and Turn on Live notifications so you never miss a LIVE. INSTAGRAM @TheStudyDoc New Episode EVERY Monday! *** I was the under-performing, stressed out student, so I completely understand. But I developed a revolutionary new approach to studying and time management that changed everything and enabled me to DOMINATE college, and DOMINATE Stanford Med School. For over 15 years I have been helping students, particularly disadvantaged, underrepresented and minority students get motivated, get confident, study better and maximize their potential. You will learn strategies for developing a healthy mindset, time-management, productivity, study efficiency and getting into medical school. This podcast is for premeds who want to get into a top medical school. If you like what you see here, then you will LOVE MY ON-DEMAND COURSES. They feature innovative, effective and most importantly, easy-to-follow systems that cultivate happy, healthy and high-achieving students. Visit my WEBSITE for more! ***LIFE-CHANGING COURSES*** LEARN HOW TO DOUBLE YOUR STUDY EFFICIENCY (Save $50) DOMINATE THE MCAT WITHOUT AN EXPENSIVE PREP CLASS (Save $100) LEARN HOW TO COMPOSE YOUR MED SCHOOL APPLICATION AND PERSONAL STATEMENT (Save $150) DOMINATE YOUR MED SCHOOL INTERVIEWS I’m here to help you, all you have to do is let me! I respond to all messages personally, so contact me: CONTACT DR. PINESETT

We're breaking down the most recent AAMC MCAT annoucment. What's changing? What isn't? Who should be taking the MCAT this year, and who should wait? Listen! Links:

We're wrapping up our MCAT content outline and with social inequality—social and cultural capital, social mobility, health and healthcare disparities, and more! Links: (Promo code MCATPOD to save money off their full-length exams)

Let's take an aerial look at demographic shifts: Malthusian theory vs demographic transition theory, population growth and decline, gentrification, and more. Strap in! Links: (Save 10% by using the promo code MCATPOD)

Today, we're investigating some of the hot topics in section nine A of the AAMC MCAT Outline: religious organizations, medicalization and culture. Don't miss this one!

Conflict theory, functionalism, symbolic interactionism and more! many sociological terms are not intuitive, so listen closely for how to tell them apart.

Straight from the official MCAT outline! We're covering the difference between role conflict, role strain, and attachment styles. Know these COLD. Links:  (promo code MCATPOD to save 10%)

In content category seven B of the AAMC Outline, we'll be looking at types of societal norms. Can you tease apart the subtle differences? Links: (promo code MCATPOD)

What do you need to know about personality disorders? We're going to talk about disorder clusters and how to tell apart confusing sound-alikes! Links: Check out Next Step Test Prep on , r, and .

Get ready to familiarize yourself with the most influential theories of self and personality. You'll need to know these cold for the MCAT! Links: (Save 10% off using the promo code MCATPOD.)  

Know your theories of emotion and physiological response for the MCAT! Today we're comparing the James Lange, Cannon Bard, and Schachter Singer models. Links:

Today we discuss the AAMC's MCAT prep resources, updates to the interface and functionality, and how to get the most out of your practice material. Links:

Today we are diving into the AAMC MCAT Mini-Test e-Book CARS passage and questions. We're using our MCAT CARS techniques to crush the passage! Follow along! Links: Full Episode Blog Post http://offers.aamc.org/mcat2015-mini-test JackWestin.com

Session 70 The MCAT is hard. Being a nontrad and studying for the MCAT can seem impossible. Should you quit your job to study for the MCAT full-time? That is the question. We take your questions directly from the OldPreMeds.org forums and answer them here on the podcast. If you haven't yet, sign up for an account and join this awesome community. [01:20] OldPreMeds Question of the Week: "I'm debating whether I should resign from my job or not. I graduated last year and have been balancing working a very full-time job, 40-50 hours a week, and MCAT studying. I've taken the old MCAT before the change happened in January and scored a 20 literally but I'm a very good student with a 3.97 GPA. I was taking a Kaplan course at that time while taking three science courses and thesis and cram-studied for 18 days. In retrospect, I needed to strategize and needed more time." Note: This student was obviously taking the January 2015 test and I'm assuming they cram-studied because they were trying to take the test prior to the change to the new MCAT. "I'm aiming to take the exam in January of 2017. I already unofficially pushed back the exam twice due to events at work and feel like I need to study head-on but I haven't seen much improvement despite on and off studying since last October. My biggest fear is quitting and not doing as well on the exam as I've hoped. But I'm also so tired when I come home from work and I know that something needs to change at work. Financially, I have about three months worth of rent for New York City and I;m concerned about finding a job to sustain me after my exam. But my main focus at this point is to do well on the exam and I don't want delay taking this exam anymore. I'm going to ask my employer if I can take a one-month leave of absence from late December to my January exam date and somehow find a way to use my vacation days so I can work three to four days a week. Would this be enough time to improve my score to 510+? My first Kaplan practice test score was 491. I'm determined to do well but for some reason, I'm not making much progress on this exam. Or is quitting your job for the exam worth it for the exam? Would med schools look unfavorably if I were to study for the MCAT head-on?” Here are my thoughts: [03:50] The MCAT is Like No Other I don't think med schools care if you quit your job and only studied for the MCAT. They just want to see you have a good grade. So you don't really want to worry about that. This student was good in school but bombed the MCAT, studying for 18 days and trying to cram in one of those last test dates in January 15, like every other student was trying to do and didn't do well with a 20. My first point is that the MCAT is not like any other test you're going to see in your life through your undergrad years or your postbac years. It doesn't care if you have a 3.97 GPA. All it cares about is how well you're going to do on the MCAT. So you need to well on the MCAT which means studying specifically for the MCAT and that also means studying for more than 18 days. [05:30] Take Many Practice Tests This was actually posted in August and the poster was looking at taking it in January and possibly taking a one month leave of absence to cram for the MCAT. I still consider one month as cramming for the MCAT. The goal is to take many practice tests. Go and listen to The MCAT Podcast, if you don't already, where you we cover topics like how long to study for the MCAT or how many practices tests should you take, and all of these types of questions. [06:18] Should You Quit Your Job? Every job is different. There is a difference between a librarian job which is relatively easy compared to this job that this poster has, working 40-50 hours a week and coming home too tired to study. That's a huge difference! Therefore, you need to take into account what your life is, your job life, and the amount of energy you have to give to prepare for the MCAT. Your priority would be MCAT but you obviously have to sustain yourself financially with living, food, and everything else. But this poster only has their three months worth of rent. So could you take on a room mate? Or go and live in with somebody? Adjust your lifestyle to make it a priority to study for the MCAT. [07:33] The Best Case Scenario The best case scenario is always studying full-time for the MCAT. But that is not reasonable for everyone and not a doable thing. So you need to be able to study as much as possible and that means you may have to adjust some things like going down to doing part-time, or going down to three or four days a week, or to four or five hours a day instead of 40-50 hours a week. [08:03] My Final Thoughts Again, the MCAT comes first. It doesn't matter if you quit your job and study full-time. The medical schools are not going to look at that negatively. One month is not enough time to study for the MCAT for most people. If you think about a normal study schedule, you're taking the unscored AAMC MCAT a week before your exam, you're taking one of their scored two weeks before the exam, you're taking one of their scored three weeks before the exam, and then you're taking four or five or six other full-length practice exams for the month before that. So you're looking at about two months minimum to start fitting in practice exams and doing everything else. As you can see, it takes some time so you need to plan it. Links: MedEdMedia Network The MCAT Podcast AAMC practice tests The MCAT Podcast 34: How Many MCAT Practice Tests Should I Take? The MCAT Podcast 37: How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Take the MCAT