How to Study for the MCAT in 3 Months + Free 3-Month Study Plan

Prepare for the MCAT^® by following our organized 3-Month MCAT study plan. Three months is the minimum amount of time most students should study for the MCAT. With just a few months before test day, you’ll need to spend a good amount of time studying each week if you want to score competitively on the MCAT. Below is a detailed weekly plan that will show you how to study for the MCAT in three months.

[ RELATED: MCAT 2-Month Study Plan ]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• MCAT 3-Month Study Plan: Week 1
• MCAT 3-Month Study Plan: Weeks 2-8
• MCAT 3-Month Study Plan: Weeks 9-11
• MCAT 3-Month Study Plan: The Week Before the MCAT
• Is Three Months Enough Time to Study for the MCAT? 
• Top MCAT Study and Practice Materials

MCAT 3-Month Study Plan: Week 1

Below is a step-by-step process for kicking off your 3-month MCAT study plan.

Step 1

Start your studying by taking a diagnostic practice test or completing a question set that covers all the topics from the MCAT to familiarize yourself with the whole test and establish your baseline performance. The MCAT Sample Test is a great resource for this. There is also a free online MCAT practice test available from Kaplan, as well as three full-length tests included with the Kaplan MCAT Books.

Step 2

Use your initial test results to determine which content areas you need to work on. Make changes to the study plan below accordingly. For example, if you did well on all reproduction and nervous system questions, you might only study those topics briefly and spend more time on a Biology subject you didn’t do as well with, such as amino acids and the immune system.

Step 3

Build a weekly MCAT study schedule. Fill in your calendar with study blocks, planning to study three to five hours per day, six days per week. Take one day off from studying each week to give yourself some time to recharge. Assign specific study topics to each block so you know what to study when, and so you’re confident that you have enough prep time set aside before the test.

Step 4

Set up a rotating schedule that works through these topics.

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Physics/Math
• Behavioral Sciences

Step 5

For test-like practice, use the AAMC Sample Questions and Sections and choose passages based on the content areas you have reviewed. In addition, study for the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section daily. Use the AAMC Sample Questions and Sections to read passages and work on passage-related questions

Step 6

Start with the fundamentals of each subject area, and split your time between different topics each day. In order to get the most out of your study time and really focus on each test topic, you should plan on focusing on individual topics for at least an hour to an hour and a half. 

Here’s a sample calendar of what your first week of studying for the MCAT might look like:

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Full Length Test	Test Review; Study Planning	Biology, Biochemistry + CARS	General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry + CARS	Physics, Psychology and Sociology + CARS	Revisit problem areas; modify Study Plan	Day Off

Specific content areas for Week 1 include:

• Biology: Cell Biology
• Biochemistry: Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins
• General Chemistry: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
• Organic Chemistry: Nomenclature
• Physics: Dimensional Analysis, Basic Math and Statistics
• Psychology and Sociology: Biological Basis of Behavior
• CARS: Reading to Find the Most Important Information

MCAT 3-Month Study Plan: Weeks 2-8

Once you get through your first week of studying for the MCAT, you’ll want to adjust your 3-month MCAT study plan so it’s organized around your existing commitments. Some days you may be able to schedule reviewing more than one topic; on other days, you may be able to fit in only one. Remember to work on CARS every day.

• Devote study blocks on a rotating basis to Biochemistry, Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Behavioral Sciences.
• For test-like practice, use the AAMC Sample Questions and Sections and choose passages based on the content areas you have reviewed.
• Continue to study for the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section on a daily basis. Use the AAMC Sample Questions and Sections to read passages and work on passage-related questions.

An example week during this timeframe might look something like this:

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Biology,  Biochemistry + CARS	General Chemistry + CARS	Organic Chemistry + CARS	Physics + CARS	Psychology,  Sociology + CARS	Revisit problem areas; modify Study Plan	Day Off

Specific topics to study each week include:

MCAT STUDY PLAN: WEEK 2

• Biology: Reproduction, Embryogenesis and Development
• Biochemistry: Protein Structure and Function
• General Chemistry: Bonding and Chemical Interactions
• Organic Chemistry: Isomers
• Physics: Kinematics and Translational Motion
• Psychology and Sociology: Sensation and Perception
• CARS: Reading to Find the Most Important Information

MCAT STUDY PLAN: WEEK 3

• Biology: The Nervous System
• Biochemistry: Enzymes
• General Chemistry: Compounds and Stoichiometry
• Organic Chemistry: Bonding
• Physics: Work and Energy
• Psychology and Sociology: Learning and Memory
• CARS: Reading to Find the Most Important Information

MCAT STUDY PLAN: WEEK 4

• Biology: The Endocrine System
• Biochemistry: Carbohydrate Structure and Function
• General Chemistry: Chemical Kinetics
• Organic Chemistry: Alcohols and Ethers
• Physics: Thermodynamics
• Psychology and Sociology: Cognition and Language
• CARS: Reading to Find the Most Important Information

MCAT STUDY PLAN: WEEK 5

• Biology: The Respiratory System
• Biochemistry: Lipid Structure and Function
• General Chemistry: Equilibrium
• Organic Chemistry: Organic Oxidation and Reduction
• Physics: Fluids
• Psychology and Sociology: Emotion and Stress
• CARS: Foundation of Comprehension Questions

MCAT STUDY PLAN: WEEK 6

• Biology: The Cardiovascular System
• Biochemistry: DNA and Replication
• General Chemistry: Thermochemistry
• Organic Chemistry: Aldehydes and Ketones
• Physics: Electrostatics
• Psychology and Sociology: Identity and Personality
• CARS: Reasoning Within the Text Questions

MCAT STUDY PLAN: WEEK 7

• Biology: The Immune System
• Biochemistry: RNA Transcription and Translation
• General Chemistry: The Gas Phase
• Organic Chemistry: Carboxylic Acids
• Physics: Magnetism
• Psychology and Sociology: Psychological Disorders
• CARS: Reasoning Beyond the Text Questions

MCAT STUDY PLAN: WEEK 8

• Biology: The Digestive System
• Biochemistry: Biological Membranes
• General Chemistry: Solutions
• Organic Chemistry: Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
• Physics: Circuits
• Psychology and Sociology: Social Processes and Behavior
• CARS: Reading and Answering Within the Time Allowed

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MCAT 3-Month Study Plan: Weeks 9-11

As you get closer to your MCAT test date, you’ll want to adjust your 3-Month MCAT study plan one more time before the final week.

• Begin each week with a practice test, and follow up with a full day of test review. Carefully evaluate the topics and types of questions that you are missing, and use that to hone your study strategy.
• For test-like practice, use the AAMC Sample Questions and Sections and choose passages based on the content areas you have reviewed.
• Continue to study for the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section on a daily basis. Use the AAMC Sample Questions and Sections to read passages and work on passage-related questions.

You should adjust your study schedule one more time in the weeks leading up to the MCAT. Here’s how you should spend your time:

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Full Length Test	Test Review; Study Planning	Biology,  Biochemistry + CARS	General Chemistry,  Organic Chemistry + CARS	Physics, Psychology,  Sociology + CARS	Revisit problem areas; modify Study Plan	Day Off

Specific content areas for Weeks 9 through 11 include:

MCAT STUDY PLAN: WEEK 9

• Biology: The Musculoskeletal System
• Biochemistry: Carbohydrate Metabolism
• General Chemistry: Acids and Bases
• Organic Chemistry: Nitrogen and Phosphorus-Containing Compounds
• Physics: Waves and Sound
• Psychology and Sociology: Social Thought Processes
• CARS: Synthesis of Reading and Answering Questions

MCAT STUDY PLAN: WEEK 10

• Biology: Homeostasis and the Excretory System
• Biochemistry: Lipid and Amino Acid Metabolism
• General Chemistry: Oxidation and Reduction
• Organic Chemistry: Spectroscopy
• Physics: Light and Optics
• Psychology and Sociology: Social Structure and Demographics
• CARS: Synthesis of Reading and Answering Questions

MCAT STUDY PLAN: WEEK 11

• Biology: Genetics and Evolution
• Biochemistry: Bioenergetics and Regulation of Metabolism
• General Chemistry: Electrochemistry
• Organic Chemistry: Separation and Purification
• Physics: Atomic and Nuclear Phenomena
• Psychology and Sociology: Social Stratification
• CARS: Synthesis of Reading and Answering Questions

MCAT 3-Month Study Plan: The Week Before the MCAT

Begin the final week before the MCAT by taking and reviewing your practice test, looking over every question and using the results to modify your study plan if needed. Spend extra time reviewing CARS, re-reading the passages to determine what information you actually needed and what you didn’t.

1. Early in the week, take an AAMC Practice Test. Set aside time to review the test.
2. For your remaining few days, spend time reviewing the content areas that were your biggest opportunities on your last full-length test. If you’ve never truly mastered a topic, though, now is not the time to attempt to learn it. Instead, focus on the material that you struggled with the first time through but think you can master given just a little more time.
3. If you have time, travel to the testing center first to ensure you know how to get to the correct building, where to park, and where your test room is. Having all these logistics out of the way will help reduce your stress on test day—and ensure you aren’t late!
4. Take the day before the test completely off; your brain needs to rest before the marathon of test-taking to come! Eat healthy, balanced meals and get a full night of rest to mentally and physically prepare for test day. On the day you take the MCAT, wake up with plenty of time to spare, and be sure to eat breakfast before leaving.

Here’s a recommended schedule of what to do the week before the MCAT:

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
AAMC Practice Test	Test Review; Study Planning for Final Week	Final Content Review	Final Content Review, Visit Test Center	Final Content Review	Day Off	Test Day!

With this 3-month MCAT study plan, you should be well on your way to test day success. While you’re preparing for the MCAT, it might seem like the end of your studying will never come. But it will, and thanks to your diligent preparation, you can feel confident walking into the test.

Is Three Months Enough Time to Study for the MCAT?

Three months might be enough time to study for the MCAT if you can devote approximately 25 hours per week to studying. Kaplan recommends studying for the MCAT over a period of four to six months for a total of 300 to 350 hours. If you feel confident in your test-taking skills and aren’t overwhelmed by the 25 hour per week MCAT study schedule, then three months can be enough time for you to study for the MCAT. If you want to spread your studies out over a longer period of time, consider following our 6-Month MCAT Study Plan.

Top MCAT Study and Practice Materials

Here are the study materials we recommend using during your 3-month MCAT study schedule.

• MCAT Practice Questions: Kaplan’s MCAT QBank saves you time with targeted questions. You’ll learn from your mistakes and raise your score with in-depth explanations. 
• MCAT Question of the Day: Sign up for free to receive realistic MCAT practice questions delivered straight to your inbox.
• Kaplan’s MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review + Online Resources: With Kaplan’s MCAT books, you not only get the printed resources that cover the subject matter from all the test sections but also access to three full-length practice tests online and additional science videos. The book set is worthwhile for these tests alone since they provide realistic practice that includes scaled scores and percentiles for each section as well as detailed explanations for every question. Additionally, Kaplan’s MCAT 528 Advanced Prep Book and Online Resources will give you more preparation.
• MCAT Flashcards: Prep for the MCAT on the go with 1,000 essential flashcards to help you master the material and increase your MCAT score.
• Take a Class: If the idea of studying for the MCAT on your own is stressful, consider taking an MCAT prep class such as Live Online, On Demand, In Person, or 515+ MCAT Course—all teach you the strategies and skills you’ll need to score high on the MCAT. The courses’ study plans will help you decide what to study, when to take practice tests, and how to perform your best on test day. Students who put in the work with Kaplan raise their score by 15 points on average.*

• AAMC’s MCAT Essentials Guide: Before you register for the MCAT, you’ll be required to review the official information in the Essentials Guide. You’ll learn about test logistics, content, and timing. If you’re just beginning your MCAT prep, this is a great place to start.
• AAMC Full-Length Tests: The AAMC offers four full-length practice tests to purchase online.
• AAMC Free Planning & Study Resources: The AAMC offers free resources to students studying for the MCAT, such as a Free Sample Test which has the same look, feel, length, and functionality as the actual exam.
• AAMC Sample Questions and Sections: The AAMC website offers two different packages of practice questions. The first is the Official MCAT Section Bank, which includes 300 practice questions in section packs of natural sciences, behavioral sciences, and social sciences. The second is the Official MCAT Question Pack, which has passages and questions from old MCAT tests covering Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS).

• Online calendar: Online calendars are helpful for keeping track of and being able to access your personal MCAT study plan from anywhere. Stay accountable by sharing your calendar with others so they know your schedule and can help you stay on track.

Now that you have your resources, it’s time to begin studying. Since you have three full months to study, you should focus on reviewing the test content broadly so you can pick up points from each section of the test. While you shouldn’t completely ignore sections you’re most comfortable with in your studying, you shouldn’t make them your sole focus; it’s certainly a confidence-boost to focus on material you know well, but in the long run it won’t help your score as much as if you spend time reviewing content you’re less confident in. Use the following plan to guide your studies.

Rebecca, Kaplan MCAT Expert

[ Learn More: How to Study the Week Before the MCAT ]

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*15 point average only applied to students who completed 5,300+ practice questions and 600+ study activities during their program. A recent study conducted by Kaplan showed that students who completed a minimum of this work saw an average score improvement of 15 points from their first to their highest practice exam. Students who started with lower scores saw greater increases. Students who completed fewer practice questions, study activities, or who did not engage in the full program, saw lower score increases. Learn More.