How to ace the MCAT: Your ultimate guide to success

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a crucial step for aspiring medical students, playing a significant role in medical school admissions. At Kansas City University (KCU), we understand the challenges and dedication required to excel on this exam. This guide provides tips, strategies and resources to help you prepare effectively and ace the MCAT.

Understanding the MCAT

The MCAT is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that evaluates your problem-solving, critical thinking and knowledge of natural, behavioral and social sciences. The exam lasts seven and a half hours and consists of four sections: 

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: Focuses on biology and biochemistry concepts
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: Covers general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations: Includes psychology, sociology and the biological basis of behavior
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): Tests your ability to analyze and evaluate information

The CARS section is the only one that does not require prior knowledge. It relies on reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. 

Scoring System

The four sections of the MCAT are scored individually with a possible score range of 118 to 132, which are then combined to yield a total possible score ranging from 472 to 528.  The average MCAT score for the class of 2026 in KCU’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program KCU was 505. 

Creating a Study Plan

Assessing Your Starting Point
Begin with a diagnostic test to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. This helps you understand where to focus your study efforts. It’s important not to procrastinate when studying for the MCAT. Begin your preparation three to six months before your test date. Studying consistently during this time will provide the best results.

Setting Realistic Goals
Set achievable goals based on your diagnostic results and desired score. This will help you stay motivated and on track. Focus on improving areas where you score lower. Personalizing your study plan to these results can help you address your specific needs. 

Developing a Study Schedule
Design a realistic study schedule that fits your lifestyle. Allocate specific times for each subject area and include regular breaks to avoid burnout. Making a schedule and sticking to it will take the stress out of having to find time each day to study and will prevent last-minute cramming.

Study Resources and Materials

Familiarize yourself with the test structure, types of questions and timing. You don’t want to have any surprises on test day. Knowing what to expect and how to study for the MCAT will help reduce anxiety and improve your performance. Invest in study resources and materials, including:

• MCAT study guide and prep books
• Online courses and video lectures
• MCAT practice exams and questions
• Flash cards for key terms and concepts

Effective Study Techniques

Practice. Practice. Practice. Regular practice is crucial to understanding the content and building endurance for the MCAT. It’s normal to start by breaking up practice tests into smaller chunks and gradually working your way up to taking the full-length test in one sitting. Take the time to review your answers, right and wrong. Consistently reviewing your answers is essential to understand your mistakes and learn from them, helping to improve your performance over time.

When studying, incorporate MCAT test tips like spaced repetition and active recall to enhance retention and understanding. Other test-taking strategies include:

• Process of elimination
• Time management
• Answering difficult questions first
• Staying calm under pressure

You should also keep in mind that you don’t get penalized for answering a question wrong on the MCAT. So, if it comes down to it, a guess is better than leaving the question blank. These strategies can help you navigate the exam more efficiently. 

Test-Day Tips

Preparing for Test Day

• What to Bring: Make sure to have all required materials, including your ID, admission ticket, pencils, erasers and an approved calculator. Check the test guidelines to ensure you have everything needed.
• What to Expect: Arrive at the testing center early to find your room and get settled. Familiarize yourself with the rules and procedures of the testing center to avoid surprises.
• Managing Test-Day Anxiety: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and visualization. Remind yourself of the preparation you've done and focus on maintaining a positive mindset.

At KCU, we are committed to student well-being in and out of the classroom. A healthy body and mind are key to a good performance. Maintaining your self-care and developing a routine will help you stick to your study schedule and will aid in preventing burnout. 

Test-Taking Strategies

• Time Management Tips: Allocate your time wisely by quickly scanning the test to identify the number and types of questions. Set time limits for each section and stick to them to ensure you complete the test.
• Approaching Different Types of Questions: For multiple-choice questions, eliminate clearly wrong answers to improve your chances of selecting the correct one. For essay questions, outline your response before writing to organize your thoughts and stay on track.

Post-Test Considerations

Interpreting Your Score
Interpreting your MCAT score involves understanding both the scaled score and the percentile rank. Alongside your scaled score, you'll receive a percentile rank, which indicates how your score compares to those of other test-takers. For example, a percentile rank of 80 means you scored higher than 80 percent of test takers. It's important to compare your score to the average scores of accepted students at your target medical schools to assess your competitiveness.

Additionally, consider how your score aligns with your overall application, including your GPA, extracurricular activities and personal statement. If your score is below your target range, you may decide to retake the test or bolster other aspects of your application.

Next Steps
If your MCAT score meets your target, begin preparing your medical school applications. If needed, plan for a retake to improve your score. In either case, focus on presenting a well-rounded application to enhance your chances of admission.

Preparing for the MCAT is a marathon, not a sprint. If your score meets your target, start preparing your medical school applications. If not, plan for a retake and use this opportunity to improve. Remember, it’s better to defer your test date if you’re not prepared than to go in unprepared. With dedication, strategic planning and the right resources, you can achieve your target score and take a significant step toward your medical career. KCU is excited to see you succeed. Good luck!