Social Support Groups + Resources

Feeling lonely in your journey or want to spend your screen time more valuably? Check out these pages.

So many topics….

Feeling like you can’t keep track of the topics that you know and that you still need to learn? Utilize this amazing MCAT topics tracker

MCAT topics tracker
Spotlight

Fuzzy on a topic?

Use the Jack Westin Concept Outline to get a comprehensive look into concepts you may be stuck on. This document includes amazing visuals in each section and is organized categorically by each MCAT section and Foundational Concept!

Jack Westin MCAT Science Outline

Steps to an amazing score

Studying for the MCAT is one of the most time-consuming processes known to man. Almost every student is bombarded with the insane amount of resources, courses, and tools. Using this guide will allow you to understand the variety of resources and plan your route to MCAT success.

Step 1: Understand the basic format of the exam

  • The exam is taken digitally on a computer and scores are typically released about a month later.
  • Memorizing equations is essential as calculators are not allowed.
  • The exam consists of four sections: C/P (chemistry and physics), CARS (critical reading), B/B (biology and biochemistry), and P/S (psychology and sociology). The total exam length is 7.5 hours (6 hours and 15 minutes without breaks).
  • KEY RESOURCES: Review the AAMC outline to understand what topics are on the MCAT, then keep track of challenging areas in a spreadsheet called “MCAT AAMC Topics” for focused study.

 

Step 2: Utilize a study schedule

Setting a study schedule is absolutely key to performing well on the MCAT. Find your sweet spot whether it is 4 hours a day or 8 hours a day and plan a monthly schedule based off of that

 

2 month, 3 month, 4 month, 6 month study schedules

4.5 month ultimate study schedule 

Step 3: Utilize overview/comprehensive review sheets

Utilize Review Sheets whether they are your own, the Kaplan Quick Sheets, or the MCAT review sheets, to serve as a basis for a concise storage of information. These are great to serve as the meat of all of your content so you remember the major concepts of MCAT content

Kaplan Quick Sheets 

MCAT review sheets

 

Step 4: The only essential PAID tools

  1. Some form of review books (Kaplan, TPR, Exam-Krackers). Most people find that the Kaplan books are the most comprehensive yet effective review books. There are plenty of used deals for review books selling for less than $40 for the whole collection. Any Review Books after 2017 are perfectly fine… You DON’T need the newest set of books!
  2. Anki: Anki is a digital flashcard program that utilizes spaced repetition, a learning technique that optimizes memory retention by spacing out review sessions based on individual learning needs. Many pre-medical and medical students use Anki helping them memorize and retain knowledge for exams and clinical practice. Learn more about Anki here!
  3. AAMC official prep bundle: This is the one item that is quite expensive yet essential to a high MCAT score. This is the MOST reliable, and comprehensive study materials that align CLOSEST with the MCAT. Apply to the AAMC Fee Assistance Program if eleigible for major discounts to the prep bundle

Section Specific Resources

    Bio/Biochem Resources

    • Check out these extra resources for bio/biochem topics

    CHEM/PHYS Resources

    CARS Resources

    PSYC/SOC Resources

    A guide to anki decks

    Anki is a digital flashcard program that utilizes spaced repetition, a learning technique that optimizes memory retention by spacing out review sessions based on individual learning needs. Many pre-medical and medical students use Anki helping them memorize and retain knowledge for exams and clinical practice. Learn more about Anki here!

     

    JackSparrow…MilesDown….NextLevelColor… all these creative names but which one should you choose? Look at the list below to understand which Anki deck may be the best for you.

    Ortho528 Deck

    Number of Cards: ~4,300 Year Created: 2017 Strengths: – Comprehensive – Created by a 526 scorer – Ideal for those studying MCAT topics for the first time Weaknesses: – Not as visual as other decks – Tests memory rather than comprehension

    MilesDown Deck

    Number of Cards: ~2,900 Year Uploaded: 2018 Strengths: Amazing visuals and explanations, Comprehensive, Pretty concise, Same creator as 90 page MCAT review sheets, Khan Academy/Youtube links included in explanations Weaknesses: Doesn’t go very in detail into low-yield topics *Could be a strength if you are looking for a deck focusing on high yield information*

    JackSparrow2048 Anki Deck

    Number of Cards: ~6,200 Year Uploaded: 2020 Strengths: – Most comprehensive deck – Explores all topics (even low yield) – Good explanations Weaknesses: – Focuses heavily on low-yield topics which may not be beneficial to some MCAT test takers – Wasn’t originally intended for release so it has some minor errors

    Cubene Anki Deck

    Number of Cards: ~6,200 Year Uploaded: 2020 Strengths: – Focuses heavily on social sciences sections – Amazing practice questions for social sciences Weaknesses: – Not as heavily focused on the other disciplines as it is on Psych/Soc.

    MCAT For Victory Anki Deck

    Number of Cards: ~3,800 Year Uploaded: 2021 Strengths: – Focuses on core concepts – Neatly organized by section (Bio/Biochem, Chem/Phys, etc.) – Focuses on application rather than just memorization Weaknesses: – None – Not as comprehensive as some other decks on low-yield topics

    RebopBebop Anki Deck

    Number of Cards: ~4,400 Year Uploaded: 2016 Strengths: – Neatly organized to complement Kaplan books – Follows Kaplan books by the chapter – Well known for Bio/Biochem sections – Could be used to study certain chapters that are fuzzy – Created by a 518 scorer Weaknesses: – Not as application based – Not as comprehensive as some other decks

    NextLevelColor Anki Deck

    Number of Cards: ~5,900+ Year Uploaded: 2019 Strengths: – Follows the chapters of the Kaplan books – For those who want a strict study schedule and plan – Great visuals – Created by a 519 scorer Weaknesses: – Not as application based – May focus heavily on low-yield topics

    Vixxyn Anki Deck

    Created by Vixxyn, this flashcard deck is a modified version of other popular decks. Vixxyn herself credits this deck, along with her diligent efforts, for contributing to her exceptional MCAT score of 528. With over 3,000 cards, users particularly appreciate the meticulous arrangement and organization of the cards within this deck. Notably, this deck incorporates detailed illustrations and explanations to further enhance the learning experience. While not as comprehensive as the JackSparrow deck, it still garners significant praise for its impressive qualities.

    Bouras Anki Deck

    The Bouras deck is a valuable compilation, encompassing the best elements from various other decks mentioned here, as well as study guides from Khan Academy, Science Simplified, and other reputable sources. This extensive deck offers an abundance of content, catering to virtually all your needs. Additionally, a majority of the cards are presented in the cloze (fill-in-the-gap) format, allowing for a slightly faster review process compared to decks that heavily rely on standard card formats. The primary drawback lies in the sheer number of flashcards, totaling 13,333. Nevertheless, the deck maintains a well-organized structure, enabling you to easily focus on specific subjects of your choosing.

    Mitochondrialdna24 Anki Deck

    The Mitochondrialdna24 deck is a relatively recent addition to the Anki deck collection, having been published online in 2020. It seamlessly integrates Kaplan’s study guides with the exceptional RebobBebop Anki deck. A standout feature of this Anki deck, greatly appreciated by users, is its division according to topics and source materials. This organizational structure simplifies the process of preparing for specific test sections, providing users with a valuable tool. Containing over 3,500 cards, covering the key subjects essential for the MCAT, this deck offers a promising opportunity to enhance your score within a three-month timeframe.

    Nyc_penguin Anki Deck

    The inclusion of Nyc_penguin’s collection of Anki decks on this list is attributed to its simplicity. The decks are conveniently available as separate options, allowing users to select the ones that align with their specific needs. Moreover, no additional add-ons are required, enabling users to swiftly dive into their desired content. These Anki decks are designed to focus on the high-yield topics essential for the MCAT, ultimately saving users valuable time. However, as regular use of flashcards is a necessary drill, it is likely that you will complete this deck relatively quickly. In such cases, we recommend utilizing the Nyc_penguin Anki deck in conjunction with the other Anki decks mentioned in this list. This combination can provide a more comprehensive and diverse study experience.

    Tiramiwho Anki Deck

    Tiramiwho presents a highly focused Anki deck that stands out for its specificity. This practical deck of cards solely targets the physics equations essential for excelling in the MCAT. Although this deck may have a limited number of cards, its significance and effectiveness should not be underestimated. Users of the Tiramiwho deck have attested to its value in aiding the memorization of the various physics equations required for the MCAT. Considering its compact size of just 103 cards, incorporating the Tiramiwho deck alongside other decks mentioned in this list can provide a well-rounded study experience for the MCAT.