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What Do Medical Schools Look for in Their Applicants?

18 min

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An applicant at a medical school interview shaking hands with her interviewer.

5387 Views

So, you are considering applying to medical school and wondering how to get in? Every year, U.S. medical schools evaluate tens of thousands of applications from some of the brightest and most talented college students and recent graduates in the country. The admissions process is highly secretive, yet we know...

Active Learning Study Tips for the MCAT

11 min

4207 Views

someone taking notes and using laptop to study for MCAT

4207 Views

Preparing for the MCAT requires many hours of consistent studying and a well-defined schedule. Although sticking to a schedule and putting in the hours are necessary, they are not sufficient. So we've put together a list of active learning study tips for your MCAT!   Your performance on exam day...

5 MCAT Mental Health and Prep Tips

17 min

4336 Views

A student meditating for good mental health during MCAT prep.

4336 Views

The MCAT is an enormous exam, consisting of content from all your premedical undergraduate courses and lasting approximately 6-8 hours. It is also extremely important as one of the final steps before you can be considered for admission to medical school. However, it need not feel like an insurmountable obstacle...

When Should I Start Studying for the MCAT?

14 min

5701 Views

A pre-med student studying for the MCAT in a classroom.

5701 Views

As the MCAT is one of the most important metrics of evaluation when applying to medical school, it is imperative to give yourself enough time for studying for the MCAT, taking the MCAT, and getting your score back before submitting your medical school applications. This timeline can look different for...

How to Do MCAT Content Review for Long-Term Score Improvement

13 min

10909 Views

A pre-med student studying for the MCAT at home in front of her laptop.

Along with spaced repetition, practice questions, and full-length practice tests, MCAT content review is an essential element of preparing for your exam. Contrary to what you may think, there is a right way to do MCAT content review. What is the best way to approach working through so much difficult material? Let’s find out!

What to Do the Day Before the MCAT: A Practical 24-Hour Guide

12 min

10484 Views

A student jogging in the park the day before his MCAT.

You did it. You have studied for the MCAT for months, one of the biggest exams that you have ever had to prepare for.   You have gone through all the Anki decks, read through all of the best MCAT resources, taken several practice exams, maybe even taken a lesson...

Choosing Your Target Score for MCAT

11 min

4230 Views

A pre-med student studying for the MCAT.

4230 Views

One of the major questions on the minds of pre-med students everywhere is “what score do I need to get on the MCAT to get into medical school?” This is a tricky question, as it doesn’t have just one answer.

6 Reasons to Take the MCAT During a Gap Year

18 min

5901 Views

A pre-med student on a gap year studying for the MCAT outside in front of a laptop.

5901 Views

This blog was originally written by Jay B. Lusk and updated in 2026 by Elite Medical Prep. A common question students ask is when to take the MCAT if taking a gap year, and the answer depends less on motivation and more on planning backward from your intended application window....

The Medical School Interview: What to Expect

15 min

3703 Views

Two people shaking hands over desk for Medical School Interview.

3703 Views

You have received an interview invitation with your top-choice medical school! After the initial wave of excitement, you might start to ask yourself what your next steps are.

How to Make the Most Out of a Gap Year Before Medical School

9 min

2946 Views

A woman on a gap year before medical school volunteering at a lab.

2946 Views

Taking a gap year before starting medical school can be a highly productive alternative to the traditional straight-through route. This time can be used to gain work experience, boost your MCAT score, perfect your essays and compile all components for your medical school applications, and much more!

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