How to Start Studying for the MCAT: A Tutor’s Perspective

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve taken the leap and decided to apply to medical school. Congratulations! One of the most important, but often intimidating, steps in your journey is conquering the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Whether you’re a sophomore starting early, a senior diving in headfirst, or a non-traditional applicant, this MCAT for beginners guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your MCAT prep with clarity and confidence.

What is the MCAT? 

The MCAT is a standardized, computer-based exam developed and administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It’s designed to assess problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and foundational knowledge in natural, behavioral, and social sciences. These skills are considered essential for success in medical school and beyond. The exam is a major component of your medical school application. Admissions committees use MCAT scores in conjunction with GPA, clinical experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements to make interviews and ultimately admissions decisions.

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MCAT Format and Overview

The MCAT is divided into four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (commonly called Bio/Biochem), Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys), Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc), and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS). The exam lasts approximately 7.5 hours, including breaks and check-in, and contains a total of 230 questions, with each section taking between 90 and 95 minutes to complete.

On the MCAT, most questions are passage-based, meaning you’ll read a passage describing an experiment, scenario, or argument and then answer related questions that test your ability to interpret data, apply concepts, and analyze reasoning. In addition to these, each science section also includes discrete questions, which are stand-alone and test specific factual knowledge or definitions without requiring you to read a passage. Mastering both types is crucial: passage-based questions build critical thinking skills, while discrete questions reward strong foundational knowledge.

How do MCAT scores work? 

Each of the four sections is scored from 118 to 132, with a median of 125. The total score ranges from 472 to 528, with the national average around 501 and the typical competitive score for MD schools around 510–512. Percentiles reflect how your score compares to others. 

For example: 

• A 500 is about 45-50th percentile 
• A 510 typically places you in the 80th–85th percentile. 
• A 517+ puts you in the 95th  percentile or higher. It’s a standout score. 

Scores are scaled using a curve to account for small differences in test difficulty. Contrary to myth, your score doesn’t depend on how other people perform that day, it’s based on years of data and consistent equating processes.

Sections on the MCAT 

Figuring out how to start studying for the MCAT begins with having a good understanding of the different sections of the exam:

1. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)

This section of the MCAT lasts 95 minutes and includes 59 questions, with 44 passage-based and 15 discrete questions. The content breakdown is approximately 30% general chemistry, 25% physics, 25% biochemistry, 15% organic chemistry, and 5% biology.

It tests your understanding of chemical and physical principles as they relate to biological systems, including thermodynamics, electrostatics, fluid dynamics, and chemical reactions that are important in physiology.

MCAT Study Tips:

• Review equations and practice applying them to biological contexts. 
• Memorize units and dimensional analysis. 
• Don’t neglect lab techniques and experimental design questions.

2. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

This section of the MCAT lasts 90 minutes and includes 53 entirely passage-based questions. It tests your ability to analyze arguments, interpret tone and perspective, and extrapolate information from passages primarily drawn from the humanities and social sciences.

MCAT Study Tips:

• Practice daily to build reading speed and comprehension.

• Focus only on the information presented in the passage. 

• Avoid extreme answers and concentrate on identifying the author’s main points and reasoning.

3. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem)

This section of the MCAT lasts 95 minutes and includes 59 questions, with 44 passage-based and 15 discrete questions. The content breakdown is approximately 65% biology, 25% biochemistry, and 10% general and organic chemistry.

It tests your understanding of biological processes and systems, cellular structures, enzyme activity, DNA and RNA mechanisms, and the biochemical foundations of life. Success requires more than memorization – it demands applying concepts to new scenarios. 

Tips:

• Know your amino acids cold.
• Practice interpreting experimental data and applying biological knowledge.
• Prioritize pathways like glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and DNA replication.

4. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc)

This section of the MCAT lasts 95 minutes and includes 59 questions, with 44 passage-based and 15 discrete. The content breakdown is approximately 65% psychology, 30% sociology, and 5% biology.

It examines your understanding of behavior, social structures, identity, mental health, and health disparities, reflecting how psychological and social factors affect health outcomes.

MCAT Study Tips:

• Use anki or flashcards for all the vocabulary and key theories. 
• Connect concepts to real-world examples to reinforce learning. 
• Don’t underestimate this section, it can be deceptively challenging.

How do you start studying for the MCAT? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but the best study plans share some common features: structure, consistency, and adaptation. Here’s how to start building yours:

Step 1: Determine Your Test Date and Timeline

Most students study for three to six months, dedicating 15–30 hours per week. Typically, it’s recommended to spend approximately 300 hours at least preparing for the MCAT. The first step is to choose your target test date, then work backward taking into account application deadlines and personal commitments so you can create a realistic timeline.

Step 2: Take a Diagnostic Test

Before diving into content review, take a full-length diagnostic exam from the AAMC. This baseline score helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses, measure where you stand, and guide your resource selection and study focus going forward.

Step 3: Choose Your Resources Wisely

Select high-quality study materials that fit your learning style and needs. Trusted options include AAMC practice exams and question packs, UWorld or Blueprint QBank, etc. It’s better to go deep with a few resources than spread yourself too thin.

Step 4: Set a Weekly Schedule

Structure your time so you balance content review, practice questions, and full-length exams. Early on (months one and two), focus on building your foundation and doing light practice questions. As you progress (months three and four), shift toward heavy practice, timed exams, and detailed passage review. Make sure to simulate real test conditions by taking full-length practice exams every two to three weeks.

How can tutoring help? 

While self-study works for many, working with a tutor, especially early on, can provide a lot of guidance and support:

1. Personalized Planning

Tutors help you craft a plan that fits your schedule, learning style, and goals. A good tutor won’t give you a cookie-cutter calendar but will identify what works best for you and provide personalized MCAT study tips.

2. Expert Clarification

Stuck on electrochemistry? Can’t remember the difference between Piaget and Erikson? A good tutor breaks down complex topics and helps you build conceptual understanding. They can provide questions focused on those topics to help you practice active recall.

3. Accountability and Confidence

Tutors offer motivation, track your progress, and adjust strategies as needed. That outside perspective can help prevent plateaus and second-guessing.

4. Strategic Test-Taking

Beyond knowing the material, tutors teach strategies such as how to approach dense passages and when to skip a question vs. guess. They can even help provide advice on managing time, stress and anxiety. 

5. CARS Coaching

This section trips up even top students. CARS-specific tutoring improves reading speed, comprehension, and confidence.

Final Words of Advice

Figuring out how to start studying for the MCAT can feel overwhelming but remember that everyone starts somewhere. The MCAT is not a test of how smart you are. It’s a test of endurance, strategy, and preparation. Build a strong foundation, practice deliberately, and seek help when you need it.

You’ve got this. And we’re here to help, every step of the way.