Shivani’s MCAT experience
By: Shivani
About Me:
Third-year student
Biological Sciences with University
Honors
Took the MCAT after two years of
college
Relevant Courses (preMCAT)
Biochemistry
CHM5600
Organic 1 & 2

Lecture and Lab
Physics 1 & 2
(algebra based)

Lecture and Lab
Microbiology
Cell Biology
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
Calculus
English 1050 & 2050
Statistics
When you took the MCAT
August 19, 2006 at Wayne State
University (State Hall)
paper/pencil exam
Time
Started in mid- May until mid-August:
Three Months
Hours Per Week: ~ Six hours of Kaplan
Class, Diagnostic Exams, Independent
Studying, going to the center:
hard to estimate
Preparatory Class
Kaplan Course in Farmington Hills
Beneficial= Yes!
access to old AAMC exams/practice
tests/books/flash cards/online material/
study sessions at the center
In addition to the class…
Used textbooks/Internet as reference to
look up concepts
Emailed my Kaplan teachers questions
Good Methods
I used Kaplan strategy
Don’t fall behind!
Study everything even if you are an
expert in one subject for a balanced
score
10/12/12 OR 14/14/6
Outside of the MCAT
part-time work ~10 hours/ week
some volunteering
smaller side projects
Two weeks before MCATpure MCAT fun
No WSU courses
General Information
Make a plan and stick to it.
Don’t try to use every prep book out
there. There are TONS of materials
available.
You KNOW your weaknesses
Don’t get too caught up with your
classmates/friends. Everyone is
different.
Give yourself enough time
Reduce course load/workload.
Take time off to relax/watch tv/etc.
Take the practice tests in timed
conditions like the real thing. Don’t give
yourself extra time/extra breaks/etc.
Find a good place to study
Take the pre-reqs.