MCAT SHORTENED EXAM

MCAT SHORTENED EXAM & CREATING YOUR MCAT PREP TIMELINE

Here is the information you need to know for the remaining 2020 test dates: • There will be three MCAT administrations per test date (6:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.; times may vary by location). • Your day will be shorter, but test on the same

MCAT content in the same MCAT format. • All sections will have 48 questions per section vs. the standard 59 for Science and 53 for CARS. • Science sections will be 76 minutes. • CARS section will be 81 minutes. • Three 10-minute breaks vs. the standard two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute break. • Test scoring will NOT change. The novel coronavirus has caused tremendous disruption to daily life, including preparing for standardized tests and applying to schools. During this crisis, The Princeton Review has made sure to prioritize the health and safety of our students, teachers, and families. We sincerely hope you are healthy and safe as you read this.

As you might know, AAMC has announced that a shortened form of the MCAT will be administered from May 29th through September 28th. This is being done to accommodate the larger-thanusual number of students who will need to take the MCAT late this year—and to facilitate social distancing for examinees.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

First, it means you can be more confident that you will be able to take the MCAT this year, so that’s great news! To get prepped for the new MCAT timeframe, practice taking tests with the reduced break; you can do this on The Princeton Review’s online tests by ending the break after 10 minutes.

COUNTDOWN TO MCAT

Prepping for the MCAT involves some serious planning. Here’s what you need to know about how and when to study right up to test day.

When is the best time to take the MCAT? The earlier you sit for the MCAT, the better off you'll be. The field of applicants grows more crowded as the admissions season advances. Even if you complete everything else for your application early, most medical schools will not closely consider your candidacy until they have a copy of your MCAT scores.

If you take the MCAT the spring of your junior year (once you have completed your pre-reqs), you’ll have time to retake the MCAT in the summer or following fall, if necessary.

How long should I study for the MCAT? Believe it or not, most students who do well on the MCAT spend between 200 and 300 hours preparing for the exam. When you start your prep will be determined by your test date and by what other work and academic commitments you have—usually 3 to 6 months before your exam. View upcoming MCAT test dates, so you can start making a study schedule.

HOW TO STUDY FOR THE MCAT IN THREE MONTHS

If you have three months, here are your MCAT priorities: • Gauge your performance by taking a free online practice test. This first practice test will key you into your strengths and weaknesses and help you determine your baseline score. Now, we offer 2020 Shortened Free

Practice Test! • Let your baseline guide your content review. Focus on the sections, topics, or question types you need help with the most before moving on to comprehensive prep. For example, you may decide to start with any subjects not covered by your pre-req courses. • Grab a copy of the AAMC outline of topics that will be on the exam. While textbooks and notes from your pre-req courses can be great resources for reviewing material, you may get tired playing hide-and-seek to find the topics AAMC cares about. Investing in an MCAT prep book, which streamlines the need-to-know information in one place, will save you some time. • Consider taking a prep course to keep you on track. Plenty of MCAT test takers do study on their own, but it doesn’t hurt to review with experts who know the exam inside and out. Choose a course that works with your schedule and goals. If you’re prepping while going to school and also working in a lab, online test prep that’s flexible and convenient could be your best bet. • Practice, practice, practice. Practice questions and tests will show you where the holes in your knowledge are. When you miss questions, try to determine why. If it’s due to being shaky on the material, you need more review on that topic. Make sure you simulate the conditions of the actual MCAT for some of your practice tests.

MCAT 515+ LIVEONLINE SUMMER IMMERSION PROGRAM

Make this summer count by achieving your MCAT score goals. Our MCAT Summer Immersion programs are perfect for maximizing your score with focused prep experience. To learn more, visit PrincetonReview.com or call us at 312-379-5893