If you’re aiming for the AMCAS 2016 application cycle, January is the best time to schedule your Test Day.
It might seem silly to be thinking about the new year when it’s only August, but as a pre-med student you need to plan ahead and start thinking about when to take the MCAT. Time flies, and before you know it—the AMCAS 2016 application cycle will begin.
So, get a jump on 2016. Here’s a few good reasons to consider starting your MCAT prep this fall and continuing over winter break to boost your score in time for a January test date.
Why should you take the MCAT in January?
Spring of 2016 will be busy. To get your application ready, you’ll need to secure letters of recommendation, write a personal statement, and organize your extracurricular and volunteering activities on top of a busy class schedule. There’s no reason to throw the MCAT into that mix as well. Instead, nip the test in the bud.
If you’re wondering when to take the MCAT, consider that a January test date will ensure you’ll receive your score in time to factor the results into your overall application package before the start of the AMCAS 2016 cycle.
An earlier Test Day means more study time
Taking the MCAT in January is also a great choice because you give yourself the entire fall to prepare. Insufficient preparation and too little study time is one of the biggest pitfalls for MCAT students. By studying throughout the fall and over winter break, you instead leave yourself adequate time to set yourself up for Test Day success.
Think of studying for the MCAT as a part-time job—learning to work efficiently is a slow process. Give yourself ample time to prepare.
Have an MCAT prep contingency plan
If, by chance, your MCAT score isn’t what you’d hoped and you need to retake the test, a January test date will still give you plenty of time to study and improve your score before the AMCAS 2016 admissions cycle starts in June.
If you take the exam later in the spring, on the other hand, you’ll risk limiting your preparation time before the AMCAS application opens. That means you could potentially delay getting your application into the hands of admissions officers at your dream medical school. Remember: with rolling admissions, every day counts.
Why take a Kaplan class this fall?
Thinking about when to take the MCAT isn’t the only important component to giving yourself ample study time, especially if you’re busy with classes or work. You also need structure to keep yourself on track for January.
While it’s easy to promise that you’ll spend 20 to 30 hours per week studying, you need to be realistic about how you will hold yourself accountable during your MCAT prep. Signing up for a Kaplan class will help you build a study schedule, provide structure, and help you achieve Test Day success.
A major benefit of taking a Kaplan class is flexibility. You have the option of taking a class that meets either once a week or a few times per week, depending on your schedule this fall. You can also opt for a Classroom Anywhere course, online or in-person, to better accommodate your schedule. Many Kaplan students also supplement their fall class with a couple of tutoring sessions over winter break to ensure they have the confidence to get the MCAT score they need on Test Day.
With so many different MCAT prep options, it’s easy to find one that works for you. Visit Kaptest.com/MCAT to view our upcoming class schedules.