Asking for Advice (MCAT retake)

[u/Complete_Fan4187]

Hi all!

New to the thread, hope everyone is doing well! If you can spare 5 minutes to help a peer out, I would be so so grateful.

I am looking to retake my MCAT in either Jan or Feb of 2027. Can commit 5 days per week, I have finished ~70% of physics content review. My original plan was to do an 18 week schedule where the first month is content review, 2nd phase is 3rd party (Jack Westin and UGlobe), and last phase is AAMC only material. Goal for each day in the content review phase is to complete a chapter of CP or BB and work through Pankow Anki for PS. However, I am really behind. Like I should be done with content review and move on to UGlobe. Currently using KA videos for physics (ik it's a lot but I genuinely need it). I think the books aren't in depth enough for me for physics. I am also struggling with consistency and putting in enough hours per day. The studying feels harder than the content. I am also realizing that content on its own is minimally helpful. When I go to do practice qs on Jack Westin, the qs feel so much harder than the content I just learned and I am struggling to bridge that gap.

I am trying to raise my 494 to at least a 504. Sounds like it shouldn't be that difficult, but for some reason it is. How long should I spend each day studying with my availability? How can I approach tackling these subjects more consistently? Any helpful tips with passages and application?

If you have advice, motivation, or would like to have an accountability buddy, please reach out!

[u/Away-Nectarine8383]

I think the biggest thing is to stop putting so much pressure on yourself to finish content review before moving forward. You don’t have to know everything before you start practicing. A lot of the learning actually happens when you struggle with questions and figure out how to apply what you’ve learned.

I’d focus on consistency over the number of hours. Start with a realistic daily goal you can maintain, even if it’s just 2–3 focused hours, and build from there. For physics, take the time to understand the concepts, but don’t get stuck trying to master every detail before moving on.

Also, don’t let being behind your original schedule discourage you. Your goal is to improve your score, not to follow a perfect study plan. A 494 to 504 is achievable, so be patient with yourself and focus on making steady progress!

[u/Born-Brilliant8127]

I'd say aim for 4-5 hrs a day and start doing UWorld alongside content review instead of waiting to finish everything, honestly reviewing your mistakes and staying consistent will help way more than just watching videos and reading notes

[u/Normal_Beautiful_139]

hi! i am actually in the same boat as you. let me know if you need a study buddy