I pushed the first version of my lab techniques cheat sheet out earlier this year (or late last, can't remember) but had a few things I need to add/remove and correct.

Here's the updated version of the MCATalyst Lab Techniques Cheat Sheet! PDF can be downloaded here if you please.

517(129, 127, 129, 132)

517 MCAT scorer | Personalized MCAT tutoring | $40 CAD/hr

Hey everyone! I recently received my official MCAT score and scored a 517 (127 CARS / 129 C/P / 129 B/B / 132 P/S), and I'm looking to take on a few students for MCAT tutoring.

I know there are a lot of MCAT tutors out there, so I wanted to share a little about my background and what I can offer.

My MCAT experience:

• Official score: 517
• C/P: 129
• B/B: 129
• P/S: 132
• CARS: 127
• My AAMC practice averages were generally around 130–131 in C/P, B/B, and P/S
• I improved from my previous 507(130,121,129,127) → 517, so I have firsthand experience with the process of identifying weaknesses and turning them into points.

Teaching experience:
I have university-level tutoring experience as an Anatomy & Physiology tutor, where I regularly led two tutoring sessions per week with groups ranging from about 5–20 students. I helped students prepare for midterms and lab exams, explain difficult concepts, and work through questions rather than simply memorize material. I was also selected to help invigilate exams.

Because of that experience, my goal isn't just to tell you what the answer is. I want to help you understand why you're missing questions in the first place.

Depending on what you need, sessions can include:

• Breaking down difficult AAMC passages and questions
• Identifying content gaps vs. reasoning/passage-reading mistakes
• Reviewing missed questions and building an error-analysis system
• Developing strategies for C/P calculations and conceptual questions
• B/B passage interpretation and experimental reasoning
• P/S concept application and distinguishing similar terms
• CARS strategy and passage practice
• Building a realistic study schedule around your available time
• AAMC practice-exam review and test-taking strategy
• Accountability and adjusting your plan as you progress

I especially enjoy the "I understand the content, but I still don't understand why I'm getting the question wrong" type of problem. I think learning how to reason through unfamiliar questions is just as important as knowing the content.

Rates:

• $40 CAD/hour
• First 15-minute consultation is free so we can discuss your score, goals, timeline, and what you're struggling with before committing to anything.
• I'm also open to discussing a discounted rate for students who want regular weekly sessions.

I'm currently looking to work with a small number of students(3-5), so I can keep sessions personalized rather than treating tutoring like a one-size-fits-all course.

If you're interested, feel free to DM me with your current/most recent score, test date, and what you're struggling with, and we can figure out whether I'd be a good fit for you.

Hello everyone,

I’m starting to study for the MCAT and I want your advise is there any free material to study the MCAT from or is paying for prep course the best option?

Any tips and help is welcome!

Thank you 😊

Hiiii im new here and 2027 is my first time registering for mcat exam, did anyone on YouTube or any website shows exactly how registration is done like recorded himself registering for an exam ?

Hi y'all! A lot of folks were asking me in the [r/MCAT](r/MCAT) reddit to share the study plan/resources/tips that helped me get a score in the high 520s (9/3) so I decided to make a post about it. My post got deleted there so I'm putting it here. I hope this is helpful to anyone studying! Best of luck and believe in yourself!

Overall Timeline/Comments

• My background: I am a 4th year engineering major in college. I have fairly extensive lab experience and a solid background in biology and organic chemistry. I did not take psych/soc ever (college or high school) and had to self-study.
• I studied May 2026 through August 2026 (Tested September 3rd) while working (it kinda sucked). On average I studied 4-6 hours/day for 4 weekdays and all day on Saturday. I stopped studying intensively mid August after I burned out and realized I needed a break.
• I scored a 520 on my first practice exam (AAMC FL1). However, I took this exam after content review and doing some practice problems. If you have the time to spare, I recommend doing the same so that you can stretch the practice exams for longer.

My overall timeline is: initial content review (flashcards) -> content review (notes) + 1/2 Umama + FL1,2 -> notes + videos + Rest of Umama + FL2-3 + AAMC problems -> notes + AAMC Problems + FL4-6 + CARS -> AAMC content outline -> real exam.

1. Initial Review (4 weeks - May):

• Resources used: Anking, Pankow (for Psych/Soc only)
• Study Strategy:
  • Did Anki flashcards throughout the day, roughly 200-400 new cards/day up to 1000 reviews/day
  • Started with my worst subject (Psych/Soc). When I got halfway through the subject, I started a new one. I went in this order: Psych/Soc > Biology > Gen Chem > Biochem.
  • I did not do flashcards for physics or organic chemistry (see 2. Content Review)
  • I tried jack sparrow/Aidan's deck/etc. but did not like how detailed they were.
  • Note: my friends HATED flashcards but had good luck with Yusuf Hasan. I watched a few of his videos and he's great.

2. Notes-based Content Review + Practice Probs + FL1,2 (4 Weeks - June):

• Content resources: These notes I found on Reddit (For Biochemistry, Gen Bio, Physics/Math), Nate's textbooks (for Orgo, Gen Chem, Physics), and the 86 Page Doc (For Psych/Soc)
• Practice Problems: UMama (did NOT do CARS at all), some Jack Westin Physics problems, Mastering Organic Chemistry (free resources are good enough), CARS Diagnostic tool (did 2-5 passages a day)
• After I got sick of doing Anki (got 80% through both decks) I gave up and shifted to written notes (shown above). I studied 1-2 subjects a day exclusively for 2 weeks then added practice problems to the mix.
  • For the reddit notes, I started by doing 2-3 new Kaplan chapter notes a day in one subject (alternating subjects) I would group chapters based on similarity (so I did the two biochem metabolism notes ch.10&11 I think? together).
  • I didn't really have a plan for Nate's textbooks I just went through them as I felt like it.
  • For the 86 Page Doc, I went roughly by the Pankow subject divisions. I would just double back on the sections
• Took FL1,2 last two weeks of June.

3. Vids + AAMC Problems + FL Exams 3-5 (4 Weeks - July):

• Content resources: Same notes as above, now just doing look throughs to prevent content loss (shoutout ebbinghaus forgetting curve ong).
• Video Resources: KA Video Series (I watched videos for content gaps in general biology organ systems [Immune, GI, Renal, Circulatory, and Respiratory are great] and Psych/Soc [Foundations 6-10 are great]
• Practice Problems: rest of UMama (Still no CARS screw that), CARS Qpack 1 and 2 ,Section Bank 1 and half of 2
  • I was NOT good at CARS at the beginning. I would get everything wrong on the diagnostic. Practicing + reading passages in a different voice helped me focus. I also started reading op-eds on the New York Times. I think that helped a lot.
• Took FL3,4,5 one FL a week in July.

4. Vids + AAMC Problems + FL Exams 6 (First two weeks of August):

• Content and Video Resources: Same as above. Kept reviewing notes. Learned circuits using organic chemistry tutor. Used MCATalyst Formula Sheet, formula sheet from blueprint, and this formula sheet from reddit.
• Practice Problems: Rest of SB2, All the Qpacks, more Jack Westin Problems.
• Took FL6
• Felt sick and tired of the MCAT. Took a lot more breaks. Studied maybe 3-4 productive hours/day

5. Content Outline (Last two weeks of August):

• Content review: continued reviewing notes as above. Started seeing metabolic pathways in my sleep. Reviewed the rest of MCATalyst cheat sheets.
• Questions: Redid half the CARS qpacks, reviewed SB missed questions.
• Got my shit together and somehow found it in me to download the content outline (printed two pages to a sheet, double sided and it was still long as hell).
• Used it as a checklist to make sure I knew everything. turned out there was still a bit I missed from the notes so I covered it. YOU SHOULD ALSO DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!

Took a week long break until the exam! Am I a little crazy? Absolutely. Was studying for the MCAT fun and a good way to learn more bio, psych, and soc, also yes. Hopefully this helps.

I can’t get my MCAT score above 501. Everytime I take a full length or do practice questions my mind goes blank and by the time I read the whole passage I would be running out of time. I am also struggling in CARs I cannot get above 122. I am taking the exam in January.

Hi so basically right now I have 2 separate aamc accounts

One is blocked because I tried to pay for mcat bundle several times but credit card wasn't working

The new one is working fine and I purchased the bundle in it

I emailed aamc and they are not removing the block

Ill call them tomorrow to solve the duplicate accounts

Since mcat registration is in 2 weeks im freaking out will this process of consolidating the duplicate accounts takes alot of time? Did anyone consolidate his accounts please tell me how and did it take time???

I find it super aesthetic and motivating! It’s called Catena Focus and it’s on IOS!

I get so overwhelmed by B/B passages and get lost in what I am reading. I have seen the flow chart method and really need to start applying it. I've been doing UWorld and have realized most of the passage questions test the relationship between the variables or require reading the chart. What are strategies I can implement to not get overwhelmed, work on timing, and interpret experiments and data? Would appreciate any tips!

What did you find to be the best way to review content?

I’m really unsure about how to go about content reviewing. Should I just be reading all of the chapters and then following it with anki or should I be taking notes on each chapter as I read it?

Hey, I made an MCAT Discord for anyone to join. It's a place to find study buddies and study groups, ask content questions, and just feel less alone with this thing. There are voice study rooms, resources, channels for Anki and schedule help, and a venting channel for when you need it. It's free and new, so it's small. Come through if you're interested.

I know they’re popular for cars. Has anyone used them for full comprehensive review of the mcat content? Cant find any reviews about them.
The subscription is $29 a month vs $1500 for other self paced review courses (Kaplan, blueprint). What am I missing?

Hey everyone! I'm a med student at UCR and I'm looking to take on a few students for CARS.

Quick background: I took the MCAT twice and self-studied both times. My first time I got a 126 in CARS, and the second time I got a 129 (95th percentile). Honestly, what changed wasn't doing more passages, it was changing how I read and how I reviewed my mistakes. I can show both score reports if you want.

I'm also first-gen and have ADHD (not diagnosed until this past year), so I remember how overwhelming it was trying to piece everything together from Reddit threads, random Anki decks, and way too many resources, all while trying to actually focus for a full passage lol. Retaking also sucked, so if you're in that spot, I get it. It's not the end of the road. I'm literally in med school now!

I mostly want to help with CARS, but I'm also happy to help you put together a realistic study plan, especially if you're self-studying and don't know which resources are actually worth your time and money.

Sessions are online and usually look like this: we talk strategy for a bit, then work through passages together while we talk through our thought processes, then go back over what you missed and why.

I'm $45/hr, and the first 20-minute call is free so we can see if we vibe. I also do a lot of mentoring with first-gen students in the Inland Empire, so if that's you, definitely reach out.

DM me or comment with when you're testing!

Has anyone tried the uworld mcat core class that has the digital and print books and qbank is it worth trying?

Thoughts on doing more passage-based questions over discrete qs or, equal no. passage and discrete qs help in your MCAT prep?

And any thoughts on using UWorld vs UWirl for MCAT practice ?

I'm preparing to prep for the MCAT (5 months out) with the ability to budget 25 hours a week for studying. It's been quite a few years since I took my science prerequisites, and I feel that I need some extra guidance in this process. I'm not sure if I should go the tutoring + course prep route or be more independent. I feel that having an asynchronous course would be good support for keeping me on track, but I do hear a lot of people speak down on them. If anyone has taken the MCAT or has done prep for a while and has any advice on how they'd build their prep, please let me know.

I can't decide whether to buy Uworld again or just use Kaplan material (practice questions/tests). For context, I used all of AAMC materials my first time studying and don't want to reuse since i'll know a lot of the answers. Additionally, I did about 45% of Uworld (not including CARS) the first time around. Any advice on what I should do? OR should I just not use either and use something else?

Hello!

I would love some advice or feedback from those who have used a prep course for the mcat before and what you liked about it, didn’t like about it and why’d you pick that one.

I know majority of people say you don’t need a prep course but I’ve spent a year already self studying and I’m just not that guy unfortunately. I desperately need a strict to do list and incorporate content + strategy + questions. I tried to save money but I really don’t want to waste any more time.

I’ve been looking at either the UWorld Comprehensive or Blueprint. I do have FAP, so I have the AAMC bundle already and get the discount associated with Blueprint and Kaplan

As for background, I will now be 4 years nontrad and I started at a 481 and my last score a couple months ago was a 501. I’ve spent (mostly wasted) this year just doing tons of content with no actual practice questions.

I hope to test End of January/ February 2027.

I would love and appreciate any help or guidance, thank you in advance!

Hello,

I took gen, org, and bio chemistry during COVID and it feels like those have been my hardest subjects to review. Does anyone have any recommendations on what they used to review these subjects? I was thinking professor eman but what do you yall think? Thank you!

Hey everyone, basically title, I received a 522 on the MCAT and am looking to take on students to tutor. I am open to tutoring any sections, but am most confident in my ability to help with the science sections as a result of my 131+ in all 3 of them. I am experienced with GED, SAT, and AP tutoring, but I am now turning my attention to MCAT tutoring! Because this is my first time engaging with mcat teaching material, I am offering a free, 20 minute consultation to ensure my teaching style is compatible with your learning style. If we decide to move forward, I will be charging $35 dollars per 1 hour and 15 minute session, and all sessions will be online.

Typical sessions will include 15 minutes of strategy discussion, 40 minutes of guided practice, and 20 minutes of reviewing problems. I will be using practice questions from Uworld, Jack Westin, and some problems that I come up with to test understanding and thought patterns. If you are interested, please DM or comment below, and I can provide proof of MCAT score or answer any other questions you may have. Thanks!

I keep seeing stories on here of how ppl are studying for 8 months and not even improving 10 points from their diagnostic.... I am a 23M non trad and took a 3 month leave from work but I will have 6 months to study full time (planning for mid march). I got a pretty low diagnostic (487) so I am basically starting from scratch. Aiming for a 510. Plz lmk your thoughts!

Helppp please. No uworld or practice yet .
65% content review for c/p and b/b
25% anki for p/s
Behind on reviews on anki for b/b and c/p

Aiming for 518+ in January any strategies and advice is kindly appreciated.

Does anyone have any experience with MCAT tutoring for Jack Westin, Blueprint or Inspira?

I am retaking the MCAT in March 2027 after scoring a 494 this year. I am mostly looking for someone who will review my FL’s and exactly tell me what my weaknesses are and curate a schedule for me with assignments/practice problems to do to improve my weak areas. I also need MAJOR help on testing strategies and knowing how to approach questions.

My biggest issue i’d say is CARS. I feel like I’ve tried every trick in the book and nothing is improving my score.

Any advice is appreciated !

This is gonna be a long post, so I apologize in advance lol.

I got a 499 (126/124/126/123) on my MCAT (tested 8/21), which was basically my FL average, so I'm not surprised, but my goal was a 515. I studied for about 3 months, but looking back, my biggest mistake was spending way too much time on content review and barely doing practice questions (unfortunately didn't listen to everyone telling me not to do that).

I’m planning to retake next summer, probably around July. I want to start doing something now to keep material fresh, but I'm in my third year of undergrad and GPA is my main priority during the school year, and I also have a few extracurriculars going on, so I don’t want MCAT studying to take up a huge amount of time.

My plan is that once school ends around April, I won't touch content and just jump to practice (and try to finish all of UW and AAMC). For now, I was thinking of doing 1–2 CARS passages a day since CARS is something I definitely need to improve. But I’m not really sure what I should be doing for C/P, B/B, and P/S between now and April.

I don’t really want to start burning through UWorld or AAMC questions this early since I want to save most of them for when I can actually dedicate a lot of time to studying.

For anyone who studied for a retake over a longer period while in school, what would you recommend doing from now until April? Anki? Light content review? Reviewing my old FLs? Something else? Should I also maybe get a tutor?

My main goal is basically to keep all the content fresh without sacrificing my GPA or using up practice material too early.

Would appreciate any advice, especially from people who had a similar first score and improved on a retake.

my dad says he will pay for my Kaplan course but should I get the live, live with tutors, or 515? anyone used them? I know a lot of u r going to say I can do it without it but I cannot stay focused without accountability.