My Journey from a 496 to a 516 MCAT Score: Strategies and Lessons Learned

Hi, I’m Abraar from MedLife Mastery, and I’m thrilled to share my personal journey that took me from a 496 to a 516 MCAT score. The MCAT can feel like the villain of every pre-med’s story, and I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be. In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience, the strategies I developed, and the mindset shifts that helped me not only improve my score but also grow as a student and person. Whether you’re just starting out or struggling to find your groove with MCAT prep, my story and tips can help you build a study plan that works for you.

Understanding My Starting Point and Challenges

My MCAT journey wasn’t a straight path. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in medical sciences, but I only really decided on pursuing medicine later in college — just like many of you might be doing now. Life, distractions, and a feeling of unreadiness kept pushing the MCAT further and further down my to-do list.

When I finally committed to studying, I was about two years removed from my pre-med courses. I was far from fresh on essential content — I didn’t remember amino acids, formulas, or a lot of the foundational material needed to master the exam. The sheer volume of content felt overwhelming, and I struggled with where to even begin.

On top of that, I wasted a lot of time jumping between different resources. I watched a dozen videos about the "best MCAT study guide," read multiple Reddit threads, and sifted through countless study plans promising perfect scores. But all that consumption resulted in zero improvement.

That’s when I realized that I needed to stop consuming and start doing — with a plan tailored to how I learn best.

Discovering My Learning Style and Study Methods

One of the biggest breakthroughs I had was understanding my learning style. Many people are visual learners or prefer textbooks, but I discovered I’m a multimodal learner . This means I learn best by combining different methods — textbooks, videos, and audio materials. This approach allowed me to engage with the material in different ways and helped information stick better.

For example, I’d read about a concept in a textbook, then watch a video explaining it, and finally listen to an audio review while commuting or exercising. This multi-angle approach helped me correlate information and reinforced my understanding.

What I realized is that MCAT prep isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Everyone’s path is unique, and discovering what works for you is crucial. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different study styles until you find the right fit.

 Tackling Weaknesses Head-On

As pre-meds, we tend to avoid what we’re not good at. I was no different. But I learned the hard way that you can’t skip your weaknesses on test day. If there’s a question you don’t know or a topic you’re uncomfortable with, it will come up, and you have to be ready for it.

Addressing my weaknesses was challenging — it sometimes meant lowering my confidence and confronting gaps in my knowledge head-on. But this approach yielded real gains. I started prioritizing my weak areas first, and bit by bit, I saw improvement.

This mindset shift — embracing discomfort and pushing through it — was a game changer for me.

 Building and Leaning on a Support Network

Through consistent effort, identifying my gaps, and pushing day by day, I was able to improve my MCAT score by 20 points — from a 496 to a 516. This wasn’t just luck or a fluke. It was the result of disciplined study, smart strategies, and perseverance.

I went from not even knowing what an amino acid looked like to mastering the content and feeling confident on test day. This transformation showed me that a high MCAT score is truly possible, no matter where you start.

 The MCAT Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

The MCAT isn’t a race you can win by sprinting. It’s a marathon that requires pacing, endurance, and a sustainable plan that fits your life. The key is finishing strong and feeling accountable that you did your best.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is to avoid comparing myself to others. Comparison steals joy and adds unnecessary pressure. Instead, focus on your own progress and growth.

Throughout this process, not only did I grow as a student, but I grew as a person — learning resilience, time management, and self-compassion.

 The Power of Community and Peer Learning

Being part of a community made all the difference. In the live strategy course I teach, I see how much students benefit from working together — sharing struggles, solving problems collaboratively, and learning from each other.

Peer-to-peer learning is one of the most effective ways to deepen understanding because teaching and explaining concepts to others reinforces your own knowledge.

Knowing that we’re all in this together creates motivation and accountability that’s hard to replicate studying solo.

 Tools, Tips, and Tricks for MCAT Success

In my course, I cover a range of tools and strategies that can help you feel confident when test day arrives, including:

• Identifying your learning style and tailoring your study methods
• Prioritizing weaknesses to turn them into strengths
• Creating a sustainable study schedule that fits your life
• Building a supportive network and engaging in peer learning
• Using high-yield resources and avoiding information overload

These strategies helped me boost my score by 20 points, and I’m confident they can help you achieve your own 516 MCAT score or beyond.

 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

To anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck in their MCAT prep, know that it’s possible to improve and succeed. The key is to identify your gaps, be consistent, and lean on your community.

The MCAT journey is unique for everyone, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can reach your goal. I’m excited to meet and support every one of you in my class and help you crush the MCAT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was your biggest challenge when starting MCAT prep?

The biggest challenge was feeling overwhelmed by the vast amount of content and being two years removed from foundational courses. I didn’t even remember basic concepts like amino acids or formulas, which made the starting point daunting.

How did you overcome feeling overwhelmed?

I stopped trying to consume every resource out there and instead focused on finding a study method that worked for me. Discovering that I was a multimodal learner helped me engage with content through textbooks, videos, and audio, which made studying more manageable.

Why is addressing weaknesses first so important?

Because test day won’t skip over the questions you don’t know. Facing and working on your weak areas builds confidence and prevents nasty surprises on the exam.

How can I build a support network during MCAT prep?

Reach out to friends, family, or fellow pre-meds who understand your journey. Joining study groups or courses like MedLife Mastery’s live strategy course can also provide a built-in community of support.

What’s your advice for staying motivated throughout the MCAT marathon?

Focus on your personal progress and avoid comparing yourself to others. Celebrate small wins, lean on your community, and remember that consistent, daily effort adds up over time.

The MedLife Mastery Team
Your MCAT Success Mentors