MCAT tutoring is one of the best ways to prepare for the MCAT. Your tutors can definitely guide and support you in all aspects of your MCAT preparation. But how early should you study for the MCAT? Also, when is the best time to hire a tutor if you are leaning toward hiring a tutor?
If you want to know when the best time to start MCAT tutoring is, this article is for you!
MCAT Tutoring: Pros and Cons
MCAT tutors are experts at planning and developing customized study programs and strategies for each student they work with.
According to some, an MCAT instructor is essential for MCAT preparation. Nevertheless, others will counter that having MCAT tutors has drawbacks of its own.
For your benefit and a better understanding of whether having an MCAT tutor is indeed beneficial, we have enumerated its pros and cons below.Pros of MCAT Tutoring:
Cons of MCAT Tutoring:
When is a Good Time to Start MCAT Tutoring?
There are no hard and fast rules on when to start MCAT tutoring – but consider when you are taking the MCAT and how far along you are in terms of MCAT preparation.
The best time to start is the moment you start preparing for the MCAT as well.
Having an MCAT tutor at the start of your MCAT journey saves you considerable time. You do not need to stress about making a study table because your tutor will do it for you.
Keep in mind that an MCAT study plan is your MCAT blueprint. It serves as your guide as to what topics to study in a given week.
Furthermore, an MCAT tutor helps you identify the areas you are already good at and those on which you need to improve. This way, your time will be devoted to learning about concepts and topics that you find challenging.
The table below shows when you should start MCAT tutoring in relation to when you are taking the MCAT.
If you are taking the MCAT in: | Ideally start studying with an MCAT Mastery Mentor in: |
|---|---|
January | July – October |
March | September – December |
April | October – January |
May | November – February |
June | December – March |
July | January – April |
August | February – May |
September | March – June |
When is the Best Time to Take the MCAT?
The MCAT is a challenging test, and the truth is, you can never be fully ready to take the MCAT. Every person has a different preference for the ideal MCAT testing window.
The best piece of advice we can give you is to take the MCAT when you feel the most prepared. You should keep that momentum moving forward.
Here are some questions you must ask yourself to determine whether or not you are ready to take the MCAT:
When Are You Planning to Attend Med School?
Whether you intend to take a break between your undergraduate degree and medical school or go directly from it, it is always a good idea to think about when you want to enroll and then work backward.
In many cases, students take the MCAT test in the same year they submit their medical school applications.
If you intend to join a medical school in the fall of 2023, you can consider taking your exam in 2022.
Is There a Possibility You May Need to Retake the MCAT?
Many test takers take the MCAT more than once, although it is not something anyone likes to think about.
If you think you might need to retake the exam and want to offer yourself an option, consider taking the test earlier in the year.
You will then have the opportunity to choose a seat on your preferred date and location later in the year, get your exam results, and decide whether or not to retake it.
Do You Completely Understand MCAT Content?
Most undergraduate colleges provide introductory-level courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, first-semester biochemistry, psychology, and sociology, and these subjects are assessed on the MCAT exam.
MCAT Four Test Sections are as follows:
Although you are not required to take any particular courses to register for and pass the exam, it is vital that you have an understanding of the subject and the skills evaluated.
If you think you need to take extra classes or study, think about taking the exam later in the year to allow yourself more time.
Speak with your pre-med counselor or a professor if you need assistance selecting courses because they vary from institution to institution.
The MCAT Has Testing Limits
There is a cap on the number of times you can take the test. You get a total of seven opportunities to take the exam over your lifetime, including three times in one testing year and four times over two subsequent testing years.
Please note that choosing to nullify your exam or being absent on test day will count toward your total permitted attempts.Medical Colleges View Your Complete MCAT Scores (For Retakes).
Retaking the MCAT will not give you a disadvantage, but you should be aware that medical schools can check the results of each MCAT you have taken. Every program has unique guidelines and practices for examining and evaluating multiple scores.
Additional FAQs – Good Time to Start MCAT Tutoring
How Long Should I Study for the MCAT?
Overall, you should plan to spend at least 200 to 300 hours preparing and studying for the MCAT.
To help you increase your MCAT score to the competitive mark quickly, we have collaboratively created these 
