Scoring a 520 on the MCAT feels like a pipe dream at first, especially if you’re starting in the low 500s. Trust me, I’ve been there. My first practice score after 2 months of studying? A 500. Yeah, it was a gut punch. But I didn’t let that define my journey. Instead, I restructured my approach, doubled down on smart strategies, and eventually pulled off a 520. Here’s how I did it—and how you can too.
Step 1: Embrace the Score as a Starting Point, Not a Definition
The first thing I had to do was get over the initial disappointment of my 500. Instead of seeing it as a failure, I treated it as data.
DO NOT TREAT IS AS A CONCRETE DIPLOMA OF HOW STUPID YOU ARE.
I HAVE BEEN THERE AND LET ME TELL YOU......
Big mistake. HUGE.
Because it isn't! As a figure skater and someone who modeled for 2 years, I was used to using externals as a metric. Probably the biggest kick the MCAT gave me was letting me know that performances are about so much more than the end result.
The progress. The things you learned along the way. The people we met.
But I digress.
I made a crucial decision: I was going to start from square one. This wasn’t just about trying harder; it was about rebuilding my foundation the right way.
I had learned that MCAT success wasn’t just about throwing more study hours at the wall and hoping they stick. It’s about being strategic and, more importantly, healthy while studying. I knew if I didn’t approach this with a better mindset and a smarter plan, I’d end up in the same place. This time, I wasn’t going to make the same mistake.
No studying for 10 hours straight without seeing my friends for 3 weeks. No skipping the gym, meals or time with my family.
Believe it or not, sometimes, less is more. It isn't worth the 500 hours of studying if you don't manage your sleep or health and then get sick right before the exam.
Action Step:
Analyze your score report in detail and identify your weak spots. It’s not just about saying “I’m bad at physics.” You need to know which physics topics you struggle with: energy, waves, circuits, etc. Being specific is key.
Active Learning, Not Passive Reviewing
In my first round of studying, I was passively reading, highlighting, and telling myself, “I’ll remember this.” Spoiler alert: I didn’t. The game-changer was active learning—forcing my brain to engage with the material.
Here’s what I did differently:
Teach it to a friend (or my poor houseplants, who now have a PHD in MCAT- they are charging about 500 an hour for tutoring, if anyone needs one). Teaching a concept forces you to simplify it and really understand the material.
Practice problems every day: After studying a topic, I immediately did 10–15 related practice questions to see if I truly grasped it.
Master the Art of Timing and Endurance
One of the biggest challenges on the MCAT is not just the content but the length of the test. It’s a marathon. I realized my stamina was off the first time around. So, during my prep, I took full-length practice exams at least once a week leading up to test day.
But here’s the twist: I didn’t just sit for 7 hours every Saturday and call it a day. I analyzed each test with laser focus:
Why did I miss this question? (content gap, misreading, running out of time)
What patterns am I seeing? Am I always missing the third passage in CARS because I’m rushing? Am I consistently falling for the same trap answer types?
By doing this, I didn’t just practice—I learned from each test and refined my approach.
Final Thoughts: Consistency and Persistence Pay Off
Going from a 500 to a 520 wasn’t about being a genius or having some secret weapon. It was about:
Consistency: Showing up every day and sticking to my plan, even when it was tough.
Targeted improvement: Focusing on my weaknesses instead of avoiding them.
Smart strategies: Mastering the how of test-taking as much as the what.
You can absolutely do it too. Keep pushing, stay focused, and remember: your first score is just a starting point. The 520 is waiting for you!
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