MCAT Study Schedule: Weekly Templates & Hour Recommendations

Wondering how to build the perfect MCAT study schedule? This guide covers everything from daily hour suggestions to full weekly templates— designed to help you stay on track and crush the MCAT.

How Many Hours Should You Study Per Week?

Most students spend 250–350 hours total preparing for the MCAT. Spread over several months, that’s around 15–25 hours/week depending on your timeline.

Example Weekly Schedules

Phased MCAT Prep Framework

A strong MCAT study schedule doesn’t follow a fixed daily template—it evolves. We recommend structuring your prep in three flexible phases:

Phase 1: Content Review (2–4 weeks) — Focus on learning key science concepts using Khan Academy or Kaplan books. Do some CARS practice (e.g., Jack Westin), and Anki if it fits your style. Lightly preview UWorld if you want, but don’t go heavy yet.
Phase 2: Practice & Application (4–6 weeks) — This is your core phase. Dive into UWorld daily, analyze explanations, revisit weak content, and start using AAMC Section Bank. Flashcards and question review become central here.
Phase 3: Full-Length Exams & Review (2–3 weeks) — Take 1 full-length exam per week (AAMC + 3rd party), review mistakes deeply, and use that to guide focused re-review. Flashcards and Question Banks / AAMC Section Bank still apply.

Each phase builds on the last. Use your weekly schedule to track what phase you’re in, not just how many hours you’re studying.

💡 Quick Tip: Your MCAT schedule doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to be consistent. Stick to weekly goals, not daily perfection.

Customize Your Schedule with MCAT.tools

Want a schedule that fits your test date and preferred resources? Use the MCAT.tools Study Planner to generate a personalized study schedule in minutes.

Tips for Staying Consistent

Set weekly goals and check them off
Use flashcards daily—especially Anki
Review questions you missed (or guessed)
Track your progress weekly

FAQs

How many hours a day should I study for the MCAT?

It depends on your timeline. Full-time students often study around 6–8 hours per day. Part-time students (balancing classes or work) might study 1–4 hours per day depending on their schedule and energy.

Is it better to study in the morning or evening?

Pick the time when you're most alert and consistent. Mornings often work well for memory-heavy tasks, but evenings can be better for focused review.

Common Study Schedule Mistakes

Trying to finish content review before doing practice questions
Not reviewing missed questions deeply
Packing full-length exams too close to test day
Stressing over daily perfection instead of tracking weekly goals