Some of the most common frustrations we hear from premeds sound something like this:
💬 “I’ve been studying for the MCAT for X months/X hours, but my score has barely improved.”
💬 “I got an X score on my practice test, but scored 15 points lower on my actual MCAT. WTF?! Why is my MCAT score not improving?!”
💬 “I spent thousands on a private tutor and my score stayed the same on my retake 😭”
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But before you assume you’ve hit a wall, let’s take a look at what’s really going on.
The Problem: The Wrong Study Mindset
Many students have been led to believe that if they dedicate a certain threshold of months or hours, or if they use the “right” study resources, they’re practically guaranteed to hit their target score.
But here’s the truth: It’s not just about how much time you dedicate to studying. It’s not even about what materials you use. It’s about HOW you study.
5 Common Study Mistakes That Kill MCAT Scores
🚩 Studying with distractions – If your phone is next to you, you’re not really studying. Even “just checking one text” pulls your focus and kills retention. The MCAT is a focus marathon—train like you want to win. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, have a friend take it away, or study in a distraction-free environment.
🚩 Looking up answers during practice tests – It’s tempting, but the MCAT isn’t open-book. If you’re checking answers mid-test, you’re giving yourself a false sense of confidence. Struggle through it, make your best guess, and review afterward. That’s where the real learning happens.
🚩 Passive studying – Rereading notes, highlighting, and watching videos at 2x speed feels productive, but it’s not. If you’re not actively quizzing yourself, you’re just tricking your brain into thinking you know the material. Instead, use active recall (flashcards, practice questions) and spaced repetition to make it stick.
🚩 Ignoring content gaps – If you keep getting the same questions wrong and just move on, you’re not improving. Keep an error log, review weak spots regularly, and spend extra time hammering down the concepts you struggle with. After every practice exam, dedicate at least two days to thoroughly reviewing every question.
🚩 Lack of discipline – Motivation comes and goes. The key is consistency. Some days, you won’t feel like studying—do it anyway. Set a study schedule, stick to it, and treat it like a job. Med school won’t be easier, so start building discipline now.
The Solution: Don’t Do It Alone
MCAT prep can feel overwhelming, and one of the biggest challenges is staying consistent. Having a solid plan helps, but so does having people who keep you accountable—whether it’s study partners, mentors, or a supportive community (like PreMedley 🙂).
If you’re looking for that kind of structure and support, it can make a huge difference. Whether you find it through friends, online study groups, or a formal program, the key is making sure you’re not going through it alone.
At the end of the day, MCAT success isn’t about cramming for months on end. It’s about training smart, staying disciplined, and building the habits that will carry you through med school and beyond.
Keep grinding. 👊
I think these 5 ideas are great study reminders. Everyone can benefit from putting their phone in another room, especially when studying. I also think another key to MCAT studying is practice questions. I have seen the most score improvement after many practice questions and attending PreMedley strategy sessions!
I am so guilty of many of the points mentioned, I always take my phone to look at the time *crying*. I definitely think focus, hardwork and simulating exam conditions are the best way to prepare and have seen growth.
I definitely think all the points brought up are so true, studying for the MCAT takes such discipline and you have to be constantly assessing your study strategies. One thing I did not realize was so important in my studies was to NOT do passive studying like mentioned in the blog. I was reading through the Kaplan books but not applying the material and it felt like time wasted after spending a month reading through the books with no application. The 5 common mistakes are huge trip ups that can keep you from improving. Great post!