Watch this BEFORE you start studying for the MCAT.

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  • čas přidán 24. 06. 2024
  • These are my top 6 tips to starting off MCAT prep on the right foot! If you have any questions, I'd love to answer them below :)
    Also, just started a community Discord server! Join here and say hey: / discord
    Here are the links I mentioned in the video:
    More Info on Active Recall + Spaced Repetition: • How to Study More in L...
    Free MCAT Resources Compilation: • FREE MCAT Resources (o...
    Great Article on Making MCAT Study Schedule: www.shemmassianconsulting.com...
    My Mistake Tracker: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
    Timestamps:
    0:00 Intro
    0:20 Overview of Tips
    0:57 Tip #1: Effective Study Strategies
    1:58 Active Recall
    2:25 Cornell Notes
    2:57 Spaced Repetition
    4:26 Tip #2: Review Questions Efficiently
    5:25 Tip #3: Try New Strategies (Skydiving?)
    7:02 Tip #4 Use Your (free) Resources!
    7:53 Tip #5: Establish a Support System
    9:01 Tip #6: Treat the MCAT like a Job
    10:13 Motivation!!!
    10:36 Bloopers
    If you found any of this helpful, I would love if you could like this video and maybe even subscribe :D
    check out my podcast about cool topics in medicine!
    anchor.fm/medspectives
    / medspectives
    Music Credit:
    Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
    uppbeat.io/t/prigida/cosy
    License code: FPXVELB6J5DZQYRO

Komentáře • 133

  • @alondracarrion349
    @alondracarrion349 Před rokem +22

    I love the fact that this video is actually encouraging and has a lot of positive vibes in it. I've watched some videos that just try to scare the hell out of premeds and are not helpful at all. thanks for being different!

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      I'm so glad you thought so! Good luck on your MCAT prep!

  • @JairaWaller
    @JairaWaller Před 28 dny

    Important advice! It's smart to watch this before beginning MCAT studies. Thanks for the heads-up!

  • @victoria.has.no.secret
    @victoria.has.no.secret Před 10 měsíci +4

    I love the way you edited this video! It was entertaining and informational.

  • @maulikthakar7878
    @maulikthakar7878 Před 2 lety +8

    Nice! I feel like i am now better prepared to start studying for the MCAT! Thanks!

  • @asraaal-mosawie
    @asraaal-mosawie Před 2 lety +27

    Outstanding video. You are the type of future medical doctors we need in this world.

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 2 lety +1

      I appreciate that Asraa!! Just trying to do what i can to help!

  • @aflamingo3897
    @aflamingo3897 Před rokem +12

    Bro I didn't even realize that I subconsciously set an expectation of studying all the time no matter what or its wasting time, u saying it made me realize I need to study blocks and giving myself time in the day to not stress about it, thnk u

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem +1

      Hey! Completely understandable, I often felt the same way. But you're absolutely right, that's a much better approach to prioritize wellness and more quality study time.

  • @NSMIXA46VIJAYAANGELINA-ek4uk

    The way your trying to explain made me understand each and every step clearly 😌

  • @NSMIXA46VIJAYAANGELINA-ek4uk

    Thank you doctor for your guidance
    This video has taught me the basic steps that I need to follow

  • @cynthiaayala1183
    @cynthiaayala1183 Před rokem +1

    Dude this was actually a great video, thank you so much

  • @berkeleygolfer
    @berkeleygolfer Před 8 měsíci +2

    the princeton review reference was both comical and very triggering at the same time LOL. great video and thanks for the tips :D

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 8 měsíci

      Hahaha glad you made it to the end hope it helped!!

  • @tylerowens7314
    @tylerowens7314 Před 2 lety +47

    I back up everything you said 1000% Pre-meds please listen to Arvind.

  • @Ainykhan25
    @Ainykhan25 Před rokem +5

    I am studying for my MDCAT and I was kind of de-motivated and frustrated. I found your video, that is really helpful and your voice is so relaxing that now I feel sleepy. Jokes apart try making that kind of video because these help a lot and motivate freshies.

  • @beatrizalapatt3629
    @beatrizalapatt3629 Před rokem +1

    nice :)
    I’m going to try using your mistakes template because it looks simpler than the one I made. Mine was too wordy and I ended up not reviewing over enough. Anyway, thanks for the video & resources!!

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      Hey glad you enjoyed it :) good luck on your exam!!

  • @user-vi1kv1jw9m
    @user-vi1kv1jw9m Před rokem +2

    Lmao I've been using your notion resource page for about 3 weeks and didn't know who made it until watching this vid rn. Thank you SO MUCH man!

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      LOL hey I’m glad you’ve found it useful!!

  • @ArvindRajan
    @ArvindRajan  Před 9 měsíci

    Check out my FREE MCAT resource compilation: czcams.com/video/eRND83HA3KI/video.html

  • @sophiechritton630
    @sophiechritton630 Před rokem +1

    Love the editing on this 😄

  • @abbyt4853
    @abbyt4853 Před rokem +1

    this was a helpful video; thanks Arvind!

  • @jaydenallegakoen3119
    @jaydenallegakoen3119 Před 5 měsíci +1

    So helpful thank you!!!

  • @joshualiggins6257
    @joshualiggins6257 Před rokem +1

    Nice!! I loved this.

  • @user-vb1xy3ct3l
    @user-vb1xy3ct3l Před měsícem

    great video!

  • @frankiezelasko4333
    @frankiezelasko4333 Před rokem +1

    Goated Free Document

  • @rajgopalakrishnan6564
    @rajgopalakrishnan6564 Před 2 lety +2

    very useful tips 👍

  • @theassignment2071
    @theassignment2071 Před 2 lety +7

    Hi I enjoyed the video! I am currently studying now and I had a few questions.
    1. I wanted to know if you still read the books while using anki or no?
    2. Did you also work while you were studying or no?
    3. Finally we’re you already like proficiently with the content from your classes or did you feel like you had to learn or re-learn the content? Basically did you actually learn from your classes so that MCAT studying was more of a review, or did it feel like you were learning the material from scratch!
    Please keep up with the med videos, productivity or anything!

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 2 lety +10

      Hey! Thanks for the kind words :)
      1. I did! I would make Anki cards from the books as I read them instead of taking traditional handwritten notes. I then made different subdecks for each subject on Anki!
      2. I personally studied full-time over the summer and I found that this approach let me dedicate more time towards it! I do know lots of people that were successful with studying during work, and it all comes down to how well you can schedule your mcat prep time around your work hours. Depending on your work too, you can use certain hours you might not be too busy to review Anki cards quickly on your phone.
      3. Honestly, I finished all the classes I needed except physiology, and I THOUGHT that I would remember everything for the MCAT, but tbh I think I really did re-learn just about everything from my classes! One thing that I recommend though, is to read the MCAT review books alongside your classes. For example, if you're taking a biochemistry class in college, then read the corresponding biochem chapters in the mcat book so you know which content is the most important stuff!
      Hope this helps and good luck with your prep :)

  • @angel4days_127
    @angel4days_127 Před 2 měsíci

    Excellent video

  • @adelrizk5594
    @adelrizk5594 Před rokem +1

    Underrated video!

  • @IvonneT1606
    @IvonneT1606 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Hi Arvind, I really enjoyed your video and found it informational. I currently just started studying for the mcat and every time I start I feel like I’m clueless on whether or not I am studying the correct way. As of right now I have started by reading the Kaplan Biology book. I started off reading and taking notes and then adding flash cards on Aniki but then I stopped since I saw a video that said to read the content at least once and then go back and take notes and add flash cards. I would just like some guidance on what’s the best way to go about this. Thank you so much!

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 8 měsíci

      Hey! Glad it was helpful! In terms of Anki cards, try to not copy text directly from the book into your cards and try to make cards from your memory then double check them with the book after

  • @colorfish3559
    @colorfish3559 Před 2 lety +4

    Hey Arvind! This was a super helpful video! Quick question-do you recommend making our own Anki cards, or do you think using pre-made decks would suffice as well? Is there any reason why you chose to make your own Anki cards instead of using a pre-made deck?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 2 lety +4

      Hey! I definitely recommend making your own cards - I feel like you learn the content wayyy better because the cards are more personalized. I personally used Prerak Juthanis tutorial on making Anki cards and it helped a ton!

    • @colorfish3559
      @colorfish3559 Před 2 lety +1

      @@ArvindRajan good to know! Thanks Arvind!

  • @emmanuelamartya6475
    @emmanuelamartya6475 Před rokem +1

    Nice :D !! Lol that blooper part

  • @Mark.Z.
    @Mark.Z. Před 2 lety +2

    Hey Arvind,
    Great video!
    Do you mind describing your daily schedule? Like how you blocked out your day (ex. 8 - 10 am read 1 chapter, 12 - 1 pm lunch, etc.)
    Also, am I right in seeing that you really had 1.5 months of true, serious studying because your first 2 weeks had a rocky start?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 2 lety +3

      Hey Mark!
      I really appreciate that bro :)
      In terms of scheduling, I kind of kept a basic day-to-day schedule - for example, I used UWorld in my prep, and I made sure to do a 59 question set and a 30 set every day, as well as do some content review. I took the normal breaks like for meals, and whenever I was feeling kind of beat, I'd just do Anki cards on the couch or something. I think I would have benefitted from a more structured day-to-day schedule, and I'd recommend scheduling in some daily exercise when you're prepping!
      Yes, I'd say so. It worked for me, but was kind of stressful - the only big break I took each week was the time in the day left after I took a full length exam. I will say though that I had done some CARS practice before that point that helped a bit, as well as read up a lot on the exam and found resources online. I would recommend at least 2 and a half so you have time for hiccups and taking breaks without getting overwhelmed.
      Good luck man!

  • @Ikw__
    @Ikw__ Před rokem +1

    Thank u king

  • @Michael-wh6ql
    @Michael-wh6ql Před měsícem

    high quality content interspersed w light comedy

  • @getitdone0010
    @getitdone0010 Před 7 měsíci +1

    thank u for the video....

  • @FunFacts425
    @FunFacts425 Před 2 lety +2

    Hey man …You are awesome . Can you make more videos about your scheduling and more advices. I am a senior ..tryna decide when to take MCAT . Cz I got a full time job…it’s like no job I will be homeless 😂…so really will appreciate…your help

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 2 lety

      Hey thanks so much Nusrat!! More MCAT videos coming sometime in the future, but for now I recommend checking out Shemmassian’s MCAT videos on CZcams - they have a bunch of scheduling tips. My best advice is that you should make sure you block out a certain period of time to study, and make sure that you use that time to study every time and never skip it!

  • @tstoke7877
    @tstoke7877 Před 2 lety +1

    Nice! Those Princeton Review ads will never go away. Never. I thought once I stopped googling MCAT relevant stuff it would…yet he’s still there 18+ months later 😅

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 2 lety

      DUDE IKR!! Just won’t leave me alone - and making this video about it isn’t helping my case 😂

    • @katedenucci5672
      @katedenucci5672 Před rokem

      “The MCAT is hard and the MCAT is important” I even have nightmares of him talking 😆

  • @sandraroy4803
    @sandraroy4803 Před rokem +1

    taking my MCAT in 2 days!!

  • @Joshua-se5km
    @Joshua-se5km Před rokem

    Please make a vedio for how to start journey of becoming a doctor (MBBS) in canada as an international student from India

  • @Clumsyone2403
    @Clumsyone2403 Před 2 měsíci

    Can you please guide me about the whole exam and admission process i will be very greatful to you .

  • @nealpatel2285
    @nealpatel2285 Před 2 lety +1

    amazing

  • @stephaniegallo677
    @stephaniegallo677 Před rokem +1

    Lol the ending!!! I think we've all been personally victimized by that ad.

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      LMAO thanks for sticking on till the end and hearing me go crazy

  • @NSMIXA46VIJAYAANGELINA-ek4uk

    And can you please say me how to use the Anki

  • @edenassraf5196
    @edenassraf5196 Před 11 měsíci

    Hi! So did you make anki cards based on the readings from the kaplan books? Did you end up continuing to read the books? Thank you!

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 11 měsíci

      Basically yes, and no I didn’t reread the books. I do recommend using the Miledown deck bc they’re already based on the Kaplan book, so you save time instead of having to make the cards from scratch

  • @MrDillon45
    @MrDillon45 Před rokem +2

    Do you make your own Flashcards on anki or did you get a deck already made from somebody? I’m unsure of how anki works.

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      Great question Dylan - I think for content review I recommend using premade decks, particularly the Anking MCAT deck. When you’re doing practice questions, I’d recommend making your own cards.

  • @harrisontorres5025
    @harrisontorres5025 Před rokem +1

    Just started studying for the MCAT. Love Anki.Anyway you can share me your deck? Plzz

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      I would but my deck honestly isn't that great as the cards are kind of random and made for the particular weakness that I had. I'd recommend checking out my other MCAT resources video for a bunch of good premade decks

  • @kuse166
    @kuse166 Před měsícem

    Did you use uworld?

  • @emadewu
    @emadewu Před rokem +1

    I've been struggling to pass the mcat for over a year . Does anyone know any alternative to pass the mcat. please share 🙏

  • @vijisuresh5071
    @vijisuresh5071 Před 2 lety +1

    Nice

  • @saloniahuja1684
    @saloniahuja1684 Před rokem +1

    hey Arvind,
    1] can you plz tell me that after completion of undergraduation itself in the country like USA or Canada , how many gap years one can take before appearing for MCAT ?
    2] is it possible to study for MCAT with part time jobs in the gap year after undergraduation so that you can earn sufficient for expenses of medical school ?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem +1

      You can take like up to five gap years I think, otherwise you’ll have to retake your prerequisite courses. I studied full time for two months, so if you spread it over a year you should be able to work a job too. Although it might be hard to find a job to earn enough for the cost of medical school

  • @carluy7351
    @carluy7351 Před 9 měsíci +1

    My current study regimen is going through 1 chapter of kaplan a day + 3 CARS passages daily. The thing is, I'm a nontrad student and I have to relearn a looot of the stuff I took years ago. I'd like to do more Anki as I currently dont have the time to do them concurrently with the daily readings and CARS I do. Anyone have any suggestions? Maybe scheduling a whole day of just Anki?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 8 měsíci

      It sounds like you need a full content review phase, where I think doing Anki would really help you supplemented by reading the Kaplan too

    • @carluy7351
      @carluy7351 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@ArvindRajan Hey! Thanks for replying. I'm currently 1/3 through most of the kaplan books except P/S which I'm mostly doing through KA with Kaplan on the side. I hope to be done by the end of the year and then move on to AAMC and UGlobe. Any tips for the practice phase?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 8 měsíci

      @carluy7351 great to hear!! Hmm mostly just remember that quality is better than quantity - focus more on doing your best on Uworld than just doing a ton of questions - make sure you keep a log or make Anki cards off of your questions! Good luck :)

  • @lucky-so5wc
    @lucky-so5wc Před 10 měsíci +1

    Is it compulsory to give mcat you should pass from mbbs or it means qualified from any bio relatedv field

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 10 měsíci

      You should be currently enrolled in some bachelors degree

  • @mannamondal4949
    @mannamondal4949 Před rokem +2

    Is msc in medical lab technology or msc in biotechnology students eligible for M CAT exam?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      As long as you take all the required prereqs, you should be ready to study for the mcat

  • @Shree.Nadkarni
    @Shree.Nadkarni Před 2 lety +1

    nice

  • @nimrashaik3391
    @nimrashaik3391 Před 2 lety +1

    Hey Arvind! Approximately how many Anki cards would you recommend making per chapter of a review book?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 2 lety +1

      Hey Nimra! It definitely depends on the chapter. Some chapters like enzymes take longer than other ones. I just recommend going through and making sure you have cards that cover the main topics in the chapter summaries at the end of the chapters - don’t go way too in depth!

    • @nimrashaik3391
      @nimrashaik3391 Před 2 lety +1

      ​@@ArvindRajan Thank you! Also out of curiosity if you don't mind but with 2 months how did you plan your study schedule? Did you have a phase of content review and then practice tests or would you do practice tests as you did content review?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 2 lety +1

      I had a pretty short content review phase - most of my learning was done through Uworld questions since I was already somewhat familiar w the material from my prerequisite classes! If you have a shorter timeline, I definitely do recommend spending more time doing questions, and making Anki cards from those questions so you can learn content at the same time!

  • @abhigyansrivastava4247
    @abhigyansrivastava4247 Před rokem +1

    Hey!
    Does IB/AP Content give you any sort of advantage for MCAT?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem +1

      Hey! It could definitely help - for ex. taking ap bio, chem, or physics, that material is tested on the mcat

  • @arajan214
    @arajan214 Před 2 lety +2

    So, do you use these techniques?

  • @kukusocean6170
    @kukusocean6170 Před rokem

    Can you please tell what is the registration fee for filling mcat exam ( in Indian rupee). Also can you make a seprate video on how much (fee structure) used to get in any us med college

    • @birsingh9124
      @birsingh9124 Před 11 měsíci

      It's smth 30k to 33k ...
      Hy.. Let's be frnds and guider to each other for Mcat... I will start pre med from aug ig... Also prepare for Mcat

  • @samduncan7258
    @samduncan7258 Před rokem +1

    i need the link to your heart plushie ASAP lol 🫀

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      LMAO I got it on sale from my school bookstore but found it online: iheartguts.com/products/humongous-heart-plush

  • @captain2311k
    @captain2311k Před rokem +1

    Sir I'm a neet aspirant and 1st year dropper, am I eligible to give the MCAT exam ? And if , should I give ? Please help me if you can ! 🤝🏻😖

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      I think you should be completing a bachelors in science before you’re really ready to take the MCAT

  • @Dr.Almas-295
    @Dr.Almas-295 Před rokem +1

    From where can I start the preparation for Mcat in india

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      I’d suggest starting with the MCAT wiki page on Reddit! Also important to note that there isn’t an MCAT testing center in india

  • @bhargavig1154
    @bhargavig1154 Před rokem +1

    Do indian students can write MCAT with bachelors degree in inda ?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      I think you need a US or Canada bachelors to get into medical school in the US.

  • @mohdshakul9939
    @mohdshakul9939 Před 2 lety +1

    Hi can u plz tell me details about mcat exam i am from india planing to do md in usa

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 2 lety

      It can be difficult - you need to first get a bachelors degree. Unfortunately there are no testing center in India for the MCAT so you would need to go to a different country - if you really want to do medical school in the US, I’d recommend also doing your bachelors here

    • @mohdshakul9939
      @mohdshakul9939 Před 2 lety

      Currently i am in degree final year

    • @mohdshakul9939
      @mohdshakul9939 Před 2 lety

      So how can i preapre for the mcat exam plz reply me and which book i have to follow...

  • @sukoon_qalb25
    @sukoon_qalb25 Před rokem +1

    Hey bro! Do u have any book which you studied for mcat ?? If yes than plz tell me bcz i can’t afford those books 😢

  • @pradipchaterjee9576
    @pradipchaterjee9576 Před 2 lety +2

    Are you an Indian right
    You could have easily skipped the MCAT and then come to India for you mbbs :(MD): which is very easier to get into in comparison to USA that too after highschool.
    Then you could have went to USA with fellowship and usmle pathway

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před 2 lety +1

      Hey Pradip!
      I definitely thought about this in high school, but I decided that I wanted to do college in the US. Additionally, completing mbbs abroad then coming back as an IMG makes it a little bit harder to match residencies than rather going to a US medical school, especially in todays climate. For those reasons I decided to stay in the US, but I definitely did consider that as an option!

    • @pradipchaterjee9576
      @pradipchaterjee9576 Před 2 lety

      @@ArvindRajan yes obviously surgical residences are kinda out of reach for IMG s
      My brother is currently trying usmle
      And has a plan b for plab and next...
      Best of luck brother
      I'm Indian High SCHOOLER trying my best to clear neet 😅
      ....
      And doing some Olympiad stuffs....
      😅😅😅

  • @sunairaahmed3720
    @sunairaahmed3720 Před rokem +1

    how many hours a day did u study?

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      It’s hard to quantify, but I was studying probably over 8hrs a day, however idk how efficient that was. I’d probably do less hours if I did it all over again

    • @friedchicken892
      @friedchicken892 Před rokem

      less hours😮?

  • @quratulainadnan1162
    @quratulainadnan1162 Před rokem +1

    i just cried and broke down after watching your vdo. I am not that smart

    • @ArvindRajan
      @ArvindRajan  Před rokem

      That’s not true, you got this!!

    • @quratulainadnan1162
      @quratulainadnan1162 Před rokem +1

      @@ArvindRajan thanks I hope so :) im more in control of myself today :)