5 Critical MCAT Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Struggling to see meaningful gains in your MCAT score despite putting in the hours?

You’re not alone—and you’re probably not doing anything wrong, but rather missing key strategies. Most MCAT prep issues come down to a handful of avoidable mistakes that waste time, reduce retention, and hurt performance on test day.

Whether it’s studying without a plan, skipping full-length practice exams, or relying too heavily on passive review methods, these pitfalls can silently sabotage your score. The good news? Once you know what to look out for, you can fix them fast.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 5 most common MCAT mistakes in 2025 and show you exactly how to avoid them—so you can study smarter, test with confidence, and get one step closer to med school.

Not Having a Structured Study Plan

One of the biggest mistakes MCAT test-takers make is diving into studying without a comprehensive plan. This approach leads to scattered learning, content gaps, and inefficient use of valuable study time.

A well-designed study plan serves as your roadmap through the vast MCAT content. It helps you allocate appropriate time to each subject area while incorporating regular review sessions for maximum retention.

Consider these elements for an effective study plan:

• Content timeline: Schedule specific topics across physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology/sociology
• Regular assessments: Include weekly quizzes to identify knowledge gaps
• Review days: Dedicate time to revisit challenging concepts
• Buffer periods: Leave room for unexpected delays or additional review

Your plan should be realistic and account for your existing commitments. Attempting to cram 8 hours of studying after a full day of classes is usually counterproductive.

If you’re unsure how to structure your prep, check out our Best MCAT Study Plan for 2025 for a step-by-step guide.

Ignoring Practice Exams

Many students make the critical error of postponing full-length practice exams until weeks before their test date. The MCAT is as much a test of endurance as it is of knowledge.

Practice exams serve multiple vital functions in your preparation:

1. They build the mental stamina required for the 7.5-hour test day
2. They help you develop effective pacing strategies
3. They identify content areas needing additional review
4. They familiarize you with the exam format and question types

Try to schedule a full-length practice test every 2-3 weeks throughout your preparation period. Always simulate actual testing conditions – same start time, timed breaks, and minimal distractions.

The most valuable practice comes from official AAMC practice materials, which most closely mirror the real exam’s style and difficulty.

Overlooking CARS Practice

The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section trips up countless MCAT test-takers. Unlike science sections, you can’t memorize your way to success in CARS.

Many students make these CARS-specific mistakes:

• Waiting until the last minute to practice CARS passages
• Not developing a consistent approach to reading passages
• Failing to practice under timed conditions
• Neglecting to analyze incorrect answers to understand reasoning patterns

CARS success comes from consistent practice over time. Try to incorporate at least 1-2 CARS passages into your daily study routine, gradually increasing to 3-4 passages in one sitting.

Focus on developing active reading skills by:

• Identifying the main idea of each paragraph
• Recognizing the author’s tone and perspective
• Noting transitional words that signal shifts in argument
• Mentally summarizing the passage before tackling questions

To improve your performance, dedicate consistent time to reading complex texts and practicing CARS-style questions. Need help improving your score? Read our How to Improve CARS Score on the MCAT [2025 Guide] for expert strategies.

Relying Too Much on Passive Learning

Many pre-med students spend hours highlighting textbooks and re-reading notes, mistaking familiarity with mastery. This passive approach gives a false sense of confidence without truly cementing knowledge.

Effective MCAT preparation requires active engagement with the material through techniques like:

Spaced Repetition

• Review concepts at increasing intervals to strengthen retention
• Use digital flashcard systems like Anki that automatically schedule reviews

Practice Problems

• Apply concepts to questions similar to those on the MCAT
• Work through problems without looking at solutions first

Teaching Concepts

• Explain difficult topics to study partners or even to yourself
• Create concise summaries of complex mechanisms

Self-Testing

• Regularly quiz yourself on previously studied material
• Create your own questions to deepen understanding

Research consistently shows that testing yourself on material is far more effective than simply reviewing it. Make self-assessment a cornerstone of your preparation strategy.

For a deep dive into effective study strategies, check out our post on Active vs Passive Learning in Medical School: A Guide to Effective Studying.

Neglecting Test-Day Strategies

Even perfectly prepared students can underperform if they haven’t developed effective test-day strategies. The MCAT is a marathon that requires careful pacing and mental stamina management.

Common test-day mistakes include:

• Poor time allocation: Spending too long on difficult questions at the expense of easier ones
• Break mismanagement: Not using breaks effectively for rest and refueling
• Anxiety spirals: Letting one difficult passage affect performance on subsequent sections
• Physical preparation: Neglecting sleep, nutrition, and stress management leading up to test day

Develop these test-day tactics:

1. Strategic guessing: Know when to make an educated guess and move on
2. Section transitions: Practice mentally resetting between different subjects
3. Break routines: Plan what to eat, drink, and do during your breaks
4. Stress management: Practice techniques like deep breathing to manage anxiety

Remember that your physical well-being directly impacts cognitive performance. In the week before your exam, prioritize consistent sleep, proper nutrition, and stress management.

If you’re struggling with MCAT stress, read our guide on Prepping for MCAT With the Pomodoro Technique to improve focus and avoid burnout.

Final Thoughts

The MCAT journey is challenging, but avoiding these critical mistakes can significantly improve your performance. Remember that preparation is not just about accumulating knowledge—it’s about building test-taking skills and mental endurance.

Focus on creating a structured study plan, practicing consistently with full-length exams, developing CARS skills, embracing active learning techniques, and mastering test-day strategies. By addressing these key areas, you’ll maximize your potential for MCAT success.

Remember: The MCAT is not just testing what you know, but how well you can apply your knowledge under pressure. With the right preparation strategy, you can avoid these common mistakes and achieve the score you need for your medical school dreams.