📘 MCAT Study Journal

December 8 — Morning Entry

Hey guys I’m starting something new. I’m going to track how I study. It might not be perfect or consistent, but I’m hoping it helps someone who’s juggling procrastination, burnout, a job, responsibilities, and all the pressure to stay on track. If this technique works, maybe it’ll work for someone else too.

🎯 Today’s Focus

I’m keeping things simple, steady, and intentional. My main targets today are Psychology and Physics, and I’m giving myself 1.5 hours using the Pandora technique. That feels realistic after a long shift.

I also figured out something important about myself:👩🏾‍🎓 CARS at work is NOT happening. Too many interruptions.So instead of forcing it, I’m doing a low-pressure 15-minute CARS warm-up before my main study block. It keeps me consistent without derailing my whole day.

📚 After-Work Study Plan

• ⏱️ 15 min — CARS

• 👩🏾‍🏫 45 min — Psychology

• 👩🏾‍🔬 45 min — Physics

👩🏾‍⚕️ At Work (If It’s Slow)

Just two simple tasks:

• Finish Biology lecture + take clean notes

• Write out amino acids for Biochem

📘 How I’m Studying This Week

I’m shifting how I use my Kaplan books:

• 👩🏾‍🏫 Kaplan = practice problems only

• 👩🏾‍🎓 YouTube lectures = content reviewIt just fits my brain better: listen → take notes → reinforce with practice.

Next week, I want to start easing Anki into every subject, not just Psych. Slow upgrades, nothing crazy.

This isn’t perfect but it’s real life. And if sharing my process makes even one pre-med feel less alone, then this is worth it. 👩🏾‍💻

🌙 December 8 — Night Follow-Up

Today didn’t go the way I planned, and I want to be honest about it.

I tried to hit the gym after work, but skipping lunch wiped me out. I got home starving, cooked, and by the time I finished, the energy to study was gone. Not ideal but it happens.

Here’s the adjustment I’m making:👩🏾‍🏫 No gym on work days (for now).Studying comes first until I build a stronger rhythm. If I want movement, I’ll do a small home workout after my study block not before, not during, and definitely not as a distraction. I need to remove the excuses.

So… tomorrow, December 9, I’m recommitting. No beating myself up. Just learning, adjusting, and showing up again.Consistency > perfection. Always. 👩🏾‍💻

📅 December 7 — Resetting My Approach

Alright time to meet myself where I am. Today I sat down and created a real, doable study list so I can stay grounded.

Normally this would be my rest day, but since I’m behind, we’re switching it up. I’m taking full advantage of free CARS (shoutout Jack Westin 👩🏾‍🎓), because as long as the internet exists, CARS practice exists.

Here’s the truth:This week I was supposed to hit Gen Chem, Bio, Biochem, Orgo, and Psych already… and I didn’t. So I’m catching up without overwhelming myself.

🧪 Today’s Fix: Light but Intentional

• 🔹 Gen Chem + Orgo: 10 questions total

• 🔹 Biology: 5 questions

• 🔹 Biochemistry: 5 questions

• 🔹 Physics: 30 minutes of YouTube (Pandora method)

• 🔹 Psychology: Flashcards to close the day

I’m starting at 3:40 PM and giving myself a 4–4.5 hour window enough time to work without rushing.

This whole setup is about finding a rhythm that still works even when life isn’t cooperating. Because life doesn’t pause for the MCAT… and neither am I.

one study block at a time.