When to take it:

August after your sophomore year is the ideal time to take the MCAT.
    You have the summer to study, without being side-tracked by classes.
    You have just finished organic chemistry and physics (usually).
    You still have the chance to take it again in April if you want to, and you will not have to
        worry about the schools receiving your scores on time for applications.

or

April of your junior year is also good.
    You are in school, so your mind is not a bunch of mush.
    You have had 2 more semesters of classes, which may give you an edge.
    The schools to which you are applying will receive your scores in plenty of time.

Make sure you have taken organic chemistry and physics!

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How to prepare:

Take a half-length practice MCAT offered here at Southwestern periodically throughout the year.
    (Contact the pre-med advisor for dates.)

or

Review course - offered by Kaplan and Princeton
    If money is not a problem, this method is definitely recommended because you receive a lot of study materials, and you are           more likely to keep up with your studying if you have to go to classes.
    You are given 5 full-length practice tests, several very thick study guides, individual assessments of each section of the
        MCAT (showing where you need improvement), and access to many mini-tests on various sections.
    To learn more…
        Kaplan   http://www.kaplan.com/
        Princeton Review  http://www.review.com/

or

On your own
    This method has worked great for a lot of people, so I would try it first.
    It's definitely cheaper than a review course.
    You don't have to drive to classes.
    What you need (or what is recommended):
        1) A review book (You can buy these at half-price books for $30 or a at regular bookstore for $60.
                Don't worry about getting the latest edition.  Also, if you know someone who has already taken the
                Kaplan or Princeton course, ask if you can borrow their books.)

        2) Practice MCAT tests (you can buy these from AAMC only, but they are SO helpful)
                To buy them:  http://pnet400.aamc.org/AAMC_STORE/catalog.cfm

        3) Access to Kaplan's mini tests (Become a member for FREE, and take these short 15 minute tests
                on the internet and get scores back instantly.)
                To sign up:  Go to the Kaplan web-site, click on MCAT, and look for Free Service.
                Kaplan also has a lot of other good information about the MCAT.

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How to Register:

Pick up a paper application from the pre-med advisor here at Southwestern.

or

Go to the AAMC web-site  http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm

or

Contact the AAMC:
MCAT Program Office
P.O. Box 4056
Iowa City, IA  52243
(319-337-1357)

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Other Information:

The test costs $180, and is offered on a Saturday in April and August of each year.
Deadlines are in early March and July.

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