MCAT Timeline Workshop ft. Guest Speaker Shali

This week, we hosted our MCAT Timeline Workshop, an in-depth session designed to help pre-med students navigate one of the most important steps in their journey to medical school. We were honored to welcome Shali, a former UCR student and AMSA board member, as our guest speaker.

Shali shared his personal MCAT journey highlighting the ups, downs, and everything in between. From how he chose his test date to managing a demanding study schedule, Shali gave a real, unfiltered look into what preparing for the MCAT is actually like. His story reminded students that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and that being flexible and honest with yourself is key.

The workshop walked through:

• Creating a personalized MCAT timeline based on your year in school

• When to take crucial pre-reqs like biochem and psych

• Deciding between short-term (3–4 months) vs. long-term study plans

• Evaluating study methods: prep courses, self-studying, or hybrids

• Strategies to prevent burnout and stay consistent

  
  

Attendees had the chance to ask Shali questions directly, and he gave thoughtful, relatable answers. From dealing with low practice scores to choosing the right resources, his advice was not only helpful but also motivating. He emphasized the importance of progress over perfection and encouraged students to prioritize their mental health throughout the process.

Whether you’re testing this summer or just starting to think about the MCAT, this workshop helped break things down step-by-step. Huge thanks to everyone who showed up and to Shali for taking the time to speak with us!

If you missed the event, don’t worry—just reach out for the slides, timeline examples, and Shali’s top prep tips.