Home > Medicine > MCAT
I Couldn’t Understand Science No Matter How Many Times I Reread It Here’s What Finally Helped
By Dr. Ahmad
Last Updated Apr 2, 2025
Summary: This article shares a personal journey of struggling with science while preparing for the MCAT and how shifting study strategies made all the difference. By embracing layered learning, focusing on big-picture "anchor topics," combining science with verbal strengths, and finding a supportive community, the author transformed confusion into confidence — proving that even non-science-minded students can succeed with the right system.
🎁 Special MCAT Gift at the Bottom of this Page! 🎁
1. I Stopped Trying to “Get It” on the First Try
One of the most freeing things I did was let go of the idea that I had to understand science perfectly the first time I saw it.Instead, I gave myself permission to learn in layers:• First pass: Just get familiar with the language• Second pass: Focus on what the process or concept actually does• Third pass: Test myself to see what I really understoodThat simple mindset shift helped me break through the “I don’t get it so I must be dumb” spiral — and gave me space to learn without pressure.
2. I Built “Anchor Topics” — Not Just Flashcard Stacks
I used to make hundreds of flashcards trying to memorize everything. It didn’t work.
What helped instead? Picking a few anchor topics — big ideas I could use to connect smaller ones to.For example:• Understanding Le Chatelier’s Principle helped me make sense of pH, respiration, and even enzyme behavior• Once I got how action potentials worked, neuro and muscle chapters felt easier• Learning about mRNA translation simplified half of the bio content I was struggling withThis made the MCAT feel less like a million facts… and more like a map with a few key landmarks.
3. I Paired Science with Something I Was Good At
CARS was my happy place. So I used it as a bridge.Here’s how:• I wrote science concepts like mini-essays• I explained physics topics in my own words, as if I were writing a blog post• I even journaled about confusing chapters and what didn’t make sense — just to process itTurning science into something verbal helped me take ownership of it. Instead of trying to match a textbook’s tone, I made it my own.
4. I Practiced Action Over Analysis
The hardest part of hating science? Getting stuck in your own head.I’d second-guess every answer, reread everything ten times, and delay progress out of fear of failure.So I created a new rule:
Take action — even if it’s messy.That meant:• Doing 5 questions even if I hadn’t “mastered” the content yet• Skimming a video and summarizing it, even if I wasn’t 100% sure• Choosing the best answer and then reviewing why it was right or wrongThis helped me move from “frozen” to forward — and progress started building again.
5. I Created a Safe Study Environment Where I Could Be Confused
Before, I always studied alone. Why? Because I was too embarrassed to ask questions out loud.But when I joined a small student community where no one judged “dumb” questions, something changed.Suddenly I could:• Admit I didn’t understand a passage• Share struggles with other verbal-leaning students• Learn from other people’s explanations and analogiesHaving a safe space to not know things made me more willing to keep learning.
Follow These 5 Steps— and You’ll See Results
By following these five proven steps, you can study smarter, build real understanding, and finally feel confident walking into test day.But here’s the challenge:Most students struggle to implement all these steps on their own — not because they aren’t capable, but because they don’t know where to start or how to stay consistent.
That’s why we created The 30-Day MCAT Study Bundle—to provide students with a step-by-step roadmap that ensures they follow these exact six steps effortlessly.For a limited time, the 30-Day MCAT Study Bundle is available with exclusive bonuses:🔹 A Complete 30-Day Study Plan – Know exactly what to study every day.
🔹 2,000+ Realistic MCAT Questions – Train under real test conditions.
🔹 CARS Mastery Guide – Finally conquer the hardest section.
🔹 Private MCAT Community – Get support from other students.
🔹 $100 Off for Early Students – Special discount for a limited time.
🔹 Risk-Free Guarantee – If you don’t see results, we’ll make it right.
The Complete MCAT Study Bundle
Unlock the Secret on How to score above the 90th Percentile on the MCAT and get into Medical School!
Limited Quantities Available
Student Reviews
Monica L.
"I didn’t think 30 days was enough time to prep for the MCAT… but this study system PROVED ME WRONG. I went from a 502 to a 515 in one month."
Monica's MCAT Score: 515
Sierra R.
"This saved me from wasting time on useless material. I got the exact high-yield topics, daily schedule, and study hacks I needed. Scored 521!"
Monica's MCAT Score: 521
Start Your MCAT Prep Today!
Everything you need for your MCAT preparation in one bundle!
Limited Quantities Available
Special MCAT Gift!
The Complete MCAT Study Bundle is offered in hardcover, paperback, spiral bound and digital version. Click below and order today!
🎁 Use code 'SNEAKPEAK' for $15 OFF! 🎁
© The MCAT World. All rights reserved.