<p>limabeans,
I do not know how many hours D. has spent on the preparation for the MCAT. It was many. However, I know exact count for her ACT and Step 1. She studied total of 5 hours for the ACT, i hour every day for 5 days preceeding the test. She studied 14 hours every day for 7.5 weeks preceeding Step 1. She had few schduled whole day breaks. This was her way. Others (most) took shorter period of 6 weeks, they had less (or no) breaks. D. did well on all 3. “Well” means that her scores were enough for her goals at each stage of her life. Her “well” might not be enough for others and might be more than needed for somebody else. You have to set your goal and plan accordingly.</p>