Sketchy MCAT can be used for more than just MCAT prep. Learn how one student studies ahead of time by incorporating Sketchy into her undergrad classes.
The breadth of content on the MCAT is extensive but Sketchy does a good job of condensing the material into digestible, bite-sized videos with doodles, cartoons, and visual aids. They use the Method of Loci, a technique that has been used since ancient times and has been shown to be effective in improving memory recall in numerous scientific studies. I began syncing Sketchy videos with my Physiology course and found myself recalling the sketches when taking my own tests and quizzes. It is a great strategy to begin watching these videos early to allow yourself time to use active recall and spaced repetition techniques effectively.
Here are some commonly asked questions and useful tips that can help you navigate the incorporation of Sketchy within your own academic journey.
Sketchy’s content is quite comprehensive, with video topics ranging from capacitance in Physics, to cardiology and immunology in Systems Biology, to acids and bases in General Chemistry. As a student myself, I would suggest you spend 8 to 10 months honing your knowledge on all subjects.
It is best to get exposure to the videos during your classes. One tip is to check out the Symbol Explorer and see if the words in bold stand out to you and sync with your class material. So, for instance, if you are taking physiology right now and studying the digestive tract and how food is digested, watch the sketch on Mechanical and Chemical Digestion. This strategy helps hit two birds with one stone: You are learning the content for your class through the Method of Loci, and for the long term for your MCAT preparation, you have already gone through a good part of the high-yield content. You will find yourself recalling the sketches when taking tests and/or assessments!
You may find it helpful to skim a certain topic or chapter in the content review book first. Next, watch the corresponding Sketchy video. This will allow you to sieve out the extraneous information or any tangents that the textbook went into and only retain the high-yield material shown through digestible cartoons and sketches.
You won’t often find a relevant Sketchy video that goes into too much detail. But in this situation, first, focus on watching the part that overlaps with your class. If time allows, try to watch the remainder of the video and understand as much as possible. You will find it much easier to understand that same concept when you watch that video again the next time.
It is best to watch the videos first and space out the intervals (over weeks, or perhaps months) when you re-watch a video. While you may be tempted to make flashcards on each symbol in the Sketchy video, it is best to use the Symbol Explorer and Quiz Yourself tools instead. Take a quick quiz right after you watch a video to assess whether you have gathered the correct information and make sure that there are no gaps in your knowledge. In the next few weeks, skim through the Symbol Explorer tool. To do this effectively, only focus on the image or the sketch. In your mind, recite the answer and then check yourself with the caption at the bottom.
The first time you watch a video, watch it with excitement and a yearning to learn. Watch it at a normal-paced, 1X speed. Pause the video, if needed, to synthesize the information. It is helpful to pause the video at any random point and quiz yourself. Ask yourself, “What were the first and second symbols? How is this new cartoon connected to the first picture that was shown?” Engage with the video and take your time. It is okay if a 7-minute video is taking you 15-20 minutes to synthesize. Simply put, memorize the sketch and the symbols the first time around.
Based on the kind of learner you are, it might suit you to print out the sketches (colored, preferably) or import them onto your iPad for easy access, and annotate directly on them. Feel free to go a step further and tape them on your wall to allow you to look at them time and time again.
Overall, Sketchy’s videos are fully comprehensive. The amount of information included in each sketch is precisely detailed enough to study for the MCAT. The earlier you begin your Sketchy journey, the easier it will be to soak it all in. Get ready to eat, sleep, and watch Sketchy!
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