MCAT TIP - "WHY I MISSED THIS" LOG

 

💡 The “Why I Missed This” Log: A Smart MCAT Study Strategy

Most students track their practice scores. Some even review wrong answers. But few take the extra step that actually boosts retention and performance — figuring out why those mistakes happen in the first place.

That’s where the “Why I Missed This” Log comes in.

This is a simple but powerful tool that helps you turn your mistakes into targeted learning. Instead of passively reviewing answers, you actively reflect on your thinking process, identify patterns, and create a plan to improve.

• What is a “Why I Missed This” Log?

It’s a running document — a spreadsheet, Notion table, or even a notebook — where you track the details behind every question you got wrong (and even the ones you guessed right but weren’t confident about). This helps you build awareness around your problem areas and lets you study smarter, not harder.

• 📝What to Include in the Log

Each row should capture these four key pieces of information:

1. Question Source

   Where did the question come from?
   Example: AAMC Section Bank Bio/Biochem #32, Kaplan FL1 Chem/Phys #17
   Tracking this helps you monitor progress across different platforms.

2. Why You Missed It

   What caused the mistake?
   Common categories:

   • Content gap (didn’t know the concept)

   • Misread the question or passage

   • Rushed or careless error

   • Fell for a trap answer

   • Calculation mistake
     Be honest here — this is where the real growth happens.

3. Correct Concept or Insight

   What’s the right answer and why?
   Summarize the explanation in your own words. If it’s a content issue, jot down the key fact or mechanism you need to remember. If it’s a logic error, explain the reasoning that led to the right answer.

4. What You’ll Do Differently Next Time

   How will you avoid this mistake in the future?
   This might include reviewing a specific topic, slowing down while reading, or practicing more data interpretation. Keep it specific and actionable.

• 🧾Example Entry:

Source	Why I Missed It	Correct Concept	Fix for Next Time
AAMC FL1 Chem/Phys #9	Misread the units in a rate equation	Reaction rate laws use concentration, not time	Slow down during calculations. Double-check units.

•  Why This Log Works

The MCAT isn’t just about knowing facts — it’s about applying them under pressure, with precision. This log helps you:

• Catch recurring patterns in your thinking

• Improve test-taking strategy (not just content)

• Retain concepts better through active recall

• Build a habit of reflective learning, which leads to faster improvement over time

Students who use this method often say they start feeling more in control of their prep — they know why they’re getting better.

Set aside 15–20 minutes each week to review your log. Look for trends. Are you making the same kind of mistake in CARS? Is there a weak content area that keeps popping up in Bio/Biochem? Use this info to adjust your study plan going forward.

The “Why I Missed This” log might seem small, but over time it creates massive clarity. It forces you to slow down, reflect, and get intentional — which is exactly what the MCAT rewards.

Try it for one week. You’ll be surprised how much more confident and focused you feel.