Dr. Maeve Alterio
I’m a physician and internationally recognized researcher, and that background shapes how I coach. I approach the MCAT the way I approach medicine: analytically, systematically, and with deep respect for performance under stress. I understand the science, but I also understand the patterns of the exam: the traps, the predictable distractors, and the mental spirals that derail even high-performing students. My job is to help students see the structure beneath the chaos.
I work best with driven, high-achieving students who know they’re capable of more, but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by their MCAT performance. Many of my students are retakers or strong students whose scores don’t reflect their true ability. I focus on closing that gap. My students improve by an average of 11 points because we don’t just “study more”, we train strategically.
I teach students how to think through passages, manage timing with precision, and regulate their nervous system under pressure so they can perform at the level they’re capable of.
Students improve on the MCAT when they stop chasing content and start training decision-making. Most students misunderstand the process — they think improvement comes from memorizing more. In reality, improvement comes from tightening timing, refining passage strategy, recognizing recurring patterns, and building test-day composure. We focus heavily on performance strategy, error analysis, and eliminating inefficient habits. In my 1:1 sessions, I prioritize clarity and accountability. Students know exactly what they’re working on, why it matters, and how to execute it.
Accountability with me is structured but supportive. I help students prepare for not only the MCAT, but also medical school. Students often come to me anxious, burned out, or doubting their ability. The students who improve the fastest are the ones willing to examine their patterns honestly and implement feedback consistently. My coaching style is direct, strategic, and energizing.
Outside of work and research, I’m usually traveling with a camera in hand, or hanging out with my two cats.