If you have decided to attend medical school, then you are already a driven and focused person – and the world needs more people like you! However, to begin your journey and gain admission to medical school, you’ll need to ace The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT will test your knowledge and understanding of behavioral and social sciences, as well as your problem-solving, your critical thinking, and your academic skills. As these skills are necessary for any practicing physician it’s important you pass this exam well.
You can pass any exam with a bit of hard work and preparedness. So read on for 4 value-adding tips that will help you to prepare and ace the MCAT exam.
Create a Study Schedule
To set yourself up for success, you should give yourself plenty of time to study for this exam. So, start as early as is feasible. You should create a schedule so you know when, what time, and what you’ll be covering in each study session. This way you can keep yourself accountable and ensure nothing gets missed. Consistent studying is a great place to start.
Get Familiar
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam. You’ll want to have a good understanding of the length and type of questions that are going to be asked. The best way to do this is using MCAT books. They include a comprehensive review of the content you’ll need in a way that reflects the way the material will be tested. They give you practice questions and the end of every chapter so you can check your understanding in a situation that mimics the real exam, helping you to get a feel for how you’ll do. You’ll also get a concise one-page “must-knows” at the end of each chapter summarizing the most important points.
Factor in Test Taking Strategies
It’s no secret that the MCAT is a relatively long exam, so you must use your time effectively. To do this you’ll need to find a strategy that works for you. Some people choose to tackle the easiest questions first and come back to the more challenging questions later. Helping them to build confidence and set a good place. Strategies like this can really optimize your performance on test day.
Lastly, look after yourself!
Preparing for an exam is stressful, it simply is! However, to perform well on test day, you must find a way to manage the stress, look after yourself and keep a positive outlook. Working towards feeling good can be quite simple. Start by ensuring you’re getting enough sleep. Ensure you are eating enough and eating well. Ensure you are taking breaks from your studies, even if it’s just for a quick meditation or to take a walk.
It may not feel as beneficial as cramming information, but it will be when you turn up on test day feeling fresh, well-rested and confident!
Remember, the key to acing the MCAT is consistent and dedicated preparation, using effective study strategies, and taking care of your overall well-being.