Taking the MCAT

Preparing for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) requires a well-thought-out plan and effective test-taking strategies. Here are some tips to help you prepare and succeed:

Preparation Tips:

1. Create a Study Schedule:

   • Plan your study schedule months in advance. Allocate specific times for each section of the MCAT (Chemical and Physical Foundations, Biological and Biochemical Foundations, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills).

   • Consistency is key, so study regularly and avoid cramming. I call it a "ritual."

2. Use Official Resources:

   • Utilize official MCAT practice tests and question banks from the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges). These materials closely mimic the actual exam.

3. Review Content Thoroughly:

   • Make sure to have a solid understanding of foundational concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. Focus on high-yield topics that frequently appear on the exam.

   • Use review books, online resources, and prep courses if needed.

4. Practice with Full-Length Tests:

   • Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions to simulate test day. This will help you build endurance and get used to the pacing of the exam.

   • Review your answers thoroughly to understand your mistakes and learn from them.

5. Strengthen Critical Analysis Skills:

   • The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section requires strong reading comprehension and critical thinking. Practice reading complex passages and answering questions related to them.

6. Join Study Groups:

   • Studying with others can help reinforce your understanding of difficult concepts and keep you motivated. Group discussions can also offer new perspectives on challenging topics. One advice here is to make sure your group is productive otherwise you might waste a lot of time.

7. Focus on Weak Areas:

   • Identify your weak areas early in your preparation and devote extra time to improving them. Don’t neglect any section of the test.

8. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

   • Proper sleep, nutrition, and regular exercise are essential for peak mental performance. Don’t overlook self-care during your preparation.

There is no short cut to doing well on the exam. "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." — Robert Collier

Creating a healthy ritual for studying is key!

My ritual: Study, eat, sleep, repeat. Once in a while break the cycle with something fun so you can refresh and rejuvenate. Find time for meditation and exercise!

Test-Taking Strategies:

1. Pace Yourself:

   • The MCAT is a long exam, so it’s important to manage your time wisely. Don’t spend too much time on any single question; if you're stuck, move on and come back to it later. Plan out your breaks and lunch to stay focus and avoid being fatigue.

2. Read Questions Carefully:

   • Carefully read each question and all answer choices before selecting your response. Sometimes, small details can make a big difference. Tips: I like to glance at the question first to have an idea of what the problem is about, then I skim the answers before reading the whole synopsis and choosing my answers.

3. Use the Process of Elimination:

   • Eliminate obviously incorrect answers to improve your chances of selecting the correct one. Even if you’re unsure, narrowing down your options can increase your odds.

4. Practice Active Reading:

   • For passage-based questions, especially in the CARS section, practice active reading. Highlight or take brief notes on key points in the passage to help you answer questions more accurately.

5. Stay Calm and Focused:

   • If you start to feel anxious during the exam, take a few deep breaths to calm down. Staying calm will help you think more clearly and perform better.

6. Review Your Answers:

   • If time permits, review your answers before moving on to the next section. This can help catch any mistakes or misread questions.

7. Skip and Return:

   • If a question is taking too long, skip it and return to it after you’ve answered the other questions in that section. This ensures you don’t run out of time before answering easier questions.

8. Use Scratch Paper Wisely:

   • Use the provided scratch paper for calculations, outlining passages, or jotting down quick notes. This can help you keep your thoughts organized. Tips: I usually try to look at some important equations right before I check in at the test center and write them on the scratch paper before I began my exam. This might not work for everyone, so you will have to practice it and see if it works for you.

By following these preparation tips and test-taking strategies, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the MCAT and achieve a competitive score. Good luck!