Preparing for the MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, is often a stressful ordeal. The MCAT acts as the gateway to a medical education and career, so good scores are vital to a better education. The test requires significant time for preparation, but organized and dedicated students, with enough work, can take some of the stress out of the MCAT and earn high scores. To ace the MCAT, preparedness is a student's greatest and most trustworthy ally.
Instructions
1. Create a plan. The MCAT exam is split into biological and physical sciences and verbal reasoning sections, and both require preparation. Well before the exam date, set your goals for studying based on your individual needs. If you need more time to prepare for verbal reasoning, then plan accordingly. Likewise, if you have difficulty with standardized tests, add in more time for practice exams and test-taking skills.
2. Integrate different study techniques into your routine. Reading, flashcards and workbooks all help students, though some techniques may work better than others depending on the area of study. Fifteen percent of the MCAT's science section focuses on memorization; flashcards often work better in that area. However, for better understanding of concepts, students might benefit from reading or reviewing workbooks.
3. Take practice tests. A practice test is a good way to measure your improvement. Schedule them regularly to see where you score well and where you need to focus. Practice tests also help you feel more at east with the test itself, which can reduce stress on test day.
4. Set goals. Without goals, studying can seem like slogging through an endless prep stage. Goals can be anything from a desired score on a practice test or getting through a part of the test in a desired time. Reward yourself when you meet your goals.
5. Take a course. Not all students are able to take a course, but for those that have the time and money, a prep course can be a considerable advantage. The courses outline what students can expect on the test and provide guidance for studying. A good prep course has a qualified instructor who can help students with difficult concepts. Students can find MCAT-specific prep courses through their school or private, specialty companies like The Princeton Review.
6. Prepare for the test. Get a good night's sleep and eat breakfast. Avoid anything too heavy or sugary, as they can cause you to feel sluggish.
7. Take the test. Pace yourself. If a question is difficult, skip it and come back later. Read the questions before the text, so you know what to look for. Read carefully and thoroughly. Don't forget, there is no penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question.
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