MCAT is the medical college admission test which is the most important milestone to be achieved for securing your seat in a medical college. It is the mandatory requirement that proves your credibility and knowledge for pursuing a doctorate degree. Tackling with can be an overwhelming task for many students. It’s crucial to pay do our best and put all your efforts in clearing this exam successfully to follow your dream of becoming a doctor. This exam is highly competitive and here are some study tips that can help you to score higher for increasing your odds of getting admission in a medical school.
1. Review the Exam Format
You should review the MCAT guide of the current year prepared by AAMC. This guide can be used as a reference to prepare for the exam. The exam format is standardized consisting of multiple-choice questions. The total exam time is around 6 hours and 15 minutes. Also, review the date and location where the exam will be conducted so that you can arrange travel.
2. Create a Timeline:
You need to commit a significant amount of time to study for this competitive exam. For instance, if your MCAT exam is to be held in September, you should start preparing for it in June. Its recommended to take practice tests weekly. Giving your best throughout the summer may work for most, but some students may need additional time and good planning for MCAT study schedule. The time dedication and commitment required by the exam is high. Therefore, do not leave anything for the last minute.
3. Practice Study Styles that Worked for You in the Past:
Some students are academically talented, while others may need to work harder to master the art of studying. You need to figure out the tactics that work best for you. Don’t change your study style for MCAT preparation and follow your go-to learning style. If studying independently with books has worked for you in the past, stick with this style. If you need a little guidance then go for in-person classes. You can quickly find preparation materials online which are helpful enough to assist you in independent preparation. Key is to make a schedule and stick to it. It’s recommended to study one chapter of a subject per day and move to the other subject the next day.
4. Don’t simply Memorize:
It’s highly essential to develop a thorough understanding of the concepts involved in the information and formulas. MCAT evaluators are not really interested in checking your ability to memorize formulas. Instead, they design the test to evaluate your ability to understand biological, physical, and chemical processes described by those scientific formulas. While reviewing these processes, make sure that you understand the concepts well enough to teach it to someone.
5. Focus on Your Weakness:
Many pre-medical students tend to focus on the topics that are their strengths and not on their weaknesses. This is not a good strategy to prepare for your MCAT exam. Identify your weaknesses and use them as a guide to follow through your study plan. Whether you choose to study on your own or take an MCAT preparatory test, work hard on improving your weaknesses while further developing your strengths. It’s necessary to master all aspects of the test to achieve the highest possible scores.
