Pass The MCAT With These Study Tips

When you have a dream of becoming a physician, you’ll have to go through a lot to make the dream come to fruition. In addition to practicums, med school classes and tests, you’ll have to consider the costs and the right program. Before all of these components come together, you have to achieve a high score on the MCAT. Even though a lot is riding on this test, don’t succumb to test-taking anxiety or fear. Once you develop a proactive plan to pass the test with flying colors, you can make it happen. Consider the following tips to pass the MCAT.

1. Get a tutor.

A tutor will be the perfect person to help you navigate the ropes of preparing for the test. It’s best to find someone who is an expert in helping students pass the MCAT. While your biology professor might be a wonderful teacher, test taking is a completely different skill. Be intentional within your research to find a qualified tutor. Consider reaching out to people who have taken the test and used the assistance of a tutor. Recommendations are always helpful.

2. Develop a study routine.

A study routine is incredibly efficient. If you know that you’re more focused when you wake up early in the morning, get to bed early so you can wake up to study. If you know that an evening study session will help you retain the information and stay focused, schedule a time during the evening. You’ll also want to consider your study style. If you need to be in a room that’s silent to study, reserve a study room in a library.

3. Create a timeline.

You never want to cram large amounts of information. Give yourself a fair chance to prepare and succeed. This is why it’s best to give yourself a few months to learn how to take the test. If you’d like to start sooner, that’s always helpful. Studies suggest that it’s good to have between 200-300 hours of study to be prepared for the MCAT.

4. Take a prep course.

If you can find and take one of the best MCAT prep course around, this will help you as you work to gain a well-rounded approach to the exam. When you’re taking a test like the MCAT, there’s a variety of factors you’ll want to consider. Once you can develop the skills you need in order to pass the test, your confidence in your ability will increase. Confidence is key when you’re trying to pass. Consider looking for the best MCAT prep course online.

I think the student would benefit from additional information about the importance of taking MCAT practice tests in an environment similar to the MCAT testing center and taking notes of one’s misses and learnings.

5. Take breaks.

While it is important to work and study hard to prepare for the test, you don’t want to burn yourself out. Take breaks. Do something nice for yourself each week. Whether it’s a nice pedicure at the local salon or tickets to a live concert, find creative ways to release pent-up stress. When you’re constantly focused on the test and don’t get a break, this can lead to a breakdown. If your spring break is coming up, use that time to get away and relax. As you do this, you’ll be able to gain the balance you need.

Once you implement these tips and become diligent with the process, you’ll be in a position to succeed. It’s often stated that when you fail to plan, plan to fail. However, if you make plans to succeed and follow the plan, you can pass the MCAT with a high score!