From what the scholars have suggested, MCAT is more of a marathon than a sprint. It requires patience and more of it. With the competition getting tighter than ever, as more and more candidates enroll for this exam, it is essential for you to go some extra mile in order to be among the top ranks. It is a full job that requires your undivided attention.
Here is a detailed guide to preparing for MCAT.
1.Get Mentally Prepared for the Pressure
As mentioned above, MCAT requires you to be very enduring and persistent in your efforts. Take a couple of practice tests before diving into a serious preparation. Practice tests will give you a clear picture of where you want to reach and where you actually stand. It not only helps you analyse your strengths and weaknesses but assists you in deciding whether or not it will be a prudent decision for your career.
2.Be an early Applicant
Having decided if you want to pursue it or not, register for the exam as soon as the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) – the central body conducting the exam, announces the Registration Packet. Since there are multiple attempts within a year, choose your exam dates in a way that you can quickly register for another exam if you fail on the first try. Since less gap would ensure that the concepts are fresh in your mind, it will increase your chances of clearing them in the next attempt.
3.Devise a Study Plan
After you have successfully registered for the exam date which should be ideally 4-6 months later, the next thing to do is to plan a strategy around covering the syllabus. Now, this is not as easy as it may sound, drafting a plan needs honest acceptances and the desire to push the boundaries. While planning the study schedule ensure feasibility to avoid feeling demoralised later. These MCAT tips can help you get all ready for the exam.
4.Focus on Accuracy
The assured trick to crack any paper is to catch the nerve of the paper setter and MCAT is no exception. MCAT exams are designed to test the critical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities in different scenarios. The paper setter is more interested in your practical understanding of the subject areas rather than recall memory. Time is definitely one of the considered factors, but more important is the accuracy of your answers. If speed is an issue with you, start solving untimed papers to focus on accuracy but do keep a record of your speed. As you do more practice papers the desired pace will eventually come.
5.Space-out Your Brain to Manage Stress
However good your study material or routine, if you are not at peace mentally, you will always underperform. A balanced mind can undoubtedly be deemed as the most essential requisite to cracking these competitive exams since it is the crucial force that keeps all other forces working. Given the nature of these exams, it is but natural to feel diffident or anxious at times but remember good things never come easy. Hang in there!
This guide might not talk about the scientific aspect of the preparation that you can find in most articles online, but it does include all the points that you cannot afford to miss!
(Photo Credits- Pixabay)
