How to Study for the MCAT?

If you have a dream to become a doctor, appearing for MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is the first step. Medical College Entry Exams are competitive, and that is why you need a better score to get admission.

Make up your mind that you have to achieve success in the admission test. To make that happen, make a proper schedule for the preparation of the test. 

MCAT is a standard exam based on multiple choice question (MCQs). It is a preliminary step for aspiring doctors to apply for medical schools. Medical school professionals analyze the MCAT exam.

Apart from the MCAT exam, the candidates would require a good GPA, a personal statement and letter of recommendation from college for admission to Medical school. 

Right from childhood, some students are ambitious to take up the medical profession. So, appearing for MCAT is one of the most critical stages of their career. Following tips will help students to prepare well for their MCAT students.

Avoid Procrastination by Making a Schedule

As an aspiring medical student, you cannot afford to procrastinate. Your career highly bases on MCAT exam. Therefore, it is essential for you to create a proper schedule and strictly follow it so that you could get good marks.

Read More: What is a Correlational Study?

You cannot expect to prepare for the exam on weekends only or in a rush. The casual or part-time preparation won’t lead you to success. You need to utilize maximum time in your studies. 

Consider all the other activities secondary while preparing for the test. For your September MCAT exam, start studying from June. Do not delay preparation.

Also, take the practice exam as it will reinforce your concepts. Take a practice test every weekend. Keep all the distractions away from you during the time you prepare. For example, do not use social media while you are studying.

 Position yourself in the place of your home where you can focus on your studies. Prepare a schedule, for example, study up to 6-8 hours per day. Make sure you stick to your schedule and do not do anything else while preparing for the exam. Consistent and focused studies will lead you to success. Your time is precious and utilize your time. 

Study According to the Plan You Have Found Successful Previously

If you are a talented student, and you scored good grades academically, you must have mastered the way of studying. You are aware of the studying tactics that work best for you. If you have obtained good grades through a plan that you previously made and followed, stick to that Plan.

Do not feel extra pressure about MCAT. Highly talented and successful students do not need to change their preparation habits due to MCAT. Follow your fundamental style if it works best for you. 

The right piece of advice is to study the way which has given you success or high grades previously. However, if you think you need more guidance, then you can opt for in-person classes. The primary purpose is to study according to the Plan through which you prepare for the test in the best possible manner.

If you think you can study independently with the book, then study this way. There is no particular way of study that works best for every aspiring candidate. Study in a way that enables you to absorb material effectively.

 Do not rush things. Apart from studying with the book, you can use online videos. Learning one or two chapters per day for one subject and then moving on to the new one works well for some students. This method helps students to quickly move on from subjects that they find more challenging as compared to others. 

 Take Practice Tests to Get Along with the Timing

You need to acquaint yourself with the format of the MCAT test. Only studying and reviewing the course won’t serve the purpose. In the examination hall, time passes by quickly, and many students think they do not have enough time to complete the test. If you have taken enough practise tests, you would know how to manage time in the exam. 

Taking a practice test quite often will give you an insight into the overall test structure. Practice tests are one of the most important aspects of your preparation. Your target is to complete all the questions perfectly in the given time, and you can make that happen through enough practice. 

Identify your Weak Points and Work on Them 

Practice test won’t only facilitate you to complete the test within time, but you will also get to know about the areas that need hard work. Utilize your time to improve the area where you are not strong enough. 

You need to analyze how effectively you have covered all of the MCAT study material in school. In case your undergraduate course material has not covered every topic in the exam, it depends upon you to learn and understand previously uncovered issues. 

Set Targets for Yourself 

Setting targets for yourself would help you to get a good score in your MCAT. Only reviewing course materials to appear for the test won’t help you a great deal. Ideally, you would want to set a goal for yourself throughout your study span for MCAT. You need to set a target on how much course material you would cover in a week.

 Once, you have set the target to cover the study material, and the next step is to determine as to how many hours you need to cover that content. In this way, you will hold your accountability by keeping track of your progress in preparation.

This is an effective way to make improvement and progress. Make sure you set a realistic target. Do not be over-ambitious while setting targets for yourself. Manage your time wisely; time management is vital to achieving success. 

Final Word

You need dedication, devotion and determination to prepare well for the MCAT. Plan your studies well; make sure you cover every topic before appearing for the exam. Avoid Procrastination, take enough practice tests, identify your weak points and work to improve them, and set realistic targets for yourself.