Understanding Medical Restrictions

If you have the desire to be a med student, you will need to take the MCAT. The MCAT is what allows medical schools to determine if you are the right fit for them. Keep in mind that almost 50 percent of people who take the test must do so a second time because they were ill-prepared the first time. Luckily, you can ace your exam with some pro tips.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time for Studying

The most successful test takers spend hours studying for the MCAT, and so should you. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can cram for the exam the week before taking it. Instead, give yourself plenty of months of preparation time.

Search results may suggest 300 hours of time spread across three months. However, an MCAT tutor points out that the test is now longer than before and may require 500 hours of study time. Therefore, you will want to spend months studying. The best way to study for 500 hours is to treat your study time like a full-time job.

Make Use of Online Prep Tests and Courses

The internet is an excellent tool, especially if you plan on taking your MCAT. Thanks to the internet, you have access to a broad range of resources and tools to help you study and prepare. One suggestion is to make use of online prep tests. You can take prep exams as many times as necessary until you achieve a good score.

Many of the preparation tests will provide you with the correct answer to anything you get wrong. Therefore, you can make a note of the right response and add that knowledge to your studies. Preparation courses are another excellent way to learn the information needed to pass the MCAT. You should participate in an online preparation course before you take the prep exam to help you achieve a better score.

Focus on Your Weak Areas

If you have areas of weakness, focus on those. Do not burn yourself out focusing on every area of the test over and over again. Work on shoring up your knowledge where you need it most. Once you feel comfortable that you understand all areas of the exam, test your skills. Also, keep notes so you can track your progress and determine if you are improving in your weak areas.

Do Not Overdo It

Although you should treat your studies as a full-time job, you should not overdo it. Overdoing it can cause you to burn out. Make sure you take breaks to eat, stretch, or even breathe some fresh air. Take time out for yourself after a hard day of studying. Meet up with friends, spend time with family, or relax by yourself if that is your wish.

The goal is to unwind at the end of each day. Also, do your brain a favor and do not study an insane amount the day before you take your MCAT. Instead, spend the day resting so you are energized, refreshed, and wholly focused from the minute you begin the test.

Don't Focus on a Specific Score

There is no real definition of a passing MCAT score. Instead, medical schools will vary on what they consider an appropriate score for attendance. Really high-profile schools may require a higher score than other med schools. Rather than focusing on a specific score, it is better just to do the best you can. If you try to focus on a particular score, you will stress yourself out, which could do more harm than good.

Speak with a professional about online MCAT preparation courses and exams. An expert can assist you in getting signed up for courses and walk you through what to expect. Additionally, a professional can provide you with more insightful details and tips to help you prepare for your big testing day.