Tips to Maximize your MCAT Studying

Hey guys! As winter break is approaching, I know a lot of you are starting to intensify or begin your MCAT studying. Having this long period to just focus on the exam is exactly what you need to solidify information. I wanted to share with y’all some tips I found extremely useful in heightening my abilities to study for the MCAT. These little details will help you mentally prepare for the test on the day of so I hope y’all enjoy! TIP #1: The most important tip that I can give you above all else is building your own unique study plan. There is no all access, step by step process to scoring high on the MCAT that fits everyone’s taste. The reason there are so many resources, both paid and free, are for you to pick and choose what best suits you. This is something that you have to start playing with at least a month before your allotted study schedule. First, you have to decide what type of learning maximizes your retention rate. You should know at this point if you are a visual, auditory, writing/reading, or kinesthetic learner. Do you learn best through reading or taking notes? Do you prefer flashcards or doing practice questions? Each section requires a different approach. By testing out what works for you through trial and error, you can find a personalized MCAT study schedule. It is like making a Build-a-Bear but a med student version: Build-a-Study-Plan :). TIP #2: You perform how you practice so take the practice test as if you were taking the real thing. You have to get used to sitting at a cubicle using a monitor and mouse. If you plan on bringing your own earplugs, then wear it while you practice. Most of the time, the noise reducing headphones still allow sound so you have to be familiar with background noises such as mouses clicking, chairs moving, people crying (just kidding!) and doors opening. I suggest going to the public or university library and taking it on their computers. This environment also provides noises that can help you have feel of what to expect on test days. It will also make you get up in the morning and actually prepare to go to it versus taking it at home and being comfortable. I advise you take your breaks in a similar fashion: not having your phone. This is a time for you to use the restroom, calm your brain, and eat your snacks. Believe me, looking at the computer screen that intently for a few hours, you should let your eyes rest and refresh for the next section. TIP #3: If you want to practice specific sections, then I suggest you take them at roughly the same time you would on the actual exam. You should only take individual sections if you are having trouble meeting your score for it, nearing the test date, or you don’t have time for a full exam. The exam goes in the order of CHEM/PHYS, CARS, BIOL, and PSYCH. Let’s say you are having difficulties with CHEM/PHYS and just want to practice that section. My advice would be to take it at 8am so that your brain can get situated with doing chemistry and physics questions at that time. You don’t have to be super strict with the time, but within the hour would be sufficient. If you take it later in the day, your brain is obviously more awake and can function better, not truly showing what you are capable of doing on the real exam date. Not controlling all the variables will cause a bigger fluctuation in your score from the practice to the real date.TIP #4: You have to get used to waking up early and going to bed early. At least 2 weeks before the exam, you have to do everything within your power to sleep by 11-12am and wake up at 7-8am (realistically you’re suppose to sleep by 10pm and wake up at 6 am, but we both know that is not happening. You cannot expect to have 5 hours of sleep or sleeping in and magically be at the testing center by 7:30 am on the day of the exam. You have to train your body to get used to being coherent and functional that early in the day. If you usually do your studying late into the night, I suggest you start reverting and study more in the morning. You can implement a little morning routine that is similar to what you would do on the test day. Having consistency in everything you do is what will help with the nerves from getting to you on the day of. TIP #5: Use a white board and erase markers as your scratch paper during the practice exams. A great alternative to really simulate the materials you get during the exam is laminating a few sheets of graph paper and using the wet erase markers. You won’t be allowed to erase anything on your sheets so practice writing neatly and saving space so you don’t have to waste time asking for more sheets. You can also look over these sheets after the practice exam to check your work and compare answers. TIP #6: Eat nutritional foods while you study as well as pack them for test days. Try eating filling foods in the morning such as oatmeal so you don’t get hungry as fast. Foods such as avocados, blueberries, broccoli, chia, and almonds are great for brain memory. If you want your brain to work hard for you, you have to fuel it with the proper nutrients.If you would like additional advice or read more about what to expect, I am always open for questions! I wish you guys the best of luck! Lub dub,Shanon