IT’S SPRING BREAK! This is one of the few posts I will be bringing you this week. So make sure you have your notifications on!
So I’ve asked many of my pre-med friends and colleagues what they did to study for the MCAT and if they have any suggestions for me as I go on this awful journey. And luckily for you and me, they obliged and provided me with different ways to ace this test. Note that some of these may be repetitive only because they are IMPORTANT! Comment below what else you would like to see and/or your favorite MCAT tips. Here they are!
“Don’t study the day before exam!” – Shannara, AKA @she_to_md on Instagram
P.S. Check out Shannara’s Mindfulness in Medicine Monday interview here.
“Have confidence and practice, practice, practice!” – Stephanie, my awesome roommate/friend
“Use the official AAMC topic list to study from. Just because you learned it in class doesn’t mean the MCAT is going to test it. Check off those different topics when you feel ready.” – Dena, AKA deedee.796 on Instagram
“You have to get used to the AAMC. You can look at the content all day, but if you never take a practice test, get used to their writing style, and review their rationale for answers, the content knowledge won’t be of much help. The MCAT is not another undergrad exam. It tests your critical thinking, endurance, and ability to cope with stress.” – Ada and Rose, TheBioSisters (Ada is a premed senior, and Rose is a MS2.)
Check out additional MCAT tips and more on their page here.
“1. Give yourself enough time to relearn the material. This could be 2 months fro you or 5 months but go at a pace you are comfortable with. However, waiting too long to take your MCAT after starting to study, you risk possibly losing some information.2. Stick to a schedule. This step is crucial. You should adjust the schedule monthly/weekly. For example: 4 month schedule- Month 1: Study 3 hours a day 4 days a week. Month 2: Study 4 hours a day 4 days a week. Month 3: Study 5 hours a day 4 days a week. Month 4: week 1 and 2 study 7 to 8 hours a day 5 days a week, week 3 study 8-9 hours a day 6 days this week, week before MCAT light study and review plus 1 Practice Test.3. Take as many timed Practice Tests and do as many questions as you can! This way you can have an idea of different ways the MCAT may test you on materials.4. DO NOT psych yourself on test day. Get a good nights sleep the night before and eat a good breakfast. Feel good that you studied all those months and use that confidence to remind yourself of how well you will perform. :)” – Tiffany, my friend from college
Check out Tiffany’s Mindfulness in Medicine Monday interview here!
“Don’t rush to take the exam!” – Rita, AKA @melanininmedicine_ on Instagram
“1. Know your learning style and incorporate that into your study plan. 2. Find a resource that works for you and stick to it. 3. Be realistic. If you aren’t getting around the score you want on the practice test, you may need extra time to study.” – Dr. Kristen Kirby, a pediatric resident and my mentor ♥
Check out Dr. Kirby’s interview on her faith throughout her medical career here and her interview about residency here.
“Utilize practice questions!” – Ashley, AKA @biancacoco44 on Instagram
“Practice would be my biggest tip overall: get into the examiners heads! The AAMC materials (literally all of them, including the flash cards) are great for that.” – Jean, my friend from SMDEP, current Harvard medical student
Check out her Mindfulness in Medicine Monday interview here!
Thanks for sharing, everyone! For my MCAT tips and favorite resources so far, see my post here.
Thanks for visiting my blog! Be sure to check out my other posts. There is more to come soon! Until then be kind and remember tomorrow depends on what you do today. Hope you enjoyed reading! — Taylor ❤