Taking the MCAT is a daunting academic challenge. It requires 7.5 hours of intense reading and comprehension of dense scientific material. Besides, a large portion of the questions is passage-based essay questions. In this format, it is imperative to study effectively in a way that ensures natural recall ability.
You won’t rely on strictly objective multiple-choice questions to achieve a good MCAT score.
Below, we outline some practical last-minute MCAT study tips to ensure you are prepared for one of the hardest standardized admission tests. Most of these tips can be applied last minute, while others can be implemented earlier.
9 Effective Last-Minute MCAT Study Tips
1. Identify your target score
Please review the list of medical schools you are applying to and gather information on their acceptance habits. Identify the minimum MCAT score you will need to gain acceptance into your target schools, and then practice, practice, and practice until you can achieve that score several times in a row. Having a few successful practice test scores under your belt will help you walk into the actual test with confidence that you’ll duplicate those results.
2. Take test exams
One essential study tool for the test is a good MCAT practice book. Test preparation companies worldwide offer access to previous MCAT tests to allow students a sneak peek at the exam format. The MCAT is not a test. You can rely on memorization to pass. Practice tests can help you refine your ability to think critically about applying your scientific knowledge to novel or hypothetical scenarios.
When performing practice tests, you must take at least one or full-length test and force yourself to take them in one sitting. Be sure to avoid eating or drinking anything besides water until you get up for a break between sections.
This is a great way to build the stamina you need on test day. Just like running progressively longer distances trains your heart to perform for a marathon, these test exams will train your brain to perform for the cognitive marathon of the MCAT. Moreover, practice tests will give you an idea of where your score might land, so you know when you’re ready for the real thing.
Get yourself a small fidget toy if you find it challenging to stay focused. This will help you to concentrate for longer periods.
3. Invest in supplemental study materials
Another critical aspect of preparing for the MCAT is to invest in quality study materials. There are various great websites and test preparation companies that sell packages of study guides and test content from past MCAT exams. These curricula are developed by industry experts and help you understand how the test is scored, where to invest your time on test day, and how to formulate your answers in traditional ways.
4. Review old content for a memory refreshment
When you’re studying, it’s essential to consult old textbooks and other content when you encounter questions you don’t have a solid comprehension of. Instead of merely getting these answers wrong on a practice test, try working through them with the aid of your research materials in real-time. That way, if you encounter a similar question on the real test, you will have a refreshed memory of old subject matter you might not have revisited for years.
5. Create a study plan
Create a study plan to focus on your weakest areas, as indicated by your baseline practice test. This will help you focus your efforts on the content you’re least familiar with. Your plan should dedicate some days to practice testing and other days to content review and formal study.
Have a plan that plots out how much time you can afford to spend on any given question. Remember, the MCAT is a timed exam. It’s important to keep a mental clock when you’re practicing, so you’re capable of keeping yourself on track under the psychological pressure of the actual test.
6. Consider hiring a tutor
There is a wide variety of experienced MCAT tutors on PrepScholar, which can coach you during your studying process to guide your efforts and understand when it is the right time to take the test for real. Tutors can be expensive, so be sure to thoroughly vet your potential options and read their reviews from past clients.
7. Identify your baseline and focus on your weaknesses
Learning your academic weaknesses is one of the most valuable learnings you can glean from taking test exams as part of your studying process. Taking test exams is the only way to establish your baseline. It’s recommended to take your first test exam before you begin studying. This way, you can focus your limited time and energy on learning for the areas you’re weakest in.
8. Incorporate both timed and untimed practice into your MCAT study routine
It is understandable for most first-time MCAT takers to be concerned about time. Time is essential, but accuracy is of equal importance. When learning a new skill, it’s critical to understand to do it well before learning to do it fast. That’s why, after your initial baseline exam, you should always start with untimed practice content.
Review the science in areas you’re not confident in, and test your accuracy until it’s up to par. While you’re doing this, time yourself so you know approximately how long each question and section takes you. Once you know which sections take you the longest, you’ll know where to focus the efforts of your timed practice.
9. Eat healthy, sleep well, and be confident!
The advice on our list with the last last-minute MCAT study tips is to take care of your mind and body while studying. This will guarantee a successful MCAT exam. You must walk into the exam well-rested, and your brain has adequate nutrition to perform its best. Drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep, avoid over-indulging in caffeine, and above all, be confident.
By studying effectively, you won’t need to worry about any surprises on the exam. Instead, you will approach it calmly, cool, and collected. This mindset is vital to ensure you perform optimally to advance your dreams of becoming a doctor.
