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How to Study for the MCAT

Last updated: April 14, 2021

How to Study for the MCAT

Ahmed Raza

Pursuing a degree in medicine is a major decision that must be decided upon thoroughly. It is the next big step in your life. If you have the interest and passion for learning about the human body in complex detail and finding ways on how to care for it, then it will be a clear decision to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

It would be a great start to earn a Bachelor’s degree in a pre-medicine course. Most people who want to be doctors someday prefer to have a preparatory study that would ready them for the future life of undertaking the school of medicine. A Bachelor’s degree would be a helpful start because the knowledge and skillsets learned from acquiring such a title would prove beneficial as you go along.

In preparing for the MCAT, it takes a great deal of focus and dedication. You should prepare at least six months before the actual exam. You could take heed of the advice of friends and relatives who have taken the exam beforehand, or you could refer to journals and online references for tips and techniques on how to ace the test. You must make the necessary preparations because it is a comprehensive exam that aims to gauge your different intellectual proficiencies.

To know the format and subjects in future MCATs, consider visiting helpful sites to inform you about the topics and types of tests. You should never just assume which items are in the actual tests. It is best to ask around and obtain reliable information about taking the MCAT than relying on hearsay and assumptions.

Remember that the MCAT is not a test of speed but a test of knowledge. The timed test follows a set of rules, but your understanding of the human body and relevant sciences plays a considerable part in determining your future in the field of medicine. Practice tests and reviews are essential tools for you to use so that you will be able to adequately prepare for the D-day. You could check out the Association of American Medical Colleges online resource so that you could study modules and review tools that would widen your range of learning methods.

AAMC plays a vital role in the pursuit of studying medicine. It is the go-to organization that provides proper aid for aspiring individuals who want to become healers and capable physicians one day. Also, you may look into their fact sheets for helpful and informative data that may also prove inspiring when you study for the tests.

Always do practice tests so that you will train your skills at comprehending test questions and be able to allocate a set time-frame to finish a problem. Study more on subjects that are challenging to you and put in more effort into understanding the topics and not just memorizing the terms. The study and practice of medicine require deducing the nature of a disease and finding the best means to deal with it. The MCAT is a precursory gauge to discovering if you can do that or not.

Also, you should never forget your physical well-being. You should eat healthily and stock up on vitamins and minerals. You could use a nutrition support system to help you manage a healthy lifestyle in preparation for the exams. A healthy body compliments a healthy state of mind. If you take measures in ensuring that your nutrition is taken care of and you have an optimum level of functioning, then you are all the more prepared for the test. If you have time, do stimulating exercises as well.

The actual exams often come as a surprise. Different topics and sections describe the focus and coverage of the different parts of the exam. You and your co-testers have a specific amount of time to complete the tests. Always remember what you have studied, keep yourself composed, and stay focused. If you have prepared well enough, there is no reason to panic, and you’re in an excellent place to make the first step towards pursuing a Medical degree.

Written by

Sarah has worked in various roles at Coffee Medical Center including nurse, education director, and quality assurance director.

Last reviewed and updated by on Apr 28, 2020

Caitlin Goodwin, DNP, RN, CNM, is a Board Certified Nurse-Midwife, Registered Nurse, and freelance writer. She has over twelve years of experience in nursing practice.

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