It is well known that a gunman once broke into a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) session and stole copies of the exam, probably a pirate. This story only adds to the publicity surrounding the MCAT, but here are some MCAT tips that can help you deal with the Mother of All Entrance Examinations.
How to study for the MCAT?
It is well known that an armed gunman once broke into a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) session and stole copies of the exam, probably a pirate. This story only adds to the publicity surrounding the MCAT, but here are some tips that can help you deal with the Mother of All Entrance Examinations.
Things you will need:
- AAMC Publications
- Calendars
- Personal Organizers
- Spiral Notebooks
What is the MCAT?
Keep in mind that the MCAT is primarily critical thinking of the test. To think and understand the basic scientific principles and their applications, instead of concentrating only on facts and information.
Specific verification of medical school admission policies. While almost all126 US doctors in schools require MCAT admission scores, Johns Hopkins University, and combined degree/medical degree programs do not require the exam.
Decide if you will take the MCAT that is offered in mid-April or the one offered in mid-August. Ask about the cost of testing the reduction plans if you believe you are eligible.
Preparation
Start preparing for the exam two or three months in advance, although the length of time you need to study depends on how busy you are. Rhythm, since ‘cramming’ is difficult. Try to take a class load lighter during the time you are studying for the MCAT.
Schedule the time to get the maximum length of the test drills in each section at regular intervals under test conditions. Test yourself at the beginning of your studies to determine your strengths and weaknesses. At the center, to assess your progress, and at the end to determine your preparation for the exam.
Buy the following officers from the AAMC study materials: MCAT Student Handbook, Elements of Practice, and Practice Tests II, III, and IV. They can be found in university bookstores or ordered online.
Get an MCAT study guide. Dig up old class notes on biology, physics, and general and organic chemistry, to use as a reference.
Consider a preparation course to help study. Ask around to determine what preparation courses people have found useful and try to borrow the study materials of friends they have already taken. Remember to register early.
Tips & Warnings
- Once taken, the MCAT is generally good for all three years. Verification of each specific school policy.
- Read ‘from the Medical School of Admission Requirements,’ published by the Association of American Medical College (AAMC). This standard reference book can be found in university libraries, pre-medical college advises offices, university bookstores, or online (see Related Sites).
- Find the study of partners with whom you can share the misery.
- Being able to ask verbal reasoning questions as it will be tested in this first section on the day of the exam.
- Use of the University notes only as a complement to clarify any ambiguity since the knowledge base necessary for this test is probably less than what you have been exposed at the higher level to classes at the University.
- Avoid shrinking out of the verbal section of the exam. It’s hard to get a good score in this section.
From the medical school of the application the process begins in June, avoid taking the exam in August of the year to apply to schools, as this will delay your application. For example, try to avoid taking the August 2018 MCAT if you intend to apply to medical schools in the year 2018. The main disadvantage of a preparation course is the cost, usually in the $800- $1,000 range.
