Studying for the MCAT can be a stressful and challenging experience, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, with the right approach, studying for this test can actually be enjoyable!
Set aside enough time
If you don’t have a lot of time to study for the MCAT, you may be tempted to squeeze all your studying into a short period of time. This strategy can backfire—when you try cramming all your prep into a few intense days, it’s easy to burn out and lose focus. It’s better to spread out your study schedule over several months, so that you’re able to keep up with everything.
Set aside time every day when you won’t be distracted by other commitments or responsibilities. You may want to block off an hour right after work each day or dedicate one full weekend day per week just for MCAT prep. Make sure that this block is free from distractions like TV and social media so that no matter what happens during the rest of the day, there’ll always be some uninterrupted hours when it’s just you and your books!
Create a realistic schedule for yourself
The most important thing you can do to improve your study habits and maximize your score is to create a realistic schedule for yourself. This means setting aside the time and space necessary to study, as well as being honest with yourself about how long it will take you to complete each section of the test. You should also set limits on how long you should study at a time, making sure that there’s enough time left over in your schedule for other activities like getting enough sleep or eating healthy meals. Of course, this isn’t an exact science; people are different and have different needs based on their lifestyles (and schedules), but try not to overbook yourself! It may seem tempting when planning out your weeks ahead of time—especially if some days don’t look as full as others—but remember: taking breaks is good! The MCAT isn’t just about memorization; it’s also about critical thinking skills and reasoning abilities which require restorative downtime between bouts of intense concentration.
Be familiar with your testing center
You should know where to park, where the bathrooms are, and where the testing rooms are located. You should also know what to do if you experience an emergency during your exam—such as feeling ill or having a vision condition that might affect your ability to take the exam.
You may have multiple testing locations available when registering for the MCAT, so make sure that you understand which location is most convenient for you and your schedule.
Take time for yourself as well as time for studying
To succeed on the MCAT, you need to take time for yourself as well as time for studying. This means that you should be sure to rest, sleep and eat well; exercise regularly; and relax and have fun. It also means spending time with friends and family. These activities will help keep you motivated and positive during your preparation period so that when exam day arrives, your mind is clear of stress.
Take breaks every once in a while to rest and recharge
Taking breaks is important because it allows you to rest and recharge your brain. You need to be able to focus on the problems in front of you, and taking regular breaks will give your mind time to recover from any fatigue that may have crept up while studying. If possible, take a 10-15 minute break every 2 hours or so.
You might find it helpful before starting a study session with a large number of questions (such as an entire section) that you plan on doing all at once or during a set time period so that when the time comes for your break, there’s no question about whether or not it’s okay for you to leave for 10 minutes; instead, just walk away knowing exactly when your next opportunity will be available.
Don’t forget to eat healthy and exercise
Another important thing to keep in mind as you study is that you should be eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis. It’s no secret that exercise can be a major help when it comes to studying. Not only does it provide a distraction from your studies (which is always welcome), but it also helps improve your mood, sleep better, relieve stress and anxiety, boost your immune system, increase energy levels and even sharpen memory skills (not to mention making you look good). You should aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day—whether that means taking an hour-long walk outside or going for a jog around the block before dinner.
You can motivate yourself without being mean to yourself
It’s a common misconception that self-criticism is the only way to stay motivated, but this isn’t true. In fact, research shows that positive self-talk is actually more effective than negative self-talk at improving performance and reducing stress levels. Being overly critical of your abilities will only make you less likely to succeed—and it’s not going to help you feel better about yourself either!
Instead of beating yourself up for each hurdle you encounter along the way, give yourself credit where credit is due: acknowledge how far you’ve come (you’ve already made it through half of med school!) and focus on what needs improvement instead. If something goes wrong or doesn’t go your way, don’t blame yourself—instead try asking why this happened so that we can find ways around these obstacles next time around (if possible).
Conclusion
I hope these tips will help you get a better grasp on how to study for the MCAT. I know it’s not easy, but don’t panic! Just remember that it takes time and effort to prepare for this exam—even if you’re lucky enough to have a full-time job while studying. Take your time and keep an eye out for ways in which you can make the most of your time during each study session; after all, no one wants to feel like they wasted their entire lives getting ready for something only to fail.