How to score well on the MCAT

score well on the MCAT. Many pre-medical students dread taking the MCAT. Unfortunately, this often leads to a late start in preparation, a poor study regimen, and a poor performance on the test. Luckily, with a few simple steps, one can significantly improve the outcome of the test.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Schedule a test date and stick to it.
   Scheduling a test date is one of the most important things one can do. Not only do test sites fill quickly, but waiting until the last minute to set a test date also results in additional fees. After you schedule the date, write it down on your calendar, don't just forget about it!

2. Decide if you are going to take a prep course.
   There are many quality MCAT prep courses available. Some of the most popular ones are through Kaplan, Examkrackers, and the Princeton Review. Each of these courses sells review books separately, if you decide you prefer to study on your own.

3. Make a study routine and stick to it.
   Schedule a certain amount of time each week that you are going to study. Make sure it is a time when there are few distractions. Make a plan as to what material you will be covering. You should spend at least 5 hours each week, not including practice tests.

4. Begin taking practice tests
   Many students like to keep track of their progress. This is easy to do with practice tests. Some students take an exam before they begin studying, in order to prioritize what material needs the most review. At least 2 months before the examination date, begin taking a practice test each week under exam conditions, record your scores, and see what section needs the most work. Practice tests are available on www.e-mcat.com and http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/. Actual MCAT essay topics are listed on http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/preparing/writingsampleitems.htm, practice at least one essay a week.

5. Keep track of what you need to work on
   Throughout your preparation, keep track of what sections you need the most work on. Oftentimes the numerous equations in the Physical Science section can be overwhelming, to help with this, make a single sheet of paper with all of the useful equations on it. At least once a week, make a new equations sheet by trying to remember all of the equations. Although this is helpful, remember the MCAT is not about memorization, oftentimes the equations will be provided in the passage.

6. Right before the exam
   Don't stress out! You have been preparing for this exam for a long time, it won't be as bad as you think. Only reschedule if you are ill or there is an emergency. Try to take a break the day before the exam, studying too much the day before the exam will stress you out even more and make the exam even harder.

Tips & Warnings

• Schedule the MCAT date at least 4 months in the future
• Find a study partner and keep each other motivated
• Read tips from other Pre-Medical students at studentdoctor.net
• Some prep books contain errors. Check the book's website for updates and corrections

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on 10/25/2009 Such great advice you've got here.

[buzzard33]

on 10/23/2009 Nice article on Score Well On MCAT. Good tips and nice writing. 5 Blue * and a recom for the article and a recom at your profile page.