Studying for the MCAT isn’t always sunshine and lollipops, so most people want to make sure that they get it over with the first time around. And what’s the most important predictor of their success in doing so? Their study program. To quote a proverb: “He who fails to plan, plans to fail.”
So what are the elements of a winning study program? In this two-part series, we review the seven most important elements of an effective, efficient MCAT study program. In the first part of this series, we discussed elements 5-7. They were:
7) The right review materials
6) The right practice materials
5) The right time allocation
Now to the four most important elements of an efficient, effective MCAT review program:
4) The right timing—It’s difficult to gauge when, in the crucible of premedical training, is the right time to take, and therefore study for, the MCAT.
Too early, and you won’t have taken all of the necessary prerequisites. Too late, and all that information’s already stale—what’s the Michaelis-Menten equation, again?
Some students also prefer to study for the MCAT while they’re in the swing of classes, others prefer to focus on it during their summer. Either way, students should think critically about their previous coursework, their competing interests, and the timing of their applications to medical school before they commit to a study period.
Because there’s no “perfect” time, we offer tutoring year-round to fit all schedules.
3) The right reason—For every student, there’s another reason to study for, take, and hopefully ace the MCAT.
While most people (let alone MCAT review companies) don’t talk much about it, it’s really important that students critically examine their choice to take the MCAT and to study for it. Many students start their review half-heartedly, because deep down they aren’t really committed to a career in medicine, or because their motivations aren’t quite there. “Oh, I’ll just take it and see how I do,” they tell themselves. But that’s the quickest way to waste money, time, and effort. In the words of Beachbody, the makers of the popular P90X exercise program: “Decide. Commit. Succeed.”
2) The right guide—We may be biased, but we think it’s crucial to have an MCAT mentor throughout this process.
It’s too long, too arduous, and too trying to go it alone. Would you climb Mount Everest without a trusted Sherpa guiding you up the crag? The same goes for the MCAT. We’ll leave you to consult a previous post about what makes a good tutor, but we’re confident that no matter who you are, where you are in your preparation, or how difficult it’s been, we can pair you with someone who can make your climb that much easier and more enjoyable.
1) The right attitude—Attitude is everything.
The legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi said it best: “If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive, and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”
If you believe you can ace the MCAT, and you’re willing to work hard in pursuit of your goals, you’ll do your best.
It’s pretty much that simple. In that way, attitude underlies each of the other elements, discussed above. Your attitude is what determines your organization, your work ethic, your focus, and your perspective—this is why we train our tutors to be more than teachers, to be coaches. And good coaches help distill the best in your attitude to maximize your achievement—that’s what ours do, anyway.
Good Luck and Godspeed!
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