You've likely never prepared as deeply or intensely for an exam as you will prepare for the MCAT. It's common to feel anxiety, even depression, during the days leading up to the exam. Here, we’ll give you some tips on how to cope and maintain your mental health through this difficult time.
The MCAT is a completely different beast, unlike any other exam you’ve probably encountered over the course of your academic career
Medical school admissions might feel the key to your future happiness, and if you don’t perform better than everyone else, you’ve failed. However, even though it's an important day, one score on one exam does not define you! As you approach your MCAT studies, here is some advice that might help you maintain your sanity, and even have a little fun along the way.
• Give yourself the time to succeed
Preparation time for the MCAT varies from person to person, but often requires a few months. Begin your preparations sooner rather than later. Your MCAT prep courses and MCAT tutors will help you learn the content and skills you need to ace this test. And it's not only about content with the MCAT, but learning to play the game. Significant preparation, requiring significant amounts of practice, yields insights into the design of the test, and this insight is key in obtaining your maximum score. If you are still taking classes, try to schedule a lighter load, since studying will be a class unto itself.
• Mental/Physical breaks are important
Preparing for the MCAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Overstudying, a common practice among students, can lead to burn-out, which might negatively affect your scores. Preparation is important, and your MCAT prep course will arm you with the tools you need to master the exam. But, equally important is a clear mind. So, in the course of your studying, find the time for the things you love to do. If you love to bike, run, swim, cook, read, watch mindless television – do these things! Allow yourself to enjoy your life, even while you are preparing for this monstrous exam.
Remember the phrase "sound mind in a sound body"? Meditating just a few minutes a day will help you clear your mind, focus on your goals, and achieve success! Exercise is important too. Those of us who have taken the exam can remember all of the nervous energy that can build up inside of your body. This can be a huge block to concentration. Spending 30 minutes each day exercising (lifting weights, running, or even just talking a walk) can burn off some of that nervous energy.
• Relax, Relax, Relax
Pre-med students often put too much (in my opinion) significance into the result of this exam. Remember, this is just another exam. Yes, it determines what your chances are of getting into medical school. But a low score doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. It’s just a number, and you’ve put effort into preparing. The best thing you can do for yourself is to breathe, be confident, and try your best. Knowing that whatever the result of this exam, you can achieve your goals, will help you be successful on test day.
Anxiety is normal, but don’t let it get the best of you. A clear mind, and confidence are the best tools to help you master the MCAT, and achieve success. Good luck!
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