Top 10 MCAT Study Tips

Want to pursue a medical degree from abroad? Then you have to qualify for the MCAT exam. The MCAT scores can get you into top medical schools abroad. Hence, here are a few tips to crack it in one go. Give it a read.

Medical College Admission Test, commonly referred to as MCAT, is an international-level examination. The MCAT exam is conducted multiple times a year. Therefore, to crack the entrance exam, following some essential MCAT tips are necessary.

Further, the exam is opted by candidates who want to pursue their medical degree from abroad. MCAT is conducted for admission to medical colleges in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean Islands. Besides, it is administered by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Nevertheless, a candidate can appear only thrice for the MCAT exam in a year, four times in two years. Moreover, a candidate can attempt the exam seven times in a lifetime.

Top 10 MCAT Study Tips

Since MCAT is an international-level examination, the level of competition can easily be gauged. Also, keeping in mind the restrictions to appear for the examination, engaging in some valuable studying becomes essential. Therefore, to make the preparation process easier, here are the top 10 MCAT study tips to enrich the preparation.

Make a conscious choice: MCAT is no easy decision. Certain awareness and focus is demanded while making a choice to pursue medicine from colleges abroad. Therefore, if the candidate is into a job or is not serious about the exam, they might lose the attempt. It is one of the most common problems. Besides, candidates are suggested to make rational decisions. Candidates must be serious about MCAT, arrange for proper study material, and take out enough time for preparation.
Set your goals straight: Make a proper timetable. Give enough attention while making it; this will set your goals strategically. Put a deliberate focus on the areas of weaknesses. If needed, take a diagnostic test to get a reality check. Arrange for the proper study materials from various resources and learn from the best ones. Follow various websites to learn the MCAT preparation tips.
Research and breakdown of the syllabus: Syllabus is assumed to be elaborate. Hence, getting accustomed to the MCAT syllabus and analysing it becomes essential. Candidates are suggested to download the official syllabus from the official website. Further, follow the MCAT tips on the proper preparation process and divide the syllabus to cover all the topics.
Go for a full-length practice test: Once ready; candidates should make it a habit to appear for practice tests to measure their depth of knowledge and preparation. However, this includes mock tests too. The report/ result acts as a reality check. Candidates can easily know where they stand in the competition and what areas need more concentration.
Chalk out a plan for the study blocks: It means to access the tests. There will be areas that might be tough to crack. Therefore, make arrangements to deal with those. Besides, this is the time when the best MCAT preparation tips come into play. Search over the internet, consult teachers if opting for coaching. Follow the MCAT study tips to learn about the ways that can sort the exam study blocks.
Take help from the previously qualified candidate: It is always a good option to ask for the MCAT preparation tips from the previously qualified candidates. These candidates often have value oriented study plans that can enhance exam preparation. Besides, as they have recently qualified for the MCAT, they will be most aware of the recent trends in the examination.
Emphasise the study material: a great amount of emphasis should be laid on the quality of the study material and not quantity. There are enough resources available; however, it is a myth that all will carry the same standard as the MCAT exam. Thus, it is necessary to check whether all the topics of the syllabus are covered.
Studying with friends: Studying with a friend can prove beneficial to keep the MCAT preparation on track. The discussion of problematic topics as well as their solutions will come up easily. Additionally, it will keep the spirit of competition intact rather than enhance the goals.
Research the medical schools and their requirements: The eligibility criteria and the prerequisites for admissions into medical school; at U.S. and Canada may differ. Therefore, it is important to actually conduct research and then apply for the particular medical schools. Besides, Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) renders help searching and comparing information about U.S. and Canadian medical schools.
Keep calm and earn victory: Successfully clearing the MCAT will not be a cakewalk. There will be a lot of hurdles and roadblocks. Nevertheless, overcoming them will be the real challenge. However, taking out time for oneself should be given equal priority. Proper rest, healthy lifestyle are the common factors to win victory over MCAT. Further, it is highly suggested to take this exam only when the candidate has completely made up their mind.

MCAT Preparation Tips

The MCAT exam includes seven subjects. Therefore, MCAT preparation tips are necessary for proper preparation. Anyhow, calculators are barred from the exam; only a periodic table is provided. Physics represents somewhere between 20-30 per cent of MCAT.

There are certain MCAT preparation tips such as practice passage based questions. Memorise the formulas for solving the problems.
Suppose any topics are unfamiliar to the candidates. In that case, it is their responsibility to follow the syllabus of the leading medical school admissions. Remember, the prerequisites of each school in the U.S. and Canada differ.
In addition, the chemistry syllabus might seem to be difficult. The maths problem can be a little troublesome.
Further, candidates can try and use the previous year question papers to learn more.
Besides, checking and qualifying for eligibility according to each medical school are essential.
Another MCAT exam preparation tip includes completing the paper within time. It is of utmost necessity to complete the paper to score good marks.
Include reviewing the exam preparation with the help of tests and focus on the areas of weaknesses.

1. How many hours of study is required?

As per the research, candidates should invest a minimum of 12-20 hours of study in a week.

2. Is three months enough for preparation for the MCAT?

Ideally, it is sufficient to crack the exam only if the candidates are willing to invest a minimum of 12-20 hours of study in a week. Furthermore, it somewhat depends on the students' knowledge and grasping power.

3. Should I take a practice MCAT before studying?

Yes, it is usually considered to be wise before jumping into the examination preparation. It is essential to know the syllabus and then start with the preparation.