MCAT

“Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.”

The above quote could not be more accurate and helpful, especially in regard to your future as a Medical Professional.

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is the test required for admission into most United States and Canadian Medical Schools. It is one of the most important factors Medical Schools look at when considering acceptance of new students. Because of its weight in the decision process, preparation for the MCAT is necessary for enhancing your chances of getting in to a Medical School, especially one that you want to attend. In preparation for the MCAT, the following information and advice will hopefully be of great help to you.

1) The first step of preparation (for practically anything at all in life) is knowing specifically what you want. By knowing what you want, you can start setting goals for yourself. Having a target will help you focus your time and energy into the attainment of that goal. So, you could start by having a particular Medical School in mind. Find out exactly what the Medical School of your choice requires in order for you to be accepted. Once all the “extraneous details” are taken care of, focus on the MCAT!

2) In preparation for the MCAT, students usually know that a prep class would be beneficial, but often wonder if it is necessary. Students usually consider the cost of a prep class as a hindrance to their decision to enroll, but thinking “big picture” may help put things in perspective. Medical School, itself, is an expensive load. Therefore, it only makes sense to invest in a proper preparation course in order to enhance one’s chances of possible scholarships. In addition, it never hurts to remind people that enrolling in a prep class does not guarantee better scores, it is merely an additional opportunity to of guided preparation.

3) When should you apply to Medical School? Most students find it most beneficial to take the MCAT a year and a half before beginning the anticipated first year.  Although it is often recommended to take the MCAT only once, it is also advisable to take the MCAT a second time – just make sure you score higher the second time! Preparation should not slow down after you take the MCAT the first time! If anything, work harder and prepare more the second time around.

4) The big test day is what you have been preparing for, so this is perhaps the most important day of the MCAT preparation process. To start things off, do NOT pull an all-nighter the night before the big day! Part of your preparation should include getting a full night’s rest. Planning out the directions to the test site, dressing comfortably, getting breakfast, arriving early, and having all test materials/writing materials will build your confidence and help you focus on the test itself.

In conclusion, the MCAT is evidently no little step in the path to being a Medical Professional. Therefore, your preparation is the biggest factor in determining your MCAT success story.