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3 Things you Need to Know Before you Take the MCAT

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For upon |The MCAT, or Medical College Application Test, is not just a mere formality for aspiring medical students. It is a required, standardized test that all students of medicine must take in order to be accepted into a specialized degree program. Medical school admissions boards take a look at MCAT scores to determine whether a candidate will successfully complete a program and be deemed worthy of a degree as a medical professional.

It is necessary to do well on the MCAT for all those wishing to have a career in medicine, so some tips for success on taking this multiple choice monster would be in order. Here is some information that you need to know about the MCAT in order to complete it successfully:

You need plenty of time to study

The MCAT is not a sprint but should be thought of as a marathon. As many pre-med students are busy studying for regular coursework, volunteering at a hospital or other medical facility, and perhaps working another job, it becomes necessary to spread out your study so that you do not end up cramming for the exam. Six months of consistent study is ideal for optimal results; anything less would be compromising your ability to perform any of your duties well. Set aside regular time during your day for study; it will pay off in dividends upon acing the exam.

Know what you are facing as you prepare

Taking a practice MCAT exam is a great way to see what types of questions you may be asked to answer, and what kind of knowledge will be necessary in order to ace the exam. There is a wealth of information on the internet with respect to how you can take practice MCATs, and even how to prepare for them. Free MCAT prep online is available to all who seek it, and a number of websites will score your results and let you know where you can improve them. Knowledge and preparation are key to success.

Don’t attempt to memorize facts and figures

By the time you are ready to take the MCAT, you’ve already demonstrated a basic level of proficiency with respect to knowing facts and formulas applicable to your field. But do you know the material well enough to explain it to someone else? If you are able to describe or teach the material to someone who knows nothing about the content, then you are most likely ready to demonstrate your proficiencies on the test. Keep working with the material and practice demonstrating your knowledge by teaching friends and family something about your medical passions. The results will be evident in your test scores.

You’ll need to assess and then focus on your weaknesses

Using a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses is only one step in your study plan. A critical component to your success then becomes focusing on your weaknesses until they become strengths. As long as you commit to remaining consistent, strengthening your weaknesses, and learning to embody the material, there should be no big surprises come test day. Best of luck to you on your future career endeavors!

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