Let's go through the technicalities of the MCAT, before I tell you my story. If you are a pre-med you know the MCAT was a long (4 hour) arduous exam that is supposed to test your critical thinking skills in:
- Biology/ Organic Chemistry
- Physical Sciences (Physics/General Chemistry)
- Verbal Reasoning (My least favorite)
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (former biological sciences)
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (former physical sciences)
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (NEW section, cause we need people skills and understand more than physical!)
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (revamped Verbal with no science based passages :[ )
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They also changed the grading scale it used to be out of a total 45, each of the 3 sections accounting for 15 points. Now there is some weird grading scale that I do not fully understand, but here is the link if you really want to know more about it:
Usually people take the MCAT April of the year they will be applying for medical school (which is typically the summer between their Jr/Sr year). This allows time to receive you score about a month later, so May and if you don't do so hot you can retake it and continue your application. Honestly, this sounds SO CRAZY to me it feels like so little time for such a difficult process, but many have done it, just make sure you are ready for it all.
It was sometime near the beginning of 2014 and all that was on my mind was graduating at the end of that year in 2014. My post-graduation plans were perfect (in my mind), I was going to begin a much needed shadowing experience, continue my efforts as a Lead STEM mentor, and study for the new MCAT I would take in 2015 and likely still wait to apply until the 2016-2017 application cycle. Soon that bubble was burst, some of my friends were going to take the MCAT, one of my dearest professors said, "Jen, do you really want to take a 7 hour exam?" eh hadn't really thought of it that way I guess.. then he started to say that he really believed I could do it. Then in March, I got what I consider to be a sign, I won a 50% off course with The Princeton Review, WHAT!? Okay so I signed up for the 10 week course and my MCAT date August 21, 2014 only two days after my birthday such an awesome gift to me.
Studying for the MCAT was like being in school taking 16 units. I went to class Monday-Friday (9am-11am) got home took a 1 hour break with lunch then would study from 1p-8p. NO this did not happen every day, some days I studied less some more and of course there was times I was so exhausted I'd take 30 minute breaks. On my first practice exam I didn't do well which is expected since I had not studied at all. If you take a Princeton Rvw course remember their practice tests are so much harder than the regular MCAT and that's to help prepare youl. So don't feel down if those scores don't seem as great. Base you average from AAMC provided practice exams. After 10 weeks of class I had exactly 21 days until my MCAT and I studied every one of those days alternating between subjects and taking practice exams on Saturday mornings. The most important thing for me was to keep my motivation alive, allow yourself some time to relax and destress.
In the end, I got a decent score, I won't lie I was a bit disappointed. I felt that I got my score because I had sort of given up. My original goal was 5 points higher and through the course and studying I slowly lowered my personal standard. PLEASE DON'T DO THAT! I have a feeling if I had worked for those 5 points and made them part of my goal I would've at least been 3 points higher than what I got.
My advice to you is study how it is best for you. I needed the structure of a class but I have known people who studied without prep courses and did well. Do not underestimate yourself, set a goal and continue working toward that goal. Do not underestimate the exam, especially now with the length take lots of practice exams and build the endurance! On the day of the exam take plenty of snacks (water, granola bars, protein bars, something filling since you'll be there 7 hours). Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early. The earlier you arrive the sooner you get registered and get to start, not only that but it gives you time to find the place where you are going. If you are bothered by noise(people taking the GRE are typing which was bothersome for me) but dislike clunky headphones, bring ear plugs.
Remember that this part of your career will be no walk in the park but once it is over you will appreciate yourself so much more. Some of you probably already believe in yourselves, but I had low confidence in myself and the whole pre-med path has really allowed me to grow and see myself in a whole new light. Now go conquer that next step towards reaching your goal :D
Studying for the MCAT was like being in school taking 16 units. I went to class Monday-Friday (9am-11am) got home took a 1 hour break with lunch then would study from 1p-8p. NO this did not happen every day, some days I studied less some more and of course there was times I was so exhausted I'd take 30 minute breaks. On my first practice exam I didn't do well which is expected since I had not studied at all. If you take a Princeton Rvw course remember their practice tests are so much harder than the regular MCAT and that's to help prepare youl. So don't feel down if those scores don't seem as great. Base you average from AAMC provided practice exams. After 10 weeks of class I had exactly 21 days until my MCAT and I studied every one of those days alternating between subjects and taking practice exams on Saturday mornings. The most important thing for me was to keep my motivation alive, allow yourself some time to relax and destress.
In the end, I got a decent score, I won't lie I was a bit disappointed. I felt that I got my score because I had sort of given up. My original goal was 5 points higher and through the course and studying I slowly lowered my personal standard. PLEASE DON'T DO THAT! I have a feeling if I had worked for those 5 points and made them part of my goal I would've at least been 3 points higher than what I got.
My advice to you is study how it is best for you. I needed the structure of a class but I have known people who studied without prep courses and did well. Do not underestimate yourself, set a goal and continue working toward that goal. Do not underestimate the exam, especially now with the length take lots of practice exams and build the endurance! On the day of the exam take plenty of snacks (water, granola bars, protein bars, something filling since you'll be there 7 hours). Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early. The earlier you arrive the sooner you get registered and get to start, not only that but it gives you time to find the place where you are going. If you are bothered by noise(people taking the GRE are typing which was bothersome for me) but dislike clunky headphones, bring ear plugs.
Remember that this part of your career will be no walk in the park but once it is over you will appreciate yourself so much more. Some of you probably already believe in yourselves, but I had low confidence in myself and the whole pre-med path has really allowed me to grow and see myself in a whole new light. Now go conquer that next step towards reaching your goal :D
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