Preparing for the MCAT: Tips and Strategies for Success
Do you have a Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) study plan?
The MCAT is a required component of all medical school applications in the United States. This standardized multiple-choice computer-based exam has been part of the medical school admissions process for over 90 years. It tests the knowledge and skills considered a prerequisite for success in medical school and practicing medicine.
The exam is divided into four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. Each section evaluates a specific aspect of your knowledge and ability.
To prepare for the MCAT, review the MCAT content outline to identify gaps in your knowledge and take a practice test before studying. The test result can help create a study plan. It is advisable to spend at least four months studying and using different study strategies to consolidate your knowledge. Use active strategies like taking practice tests, content-specific question blocks, and making flashcards, as well as passive strategies like review books, premade flashcards, and online videos.
Take several practice tests. Practice tests evaluate your progress and improve your test-taking skills.
Practice tests will teach you how to pace yourself during the exam. This is a crucial test-taking skill; leaving questions unanswered can result in missed opportunities to gain points. It is better to guess than leave a question unanswered. You have a 25% chance of getting a question correct by guessing, whereas not answering a question results in a 0% chance of getting it right.
When you feel ready, choose a date that makes sense for when you plan to apply to medical school. Remember that medical schools see all your scores. The MCAT scores are released 30-35 days after your test date. The total score ranges from 472-528, with each section’s score ranging from 118-132. From the 2023-2024 application cycle, medical school applicants average score was 506. Matriculants average score was 511.7. However, what constitutes a “good score” will depend on the rest of your application and the schools you apply to.
In summary, the MCAT is a critical exam that all medical school applicants in the US must take. Preparation is vital; you should use all available resources to ensure you are well-prepared. Good luck to you as you prepare for the MCAT!
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