The MCAT is like a marathon, and the most successful test-takers have been studying and practicing over time. Even better, find an exercise buddy to keep you on track and to give you support leading up to test day.įinally, trust in yourself and the preparation you’ve done. But don’t stop exercising just because the week is busy. You don’t want to overdo it in the final week before the test taking the MCAT when you are stiff and sore isn’t going to help you out. Light exercise is an excellent way to release stress. When anxiety begins to build up, visualize yourself in a white coat, with your name and “M.D.” after it embroidered on the front. The MCAT is part of that process, but don’t let it become the center of your universe. Remind yourself why you are doing this: in order to become a physician. However, stress can really build up in the final days leading up to the MCAT, and you need to plan to deal with it.įirst, keep the big picture in mind. Most people perform better when they have a bit of an “edge,” and rise to the occasion.

Test anxiety is a normal part of the MCAT, and it can actually work in your favor. What kind of scratch material is provided? What kind of writing instrument?.How many bathrooms are there? Where are they located?.How long does it take to check back into the testing room after breaks?.Is there a refrigerator or microwave available?.What are the lockers/storage bins like?.Am I allowed to put on/take off layers of clothing in the testing room?.What is the temperature like in the testing room?.Each test center is slightly different, so make sure you know exactly what yours will be like: Consider the following, and add any other questions you might have. You can make up a list of questions for the test center staff so that you know exactly what to expect. No food or beverages are allowed in the test room, so having a plan for what you’ll bring along for the breaks is critical to your endurance.įinally, consider taking a trip to the test center itself to become familiar with the environment, or calling before test day. Have water or a sports drink at every break, whether you feel thirsty or not. Most importantly, you’ll need to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to have something for the final break to help you get through the last section of the test.

For lunch, have a small sandwich such as peanut butter or ham and cheese. Good choices are fruits (such as a banana or sliced apple), granola bar, cheese, or nuts. Bring high-energy snacks that are quick, neat, and some of your favorites having something you like will help you manage stress. Snacks, lunch, and beverages are part of making it through a long and challenging day. Next, plan out what you’ll do in each break. You might need to change your coffee/tea/caffeinated beverage routine to match what you’ll encounter on test day itself.

Also, keep in mind that no food or drinks are allowed in the test room itself. Match your meals and breaks to the test day schedule. That way, it won’t be a big change for you. Start going to bed and getting up at the same time that you’ll need to on the day of the MCAT. You need to prepare for this in advance, and have a plan for all aspects of test day.įirst, set up your body’s Circadian rhythm to match test day. Between the test sections and the breaks, you’ll spend almost seven and a half hours taking the MCAT. One overlooked aspect of the MCAT that requires preparation is the physical drain of the test.

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