MCAT Study Tips to Improve Your MCAT Score
by Michael Mullen with Varsity Tutors
These MCAT study tips are what our clients have found most useful over the years. Many people approach the MCAT as they would any other test; they learn the material, relearn the material, solve practice problems, and review the material again. Most of these people will not get the scores they hope for because doing well on the MCAT is about much more than just understanding the exam content. In addition to reviewing the various subject areas and deciphering practice problems, there are three great test-taking strategies you can use to improve your MCAT score.
1. Skim the answers before reading the passage
In addition to all of the Verbal Reasoning questions, 75%of the biological and physical science questions on the MCAT will be passage-based. This means that the way you approach these passages can have a massive impact on the score you ultimately receive. When you reach a passage, always skim the questions before you read the text. These MCAT study tips can give you a big edge during the test.
This will accomplish two things. First, it will give you a clue as to what the passage will be about; it will give you context that can make the passage easier to read and will enable you to focus on the information that you know will be especially relevant when you are answering the questions.
Second, skimming the questions will allow you to start thinking about how to answer them as you read – you may even be able to answer some questions without reading the passage at all, which can save you valuable time. Just remember that you are only skimming the questions, and that you shouldn’t waste too much time trying to fully digest them before you approach the passage.
After some practice, it should only take a very short amount of time to skim every question on each page.
2. Take notes as you read the passages
When practicing for the MCAT, many students use books of practice problems to help them master the material. These books can be a valuable resource, but you should always remember that the actual MCAT is administered via computer. This may seem like a minor difference, but if you get too comfortable circling and underlining key portions of the passages, it won’t be. The point-and-click highlighting function that the computers at your local testing facility perform is much less nimble than your own hand, and the brief moments you spend trying to target the right piece of the passage can cost you points.
The best option is to avoid highlighting as much as possible; simply jot down brief notes about the passage on the scratch paper provided for you. If you get comfortable writing notes without looking at the paper, this method will allow you to stay focused on the passage and simultaneously write your thoughts on it as you go along. However, it is still a good idea to highlight any key sections that you think you might have to refer back to, as this makes them easier to find later on.
3. Learn to relax
The day of your MCAT will be the culmination of months of studying and a massive step on your road to becoming a doctor, so you will undoubtedly be feeling some stress as you work through the exam. Some of this stress is unavoidable and some can only be cured by preparing yourself properly in the months leading up to the test, but whatever stress is left over can be managed.
While taking practice tests, get into the habit of taking a deep breath and closing your eyes for a few seconds every time you get stuck on a problem. This might seem like a waste of precious time, but the worst thing you can do is to beat your head against a wall because of a question you don’t understand. Just one calming breath can lower your heart rate and help you relax, and those few seconds you spend relaxing can have a very positive impact on how you perform on the rest of the test. Hopefully these MCAT study tips will take you to the school of your dreams!
Michael Mullen is a professional MCAT tutor and contributing writer for Varsity Tutors.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Washington.