MCAT personal notes: your ticket to higher MCAT scores

Preparation for the new MCAT would require integration. You will be required to have a solid grasp of fundamental definitions and concepts and know how these concepts come together in the life processes of living organisms. Then, you must be able to integrate one’s knowledge and use it to reason.

Thus, you will definitely need quality prep materials and a disciplined study schedule (3-6 hours a day for 3-6 months) to get a high MCAT score and to be accepted to medical school.

However, there is also another important part of your review: your MCAT personal notes.

Your notes will ensure that you avoid the mistake of overstudying or understudying. With note taking, you can maximize the benefits of your content review, practice problems and full-length exams.

A chapter review would result in one to two pages of notes. Every line you read, ask yourself: do I know this already? is this related to something else I read? is this really relevant to the MCAT? Your notes shall focus on the most relevant and new information. For example, if you have noticed a derivation of the Ideal Gas Equation, include that in your notes if it was something new for you.

Also, focus on information that you want to retain as well as keywords and concepts.

Taking notes after taking a full-length MCAT practice test is also important. These notes will make sure that you do not repeat the same mistake. Then, review your notes before taking another test.

Read your notes two to three times per week and then everyday in the weeks leading up to the exam. Research has shown that reading your notes every day improves information recall.

These notes will be your most precious review tool in the days leading up to the real MCAT. Good luck!

LINKS
MCAT Prep Courses
MCAT Practice Tests
MCAT Preparation Advice

Premed tips on setting goals

Getting into medical school may not be an easy process, but many students have succeeded and you can, too. 

Sharing with you some gold nuggets that may prove helpful in your journey towards becoming a medical student: 

1. Set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely goals. Big goals are overwhelming, but taking baby steps along the way makes them attainable. Be open-minded especially when results are not what you have expected. You can always try new approaches. 

2. Seek support. A strong support group like your family, friends or fellow students will help you accomplish more. Do not be ashamed to say, “I need help.” 

3. Understand the admission process. Read about the medical schools that interest you. Know the importance that they place on your GPA, MCAT results, letters of reference, autobiographical materials or interviews. If you have clarifications, write to them. 

4. For MCAT preparation, start early and study regularly. With sufficient time to study, you will be able to craft a study schedule that is effective. 

In addition, some premed courses in college will be able to help in your early preparation. Click here: What college classes do you need to take to prepare for the MCAT? 

5. Relax! While the new MCAT requires a lot of preparation, you should not forsake all your other activities to study. Try to keep exercising, maintain a social life and do things you enjoy. If you balance work with things which relax you, you will work more effectively overall.

6. Lastly, believe in yourself. The only person standing between you and success is yourself.

Good luck with your studies!

LINKS
MCAT Prep Courses
MCAT Practice Tests
Enhancing Your Pre-Med GPA: Efficient Studying and Study Aids