Most Common MCAT Prep Mistakes
Figuring out an effective way to prep for the MCAT exam may seem like a challenge to med-school aspirants. While different students have different MCAT study methods, there are a few common mistakes that every aspirant makes. Be it lack of practice or less prep time, a few common mistakes have led to countless students stumbling on their quest to MCAT success.
After extensive research and insight from years of experience, we bring you the 5 most common MCAT prep mistakes, every test-taker makes:
1. Not enrolling into a MCAT prep course
Yes! We've ranked it on number one and quite rightly so. The MCAT is the gateway for students to enter the medical profession. It's the one of the few times students are faced with the ultimate test that decides the entire course of their future. Stepping into the test blindly and expecting to ace the exam is a no-go. If you'd like to do it right, then why not do it right the first time? Trying to save a few bucks by skipping an MCAT prep course has proved to be the biggest mistake past test-takers have made.
2. "CARS doesn't need preparation" - Think again!
The Verbal reasoning section, now known as CARS, requires a critical analysis of passages and questions based on them. Most aspirants believe that this section doesn't require any practice, as the answers are contained within the passages itself. However, the reality is quite different. The passages are complex and with the timer ticking away you will need quite some time to read and grasp its context with efficiency. Reading constantly and training your mind to think analytically is crucial to ace this section. Hence, if you think you don't have to prep for CARS, think again. For all we know, this section has been a huge roadblock for the most brilliant of minds.
3. Prep time VS Extra- curricula's
Medical school admissions require a student to exhibit a combination of high academic scores, extra-curricular achievements, community service and good MCAT scores. In a bid to add on to their achievements, several aspirants spend too much time on extra-curricular activities. During the pre-med years, it is imperative for aspirants to not compensate on their MCAT prep. A good MCAT score will far outweigh your extra-curricular achievements. Strike a balance between effective MCAT and extra-curricula's, by scaling down on your involvement in too many groups.
4. Too much study, too little practice
You've engrossed yourself in the study materials. You've managed to grasp all the pointers provided in your MCAT Exam Review Course. Undoubtedly, you've managed to put in the hours in order to take the MCAT to get a high score. When it comes to MCAT prep, many aspirants fail to abide by the old adage - "Practice makes a man perfect". Though you may be pressed for time during you pre-med years, it is crucial to chart out a schedule for studying and practice exams. EduMind's popular MCAT prep courses comprises of practice tests designed by subject experts. Improved confidence, time-management skills, and test-scores are a direct result of availing the practice sessions.
5. Don't memorize, but understand
MCAT changes everything you thought you knew about taking exams. The test is based on the understanding, application and critical analysis of the fundamentals. Revise your study strategy by not committing too much time to memorizing in-depth concepts. MCAT does NOT test how well you commit facts to memory and regurgitate on exam day. Hence, focus on gaining knowledge of the key concepts. Avoid spending too much time studying the details and losing out on the big picture. Avail EduMind's MCAT exam review course to get a comprehensive overview of the key concepts to ace the MCAT.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can steer past the hurdles on your journey to MCAT success.
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