The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a difficult yet integral part of the medical school journey. The standardized test for prospective medical students in Canada and the U.S. can be so difficult that some find themselves needing to take it again after struggling the first time around.
While there is no such thing as a “passing” or “failing” MCAT score, it can definitely have an impact on which medical schools you can get into. Many often retake the MCAT in an effort to improve their scores for prospective schools, even though their originally score would be acceptable for a majority of institutions.
Preparing for Retaking the MCAT
Those planning on retaking the MCAT have the advantage of already going through the process once already. While that may seem like an obvious statement, it should also help lay the groundwork for how you prepare for the test the second time. Employing the same studying and preparation habits could lead to similar results. That’s why, first and foremost, you should identify what worked and what didn’t during the lead up to your first test.
In what also may seem like an obvious statement, mental and physical clarity and focus is the key to being successful at nearly everything in life. Things such as a poor diet, lack of exercise or uneven sleep patterns can have a significant impact on your preparation and overall quality of life. Simply eating right, working out regularly and getting recommended amounts of sleep can give you a huge advantage as you prepare for retaking the MCAT.
As you are likely aware by now, there are many great resources available in bookstores and online for taking the MCATs. But using these same resources for retaking the MCAT could be extremely counterproductive. Use some new tools and studying methods this time around and you’re likely to see a big improvement in your overall score.
Retaking the MCAT can be an incredibly stressful process, but you can walk away from it with a much more satisfying score by making just a few minor adjustments to your everyday routine!