What and how to prepare one month before MCAT

[mcat_premed3832]

It is certainly easier to comment knowing specific practice test scores (ie AAMC, GS, etc) but there are some important pointers that can be mentioned regardless.

Before you start doing more practice materials, you must take the time to consolidate what you know. Start by reviewing all AAMC tests that you have done. Pay special attention to questions that you got wrong and even those you got right but were guessing. Take very brief notes on the concept learned. Note the kinds of equations that you needed to know (you can also take a look at the Equation Lists that we put online as a base) so that you don't fill up your mind with unnecessary details.

You should attempt also to 'super condense' your current notes. Putting these together with your post exam notes is what we call your 'gold notes.'

Now you are ready to go back to your exam taking schedule. Anytime you want to do a new practice test and when you are ready for the real thing, always review your gold notes first.

There is a basic and critical concept in medicine called "pattern recognition." It is not true that there is an infinite number of possible concepts tested by the MCAT (though you may have felt this way because of the wide breadth of your learning and practice materials). The concepts are quite limited and so are the patterns. It's OK if you have no clue on a couple of questions, that's not important. However, you should be on the right track for almost all questions, and it is very important that you remain focused to the point that you assure yourself that if you know the answer, you get it right. Before you go on, don't tell yourself: "Great, I got that one"; say the opposite: "I wonder what silly mistake I just made." That way, you will seek, find it and then move on.

Remember, you've done the real thing before and you are preparing better this time around. You are within reach of improving your initial score by 7 points, your objective. Don't worry too much if your GS scores remain between 8 and 10. If you check the thread comparing AAMC scores and GS scores, you can expect a bump on the real test. Keep at it!