3 Ways to Help Test-Takers Sit for the Longer MCAT
Test-takers facing the new MCAT are dealing with an exam that is significantly longer than the previous version. While the updated MCAT is a crucial step in the medical school admissions process, there is a second reason to ensure you are capable of scoring well on this extended test -- its content will be central to your career as a physician.
The following are three ways to succeed on the longer MCAT.
[Follow a three-month MCAT study plan.]
1. Build your stamina: Most students have never completed an exam of this length, and they must train their minds and bodies to remain focused. The entire seated length of the test is seven and a half hours -- nearly a full workday.
Completing practice exams will become even more essential, and you should aim to take one or more per week in the months before your test date. In addition, there is little that is worse for your mental acuity than being exhausted, over-caffeinated and stressed.
During your preparation months, ensure you establish a healthy sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, including weekends. Remain mentally active with academic or test prep activities during the time of day that you plan to sit for your exam.
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2. Use additional time to your advantage: The updated MCAT features both new content and extended sections. Critical analysis and reasoning skills includes 53 questions in 90 minutes, while the past test's verbal reasoning portion has just 40 questions in 60 minutes.
Each science section has increased from 52 problems in 70 minutes to 59 questions in 95 minutes. Practice using three important ways of using that time wisely.
First, respect each passage. Do not rush as you read. Next, do not fear calculation. Enter the exam willing to attempt more involved calculations, and ensure you check your work.
Finally, clear your mind between passages. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and leave the baggage of a difficult question behind. With a longer exam, the total amount of mental interference you experience may increase. Be mindful of your emotional state.
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3. Use your test breaks wisely: In addition to pausing between passages, care for your physical well-being between sections. Eat breakfast and lunch and avoid sugary foods to prevent an energy crash.
Certain starches and proteins, such as a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, will provide you with nutrients during the test. Be strategic with your 30-minute break and your two 10-minute breaks. Exiting and entering the exam room can take more than half of a 10-minute break, so you may be able to do only one thing: snack, exercise or use the restroom.
In the waiting area, move your body with some light stretching, knee lifts or slow jumping jacks. Do not exercise or stretch in the testing room, as this may be misinterpreted as a testing irregularity. Maintain proper seated posture to remain alert and to avoid lower back pain during the exam.
More will be asked of you on the updated MCAT, but the endurance strategies you will require are the same. Remember to take care of your physical and mental well-being while preparing for and taking the longer test, and you will reach your potential.
Vipinjeet Sandhu is a professional MCAT tutor and contributing writer for Varsity Tutors. He earned his bachelor's degree in neuroscience and behavior from Columbia College of Columbia University. He holds an M.D. from St. George's University School of Medicine.
