Tackling the Medical College Admission Test?

Answer 1

The prospect of taking the Medical College Admission Test can be an overwhelming prospect to anyone contemplating applying to medical school. Knowing that your admission to medical school and your future career as a physician hinges on the scores achieved on this 5-1/2 hour exam may fill you with apprehension before you ever sit down to take the test.

The best way to alleviate your fears associated with taking the MCAT is to fully acquaint yourself with the types of questions you'll find when you do sit for this standardized test. Since the variety of questions contained on the exam cover a great deal of material, it's important that you begin your studies well in advance of the exam. The MCAT consists of four sections that test your knowledge of Biology and organic chemistry, physical science, verbal reasoning and your ability to express yourself clearly in writing.

With the exception of the writing skills portion of the exam, the MCAT consists solely of multiple choice questions. That doesn't mean to say they're necessarily easy questions, but your possible answers are limited to the available choices presented on the exam.

In order to become acquainted with the types of questions on the MCAT and the material covered, you should invest in MCAT test prep materials or training. No amount of study can replace the benefits gained from tackling several practice tests filled with the same type of questions you'll encounter on the MCAT. By answering these types of questions repeatedly, you'll come to understand the way the questions are worded and how to choose the appropriate answer.

While multiple choice questions make up the majority of the MCAT, it's still important to fully prepare yourself for the written part of the exam as well. By choosing several questions and supplying answers to them in an essay format, you'll strengthen your writing skills and hone your ability to quickly and carefully complete that section. Ask an instructor in one of your college courses, or in an MCAT prep course, to read and grade your work to help you identify areas in which you need to improve.

While it's easy to feel overwhelmed at the prospect of taking the MCAT, it's important to remember that this test is designed to test your knowledge on a range of topics required to study and practice medicine. By acquainting yourself with the types of questions on the test, you'll be as well prepared as possible.