Strategies for Standardized Test and Mastering the MCAT

Introduction

• Speaker: Lesean Sturgis, Assistant Dean for Academic Advising, Medical College of Georgia
• Objective: Discuss strategies for mastering the MCAT and standardized tests
• Speakers: Dr. Shyvana W, first-year medical student

Growth Mindset

• Essential for success in standardized tests
• Reframe negative narratives (e.g., "I'm a bad test taker")
• Believe in your ability to improve and succeed
• Growth mindset helps in improving test-taking skills

Importance of Test-Taking Skills

• Skills learned for MCAT applicable throughout medical career
• Essential for Step 1, Step 2, clerkship exams, residency exams

Poll Results

• Majority taking MCAT in summer (April, May, June)
• Helps tailor advice specific to audience timeline

Dr. Shyvana W's Presentation

Mindset and Skills

• Medical schools seek growth, reflection, resiliency, not perfection
• Assessments include quizzes, self-testing, journaling, feedback
• MCAT ensures critical thinking and application skills

Best Answer Exams

• Medical education requires 'best answer' thinking
• Develop critical thinking skills, essential in medical practice

Anxiety and Test Performance

• Exam anxiety can mimic fight or flight response
• Importance of managing anxiety to improve test performance
• Avoid perfectionism, manage external pressures

Study Strategies

Time Management

• Carve out dedicated time for MCAT preparation
• Balance coursework, work, extracurriculars
• Important to say no and prioritize study time

Schedule Considerations

• Longer preparation needed if:
  • Incomplete prerequisites
  • Lower science GPA
  • Busy schedule
  • Non-traditional student or far removed from coursework

Review vs. Learning

• Review: Brush up on previously learned material
• Learning: New content or topics that need to be learned from scratch

Retrieval Practice

• Recalling concepts enhances learning
• Engage in practice questions and spaced repetition
• Aim for around 3,500 practice questions before taking the MCAT

Space Repetition

• Ongoing review of material to enhance retention
• Utilize tools like Anki for effective spaced repetition

Daily and Overall Study Plan

• Daily: Learn/review, practice questions, use spaced repetition
• Practice exams at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% content mastery

Interview with First-Year Medical Student

Key Skills for MCAT

• Believe in yourself, manage emotions
• Read with purpose and intent

Experience with MCAT

• Intimidating initially, gained confidence after completion
• MCAT taught calmness and adaptability
• Process of elimination strategy critical

Test Taking in Medical School

• Importance of practicing questions regularly
• MCAT skills useful for future physician role

Reflections and Advice

• Practice exams critical for preparation
• Balance study with personal well-being

Q&A Highlights

Managing Test Anxiety

• Simulate test conditions
• Mindset: Accept imperfection, focus on growth

Cars Section Improvement

• Practice daily
• Engage with passages, contextualize questions

Study Fatigue Management

• Maintain work-life balance
• Schedule regular breaks, including a full day off each week

Retaking the MCAT

• Not viewed negatively if scores improve with retakes
• Use data (practice scores) to determine readiness

Final Reflections

• No one is inherently a good test taker
• Work on skills and mindset for improvement
• Consistent practice and self-reflection are keys to success