Hey everyone!
I hope someone can give me some advice on how to get over an MCAT plateau. My last three practice tests have been 507-509 range (using Kaplan tests now), and I will be testing on Sept 28th, so I have time, but I just cannot seem to get over this hump. Has anyone been in a similar position and have some advice and tips on how to shift studying to break the plateau?
Thanks so much!
Hope you aced your test in Sept. If you are still preparing, here are our suggestions.
The reason your score is likely not increasing could be because of stamina. MCAT testing endurance is a very underestimated skillset. Yet, it is one of the MAJOR skills that most top MCAT scorers give credit to in allowing them to increase their MCAT scores.
This exam is unlike any other test youâve written. Itâs very endurance heavy. Without any stamina training, do you really think you have the ability to sit there and use your brain effectively in test mode for 7.5 straight hours? HIGHLY unlikely.
Beyond the 2-3 hour mark, most top scorers knew that they really had to train their mind to stay focused and in âpeak-performanceâ state for the rest of the exam. You too, really have to train your endurance and stamina if you want to see your MCAT score improve.
Weâve come across a lot of premeds and a good guess would be that the average MCAT writer studies for 1 hour and takes a break for another hour during MCAT prep. The problem? Lack of stamina and ability to focus. Hereâs what we suggest:
1: Using Practice Exams Efficiently
Youâve probably already heard that the âMCAT is a marathon, not a sprintâ. Most people have heard it. Yet, the students who actually take it seriously and act on such a valuable insight, are the ones who get the highest MCAT scores.
Top scorers always see the MCAT as a marathon. You definitely donât want to compete in a marathon if youâve never properly completed one before! Youâll lose.
You should have completed as many marathons as possible before the big event to ensure that stamina will NOT be a problem for you. When stamina doesnât get in your way, only then can you properly focus on technique, strategy, and analysis.
When it comes to conquering the MCAT, your practice exams are your marathons. Remember, MCAT stamina can only be strengthened by the way in which you practice.
2: How To Analyze Practice Exams for Deficiency In Stamina
Break up your practice exam into hourly phases, after youâve written it and are in analysis mode.
Your goal is to analyze and figure out which phase of the practice exam you are getting answers the most incorrect during practice tests.
Break up your phases by hours. Where are you struggling the most? In the first and second hour? The third and fourth? Fifth and sixth? Or the last one?
If youâre getting the most answers incorrect in the first hour, your issue might be anxiety or your ability to get comfortable and into your mental âzoneâ. Your solution could simply be that you need to get in your âzoneâ before the test so you donât waste that first hour or two not performing optimally.
Email us at mcat@manhattaneliteprep.com or call/live chat with us on our website if you need any MCAT Prep help! Thanks for your interest!