The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam that prospective medical students around the world take. The MCAT is accessible mainly in the United States, Canada, and some countries around the globe. The exam assesses a medical student applicant’s problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, written analysis capability, and basic knowledge of scientific concepts and principles.

A perfect score of 528 is the goal of every student who sits for the exam and what every medical school admissions representative longs to see on all of the applications that come across their desk. Achieving a perfect score requires the student to work diligently, study, and prepare for the MCAT.

If your goal is a perfect MCAT score of 528 on your medical school application, you are going to need some expert preparation tips. Here at Avalon University School of Medicine, our Dean of Basic Sciences, Dr. Sherissa Bala, our Dean of Clinical Sciences, Dr. Lanny Wilson, and our Associate Dean of Admissions, Dr. Reshma Fatteh, have shared their expert tips on how to best prepare for the MCAT exam.

1. Create good study habits and develop a structured study plan

Take the time to learn and develop good study habits NOW. Not only will the routine of good habits help you learn and maintain your knowledge for the MCAT, they will also serve you well when you enter the rigors of medical school.

A structured study plan is KEY to your current and future success. Decide how much time everyday that you will spend studying with a guarantee of no interruptions. When you have set your designated study time, decide in advance what topics you will cover each day. This will help you stay on top of your preparations and ensure that you cover all topics adequately.

2. Utilize the best (high-quality) study resources

Do your research. Do not settle for subpar study resources. Make sure that the information provided is up to date and use all parts of your selected resource to its full capacity.

3. Practice full-length test exams (simulating the test environment)

The best way to ensure you are prepared for the exam is to take practice exams in an environment that closely resembles the environment that you will be taking the actual MCAT. Doing this will help ensure that you experience less test anxiety (what’s to be anxious about! You have practiced this), and that your mind is familiar with the examination process.

4. Join Study groups (for motivation)

Motivation is CRUCIAL! Burnout is real. Make sure you surround yourself with like minded people who can help you through the preparation process.

Study groups can and should be built into your carefully cultivated study plans. These groups will help motivate you to keep up with your peers and give you the accountability you need to stay on track. Additionally, they provide a sense of comradery. This motivation will spur you on in those inevitable times you feel like giving up.

5. Prioritize health (Focus on physical and mental well-being)

This cannot be stressed enough! Establishing these habits is one of the most beneficial things you can do to help yourself through your studies as a future medical student.

Your time spent preparing for the MCAT presents a perfect opportunity to learn what healthy habits work for you.

Here are some easy suggestions:

• Establish a healthy diet
• Make sure you drink enough water
• Take time to meditate
• Allot time to have fun and do something you enjoy

The MCAT exam and your preparation for it is the perfect time to get into the mindset of a future medical student. Work now to establish healthy study habits and it will help you later!

Here are a couple more helpful tips from our Caribbean Medical Faculty to keep in mind during your preparation:

Strategic Content Proficiency: Efficiently prioritize high-yield topics and employ active learning methods to enhance understanding.

1. Define your goals: Your goal is a perfect score on your MCAT
2. Audit the content you are studying: Ask yourself what information you will be asked on the MCAT
3. Create a study plan strategically: Take it one step at a time and create a study plan where the information builds on itself.
4. Analyze the results of your study plan: Take practice tests. If you do not score well on practice tests then you need to reevaluate your study plan.

Test-taking Skills: Develop effective strategies for passage analysis and time management to excel on the MCAT. Our best suggestion? PRACTICE! Following your practice, analyze. If you do not score well NOW, it is not going to get better if you keep doing the same thing.

Mental Preparation: Practice techniques for managing test anxiety and maintaining focus to optimize performance on exam day.

Our last words of advice? Trust yourself. If you’ve put in the work, taken the practice tests, and done the mental preparation, you are ready!