How To Score High Marks In MDCAT Entry Test

Embarking on a journey in medicine can be life-changing and thrilling. But while enthusiasm can do wonders for your confidence as you progress, you need extra dedication and effort to be able to succeed in this field.

Moreover, the doctor-to-population ratio in Pakistan currently stands at one medical professional for every 1,764 persons. This figure is not enough to sustain the people of the country, and there is a dire need for more doctors in the country. Consequently, the first step toward a prosperous and rewarding medical career involves taking the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) exam.

Preparing for this entry test can be a game-changer, allowing you to pave the way for your aspirations. Below are some tips and tricks to help you prepare for the upcoming exam and secure high marks.

Tips To Prepare For MDCAT Entry Test

• Develop Focus

The first factor that you need to keep in mind to achieve your goal is focus and determination. People tend to take at least three months to prepare for the MDCAT, during which their sole focus is the exam itself. Remember, your success hinges on how serious you are about securing admission to top medical institutions.

In case you have difficulty maintaining focus, you can motivate yourself by watching inspirational videos. Think about what it means to you to pass the exam and consider your family, parents, and other aspirations associated with your success.

• Concentrate On Your Weaker Subjects

One of the most important steps of your preparation is to pick out the specific areas that challenge you the most. Think about the subjects that require improvement or take a lot of effort on your part. It is necessary to pinpoint such areas and pay special attention to them. Doing so helps strengthen your understanding and knowledge of the matter.

In addition, if you have difficulty identifying the areas you most struggle with, you can seek the help of your teachers. They have an insight into the struggles of their students and can help you assess the topics you find challenging. With this collaborative effort, you can easily pick out the subjects that require more effort and attention.

But do not expect to become a master overnight. It takes prolonged focus and substantial effort to develop expertise in a subject that you usually find challenging. Remember, it is not an easy task to build a solid foundation in a single day or week in Physics, Chemistry, or any other subject for that matter. However, you can go a long way by conducting a thorough self-assessment and remaining steadfast on your path to improvement.

• Design A Timetable

Setting a timetable and strictly adhering to it for your MDCAT preparation can pave the way for effective studying. Here is how you can develop a timetable for yourself.

• Figure out how much time you have until the day of the exam.
• Break the preparation period into days and weeks to make it more manageable for yourself.
• Divide your time into dedicated study days and assign specific topics or subjects to each day.
• Remember to prioritize challenging topics more than the ones you are good at by allocating more study time to them.
• Break down each study day into blocks. This entails designating several hours throughout the day for your MDCAT preparation.
• Make sure to keep short breaks between each study session to prevent burnout.
• You can also rotate between various subjects during your study blocks to avoid monotony and keep things interesting.
• Set weekly or daily goals for your preparation. However, ensure that they are realistic and achievable in the set time frame.

• Leveraging Your Knowledge Of Past Papers

It is necessary to understand the paper patterns for a comprehensive preparation of the MDCAT entry test. When you go through past exams, it helps you develop an invaluable knowledge of the repetitive topics and core questions. They aid in gaining in-depth knowledge of how the questions are distributed and the format that is usually followed.

Moreover, it allows you to judge the difficulty level of various questions with ease. This is another tool that can prove to be helpful when you sit down to assess the topics that present the most challenges to you.

Thus, it is helpful to identify recurring topics and themes, as it speaks to their importance to the examiner. If you focus on such topics during your preparation, you will be in a better position to answer any questions related to them. Consistently reviewing previous exams is a simple way to test yourself and cover various topics, which boosts your readiness for the test.

• Take Practice Tests Online

If you want to be completely ready when the time comes for you to give your MDCAT exam, it is necessary to actively participate in online tests. It is a form of simulation that helps you familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam, time restrictions, and the overall atmosphere of the big day.

As a result, you are likely to feel lesser anxiety when you walk into the exam hall before the exam. In addition, attempting practice tests in advance helps you analyze where you stand. The more test papers you solve, the clearer your weaknesses and strengths will become. Consequently, you can allocate more time and attention to the areas that need improvement.

There is no denying that it is necessary to become accustomed to the question types and formats that are typically present in MDCAT exams. Same as past papers, practice tests allow you to get a feel of the format and nature, thereby refining your capability to deal with various challenges.

• Boost Your Time Management Skills

Efficient management of your time is crucial when you are sitting for your MDCAT exam for various reasons. The most important reason being that it allows you to attempt all the necessary questions, without anxiety holding you back. This is also where your practice tests come in handy, as they prepare you to avoid potential problems during the exam.

Therefore, when you sit down for preparations, use a timer for every MCQ you attempt. Make sure to have clear and comprehensive lecture notes handy for quick reference, in case you forget something or need a speedy grasp of the subject matter.

• Stay Positive

If you want to successfully navigate the challenges of an MDCAT test, you need to build an optimistic mindset and avoid doubts from getting the better of you. Speak to individuals who help you develop a positive attitude and have shown support in your journey. It is a known fact that positive influences tend to uplift your spirits and motivate you.

It is also natural to experience anxiety before such a significant event, which is why you should stand in front of a mirror when the day arrives and affirm your abilities. Voice affirmations for yourself to encourage confidence. It is a known fact that positivity makes room for stress management and improves overall well-being, which is exactly what you need for this exam.

The Big Day

It is wise to begin preparing for your MDCAT exams as early as possible to ensure your readiness for the big day. The passing ratio for this exam in 2022 was around 74%, and it is likely to be in the ballpark in the upcoming years, too. Thus, it falls onto you to be among the people who emerge successful. After all, your performance on this day will largely determine the course of your career in the future.

But instead of feeling anxious, spring into action and follow each tip given above to boost your study plan. They will help you build a strategic course and navigate the complexities of this test. Do not forget to remind yourself that you have got this, and you are good to go!