Really curious about this

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This is a question that I've been asking myself for a while. But here it is (it somehow relates to this test...and every other test you've taken).

Do you think someone performs better on a particular test, like the mcat, if they are humble? Or cocky? I know the question seems a little weird and in a sense stupid, but I'm really curious.

Is it better for a student to be truly modest and not think greatly of himself? Or would a cocky attitude yield more confidence which leads to more accurate thinking?

I truly believe that if everything else is held constant (intelligence, preparedness, adequate rest), your personality really is a big factor in how well you perform in a particular situation.

What do you guys think?

I have read numerous experiments when a person acted more confident for whatever reason (was told to be so, or given some reason to believe they were smarter or w/e) they ended up performing better than control groups.

Confidence is key, knowing that you can solve any problem they throw at you if you've prepared.

Originally Posted by kasho11

I have read numerous experiments when a person acted more confident for whatever reason (was told to be so, or given some reason to believe they were smarter or w/e) they ended up performing better than control groups.

Confidence is key, knowing that you can solve any problem they throw at you if you've prepared.

That's what I thought. But wouldn't confidence lead to anxiety? If you are confident, then obviously you know people expect much from you. That expectation adds pressure, which leads to clouded and ambiguous thoughts. However, I've seen people that are very modest (not too confident) that generally perform better on exams because no expectation = no stress. But of course that could go either way...

Maybe I'm thinking about this too much.

Then don't tell them you are taking the MCAT or want to be a doctor. That way you know people aren't expecting anything from you, and you can live your life without any perceived pressure.

Originally Posted by orthoboy

This is a question that I've been asking myself for a while. But here it is (it somehow relates to this test...and every other test you've taken).

Do you think someone performs better on a particular test, like the mcat, if they are humble? Or cocky? I know the question seems a little weird and in a sense stupid, but I'm really curious.

Is it better for a student to be truly modest and not think greatly of himself? Or would a cocky attitude yield more confidence which leads to more accurate thinking?

I truly believe that if everything else is held constant (intelligence, preparedness, adequate rest), your personality really is a big factor in how well you perform in a particular situation.

What do you guys think?

If the intelligence is already there and has gotten you this far, then I think your personality during the test is irrelevant.

Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you'll land among the stars.

Originally Posted by orthoboy

That's what I thought. But wouldn't confidence lead to anxiety? If you are confident, then obviously you know people expect much from you. That expectation adds pressure, which leads to clouded and ambiguous thoughts. However, I've seen people that are very modest (not too confident) that generally perform better on exams because no expectation = no stress. But of course that could go either way...

Maybe I'm thinking about this too much.

That's not confidence, that's over dependence on other people's opinions - just another form of insecurity.


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Confidence and humility together are a great mix. If you want to work in medicine, you must be confident but also aware of your limitations both in power and knowledge. When I walk into a house to assess, treat, and transport a patient, I do so in a calm and confident manner. But if I don't know, I find out the answer by calling my doc. My goal is to keep that patient alive. Afterwards, I look up the answer to the question I have one way or another. But I never let the patient or the family see me sweat. It has a very positive effect on everyone involved.

Originally Posted by kasho11

Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you'll land among the stars.

But the stars are further away so you must have done terrible on the PS section if this is how it works out.

Originally Posted by dxu

confidence and humility together are a great mix. if you want to work in medicine, you must be confident but also aware of your limitations both in power and knowledge. When i walk into a house to assess, treat, and transport a patient, i do so in a calm and confident manner. But if i don't know, i find out the answer by calling my doc. My goal is to keep that patient alive. Afterwards, i look up the answer to the question i have one way or another. But i never let the patient or the family see me sweat. It has a very positive effect on everyone involved.

+1