How to relax for the MCAT?

[SoulinNeed]

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I'm taking the test in May, and I'm worried that I'll be too nervous on test day to be able to focus on it. I've spent so many years turning this test into a monster that I don't even know how I'm going to be able to take it. Anyone, maybe who has already taken it, have any advice on how to relax?

 

[muhali3]

By taking the AAMC practice tests and simulating the testing environment as much as possible.

Develop a routine a few weeks before the real thing, and take the practice tests at the same day/same time as the real thing.

I did that, and it made the real thing feel like AAMC 12.

 

[PingPongPro]

There is nothing that you can do that will make you feel completely ready for the exam on test day.

The most you can do is take practice tests in real-like conditions as possible. There is simply no way to mimic the adrenaline in your system during the real test. If you can constantly remind yourself that the practice tests are VERY VERY strong indicators of real score predictors, this can help you to be "more nervous" during the practice tests.

I read something from LostInStudy's thread and it helped me during my test. Basically, I had a "ritual" I did every time I started to freak out/get stuck any time throughout the test. By the time I used this technique enough, I was good at being in "crisis management" mode and not freaking out. Take a deep breath, and try to not reread the question/answer over and over, because this will only cause for more nervousness. Try to close your eyes and take a deep breath and actively remind yourself you put X number of hours studying for this test, and you are as prepared as you will ever be, and you are capable of owning the test. Use your adequate preparation as a way to calm yourself for the test.

 

[NickNaylor]

By taking the AAMC practice tests and simulating the testing environment as much as possible.

Develop a routine a few weeks before the real thing, and take the practice tests at the same day/same time as the real thing.

I did that, and it made the real thing feel like AAMC 12.

This is the best advice you'll get. Repetition and simulating real testing conditions are the best things you can do. You'll probably still be a little nervous, but once you get settled into the test it'll just be another FL.

 

[411309]

I'm taking the test in May, and I'm worried that I'll be too nervous on test day to be able to focus on it. I've spent so many years turning this test into a monster that I don't even know how I'm going to be able to take it. Anyone, maybe who has already taken it, have any advice on how to relax?

smoke lots of weed and get drunk right before the test. Not but seriously, the best way is just to simulate taking the test before you actually take it, and get used to it. I think even then most people get nervous when they take it, but just do your best and remind yourself you can always take it a second time if something bad and unplanned happens.

 

[liveoak]

be prepared for the material. i didn't freak out on the actual test, and i never took a full-length before hand.

relax and realize you can always re-take

 

[imnamerican]

Having a plan for what I would do every day really helped and sort of compartmentalized the experience from a really big scary one to a series of small manageable ones. So rather than think of it as one long, awful process, I just thought about that individual day and what I needed to get done (usually a few chapters, maybe a practice exam), and I knew that if I was able to complete my checklist every day, I will be doing everything I possibly can.

 

[SLC]

Prep the best way you know how, then trust that you've done everything in your power to be ready. The day of the test (and I'd argue the week before the test) nothing you can do will change your score much in the positive direction. Just take a deep breath and know you'll do the best you can.

I refused to let the test get to me at all, I did very well on it as a result. I prepared very little, just trusted that I knew the material well enough to be tested on it.

Take it or leave it.

SLC

 

[APrioriAporia]

Remember that you can void it and take it on a later date. Doing that made me feel that it was not such a big deal and helped to ease any anxiety I had.

 

[valkener]

Make sure your lifestyle is healthy, drinking alcohol to relax is not going to work for you. Of course, having a beer after a long day of studying can be helpful but do it in moderation.

I'd say anything goes to relax, but watching 2 movies or 4 hours of TV is going to strain your eyes even further. I always went on a jog when I felt stressed out and it actually helped me to feel good and productive. How about hanging out with friends or eat out something nice for a change?

I have a good tip for you to feel more relaxed. As the date approaches, take several Full Length aamc practice exams and see if the score, on average, is what you want. If so, then there is no reason to be worried!

 

[Erythropoietin]

By taking the AAMC practice tests and simulating the testing environment as much as possible.

Develop a routine a few weeks before the real thing, and take the practice tests at the same day/same time as the real thing.

I did that, and it made the real thing feel like AAMC 12.

This is the best advice.
The more you simulate the testing environment, the better you are off.