I wish I studied for the MCAT the same way I study in med school

[Fdsa2495]

I am a pre-med student and yes I know this is the medical students forum. But I really want to know what medical students mean when they say, " I wish I studied for the MCAT the same way I study in med school." What is the difference that you guys have noticed on the way you guys study. I am planning to take the MCAT in August and apply next year. I would love to receive any advice and/or suggestions that you guys might have and especially on how you might be able to relate to this particular statement.

Thank you.

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[psychMDhopefully]

I am a pre-med student and yes I know this is the medical students forum. But I really want to know what medical students mean when they say, " I wish I studied for the MCAT the same way I study in med school." What is the difference that you guys have noticed on the way you guys study. I am planning to take the MCAT in August and apply next year. I would love to receive any advice and/or suggestions that you guys might have and especially on how you might be able to relate to this particular statement.

Thank you.

In med school because so much is at risk, you take studying to another level. You become more disciplined, more efficient, and better at taking difficult test. I would have made at least a 35 MCAT if I had the study skills I do now back then. Maybe Ill say the same thing about step 1 when I am studying for the specialty boards.

 

[lmn]

After awhile in med school you learn to deal with a huge volume of information much better, and for most people you become much more disciplined and effective at studying. Just study as well as you can for your MCAT, you can't do anything more. Also do a lot of practice questions and learn how to be a good test taker, that will carry you far in the MCAT and even into med school.

 

[mcloaf]

It means "I wish I had studied harder"...?

Also plenty of us read the premed forums, the med student forums aren't for answering MCAT questions.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Moving to MCAT

 

[Fdsa2495]

In med school because so much is at risk, you take studying to another level. You become more disciplined, more efficient, and better at taking difficult test. I would have made at least a 35 MCAT if I had the study skills I do now back then. Maybe Ill say the same thing about step 1 when I am studying for the specialty boards.

But my main question is what are thos study skill. For instance, currently as an undergrad I always read the book (word to word) and try to understand every concept presented in the book. I take hours just reading and taking notes, drawing diagrams and practicing problems. I usually do well in all my classes when I follow this method. I'm a bio major. I'm just wondering if this method would still work in medical school or do I need to begin learning better and more efficient skills now before I go to medical school or take the MCAT. I appreciate your time responding to my question. So what are these "study skills" you have that could get you a 35 if you were to take the MCAT again.

 

[Fdsa2495]

After awhile in med school you learn to deal with a huge volume of information much better, and for most people you become much more disciplined and effective at studying. Just study as well as you can for your MCAT, you can't do anything more. Also do a lot of practice questions and learn how to be a good test taker, that will carry you far in the MCAT and even into med school.

How do you learn deal with all this information at once, can you elaborate more on this. What are the current ways you think that are much more effective ways to study compared to how you used to study in undergrad or for the MCAT.

 

[psychMDhopefully]

But my main question is what are thos study skill. For instance, currently as an undergrad I always read the book (word to word) and try to understand every concept presented in the book. I take hours just reading and taking notes, drawing diagrams and practicing problems. I usually do well in all my classes when I follow this method. I'm a bio major. I'm just wondering if this method would still work in medical school

Probably not, there is too much material to read and memorize everything. Its really hard to explain how you get better at studying, It take time to get use to the pace and you have to accept the fact that you wont know everything. Personally I have become better at picking up on what will be tested, by know the style of the dozens of people who teach us. For now just study whatever way works best for you.