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I am having SO much trouble sitting down and just doing it. Does anyone have any words/quotes/ideas of motivation?
MCAT Motivation
- Thread starter CoffeeCat
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Write down why you want to be a doctor. Visualize the day you get your scores and get great scores and feeling SO good about having studied hard.
Don't see the mcat as "the test", it's part of the process of becoming a doctor, see the long term gains.
If you don't study hard this summer, then you will have to retake it and waste more time.
Reading the hippocratic oath always moves me:
<a href="http://www.timewarp.net/~bonnie/md/oath.html" target="_blank">http://www.timewarp.net/~bonnie/md/oath.html</a>
Don't see the mcat as "the test", it's part of the process of becoming a doctor, see the long term gains.
If you don't study hard this summer, then you will have to retake it and waste more time.
Reading the hippocratic oath always moves me:
<a href="http://www.timewarp.net/~bonnie/md/oath.html" target="_blank">http://www.timewarp.net/~bonnie/md/oath.html</a>
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aye same for me earlier on today. I tend to get into it when I get started though so the main trick is to get rid of distractions and give myself a jump-start. Aggression works well for me too.
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•••quote:•••Originally posted by CoffeeCat:
•I am having SO much trouble sitting down and just doing it. Does anyone have any words/quotes/ideas of motivation?•••••How about this:
If you don't study and practice for the MCAT you will probably do poorly on it. You need a competitive score to get in.
Get to it! Treat it like your job. Study and practice in shifts. Do as many practice tests and items as you can. You can do it!
•I am having SO much trouble sitting down and just doing it. Does anyone have any words/quotes/ideas of motivation?•••••How about this:
If you don't study and practice for the MCAT you will probably do poorly on it. You need a competitive score to get in.
Get to it! Treat it like your job. Study and practice in shifts. Do as many practice tests and items as you can. You can do it!
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Are you doing anything pseudo clinical/volunteer while studying for it?
Even though it stretched my time commitments, I keep volunteering at the Grady ER in Atlanta while studying for the MCAT. How does this help you ask? I felt it kept my "eyes on the prize", after every hard week of studying for that blasted test, I would go volunteer and get more and more fired up about applying to med school, and that sustained motivation led to a great score.
Its real easy to lose perspective while reading some dry art history passages and memorizing physics equations. I would suggest finding some motivational carrot to dangle in front of yourself.
Even though it stretched my time commitments, I keep volunteering at the Grady ER in Atlanta while studying for the MCAT. How does this help you ask? I felt it kept my "eyes on the prize", after every hard week of studying for that blasted test, I would go volunteer and get more and more fired up about applying to med school, and that sustained motivation led to a great score.
Its real easy to lose perspective while reading some dry art history passages and memorizing physics equations. I would suggest finding some motivational carrot to dangle in front of yourself.
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just think of the other 25,000 or so taking the MCAT. Now do you want to get out done by them or show them who's the big kahuna. I view it as competition, there is no way i am gonna loose at any competition just because i didn't give it my best.
All maybe try to go to the library to study, i find that i can never study at home, too many distractions. Just a little something that works for me.
All maybe try to go to the library to study, i find that i can never study at home, too many distractions. Just a little something that works for me.
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Thanks all for the great comments. The last two days were mostly a waste, but I am gaining *momentum* with the physics stuff so today should be better. How's everyone else doing?
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I used to study hard so I wouldn't get embarassed in my Kaplan class when I was called on... 
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I totally think that you should schedule time to go to a center (TPR or Kaplan) and plan to just sit there for a few hours. Once you are there, how could you NOT study? <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> There's not much else to do, at Kaplan or TPR besides that.
For those of you that are not taking a class, try a place...Barnes and Noble, or a Library or even a Starbucks and sit there and study for a few hours. Try not changing the atmosphere too much or too frequently during your studying phase, because a lot of learning depends on adaptive environment. i.e. if you are simply wasting time jsut getting used to the new place every week or so, you won't get much studying done.
Think of the MCAT as a respectful test. This is not some beast. It's something that you can conquer. Studying hard and smart, is a tool you have in your hands. It's upto YOU to use it. Once you walk into that door knowing that you know all your stuff, there is no way you can do poorly. Like I said, you only have one chance (well, not really but you kinda have to tell yourself that). Tell yourself that this is the ONE chance you will give yourself, to give it your best shot. After Aug 18th, there's no going back. There's no rain checks on the MCAT. One day lost, is one day LOST. You guys are in a good position, you have 6 more weeks to go and that is a lot of time to make considerable improvement. so go out there and make me proud!!!
Kisssssssss to my MCAT kiddies.
<img border="0" alt="[Lovey]" title="" src="graemlins/lovey.gif" /> Tweetie <img border="0" alt="[Lovey]" title="" src="graemlins/lovey.gif" />
For those of you that are not taking a class, try a place...Barnes and Noble, or a Library or even a Starbucks and sit there and study for a few hours. Try not changing the atmosphere too much or too frequently during your studying phase, because a lot of learning depends on adaptive environment. i.e. if you are simply wasting time jsut getting used to the new place every week or so, you won't get much studying done.
Think of the MCAT as a respectful test. This is not some beast. It's something that you can conquer. Studying hard and smart, is a tool you have in your hands. It's upto YOU to use it. Once you walk into that door knowing that you know all your stuff, there is no way you can do poorly. Like I said, you only have one chance (well, not really but you kinda have to tell yourself that). Tell yourself that this is the ONE chance you will give yourself, to give it your best shot. After Aug 18th, there's no going back. There's no rain checks on the MCAT. One day lost, is one day LOST. You guys are in a good position, you have 6 more weeks to go and that is a lot of time to make considerable improvement. so go out there and make me proud!!!
Kisssssssss to my MCAT kiddies.
<img border="0" alt="[Lovey]" title="" src="graemlins/lovey.gif" /> Tweetie <img border="0" alt="[Lovey]" title="" src="graemlins/lovey.gif" />
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sorry...that was typo. Thank God I'm not taking the MCAT in Aug...otherwise... <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />
The best way to find the motivation is to go the ER. If you want to take a break from studying MCAT, you could spend some time there, you would find out how healthy and lucky you are. I believe that you will go back and study you bud off. That's my opinion.
D
Doc_Panchal
Hi CoffeeCat,
I sometimes have the same problem with the motivation. What I do is I wake up in the morning, and then, go to the library to study for 3-4 hrs, then i go home, take a break for couple hours, and then, go to Barnes & Nobles..that way I don't get sick of one place so much. There are quite a few medical students who are taking their USMLE so when I go to the library, and see these people come every day and study, it makes me more motivated, although there are times, when one needs to take a break. Again, in Barnes and Nobles, i have seen people study for their GMAT, even some premeds studying for MCAT, Toeffl, and what nots. It feels quite good that I am not the only one studying in the summer and that I am not the only one who has to study for a big exam. Also, I follow my old Princeton Review classes schedule: I take one section a day..thus, every day i do a different section and that doesn't make me feel really bored with the studying.
Also,the key thing is take a 10-15 min. break every hour and half, eat lunch..don't study on empty stomach, and get 8 hrs of sleep. It will help. I also jog, that helps get rid of stress..you can do that. Just tell yourself that once u finish the goal of the day i.e., finish these particular chapters, u can then relax
I hope this helps. This is what I do to unwind or when I can't find myself motivated.
I also want to thank you for your suggestions about physics and orgo I guess, now that I think about it, i do have couple difficult moments in each section hahahah, but I try to see it one day at a time.
I know this is long, sorry, but i hope this helps.
Good Luck studying
I sometimes have the same problem with the motivation. What I do is I wake up in the morning, and then, go to the library to study for 3-4 hrs, then i go home, take a break for couple hours, and then, go to Barnes & Nobles..that way I don't get sick of one place so much. There are quite a few medical students who are taking their USMLE so when I go to the library, and see these people come every day and study, it makes me more motivated, although there are times, when one needs to take a break. Again, in Barnes and Nobles, i have seen people study for their GMAT, even some premeds studying for MCAT, Toeffl, and what nots. It feels quite good that I am not the only one studying in the summer and that I am not the only one who has to study for a big exam. Also, I follow my old Princeton Review classes schedule: I take one section a day..thus, every day i do a different section and that doesn't make me feel really bored with the studying.
Also,the key thing is take a 10-15 min. break every hour and half, eat lunch..don't study on empty stomach, and get 8 hrs of sleep. It will help. I also jog, that helps get rid of stress..you can do that. Just tell yourself that once u finish the goal of the day i.e., finish these particular chapters, u can then relax
I hope this helps. This is what I do to unwind or when I can't find myself motivated.
I also want to thank you for your suggestions about physics and orgo
I guess, now that I think about it, i do have couple difficult moments in each section hahahah, but I try to see it one day at a time.I know this is long, sorry, but i hope this helps.
Good Luck studying
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If you do not take the MCAT or you do poorly cuz you were too lazy, you won't become a doctor.
(Except in rare cases)
If you were too lazy, why would a med school want you anyway? How could you possibly become a good dcotor if you are lazy/a constant procrastinator? Not the qualities I'd want to have in my doctor.
It's simple. You know what you need to do, like Nike says, just do it. You WILL be greatful for it. Imagine the sigh of relief as you get your scores and pat yourself on the back for studying so hard, those sacrificed summer days will be worth it -- I promise you.
(Except in rare cases)
If you were too lazy, why would a med school want you anyway? How could you possibly become a good dcotor if you are lazy/a constant procrastinator? Not the qualities I'd want to have in my doctor.
It's simple. You know what you need to do, like Nike says, just do it. You WILL be greatful for it. Imagine the sigh of relief as you get your scores and pat yourself on the back for studying so hard, those sacrificed summer days will be worth it -- I promise you.
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thanks bonnie!
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Originally posted by Tweetie_bird
I totally think that you should schedule time to go to a center (TPR or Kaplan) and plan to just sit there for a few hours. Once you are there, how could you NOT study? <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> There's not much else to do, at Kaplan or TPR besides that.
For those of you that are not taking a class, try a place...Barnes and Noble, or a Library or even a Starbucks and sit there and study for a few hours. Try not changing the atmosphere too much or too frequently during your studying phase, because a lot of learning depends on adaptive environment. i.e. if you are simply wasting time jsut getting used to the new place every week or so, you won't get much studying done.
Think of the MCAT as a respectful test. This is not some beast. It's something that you can conquer. Studying hard and smart, is a tool you have in your hands. It's upto YOU to use it. Once you walk into that door knowing that you know all your stuff, there is no way you can do poorly. Like I said, you only have one chance (well, not really but you kinda have to tell yourself that). Tell yourself that this is the ONE chance you will give yourself, to give it your best shot. After Aug 18th, there's no going back. There's no rain checks on the MCAT. One day lost, is one day LOST. You guys are in a good position, you have 6 more weeks to go and that is a lot of time to make considerable improvement. so go out there and make me proud!!!
Kisssssssss to my MCAT kiddies.
<img border="0" alt="[Lovey]" title="" src="graemlins/lovey.gif" /> Tweetie <img border="0" alt="[Lovey]" title="" src="graemlins/lovey.gif" />
I've never sat down in a bookstore and studied before using their books. Lots of people have suggested this but I'm a bit afraid that it'll be kinda rude. I mean do the owners give you dirty looks or anything? Otherwise it does sound like a good idea.
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Hello everyone,
I have decided to study for the MCAT on my own this summer. Without a rigid schedule or daily classes from famous testing companies, it's hard for me focus. Therefore, I lost 4 weeks of studying this summer. Learn from my mistake, make a schedule and take MCAT preparation seriously!
To the other independent students out there, you can do it! Just make up your own schedule or follow the scheduled posted by SN2ed. It looks pretty cool.
It's also important to have the right mindset, too. Just be confident with your studies. You are your own teacher! How could you fail the MCAT when you are as good as your MCAT instructors (assuming you are really hard on yourself while studying for the MCAT)?
Study hard and good luck to all of us
!
I have decided to study for the MCAT on my own this summer. Without a rigid schedule or daily classes from famous testing companies, it's hard for me focus. Therefore, I lost 4 weeks of studying this summer. Learn from my mistake, make a schedule and take MCAT preparation seriously!
To the other independent students out there, you can do it! Just make up your own schedule or follow the scheduled posted by SN2ed. It looks pretty cool.
It's also important to have the right mindset, too. Just be confident with your studies. You are your own teacher! How could you fail the MCAT when you are as good as your MCAT instructors (assuming you are really hard on yourself while studying for the MCAT)?
Study hard and good luck to all of us
!
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