MCAT Test Anxiety

[chebella7604]

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So I just got my MCAT score and it was -10 what I was averaging on the AAMC practice exams. I know it's because of test anxiety. I started having test anxiety when I took Biochem six months ago and it really came to a head when I took the MCAT. I get so nervous and then my brain sort of just shuts down to avoid a full on panic.

I've begun jogging again to relieve stress and am taking my relaxation time way more seriously now. I want to retake the MCAT because I know I can get a good score, but I'm just afraid the anxiety will get me again. I feel like anxiety is a hurdle I really don't know how to overcome...

Anybody overcome theirs?

 

[amar21]

take some time off before writing the exam maybe? thats the only thing that works for me.

 

[lrkoehle]

Stress management is part of what the MCAT is testing. For me, I have found that studying my ass off is the best way to relieve any test anxiety, because I go in knowing that I have done my absolute best to prepare. I know that may not help much, but you simply have to learn to trust in your ability to properly prepare for the test.

 

[baller99]

well from what other ppl have said, the best way seems just to practice. pretend that the aamc test you will take is your actual mcat. replicate test conditions, timing, etc. so you will actually be a little nervous before this. do this lots of times. then, when it comes to the actual mcat, you will likely be so used to what happens that you won't be very nervous.

 

[894rty]

try to frighten away your anxiety. ALWAYS remember that the MCAT is the MOST IMPORTANT test you will ever take. If you don't do well, you ABSOLUTELY will NOT get into a good med school...this anxiety will continue to haunt you in the future, especially on your boards...you will NOT get a good residency...and your life will fall apart (that is if you manage to make it past medical school). Ingrain this principle into your mind. If you have to, when you go to sleep, have your MCAT study books on your bed...scattered at different locations obviously. This way, no matter how you toss and turn at night, when you wake up, the first thing you set your eyes on will be a mcat review book. You should cut off all social contacts to focus on your exam. Being out at night after 10pm is STRICTLY prohibited. Carrying MCAT flashcards with you at all times should be helpful. Anything and everything to CONSTANTLY remind you about the MCAT is essential in frightening and getting rid of your anxiety. remember, CONQUER THE ANXIETY OR BE CONQUERED BY IT.

According to my predictions and expert experience with anxiety-prone pre-med students, following the above recipe should get you in a healthy mindset in approximately [only] 4-6 weeks. Also, for only $99.99 ( + shipping and handling), I can offer you more detailed techniques specifically tailored to your personality to get rid of your test anxiety for good.





Caution - Results may vary and I am not responsible for any varied results. Also, money not refundable

 

[894rty]

Don't worry, i was just being sarcastic....obviously the money is refundable.

No, no, just kidding... lighten up a bit about the exam. develop a study schedule but at the same time, make sure you have some time to relax everyday too (havn't use this word in ages). Do something fun. Pick up a sport or some other physical activity to balance things. If you don't do well, so what, just take it again. Hope all goes well.

 

[kiganga]

I had a similar problem with testing anxiety. I had one shot and choked because of it. Even though I was confident, that is too much and unnecessary pressure.

My advice is that you retake the test early enough to allow yourself to retake it a third time. if you know that you will have another chance if needed, it should relax you and allow you to succeed.

 

[J ROD]

There was someone on here a few months back or even a year ago that saw a psychologist and it seemed to help them.

I just lost my MCAT virginity and was more relaxed the second time around.😀

 

[jhmc]

You should see your physician and have him prescribe anti-anxiety medication. For some people, exercise and change of diet can only do so much to solve a problem that can be hereditary. It does help over time but if you're taking an Mcat really soon, you need help fast!

 

[njbmd]

You should see your physician and have him prescribe anti-anxiety medication. For some people, exercise and change of diet can only do so much to solve a problem that can be hereditary. It does help over time but if you're taking an Mcat really soon, you need help fast!

Very bad idea. Medication is not the answer for this problem and will likely exacerbate the problem or trade one problem (anxiety) for another (bad reaction to a medication). A better solution would be to not take the MCAT (though at this date I suspect the OP has already taken the test) until you have solved this problem. Two poor scores can tank your application for medical school (even if you try to explain them as anxiety over the test).

Our stock appraisal of " I had severe test anxiety on the MCAT" as an explanation for a poor score is that you went through undergraduate coursework and didn't seem to have this problem and if you did, why didn't you correct it before you took the MCAT a second time?

In short, if you find that you need to re-take the MCAT, make sure that you have corrected any previous problems before you retake this exam. Multiple attempts with mediocre performances can be the "kiss of death" for an otherwise competitive application. If it takes you a year, to correct your problems and attain success, that year was worth it.