Need some support/advice as I approach test date: Doubtful feelings

[orangeblue]

1/23 test date.Following SN2ed TBR books and Spinach Method now. Took 2 first tests last week and taking 2 more this week and maybe 3 if things go well.

But my post isn't about scores or anything like that.

I'm having some doubts : I feel the little pesky doubts creeping up on me, tempting me to say "postpone" to the test date, and trying to allure me.

The only catch is that I know that it is not true. I know that I will not make use of another 6-8 weeks (delayed date) in a way that will significantly improve my score.

It is normal to feel uncertain and anxious about something uncertain. However, we are taking some of the best practice tests available in the world on this test. We are doing our best.

We still have 4.5 weeks left for gosh's sake. That's plenty of time to get in business and beat the hell out of these questions. That's more time of full-time MCAT studying than any person in the whole wide world had. Anything more than than and you'll start losing information and it will actually be counter productive:

-You'll feel like you always have enough time or can always reschedule so you wouldn't actually feel the need and pressure to sit and down, cram and condense prep: skills that are critical to MCAT test.

-Pyschologically: you want to cram and get this done. Keeping delaying will send yourself the message that your efforts into studying etc will not bear fruition: it's easy to get demotivated when you know that you are upholding your own commitments and cheating out of them.

Your words, advice and input are deeply appreciated.

 

[nemo123]

Have you taken any practice tests lately? If you aren't hitting the numbers that you want, you probably want to postpone it. I think feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are pretty normal for this test. After all, it's a huge hurdle to getting into med school, and there is a such a big difference between getting a 28 and a 39 (beyond the fact that retaking seems to also be some kind of black mark to some schools).

 

[orangeblue]

Yes I've taken 2 . I mean still, there's still time left in the game to change things and also I am going to take 6 tests this month so there's 4 left etc. All I'm saying is that my issue isn't the scores ....

Thanks for the response

 

[N. Marin]

That's right, back your feelings up with data. See how you are doing on practice tests and then decide if you are in your target range.
Edit: Since the issue isn't your scores, just try to take time and take care of yourself instead of stressing about the test. Easier said than done I know, but you will be taking tests for the rest of your career.

Still though, do not let it get to you. Remember you can always void at the end of the test as well.

 

[ScorpioKing]

It's so easy to get into your own head about this test. Not only is it a ridiculous amount of material, but you also have to be able to apply it the way those MCAT writers want you to know it. The vast majority of people taking the test in January have very similar feelings to yours'. You need to talk yourself up, stay confident, and give this test hell. Make it your life until that test date. You're doing the best program out there, and you're on top of your ****. Imagine training to run a marathon, which is essentially what you're doing. You can't just postpone the marathon because you have doubts…there's thousands of other people doing exactly what you're doing. Rescheduling is not an option. You know deep down that you got this.

 

[mhord]

1/23 test date.Following SN2ed TBR books and Spinach Method now. Took 2 first tests last week and taking 2 more this week and maybe 3 if things go well.

But my post isn't about scores or anything like that.

I'm having some doubts : I feel the little pesky doubts creeping up on me, tempting me to say "postpone" to the test date, and trying to allure me.

The only catch is that I know that it is not true. I know that I will not make use of another 6-8 weeks (delayed date) in a way that will significantly improve my score.

It is normal to feel uncertain and anxious about something uncertain. However, we are taking some of the best practice tests available in the world on this test. We are doing our best.

We still have 4.5 weeks left for gosh's sake. That's plenty of time to get in business and beat the hell out of these questions. That's more time of full-time MCAT studying than any person in the whole wide world had. Anything more than than and you'll start losing information and it will actually be counter productive:

-You'll feel like you always have enough time or can always reschedule so you wouldn't actually feel the need and pressure to sit and down, cram and condense prep: skills that are critical to MCAT test.

-Pyschologically: you want to cram and get this done. Keeping delaying will send yourself the message that your efforts into studying etc will not bear fruition: it's easy to get demotivated when you know that you are upholding your own commitments and cheating out of them.

Your words, advice and input are deeply appreciated.

Confidence...confidence...confidence. My practice scores were 28-34 (trending up) and I freaked the night before-I brought home a 24 and I knew it. Everyone took me out to celebrate taking the mcat-I drank to sorrow-I failed myself.

I took three months for review and boosted it enough for acceptance, but my score was still lower than my average and nowhere near my goal. When the mcat gets in your head, you have to stay strong and fight back. Know that the majority feel the same way that you do, and if you can get past that feeling in your gut-you are already ahead.

 

[orangeblue]

It's so easy to get into your own head about this test. Not only is it a ridiculous amount of material, but you also have to be able to apply it the way those MCAT writers want you to know it. The vast majority of people taking the test in January have very similar feelings to yours'. You need to talk yourself up, stay confident, and give this test hell. Make it your life until that test date. You're doing the best program out there, and you're on top of your ****. Imagine training to run a marathon, which is essentially what you're doing. You can't just postpone the marathon because you have doubts…there's thousands of other people doing exactly what you're doing. Rescheduling is not an option. You know deep down that you got this.

Yes, it's really great to beat up this test, the practice problems and really pick it apart: it's a wonderful feeling and I do love feeling that. way.

When the marathon happens, you run. That' s all you do.

I can waste energy or getting worked up. Or I can think positive and stay razor-sharp: Hone in, sit down the test, put a timer (to study for x mins , breath, feel accomplished and then continue) and get it!

 

[phattestlewt]

There's a great thread posted here, perhaps you saw it.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/those-who-have-taken-the-mcat-what-surprised-you-the-most.1046277/

It really helped boost my confidence. We have just about a month to shift into 5th gear and knock this exam out of the park. Don't get worried about content. Just keep doing what you've been doing with practicing passages and FLs. Constantly revise and improve your strategies and stay focused on the game. I agree postponing wouldn't be the smartest thing esp since we do have a significant amount of time left.

 

[orangeblue]

And once if I entertain that though, I would not use up this time well : I wouldn't be motivated to work harder if I give myself an out . But I don't want to get into the psychology of it. HONESTLY, I don't even want to think about the "P-" word b.c it's not relevant and useless: just a drain of energy to even have that thought. All this 'thinking' actually creates no action or consquence. Still have 4 weeks for god's sake!

My issue isn't "scores" or the "p-word". As phattestlewt said, Just KEEP on going. The link is fantastic and I really affirmed me to keep on taking the practice tests. THANK YOU!

I'm going to enjoy marking my problems, seeing patterns in my approach of questions as well as how questions are packaged. It's like being a detective

As another poster said ^, in the marathon, when the gun strikes, You RUN! That's it.[/quote]

 

[BTheM]

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