Hey everyone, I just completed my sophomore year and was planning on studying for the MCAT this summer because I have completed all of my pre-reqs. I was going to follow the Sn2 study schedule and see how I would feel about taking the exam at the end of August. The first day of the schedule required doing a chapter of physics which is probably my weakest point because my teacher was absolutely horrible and we barely learned anything (especially conceptually). After starting the first day I just felt really down because I feel like I'm learning everything for the first time...I just fell off track and don't feel strong enough to get back on. On top of that my family isn't very understanding of how much dedication and hard work it takes to be pre-med and they start dumb fights with me almost every day which really has affected the way I start my day because it hurts my confidence. I just want to know if anyone else has been on the same boat or had their own life/internal struggles that made it difficult for them to focus. I'm not trying to come on here and act like a victim but I haven't been able to start again for two weeks now and I just want some advice. I usually face all of my struggles alone but it feels nice to be able to share for once. Thank you!
Please Help: Struggling finding motivation
- Thread starter S.S.
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I was in a similar situation. Physics and inorganic chemistry were my weakest points and I had to study extra hard for that section of the exam. My family was always very supportive and understanding, but I entirely understand how a non-supportive family would be an issue. If it at all helps you:
My first practice MCAT was a 28 (10-8-10). This was really discouraging and I felt like I really had no hope. But I kept the dream in mind and studied my ass off for a few months and took a review course over the summer. There were countless times where I'd get a practice problem wrong and I'd think to myself, "You're way too stupid to be a doctor. Burn your review books and call it quits." But each time I remembered just how badly I wanted to be a doctor. I just kept drilling the concepts and doing practice problems until I knew all the major topics like the back of my hand. I took about a dozen practice exams thereafter and improved my score with almost every one. My real score wound up being a 36 (13-10-13). You gotta keep reminding yourself why you're doing this. If you really wanna be a doctor that badly, you'll find the willpower to dedicate yourself to studying for this exam. Best of luck!
My first practice MCAT was a 28 (10-8-10). This was really discouraging and I felt like I really had no hope. But I kept the dream in mind and studied my ass off for a few months and took a review course over the summer. There were countless times where I'd get a practice problem wrong and I'd think to myself, "You're way too stupid to be a doctor. Burn your review books and call it quits." But each time I remembered just how badly I wanted to be a doctor. I just kept drilling the concepts and doing practice problems until I knew all the major topics like the back of my hand. I took about a dozen practice exams thereafter and improved my score with almost every one. My real score wound up being a 36 (13-10-13). You gotta keep reminding yourself why you're doing this. If you really wanna be a doctor that badly, you'll find the willpower to dedicate yourself to studying for this exam. Best of luck!
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Although not the same home life, I also had issues with studying for Mcat at home when it came to parents. What I did was I would get out of the house and go to the public library, find a cozy spot with no distractions and blast through it.
Do you have a public library or any place of the sort outside of your home?
That helped a lot. Thank you. Quitting before starting is not an option and as long as I work hard I can only go up from here. You should be really proud of yourself for raising your score by so much, it's inspiring 🙂
I can go to my school's campus because I commute. I just love the feeling of being home so I don't like going out but I have to suck it up and do what's best for my score! Thanks 🙂
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Yeah it definitely helps to get a change in scenery for the content review, however you may need to talk to your parents about respecting your space to take the practice exams.
