Stopping Tunnel Vision on MCAT

[Endoxifen]

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I am having a problem with misreading instructions on problems. Ironically, I'm consistently scoring around 130-132 on CARS, but elsewhere (specifically on C/P), I'm losing a considerable amount of points due to simple misreading. Does anyone have any advice about catching these mistakes or training yourself to not do this kind of thing? Thanks!

 

[Black Mamba Gene]

read questions and answers slower and highlight key words like "however, not, but, etc"

a lot of times we try to go to fast when it comes to reading the question and answers.

its ok to skim over the passage and get a general understanding of the topic/experiment. but when you read the question/answers, you have to make sure you make no mistakes in misreading. this is where you get the points.

good luck!

 

[windowashi]

This is me too. I have started completely re reading the question when I feel confident and then I tag It via highlighting in the stem if I am 100% correct. This forces me to re read at least once and all though it takes a bit longer it saves me those precious points. Then when I review (always review if you have time kids) I know that I only need to look at those that are un marked. I flag questions I really just guessed on and I leave ones that I am pretty sure but not one 100% confident without my own highlighting so that its an easy visual when I go back through. Slow down, commit. AAMC knows how to draw you away from the good stuff!

 

[Examkrackers]

I'd suggest looking at the last line of a question stem, where the actual "question" is, before looking at the rest of the question stem. Particularly with a new passage, this can help you skim with purpose, since you already know what sorts of things you should be picking out. Also, take a glance at the units of the answer choices; for example, if it's units of M, then pay close attention to anywhere in the passage that refers to any value in units of M, mol, or volume.

-Stephen, Emory SOM M1 and Examkrackers instructor/developer