Talking about test anxiety at interviews

[roseisaroseisarose]

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Hi all,

My most recent MCAT score is a 34 (from January 2015), but I first took the MCAT in June 2014 and scored a 28. One of the biggest hindrances to my success the first time around was crippling test anxiety, and a big component of my preparation for my second MCAT was working with a psychologist 2-3x a month to address and overcome this. My MCAT retake was actually one of my proudest academic moments, as I became increasingly more confident and relaxed over the course of the test--a huge difference from my previous experience!

Anyway, I know I'll likely have to address my low MCAT score in any interviews that I attend, and I'm wondering if talking about this experience would be ok, or if it would end up being a "red flag" for me. I know that mental/psych issues can be a touchy issue, but how do adcoms feel about test anxiety (particularly anxiety which has been overcome--with the MCAT score to prove it)?

Thanks!

 

[Goro]

Quite simple! You tell them this:

One of the biggest hindrances to my success the first time around was crippling test anxiety, and a big component of my preparation for my second MCAT was working with a psychologist 2-3x a month to address and overcome this. My MCAT retake was actually one of my proudest academic moments, as I became increasingly more confident and relaxed over the course of the test--a huge difference from my previous experience!

 

[roseisaroseisarose]

Quite simple! You tell them this:

One of the biggest hindrances to my success the first time around was crippling test anxiety, and a big component of my preparation for my second MCAT was working with a psychologist 2-3x a month to address and overcome this. My MCAT retake was actually one of my proudest academic moments, as I became increasingly more confident and relaxed over the course of the test--a huge difference from my previous experience!

Ha! Ok--thanks, Goro! I'd be happy to tell them just that. 😀 I guess I'm probably being a little paranoid. I just didn't want my admission to difficulties with test anxiety to be generalized as some kind of overarching issue with anxiety or psych issue that would cause any adcom member to question my ability to handle future tests in med school.

 

[vellez]

See, a lot of people would say "I have crippling test anxiety" and leave it at that--with that excuse. But you actually made an effort to improve, and were successful. That shows that you can recognize your weak areas and that you do things better yourself--a trait that I'd certainly say is valuable in medicine.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

I think it is really impressive that you worked with a psychologist and addressed it. I have only ever heard people use it as an excuse in the past, not as an obstacle that they took direct steps to overcome.

 

[Poit]

You addressed a weakness and improved it. That's a very appropriate thing to talk about at an interview.

 

[Pasmal]

Nice job. Definitely not a red flag, this is a big win. I have classmates who still deal with text anxiety and it makes boards studying really difficult. Continued management of your anxiety will greatly assist you in preclinical studying

 

[Gandyy]

I definitely had test anxiety as well in addition to an illness which hurt my first score a lot. I improved on my 2nd score. Honestly though the test anxiety thing was something I just had to demolish on my own. I didnt see a psychologist, but at some point I believe you have to just "let go". The 2nd time around I put forth a serious serious effort and when I actually took the test I told myself "nothing matters now, you studied and you will do fine if you clear your mind and only use logic... no emotion" or something to that nature.

Guess what, it worked for me! The MCAT was huge hurdle for me and my application but overcoming it is an amazing feeling and as you said it does make you a much stronger, more confident person.


Although I didnt score a 34!!! on my second time....lol. I made just an OK score. Regardless, Its the GIANT improvement on my score that I'm happy about.

Edit: Its amazing how powerful your brain becomes when you dont have emotion, anxiety and illness burdening it.

Edit: Actually I had to mentally adjust myself many weeks before the actual test as well. You might have done something similar, but you basically have to work on your mental fortitude to eliminate test anxiety, or at least I did.

 

[roseisaroseisarose]

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone! I'm actually looking forward to talking about this in interviews now (ask me about it adcoms--I dare you! 😉)

And I totally agree with you @Gandy741 -- walking out of my 2nd MCAT was one of the most accomplished feelings I've ever experienced. I'm so glad that you were able to overcome your anxiety and succeed as well.