Winding down after long MCAT study sessions...

[j306c954]

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So, taking the MCAT for the third time in order to re-apply. First time I took it I did poorly due to testing center conditions and nerves, second time I take full responsibility for scoring poorly (but better than the first at least). Met with the dean to get tips for re-applying, and she said in all honesty everything looked amazing, but just need to up my MCAT score.


ANYWAYS, I'm trying to change my approach this time around, and part of that is learning how to clear my mind and wind down after studying for hours. Do you guys have anything you do that is helpful?

 

[litmajor]

Eat a yummy meal in front of your fave TV shows

 

[Glandzburg]

Eat a yummy meal in front of your fave TV shows

This. Anything you enjoy that requires little cognitive effort.

 

[cactus8910]

Only study in 90 min chunks. Go outside. Be active. Veg out. Read a book. Talk to people about things that aren't the MCAT. What do you like to do for fun? Do that.

 

[Dinitrophenol]

Sleep. It helps consolidate memories.

 

[The Helpful Aye Aye]

 

[ridethecliche]

In the words of the infamous @DoctorStrange ... "Drink".

 

[Avicenna]

idk dude, but good luck

 

[eatingcake]

If you're doing practice tests, I'd say do anything that can help you relax. For me, physical movement was really beneficial after sitting for such a long time. I also stretched and had a tiny snack between each test section (I did that during the real test, too).

If you are working on content review, I'd avoid the television right after studying. Like a poster above said, sleeping after studying or listening to soothing lyric-less music is better for memory retention than watching tv.

Good luck!

 

[freemontie]

Why wind down when you can just study more instead?

j/k...beer (if you're of age) and netflix.

 

[ewax]

smoke weed erryday

 

[j306c954]

Sleep. It helps consolidate memories.

Oh ya I always go over my notecards right before going to bed. I have never been an easy sleeper though :\ It usually takes me like 1-2 hours to fall asleep once I lay down haha

 

[j306c954]

Why wind down when you can just study more instead?

j/k...beer (if you're of age) and netflix.

I usually have myself a beer before bed if I've been studying all day :-D haha

 

[NeuResurgens]

Study in chunks, 30-60 minutes as was mentioned above. You best remember what you first started studying and what you last studied (primacy and recency effect, good to know for the new MCAT section!) so make there be as many "first things studied" and "last things studied" as possible.

 

[j306c954]

Study in chunks, 30-60 minutes as was mentioned above. You best remember what you first started studying and what you last studied (primacy and recency effect, good to know for the new MCAT section!) so make there be as many "first things studied" and "last things studied" as possible.

Thankfully with my neuroscience major, basic psychology and research methods are like a second language 😉

 

[ridethecliche]

Oh ya I always go over my notecards right before going to bed. I have never been an easy sleeper though :\ It usually takes me like 1-2 hours to fall asleep once I lay down haha

Probably because you're studying in bed when you should be trying to sleep. Bad habit.