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Essentials for Exam Day: MDCAT Edition

You got this, future doctor. You have worked hard for this, and this is just the beginning of a promising career you have always dreamed of. The MDCAT is your first step into the world of medical education, and it is extremely vital for you to tactfully manage your prep phase in order to ace it. In this blog, we will take a more personal approach to guide you through the essentials for MDCAT day, from the night before to a couple of weeks after the test.

The Night Prior:

  1. Everything should stop 12 hours before the test. This includes being done with all of the mock tests, review guides, formulae, and most importantly, your anxiety. The last thing you need is to practice to the point that you severely burn yourself out before the actual test. Keep in mind whatever you study in your final 12 hours will not compensate for any major shortcomings or knowledge gaps in your MDCAT prep.

  2. Here is everyone's personal favorite - order your favorite food. This is the time to give in to your cravings, though please do ensure that the food is hygienic. Treat yourself to some good food and a comforting show. Let the thought of your career-altering test dwindle into a soft and secure corner in your mind.

  3. Organize your belongings. You are not allowed to carry bags to the venue. However, we still recommend you keep one but leave it with a parent or guardian, in case they plan on waiting for you outside the examination center. Your belongings should comprise of:

    • A clear plastic water bottle
    • Your original admit card
    • Your CNIC or B-Form
    • Copies of the aforementioned documents
    • Loose sheets
    • Some of your favorite snacks
    • A napkin
    • Some stationery
    • A wrist watch

  4. Sleep well - rather self-explanatory. Better sleep = better performance.

On your Test Day:

  1. Wake up early in the morning. Pray for a pleasant examination experience and for ease in your future endeavors. If feeling restless, do some light exercises to productively start your day. Try not to exhaust yourself though. If you are a breakfast person, then eat a hearty meal. However, if you are someone who can not eat much before any major exam, then do not force yourself.

  2. Dress comfortably, keeping your city’s current weather conditions in mind.

  3. Arrange appropriate transport beforehand and go on a preplanned route from where you would expect less traffic. Remember, a large number of people will also be going there, so using the commonly relied-upon routes will likely lead to you being stuck in traffic for a long time. Speaking of time, try to arrive at the venue at least an hour prior.

  4. The exam venue is an open ground with very limited facilities. Management will have you seated in your designated section according to your roll number. Make sure you check the condition of your chair and desk (if available) to avoid any hindrances later on. If you are seated next to a fan, you can ask an invigilator to shift its position. If you are unsure about the time, you can ask the invigilator to give you an update.

  5. Three-timer: Read through your question paper and encircle all answers you can immediately recall. If you encounter a tricky question - do not panic - move on and focus on what you know first. If there is a question you are unable to solve even at a second read, move on and attempt the ones requiring lesser effort. Only leave the hardest for your third and last read.

  6. For those pesky numerical problems, read them carefully, underline all the important data, and solve them step-by-step on your loose papers. Write out the equations clearly and concisely. Accuracy is the name of the game.

  7. Out-of-syllabus questions are not anomalies. Therefore, it is important to be well-versed with content that is not directly included in the MDCAT syllabi. If you come across such a question in the exam, then try your best to attempt it. Do not leave the answers blank as there is no negative marking. Remember to keep your nerves in check and be calm when solving.

After the Test:

  1. Avoid discussing answers with your peers. Getting to hear about an incorrect answer will leave you or others disheartened.

  2. Arrive home safely, preferably with transport that you had already arranged for beforehand. It might be hard to get access to public transport and taxis because everyone else will also be looking to use those. Once home, it is time to indulge in your cravings once again. Have a nice meal, maybe recount the events of the day with a loved one, and try not to stress out about how you did in the exam. What's done is done.

  3. Talk to your guardian. They may have been strict with their expectations of you, but that is only because they knew your potential and wanted you to utilize it fully. Remind them that you did your best, but so did many others and that achieving what you set out for is not particularly easy, but regardless, hope and pray for the best.

  4. Do NOT try to cross-check your answers when the answer key is released. It is almost always incorrect and falsely reflects your results.

  5. Keep an eye on official announcements regarding results. We at MedAngle Premed will do our best to keep you updated on all the latest and most accurate information on our Instagram (@medangle_premed)

  6. Take a break. You deserve it.

Conclusion:

MDCAT season can be a whirlpool of emotions. How can it possibly be not? You are changing courses of your educational journey and making decisions that will ultimately impact how you choose to live. But at the very end of it, it is just a test. One of many more to come. You are stronger than this.

Author: Premed by MedAngle

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