{"id":16002,"date":"2019-08-21T17:19:22","date_gmt":"2019-08-21T22:19:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=16002"},"modified":"2020-09-11T20:41:21","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T20:41:21","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-mcat-mishaps-and-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/mcat\/how-to-prepare-for-mcat-mishaps-and-success\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for MCAT Success"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When you\u2019re getting ready to take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/mcat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the\u00a0MCAT<\/a>, you want to make sure that you\u2019ve got the basic\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/med-school-pulse\/2015\/03\/11\/personalized-mcat-review-videos-mastering-exam-content\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">content and critical thinking<\/a>\u00a0skills ready to go. But the part that students sometimes overlook is ensuring that they are prepared for\u00a0all other aspects of taking the MCAT\u2014both the good and the bad.\u00a0Proper planning\u00a0is the key to a successful and stress-free MCAT experience, so keep reading for tips on how to make your <a title=\"Last-Minute MCAT Study Tips\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/mcat\/last-minute-mcat-study-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Test Day run as smoothly as possible<\/a>.<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_iconlist  avia-builder-el-first  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Plan proactively for Test Day mishaps<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nTo ensure your MCAT experience is as low-stress and\u00a0high-success\u00a0as possible, you\u2019ll want to anticipate anything that could potentially go awry. Here are some tips for getting proactive about Test Day contingencies so that nothing can catch you off guard.<br \/>\n<div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading '><ul class='avia-icon-list avia-icon-list-left av-iconlist-big avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-iconlist-animate'>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Scope out your driving route<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>As the weather gets warmer, construction projects start to spring up unexpectedly. If you can, visit your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/services.aamc.org\/20\/mcat\/sitelisting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MCAT testing center<\/a>\u00a0before Test Day. You want to know how to get there, what the traffic situation is like, where to park, and what\u2019s close by, so you won\u2019t have any surprises on Test Day. Then, drive your exact route to the testing center at the same time of day you will be driving on your actual Test Day, just to make sure that you don\u2019t run into traffic or detours.<br \/>\nIf you can\u2019t visit in person, call the testing center to make sure your Google Maps directions will get you there accurately, ask about parking, and gain some peace of mind about your travel route and time to the testing center.<br \/>\nPlan to arrive at least half an hour early. Yes, you might get there before they even open, but this way you\u2019ll have time to spare to use the bathroom after you\u2019ve checked in, run through your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/mcat-flashcards-by-kaplan\/id906136842?mt=8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kaplan MCAT flashcards<\/a>, or just center yourself before the big test. This will also allow you to deal with traffic, lack of parking, or any other detour you may encounter on your way without added stress.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Evaluate additional variables<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Do you usually drink coffee or take a medication at the same time of day? Do you get hungry at a certain time? Make sure that the week before the test, you get into a test-friendly routine and don\u2019t get crippled by a 9:15 caffeine craving.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Prepare for the unexpected<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Pack yourself a mini-pharmacy for your test. You don\u2019t want your great score to be derailed by a stomachache, cough, headache or sniffly nose. Make sure your mini-pharmacy includes Kleenex, Advil, Tums, Chapstick, Robitussin, and Claritin\u2014anything you could possibly need in a Test Day emergency situation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Know how you\u2019re going to use your breaks<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>When will you use the bathroom and what will your snacks be? A solid\u00a0break-time routine\u00a0will make for smooth sailing between MCAT sections.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Check your ID and bring a backup just in case<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Some students take the MCAT near their birthday, which in some states is the expiration date for having a valid driver\u2019s license. Make sure your ID will still be valid on your test date and bring a spare ID, such as a passport, just in case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Prepare the night before<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Lay out everything you\u2019ll need the night before your exam. Test Day staples include:<br \/>\n\u2666 Snacks<br \/>\n\u2666 Lunch<br \/>\n\u2666 Water\/energy drink<br \/>\n\u2666 Ibuprofen (for those unwanted MCAT headaches)<br \/>\n\u2666\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aamc.org\/students\/applying\/mcat\/security\/421732\/validindentification.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Valid Identification<\/a><br \/>\n\u2666 Sweatshirt\/cardigan<br \/>\n\u2666 Flashcards for a quick review before the test<br \/>\n\u2666 Headphones to get in the zone and muffle your panicky fellow testers.<br \/>\nPut these items next to the clothes that you\u2019ve already picked out, so all you have to do is wake up, get ready for your day, grab your stuff, and go. Make sure you review the AAMC\u2019s list of items that are allowed in the MCAT\u00a0testing room\u00a0and\u00a0during breaks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_iconlist  el_before_av_iconlist  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Prep for MCAT success<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nYour eyes snap open to your (extra early) alarm going off. Wide awake, you jump out of bed and immediately start preparing for your day. You\u2019re focused, you\u2019re wired, you\u2019re in the zone. It\u2019s MCAT Test Day. Your post-Test-Day celebration is every bit as important as your during-test routine. While it\u2019s important to plan for the worst, you should walk into the testing center with confidence and the expectation of success. Celebrate accordingly with these post-testing tips:<br \/>\n<div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_hr '><ul class='avia-icon-list avia-icon-list-left av-iconlist-big avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-iconlist-animate'>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Start going to bed earlier<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Set your bedtime earlier than you\u2019re used to beginning one week before your test date. Most of us go to bed around 11 p.m. or later. For MCAT Test Day, you\u2019re going to want a full night\u2019s\u00a0sleep, which can be hard to attain for those of us\u00a0night owls\u00a0out there. Set your internal clock to get in bed by 10 p.m. or earlier. Start settling in with a book (no computer, iPad, or phone) earlier than you feel like you can actually go to sleep. Do this at least a week prior to your Test Day so you have sufficient time to train yourself to go to bed earlier. By the time the big day rolls around, you\u2019ll be naturally going to bed earlier and waking up with more energy\u2014exactly what you need for Test Day endurance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Eat a normal, but healthy meal<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Test Day is not the right time for your mom to treat you to a big omelette with cheese and a big glass of fresh squeezed OJ, if that\u2019s not what you\u2019re used to eating in the morning. Also, avoid sugary items, which will give you a temporary rush and have you crash mid-test.<br \/>\nEat a normal, but\u00a0healthy meal. Safe bets are granola, fruit, and yogurt. If you\u2019re a coffee drinker, get some coffee. If you\u2019re not, it\u2019s not the right morning to start. Do what you normally do, so nothing out of the ordinary can sidetrack your MCAT performance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >You\u2019re done! Don\u2019t panic<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Many pre-med students finish the MCAT absolutely certain that they\u2019ve just failed. They\u2019re sure they\u2019ve scored a 12 and will never be a doctor. Relax. Directly after the test is not the time to analyze every question you believe you missed and stress about forgetting an important equation. It\u2019s over and you\u2019re not getting your score for at least four weeks\u2014so relax and stop worrying. Everyone feels that the MCAT is difficult; you\u2019re not alone. Don\u2019t panic and nullify your score at the end. Just submit and be confident that your hard work is about to reap its rewards.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Take a nap<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Seriously. Taking the MCAT can be a physically, mentally, and emotionally draining experience, so treat yourself to some time to rest your brain and recharge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Do something frivolous<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Chances are you have been using every free moment up until Test Day to do something productive and worthwhile, like studying or doing laundry. Take some time to do something totally unproductive. Watch reality TV, start a movie marathon, read a magazine or book for fun, take a walk, or catch up on your Facebook posting.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Spend time with friends and family<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Who better to help you celebrate with an after-test dinner or hang out session than the people who have been supporting you throughout your MCAT journey? Catch up with these people and enjoy the freedom that comes with not having to discuss which formulas you recently reviewed or how ready you feel for your test.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Make sure to have fun<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Try to avoid having important things lined up directly after Test Day, like moving apartments, taking midterms, or writing huge papers. For one night, at least, celebrate your rocking completion of the MCAT.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><br \/>\n<div  style='height:1px; margin-top:-75px'  class='hr hr-invisible   avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_iconlist  el_before_av_sidebar '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<div class=\"row content text\">\n<div class=\"the-content\">\nHopefully this provides some direction for your\u00a0<a title=\"When Should I Take the MCAT?\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/mcat\/when-should-i-take-the-mcat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MCAT Test Day<\/a>\u00a0and the days leading up to it. This can be a very stressful time, but it doesn\u2019t have to be. Prepare appropriately ahead of time and make sure you\u2019re ready the night before. That way, when you wake up on Test Day morning, all you have to do is show up and show that test who\u2019s boss.<br \/>\n<div  class='avia-builder-widget-area clearfix  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last '><div id=\"text-72\" class=\"widget clearfix widget_text\">\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><code><br \/>\n<span data-sumome-listbuilder-embed-id=\"412169cd3aa9977143b6f06c0fae300dfc947b95c5705249ca54c9f4a812a953\"><\/span><br \/>\n<\/code><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text-73\" class=\"widget clearfix widget_text\">\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><code><br \/>\n<span data-sumome-listbuilder-embed-id=\"69112752ce12d39d65c983f7db76907ae236d4cb30c38eaf7538c5f1d3530ae0\"><\/span><br \/>\n<\/code><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you\u2019re getting ready to take the\u00a0MCAT, you want to make sure that you\u2019ve got the basic\u00a0content and critical thinking\u00a0skills ready to go. But the part that students sometimes overlook is ensuring that they are prepared for\u00a0all other aspects of taking the MCAT\u2014both the good and the bad.\u00a0Proper planning\u00a0is the key to a successful and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27548,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2],"tags":[3],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16002"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16002"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16002\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34842,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16002\/revisions\/34842"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27548"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}