{"id":895,"date":"2023-04-26T13:07:41","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T13:07:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=895"},"modified":"2025-08-05T22:22:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T22:22:06","slug":"last-minute-mcat-study-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/mcat\/last-minute-mcat-study-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Last-Minute MCAT Study Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>One of the biggest worries about the MCAT is what to do the final few days before the test. The last week before the MCAT is often a time of stressful studying, jangled nerves, and sleepless nights. Fortunately, it doesn\u2019t have to be this way; as countless students who have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/mcat?utm_source=gh-mcat\">prepared for the MCAT with Kaplan<\/a> know, the countdown to test day can and should be a time of exhilaration \u2013 all of your hard work is about to pay off!<\/p>\n<p>To help you approach the exam in the best possible light, here\u2019s a handy walk-through of what you should be doing in the final days before the MCAT.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/p>\n<p><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_sidebar  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >The Week Before the MCAT Tips<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nWith one week left before the MCAT, you\u2019ll want to go through a dress rehearsal. Wake up and run through your routine exactly the way you will on Test Day. Know when you\u2019ll get up, what you will have for breakfast, how you\u2019ll warm up both physically and mentally, and when you need to be in the car and on the way.<\/p>\n<p>A great way to reduce your anxiety is to visit the testing center itself; don\u2019t just think about going there. You need to be absolutely certain about the following issues:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How long does it take to get there? Is there traffic on your route? What about construction? Anything that may delay your commute on Test Day is significant, so pay attention!<\/li>\n<li>If you\u2019re driving, consider the parking situation. Do you need quarters for meters? Cash for a parking garage? Free parking on side streets?<\/li>\n<li>Take the time to actually go into the testing center \u2013 don\u2019t just drive by.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >List of Questions For MCAT Test Location<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Where is the actual entrance?<\/li>\n<li>What are their security procedures?<\/li>\n<li>Where are the bathrooms?<\/li>\n<li>How big are the lockers?<\/li>\n<li>Is there a refrigerator or microwave available to you?<\/li>\n<li>What is the temperature like in the center?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Add any other questions that you might have about the center and the testing environment.<\/p>\n<p>The more questions you can answer now, the better prepared you\u2019ll be for the real thing and the less likely you\u2019ll be caught off guard by something small on Test Day itself.<\/p>\n<p>[<strong> RELATED:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/mcat\/how-to-study-the-week-before-the-mcat\/\">How To Study The Week Before The MCAT<\/a> ]<br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_iconlist  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >The Week of the MCAT Tips<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-4  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='\ue8a8' 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\"  >Build Confidence<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>This week, especially, focus on reminding yourself of how much you DO know! Rather than dwell on perceived weaknesses or attempt to cram new facts into your maxed-out hippocampus, reinforce all of the hard work you\u2019ve already put in.<\/p>\n<p>Try taking a set of flashcards to your favorite study spot for quiet review. Spend time looking at topics that you know and love, the ones you haven\u2019t seen for a while, but that will contribute most to your score.<\/p>\n<p>A little confidence building and relaxation is a great lead-up to test Day, when you\u2019ll walk into the testing center feeling at your best.<\/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='\ue80b' 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\"  >Rely on your support system<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>If you haven\u2019t already, now is the time to communicate to your friends and family what, exactly, you\u2019ll need in these few days leading up to your MCAT. If you just want peace and quiet, tell them! If you need distraction, time away from home, more time at home, less attention, more attention, whatever\u2026be sure to clue your friends and family in so they can assist you with your last-minute prep.<\/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='\ue864' 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\"  >Maintain Healthy Habits<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Get as much rest as you can and eat healthy meals. The goal is to give your body the support and nutrition it needs to withstand the stress you are putting it through.You need to be at your absolute best on Test Day: mind and body.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also want to adjust your sleep and meal habits to the same time frame as Test Day so that nothing changes during the MCAT.<\/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='\ue860' 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\"  >Plan a Post-Exam Celebration<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Planning your get-together with friends and\/or family after the exam is a great way to put yourself in a good mood. You\u2019ve earned the chance to blow off steam and congratulate yourself on surviving 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='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_iconlist  el_before_av_iconlist  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >The Day Before the MCAT Tips<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-6  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='\ue868' 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\"  >Don\u2019t Study<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Although it seems counter-intuitive, allow yourself a day off before the MCAT. If you were running a marathon, you wouldn\u2019t do an intensive workout the day before the race. You\u2019ll be refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take on the MCAT if you let yourself take the day off.<\/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='\ue83f' 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\"  >Release Stress<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Relax as much as possible. Reassure yourself that you\u2019ve already studied as much as you could study up to this point. By letting go of stressful or worrisome emotions, you\u2019re allowing your brain\u2019s frontal cortex to focus solely on abstract reasoning and problem solving \u2013 necessary functions on Test Day!<\/p>\n<p>Try light exercise, watching a movie that you haven\u2019t seen because you\u2019ve been studying, or spending time with a friend who can keep your mind distracted from worry.<\/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='\ue82a' 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\"  >Gather Your MCAT Test Day Materials<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Pack all your supplies for Test Day the day before, so there\u2019s no last minute scramble the morning of the MCAT.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Print out your confirmation email just in case<\/li>\n<li>Have one or two valid forms of identification (a passport, driver\u2019s license, non-driver ID card, or military ID)<\/li>\n<li>Wallet<\/li>\n<li>Keys<\/li>\n<li>Sweatshirt<\/li>\n<li>Analgesics<\/li>\n<li>Antacids<\/li>\n<li>Eye drops<\/li>\n<li>Medicines<\/li>\n<li>A map of the area and directions to the Test Site and place in your bag<\/li>\n<li>Prepare snacks, drinks and lunch ahead of time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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='\ue842' 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\"  >Have a Back-Up Plan<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Ninety-nine times out of one hundred your plan will go smoothly, but it\u2019s still a good idea to have a friend or family member on \u201cstand-by\u201d to drive you to the testing center. In fact, it can help with stress if you allow yourself to have a driver so you\u2019re not dealing with traffic and parking. At this point you should know exactly where you\u2019re going, but it doesn\u2019t hurt to double check the test center location and\/or have the address handy.<\/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='\ue83d' 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\"  >Get Ready To Go<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Get to bed at a reasonable time and do yourself a favor: have your backup person who will double check that you\u2019re awake and ready to go the morning of the test. That way you don\u2019t have to worry about your alarm failing to go off. If you\u2019re worried about falling asleep, try mild exercise early in the day, combined with a nice warm bath right before bed.<\/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-h2    avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_iconlist  el_before_av_sidebar  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Last-Minute MCAT Test Day Tips<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nWake up early, have your usual breakfast, and give yourself a chance to warm up both physically and mentally.<\/p>\n<p>Pick a few MCAT problems and passages to review from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Complete-7-Book-Subject-2026-2027-Practice-dp-1506297544\/dp\/1506297544\/ref=dp_ob_title_bk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MCAT Prep Book<\/a>; choose those that you\u2019ve done successfully in the past, so that you are building confidence.<\/p>\n<p>Leave for your test center with plenty of time to spare. Traffic is never reliable, and you don\u2019t want to be stressed out before the test even starts. In many cases, if you arrive early, you can start the test early.<\/p>\n<p>Expect to feel some test anxiety; it would be a bad sign if you didn\u2019t. Use your nerves to give yourself that competitive edge that will help you achieve your highest possible score. You\u2019ve been preparing for this for a while, and now you\u2019re ready for success.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve already done all the hard work, so just go in there and knock \u2018em dead. Remember all of your practice and everything will go smoothly \u2013 when it\u2019s all over, you\u2019ll be one step closer to medical school!<br \/>\n<div  class='avia-builder-widget-area clearfix  avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_heading  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><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the biggest worries about the MCAT is what to do the final few days before the test. The last week before the MCAT is often a time of stressful studying, jangled nerves, and sleepless nights. Fortunately, it doesn\u2019t have to be this way; as countless students who have prepared for the MCAT with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38201,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2],"tags":[3,1170],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895"}],"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=895"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48620,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895\/revisions\/48620"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=895"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=895"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=895"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}