For even more motivation and tips that will help you optimize your MCAT prep, check out our Complete MCAT Strategy Course here →
We remember from the beginning of our MCAT preparation being stumped as to how to spend our study time.
We had no clear sense of direction and found that the problem was we weren't setting clear, achievable goals for ourselves beforehand!
So, how do you do that?
With so much MCAT content to cover, how are you supposed to organize yourself to cover everything, it is quite overwhelming!
Setting specific goals provide you with a clear direction for your study. Without these sets goals, you will become frustrated trying to figure out where to begin and where to continue on with your studies.
Setting goals is such a valuable skill when you’re preparing for the MCAT. Coupled with a positive mindset, you can achieve greatness.
Something that your MCAT Mastery mentor, Zev, was constantly asking himself when preparing for the MCAT was ‘How can I stay productive and positive while studying for the MCAT?’...
So he took time to develop strategies to answer that question! With all the goals Zev set and the mindset he had, taking the MCAT was a breeze, as he scored an impressive 518!
In this video (and the commentary below 
), Zev shares his most effective strategies for maintaining a productive and positive mindset during MCAT prep so that you can do the same!
MCAT Mindset Prep Tip #1: Creating Goals
It can be helpful to set goals for yourself. This gives your studying journey a sense of direction! Zev outlines two main types of goals:
Overall Goals
During MCAT prep, your overall goal refers to your target MCAT score! Of course, this will vary from person to person. So be sure to do your research and find out what scores you'll need to get in order to get into the medical schools you're interested in!
Study Goals
These are smaller and more specific goals for your studying. Examples include, creation of a study schedule or identifying your best study methods. Remember, you know yourself best, be honest with yourself and only choose study methods that you know will work for you!
In addition to this, part of this process is to identify weak points in your study process. From here, you can set goals for yourself to tackle these weak points/distractions while studying. For example, if your phone is a big distraction while studying, turn it off before you begin!
Another goal to set for yourself is to create mini goals. For example, deciding to finish a certain topic by lunch, or a certain chapter by the end of the day.
MCAT Mindset Prep Tip #2: Develop The Right Mindsets
Be Realistic
Another great way to improve your mindset during MCAT prep is to be realistic, don't set goals that aren't achievable!
When you create unachievable goals, you are simply setting yourself up for failure and disappointment.
In addition, you must also account for breaks! It is normal, encouraged and necessary to take breaks in order to study effectively.
*If you're liking enjoying these positive mindset tips and want to learn about more ways to stay calm while studying for the MCAT you have to check out our podcast episode on that topic here!*
Be Patient
The MCAT much like everything else is a process, you must be patient while preparing for it. If you want to do well on the MCAT, you'll have to do better than know what's on the MCAT. You'll have to know how to approach the exam and content strategically and effectively!
We the tutors at MCAT mastery have developed resources and content on how to study the strategy of this exam because without the strategy, simply knowing the content will not achieve your MCAT score goal. Check out our strategy courses here!
Patience is key to achieving a competitive score on this exam. Remember, you will not retain all the information the first time you see it. This takes practice and repetition to properly internalize it!
Be Driven & Believe In Yourself
Without drive and confidence, you will not find success on the MCAT. Push yourself to be the best that you can be!
You have studied other subjects in the past, you can do this! Put your mind to it and believe in yourself!
Overview:
Learn From Top-Scorers Who've Made Mistakes
If you find Zev’s video helpful, then remember that these strategies and resources don’t end here…
Learn from top-scorers who have made mistakes during prep, so that you don’t have to experience the same difficulties.
Staying focused on your goals will help you reach them. Once you figure out your goals and how to approach studying, you get in a rhythm.
Remember to stay positive and driven, allow yourself to take those well deserved breaks! Be kind to yourself, don’t make studying any more difficult than it needs to be.
You got this!
The MedLife Mastery Team
Your MCAT Success Mentors
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