How did you stay focus and alert during the REAL MCAT? Advice, Tips

[IfOnly]

Hi everyone!

 

I have my MCAT coming up and I was just wondering what things some premed 101ers did to stay focused and alert during the REAL deal MCAT. Any advice would be so greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[LeBronto2019]

Hi everyone!

 

I have my MCAT coming up and I was just wondering what things some premed 101ers did to stay focused and alert during the REAL deal MCAT. Any advice would be so greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

dem tasty ritalin pills

 

just brought snacks with a good sugar content and healthy fats (cranberries and almonds) and an XL coffee to drink during breaks as well. I was fine for PS, but VR and BS needed my attention

[Jaybird]

Tim's XL DD to start my day off right, and a large Red Bull and king size Coffee Crisp at every break.

 

I'm interested in cardiology

[cindylouwho]

Yup, bring snacks! I ate a granola bar and drank water during each break; I find coffee just makes me jittery, so I didn't have any. You'll know what works for you.

 

On the psychological side of staying focused and alert: hopefully you will have done all the AAMC practice exams by that day, so remain calm and rid your mind of doubt. You have prepared and you're going to rock it!

[Sit]

I didn't use any caffeine or other stimulants- just had a granola bar and banana during break.

 

Stress is what really kept my mind focused; I'm not sure it works for everyone, but I took a few seconds to think to myself "I'm here, writing potentially the most important test of my life. I need to treat it as such."

 

Good luck!

[rmorelan]

this is one of the reasons I suggest doing the practise tests under practise conditions - so you can really see what you have to do to stay focused. The test is a marathon no doubt and if you approach it like a sprint you probably will run into trouble

 

I think I used a lot of very strong tea as I recall.

[Intrepid86]

Tim's XL DD to start my day off right, and a large Red Bull and king size Coffee Crisp at every break.

 

Also known as caffeine, more caffeine, and sugar covered carbs that taste like caffeine.

[MathToMed]

I actually didn't eat or drink anything the day of the exam and instead used my breaks to relax/rest my eyes/de-stress.

 

I wouldn't necessarily recommend this, but it shows that nothing works for everyone.

[lokiki]

Move your body- stretch. Especially during breaks. I think I ran up and down the hall if I was allowed to. Can't remember.

 

And caffeine. I prefer it in pill form, and wash it down with juice. I wonder if it's healthier that way.