How do I Score Well on MCAT® Physics?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®) is an exam taken by aspiring medical students in the United States and Canada. The test comprises four different sections, one of which is the physical sciences or physics. In order to score well on MCAT® physics, it can be necessary to first take at least one practice exam that can introduce you to the kinds of questions on the actual test. It can also be helpful to take preparation courses and make sure you are well rested prior to taking the exam so that your mental faculties are at their sharpest.

There are a number of ways to access practice tests that can help you score well on MCAT® physics. One of the most common ways to access a practice test is to go online. You can find a number of free testing options that you can take on the Internet, many of which include answer keys so you can score yourself. Aspiring medical students who are preparing for MCAT® physics may also choose to purchase test preparation books. These also may contain practice tests, as well as explanatory information that shows you how answers are determined.

For individuals who are aware of what kind of information is on the test but feel they need to work on the memorization of facts, formulas, and concepts, it might be a good idea to use flashcards. These are cards that have questions on one side and answers on the other. Having a friend or family member quiz you with the physics flashcards can be a fun way to memorize relevant information.

Courses in MCAT® physics may be available for students who learn better in a formal environment. In these classes, trained professionals help medical school applicants to learn about the key formulas and concepts used on the physics portion of the exam. Many individuals hoping to score well on this part of the test prefer to take courses with individuals who have been trained specifically to educate those who are taking the MCAT®.

Another option may be to find a physics tutor. Remember that physics is a broad field with many different areas of study within it; not all of the areas within the field of the physical sciences are used on the MCAT®. For this reason, it can be helpful to make sure that the tutor you study with is familiar with the test and can focus the sessions on relevant information.

Many experts on test taking believe that one of the most important steps you can take to score well on any test, including MCAT® physics, is to make sure that your cognitive abilities are sharp. Getting a good night's sleep prior to the exam can be very helpful in scoring well. Making sure that you eat a well balanced meal before the exam can also improve your mental functions.