In a few days, you will be finishing your undergraduate studies. It’s a feather in your cap and a reason to feel proud—statistically, students with a bachelor’s degree are more likely to find employment than those without. But you still have a long way to go. You want to specialise in a stream and earn a master’s degree. If your undergraduate degree is in biology or chemistry, graduating with a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) is an excellent and obvious option. However, you must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to enrol in a medical school.

You might have already registered for the MCAT. You might also be aware that the MCAT is a gruelling 7.5-hour exam composed of four sections:

  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Preparing for the MCAT can be stressful, as it’s recommended that test-takers dedicate 300–400 hours of study over several months. You should also take regular practice tests to focus and improve upon your weaknesses.

Dressing For Success

While rigorous studies would have honed your medical skills and aptitude, you must still be as comfortable as possible on the exam day. Plan to sit for the lengthy test by dressing appropriately. This might seem irrelevant, but being at ease could positively impact your potential performance during any MCAT exam.

The definition of a comfortable dress varies from individual to individual. The general idea, though, remains the same—you should be able to feel relaxed. Specifically, avoid fabrics that might create an itching or scratching sensation, or attire that makes you feel constricted or suffocated.

You don’t have to be dressed in pricey or even formal clothes. You can do it just as well with hoodies, sweatpants, or jeans. Ensure you bring a sweater or jacket if the testing centre is cold.

Know Your Testing Location

You can find a list of locations on the official website. Where you take your test can be a factor in your choice of what you wear on exam day. Your test ticket should contain the necessary information to locate the testing site. If you need further information, ask test administrators at the test site for assistance.

Weathering the Storm

Make sure to check the weather forecast for the day of the exam. If rain or snow is predicted, dress accordingly and carry what you need to navigate to your location comfortably. Additionally, please comply with AAMC rules regarding items you are allowed to bring to the test site. Hats, scarves, and umbrellas are NOT on the list.

Finish the Exam In Style

You now know what to expect on the day of the exam. You also likely have a list of medical schools to which you will apply. In that case, you know what score to aim for.

To achieve a position in the top 20 per cent, your MCAT score needs to be at least 510 out of a maximum of 528 points. A score of 510 is generally considered a good score. But it’s still not good enough for top medical schools like Harvard and John Hopkins, who take their pickings from the top 5 per cent—corresponding to an MCAT score of 517.

Right now, you need to shift into high gear and find every available resource that might help boost your MCAT score. Along with rigorous study, you need a balanced regimen (including diet, exercise, and sleep) to keep your body in prime shape.

Your studies should be complemented by regular practice tests to track your progress. Besides the official AAMC practice tests, look for other websites offering the best MCAT practice tests and MCAT study material. Experts recommend taking a total of 10 practice tests before attempting the actual exam.

You should also use scores and feedback from your practice tests to identify which sections you are weak in. If self-study and practice tests cannot improve your scores, you can always consider enrolling in a prep course. On exam day, you need every bit of advantage you can get. One such front is dressing comfortably; what you wear for your MCAT test matters and might make the difference between success and disappointment.