top of page
Search

Strategies for Improving Retention, Recall, and Performance

Updated: Jan 24, 2023

Welcome to the ultimate guide for MCAT success! As a pre-med student, you're probably feeling the pressure of the upcoming exam. But don't stress, because we've got you covered with our science-backed tips and tricks for mastering the MCAT. And the best part? I've included some nerdy jokes to lighten the mood and make studying a little more bearable.

Like how do you organize a space party? You planet (ha!)

Here's a sneak peak of what you'll learn:

  • Active Learning techniques that will make your brain want to do a backflip (or at least retain information better)

  • Practice questions that will make you feel like a problem-solving pro

  • Conceptual understanding that will make you think like Sherlock Holmes (minus the cocaine habit)

  • Time Management strategies that will make you feel like Tony Stark (minus the billion dollar trust fund)

  • Spaced Repetition techniques that will make your brain feel like a steel trap

  • Teaching the material to others that will make you feel like a Jedi master of knowledge

  • Identifying and addressing your weaknesses that will make you feel like Batman (minus the bat-signal)

  • Simulation that will make you feel like a boss on game day

  • Knowing your learning style that will make you feel like an MVP

  • Avoiding answer choices before answering a question that will make you feel like a genius

Ready to take your MCAT prep to the next level? Follow MedMindMastery for proven strategies, nerdy jokes and all the support you need to succeed!



Tips Quicksheet

  1. Active Learning: Engage in active learning techniques, such as flashcards, mnemonics, or concept mapping in order to help improve your retention and recall of the material.

  2. Practice Makes Perfect: Prioritize practice questions over content review to help improve your problem-solving skills and identify areas where you need further study. Remember that you still learn content during practice questions!

  3. Conceptual Understanding: Focus on understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing facts to help you think critically and apply the material to new situations.

  4. Time Management: Create a study schedule that is realistic and manageable to help you stay on track and avoid burnout.

  5. Spaced Repetition: Spread out your study sessions over time to help improve retention and recall rather than trying to cram all the material in one sitting.

  6. Teach it to Someone Else: Teaching the material to someone else can help solidify your own understanding and identify areas where you need further study.

  7. Focus on Weaknesses: Identify your weak areas and focus on them specifically to improve your performance in those areas. STOP putting precious time and energy into areas that you already succeed in (ex: if you score a 130 on CARS and a 124 B/B during a practice exam, spend the majority of your time focusing on B/B). Adjust your study schedule based on your weaknesses and progress!

  8. Simulation: Practice taking the exam in a simulated environment to help you become familiar with the format and reduce test anxiety.

  9. Know Your Learning Style: Understand your learning style and tailor your study methods to suit your needs to help you study more effectively.

  10. Avoid answer choices before answering a question: Once you read a question, try to form your own answer based on the information from the passage before looking at the provided options. This will ensure that your answer is based on the information from the passage rather than being influenced by the answer choices.



Extra Tip: A little extra tip for you. You deserve it for being extra-motivated!

Break it down: When faced with a difficult question, break it down into manageable parts. For example, if the question is about enzymes, focus on what you know about their role in speeding up chemical reactions. Use this knowledge to help eliminate incorrect answer choices and guide your thought process. This strategy can also be applied to the answer choices: breaking them down into smaller, more manageable components to aid in your decision-making.



What's the secret to MCAT domination?

  • Answer 1: A steady diet of flashcards and coffee

  • Answer 2: The power of the force (aka critical thinking)


You'll be breaking all your MCAT barriers soon.




 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page