Post MCAT Reflections from the Healthcare, Clinical Research, and Wellness Fellows

All three Healthcare, Clinical Research, and Wellness peer fellows took the MCAT on January 16th, 2025! We remember the overwhelming feeling the night before the test not only because of the actual test and content but because of the unknown variables at the testing centers. Do not fear- we are here to tell you all about our experiences! 

Before Test Day: 

  • Take care of yourself the day before: drink lots of water, eat brain-healthy foods, etc. 
  • Do not study the day before- give your brain a break! 
  • Do something fun the day before, whether that is hanging out with friends or family, going to see a movie, or watching your favorite show 
  • Try to go to bed early the night before because it might take a little bit longer to fall asleep due to nerves and anticipation (completely normal!) 
  • Lay out all of the items you are bringing to test day the night before so you do not feel rushed in the morning 
  • Take off any necklaces, bracelets (including hair ties or watches), or earrings that are not studs- they will make you take them off on test day 

What Items to Bring:

  • ID! 
  • If you are bringing your phone, they will make you seal it in a bag during the entirety of the exam 
  • Snacks – pack quick snacks, this was essential during the quick 10-minute breaks
  • Lunch- pack a yummy lunch that you will be excited to eat! 
  • Lots of water 
  • Chapstick 
  • Advil or Tylenol in case you get a headache or other minor pains 

What to Expect Day of the MCAT: 

  • Eat a substantial and nutritious breakfast. Your brain needs fuel for the next seven hours! 
  • Arrive at the testing site around 7:15/7:20 am- doors open around 7:30 am for the testing center and those that go in first can start their exam earlier 
  • Locate the closest restroom before beginning your exam so that you can be efficient during your breaks 
  • When you enter the testing center, you will check in and wait in a line depending on the order of your arrival
    • They will check your ID, scan both of your palms, take your picture, and have you sign the MCAT examinee agreement form 
    • You will be given a key to a locker where you can place all of your items. Your ID and the key to your locker will be the ONLY things you can bring into the actual testing room 
  • Once you are about to enter the testing room to begin, they will pat you down, check your ID, scan your palms
    • You will be escorted to your testing desk and they will sign you in to begin 
    • Take a deep breath! You got this! 
  • At the beginning of the exam, you will have the option to participate in a 10-minute tutorial section. If you choose to participate in this section, this is when most testers “brain dump” on the dry-erase board they provide for you. I wrote down any equation or random fact I wanted to remember quickly during the exam. It also is a great time to deep breathe and pump yourself up. 
  • You will have two 10-minute breaks (between the Chemistry/Physics Section and CARS, and between Biology/Biochemistry and Psychology/Sociology)
    • These breaks go by QUICK! If you choose to take the break, you raise your hand and wait for the proctor to log you out. 
    • You then have to get your ID checked again. All of this usually takes about three minutes so in actuality, you only have about 7 minutes. I used this time to eat a quick snack or go to the bathroom.
    • Keep track of the time! You have to give yourself time to check back in with the proctor. Each time you enter the testing room, they will do the security clearance, check your ID, scan your palms, etc. 
    • Do NOT be late because your test will continue without you! 
  • During lunch, do not discuss the exam with anyone. You are definitely allowed to talk to fellow examinees but they will cancel your exam if they feel you are discussing it 

Post Exam: 

  • Be SO proud of yourself! This is a huge accomplishment regardless of the result
  • Do NOT look at Reddit. You do not want to linger on specific questions because there is nothing you can do to change it! 
  • Do not post or text about any of the questions you are presented with on the MCAT. 
  • Relax and celebrate! 

By Francesca Gunn '25
Francesca Gunn '25 Peer Career Fellow: Healthcare, Clinical Research and Wellness