MCAT DAY EXPERIENCE

I’m from Chicago, IL, but I had to take the MCAT in Merrillville, IN because I registered in July, and by that time all the seats were taken for the Chicago, IL dates. It worked out perfectly for me because I had time to take a day for myself and get away from all the distractions of home. My exam was on 8/23/2011, but I left for Merrillville, IN on 8/22/2011 to stay in a hotel room overnight. I stayed at Red Roof Inn, which had the cheapest hotel rates when I searched online for hotels nearest my testing center. When I got there I made sure to drive by the testing center, so I would know where it was and not be nervous searching for it on the test day. Thankfully, the testing center was only a mile away from my hotel. I had to check out my hotel room by 12pm and my exam time was 1pm, but I had to be there at 12:30pm to go through  all the procedures to be admitted for the test. Therefore, everything worked out perfectly. 

The exam was supposed to be 4 hours or at least that is what AMCA would have you believe, but it is longer than 4 hours. It said in the official guide to the MCAT to come 30mins early, so I was there at 12pm even though I test at 1pm. They let me take the test at 12:30pm. I didn’t finish until 5:07pm.  However, never have I ever been so calm in my life over an exam.

I was so calm and at peace because I meditated, visualized, and prayed about how I wanted to perform and what I want to score on the exam. My favorite scriptures are (Mark 11:23) and (Zechariah 4:6): "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.(Mark 11:23)," and "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)" With these scriptures in my head, I had peace of mind and remained calm throughout the test. 

MCAT DAY

The big day is finally here for me. The day that my three years of preparation as a post-bacc pre-med student has prepared me for. I have come a long ways from the girl that graduated with no science background with a BA in History(General) who once was considering law school, to now taking my first major step to acceptance too medical school. A day that many feel sicken with nerves and doubt, I feel very calm and relax and owe it all to the glory of God. See, I know that it is not by my power or might, but by the spirit of the Lord. (Zechariah 4:6) I also know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) Therefore, I have faith that I will perform the way I have envisioned.