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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.
Wow! All of these inspiring blogs about non-trad, African-American women, like myself on the road to becoming an MD! I love it. So grateful for this and I thank you for sharing. I feel so lost sometimes, unsupported and almost like people expect me to fail and when I see things like this I know that the victory is really tangible and the journey will work in the end! Thank you again and I wish you nothing but the best and success future MD :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Keep going and never give up on your dreams. I did a post-bacc program that did not support me and others that looked like me. Therefore, we supported each other and found additional support outside of the program. Through my blog I want to lend even more support to those who are experiencing or have experienced what I went through, so I am so glad that you found my blog. God bless you on your journey to being a MD!
ReplyDeleteMaintaining peace of mind is an ability no one can take, which is why staying calm in situations like your exam produced bright results. Anyway, what was the outcome of your exam?
ReplyDeleteJavis Monzalton
I strongly agree with Javis. Imagine how great it would be to stay calm, focused, and undisturbed. :) When I was in college, I did yoga before studying or before an exam. I always sat alone in a far off quiet place like my hotel room.
DeleteCami Collazo