One of the best ways to prepare for the MCAT is to purchase one of the many available study guides. These books include sample problems, practice tests, and detailed explanations of each section of the test. Study books also show you the varying question formats that appear on the MCAT. The guides can be purchased either in major bookstores or online, and cost between 20 and 100 dollars.
Time limits are an important element of the MCAT that test takers need to get used to prior to test day. The physical sciences and biological sciences portions of the exam both have 52 questions to be completed within 70 minutes. The verbal reasoning portion of the test includes 40 questions to be completed with 60 minutes, and the writing portion is composed of two 30-minute essays. Practicing with a timer will familiarize you with how quickly you must work to complete each section and will help reduce anxiety about not having enough time to finish.
While your instructors may allow you to use a calculator to solve math and science problems, the MCAT does not. All sections of the test must be completed manually, using a pencil and scratch paper. Practice solving both basic and complex problems without using a calculator. Memorize any formulas that may be needed for the test.
Before test day, work on your writing skills to prepare for the writing portion. The topics that appear in the writing portion do not relate to medicine so you should practice writing about general topics. Give yourself 30 minutes and work on free writing with little or no prior brainstorming. You will need to come up with a central thesis, integrate external ideas, and demonstrate a mastery of the English language.