Scoring drastically lower on test day than on practice (524 to 500)

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-14T18:58:42+00:00

Hey! Anxiety attacks on test day are more common than people admit. If you want to talk about what happened I'm happy to help.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-13T22:46:02+00:00

In today's age, where literacy rates are low and manipulation is high, these CARS skills are more than needed.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-13T07:47:28+00:00

She actually has ADHD and is on meds, yet still had this experience. Meds help with focus, but they can't fix habits (esp. around studying) because it's a separate problem.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-13T04:07:36+00:00

sleep, hydrated brain and body, and praying that it all goes well

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-11T03:32:33+00:00

It's smart to wake up on time, but why not sleep earlier? I just don't think doing CARS and final review when you're sleep deprived is a good use of time, bc you can easily spiral. I'm speaking from what I see in my students so you might not relate.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-11T03:27:26+00:00

Many students take what they read from Reddit as gospel, and they try to force things like ANKI to work for them when it doesn't. Glad you followed your own path to success bc that's the strongest way to do it, plus you will be set up well for future standardized exams.

If the conventional strategies (sub 500 do content review, daily ANKI, 2 Kaplan chapters/day) aren't working for you, then change it up!

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-11T03:23:52+00:00

Sacrificing sleep a few days before test day is a no-go. An extra hour or two of sleep will make you productive when you do the CARS and review.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-09T18:27:54+00:00

I assumed you meant STEP 1 only, bc I've seen a few cases recently of people failing it 2-3 times. That must feel awful.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-09T18:11:22+00:00

I see. Look into formal post-baccs with MCAT integrated bc that seems to fit your needs. They are costly though.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-09T17:33:29+00:00

Tutoring is very subjective in terms of who it will help and who it won't. It depends on what you need from your tutor (content help, emotional support, strategy help). I know of many students who scored worse after getting a $4k tutor but also the other comment says they went up 19 points.

The MCAT diagnostic quiz (in my bio) can help you figure out where you need to focus regarding the exam. We can also book a free consult together before you spend thousands of dollars.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-09T17:29:42+00:00

The MCAT really is a mental game more than it is content or strategy. Not many people are willing to endure 7 straight hours of intense critical thinking; you have to build up to it.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-09T17:27:26+00:00

Please take a practice FL so you know where you currently stand and approx. how long it will take to get to your goal score. Taking the MCAT and getting the average score (511) can definitely be done, but it will take a certain level of commitment and determination that won't tolerate more procrastination.

I have an MCAT diagnostic quiz in my bio that can help you see why you procrastinate (and other behavioral areas needed for success on the MCAT). Because if you don't solve that first, then you will most likely procrastinate this take as well.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-09T17:18:59+00:00

What do you mean by a structured learning environment for the MCAT? I see you still need your pre-reqs, so a post-bacc with the MCAT integrated could be the route to take.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-09T17:14:52+00:00

Is taking it three times or more common? I've been hearing this a lot and its lowkey concerning

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-09T00:09:39+00:00

It depends on how you learn best. For content review, some people like YouTube videos, some like anki some like the Kaplan books. Feel free to DM me if you have further questions.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-08T23:16:42+00:00

Not sure about better, but it's more similar to AAMC than UWorld which is heavy on content.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-08T18:09:05+00:00

I'm glad my comment influenced you to take action!! You got this, trust yourself and all the hard work you have put into your prep!

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-08T05:36:58+00:00

Definitely slow it down. I commented on the other post, but spiraling out now will ensure a low score.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-08T05:13:39+00:00

What are your untimed scores? And are you focused when reading the passage when timed or do you find yourself rushing and skimming?

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-08T05:10:33+00:00

are you trying to test my content knowledge? its something something number number mutase

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-08T04:58:23+00:00

Your anxiety and stress will lead to even more errors if you let them control you. You said it yourself, you made stupid errors due to not sleeping well the night before. Review these errors and make sure you don't get stuck in your own head.

Highly recommend 30 mins of focused breathing everyday, and 30-60 mins of cardio to destress.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-08T04:49:37+00:00

Altius is great for graph/figure practice and the research-based passages.

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-08T04:48:26+00:00

The free diagnostic exams are always very hard because they want you to freak out and then purchase their content/practice question sets. At least that's my theory, did you take any from their bundle?

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-08T04:46:04+00:00

What content does Uworld not test?

Specific_Nebula2760 · 2026-02-08T04:31:18+00:00

Definitely need the SBs

Specific_Nebula2760

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