Every year, countless students decide to pursue the path of becoming a doctor. From the moment they declare themselves as pre-med, they enter a world that demands relentless commitment, intense study, and often, personal sacrifice. Amid the flood of expectations and competition, it’s easy to feel like you’re perpetually behind. You might worry about not having enough shadowing hours, about scoring lower than expected on your latest organic chemistry exam, or about classmates who seem impossibly more accomplished. These fears are valid, and they’re shared by almost every pre-med student…

For students pursuing a future in medicine, academic excellence and extracurricular involvement are often seen as the cornerstones of a successful application to medical school. High GPAs, competitive MCAT scores, and a robust record of volunteer work all matter. However, many applicants overlook or underestimate a crucial component of the medical school admissions process—clinical shadowing. Clinical shadowing stands out not just as another box to check but as a unique experience that links theoretical knowledge to the day-to-day practice of medicine. It offers clarity, context, and confirmation to those who…

The medical school interview marks a critical turning point in your journey toward becoming a physician. While your academic record and MCAT score may have opened the door, the interview determines whether or not you walk through it. Receiving an interview invitation indicates that the admissions committee believes you are a strong candidate on paper. The next step is to show them that you are also a fit in person. The way you speak, the confidence you show, and the insight you offer into your motivations and character are all…

Understanding the Psychological Origins of MCAT Fear The MCAT is often viewed not merely as a test, but as a defining moment in the life of a pre-medical student. This perception fuels intense emotions that range from nervous anticipation to full-blown anxiety. Before strategies for overcoming MCAT fear can be put into practice, it is essential to explore the psychological underpinnings of why this fear exists in the first place. At the heart of MCAT fear lies the fear of failure. For many students, this exam is seen as the…

Biochemistry plays a vital role in the MCAT exam, representing roughly 25% of the questions across two different science sections. While biology holds the largest portion of science questions, biochemistry is the next most important, making it essential for students preparing for the exam to have a strong grasp of this subject. However, the scope of biochemistry on the MCAT is limited compared to the full extent of the field. The exam focuses primarily on content covered in a typical one-semester introductory university biochemistry course. This limited scope means that…

The MCAT tests a wide range of skills, including your understanding of natural sciences and your critical thinking abilities. Math plays a significant role in many questions, especially in chemistry, physics, and biology sections. However, one unique challenge is that calculators are not allowed during the exam. This restriction makes it essential to develop strong mental math skills and learn strategic shortcuts to solve problems efficiently. Efficiency in math not only saves valuable time but also reduces the cognitive load, allowing you to focus more on applying concepts rather than…

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a rigorous exam that evaluates not only your knowledge of science but also your critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to work efficiently under pressure. Alongside your knowledge and preparation, the tools you use on test day can significantly affect your performance. One such tool provided to all MCAT test-takers is the erasable noteboard. For many students, this noteboard may initially feel unfamiliar or inconvenient, but learning how to use it effectively can improve your exam experience and even your score. What Is…

Critical Reasoning (CR) questions—sometimes called “paragraph argument” questions—are a specialized type of GRE Reading Comprehension question that tests your ability to think critically across various scenarios. These questions challenge your skills in critical analysis, logical reasoning, and careful attention to detail. Many GRE test-takers consider Critical Reasoning questions the most difficult in the Verbal section. To master GRE CR questions, you need to become proficient at analyzing arguments and navigating answer choices designed to mislead or confuse. What Are GRE Critical Reasoning Questions? GRE Critical Reasoning questions evaluate your ability…

Mastering the Transition from Practice to Performance on the GRE Understanding the Gap Between Practice and Test-Day Scores Many GRE aspirants face a frustrating and confusing reality: their practice test scores consistently fall in the 320+ range, but on test day, the actual score drops significantly. This drop is often not due to a lack of skill or knowledge. Instead, it stems from a breakdown in translating preparation into performance under pressure. The good news is that most of these issues are preventable. The GRE is not just a test…

Over the years, many graduate school applicants have asked a common question: how much do GRE scores matter? This question became even more prominent during the pandemic, when many graduate programs temporarily waived their GRE requirements. However, even before that, the weight given to GRE scores in admissions decisions has always been a complex issue. This article explores the role of GRE scores in graduate school admissions, including at top-tier graduate schools, business schools, and law schools. It also discusses the significance of achieving a strong GRE score in each…

Now that there are new versions of both of the main tests used for admissions to MBA programs — the GRE and the GMAT — many business school hopefuls are wondering what all these changes mean for their test scores. Moreover, how do shorter GRE scores compare to GMAT Focus scores? Is it possible to do shorter GRE to GMAT Focus score conversions? In this article, I’ll answer those questions and other common ones test-takers have about shorter GRE vs. GMAT Focus scores. We’ll discuss the differences between the GRE…

Understanding GRE Percentiles: An Introduction If you are planning to take the GRE for graduate school applications, you have likely encountered the term “GRE percentiles.” Understanding GRE percentiles is crucial because they offer insight into how your score compares to those of other test takers. This guide will explain how GRE percentiles are calculated, what they mean, and how they are used in the admissions process. In this first part, we will start by reviewing the basics of GRE scoring. We will explore the structure of the GRE exam, the…

Your official GRE test is just a few days away. To help you approach the exam with confidence and perform at your best, this guide offers essential strategies for test day and the days leading up to it. With the right preparation and mindset, you can enter the testing center feeling calm, focused, and ready to succeed. Manage Your Time Properly One of the most critical factors in achieving a high GRE score is effective time management. The GRE is a timed exam, and each section demands careful pacing. Many…

GRE Quantitative Reasoning: Essential Strategies for a High Score If you’re currently studying for the GRE, you already know that this test requires mastering a wide range of math concepts and problem-solving techniques. Achieving a great GRE Quantitative score means more than just knowing math—it requires developing smart strategies and efficient approaches to tackle the questions quickly and accurately. In this article, we’ll walk you through key GRE Quant strategies, tips, and tricks, helping you maximize your performance on test day. The GRE Quant section tests a variety of math…

If you’re reading this, you probably experienced the frustrating gap between your GRE practice test scores and your actual test day score. Maybe your practice scores were consistently hitting 320, 325, or even above 330 — but the official test score report came back lower than expected, sometimes by 5, 10, or more points. This is one of the most common struggles GRE test takers face. It can feel confusing, disheartening, and even unfair. After all, you studied hard, you practiced regularly, and you felt confident going in. How could…