Preparing for professional school entrance exams like the DAT (Dental Admission Test) and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) can feel overwhelming. These exams are less about rote memorization and more about critical thinking, problem-solving, and applying a vast amount of scientific knowledge. While there is no single magic bullet, a strategic approach can make a huge difference. Here are some study hacks to help pre-health students succeed.
1. Master Active Learning
Don’t just read and highlight your notes. That is a passive activity. To truly retain information, you need to actively engage with it.
Active learning techniques include:
The Feynman Technique: Named after Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, this method involves explaining a concept in simple terms, as if you were teaching it to someone with no prior knowledge. This forces you to identify gaps in your understanding and simplify complex ideas.
2. Leverage Spaced Repetition and Flashcards
For the sheer volume of content on the DAT and MCAT, spaced repetition is a game-changer. This technique involves reviewing material at increasing intervals over time, which is scientifically proven to move information from short-term to long-term memory.
GoodOff.Co: A newer option designed with pre-health students in mind. It combines spaced repetition with study scheduling, accountability tools, and community support. While less established than Anki or Quizlet, it’s gaining popularity among students who want a more structured, distraction-free study experience.
Anki: Widely regarded as the most effective spaced repetition flashcard app. It is free, customizable, and powered by an advanced algorithm. While setup can take time, high-quality pre-made decks are available.
Quizlet: Easier to use and more interactive, though its algorithm is less advanced. Quizlet is especially useful for quick reviews and alternative study modes such as games and quizzes.
3. Practice, Practice, and More Practice
Success on the DAT and MCAT depends heavily on your ability to apply knowledge to new scenarios. Memorization alone is not enough.
Simulate exam conditions: Take full-length practice tests under timed, realistic settings. This builds stamina, improves time management, and reduces test-day anxiety.
Analyze your mistakes: Go beyond checking the correct answer. Ask yourself why you got it wrong. Was it a knowledge gap, a misinterpretation, or a careless error? Track your mistakes in a notebook or spreadsheet to identify recurring weak areas.
4. Utilize Prep Apps and Online Resources
There are excellent apps and platforms designed for pre-health students preparing for these exams:
UWorld: Offers challenging, high-yield practice questions with detailed explanations that teach underlying concepts. Many students rely on it as their primary learning tool.
Bootcamp.com: A respected resource for DAT prep, with videos, practice questions, and full-length exams.
AAMC Official Prep: For the MCAT, AAMC’s official materials are essential. Their practice exams, question packs, and flashcards are the most representative of the real test.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Pre-health preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Burnout is a real threat to your success, so maintaining balance is key.
Schedule breaks: Use methods like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focus followed by a 5-minute break) to stay productive without overwhelming yourself.
Prioritize sleep and exercise: Sleep consolidates memory, while regular physical activity reduces stress and improves brain function.
Maintain a social life: Studying with friends, staying connected with peers, and enjoying hobbies helps protect your mental health.
By combining active learning, spaced repetition, consistent practice, and self-care, you can transform exam prep from an overwhelming challenge into a structured, effective process. With the right strategy, success on the DAT, MCAT, and beyond is within your reach.