A few days after I paid the MCAT test fee and scheduled for my MCAT, I had a nightmare. In this dream, I was late and I did not have enough time to pack my bag, the test administrators would not accept my small bag, and I ultimately was late to take the exam. As soon as I dreamt of this, I jolted out of bed with my heart pounding so hard I could hear in my ears. The next morning, I visited the AAMC website and skimmed for what to bring on test day. I am someone that literally tries to prepare in advance so I was adamant at learning more. 

I understand that the MCAT can be super stressful especially if you have to travel out of state to take the test. Trust me, I know. I was in that situation! I can confirm it was an obstacle. I also had a few peers vlog or document their experience, but there was never enough explanation as to what exactly to bring. 

To start off, I highly recommend reviewing the MCAT ESSENTIALS on the AAMC website. This is super crucial to review, especially if your test is located in a different state. 

Additionally, here are some ideas on what to bring with you on test day as well as other need-to-know tips:

• Bag type: It does not matter what type of bag you bring. I emptied out my backpack the night before to only have my essentials. I saw others at my testing site with a plain grocery bag, so it doesn’t matter what type of bag you decide to bring in. There were also a few items I had to bring, so I placed the smaller items in a clear or transparent ziplock bag. 
• Snacks: Honestly, I was nervous throughout the test that I did not have an appetite, but I did pack some small snacks for energy, especially after doing the CARS section. Keep in mind, there is no refrigerator to store food, so if you want to bring lunch, make sure it can be eaten without proper refrigeration. Here is what I packed for my snacks:
  • Snack-sized pretzels 
  • Banana
  • Sports drink
  • Water
  • Protein bar
• Identification Card: I brought my driver’s license and passport, but when it was my turn to check in, I ended up using my ID. Double check your first and list name match with the details associated with the test. 

The items above are what I ended up packing. Again, I strongly recommend reviewing the MCAT essentials article and taking a look at what you should bring. Also, keep in mind that I did pack, so I did have to make a quick trip to Target and Trader Joes for the snacks. I know that it can be expensive, so I did try to limit myself on smaller, accessible snacks. I also recommend bringing a hair elastic, especially if you have longer hair because after the first section was complete, during my break, my elastic broke and I needed a replacement immediately. 

Also before I packed, I was a little concerned about staying concentrated during the test and I kind of worried I would lose my train of thought. However, in my testing environment when I was studying, I did try to utilize ear plugs and that truly did help. The testing center will provide ear plugs, in case you need it. I did not have a problem with mine and the noise level was quiet.

Throughout my studying, I always tried to mimic my testing environment. This meant that I tried to mimic the real testing environment, so that I felt comfortable during the test. I had the privilege of studying during the winter, so I did not turn on my heat and tried to simulate a cold room to study and I dressed accordingly so that it felt normal on test day. I also tried to simulate the atmosphere and built up the strength to study for long amounts of time. 

• The Forest App helped me stay disciplined as it locked certain web browsers during study time. 
• Anki helped so much, especially in memorizing different psychological concepts. 
• Khan Academy was super helpful as well, since I am a very visual learner and the animations/illustrations were beneficial. 
• AAMC MCAT Practice Test: this was super helpful in assisting with imagining real test day. 
• Ear plugs
• Turning my phone off 
• Waking up and going to sleep on a routine a few weeks before test day so that I felt good waking up on the morning of the test
• I also tried to change my studying location. I would study at home and at different libraries on campus. 

Overall, it was cool that I had the opportunity to take the test. I also wanted to remind you that the test is important but it does not define your worth. You are worth so much more than your scores! What might work for me, may not work for you, but I hope that you find peace and other resources to prepare with on test day. You will do great! Best wishes!