On the MCAT
I can't believe it's already April. Spring is in full swing, and the days are longer and brighter. Life is moving fast, but I'm ready to pick up the pace and keep up. It's funny how time flies; when I first scheduled my MCAT test date for April, it felt like I had all the time in the world to prepare. But now, on the eve of the test, I'm relaxed and reflective, thinking back on the long six months of preparation. I've completed 15,000 flashcards, 5,000 practice questions, and 14 practice exams. I've spent hundreds of hours preparing for this day, and I'm as ready as I'll ever be.
What's struck me about this whole process is how much it's changed me as a person. While it's certainly improved my efficiency and ability to study long hours, it's also taken a toll on me emotionally. For a few months, I've felt a cloud of stress following me around everywhere I went, no matter what I was doing or who I was with. I always had more flashcards to review, more study modules to complete, and more practice questions to answer. It's been a challenging journey that has temporarily robbed me of a part of myself that I genuinely enjoy. I've found myself without my usual energy and enthusiasm.
But I know that this is just the beginning of the journey. Becoming a doctor is a lifelong pursuit, and there will be many more challenges and opportunities to come. I've realized that I need to learn how to keep my mojo alive, even in the face of stress and uncertainty. It's important to find ways to take care of myself, to prioritize my physical and emotional health, and to maintain a positive mindset. Of course, there will be times when the pressure feels overwhelming, when the stakes seem impossibly high. But I believe that I have what it takes to persevere, to stay focused on my goals, and to keep moving forward. The MCAT is just one step on a long and rewarding path, and I'm excited to see where it will take me.
So tonight, as I take a deep breath and prepare to face the test, I'm reminding myself of all the hard work I've put in, all the sacrifices I've made, and all the people who have supported me along the way. I'm grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams, and I'm determined to make the most of it.
Whatever the outcome of the test may be, I know that I'll continue to learn and grow, to face new challenges with courage and resilience, and to keep my spirit alive as I pursue my passion for medicine.