11 MCAT Motivation Tips to Keep You Going

If you’re knee-deep in MCAT prep and wondering if you should just throw in the towel and bail out now because you just can’t take one more endless study session, I hear you! I’ve been there, too, especially when I was studying for this beast of a test a second time after my first score expired, it was hard to get back my MCAT motivation!

So many times, I thought I was crazy for wanting to go through it all again. But along the way, I discovered a few super important lessons on motivation that helped me push through and achieve my dream score—the same one I posted on my vision board (more about that fun fact below).

So, if you’re lacking MCAT motivation, that’s totally normal and, actually, not so hard to turn around with a few super-effective, tried-and-tested tips that’ll get you fired up and crushing those study goals in no time!

This post is all about MCAT motivation.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.

Best MCAT Motivation Tips

Find Your “Why” 

Before you even crack open those books, let’s talk about something super important – getting your head in the game. Having a solid reason to fuel your study sessions is an absolute game-changer. You need something that lights a fire in your belly, makes your heart race a little faster, and puts a big ol’ grin on your face every time you think about it. It’s that spark that keeps you going on day one, day ten, and beyond.

So, instead of dreading those 80 practice questions, let’s take a step back and think about the big dream – becoming a doctor. That’s the real goal here, and the MCAT is just a hurdle along the way.

Grab a piece of paper and jot down all the reasons why YOU want to be a doctor. Is it to make a difference in people’s lives or to challenge yourself every day? Whatever it is, write it down alongside your target MCAT score. Stick the paper on your study wall, so every time you feel like giving up, you’re reminded of your big why.

Create a One-Sentence Motivational Motto

Now that you’ve found your “why,” create a simple, powerful mantra that resonates with you. Find a phrase that boosts your spirits when the going gets tough. It could be anything under the sun, but it has to be something that truly excites you. 

Pro tip: Don’t make your motto about aiming to be a doctor someday – that’s fantastic for your “why,” but it’s a bit far off when you’re in the trenches of MCAT prep. What we’re talking about here is finding a more immediate, short-term motivation – something to push us through each study session, quiz, and hurdle on the way.

Here are the three one-liners that worked like a charm to help me push through past study sessions.

One and Done

I used the phrase, “Do your absolute best so you never have to take it again,” the first time I took the MCAT (which I can almost laugh about today, considering how I would find myself in the same boat taking it again a few years later).

Why it works: Imagining the relief of nailing the MCAT on your first try can be your driving force to give it your all just so you can avoid the stress of retaking it.

No Regrets

When I took the MCAT a second time, I leaned into this motto, “I don’t want to look back when I’m 50 and be disappointed that I let ONE silly test prevent me from applying to medical school again.”

What makes it motivational: Don’t let a single test hold you back from your dream of becoming a doctor. You’re capable of overcoming any challenge you put your mind to.

Rest, Relaxation, and Freedom Await!

As it turns out, the MCAT isn’t the only Mount Everest of an exam that you’ll need to take on your journey to becoming a doctor, so it’s a smart idea now to master your motivation skills and find a motto that works. 

As I studied for Step 1 in medical school, I went a different route with my motto and adopted, “If I can pull this off, I will get to be FREE from school for SIX weeks to have the most epic adventure.” 

How it gets you motivated: By visualizing how you’ll spend time off after acing your exams, you can use it as a carrot on a stick to push yourself towards success.

Embrace the Elephant Mindset

Ever heard the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Well, in our case, the elephant is the MCAT. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break everything down into bite-sized, manageable tasks. 

Don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking about the whole test all at once. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Instead, focus on what you need to do each day. Pace yourself, conserve your energy, and tackle each task one step at a time. By taking it day by day, you’ll avoid that dreaded feeling of being swamped with work.

Create a Step-by-Step Plan to Avoid Overwhelm

I know, I know, planning can sound like a snoozefest, but it can keep your MCAT motivation up and help you avoid that overwhelming feeling.

Instead of sitting down at your desk with textbooks scattered everywhere and the crushing feeling that you have to conquer Mount Everest just to get through all the material (yikes, right?), a solid study plan can save the day. By breaking down your study schedule into manageable chunks, you’re turning that mountain into a series of smaller hills. Much more doable!

When you know exactly what you need to cover each day or each week, it’s like having a roadmap to guide you. No more aimlessly flipping through pages and feeling like you’re not making progress. My course MCAT Roadmap helps you to build the perfect study plan that fits YOU. Plus, checking off tasks as you complete them is the ultimate motivator. It’s so satisfying to cross things off a list.

To get started, learn how to break down your study timeline into three phases. Check out How to Start Studying for the MCAT – Ditch the Overwhelm and Fear!

Limit Distractions that Lead to Procrastination

Imagine this: you’re all pumped up to tackle a study session. You’ve got a plan, your notes are spread out neatly in front of you, your laptop opened to the screen you need … and then, bam! Your phone pings with a notification from your favorite app. Next thing you know, you’ve clicked on Instagram, and thirty minutes have passed in a blink, your study momentum is gone, and you’re knee-deep in procrastination land.

When we allow distractions to creep in, they can seriously zap our motivation. By proactively limiting distractions, you set yourself up for studying success. Create a designated study space that’s free from temptations like your phone, snacks, or interruptions from people who live with you. Set specific study hours, and treat them like non-negotiable appointments with your study materials. Once you get into a focused study groove, you’ll be amazed at how much more motivated and productive you become.

Take Regular Practice Tests

When you’re knee-deep in those thick MCAT prep books and drowning in flashcards, sometimes it can feel like you’re not getting anywhere. It’s easy to feel stuck or discouraged. That’s why practice tests come in handy.

These exams help you assess your current knowledge and skills while allowing you to track your progress over time. Seeing that gradual improvement can be a major confidence booster. It’s like leveling up in a video game – each practice test you take brings you one step closer to your goal score. Even if it’s just by showing you where your weaknesses lay, so you can double down on those areas to get better and better.

Also, remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. Celebrate your victories along the way, and keep pushing forward.

Find MCAT Motivation in Quotes and Images

I like to find a motivational quote that inspires me and place it as my screen saver or desktop background. Every time I look at my computer or phone, I see that quote staring back at me, pushing me to keep going. So, cruise through Pinterest or your favorite inspirational influencer and screenshot a little reminder that you’ve got this—you can and will conquer the MCAT!

If images have a stronger impact on you than words, use a picture as your inspiration. Especially if you’ve resonated with the motto I shared about rest and relaxation after the MCAT is behind you, you can set up a picture of something you want to reward yourself with after you cross the finish line. Whether it’s a dream vacation, a fancy dinner, or even just a relaxing spa day, having that image in front of you can serve as a powerful motivator. It’s like a visual representation of your goal, and it keeps you pushing through even on tough study days.

Celebrate Your Small Successes

Treating yourself to a little reward after tackling a practice test or finishing a study session can make a world of difference in keeping your MCAT motivation levels high.

Setting rewards for yourself, whether they are big or small, serves as a powerful incentive to keep pushing forward. By breaking down your study goals into smaller chunks and attaching rewards to them, you create a sense of accomplishment with each milestone you reach. This positive reinforcement not only boosts your confidence but also makes the daunting task of preparing for the MCAT seem more manageable and enjoyable.

So, after taking that practice test or putting in a solid study session, don’t forget to treat yourself. It could be anything from indulging in your favorite snack, watching an episode of your favorite show, or taking a well-deserved break. These small rewards act as a pat on the back and a reminder that your hard work is paying off.

Visualize Success

Create a vision board with your goal score front and center. Vision boards are not just a woo-woo trend—there’s actual science behind what makes them work! When you look at images on a vision board, your brain gets primed to notice opportunities you might have missed. This process, called “value-tagging,” helps your brain focus on the important stuff and filter out the noise.

I actually had a score progression chart from my practice tests hanging right above my study space, with my target score displayed loud and clear. And you know what? That exact score ended up being my final result! Having that constant visual reminder of what I was working towards really helped keep me motivated and focused. It’s like having a daily dose of inspiration right in front of you.

Seek Support from Friends and Family

As you’re studying for the MCAT and feeling a bit overwhelmed, having a solid support system can make all the difference. When you share your goals and struggles with your loved ones, they can provide you with the encouragement and motivation you need to keep pushing forward. Whether it’s a simple text or a study session with a friend, their support can give you that extra boost to stay focused and motivated.

Plus, talking to others about your MCAT journey can help you stay accountable. When your friends and family know what you’re working towards, they can help hold you accountable and keep you on track. It’s like having your own personal cheerleading squad there to help you stay motivated and dedicated to your goals.

Take Time to Care for You

Self-care is a must! I know how overwhelming studying for the MCAT can be. The sheer amount of information you need to cram into your brain can feel like a mountain you’ll never conquer. That’s why you need to take breaks and prioritize self-care during your study routine.

Whether it’s going for a walk with your dog, getting in a workout, hanging out with friends, or just indulging in your favorite hobby – you’re giving your brain a much-needed break. A well-rested brain is a focused and motivated brain. When you come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, you’ll be more likely to tackle your study materials with energy and enthusiasm. Plus, prioritizing self-care helps to prevent burnout, which is a real danger when you’re deep in the MCAT trenches.

Final Thoughts on Feeling the MCAT Motivation

Staying motivated while preparing for the MCAT can be challenging, to say the least! But with the right mindset and strategies, you can keep on track and reach your goals. I hope these 11 MCAT motivation tips have given you the extra push you need to keep going strong in your exam preparation. It’s all about finding what works best for you personally. Make sure you celebrate small victories along the way and keep reminding yourself of why you started this journey in the first place. You’ve got this!

Related Posts

11 Best Free MCAT Resources & How to Use Them Effectively

Studying for the MCAT While Working Full Time? These 6 Tips Will Save Your Life!