5 Ways to Improve Your MCAT Score Using the Notepad

Many first-time MCAT test-takers are not aware of the fact that the AAMC provides a notepad for note-taking during the exam. If you are already aware of this fact then you are ahead of the game! This article will help you optimize your use of the notepad in order to improve your MCAT score.

On your test day, you will be provided with a fine-tipped marker and a 14'' x 8.5'' laminated wet-erase notepad containing 9 graph-lined pages. The rules are simple: you are allowed to write anything in this notepad as long as it is during one of the timed sections of the exam. You may not erase anything you write and you are not allowed to take the notepad on your breaks. If you run out of space (this is very unlikely) you can ask for a new notepad.

Now that you understand what will be provided to you, and the rules you must follow, you are ready to learn how to optimize your use of the notepad to improve your MCAT score!

1. Buy Your Own Notepad! Purchase a box of markers and a wet-erase notepad similar to the one you will be provided during your test. I suggest this GMAT Test Simulation Booklet which is very similar to the one you will be provided on the MCAT. I also suggest purchasing a full box of fine-tipped markers. I went through almost the entire box during my studies. You do not have time to get acquainted with the notepad at the test center on the day of your exam. Do yourself a favor and buy the tools that you will be using on your actual test day.
2. Practice! Use your markers and notepad during your studies. Use the notepad as scratch paper for all of your activities, not just your full-length practices tests. Use it during practice problems, flashcard sessions, and test preparation. The best way to get used to the notepad is to use it often. This will not only get you comfortable using the notepad it will also help you understand exactly what to use it for during the exam.
3. Learn How to Use It! Some people will opt to do most MCAT problems in their head, others will overuse the notepad. You must find what works for you. I suggest a happy middle ground that prioritizes using the notepad only for difficult problems in order to optimize time management. The best way to use the notepad is as scratch paper while you work through difficult or lengthy calculations. Even if you think you can do most MCAT math in your head (you are probably right about this) use the notepad during some of the more challenging calculations to make sure they are done correctly. It is easy to make mistakes on even the simplest of problems during such a high stake exam. Do not neglect the tools provided to you however, do not overuse them and compromise your time management!  
4. Write Time Controls and Do Not Regurgitate Equations! The notepad is not for quickly regurgitating equations so that you can use them for the rest of the exam. Remember, you can only write on the notepad during the timed sections. This means that if you take two minutes to write down several equations at the beginning of the C/P section you just lost a significant amount of time that could have been used answering the questions. There is also no guarantee that you will need any of the equations that you wrote down. For most test-takers, this is a poor use of time. With the use of effective study techniques (elaborative rehearsal and spaced repetition) MCAT test-takers will be able to recall all high-yield equations, therefore it is not effective to write them down. Instead, at the beginning of each section, write the time controls you will abide by on your notepad (e.g. by writing "Q31 = 48min"  I am reminding myself that when I get to question 31 I should have at least 48 minutes remaining). MCAT time management is one of the most difficult and consequential skills to master, therefore it will be a topic for a later article. Find whatever time control benchmarks work best for you and write them on your notepad at the beginning of each section to serve as a reminder. Then begin the section and use the notepad as scratch paper.  
5. Do Not Use the Notepad During CARS! Now that you know that the notepad is to be used as scratch paper for difficult or long calculations, remember you will only see math in three out of the four MCAT sections! Except for writing time control benchmarks at the beginning, do not use the notepad during the CARS section, regardless of how fast of a reader you think you are. Many CARS study methods involve taking notes, write main ideas, and highlight pertinent information. While this is a great way to train yourself to do all of these things quickly in your head, there is no time for this on the real exam! If you find that you must take notes during the CARS section you are using them as a crutch and have not actually developed effective CARS techniques. Only use the notepad as scratch paper and to record time controls. This will allow you to effectively optimize your time while reaping all the benefits of using the notepad.

Everyone has their own test-taking strategies. If appropriately applied, I believe that anyone can benefit from the information and techniques I have provided. However, I acknowledge that this is just my opinion and it may not work for you. Give it a try and see what you think. I hope that some of what I provided was of use to you. Good luck!