MDCAT Study Guide

January 4, 2023 (1y ago)

Few important points before I start this preparation guide:

  1. I am not going to discuss whether you should follow the PMC 2022 syllabus or the whole book. I am not making any predictions about the syllabus.
  2. I'll divide this guide into five sections: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English, and finally Logical Reasoning
  3. In each section, first I'll discuss how I prepared for MDCAT. My way of preparation was surely NOT ideal; there is always room for improvement. Therefore, in the end, I will also tell you about "the ideal way" (in my opinion) to make your preparations extraordinary.

1. Subject-wise Preparation

1.1. BIOLOGY

Biology always has the highest number of MCQs, therefore is of paramount importance. The most important source for the preparation of biology is your textbook. As MDCAT 2022 was supposed to hold on the national level; therefore, I also consulted the biology books of other provinces, especially federal books.

I also made a separate list of numerical values given in the book; e.g. percentage of water in the brain and bones. Similarly, I made a list of scientists and their contributions (with dates) mentioned in the book. These lists will be worth your time even if you correctly answer only one MCQ in the MDCAT.

I also made comprehensive tabular notes of Kingdom Animalia during my 11th class. These notes also helped me a lot with comparative study during MDCAT. Biology was not a major problem for me due to my participation in IBO.

Many people suggest cramming every line of the book. This technique may work for many people; but, it didn't work for me. I only knew the meaning and concepts of topics, not the exact wording.

You should know the meaning and concept behind every line. You should also focus on figures. Mostly, figures are used to summarize a topic. You should be able to explain the entire topic by looking at the figure.

1.2. PHYSICS

In physics, contrary to other subjects, the class notes are equally important as your textbook. The shortcut formulae and tricks are essential for numerical and other questions. Book reading is important also in the case of physics.

Practicing questions of physics is most important than all other subjects. I practiced from KIPS Practice Book. You may consult other books as well. During practice, you will come across many new concepts not explained in the textbook. Mark these "difficult and new" questions. Take a look at these new concepts regularly to make them a part of your long-term memory.

1.3. CHEMISTRY

The unparalleled source of preparation for any subject is your textbook. The class notes are also helpful for some topics of chemistry. Also, focus on the conditions of reactions; compare these conditions with other reactions. The comparative study is very important in organic chemistry. With comparative study, you can learn maximum topics in minimum time.

Exercise MCQs of chemistry have infinite importance for MDCAT. Don't skip them. If you find time, you should also go through the exercise questions you skipped during your F.Sc.

You should practice numerical questions (both examples and exercise) at least one time. You should know the method of solution of numerical questions which require a calculator because the examiner may change the values in the question. These techniques should also be applied for physics.

Figures are also important in chemistry. For example, an examiner may ask about the direction of the current in a galvanic cell (Cu with SHE/ Zn with SHE/ Zn with Cu).

Practice is essential as it helps you to gain confidence. I practiced the KIPS Practice Book. You may consult other books (STEP and STARS). The main point of practice is to enhance your understanding and test your knowledge. Practice techniques are the same as explained above in the physics section.

1.4. ENGLISH

I prepared grammar rules from the KIPS Prep Book. Lecture notes from your teacher (or online lectures) are essential because they are concise and helpful for quick revision.

Revising rules, their exceptions and deviations, again and again, is the key to making your preparation exceptional. Again, a comparative study is also crucial in English. You should compare different examples (such as in the case of prepositions).

You should first practice UHS past paper than any other practice book. You can find the Past Papers (2008-2019) by Prof. Salman ul Waheed here.

1.5. LOGICAL REASONING

Logical reasoning is not problematic at all. One of its questions, "Logical Problem" is somehow technical because you have to make Venn Diagrams to solve these questions.

Practice always makes your preparation remarkable. I practiced the KIPS Practice Book for the preparation of LR. It was more than enough. You may go for any other book.

2. Books and Sources for MDCAT

2.1. Biology

  1. First, read and thoroughly understand your textbook, then go for any other book. In my opinion, your textbook is enough for most of the topics.
  2. If you want to read a higher-order and concise explanation of a topic, you may consult this online textbook: Lumen Learning Biology (Part I and Part II). Remember, don't get stuck in these extensive texts of biology as you are already short in time during MDCAT.

2.2. Physics

Again, your textbook is the ultimate source of preparation. Your physics concepts should be clear. I didn't take any lectures in physics except for a few topics. I only followed my academy teacher. Taking notes during physics class is essential; it will help you a lot in the end. Let's move to some preparation sources:

  1. The formula sheet of the "Physics in Seconds" app (available on Play Store) may come in handy for last-moment revision.
  2. I took a few lectures of STEP and STARS. You may easily find these lectures on YouTube.
  3. I have heard a lot about other YouTube channels for physics; like Physics with Muhammad Arafat Khan and Physics Wallah. I didn't take any of their lectures so can't comment on them.
  4. For practice, I only used past papers and KIPS Practice Book.
  5. You can also consult KIPS Prep Book for comparison tables, other tricks, etc.

2.3. Chemistry

  1. Once more, the unrivaled sources for preparation are your textbooks.
  2. I listened to online lectures of the complete chemistry syllabus of MDCAT. These lectures were delivered by a very talented and experienced teacher, Prof. Wajid Ali Komboh on his YouTube channel. These lectures are must-watch for MDCAT preparation.
  3. For practice, I only used past papers and the KIPS Practice Book.

2.4. English

  1. I used the KIPS Prep Book for grammar rules. I have also heard a lot about Chemical Grammar. As I didn't read it, I can't comment on it.
  2. For practice, I used KIPS Practice Book (though couldn't solve it completely).
  3. KIPS English lectures by Prof. Ali Shan Rao are a masterpiece for MDCAT preparation. Although his lectures are lengthy, they are very comprehensive and will be worth your time.

2.5. Logical Reasoning

  1. I only solved the KIPS Logical Reasoning book; it was enough.
  2. You may listen to the lectures on "Logical Problems." You have to solve these questions through Venn Diagrams.

3. Focus, Anxiety, and Burden during MDCAT

MDCAT is stressful, and it is natural to feel a burden when preparing for it. Here are some tips that may help you manage the burden and anxiety during MDCAT:

  1. Create a study schedule: Plan out your study sessions in advance and stick to a schedule. This will help you allocate your time effectively and avoid last-minute cramming.
  2. Set realistic goals: Establish specific, achievable goals for your study sessions. For example, you cannot revise the whole biology syllabus in one day.
  3. Prepare in advance: Make sure you have reviewed all the material and practiced your skills before the test. This will help you feel more confident and better prepared.
  4. Avoid multitasking: Try to avoid multitasking while studying. It is usually more effective to focus on one task at a time.
  5. Focus on the present: Stay focused on the present moment and avoid worrying about things that are out of your control.
  6. Stay organized: Keep your all books and MDCAT helping material organized and in one place. This will save you time and help you stay focused.
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