Tips for the NMAT

TIPS WHILE STUDYING FOR THE NMAT:
Just a short background about me: I got a line of 9 during my first take and without attending a review center. I’m not bragging but I just want you to know that it is not impossible. I didn’t graduate with honors and was not a part of the top performing students during my premed years so if I can do it, so can you!

Now, for the list:

1. Make a schedule and follow it! We each have our own time when we feel the most productive. Make sure you’re studying during those times. If you’re a night person like me, make sure you adjust your body clock a week before the exam date, just so you won’t be staying up late the night before the exam.

Some people claim that matching your review schedule with that of the exam is effective. For example, study for Part I during the AM and for Part II during the PM. I didn’t follow this but you could try it if it makes you more comfortable.

2. Get review materials. If you have tons of them, it’s better to focus on one thing at a time. I found the CEM Practice Set the most helpful but the MSA Reviewer helped too.
I am currently selling a compilation of NMAT reviewers. The set contains 53 files and includes e-books and practice sets. It also includes the rationale I made for the questions given by CEM and more personal tips and test-taking tricks I used to be able to answer questions faster (like how to answer questions faster without computing too much). To find out more and see a preview, click here.

3. Understand. If you see that you’ve answered a question wrong, find out why you were wrong. If you’re reading something you don’t understand, look for ways that could help you understand. Ask a friend, read other books, etc. Don’t just ignore it.

4. Take breaks because a mind under too much stress could be detrimental. It’s okay to be a bit anxious and stressed, just not too much!

5. Get rid of distractions. Seriously. If you think you should get that phone out of your room, do so. The NMAT is one of the things that would help you get accepted to you dream school. Take it seriously!

There are some apps available that could prevent you from opening that social media app for a set amount of time. I used the Forest app and it was really helpful (you can check out other apps if you don’t want this one).

Know more about the NMAT cut-offs here.

6. Keep practicing and work on the subjects you know you’re weak at. It’s okay to ask for help and there are so many resources available now that could help you understand whatever you’re hard up on. Practicing is really important, especially for the Part I subtest.

BEFORE THE EXAM:

1. If you can visit your testing site, do so. Know where the ins and outs of the building, and especially where the comfort rooms are.

2. Get enough sleep. Early to bed, early to rise. The earlier you get to the testing site, the better. Expect a line as early as 6:00 AM.

If you want quality sleep, avoid blue light (like those light from electronic devices) at least two hours before you sleep.

3. Don’t cram! Review some formulas and quick notes, but avoid trying to look for new things to learn.

4. Prepare everything you need. It’s better to prepare them a few days before the exam so in case you suddenly realize you lack this certain requirement, you still have time to get them. Read: What you need for the NMAT.

5. Set alarms and if you’re using a 12 hour clock, make sure they’re set to AM! If you have a parent, a sibling, or a roommate who could shout at you to wake you up, ask them to.

DURING THE EXAM:

1. Eat breakfast. It’s hard to concentrate on an empty stomach. Your brain needs fuel! But don’t eat too much either and try to avoid diuretics like coffee. You wouldn’t want urine all over the place and I’m sure your test mates wouldn’t want that either.

2. Relax. Take slow, deep breaths. Again, some anxiousness is expected. Just keep it manageable. Try to avoid those who are so negative that they start to affect you negatively.

3. Prioritize. Answer the easiest ones first. Trust me. And don’t spend too long on one question.

4. If you don’t know the answer, eliminate the choice answers that are obviously wrong. If you’re left with two answer choices, at least you’d have a 50% chance of getting it right.

Remember that for the NMAT, time is your enemy.

Read more: NMAT FAQs