GAMSAT prep mistakes is not like studying for school exams. To succeed, you need to challenge yourself in terms of reasoning, problem-solving, and knowledge application. Simple memorisation doesn’t cut it.
Students who want to become a doctor should be aware of some common mistakes that can happen in GAMSAT preparation due to misconceptions or poor planning. These mistakes, albeit small, can end up costing some significant points in the total GAMSAT score. Recognising the following mistakes can help you avoid them.
1. Memorising Content Excessively
Of course, a clear foundational concept is necessary in biology, physics, and chemistry, or better known as GAMSAT Section III. But the overall exam doesn’t require memorisation.
And that’s where the most common mistake is made.
The GAMSAT is actually mostly about reasoning out different questions in the form of data, graphs, charts, experiments, and unknown content. Most questions test the analytical and interpretation ability of medical school hopefuls.
How to Avoid
It can be argued that this makes the GAMSAT harder to prepare for than your average exam, which is why some students prefer to leave it to the professionals, such as by enrolling to GAMSAT preparation courses.
Additionally, individuals forget 50% of memorised content within an hour. So, try to understand concepts and write them in your own words. This eliminates the need for memorising and ingrains the concept in the mind.
Practice interpreting graphs, analysing correlations, and applying concepts to various scenarios. It’s also important to do as many GAMSAT practice questions as you can get your hands on. This will get you used to the question style and help you perform your absolute best.
2. Neglecting Humanities-Based Sections
Some students focus heavily on science subjects in Section III and ignore the humanities-based areas. However, in GAMSAT, all the sections are important, and your score depends on your overall performance.
If you only perform well in Sections I and III, you won’t be able to get a good overall score. This can be a major concern during admissions at your preferred college.
How to Avoid
Pay equal attention to the humanities reasoning in Section I and essay writing with great structure, reflection, and clarity in Section II. Consistent practice in these areas, along with the science section, will be effective. If you get answers wrong, identify your mistakes and fix them. Read different articles, including essays, fiction, opinion pieces, and social commentary.
You can also check out GAMSAT preparation courses from renowned preparatory programs where experienced mentors offer personalised guidance in every area. With the right supervision, you recognise your weaknesses and overcome them in no time. Professionals will offer you valuable feedback based on your performance, which matches the GAMSAT criteria.
3. Not Timing Your Practice
The next big mistake in your GAMSAT prep is when you practice every section diligently but forget to time yourself while doing practice questions. You take your sweet time during practice sessions with no pressure to work fast.
As a result, when you’re actually appearing for the exam, you won’t be able to deal with the time pressure. This can drastically affect your overall GAMSAT score. You may be unable to complete the paper, or just end up guessing because you realise that you’re running out of time.
How to Avoid
While practising with mock exams, time yourself. Finish each section within a time limit to enhance speed. When uncertain about any question, move on to easier ones instead of wasting time.
4. Good Resources but Poor Strategy
There are numerous GAMSAT prep books, question banks, and online resources available. Students often become obsessed with collecting more resources, thinking that buying more means studying more. But if you don’t have a solid plan to actually go through them, you’ll only confuse yourself further. It will make you feel like you’re missing out on something if you study only one.
How to Avoid
Stick to a single set of materials, supplemented by additional sources. Create a structured plan either by yourself or with the help of a tutor for reading and mock practice.
Closing Thoughts
Your GAMSAT results also depend on your health. Get enough sleep and nutrition, and don’t overwork yourself. Remember, a healthy mind and body perform the best.