IMAT Exam Tips: Lessons I’ve Learned By Tutoring My Students

Hello there, my name is Ari Horesh, and I’m a medical student and the founder of EnterMedSchool.com. After tutoring hundreds of IMAT students and helping over 20k students on my website, I’ve come to learn a lot about the IMAT exam and the best ways to prepare for it.

Preparing for the IMAT exam can be a daunting task. With so much information to cover and so many areas to focus on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with the right approach, the proper study materials, and the right mindset, anyone can succeed on this exam.

In this article, I want to share with you some crucial things I’ve noticed in all my students. These are the things that I believe can give you an extra edge over the competition when it comes to preparing for the IMAT exam.

Firstly, it’s important to start your preparation as early as possible. The IMAT exam 2023 is expected to take place in September, so you should start studying for it at least 4-5 months in advance. This will give you enough time to cover all the material, practice enough questions, and review everything thoroughly.

Secondly, it’s crucial to have the suitable study materials. While plenty of books, courses, and online resources are available, not all of them are created equal. You need to find the ones that suit your learning style and provide you with the right level of detail and practice.

My website, EnterMedSchool.com, offers comprehensive study materials for the IMAT exam, including video lectures, practice questions, and mock tests. We’ve helped hundreds of students achieve their dream of studying medicine in Italy, and we’re confident that we can help you too.

Thirdly, it’s important to have the right mindset. Studying for the IMAT exam can be a long and challenging process, and it’s easy to get discouraged or lose motivation. That’s why staying focused, disciplined, and motivated is crucial throughout your preparation.

One way to do this is to set clear goals and objectives for your study sessions. For example, you can aim to complete several practice questions or review a specific topic each day. You’ll feel more accomplished and motivated by breaking down your preparation into manageable tasks.

Another way to stay motivated is to find a study group or a study partner. Studying with others can be a great way to stay accountable, share ideas, and stay motivated.

This article will dive deeper into these crucial aspects of preparing for the IMAT exam. We’ll provide practical tips, strategies, and insights based on our experience teaching hundreds of students. So, get ready to take your preparation to the next level and ace the IMAT exam in 2023!

The Importance of Understanding the Structure and Format of the IMAT Exam

One of the most important things to understand when preparing for the IMAT exam is the structure and format of the test. Many students make the mistake of thinking that they need to answer all 60 questions on the exam, which can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress and time pressure.

I’ve noticed repeatedly that students without proper guidance often believe that they need to solve all 60 questions on the exam. However, in reality, you should only plan on answering around 40 questions in 100 minutes, more or less. This means it’s crucial to use your time wisely and focus on the questions you are most confident about.

The IMAT format can also be quite unusual and challenging for many students. Some questions are concise and straightforward, while others are much longer and more complex. Specific questions may only take 15 seconds to solve, while others can take up to 5 minutes or more. This can be overwhelming for many students, especially those not used to this format.

Many of my past students who took the IMAT in the past and then wanted to retake it with my help had the recurring problem of not recognizing the more straightforward questions and solving them first. This is a common mistake that many students make, as they often spend too much time on difficult questions, leaving them with little time to answer the easier ones.

Another critical aspect of understanding the structure and format of the IMAT exam is recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Many students give up on a subject on the IMAT, such as math or physics, and then try to compensate for it by focusing more on other subjects. However, this may not always be the best strategy.

Based on my experience with past students, the best way to skip an entire section on the IMAT and still pass it is to focus on the subjects that you are strongest in and then aim to get the maximum score on those sections. But also practice a few specific subjects, from math and physics, which are usually easier, and score a few points in those sections. By doing this, you can make up for any points you missed in the other sections.

Don’t worry! In the following sections of this article, we’ll discuss some practical tips and strategies for managing your time effectively during the IMAT exam and how to approach the different questions you may encounter.

Creating an IMAT Schedule

Creating a study schedule and sticking to it is one of the most important things you can do when preparing for the IMAT exam. It helps you stay organized, focused, and on track, which can make a huge difference in your performance on exam day.

I offer a study planner designed to help you create a study schedule for 2 months, allowing you to introduce yourself to the world of IMAT topics and syllabus gradually. This planner will help you stay on track and make the most out of your study time.

One of the keys to sticking to your study schedule is consistency. You need to set aside a specific time every day to study and ensure you stick to it. It’s also essential to take regular breaks and to avoid cramming or studying for long periods without a break.

Another way to stay consistent and motivated throughout your preparation is to have a study partner or group. I’ve noticed that students who use our IMAT forums and help each other are always calmer and more confident on exam day. Beyond the fact that socializing always works well before a stressful event, I believe that the fact that they were helping and teaching other students in the forums (answering other students’ queries) helped them gain absolute confidence in themselves.

This factor is crucial when preparing for an important exam, and taking an active part in the communities I created (for this exact reason) will surely benefit you in the long run. By interacting with other students, sharing your knowledge, and receiving feedback, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the topics and develop greater confidence in your abilities.

The Importance of Mastering Basic Math and Logic Skills

When preparing for the IMAT exam, many students neglect the importance of math and logic skills. However, mastering these skills is crucial, not only for the math section of the exam but also for the problem-solving section. Because these two sections are gaining more and more relevance in the past few IMAT papers, I started suggesting students learn these concepts, at least the basics so that they can score more points.

At EnterMedSchool.com, we offer a free math book that allows students to practice math and find their weak spots from the basics by solving questions in sequence. This book covers everything from basic arithmetic to algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, giving students a comprehensive overview of the math concepts they need to know for the IMAT exam. The book should be public in April 2023.

Many of my past students have skipped math and physics, thinking that they are not crucial for the exam. However, I recommend not skipping both subjects, but if you have to choose, skip physics. Basic math skills are essential not only for the math section of the exam but also for the problem-solving section. You’ll need to be able to understand and analyze data, identify patterns, and apply logical reasoning to solve complex problems.

In addition, physics can be more difficult to study than basic math, which you will need anyway to solve math and problem-solving questions on the IMAT exam. So, while it’s important to study all the exam sections, focusing on math and logic skills can give you an extra edge and help you maximize your score.

Strategies for Tackling the IMAT Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions are a significant part of the IMAT exam, and it’s essential to have a good strategy for tackling them. Here are some tips to help you approach multiple-choice questions on the IMAT exam:

1. Know when to guess: Sometimes, it’s better to guess than leave a question unanswered, especially when you’re running out of time. However, it’s important to know when to guess and when to skip a question altogether. From my experience, I recommend guessing on questions where you have a 50/50 chance of getting the answer right. As a general rule, I suggest not guessing on more than 8% of the total questions on the exam.
2. Highlight keywords: When reading the question and answer choices, it’s essential to highlight keywords and phrases that can help you eliminate incorrect answer choices. This can also help you convince yourself why your answer is correct based on these keywords.
3. Develop a step-by-step strategy for confirming an answer: One of the best ways to avoid errors in answering multiple-choice questions is to develop a step-by-step strategy for confirming your answer. This strategy can include eliminating obvious incorrect answer choices, double-checking the question stem and answer choices, and reviewing the keywords you highlighted.

At EnterMedSchool.com, we discuss these strategies in more detail in our IMAT course, helping students develop a systematic approach to tackling multiple-choice questions on the IMAT exam.

4. Mark the answer sheet as you go: Finally, it’s essential not to wait until the last moment to mark the answers in the answer sheet. Some of my past students filled it out wrong and failed the exam only because of the stress. Marking your answers as you go will help you avoid these mistakes and ensure your answers are accurately recorded.

By developing a strategy for tackling multiple-choice questions on the IMAT exam, you can increase your chances of scoring higher and achieving your goals!

Tips for Staying Calm and Focused During the Exam

The IMAT exam can be stressful and challenging, but there are some strategies you can use to stay calm and focused during the exam. Here are some tips to help you approach the exam with confidence:

1. Develop a strategy for tackling the exam format: As mentioned before, the IMAT exam has weird formatting, and it’s essential to develop a plan for tackling it. Start by scanning the exam and figuring out which subject to start with. Then, look for easy, short questions based on keywords you will get familiar with over time. Doing so will help you score points quickly and efficiently, making you feel more comfortable and confident as the exam progresses.

From my experience, this psychological trick is essential on the exam and very important to use. It will allow you to stay calm and focused during the exam, knowing that you’ve already solved a good number of questions and still have plenty of time to tackle the more challenging ones.

2. Take deep breaths and stay relaxed: During the exam, it’s important to take deep breaths and stay relaxed. If you feel anxious or stressed, take a moment to breathe deeply and refocus your attention. Remember that stress and anxiety can negatively affect your performance on the exam, so it’s important to manage these emotions as best as possible.
3. Use positive affirmations: Positive affirmations are a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety during the exam. Repeat positive statements to yourself, especially on the week and day of the exam itself, such as “I can do this,” “I am prepared for this exam,” or “I am confident in my abilities.” These affirmations can help boost your confidence and keep you focused on the task (sounds funny, but it works).
4. Stay hydrated and nourished: Finally, staying hydrated and nourished during the exam is essential. Ensure you drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks, such as nuts or fruit, to keep your energy levels up, and eat extremely clean and healthy during the weeks before the exam.

By following these tips and strategies, you can stay calm and focused during the IMAT exam, and increase your chances of scoring higher and achieving your goals.

Summary

In conclusion, preparing for the IMAT exam requires time, dedication, and a strategic approach. By following the tips and strategies discussed in this article, you can increase your chances of scoring higher and achieving your goals. Whether you’re a first-time test-taker or someone who has taken the exam multiple times, there’s always room for improvement and growth.

Remember, the IMAT exam is challenging, but it’s not impossible. With the right preparation and mindset, you can overcome any obstacles and succeed. At EnterMedSchool.com, we believe that everyone has the potential to achieve their dreams, and we’re here to help you reach your goals.

So, as you prepare for the IMAT 2023 exam, we wish you the best of luck. Stay focused, stay motivated, and remember that you have the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support when you need it, and trust in your abilities. You got this!