MCAT Advice From a Friendly Pre-Med

MCAT, Mention this acronym to any pre-med (you'll probably have to go to the library to find one) who is taking the grueling, eight-hour test in four days, and you will likely be met with snarls, nervous laughter, or perhaps, an emotional breakdown.

In that famous non-competitive pre-med spirit, I offer these test-day suggestions gleaned from MCAT veterans.

If you yourself are a pre-med, take heed.

If you have friends who are premeds, pass the information along to them, or better yet, leave them alone and let them study.

Below are Courtney A. Coursey's eight MCAT tips:

1. Bring along a CD to listen to during the lunch bream to calm your nerves. May I suggest "Like a Surgeon," Weird Al Yankovic's parody of Madonna's "Like a Virgin," to motivate you.

2. Bring exactly 15 number two pencils for good luck.

3. Take snacks to eat during the breaks. As you are eating sugar candy, you can review how to synthesize glucose beginning with only methanol and ethanol. You already know this cold, right?

4. Remind yourself that there's always law school or investment banking.

5. Bring a vodka bottle filed with water and drink from it during the breaks. Make that two bottles.

6. Wear formal wear.

7. Every time you think you answer a question correctly, whisper "Yesss!" to annoy those around you.

8. Please don't sit by me. I'm about 5'3" with brown hair and will be wearing sweats.