Shakuhachi, Bamboo Flute, Zen Mind

Did you know meditation could increase your PCAT score?

I didn’t believe it either. But I read a few months ago that proved me wrong. This research article showed students who underwent meditation training improved their GRE scores.

How did this happen?

Let’s dive into meditation, what it is, and how it can help you score higher on the PCAT.

Meditation is the discipline of  focus, to tame the mind to concentrate on something specific. This ability is extremely useful for studying, well, because it prevents your mind from useless wandering (duh).

If you can develop meditation as an ability, you become more aware of your focus. You’re able to identify quickly when you become distracted and likely stay focused in any setting, like the PCAT.

Sounds like a great PCAT skill (or for any future study needs)

Here’s an snippet from the NY Times about the research article:

After two weeks, the students were re-evaluated for mind-wandering and working memory capacity and given another version of the G.R.E. reading comprehension section. The [placebo] group’s results did not change. The group that took mindfulness training, however, mind-wandered less and performed better on tests of working memory capacity and reading comprehension. For example, before the training, their average GRE verbal score was 460. Two weeks later [after the mindfulness training], it was 520.

Mindfulness training, which is a type of meditation, is a lot simpler than you think.

Martha Beck, the New York Times Best Selling Author of , writes a POWERFUL first chapter.

She states that the beginning of your journey to a healthy life starts with doing nothing.

WHAT?!

She clarifies,

“doing nothing is the most productive activity you will ever undertake.”

Abba Poeman, an ancient scholar of sorts, taught his followers, “If you are silent, you will have peace wherever you live.”

Why Stillness?

You need perspective. Don’t ever think that you should spend your entire day studying. I’ve seen too many students waste all their time in the library, which FRIES their brains and kills their social life, and both are required for long-term happiness (and Pharmacy success).

How?

I try to do this in the mornings. Here’s what I have done in the past:

I sit in a quiet dark room. Close my eyes and focus on my deep breathing for a few minutes.

[Yes, you may feel silly trying this, especially if you don’t believe it will work. BUT IT DOES! Meditation has the potential to help you not only do well on the PCAT, but also in pharmacy school and beyond].

I try to focus on one thing, it could be my love for my family, the ONE thing I want to accomplish that day or one thing that I am grateful for. Some experts say not to focus on one thing, but my mind moves WAY to fast. I think it’s a significant accomplishment just to focus on one thing.

Here’s a few more suggestions:

Find a quiet room. This is a must. Meditation is nearly impossible for noobs in busy places.

Wake up 5-10 minutes early. It won’t kill you to wake up a few minutes early to insert this extremely helpful tactic into your work day.

Focus on breathing for 3-5 minutes. This practice will help slow your mind, which is necessary in order to receive the full benefit of meditation.

Quickly stop rushing thoughts. You’ll quickly find that the mind likes to be busy. Stop intruding thoughts that rush in on your PCAT meditation time.

Time to get your meditation on! Have you ever meditated? Do you think it can improve your PCAT score?