Have you ever experienced the sensation that academic life holds greater significance than merely attaining outstanding grades? Ali Azlan, from MBBS ‘27, certainly has. This piece recounts Ali's voyage of self-discovery, wherein he uncovers his enthusiasm for biology outside the confines of academia and ultimately represents Pakistan at the International Biology Olympiad 2022. Nonetheless, Ali's journey was anything but smooth, and he encountered numerous obstacles along the path.

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When I was a kid, I learned that doing well in school was the most important thing. It seemed that nothing else mattered as long as you had the highest marks in your class. However, I always believed that there was more to life than just getting good grades.

When I found out in 10th class that I could represent Pakistan at the International Biology Olympiad, I immediately recognized it as an avenue to delve deeper into my passion for biology. Unfortunately, many students prioritize chasing after marks and overlook the abundance of opportunities within reach. Upon sharing the Olympiad news with my peers, they regarded it as a mere "distraction" that should be reserved for the university phase. Nevertheless, life presents us with opportunities at all stages, and it's our responsibility to capitalize on them.

To go to International Biology Olympiad, I had to participate in National Biology Talent Contest (NBTC). I worked hard and passed the first exam, making it into the top 50 contestants. My journey, however, was not without obstacles. Juggling my NBTC preparations alongside my F.Sc studies was a challenging feat. To complicate matters further, I had only three months to prepare a massive book of 1493 pages, Campbell Biology. However, I was determined to make the most of this opportunity and chose to prioritize the contest over my F.Sc studies.

Following three rigorous selection camps, I was chosen to be part of the team that would represent Pakistan in the International Biology Olympiad 2022 in Armenia. The team comprised me, three female competitors, and two Principal Scientists from NIBGE, a public-sector research institute.

During this contest, I also had the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratories and use a transmission electron microscope at NIBGE - an experience that not many students can boast of. The practical tasks like DNA extractions, protein separation, chlorophyll activity, etc. were an incredible experience for a student at the F.Sc level.

On July 9, 2022, we left for Armenia, where the Olympiad was held. The experience of representing my country in a global competition with more than 70 other nations was truly unforgettable. Meeting students from all over the world and learning about their diverse interests, scientific developments, and education systems was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip.

The Olympiad proved to be quite demanding as each competitor was evaluated individually rather than in teams. The theoretical and practical assessments spanned two arduous days, during which I exerted myself to the fullest. Out of the four Pakistani competitors, I was the sole recipient of the Certificate of Merit, which was a significant accomplishment for both myself and my country.

It was an experience that I will never forget. Participating in this Olympiad has sparked within me a deep enthusiasm for research and a strong affection for the fields of genetics and molecular biology. As a medical student, I am aware of the opportunities available to gain experience in the field. Research projects, volunteering at hospitals, and attending conferences are just a few of the ways in which students can enhance their knowledge and skills. However, Pakistan is lagging behind in providing such opportunities to medical students. Medical institutions must take the lead in promoting such activities to their students. I aspire that my participation in the Olympiad will motivate young students in Pakistan to aim for excellence in other aspects of their lives and not just focus on academic marks.

 

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1. How to prepare for MDCAT

Few important points before I start this preparation guide:

• 1- I am not going to discuss whether you should follow the PMC 2022 syllabus or the whole book. I am not making any predictions about the syllabus.
• 2- I’ll divide this guide into five sections: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English, and finally Logical Reasoning
• 3- In each section, first I’ll discuss how I prepared for MDCAT. My way of preparation was surely NOT ideal; there is always room for improvement. Therefore, in the end, I will also tell you about “the ideal way” (in my opinion) to make your preparations extraordinary.

1.1. BIOLOGY

Biology always has the highest number of MCQs, therefore is of paramount importance. The most important source for the preparation of biology is your textbook. As MDCAT 2022 was supposed to hold on the national level; therefore, I also consulted the biology books of other provinces, especially federal books.

I also made a separate list of numerical values given in the book; e.g. percentage of water in the brain and bones. Similarly, I made a list of scientists and their contributions (with dates) mentioned in the book. These lists will be worth your time even if you correctly answer only one MCQ in the MDCAT.

I also made comprehensive tabular notes of Kingdom Animalia during my 11th class. These notes also helped me a lot with comparative study during MDCAT. Biology was not a major problem for me due to my participation in IBO.

Many people suggest cramming every line of the book. This technique may work for many people; but, it didn’t work for me. I only knew the meaning and concepts of topics, not the exact wording.

You should know the meaning and concept behind every line. You should also focus on figures. Mostly, figures are used to summarize a topic. You should be able to explain the entire topic by looking at the figure.

1.2. PHYSICS

In physics, contrary to other subjects, the class notes are equally important as your textbook. The shortcut formulae and tricks are essential for numerical and other questions. Book reading is important also in the case of physics.

You should take the lectures on topics you find difficult.

You should revise the figure tables regularly (e.g. hearing frequency ranges of different animals). You may make a separate list of these numerical figures. (It will help you in last-minute revision.)

You should also have a grip on the exercise question and the concepts behind their answers.

You must solve the numerical questions and examples at least one time without a calculator.

Practicing questions of physics is most important than all other subjects. I practiced from KIPS Practice Book. You may consult other books as well. During practice, you will come across many new concepts not explained in the textbook. Mark these “difficult and new” questions. Take a look at these new concepts regularly to make them a part of your long-term memory.

1.3. CHEMISTRY

The unparalleled source of preparation for any subject is your textbook. The class notes are also helpful for some topics of chemistry. Also, focus on the conditions of reactions; compare these conditions with other reactions. The comparative study is very important in organic chemistry. With comparative study, you can learn maximum topics in minimum time.

Exercise MCQs of chemistry have infinite importance for MDCAT. Don’t skip them. If you find time, you should also go through the exercise questions you skipped during your F.Sc.

You should practice numerical questions (both examples and exercise) at least one time. You should know the method of solution of numerical questions which require a calculator because the examiner may change the values in the question. These techniques should also be applied for physics.

Figures are also important in chemistry. For example, an examiner may ask about the direction of the current in a galvanic cell (Cu with SHE/ Zn with SHE/ Zn with Cu).

Practice is essential as it helps you to gain confidence. I practiced the KIPS Practice Book. You may consult other books (STEP and STARS). The main point of practice is to enhance your understanding and test your knowledge. Practice techniques are the same as explained above in the physics section.

1.4. ENGLISH

I prepared grammar rules from the KIPS Prep Book. Lecture notes from your teacher (or online lectures) are essential because they are concise and helpful for quick revision.

Revising rules, their exceptions and deviations, again and again, is the key to making your preparation exceptional. Again, a comparative study is also crucial in English. You should compare different examples (such as in the case of prepositions).

You should first practice UHS past paper than any other practice book. You can find the Past Papers (2008-2019) by Prof. Salman ul Waheed here

1.5. LOGICAL REASONING

Logical reasoning is not problematic at all. One of its questions, “Logical Problem” is somehow technical because you have to make Venn Diagrams to solve these questions.

Practice always makes your preparation remarkable. I practiced the KIPS Practice Book for the preparation of LR. It was more than enough. You may go for any other book.

2. Books and Sources for MDCAT

2.1. Biology

First, read and thoroughly understand your textbook, then go for any other book. In my opinion, your textbook is enough for most of the topics.

If you want to read a higher-order and concise explanation of a topic, you may consult this online textbook: Lumen Learning Biology (Part I and Part II ) Remember, don’t get stuck in these extensive texts of biology as you are already short in time during MDCAT.

2.2. Physics

Again, your textbook is the ultimate source of preparation. Your physics concepts should be clear. I didn’t take any lectures in physics except for a few topics. I only followed my academy teacher. Taking notes during physics class is essential; it will help you a lot in the end. Let’s move to some preparation sources:

The formula sheet of the “Physics in Seconds” app (available on Play Store) may come in handy for last-moment revision.

I took a few lectures of STEP and STARS , available on the Saeed MDCAT website. (OR) You may easily find these lectures on YouTube.

I have heard a lot about other YouTube channels for physics; like Physics with Muhammad Arafat Khan and Physics Wallah . I didn’t take any of their lectures so can’t comment on them.

For practice, I only used past papers and KIPS Practice Book .

You can also consult KIPS Prep Book for comparison tables, other tricks, etc.

2.3. Chemistry

Once more, the unrivaled sources for preparation are your textbooks. I listened to online lectures of the complete chemistry syllabus of MDCAT. These lectures were delivered by a talented teacher, Prof. Wajid Ali Komboh on his YouTube channel.

For practice, I only used past papers and the KIPS Practice Book .

2.4. English

I used the KIPS Prep Book for grammar rules. I have also heard a lot about Chemical Grammar . As I didn’t read it, I can’t comment on it.

For practice, I used KIPS Practice Book (though couldn’t solve it completely).

KIPS English lectures by Prof. Ali Shan Rao are a masterpiece for MDCAT preparation. Although these lectures are lengthy, they are very comprehensive and will be worth your time.

2.5. Logical Reasoning

I only solved the KIPS Logical Reasoning book ; it was enough.

You may listen to the lectures on “Logical Problems” . You have to solve these questions through Venn Diagrams.

3. Focus, Anxiety, and Burden during MDCAT

MDCAT is stressful, and it is natural to feel a burden when preparing for it. Here are some tips that may help you manage the burden and anxiety during MDCAT:

• 1- Create a study schedule: Plan out your study sessions in advance and stick to a schedule. This will help you allocate your time effectively and avoid last-minute cramming.
• 2- Find a good study location: Choose a study location that is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions.
• 3- Set realistic goals: Establish specific, achievable goals for your study sessions. For example, you cannot revise the whole biology syllabus in one day.
• 4- Take breaks: Don't try to study for too long without taking a break. Taking breaks will help you stay fresh and focused.
• 5- Prepare in advance: Make sure you have reviewed all the material and practiced your skills before the test. This will help you feel more confident and better prepared.
• 6- Avoid multitasking: Try to avoid multitasking while studying. It is usually more effective to focus on one task at a time.
• 7- Focus on the present: Stay focused on the present moment and avoid worrying about things that are out of your control.
• 8- Manage your stress: Find ways to manage your stress, such as through exercise, relaxation techniques, or talking to a friend or family member. It is important to take care of yourself and not put too much pressure on yourself, as this can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
• 9- Get enough sleep: Make sure to get enough sleep the night before the test to help you feel rested and alert.
• 10- Stay organized: Keep your all books and MDCAT helping material organized and in one place. This will save you time and help you stay focused.

If you have any questions, ask below in the comments. If you think I should write on a topic other than these three topics, let me know in the comments.

1- 8th Class: The First “Push”

For many students, the dream of becoming a medical doctor starts well before they reach matriculation. My own story is no different. I believe two key factors contribute to anyone's success: hard work and motivation. For me, motivation came in the form of a challenge from my science teacher in 8th grade. He promised a dinner party for anyone who achieved more than 95% in the second semester. This challenge pushed me to work hard, and I was able to achieve 96% marks. This success boosted my confidence and instilled in me a sense of discipline and hard work.

2- Matric: An Unfulfilled Ambition

In my 9th grade, I aimed to score at least 500/505 marks and to secure a position in the board. Although I fell slightly short, achieving 490 marks left me completely satisfied. During my 10th grade, I was less enthusiastic about securing a position, but I still achieved an impressive 1066/1100 marks in matric. It's worth mentioning that my exams took place before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything in 2020.

3- 11th Class: Repeat 1st Year with CS

I was well aware that my F.Sc. results would be the most crucial factor in determining my merit for medical college. Unfortunately, my 11th-grade studies were severely impacted by the pandemic. The closure of colleges, the implementation of the smart syllabus, and the uncertainty of exams all contributed to a difficult year. There was a point during the college closure in March 2021 when I almost decided to switch to computer science and repeat the first year. However, with the eventual reopening of academies and the announcement that only elective subjects' exams would take place, I was motivated to study harder. I spent three months tirelessly studying and was thrilled to receive a score of 500/505 in my 11th-grade exams.

4- 12th Class and IBO: Two Choices

One event that had a significant impact on my journey was my participation in the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2022. In December 2021, I learned that I had been selected among the top 50 students of the National Science Talent Contest (NSTC). To prepare for the IBO, I had to read the massive 1493-page book Campbell Biology. It was a challenging decision, but I ultimately chose to prioritize my preparation for the IBO over my F.Sc. studies. After my selection for the four-member IBO team, we underwent a two-week training camp in June 2022, just before my 12th-grade exams. This was a highly stressful time, but it was worth it when we represented Pakistan at the IBO in Armenia in July 2022. I received a Certificate of Merit for my performance there.

5- Biology: A Piece of Cake

My participation in the IBO had a significant impact on my performance in the MDCAT. My concepts of biology were crystal clear. Biology was like a piece of cake for me, thanks to the IBO. However, I did miss out on some of the MDCAT syllabus due to my participation in the IBO. I had to work extra hard to cover the material I missed before the MDCAT, which was scheduled for September.

6- Focus: A Factor of Paramount Importance

The most important thing in the MDCAT, in my opinion, is not to lose focus. After my regular session of MDCAT concluded in the first week of September, I got admission to a test session. It was mainly for two reasons: First, I am NOT one of the students who can study themselves consistently without any distractions. Second, there should be “pressure” like I have to cover this chapter before tomorrow’s test. Anyhow, the month of September also passed with the uncertainty of MDCAT date.

7- NUMS MDCAT: IBO Saga Paid off

I had applied to NUMS MDCAT, and spent the first two weeks of October solely focused on preparing for that test. During this time, I only reviewed Federal Biology and my personal notes. On the day of the test, I felt well-prepared thanks to my time spent in the IBO, and ended up scoring 95.367%.

8- MDCAT: The Fear of Failure

Finally, the MDCAT date was announced and I felt a sense of relief that the uncertainty had dissipated. However, I still felt the pressure of failure looming over me. To combat this fear, I enrolled in another test session. Although I did not attend every session, it helped me stay accountable and motivated. I chose to prepare solely with Punjab textbooks, against the advice of my chemistry teacher. As the MDCAT date approached, I struggled to complete my revision in time.

9- UHS MDCAT: The Advice of a Teacher

UHS MDCAT question papers were distributed. When I turned the question paper and saw the second question about ssDNA, the face of my chemistry teacher flashed before my eyes and his words echoed in my ears. I had better take his advice. Now, it was useless to cry over spilt milk. I still thought, “I can do it. There is nothing much to worry about.” Here comes another blunder: As option “C” was given just below option “A”, I wronged two MCQs (I was not habitual to the pattern given in the paper.). Still, I thought, “If I correctly answer the other 195 questions, I can do it.” Long story short: Yes, I did it. Alhamdulillah, I got 181/200 marks. My rank in the provisional list was 1002. I expected admission to SIMS. Contrary to my prediction, Alhamdulillah I got selected for Allama Iqbal Medical College.

10- The Lessons I Learned

Some lessons I learned:

• 1. Everything happens for our own good ("ALLAH is the best of planners").
• 2. Some kind of “push” in your life keeps you on the path.
• 3. Always aim for the highest.
• 4. The time you spent on any kind of skill or constructive activity always pays off in the end.
• 5. Don't lose focus during the MDCAT. Do anything if it helps you in being consistent.
• 6. There should be some sort of pressure of a schedule or academy or something like that to prevent distractions.
• 7. Keep your nerves under control and don’t panic during the test. (Read the point # 9)