Common mistakes to avoid during IMAT

The IMAT test , or International Medical Admissions Test, is a vital entrance examination for those seeking to pursue medical and surgical studies in Italy. It is known for its competitiveness, with a limited number of available spots compared to the vast number of candidates who apply each year. This intense competition often leads to heightened levels of anxiety among students, which can interfere with performance on test day.

Anxiety can cloud your judgment, cause you to misinterpret questions, or lead you to second-guess your answers—all of which can significantly impact your overall score. This means that even if you have thoroughly prepared for the exam, anxiety could potentially sabotage your chances of gaining admission into a medical program.

Have you ever considered the most common mistakes that test-takers make on the day of the IMAT? Understanding these missteps can help you steer clear of pitfalls that might hinder your performance. Below are some crucial errors to avoid, ensuring that you give yourself the best possible chance of success on test day.

1. Mismanagement of time

Time management is an essential skill that plays a significant role in reducing anxiety and enhancing performance . When I know that I have a full hour to tackle 60 questions, I feel empowered and in control. This understanding allows me to pace myself effectively, giving me the confidence to double-check my answers, tackle challenging problems, and fill out my answer sheet without rushing.

In contrast, uncertainty about how to manage my time can easily lead to increased anxiety. A looming deadline can create a sense of pressure that makes it easy to worry about making mistakes.

So, how do I conquer time management?

The answer lies in commitment to practice and training . Speed is a critical factor, and the most effective way to enhance it is by consistently working through exercises while timing myself during practice sessions. This approach not only pushes me to improve my efficiency but also trains my mind to perform under pressure.

Additionally, I refuse to waste time on problems that leave me puzzled. Instead, I focus on developing a solid strategy for addressing each exercise. I assess my strengths: Should I dive into the subjects I excel in first, or should I tackle questions in a linear order? Discovering my best approach is all about experimentation and reflection. Through rigorous practice and a willingness to explore different strategies, I will successfully master the art of time management and perform at my best.

2. Read the question superficially, without paying attention to the word ‘not.’

When tackling any question on a test, it is absolutely essential to read it with precision and focus . Taking this approach is critical, as a single overlooked word can dramatically change the outcome of your response.

One common mistake that many make is missing the word “ not .” This seemingly minor detail can completely alter the meaning of the question and lead to an incorrect answer. To avoid this pitfall, make it a habit to emphasize or circle “not” as you read through the question. By doing so, you ensure that you’re fully aware of its significance, preventing any misinterpretation.

Furthermore, careful reading empowers you to quickly assess the question’s nature. You can immediately identify whether it is straightforward or complex, long or short, allowing you to strategize your approach. This understanding enables you to decide confidently whether you can answer the question on the spot or if it warrants deeper thought. Remember, a thorough and confident approach to reading questions sets the foundation for success.

3. Go to the toilet after entering the room

On the day of the test, you can expect to spend some time in line, but don’t worry; this is a normal part of the process. You will need to remove all your belongings—such as bags and electronic devices—and set them aside for inspection. A staff member will check your documents carefully, and then you’ll be escorted to your seat without any hassle.

Keep in mind that once you’re in your seat, it won’t be easy to leave the area on your own. You’ll need to request an escort if you need to use the restroom, as this is standard procedure to maintain security.

To ensure your comfort, it’s advisable to visit the restroom before going through security checks. You’ll have plenty of time beforehand, and if you find yourself in urgent need later, simply ask for an escort, and they will be there to assist you. You’re well-prepared for this experience, so tackle it with confidence!

4. Insert the answer sheet and the record sheet in the wrong boxes

Once you’ve completed the test, confidently return the answer sheet and the data sheet to their designated boxes. Make sure to affix the labels and sign each sheet as required. It’s crucial that you place them in the correct boxes ; otherwise, your test won’t be graded, and you won’t have access to the ranking list. Following these steps will ensure your hard work is properly evaluated and acknowledged.

5. Eating greasy food that can stain the paper

It is crucial that both the answer sheet and the index card remain in perfect condition throughout the exam. If you decide to bring snacks, choose dry options that won’t create any greasy residue—granola bars or dried fruit are excellent choices. Be careful with liquids, especially water and soft drinks, to avoid any spills.

Remember, any marks or stains on the answer sheet will lead to its cancellation . If that happens, while you can request a new answer sheet during the exam, you will need to redo all your answers from the beginning. This could waste valuable time, so it’s best to be vigilant and keep your materials pristine to ensure your success.

6. Thinking of stopping just because you got a good score

The entry score fluctuates each year, making it challenging to pinpoint a satisfactory score. Relying on the belief that you have reached a sufficient score can be a serious misstep; the score you consider adequate may very well fall short of the requirements. Therefore, it is essential to set your sights on achieving the highest score possible , rather than simply aiming for a particular benchmark. Striving for excellence will better prepare you for the competitive landscape ahead.

7. Trying to guess yes or no? we have methods

During a test, you may find yourself unsure between answer options. It can be beneficial to take a chance on an answer, but remember that each incorrect answer deducts 0.2 points, while unanswered questions don’t gain or lose points.

If you guess randomly among five choices, your expected score is 0.04 points, calculated as (1/5 x 1) + (4/5 x -0.2). This low score shows that guessing without eliminating options is generally not wise.

However, if you can eliminate three options, it’s advisable to guess . For example, if you narrow down your choices and guess on six questions, you could get three right and three wrong, resulting in a score of 2.4 points (3 points from correct answers minus 0.6 from incorrect answers).

It’s important to be reasonably sure that excluded options are wrong to make this strategy reliable. If you’re stuck between two options, always guess! Combining this approach with thorough preparation will help you succeed on test day.

Do you want to prepare as well as possible for the test and know all the other mistakes that are made on the test? Learn more about our live courses 2025 !