IMAT: is it better to study alone or with a prep course?

1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 – IMAT: What is it and why it’s different

The IMAT (International Medical Admission Test) is the official entrance exam for English-taught medical programs in Italy. It consists of 60 multiple-choice questions , each with five possible answers, covering logical reasoning , general knowledge , biology , chemistry , mathematics , and physics . Candidates have 100 minutes to complete the exam.

The IMAT differs notably from the previous admission test used for Italian-taught medical programs. It places a stronger emphasis on logical reasoning , with a larger number of critical thinking questions , and an additional layer of difficulty due to the English-language format (if you are a non native speaker).

Furthermore, the IMAT is now unique in structure and purpose , as starting this year, Italian-taught medical programs have introduced a “filter semester” : students are admitted without a traditional entrance exam but must pass first-semester exams in order to continue in the program. As a result, the IMAT remains the only standardized national test for entry into medicine in Italy.

1.2 – The central question: self-study or guided course?

Every aspiring medical student eventually asks themselves: “How can I turn my dream into reality?” The answer lies in one key step: preparing effectively for the entrance exam .

There’s no one-size-fits-all method. Each student should develop a study plan tailored to their own strengths, weaknesses, and learning style . While some prefer to study independently, others choose to enroll in dedicated preparation courses , like the ones we offer.

It’s important to keep in mind that these two approaches are not mutually exclusive . Many students successfully combine both to get the most out of their preparation.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages and drawbacks of each method , to help you choose the strategy that best fits your goals and bring you one step closer to pursuing your dream of studying medicine.

2: Studying alone

2.1 – The advantages of independent study

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of studying independently.

From a young age, the school system has trained us to study on our own—reading, memorizing, and reviewing lessons. So, this method isn’t something new or unfamiliar; it’s already part of our educational background.

This gives us a clear advantage: we can prepare for tests and exams using a study approach we’re already comfortable with, without the need to adjust to a different method.

Another major benefit of independent study is the flexibility in managing our own time. We can organize our day as we prefer, balancing classes, study sessions, hobbies, social life, and other personal commitments.

Studying alone also allows us full control over our study pace. There’s no need to coordinate with others—we can decide how long each session lasts, apply techniques like the “Pomodoro (tomato) method” (25 minutes of studying followed by a 5-minute break), repeating topics out loud without disturbing anyone, and focusing more on the subjects we find the most challenging or unfamiliar.

Lastly, the financial aspect is worth considering. Independent study is often more cost-effective . Usually, all you need is to purchase the required specific textbooks, and there are also many free or low-cost resources available online to help fill in any gaps (just think about how much AI can help us by creating summaries and tests to practice).

In conclusion, studying independently can help us stay within our comfort zone and also save money. However, it’s important to consider the potential downsides as well, which we’ll explore in the next section.

2.2 – The disadvantages of studying on your own

As we’ve seen, studying independently has many advantages. However, there are also some important drawbacks to consider.

One of the main challenges of self-study is the difficulty in creating an effective study plan . Preparing for an entrance exam requires a clear, well-structured method in order to be fully ready by test day—both in terms of subject knowledge and overall strategy. When organizing study time independently, there’s often a tendency to focus primarily on the most prominent subjects, such as biology. This can lead to significant gaps in other equally important areas , just like the Critical Thinking section.

Another common difficulty is balancing theory with practice . Success on these types of exams depends heavily on regular, targeted practice, not just theoretical understanding. Managing this balance without guidance can be tricky and often results in inefficient preparation.

Lack of feedback and peer interaction is another important factor. Having someone to compare ideas with or to provide feedback can be extremely valuable in sharpening problem-solving skills and adjusting one’s approach. We will explore this aspect more deeply in the next chapter, where we’ll discuss the benefits of preparing with a structured course.

Lastly, preparing for a test is a long journey—full of ups and downs. One major risk of studying alone is underestimating the level of preparation required to be admitted to a desired university, or simply losing motivation over time. Staying committed and focused for months while reviewing the same material can be incredibly challenging and demands a high level of personal discipline and determination.

3 – Enrolling in a preparation course

3.1 – The strengths of a structured course

Preparation courses for university entrance exams have become an increasingly popular choice among students. Nowadays, there are options of all kinds, both online and in person.

These courses are widely used because they are based on tried-and-tested programs that have helped thousands of students to succeed. Programs like Testbusters, for example, are often taught by students who have already faced and overcome the same challenge, and who can now share their hard-earned insights.

Since these courses operate within a competitive market, the organizations behind them are constantly working to offer the best possible materials. Content is regularly updated and supported by realistic simulations that mirror the structure of the actual test, helping students become familiar with the exam format.

The program is carefully organized , and begins from the very start in each subject, with study plans based on the relative difficulty of topics and the frequency with which certain types of questions appear. This approach helps ensure that students don’t just focus on the topics they like, but are also “pushed” to tackle areas they might otherwise avoid. In this way, courses provide both theoretical knowledge and practical training —widely considered a winning combination when it comes to passing entrance exams.

Another key advantage is the possibility to interact with tutors and teachers . This direct contact allows students to ask questions, clarify doubts, and address test-related anxiety. Such support often leads to increased self-confidence and faster improvement. For instance, Testbusters instructors stay in close contact with students through dedicated Telegram groups, enabling communication and Q&A also outside of lesson hours.

Finally, having a fixed lesson schedule helps students avoid procrastination and maintain a steady, consistent study rhythm . The course structure provides a clear, well-paced timeline tailored to the exam date, helping students stay on track throughout their preparation.

In conclusion, preparation courses offer a number of compelling advantages that make them a highly attractive option. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the potential drawbacks to consider.

3.2 – Limitations and costs to consider

While preparatory courses can be a convenient, accessible, and effective tool, there are several important factors to take into account.

The first and most significant challenge is the cost. Entrance exam prep courses are often supported by large teams of professionals dedicated to helping students achieve top results and gain admission to their desired faculties. These teams—just like ours—include content creators, slide and textbook developers, teachers, course organizers, and many others who play a crucial role in the system’s functioning. As a result, the courses inevitably come with a price , which can vary considerably depending on the type and duration, particularly in the case of year-long programs.

Another limitation is the reduced flexibility due to fixed schedules and structured programs. This can affect individual preparation, especially for students who may need a slower pace. Online courses often allow participants to rewatch lessons later, but in-person sessions usually do not offer this option. Since each topic is allocated a specific amount of time, students with foundational gaps may struggle to keep up and fall behind.

Finally, no matter how complete a course may be, it is rarely sufficient on its own. Independent study remains essential —both for reviewing difficult topics and for practicing with a wider variety of questions.

4 – How to Choose the Right Path

4.1 – Guiding questions to help you decide

At this stage, it’s a good idea to ask yourself a few honest questions to help determine which preparation method best suits your learning style and needs.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Am I consistent and disciplined when studying on my own?
• Do I need someone to explain concepts and help me correct my mistakes?
• Is my level of English already strong enough for an exam like the IMAT?
• Do I struggle with specific subjects?
• Do I have the time and structure to create my own study plan, or would I benefit from a guided, ready-made program?

Answering these questions can give you a much clearer sense of the kind of learner you are — and what kind of support you might need.

If you’re independent , already have a solid academic foundation , and feel confident managing your own study schedule, then self-preparation might be the right path for you.

On the other hand, if you recognize that you have gaps to fill , or if you tend to struggle with organization or motivation , enrolling in a structured preparation course could offer the guidance and consistency you need to succeed.

4.2 – Student profiles: which one are you?

Based on the questions we just explored, you might identify with one of the following student profiles, each with a different approach to preparation:

The Independent Student : someone who prefers to study alone and enjoys having full control over their schedule — but needs solid organizational skills to stay on track. Pros: complete flexibility, personalized pace, low cost. Cons: risk of losing motivation, harder to identify and correct mistakes.

The Guided Student : someone who benefits from external structure and guidance to avoid feeling lost or overwhelmed. Pros: constant support, clearer structure, access to expert feedback. Cons: less flexibility, potentially higher cost.

The Hybrid Strategist : someone who takes a preparation course but also studies independently, focusing on revision and doing plenty of mock exams on their own. Pros: balanced approach, combines structure with autonomy, reinforces learning. Cons: requires good time management to avoid overload.

5 – The mixed method: combining both approaches

5.1 – How it works in practice

For those who want to combine both self-study and external support, there are several ways to create an effective mixed strategy.

One common approach is to study independently throughout the year, covering theoretical topics and starting to practice with exercises, and then join an intensive preparation course during the summer. This method is popular because it allows students to enter the course with solid foundations, making it easier to follow lessons and understand corrections without needing to revisit every topic from scratch.

We could call this a “theory + practice” model: the theory is handled independently by the student, while the practice consists of doing exercises supported by instructors who explain and correct in real time.

This approach can also include intensive courses held shortly before the exam, which are useful as a final review and offer plenty of practice with exercises similar to those on the actual test.

Another alternative is to attend short courses (or private tutoring sessions) focused on particularly challenging sections — such as the logical reasoning part, which is especially prominent in the IMAT test. This allows students to receive targeted help where they need it most while managing the rest of their preparation on their own.

Let’s keep in mind: these are just ideas — there’s no single right method . However, a mixed approach can be especially useful for students who don’t want to rely entirely on a structured course but still need a bit of extra support in specific areas.

5.2 – Advantages of the Combined Approach

The combined approach offers several key benefits:

• Flexibility with targeted support : You can organize your study plan as you prefer, without having to strictly follow a fixed schedule. At the same time, you benefit from structured guidance in the most critical areas, helping you stay on track and set clear milestones to be ready for the test.
• Greater awareness of your skill level : A mixed method allows you to use courses as reinforcement of what you’ve already studied independently. This boosts your confidence and ensures you’re better prepared when it’s time to tackle practice questions.
• Personalized learning path : This approach makes it easier to adapt your preparation to your personal schedule, the time you have available, and the pace at which you need to study each topic — including related exercises.

In summary, this method can offer a well-balanced way to prepare for the test, combining the freedom and flexibility of independent study with targeted support designed to strengthen your weak points and help you succeed.

6 – Conclusion

6.1 – What’s the best choice?

So, what’s the best choice in the end? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer . The right approach depends on your motivation , level of independence , starting knowledge , and the resources you have available.

To sum it up: if you’re short on time , unsure where to begin, or feel overwhelmed, enrolling in a structured course can be a smart shortcut. On the other hand, if you’re highly self-disciplined and already have a strong foundation, self-study can work very well — provided you stay strategic, consistent, and organized .

It’s important to remember that choosing one method over another doesn’t make you a better or worse student . We all learn differently, come from diverse backgrounds, and start at different levels.

What truly matters is finding the path that fits you best — the one that gives you the tools and confidence to move forward and achieve your goal.

6.2 – One last practical tip

Our final piece of advice is this: take time to gather information, talk to others who are preparing for the same test, and try a few mock exams to understand your current level.

From there, the rest will start to fall into place naturally.

Now that we’ve reached the end — we wish the best of luck to everyone! You’ve got this!

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