Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. The month is given great importance by Muslims and Muslims in each part of the world welcome and observe this month with all the reverence, prestige and dedication it deserves. Unfortunately, since the past few years, pre-medical students have to prepare for MDCAT during this sacred month every year apart from attempting board exam. So it automatically becomes very difficult to manage studies, religious duties, and your sleep schedule together.
DOs OF RAMADAN:
1. Maintaining your study routine:
After getting done with your board exam, you deserve all the rest you need. But you don’t have to abandon your studies for that. Dedicate a few hours of your day to studies and study at your own pace so it doesn’t feel like a burden. But if you stop studying altogether, it will become very difficult for you to get back on the track again. So, maintain a light and easy-to-follow study routine after your board exam and study during that time of the day when you’re feeling your best.
2. Taking classes:
Skipping classes is an absolute NO for MDCAT students. Even if you cannot study a lot on a daily basis but if you’re attending classes regularly, it does help a lot. We know how difficult it is to travel in this heat and attend classes in Ramadan so we have a solution for you. Why not attend classes on any topic of your own choice without compromising the comfort of your home? Join Nearpeer MDCAT course now and take control of your own learning.
3. Note down important points in lectures:
Get yourself four registers (one for each subject) from day one. Not only does it help to remember stuff but also makes it easier to revise those topics later on. So make it a habit to also note down your lectures during classes. It’s really helpful.
4. Practicals’ preparation:
This is for those of you who have practical exam ahead that carry a whole 90 marks out of your FSC total. Instead of trying to cover the whole syllabus in one day and suffering the night before the exam, learn 3 or 4 practicals on a daily basis. It would hardly take more than half an hour but this revision will help you a lot later on and your MDCAT preparation wouldn’t get affected by practical exam either.
5. Staying hydrated:
One of the most common mistakes we commit in Ramadan with respect to our health is, we drink water only in suhoor and iftar. We need to drink water at regular intervals in between or else we can be seriously dehydrated and fall ill due to that. Try this once and you’ll feel the difference. Also, you can not afford to fall ill during these days because it will automatically affect your MDCAT preparation which you can’t afford. 
DON'TS OF RAMADAN:
1. Destroying your sleep schedule:
You cannot expect yourself to be able to concentrate if you stayed awake till sehri and took 30 naps during the day at irregular intervals. Adjust your sleep schedule in a way that you go to sleep and wake up at the same time, every day. So, whatever routine you follow, just be consistent with it.
2. Skipping studies making an excuse of Ramadan:
It is definitely hard to study in Ramadan but it is not impossible. If you really want to study, you can commit a few hours of your day to study. Also, make your studies interesting. If you don’t want to study directly from the textbook, solve a few practice MCQues or watch a few videos on Nearpeer instead. Studying smart is more important than studying hard.
3. Useless scrolling on social media:
This is not just important for your studies but also from the aspect of Ramadan. Now that it has been confirmed that MDCAT will be conducted earlier than usual, it is important to start working on your phone addiction right from the start. Delete all the extra apps from your phone. Make good use of social media. Watch educational videos on youtube. Join MDCAT groups on facebook. You can join our group ‘MDCAT preparation with Nearpeer’ where you can get a lot of free resources related to MDCAT.
4. Getting involved in gossip:
In our daily lives, we sometimes bad mouth other people and discuss their problems and lives. This is another activity that one should be extra careful with, especially in this month. Watch your actions and guard yourself against the evils of gossip and backbiting.
Moreover, feel free to call/WhatsApp us at 0347-0171480 for free MDCAT guidance or to inquire about how to enroll in Nearpeer's online MDCAT course. Also, join our facebook group for free guidance and resources related to MDCAT.