4 Ways to Prepare for HPAT Online
10 months ago by Chris
As you may be aware, the HPAT exam next year will proceed as it has in recent years, taking place online. This means that you will take the HPAT exam in your own, predetermined environment at a time chosen by you (within the given window). You will have a proctor overlooking your activities as you complete the HPAT exam, which you will be taking on your own laptop or computer.
Having sat the HPAT online myself, I am all too aware of how overwhelming this may seem right now, and the uncertainties and anxieties you may be feeling as you prepare yourself to sit most likely your first-ever online exam. However, as daunting as sitting the HPAT exam online may seem at this moment, I am here to reassure you that there are numerous advantages and ways in which you can optimize your performance on HPAT test day.
I hope that by the time you have finished reading you will gain reassurance and confidence and see that you are truly lucky to have this opportunity to shine. Many of the things I will discuss below, come down to doing everything in your power to replicate HPAT test day for yourself each time you sit a MedEntry HPAT practice test. Whether that be using the same device, taking the HPAT exam in the same room or having the same pre-HPAT meal, these minor details - and the more familiar you become with them - add up to make a huge difference and give you an added boost come HPAT test day.
1. Practice on a simulated HPAT platform
The biggest thing I would recommend for sitting the HPAT online is to start using MedEntry’s HPAT simulated platform to complete your practice exams as soon as possible. The simulated platform exactly replicates how the HPAT exam will appear for you on HPAT test day, so the sooner you become familiar with how this looks and how to navigate it effectively and efficiently the better. MedEntry is the only HPAT preparation provider providing this simulated platform, and it is truly invaluable.
Get used to using the mouse to highlight important words and sentences, and skipping questions to come back to them in later ‘sweeps’. Remember also that you don’t have to go straight from one HPAT section into the next. Take your time to regain your composure and get into the right mindset before diving into the next HPAT section.
Remember that familiarising yourself with the format and navigation of the HPAT exam is a huge advantage that you have over other students who don’t have access to MedEntry’s platform, so use this as your opportunity to stand out!
2. Optimise your environment
We all work better under different conditions. You may be more productive in the morning or in the evening, or in a warmer or cooler environment. Reflect on each of these elements and make sure that you optimise them for yourself on HPAT test day.
Sitting the HPAT online means you can sit the HPAT exam at any time within a given window so ensure that you think carefully about when you work most efficiently and effectively. Once registrations open (in early November) make sure you choose your preferred time early, as popular slots do book out.
Also make sure that you are working in a comfortable environment (if that means wearing fluffy socks and trackies that is just fine!) and in a place that is free from distractions. Also, think about your hydration and nutrition strategies and try to implement them as soon as possible.
Thinking about all of these things now and putting them in place for each and every HPAT exam that you sit, will ensure that you are not facing anything unusual on HPAT test day and it will feel like just sitting another MedEntry HPAT exam.
3. Prepare yourself for all technology ‘disasters’
Sometimes working online can be tricky. Although our generation typically considers ourselves competent technology users, there can be difficulties that are simply unavoidable. This is why I recommend you try to think about all the possible scenarios that could occur and put a plan in place for how you would potentially resolve them.
That may be having a friend's house on standby in which to take your HPAT test should your connection play up or having another device ready to go if yours refuses to cooperate. Simply having thought of these things will remove any unnecessary stresses on HPAT test day and you will be ready to dive right back into the task at hand.
4. Work on stress management
Stress management is something that you probably hear people go on and on about and are most likely sick of hearing about at this point, but I honestly cannot stress its importance enough when it comes to sitting the HPAT online.
The HPAT is a stressful exam: it is fast-paced and intense and it's likely that there will be a few ‘stinkers’ of HPAT questions that will challenge your calm and collected self. I recommend that from now on you start to think about what steadies you the most when your hands start becoming clammy and your heart begins to race. That may be pushing your seat back from the laptop to take a few deep breaths or closing your eyes for a few seconds.
Whatever it is, start integrating it into your HPAT preparation now as it is essential that you develop the skills to be able to pull them easily out of your arsenal on HPAT test day!
Written by Philippa, who sat HPAT online, achieved 100th percentile in HPAT and is currently studying medicine.
