Hi Guys,

I'm currently taking the Kaplan review course and we're about halfway done with the course. I just want to know how people got the best out of it. Our teacher usually lets us out an hour early (so 2 hours class) and we just go through the lesson book. However, Kaplan expects you to review that 1000 page review book before every class which is like nearly impossible. Additionally you have to do all the Subject Tests and Workshops which I'm really behind in because there are so many of them. Please let me know what you did.. i'm scheduled to take the test in a MONTH and I feel sooooo unprepared (computerized!! August 20). Did you really read every page of the REVIEW book or did you just use it as a supplement for the smaller lesson book. Let me know please!!! My GPA is a 2.9 at UCLA as a bio major so i need to rock this test. THANKS GUYS!

FLC

Hi Guys,

I'm currently taking the Kaplan review course and we're about halfway done with the course. I just want to know how people got the best out of it. Our teacher usually lets us out an hour early (so 2 hours class) and we just go through the lesson book. However, Kaplan expects you to review that 1000 page review book before every class which is like nearly impossible. Additionally you have to do all the Subject Tests and Workshops which I'm really behind in because there are so many of them. Please let me know what you did.. i'm scheduled to take the test in a MONTH and I feel sooooo unprepared (computerized!! August 20). Did you really read every page of the REVIEW book or did you just use it as a supplement for the smaller lesson book. Let me know please!!! My GPA is a 2.9 at UCLA as a bio major so i need to rock this test. THANKS GUYS!

FLC


I know exactly what you mean! I am currently taking the Kaplan review course and i am going to take the computerized OAT August 6!! I am doing my best to read everything, but it is merely impossible as I am also currently taking Organic chemistry 2. From what I have heard, the best thing to do are the subject tests. I started out doing the workshops, but found they were too stuffed with information to try to get through all of them and everything else too. What did you think about the diagnostic/midterm OAT tests Kaplan put you through?

Hi Guys,

I'm currently taking the Kaplan review course and we're about halfway done with the course. I just want to know how people got the best out of it. Our teacher usually lets us out an hour early (so 2 hours class) and we just go through the lesson book. However, Kaplan expects you to review that 1000 page review book before every class which is like nearly impossible. Additionally you have to do all the Subject Tests and Workshops which I'm really behind in because there are so many of them. Please let me know what you did.. i'm scheduled to take the test in a MONTH and I feel sooooo unprepared (computerized!! August 20). Did you really read every page of the REVIEW book or did you just use it as a supplement for the smaller lesson book. Let me know please!!! My GPA is a 2.9 at UCLA as a bio major so i need to rock this test. THANKS GUYS!

FLC

Hey, I just wanted to say good luck! I write the OAT on Aug. 13, so I know how you're feeling!! Sorry, I can't help you with the Kaplan questions...I never took the course...

Hey, I just wanted to say good luck! I write the OAT on Aug. 13, so I know how you're feeling!! Sorry, I can't help you with the Kaplan questions...I never took the course...


What do you mean you "write" the OAT?

What do you mean you "write" the OAT?

hahaha...Sorry, I guess it is a Canadian thing. We usually say "write" exams, while Americans seem to say "take" exams..

I know exactly what you mean! I am currently taking the Kaplan review course and i am going to take the computerized OAT August 6!! I am doing my best to read everything, but it is merely impossible as I am also currently taking Organic chemistry 2. From what I have heard, the best thing to do are the subject tests. I started out doing the workshops, but found they were too stuffed with information to try to get through all of them and everything else too. What did you think about the diagnostic/midterm OAT tests Kaplan put you through?

i never took the diagnostic (i have to make it up, i was at camp that weekend) and i just got back from the midterm test today (which was horrrrrrible!!! i probably scored 100 haha. but yeah, when did you start the class? let me know how it goes, ur test is coming really soon. i finish the class aug 13 and take the test aug 20! do you think thats enough time?

I took the Kaplan course last year before the Feb OAT. It was during a very busy quarter and so it really was damn near impossible to do everything that Kaplan recommends. But, the text and the workshops don't usually cover the same material as the classroom workbook. So if you really want to be sure that you're learning/reviewing all the intended material, you need to do all that they say because there's no overlap (I think). If parts have to be sacraficed in the interest of time, definitely do all of the subject tests because those will sample from everything, including material you don't necessarily review in depth. Those were most useful to me.

It's too bad that your classes end so early. Mine were often rushed at the end because there was so much material to cover. Be sure that your instructor isn't skimming through information that might be important to you later on. After all, a large chunk of that fat check you wrote to Kaplan is paying for the in-class time.

darling---

Did you feel Kaplan's midterm and final tests were similar to the real thing? I feel like some of the subject tests online are very difficult and impossible to get through in the right amount of time. By the way, how did you do if you don't mind telling.............

FLCBRUIN84 - I am pretty much in the same boat as you...GPA wise and studying time wise. I take the OAT on the 24th but I am also currently working full time so that leaves very little room for hard core studying. I'd be interested in any tips offered by anyone who's done with apps or the OAT.

darling - my current study plan is going thru all the subject tests and taking as many full length tests as possible (probably 2-3). I will also try to use that fat stack of flashcards to review in spare moments. Do you think this will be enough for someone who hates chem/ochem? These two subjects are my weak spots. Thx.

darling---

Did you feel Kaplan's midterm and final tests were similar to the real thing? I feel like some of the subject tests online are very difficult and impossible to get through in the right amount of time. By the way, how did you do if you don't mind telling.............

I did not do as well on the midterms and final. I ranged from 260-330 and my scores in each section fluctuated between tests. I was really worried because I wasn't showing any improvement.

On the actual test, AA:360 and TS:380. I somehow managed a 400 in Ochem, but with Kaplan my highest in the section had been 300 or so. I was getting below 300 in physics and I ended up with a 370.

I'm not sure if my attitude for the real test was different, or if Kaplan's grading is different. I left the test feeling the same as the practice tests (bad), and the questions did not seem that different to me.

Kaplan is good for 1) reviewing material and 2) getting used to the format. They have good ways of eliminating answers that can help you reduce your time. And it's helpful to go over every wrong answer on any practice tests so you understand your mistake and don't repeat it on the actual.

darling - my current study plan is going thru all the subject tests and taking as many full length tests as possible (probably 2-3). I will also try to use that fat stack of flashcards to review in spare moments. Do you think this will be enough for someone who hates chem/ochem? These two subjects are my weak spots. Thx.

I really can't say, because I never used the flashcards and don't know what's on them. However, I think that if you know the chems are your weak spots, go all out! You have nothing to lose but you have alot to gain. The cards are convenient for reviewing on the bus, etc so why not. This is such a cliche answer but practice makes perfect. If you do practice tests and flashcards and stll have problems with the material, review through other methods. Only you can know when you've done enough, or have run out of time :) Good luck!

darling - my current study plan is going thru all the subject tests and taking as many full length tests as possible (probably 2-3). I will also try to use that fat stack of flashcards to review in spare moments. Do you think this will be enough for someone who hates chem/ochem? These two subjects are my weak spots. Thx.[/QUOTE]

in regards to the flashcards - i don't think they're as helpful for chem/ochem sections. i took the written OAT last october and i found that a lot of the time, i was mentally kicking myself on the chem/ochem sections because i knew what kind of question it was, but i just totally forgot how to do it. i think for the chem, ochem and physics, doing practice problems will really help. don't get bogged down on questions that seem really difficult - just make sure you know the basic concepts and types of problems. i think the flashcards might be handy for the bio sections. :)