This question is for those that did spend the time studying the material. Now that there is just a little over a couple weeks left, what do you think is the best thing to do that will be beneficial in regards to all the sections? What would you have done differently?

I don't think that any of the time I spent trying to cram material in the last few weeks helped me. I wish I would have spent the time taking more practice tests.

This question is for those that did spend the time studying the material. Now that there is just a little over a couple weeks left, what do you think is the best thing to do that will be beneficial in regards to all the sections? What would you have done differently?

-At that point I was scoring 10-11 BS, 10's in verbal, 8-9 in PS so I stopped studying BS and continued my studies in verbal and PS. I narrowed weaknesses down to 2 subjects in physics and 2 subjects in general chem. E-mcat's diagnostic is helpful for this but you should have a pretty good idea by now without it.

-looked over the AAMC Topic list one last time to be sure I covered everything.

-started looking over equations for 5 minutes each night before bed.

-took 3 AAMC exams because I took a weekend off to blitz my weak topics.


If you keep screwing up bouyancy problems figure it out now.
Can't differntiate between electrochemical cells? now is the time.
Keep screwing up solubility tests in orgo? you know what to do.
Eliminate your weaknesses!

My situation was this; I was a Bio major and ended up w/ a minor in Chem. I did well in my Bio tests and was very prepared for the BS section. However, PS was by far my weakest subject. I should have spent more time studying for that section, but I couldn't stand the material...I mean I hated every minute I spent doing Physics and Chem problems.

In the end, I did well on BS and VR, but my score on the PS section was exactly what I thought it would be (low). Bottomline, if you are well versed in the biological science b/c of undergrad classes, you should be able to reason most of the answers. PS is a whole different demon where you have to actually have done the problems, understand the formulas, and don't make stupid mistakes and I never could do all three. I'm glad that success in med school has not been at all based on the physical sciences b/c I would hate every minute of it.

I was always a little confused by those people who said to just relax and not study much in the week or two before the test. I really focused in the weeks before the test and made sure I had everything down. Just suck it up and learn what you don't know and rehearse what you do know. Then relax the day before, get lots of sleep and you'll be fine.

Pick your weaknesses, focus on those, and 3 days before the test, relax a bit. It's like a marathon. Get some sleep.
Take as many practice tests as you can to improve your testing stamina. The length of the test and the amount of pressure you feel when you walk in can cause you to bonk at the end, and you don't want that.
And best of luck to you.

3 days before the test, relax a bit. Get some sleep.

Sleep is good, and relaxation and confidence are key. But I wouldn't take those 3 days off. Maintain your focus! (Eyes on the prize, champ!) If you can do that while staying relaxed you'll be better off. I don't think you will learn anything new in those last 3 days, but as long as you are able to study productively those last few days will go a long way to help you build confidence and maintain comfort with the content. Unless you are super intimate with all of the equations and material, you don't want to arrive at the Physical Sciences section and have to remember stuff from Wednesday, - you want to remember it from the previous afternoon/evening. If you're a person who studies for your tests up to and including the morning before a test (almost all college students cram!) then don't try something different for an exam which is much more important than any Orgo midterm you ever had. You know what's worked for you so far, stay with your winning formula.
In these last few weeks, try to get enough sleep. Wake up a little early everyday so you're comfortable getting to a test center at 8:00. Don't change your routine, just shift it all an hour or so earlier including mealtime, recreation, working out, bedtime, etc. You want to arrive at the test center fresh, strong, and ready to kick ass.