Breaking Down the MCAT: A 3 Month MCAT Study Schedule

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Read every single post in this thread so you don't have questions later Then do something fun if you don't have school. also, be sure to read stuff everyday and maybe go over stuff from your prereq classes.

Ok....so this is what i have.

I have all the ExamKrackers Books 7th Ed. and I have all the TPRH books!

Which set should I use for content review and practice questions/passages!?!

Hi SN2ed,

I wrote my MCAT on Jan 29 and just got my score back, 35R. I followed the 4 month schedule. I want to thank you for the study schedule and all the useful tips you posted.

Also thanks to Berkeley review books, really helped me in orgo and gen chem. If you were a girl I would definitely be thinking long term.

Thanks
RP

Thanks SN2ed for the schedule. Really great stuff on here. I also took the 1/29/11 test and got a 31. I did it while on a light schedule of school work. Improved my score by 7 points. Thanks again brother. YOU DA MAN!

Another thanks for the schedule. I took the Jan 29 MCAT and here are my results using (more or less) your plan.

34Q (12ps, 10vr, 12bs) on real thing.

Average of AAMC's was 33.88
AAMC 3 12/26/2010 - 37 (13ps, 9vr,15bs)
AAMC 4 1/3/2011 - 29 (10ps, 9vr, 10 bs)
AAMC 5 1/6/2011 - 36 (13ps, 11vr, 12bs)
AAMC 7 1/13/2011 - 33 (12ps, 8vr, 13bs)
AAMC 8 1/15/2011 - 33 (12ps, 8vr, 13bs)
AAMC 9 1/18/2011 - 33 (12ps, 9vr, 12bs)
AAMC 10 1/22/2011 35 (12ps, 10vr, 13bs)
AAMC 11 1/26/2011 34 (13ps, 9vr, 12bs)

SN2ed, you are indeed an angel. Thank you.

Couple Quick Questions:

-Do you think there are advantages to taking more FLs before the actual MCAT?

-If so, how many, and how would you recommend scheduling them--either within or as an extension of your current 3 month schedule?

Thank you for posting this SN2ed

I didn't purchase BRs Biology book (after reading a few bad things about it), and now I'm very nervous because I take the test in June and would like a book with Biology passages. I'd buy the BR Bio book, but it takes far too long to give them the money, and wait for the package to arrive. I have ExamKracker's Biology Review, but I think a book with passages would also be good to purchase (or not?).

Any suggestions for a replacement?

Great job everyone. Glad I could do a little to help.

Originally Posted by HCMD

SN2ed, you are indeed an angel. Thank you.

Couple Quick Questions:

-Do you think there are advantages to taking more FLs before the actual MCAT?

-If so, how many, and how would you recommend scheduling them--either within or as an extension of your current 3 month schedule?

The more practice the better as long as you don't skimp on the post-test review which is the most important aspect of taking a FL. If you want to add some, extend the schedule slightly. Maybe add BR 1-3 to AAMC 3-11.

Originally Posted by andddlay

Thank you for posting this SN2ed

I didn't purchase BRs Biology book (after reading a few bad things about it), and now I'm very nervous because I take the test in June and would like a book with Biology passages. I'd buy the BR Bio book, but it takes far too long to give them the money, and wait for the package to arrive. I have ExamKracker's Biology Review, but I think a book with passages would also be good to purchase (or not?).

Any suggestions for a replacement?

Yeah you really have to have a book with passages. BR offers the best and TPRH is next up with their science workbook which is tough to get. Again, BR easily offers the top bio passages and I really would pick it up. EK 1001 is another option, but it's FAR too easy and doesn't resemble the current MCAT very well. Also, it shouldn't take too long to get BR bio and you could buy from a private seller in the For Sale forum. I just have a hard time recommending EK 1001 Bio.

If you have some money, you could buy EK 1001 Bio now while you order BR Bio. That way you'd have some practice passages in the meantime.

Originally Posted by SN2ed

Great job everyone. Glad I could do a little to help.



The more practice the better as long as you don't skimp on the post-test review which is the most important aspect of taking a FL. If you want to add some, extend the schedule slightly. Maybe add BR 1-3 to AAMC 3-11.



Yeah you really have to have a book with passages. BR offers the best and TPRH is next up with their science workbook which is tough to get. Again, BR easily offers the top bio passages and I really would pick it up. EK 1001 is another option, but it's FAR too easy and doesn't resemble the current MCAT very well. Also, it shouldn't take too long to get BR bio and you could buy from a private seller in the For Sale forum. I just have a hard time recommending EK 1001 Bio.

If you have some money, you could buy EK 1001 Bio now while you order BR Bio. That way you'd have some practice passages in the meantime.

Thanks for your response It's awesome that you keep responding to your post you posted almost two years ago!

Idk I'm kinda freaking out because my test is in June, and, if I were to purchase from Berkeley-Review directly, 10 days in total (sending money in, then wait) or so would be a lot of time wasted, that is if I strictly followed your schedule (I might have to alter it, though, for I already have the EK books....). Due to time constraints, is this the TPRH Biology book that you're talking about?

http://www.amazon.com/Hyperlearning-...9121779&sr=1-5

Edit: I can afford it, so I might take the rout that you suggested (especially if you really think that BR is worth it). I just wish BR had a better payment system...

Originally Posted by andddlay

Thanks for your response It's awesome that you keep responding to your post you posted almost two years ago!

Idk I'm kinda freaking out because my test is in June, and, if I were to purchase from Berkeley-Review directly, 10 days in total (sending money in, then wait) or so would be a lot of time wasted, that is if I strictly followed your schedule (I might have to alter it, though, for I already have the EK books....). Due to time constraints, is this the TPRH Biology book that you're talking about?

http://www.amazon.com/Hyperlearning-...9121779&sr=1-5

Edit: I can afford it, so I might take the rout that you suggested (especially if you really think that BR is worth it). I just wish BR had a better payment system...

It's been two years, wow.

Yeah just do the route I suggested. Also check the For Sale forum since someone might be willing to ship it to you faster. Also, no that's not the right TPRH book. The book in question is TPRH Science Workbook. That's their BS content review book.

Originally Posted by SN2ed

It's been two years, wow.

Yeah just do the route I suggested. Also check the For Sale forum since someone might be willing to ship it to you faster. Also, no that's not the right TPRH book. The book in question is TPRH Science Workbook. That's their BS content review book.

Yeesh was going to do a second edit, but then you responded :P

About the EK 1001 Biology book...I'm very hesitant getting it because of the reviews...

http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-1...9122432&sr=1-1

..People are saying that the book is flooded with errors. I will attempt to find a seller for the BR Biology book.

This looks like the Hyperlearning Science Workbook...

http://www.amazon.com/Hyperlearning-...9122906&sr=1-1

Originally Posted by andddlay

Yeesh was going to do a second edit, but then you responded :P

About the EK 1001 Biology book...I'm very hesitant getting it because of the reviews...

http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-1...9122432&sr=1-1

..People are saying that the book is flooded with errors. I will attempt to find a seller for the BR Biology book, but I feel time cramped and finding a seller is kinda due to chance in my eyes.

This looks like the Hyperlearning Science Workbook...

http://www.amazon.com/Hyperlearning-...9122906&sr=1-1

Yet another reason why I don't really suggest EK.

None of those workbooks are in acceptable condition. You need to get a completely unmarked copy. Getting BR really shouldn't take that long. The time you would take to look through the For Sale forum for a BR Bio book is about the same as it took for you to reply to my post. Probably much shorter.

Originally Posted by SN2ed

Yet another reason why I don't really suggest EK.

None of those workbooks are in acceptable condition. You need to get a completely unmarked copy. Getting BR really shouldn't take that long. The time you would take to look through the For Sale forum for a BR Bio book is about the same as it took for you to reply to my post. Probably much shorter.

Yeah, that's true. I'll do that. I think I might make a WANTED post, too. When I ordered the other BR books, I hesitated buying the Biology books because of what I read in a different thread saying that the BR Bio wasn't a good choice, but I'll disregard that. Thank you so much for your help

Sn2ed, what do you think of the TPR FL exams. I used all of the AAMC exams, and I know you suggested not to reuse them so I was looking into TPR and possibly BR, since you suggested that over GS in a recent post.

In addition, did you or have you had experience with the TBR verbal book. Verbal is my worst section, and I used the majority of the EK book along with the TPR verbal book and I am looking into new reading material. A few people have suggested some LSAT verbal, which I have been considering since many people say it is good practice and measures on par with the difficulty of the MCAT verbal. I will be retaking, so your advice would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!

You're awesome.

Very much appreciate the direction.

Just joined the thread and eager to start the plan. I anticipate days when circumstance prevents me from adhering to the schedule. I searched the posts for similar questions, and just wanted to clarify with the administrator if the following levels of flexibility are reliable:

1. If one was unable to complete the assigned work for a certain day, he should make it up the following day in addition to the work assigned for that next day, and not try to make it up on a rest day, which should ideally be reserved for mental relaxation.

2. In the case where one knows they have some sort of event that conflicts with their study schedule, and they must attend to this event, they can rearrange the study days of the week, making the day of the event a rest day.

3. Because things generally never go according to plan, do you suggest adding 10-15 buffer days, i.e. days that can function as make up days in the event that something conflicts with the schedule?

Thanks, all the best

Originally Posted by mtau

Just joined the thread and eager to start the plan. I anticipate days when circumstance prevents me from adhering to the schedule. I searched the posts for similar questions, and just wanted to clarify with the administrator if the following levels of flexibility are reliable:

1. If one was unable to complete the assigned work for a certain day, he should make it up the following day in addition to the work assigned for that next day, and not try to make it up on a rest day, which should ideally be reserved for mental relaxation.

2. In the case where one knows they have some sort of event that conflicts with their study schedule, and they must attend to this event, they can rearrange the study days of the week, making the day of the event a rest day.

3. Because things generally never go according to plan, do you suggest adding 10-15 buffer days, i.e. days that can function as make up days in the event that something conflicts with the schedule?

Thanks, all the best

I'm not the OP, but I can't see you getting anything good out of stuffing 2 days worth of content into 1 day. You're better off having a bunch of buffer days for when those things come up.

If you stretch the schedule out from 3 to 4 months, you might want to review some of the stuff you've read earlier now and then to keep it fresh.

Just signed up for my Sept test! I am anxious to study this summer.

Just wondering, on average, how many hours would each day take? I know it varies per person, but I just want to plan accordingly so I can plan out other things I might do during the summer.

Originally Posted by PingPongPro

Just signed up for my Sept test! I am anxious to study this summer.

Just wondering, on average, how many hours would each day take? I know it varies per person, but I just want to plan accordingly so I can plan out other things I might do during the summer.

Again, there is FAR too much variation from person to person to give any kind of estimate outside of what's already given in the timing section. THIS WILL NOT CHANGE.

Hey SN2ed,

Thanks for all you've done to help others with the MCAT. I'm a junior and switched to premed late in the game. So far, I have 1 semester of ochem and 1 semester of general bio under my belt with a strong background in gen chem and physics. I am looking to apply in next year's cycle.

Would it be better to take the MCAT in aug/sept using your schedule this summer, or to wait and take it in jan or next spring (I'll have heavy course loads and research)?

This coming fall I'm taking anatomy and ochem 2 and in the spring I'm taking cell biology. Will self-study cover these classes that I haven't taken yet? I'm trying to weigh pros/cons.

Thanks

Originally Posted by kch5066

Hey SN2ed,

Thanks for all you've done to help others with the MCAT. I'm a junior and switched to premed late in the game. So far, I have 1 semester of ochem and 1 semester of general bio under my belt with a strong background in gen chem and physics. I am looking to apply in next year's cycle.

Would it be better to take the MCAT in aug/sept using your schedule this summer, or to wait and take it in jan or next spring (I'll have heavy course loads and research)?

This coming fall I'm taking anatomy and ochem 2 and in the spring I'm taking cell biology. Will self-study cover these classes that I haven't taken yet? I'm trying to weigh pros/cons.

Thanks

If you're done the requirements by the summer, take it in aug/sept.

Just get it out of the way. You have SO much time to prepare over the summer.

Hi,

I've been searching the forums as best I can but can't find what I'm looking for.
Does anyone have a link to a thread that matches up BR chapters with EK 1001 chapters?
I know about the Bio one that matches up BR passages with EK chapters but does anyone know of a similar list for Orgo, Gen Chem and/or Physics?

Thanks in advance!

BR physics have 25 review questions at the end of each chapter. Do you recommend work through them?

Originally Posted by reefcorgi

BR physics have 25 review questions at the end of each chapter. Do you recommend work through them?

Not to be rude here or anything but have you actually read this thread at all? Take a look around before posting, please.

Originally Posted by apumic

Not to be rude here or anything but have you actually read this thread at all? Take a look around before posting, please.

I had read all 27 pages, I believe these 25 review questions was added with the new Berkeley Review Physics Workbook in 2011. If you happen to see the answer to my question.. please direct me to the page or page range. Sarcastic remark is uncalled as in “but have you actually read this thread at all”.

Originally Posted by reefcorgi

I had read all 27 pages, I believe these 25 review questions was added with the new Berkeley Review Physics Workbook in 2011. If you happen to see the answer to my question.. please direct me to the page or page range. Sarcastic remark is uncalled as in “but have you actually read this thread at all”.

How about using common sense.

Do you think more practice will help or hurt you? I hope you're capable of making such a basic decision for yourself.

Originally Posted by ridethecliche

How about using common sense.

Do you think more practice will help or hurt you? I hope you're capable of making such a basic decision for yourself.

Some took me by surprise. Matter of fact, you are not even doctor yet.. and you act like Prima Donna. Some traditional student may find doing more problem is helpful, but I am a non-traditional that work for a living with this rigid study schedule and work schedule.

I have to give many thanks to SN2ed for providing this study guide.

Maybe some need to watch the movie "The Doctor" Directed by Randa Haines 1991. Please act more helpful instead of a wise-arse.

Originally Posted by reefcorgi

Some took me by surprise. Matter of fact, you are not even doctor yet.. and you act like Prima Donna. Some traditional student may find doing more problem is helpful, but I am a non-traditional that work for a living with this rigid study schedule and work schedule.

I have to give many thanks to SN2ed for providing this study guide.

Maybe some need to watch the movie "The Doctor" Directed by Randa Haines 1991. Please act more helpful instead of a wise-arse.

Whoever reads this should try reading it with a Borat accent in mind.

Originally Posted by reefcorgi

Some took me by surprise. Matter of fact, you are not even doctor yet.. and you act like Prima Donna. Some traditional student may find doing more problem is helpful, but I am a non-traditional that work for a living with this rigid study schedule and work schedule.

I have to give many thanks to SN2ed for providing this study guide.

Maybe some need to watch the movie "The Doctor" Directed by Randa Haines 1991. Please act more helpful instead of a wise-arse.

Hi. You don't know me. I work full time (~45hrs a week). I study 3 days during the work week for 4-6 hrs after working from 8-5. In some cases after working from 6AM-5PM. Stop making excuses. You either will find a way to do this or you won't. I couldn't care either which way.

If you think that practice doesn't help you then you're going to be in for a fun realization when you take practice exams.

Actually, you'll be in for a surprise when you take the real mcat because you don't find doing problems helpful and you'll have no idea what the test looks like till you're there.

People who do well on the MCAT all have one two things in common. They work hard and they practice.

Practice is an integral part of the sn2ed schedule for that very reason.

FWIW, I work with doctors. Some are primadonna's but most aren't. I'd say more college students are primadonna's than physicians if the docs I work with represent the greater sample. And I'm not saying anything about being a physician. Having fun making your logical fallacies?

Edit: I guess I stand corrected. You can't make a basic decision.

Originally Posted by SN2ed

Again, there is FAR too much variation from person to person to give any kind of estimate outside of what's already given in the timing section. THIS WILL NOT CHANGE.

It also depends on the chapter.

I've breezed through some chem stuff that I remember very well and taken 3-4x as long on some bio stuff that I'm less familiar with.

I think a good schedule such as yours is important, but I think it's helpful to have a few buffer days so you can spend more time studying something if necessary.

Originally Posted by sbv9060

Hi,

I've been searching the forums as best I can but can't find what I'm looking for.
Does anyone have a link to a thread that matches up BR chapters with EK 1001 chapters?
I know about the Bio one that matches up BR passages with EK chapters but does anyone know of a similar list for Orgo, Gen Chem and/or Physics?

Thanks in advance!

Just do the best you can with the table of contents and section headings in the EK 1001 and BR books. It should work fairly well.

Originally Posted by reefcorgi

BR physics have 25 review questions at the end of each chapter. Do you recommend work through them?

Follow the same 1/3 approach given for all the practice passages and discretes.

Originally Posted by ridethecliche

I think a good schedule such as yours is important, but I think it's helpful to have a few buffer days so you can spend more time studying something if necessary.

Already taken care of. Right before my schedule, I suggest a buffer of 4 days in the Day to Day section. That's always been there. Did you mean I should add more buffer days?

Originally Posted by SN2ed

Already taken care of. Right before my schedule, I suggest a buffer of 4 days in the Day to Day section. That's always been there. Did you mean I should add more buffer days?

I was saying that people with extenuating circumstances that might not be able to do the 4 month schedule to a T should add in a few extra days before/after just so life doesn't get in the way. That's in addition to your buffer days.

I'm studying on my own schedule because I know how I learn best (and I'm not using tbr), but I couldn't have predicted that my mom was going to get surgery in late feb. With that, I went home for 2 weekends and 'lost' a lot of study time. I mean, it's fine because I needed to be at home, but since I work full time, I get a LOT done on weekends. I was gone for a total of 8 days, so it was significant.

Because I gave myself more time to study, I wasn't stressed when I got back and dove back into it and I'm still going to hit all my time benchmarks, give or take a few days. I also dialed it up before I left because I knew I'd get a break. I did some studying when my mom was asleep or we couldn't visit in the hospital.

Since I'm taking more time to study, I do go back and reread chapters I've taken notes on before just so I don't forget things. The 1001 books help with that as well.

Great schedule, thanks!

... (double post)

Originally Posted by samvillian

so, quick question to ask your opinion...

I have signed up for the mcat test on april 29th, and have not started studying yet I was planning on starting studying wednesday.

Question is, should i take this test in april, just to get a feel for what to expect, and then take it again more seriously in august, or should i only take the one in august? I ask this because i want to know if a potential not so prolific score (expecting 25, due to lack of studying) would negatively affect my application. Also, if it would be bad to study half of this schedule, then start over again after the test during summer vacation?


Also, thank you for this schedule.


Edit: I'm a junior, next semester will be senior year.

SN2ed,
For physics and genchem, why do you rank kaplan as #3 or #4 (can't remember the exact order)? is it because they are too difficult or they are not similar to mcat? I'm asking this because I think I remember you said somewhere that kaplan has some solid science passages.
Are you referring to the qbank/subject tests/online materials as #3 and kaplan FL's as a solid source?
Just a bit confused.

Thanks

As a non-trad, I'll be taking only General Chemistry a full year prior to taking O-Chem, Bio, and Physics. What do you kind folks recommend for MCAT prep both while taking Chem and a year later a few months prior to my test date? I.e., use BR Chem review just prior to MCAT date, and use something else while taking the course?

Many thanks.

Everyone please keep the questions to this strategy.

Originally Posted by SN2ed

Everyone please keep the questions to this strategy.

Sorry, let me clarify.

I will be taking Gen Chem this fall and next spring. Fall 2012 and spring 2013 I will take O-Chem, Bio, and Physics. I intend to use your strategy prior to taking the MCAT in the summer of 2013.

My question is this: would it be worth it to concurrently study the MCAT with something as in depth as BR Chem while taking Gen Chem over a year and a half prior to taking the MCAT? Or should I save the BR for your 3 month strategy and employ some other means of MCAT prep while taking Gen Chem?

I am thinking about using this strategy, but substituting material. Instead of BR I wanted to use the books I received from Kaplan when I took their MCAT prep course. They are their newest and most updated books, as far as I know. I'm thinking of using these because I never really read these chapters previously so it would be relatively new to me. Would these Kaplan books be comparable to BR? Also, I know they don't have the passages that BR has, so I guess getting the EK 1001 books should work well enough without having the BR passages along with it?


Edit: I don't know how I missed it on this page of comments, but I do see sn2ed did comment that EK 1001 books are easier and its tough to pass up the BR passages. Apparently they are that awesome, I guess I should seriously consider just getting the BR books. At least for the passages. I'll find the money somewhere.

I do still wonder if I can use the Kaplan books for content review and have them be as effective as BR.

Welcome to sdn!
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=795386
I don't think it's suggested to do that because it's the passages that you want. You could cut down cost by buying used and not getting verbal since ek101 and tprh are better. It's really up to you, but I think the general opinions here come from people who have used these resources and haven taken the mcat. I think even sn2ed started with a kaplan course initially if you look at old posts.

Originally Posted by apumic

LOL!! This cracked me up! Thanks for the pick-me-up. Back to studying now.

Originally Posted by SN2ed

BR Physics had the biggest change. They addressed all of the complaints they got about EM and a few other sections. Here's what BerkReviewTeach posted awhile ago, but it's old now. There's a more recent list floating around somewhere. Again, make sure you get the newest BR Physics book. For the other books, it's not as important, but I'd run a search for that list BerkReviewTeach posted.

In terms of the editions for the books, here is a mix of the reply I got from the office along with my input based on feedback from students I tutored last summer:

Biology: There is a 2008 version, but the book is pretty much the same as it was in 2004 with minor editting and upgrading of drawings since that time. Avoid books from before 2004.

Verbal Reasoning: There are a 2008 and 2009 version that look the same to me. It underwent a major overhaul in 2007, where more technqiues were incorporated into the answer explanations. After running it by students for a year, it went to print as it is now. It also took into account the CBT and issues associated with a computer screen. Avoid books from before 2008.

General Chemistry: There is a 2009 version. It underwent an overhaul in 2004 (in terms of passages and sequence of topics). Apparently it's being revised and editted at this time to match the physics book that was supposed to be out this past spring. But once the new edition comes out (probably late Fall 2009), it will be the version of choice. For now, avoid books from before 2004.

Physics: There is a 2009 version. It has had changes to some of the answer explanations with every new session of the class, but the text has been constant since 2002. There were new passages introduced and changes to existing passages in 2004 and 2007. Selected chapters from the upsoming version of the physics books are supposedly going to be used in the classroom this summer. The new book apparently should be out in the Fall. Avoid books from before 2007.

Organic Chemistry: There is a 2009 version. It underwent a major overhaul in 2004 (when the AAMC people decided to change the content on the MCAT--no more benzene and alkene chemistry, amongst other changes). It also incorporated some biology subjects (mostly biochemistry, in an effort to serve as a sort of Cliff Notes for those topics). Avoid books from before 2004.



epsilonprodigy:

It's crazy how this schedule has grown. I thought this would be like any other thread and disappear after a little while. Never thought it would be used by so many people or get over 200k views.

-Would you mind doing something similar for the Exam Krackers series? My Exam Krackers MCAT subject books are all 7th edition--is that ok? I feel like you've mentioned these EK books to be odd in terms of later editions having more mistakes than earlier ones.

My Exam Kracker 1001's are all wonky editions : Bio (2006); Orgo (2006); Gen Chem (2005); Physics (2003)---Do you reccomend I buy different editions of these books?

-Given this response by BerkReviewTech http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=801731 it seems that the physics and biology books I purchased last spring are a little outdated---they're also the ones that have black binding and non-glossy covers. I guess this means I'm buying their physics and biology book.

My TPR Hyperlearning verbal workbook is copyright 2008 but it says it's the 2009 edition

& my 16 mini mcats from Exam Krackers is the 2004 edition

Thanks SN2ed for your time I'm using this and next month to gather my materials before I start your 4 month study plan on May 1st (ironically the day of no action ha!)

as far as I know, the edition of ek you have doesn't matter too much. For the review series, I don't think they changed anything within the past couple versions except for errors. I don't think they've released new 1001's recently. The different year you listed are fine and might be the newest ones already. Most books are usually printed out before they're published, hence the 2009 vs 2009.

I have seen a lot about not reusing AAMC FLs. However, it has been well over 3 years since i've seen any of them and I can't see how I would remember any of it. Is it still a bad idea to reuse them or is the lenght of time a factor?

I don't really know for sure, but I think that it'll be different since you're seen them before. perhaps take them, but don't assume the scores are accurate. Have you taken 11 (cam out last year). If not, save that for last to get a more accurate estimate.

I don't think you're really going to remember tests from 3 years ago. I would do them as practice, but realize that the scores might not be predictive.

You should get TBR tests if you haven't used those before.

I searched in this thread but didn't find an answer - but my apologies if it's buried in there somewhere!

Anyway -

First, thank you so much for this guide, SN2. I'm thoroughly impressed and grateful!

Second, I'm confused about the discretes - I'm looking in my BR (2009) physics book, and am only seeing in-text questions and passages, no discretes. Am I missing something? Or have the books changed?

Thanks!

I'm wondering the same about the discretes. Also have the 2009 version, I believe.

SN2ed, i think your study plan has huge flaws, mainly in one point: take all tests under timed conditions.

this is entirely wrong. i especially stress taking verbal passages under NON-timed conditions until you feel that you are comfortable with everything and can answer questions quickly.

what benefits do students get when they can't complete 1/3 of the questions, then get the answers presented to then right after? none.

again, i stress this for verbal mainly. if youre messing up on verbal, you should literally spend a huge chunk of time analyzing passages until you SEE the right answers. the right answer is always there. once you are comfortable scanning passages for information correctly pertinent to questions, then you should begin timed tests.