The Official June 21, 2012 MCAT thread

SDN Members don't see this ad. (About Ads)

Do you guys write down a main idea for each verbal passage you read? If so, could someone ease PM me the main ideas for the great 10 verbal passages pleeeease?



Sent from my Nexus S 4G

Can't believe we're taking the exam in 3 days. How's everyone doing so far?

Originally Posted by acciouno

Can't believe we're taking the exam in 3 days. How's everyone doing so far?

I've taken a new approach where I try to act constantly happy and excited about this test. I'm really feeling like this though ->
It's pretty much guaranteed that I'll be an alcoholic after Thursday.

Originally Posted by SamyLSF

Are you referring to this type of question? (I'm making it up on the spot so be nice)


This bro (AaBBCcddEe) Mates with this Chick AAbbCCDdEE. What is the propability that their deformed baby is AABbCcddEe, assuming independent assortment?

For this question you would look at each one separatly first.
Aa X AA = Aa, Aa, AA, AA
BB x bb = Bb, Bb, Bb, Bb
Cc X CC = Cc, Cc, CC, CC
dd x Dd = Dd, Dd, dd, dd
Ee x EE = Ee, Ee, EE, EE

Then you look at the kid. AA, Bb, Cc, dd, Ee. And look for the probability of each one individually above.

AA would be 1/2
Bb would be 1/1
Cc would be 1/2
dd would be 1/2
and Ee would be 1/2

THEN you multiple the probabilities because they are independent.
1/2 * 1/1 * 1/2 * 1/2 * 1/2 = 1/16

1/16 chance that the baby is AaBbCcddEe

There was a very SIMILAR question on like 1 or 2 AAMC tests so this is a concept you should know.



Edit: Just saw the other half of your question:

FOR ADDITION stuff...

Rule of addition is that the probability of an event that can occur in two or more independent ways is the sum of the separate probabilities of the different ways. For example:

Question:
In a Mendelian cross between pea plants that are heterozygous for flower color (Pp), what is the probability of the offspring being a heterozygote?

Answer:
There are two ways in which a heterozygote may be produced: the dominant allele (P) may be in the egg and the recessive allele (p) in the sperm, or the dominant allele may be in the sperm and the recessive in the egg. Consequently, the probability that the offspring will be heterozygous is the sum of the probabilities of those two possible ways:
Probability that the dominant allele will be in the egg with the recessive in the sperm is 1/2 X 1/2 = 1/4.
Probability that the dominant allele will be in the sperm and the recessive in the egg is 1/2 X 1/2 = 1/4.
Therefore, the probability that a heterozygous offspring will be produced is 1/4 + 1/4 = 1/2.

Addition is easy when you look at it this way and mcat will probably test the multiplication part.

Thanks! Totally get it now.

.

.

Originally Posted by Alongs50

Id say understand the harmonics and how to put in "n" for the lamnba and freq equations. know how medium effects and frequency is constant. amplitude wavelength and all the definitional ****e.


.. does anyone know under what circumstance do we add probabilities for genetics stuff?

multiply when all situations have to occur together. add when?

Thanks! I guess I do have trouble memorizing the standing wave equations for strings, open, and closed pipes. Does anyone have any mnemonics or tips to help with this?

As far as the probabilities, I am pretty sure that adding would be rare. I mean, if they ask you the proportion of the population that is homozygous dominant and heterozygous, you would have to add the p^2 and 2pq, but other than that example, it's usually multiplication. And if I am wrong, someone please correct me, haha.

Originally Posted by acciouno

Can't believe we're taking the exam in 3 days. How's everyone doing so far?

I know, it's crazy! It's nerve-wracking, but I've just been so excited to be done since last week that it's practically all I can think about. I already know what I'm doing this entire weekend and I've had my plans for July since a couple of months ago (I volunteer at a camp so I had to commit to set weeks early on). It works out that my camp sessions will go up to the 22nd of July so I'll be too busy having fun and being exhausted that I probably won't have time to worry about the days leading up to the release of scores. I just hope I come home to good news.

How are you doing?

EDIT: Took out the "shameless" part since, while it might be shameless for me , I don't represent the entire organization: Look up Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times! This is my third year with them and It's quite possibly one of the best things I jumped into without knowing anyone--or just one of the best things I've ever done, period. It's in CA but people interview and volunteer from all over.

Originally Posted by rockafella12

Thanks! I guess I do have trouble memorizing the standing wave equations for strings, open, and closed pipes. Does anyone have any mnemonics or tips to help with this?

As far as the probabilities, I am pretty sure that adding would be rare. I mean, if they ask you the proportion of the population that is homozygous dominant and heterozygous, you would have to add the p^2 and 2pq, but other than that example, it's usually multiplication. And if I am wrong, someone please correct me, haha.

I just remember that when both ends are open or both ends are closed then lamda is equal to 2L/n and n is the number of nodes (both ends are in the same state)..........there isn't really a mnemonic but the way I remember it is both ends are in the same state then the number is 2 because they are two ends and they are in the same state

but when only one end is open and the other end is closed then lamda is equal to 4L/n
¸

I thought I wasn't going to feel nervous for this test, but now I am starting to feel nauseous because it's just 3 days away.

Originally Posted by Alongs50

Id say understand the harmonics and how to put in "n" for the lamnba and freq equations. know how medium effects and frequency is constant. amplitude wavelength and all the definitional ****e.


.. does anyone know under what circumstance do we add probabilities for genetics stuff?

multiply when all situations have to occur together. add when?

okay here is how it works
you only use the p2+2pq+q2 when you have equilibrium which means q+p=1 and equilibrium occurs only under 5 conditions : 1-large population 2-no mutation 3- no genetic drift , etc...

as for the multiplication rule and addition rules, you add the probabilities when it's either or(they do not occur together) .... and you multiply the probability when both occur together
for example: if they ask what's the probability that the plant will be tall or white , that's when you add the probability.............but when they ask what's the probability that the plant will be tall and white, you multiply the probability

I hope this makes sense

Originally Posted by acciouno

Can't believe we're taking the exam in 3 days. How's everyone doing so far?

AHH! Don't remind me. My mom keeps saying "In 3 days you will be free! Aren't you excited?"

And I'm just like this

This me:
- Today: finish re-reading TPR Bio, then reread notes I took on TBR physics/chem/orgo. Re-read the chapters I feel iffy about - like Fluids, Circuits, Solution Chemistry, Themodynamics, Oxygen-containing compounds.
- Tomorrow AAMC 11 at 2 p.m., then review the test, go to sleep early.
- Wednesday - review slightly until 5 p.m. then relax - watch movie maybe?

I hope all the reviewing I'm going to be doing today doesn't burn me out....

I'm just really nervous because I haven't gotten above a 30 yet... I just hope I pull up my highest scores on all 3 sections or more
PS range = 8-10; 10 mode
VS range = 7-10; 9 mode
BS range = 7-10; 9 mode

How is everyone doing their final reviews?

Originally Posted by breeniee

AHH! Don't remind me. My mom keeps saying "In 3 days you will be free! Aren't you excited?"

And I'm just like this

This me:
- Today: finish re-reading TPR Bio, then reread notes I took on TBR physics/chem/orgo. Re-read the chapters I feel iffy about - like Fluids, Circuits, Solution Chemistry, Themodynamics, Oxygen-containing compounds.
- Tomorrow AAMC 11 at 2 p.m., then review the test, go to sleep early.
- Wednesday - review slightly until 5 p.m. then relax - watch movie maybe?

I hope all the reviewing I'm going to be doing today doesn't burn me out....

I'm just really nervous because I haven't gotten above a 30 yet... I just hope I pull up my highest scores on all 3 sections or more
PS range = 8-10; 10 mode
VS range = 7-10; 9 mode
BS range = 7-10; 9 mode

How is everyone doing their final reviews?

-Bio and Physics review today
-aamc 9 and verbal tomorrow
-formula sheet on wednesday and will probably stop studying at 8 and just go get ice cream or something lol

Today: Review all Ochem and biology flashcards and notes.
Tomorrow: Review GChem and Physics flashcards. Do AAMC 8 PS section and review.
Wednesday: Review formula sheets and hormones. Relax in the evening.

Originally Posted by rorogena88

-Bio and Physics review today
-aamc 9 and verbal tomorrow
-formula sheet on wednesday and will probably stop studying at 8 and just go get ice cream or something lol

Yay for ice cream!

Originally Posted by rubisco88

Today: Review all Ochem and biology flashcards and notes.
Tomorrow: Review GChem and Physics flashcards. Do AAMC 8 PS section and review.
Wednesday: Review formula sheets and hormones. Relax in the evening.

My friend gave me her Biology flashcards.... too bad I can't read a word that she wrote or else I'd probably be doing your approach haha

Today: Take brief notes on some physics and gchem topics I'm still iffy on, and skim bio.
Tomorrow: Go over PS and BS of all AAMCs (or at least of the most recent, depending on my motivation). Maybe do a writing sample?
Wednesday: Drive to the testing center, get tired under the sun at the wild animal park, run errands, review my post-game notebook, and listen to relaxing instrumental music before bed (lyrics get stuck in my head way too easily).
Thursday: Pray to Allah, Yahweh, and the Great Singularity that all goes smoothly for all of us.

Ooh yeah, and ice cream sounds good, too.

Originally Posted by breeniee

AHH! Don't remind me. My mom keeps saying "In 3 days you will be free! Aren't you excited?"

And I'm just like this

This me:
- Today: finish re-reading TPR Bio, then reread notes I took on TBR physics/chem/orgo. Re-read the chapters I feel iffy about - like Fluids, Circuits, Solution Chemistry, Themodynamics, Oxygen-containing compounds.
- Tomorrow AAMC 11 at 2 p.m., then review the test, go to sleep early.
- Wednesday - review slightly until 5 p.m. then relax - watch movie maybe?

I hope all the reviewing I'm going to be doing today doesn't burn me out....

I'm just really nervous because I haven't gotten above a 30 yet... I just hope I pull up my highest scores on all 3 sections or more
PS range = 8-10; 10 mode
VS range = 7-10; 9 mode
BS range = 7-10; 9 mode

How is everyone doing their final reviews?

AAMC 10 today (finished PS and VR), followed by EK101.
AAMC 11 tomorrow followed by EK101.

EK101 Wednesday and maybe a review of meiosis.

Originally Posted by makinglists

Today: Take brief notes on some physics and gchem topics I'm still iffy on, and skim bio.
Tomorrow: Go over PS and BS of all AAMCs (or at least of the most recent, depending on my motivation). Maybe do a writing sample?
Wednesday: Drive to the testing center, get tired under the sun at the wild animal park, run errands, review my post-game notebook, and listen to relaxing instrumental music before bed (lyrics get stuck in my head way too easily).
Thursday: Pray to Allah, Yahweh, and the Great Singularity that all goes smoothly for all of us.

Ooh yeah, and ice cream sounds good, too.

Writing sample! ZOMG I totally forgot about that section.... Maybe I'll read the economist tomorrow night and Wednesday for some fresh ideas to incorporate. Last time, I took the MCAT all I talked about was Apple (because I used to work for them) and technology whether the prompt mentioned it or not... It got me a Q but I don't think I can pull it off again, haha.

I love those high-fiving smilies!

Originally Posted by Recoil

AAMC 10 today (finished PS and VR), followed by EK101.
AAMC 11 tomorrow followed by EK101.

EK101 Wednesday and maybe a review of meiosis.

Good luck on those!

Last time I wrote i had all these historical and political situations pretty much committed to memory. None of which I could even remotely apply to the two prompts.
One I ended up comparing Harvard and my own University of Toronto. The other was pretty much a comparison of Rise Against and the Beatles. Worked out well for me at least.

Originally Posted by breeniee

Writing sample! ZOMG I totally forgot about that section.... Maybe I'll read the economist tomorrow night and Wednesday for some fresh ideas to incorporate. Last time, I took the MCAT all I talked about was Apple (because I used to work for them) and technology whether the prompt mentioned it or not... It got me a Q but I don't think I can pull it off again, haha.

I love those high-fiving smilies!



Good luck on those!

Anyone else's desk look like this? lol

Originally Posted by SamyLSF

Anyone else's desk look like this? lol

I used electronic flashcards using a software called "ANKI"
it saved me a lot of time

Originally Posted by rorogena88

I used electronic flashcards using a software called "ANKI"
it saved me a lot of time

Eh I tried that, it doesnt work well for stuff where you have to draw. Like mirrors and electric fields. Plus the notecards have been done for a while. I'm making equation sheets basically and then making sure I understand the concept behind the equations and not just the equation itself.

What I should be doing is improving my VR section... But I can't fit 3 years of reading things I don't like or care about in 3 days haha!

Originally Posted by rorogena88

I just remember that when both ends are open or both ends are closed then lamda is equal to 2L/n and n is the number of nodes (both ends are in the same state)..........there isn't really a mnemonic but the way I remember it is both ends are in the same state then the number is 2 because they are two ends and they are in the same state

but when only one end is open and the other end is closed then lamda is equal to 4L/n
¸

Dude! That is brilliant, I am sure to remember it now. Talk about a clutch save, thanks!!

It seems like a lot of folks are studying on Wednesday. That seems really strange to me, as I hear from almost everyone that resting the day before is absolutely essential. I can barely focus now, being so burnt out. Today I am going to do one EK VR passage, and one tomorrow. That, some audio osmosis while I watch SC2, and maybe some flashcards here and there...

I'm gonna order some food to the library..

Only thing close really is Domino's, any suggestions???

Just got done with #11 on my BIRTHDAY (so mad about that...). I got a 37

14 in PS, 11 in Verbal, 12 in BS. Two of the BS passages had me like....huh?

That was my last practice test. So, here's how I've done (all AAMC's):

#3 :31
#8: 32
#4: 34
#5: 34
#10: 36
#11: 37

Average: 34

Hopefully the test goes similar. Though, I am worried about reading figures on BS sections. Why the hell do they have to be so confusing?

Originally Posted by rockafella12

It seems like a lot of folks are studying on Wednesday. That seems really strange to me, as I hear from almost everyone that resting the day before is absolutely essential. I can barely focus now, being so burnt out. Today I am going to do one EK VR passage, and one tomorrow. That, some audio osmosis while I watch SC2, and maybe some flashcards here and there...

I'm planning on resting. Might even go to the movies

The curve on AAMC 10 is definitely pretty harsh. I would think 37/40 can get me better than a 12 :/

Can anyone try to simplify the female reproductive system for me?
I just keep getting confused as to what the LH does and what the FSH does and with all the different processes

This is how I see it:
it starts with the FSH which promotes the development of the follical.. the follical then produces estrogen which will trigger the release of LH..LH will then trigger ovulation and the ovum is released from the ovary.. at this point, LH induces the development of the corpus luteum which secretes progesterone and estrogen..the uterus wall thickens and is ready for implantation and if no implantation occurs,then the uterus sheds its lining and this is the menstrual period...If the egg gets fertilized then it goes through three stages, 1- Morula 2-Blastula 3-gastrula and this is when the 3 germ layers are developing......


Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis: Both start before birth when cells start to differentiate. females have all their primary oocyte before birth but males can keep making more primary oocytes through mitosis ....females produce viable eggs only after puberty.... Meiosis 1 starts after puberty for males and meiosis one ends before birth in the females... Meiosis 2 occurs after puberty and until death in males...... Meiosis 2 occurs only during fertilization in females ........the result is 4 haploid sperm cells for males and 1 haploid ovum for females


am I correct?

Today: AAMC 11
Tomorrow: Review AAMC 11 and do a full comprehensive review
Wednesday: Drive 6 hours to my testing site.
Thursday: Get owned really, really hard.

It really doesn't help that my ISP decided to cut my internet for the week before my test.

Originally Posted by TheShaker

Today: AAMC 11
Tomorrow: Review AAMC 11 and do a full comprehensive review
Wednesday: Drive 6 hours to my testing site.
Thursday: Get owned really, really hard.

It really doesn't help that my ISP decided to cut my internet for the week before my test.

Good luck on AAMC 11!

Am I the only one that is sooo lazy and burned out studying today? ;(

I don't see many people taking AAMC 9. Is it not helpful?

Originally Posted by acciouno

Am I the only one that is sooo lazy and burned out studying today? ;(

Heh... that was me all last week. Crunch time now! I'm been reviewing on mcat-review.org because I'm getting sick of reading my own notes and the textbook. I realized that I like reading things I haven't seen before or else I get bored really quickly. Maybe you can try it? But if you're really REALLY feeling burnt out maybe you should rest

Originally Posted by rorogena88

Can anyone try to simplify the female reproductive system for me?
I just keep getting confused as to what the LH does and what the FSH does and with all the different processes

This is how I see it:
it starts with the FSH which promotes the development of the follical.. the follical then produces estrogen which will trigger the release of LH..LH will then trigger ovulation and the ovum is released from the ovary.. at this point, LH induces the development of the corpus luteum which secretes progesterone and estrogen..the uterus wall thickens and is ready for implantation and if no implantation occurs,then the uterus sheds its lining and this is the menstrual period...If the egg gets fertilized then it goes through three stages, 1- Morula 2-Blastula 3-gastrula and this is when the 3 germ layers are developing......


Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis: Both start before birth when cells start to differentiate. females have all their primary oocyte before birth but males can keep making more primary oocytes through mitosis ....females produce viable eggs only after puberty.... Meiosis 1 starts after puberty for males and meiosis one ends before birth in the females... Meiosis 2 occurs after puberty and until death in males...... Meiosis 2 occurs only during fertilization in females ........the result is 4 haploid sperm cells for males and 1 haploid ovum for females


am I correct?

Originally Posted by rorogena88

Can anyone try to simplify the female reproductive system for me?
I just keep getting confused as to what the LH does and what the FSH does and with all the different processes

This is how I see it:
it starts with the FSH which promotes the development of the follical.. the follical then produces estrogen which will trigger the release of LH..LH will then trigger ovulation and the ovum is released from the ovary.. at this point, LH induces the development of the corpus luteum which secretes progesterone and estrogen..the uterus wall thickens and is ready for implantation and if no implantation occurs,then the uterus sheds its lining and this is the menstrual period...If the egg gets fertilized then it goes through three stages, 1- Morula 2-Blastula 3-gastrula and this is when the 3 germ layers are developing......


Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis: Both start before birth when cells start to differentiate. females have all their primary oocyte before birth but males can keep making more primary oocytes through mitosis ....females produce viable eggs only after puberty.... Meiosis 1 starts after puberty for males and meiosis one ends before birth in the females... Meiosis 2 occurs after puberty and until death in males...... Meiosis 2 occurs only during fertilization in females ........the result is 4 haploid sperm cells for males and 1 haploid ovum for females


am I correct?

GnRH stimulates the release of LH and FSH.
LH and FSH stimulate:
1) oocyte development ....follicles grow (Day 1)
2) estrogen release from the ovaries.

-Estrogen stimulates uterine lining development, making it thicker.
-Rising levels of estrogen inhibit both LH and FSH. But when estrogen levels get VERY high (~ Day12), suddenly the negative feedback is reversed, there's a positive feedback in the hypothalamus and you see an increase in both LH (large amounts) and FSH levels.
-This increase in LH level (reaches its peak ~Day 14) triggers ovulation (mature follicle ruptures and moves from ovaries to fallopian tube). [you're right this is where the egg becomes haploid, one leaves the ovary, the other half remains].
-The residual follicle stays in the ovary, turns into corpus luteum which ends up secreting estrogen and progesterone.
-These hormones again maintain the uterine wall (preparing it in case there is gonna be implantation ) for the next two weeks (i.e. up until Day 28), and also start inhibiting LH and FSH.
-With the decline of LH, corpus luteum degenerates --> stops secreting estrogen and progesterone --> uterine wall crumbles and is sloughed off --> menstruation (~Day 28)

It's my understanding that both LH and FSH stimulate the growth (maturation) of follicles, and tell ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone
LH also triggers rupture (ovulation), and maintains corpus luteum.
If implantation occurs, hCG will take over LH's role of maintaing corpus luteum, who will keep producing estrogen and progestrone, who will in tunrn inhibit LH and FSH....which is why during pregnancy LH and FSH are kept low.

I hope that made sense!

Originally Posted by acciouno

Am I the only one that is sooo lazy and burned out studying today? ;(

Yep. I am totally brain roasted.

I'm getting crazzy...I took Kaplan practice tests. I was increasing my score constantly until recently.
Kap diagn: 24
Kap test 1: 26
k2: 27
k7: 29
K3: 31
k4: 25 (I got really distracted during this test)
k6: 29
K10: 21
K11: 21
K5: 28
K8: 26 (did really worse on the VB--6, back to square one where I started!!!)

I'm getting psyched don't know how I'll do on the test that's only 3 days from now.
I took the AAMC tests, which are much easier than KAP I think... but then again, I'm retaking MCAT, so I remember some/most (idk) of the questions from last time that I was prepping.
I can't seem to predict how I'll do on test day. It seems like it is all a mess!
What do you guys think?

Originally Posted by MedicalAuthor

Good luck on AAMC 11!

Wow, that PS section was like taking a mental math test!

Originally Posted by JiniInBottle

I'm getting crazzy...I took Kaplan practice tests. I was increasing my score constantly until recently.
Kap diagn: 24
Kap test 1: 26
k2: 27
k7: 29
K3: 31
k4: 25 (I got really distracted during this test)
k6: 29
K10: 21
K11: 21
K5: 28
K8: 26 (did really worse on the VB--6, back to square one where I started!!!)

I'm getting psyched don't know how I'll do on the test that's only 3 days from now.
I took the AAMC tests, which are much easier than KAP I think... but then again, I'm retaking MCAT, so I remember some/most (idk) of the questions from last time that I was prepping.
I can't seem to predict how I'll do on test day. It seems like it is all a mess!
What do you guys think?

Definitely throw out 10 and 11. A lot of people tend to avoid those two tests since they're so ridiculous. I started to take #8 this morning but gave up. Nearly every passage drove me crazy. If you have time, I highly recommend 9. I found it very similar to the AAMCs. The only thing I disliked about it was the curve was too lenient and PS lacked calculation questions.

Originally Posted by TheShaker

Wow, that PS section was like taking a mental math test!

Ugh, yeah I just finished the PS section... Not feeling good about it.

I am seriously going to cry. Just took AAMC 11 - 13, 8, 12. I was one point away from a 9. I feel like crying.

Originally Posted by TheShaker

Wow, that PS section was like taking a mental math test!

Ahh.... now I'm scared to take that tomorrow! I don't do well in calculation-heavy MCAT's...How do you guys keep your cool and not run out of time doing them?

Just finished aamc 11, got a 32! Breakdown was 11, 9, and 12. I'm happy with the biological sciences section definitely, but I'm kicking myself for the PS section. Definitely should have scored higher.

Originally Posted by breeniee

Ahh.... now I'm scared to take that tomorrow! I don't do well in calculation-heavy MCAT's...How do you guys keep your cool and not run out of time doing them?

Honestly? I kind of got a little freaked out during aamc 11 and I would say that calculations are some of my strong points. There were some pretty ridiculous equations they wanted you to remember, I definitely need to brush up on angular frequency and velocity

Have honestly wasted last 2-3 days! Been feeling ridiculously tired and mentally exhausted. Worked through some weaknesses but, not to satisfaction. It has been really hard getting sleep at night.. Exam is in 2 days wow! That is freaking scaryyyyyyyy! LOL

Anybody else waiting to submit their AMCAS till after they take the MCAT? I definitely want to apply this cycle, but will waiting a couple of days make a difference upon when they verify the application?

Originally Posted by ATL2123

Anybody else waiting to submit their AMCAS till after they take the MCAT? I definitely want to apply this cycle, but will waiting a couple of days make a difference upon when they verify the application?

I started my application and sent out my transcripts but I have not submitted the application yet
it's too time consuming and I wanted to stay focused on the mcat..I don't think a few days will make a big difference

Originally Posted by ATL2123

Anybody else waiting to submit their AMCAS till after they take the MCAT? I definitely want to apply this cycle, but will waiting a couple of days make a difference upon when they verify the application?

I'm waiting to submit mine as well. I don't think it would make that much difference. Plus, there's usually a time limit on supplementary apps that you receive right after that.

I just want to take a break after the test....

Originally Posted by ATL2123

Anybody else waiting to submit their AMCAS till after they take the MCAT? I definitely want to apply this cycle, but will waiting a couple of days make a difference upon when they verify the application?

I still have to finish my PS and didn't want to cut into MCAT study. Plus I'm in quarter system so my spring grades (which were awesome) don't post on my transcript till end of June.

most schools won't look at ur app till its complete and it will take a month to get MCAT scores in anyways, so i don't see being "late" as a big deal.

Sent from my Galaxy S2 via tapatalk

Originally Posted by breeniee

Ahh.... now I'm scared to take that tomorrow! I don't do well in calculation-heavy MCAT's...How do you guys keep your cool and not run out of time doing them?

I don't.