January 2013 study group!!! :d

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Goals of the Day
Luminosity-Done
Review FL-Done
Redo VR section with timing-- I need to get VR down to a steady 8 or higher asap.
Do Bio F.S. questions-Done
Review PR physics chap 5-Done
Do corresponding F.S. questions.-Done
Do my daily reading of orgo and physiology from mcat-review-Done
To review Physics and Gen Chem I am now decided to flip through 2 chaps in the PR books of each daily.

Today
1) I will do 2 chapters of organic chem ( I got 5 Og Qs wrong on FL R8) Stupid Organic.
I have to improve my Bio section from a 9 to and 11,
2) Re do my FL R8 verbal and review it inside out, Verbal is my worst section
3) Review all Physics formulas inside out , I also need to improve my timing any advice on how to improve my timing will be thankful.

By the way I felt really bad for the kids who got killed. I hated that people do such a thing.

Originally Posted by adrakdavra

Today
1) I will do 2 chapters of organic chem ( I got 5 Og Qs wrong on FL R8) Stupid Organic.
I have to improve my Bio section from a 9 to and 11,
2) Re do my FL R8 verbal and review it inside out, Verbal is my worst section
3) Review all Physics formulas inside out , I also need to improve my timing any advice on how to improve my timing will be thankful.

By the way I felt really bad for the kids who got killed. I hate that people do such a thing.

I usually have abt 15 mins left on timing for PS and 30 for BS.
I usually do the FS questions first then do the chem ( gen chem/orgo) passages ( that is the easier subject imo) than I do the physics/ bio passages...... I do the PS and BS section out of order I first glimpse at the passages and if I do not have an idea I go on to the next one. The same with BS yesterday during AAMC 8 there was one passage that blow my mind away after I read the entire passages so I decided to NOT answer the question even though I did read the entire passage and come back to the passage after I finish the the other passages. After I finish the other passages I come back to the passage reread the entire passage and attempted the questions..

I think you may have trouble with timing because you are not familiar with the language.... I am thankfully I did content with PR for that reason.... PR familarize you with MCAT language. Kaplan may explain better and be easier to comprehend but PR exposes you to AAMC MCAT lingo , which helps alot....

I am not the best at the MCAT but my top score which I recieved yesterday from AAMC 8 was a 26 10PS/7 VR I miss the 8 by one fing question/ 9 BS.

thanks for ur respond , I am not sure what do you mean by (I think you may have trouble with timing because you are not familiar with the language)
I did a lot of passages but I never timed myself, so now when i am under time pressure i am just not used to it, I also have a problem with the numbers, for example i am used to 1-6 or 6-12 as two passages but when i did the FL i got lost by 53 - 57 as the first passage of the VR, and 95 the first question on the BS.
and my biggest problem is guessing on a hard question, i know i spend 3 min on one question because it was super hard and I still got it wrong. i just feel like if i skip something or not been sure about a question i keep thinking about while doing the other questions ... these are my observation for the last two weeks .. I really need to finish on time or even before time.

Originally Posted by adrakdavra

thanks for ur respond , I am not sure what do you mean by (I think you may have trouble with timing because you are not familiar with the language)
I did a lot of passages but I never timed myself, so now when i am under time pressure i am just not used to it, I also have a problem with the numbers, for example i am used to 1-6 or 6-12 as two passages but when i did the FL i got lost by 53 - 57 as the first passage of the VR, and 95 the first question on the BS.
and my biggest problem is guessing on a hard question, i know i spend 3 min on one question because it was super hard and I still got it wrong. i just feel like if i skip something or not been sure about a question i keep thinking about while doing the other questions ... these are my observation for the last two weeks .. I really need to finish on time or even before time.

Forget abt the language thing than, all I can say is you need to practice more FLs.... I do NOT time my practice passages for BS VR or PS all I do is time my FLs but I am still able to get done on time, I had trouble with VR but I am getting better at it.

And it sounds more like you need to focus more. Eating a banana during break and pulling on my hair while taking the test helps me.
You need to find an activity to do while taking the test to ground you maybe pull on your hair or stomp you feet, or tap the table.

looool @ (Eating a banana) during break and pulling on my hair while taking the test helps me,
I do not have much hair to pull on lol, I can dance on the chair while taking it that will keep me active

Goals of the Day

Luminosity-Done

1 VR passages--- 4/6

PR physics passages-Done I completed all the PR physics passages I am 83 % done with the PR amplifier I need to be 100% done before X-Mas.

Watch 2 Bozeman Physiology vids.

Tutor some Gen Chem concepts--- This is part of the FREE tutoring I am giving in the PS and BS section because I feel tutoring will help me strengthen what I know and figure out what I do not know.... If anyone wants me to help them in PS and BS PM me. My highest score for PS is a 10 from AAMC 8 and my BS has been a 9 on two AAMC FL so far.

damn just took like 4 days off, had to see my favorite band play 3 times last week . Time to hit hard again tomorrow.

First full length practice in September: 28
Second full length practice in October: 27 (I don't remember the breakdown on these ones)

third full length practice today: 32 (9PS, 11VR, 12BS)

Gotta say I'm stoked to see that much improvement and to finally hit over 30, although I won't feel too confident until I consistently score this high on these full lengths.

I felt a bit slow at the start and actually ran out of time on the physical sciences section...I thought I would have scored lower than a 9 but there were a lot of passages on electricity/circuits/EM waves, and I JUST finished up my physics II undergrad course last week, so I'm guessing I did well on those.

This was by far the most confident I have felt on a VR full length section...I specifically attacked the easier-looking passages first, and I think this warmed me up a bit to be able to survive the more difficult passages. I felt extremely focused and for the first time didn't run out of time during VR.

Bio sciences hit a lot of topics I am very confident with, especially genetics (I just finished up my undergrad genetics course as well). Finished with a good 10 minutes to review my answers, and found 3 silly mistakes I had made at the beginning of the section.


Time to keep going over my weaker concepts and keep on practicing passages!
Hope the rest of you are having a successful MCAT day as well

Originally Posted by YouNeverKnow22

damn just took like 4 days off, had to see my favorite band play 3 times last week . Time to hit hard again tomorrow.

Same, I've been taking off because of finals. Always nice to take a little break from this damn exam.

Originally Posted by mr chievous

Same, I've been taking off because of finals. Always nice to take a little break from this damn exam.

I gotta take that AAMC 4 I was supposed to take last week

lol you were studying for finals while I went and saw DMB 3 times, I feel like a slacker.

Hello Everyone!
I hope you all's studying is going well. I was wondering how many of you are visual learners and if so, in what ways do you effectively study and learn the material. I am planning on taking the Jan. 26th administration, and would like to increase my scores 4-5 points in each section. Please feel to PM if you would like.

Originally Posted by mamacitamd

Hello Everyone!
I hope you all's studying is going well. I was wondering how many of you are visual learners and if so, in what ways do you effectively study and learn the material. I am planning on taking the Jan. 26th administration, and would like to increase my scores 4-5 points in each section. Please feel to PM if you would like.

watching videos helps me, I also make like weird flow charts in my notes when I study to help remember stuff.

Originally Posted by YouNeverKnow22

watching videos helps me, I also make like weird flow charts in my notes when I study to help remember stuff.

Flow charts are a good idea, dude!

Goals of the Day
Verbal Passage-Done I forgot the percentage.
Luminosity- I do it when I go back to the lib later.
Finish the rest of Gen Chem Passages- Only have 4 more.
Review the sciences


My internet is down today, so I have to go to the lib for internet.

Just took Kaplan FL 3 and made a 24 - PS 10/ VR 6/ BS 8 FML

Originally Posted by shushumiga

Just took Kaplan FL 3 and made a 24 - PS 10/ VR 6/ BS 8 FML

Keep your head up, dude! You've still got lots of time to improve. Use this as a learning experience. Spend ALL of tomorrow analyzing and practicing problems that you had trouble with, even if it was a silly mistake. When you approach the questions a second time, see if you can answer it correctly before looking at the solutions. See if you choose a different answer than the first time. Make sure you understand each concept completely and fully. I watch tons of videos during my reviews and then find practice problems online. I spent like 1 hour on Normality during a review. On my second test, I was confident in what I had learned prior and got the answer right.

Just remember, learning your weaknesses and improving on them is the reason why you do these practice FL. You can do this! Just stay dedicated!

Goals of the Day
Luminosity-Done
Bio Passages--Done they were physiology so I get murdered. I have to reread physiology sections.
Done.
Verbal Test PR 2-- Done got a 24/40 since PR verbal would be consider a hard AAMC verbal test This would be an 8. --- Going to redo the test tomorrow and see what happens.

Hi everyone. I have been kind of just stalking this trend for a while. But anyways I'm having lots of trouble with verbal reasoning. It seemed like I had it before (was scoring 10's on EK 1001) but after a few weeks focusing on other topics I am back to a 6 range and cant even remember what I read!

I am not sure if I'm burned out or what. Just wondering what everyone else is doing for verbal. If you have any hints or clues I would love to try them!

Originally Posted by menogo

Hi everyone. I have been kind of just stalking this trend for a while. But anyways I'm having lots of trouble with verbal reasoning. It seemed like I had it before (was scoring 10's on EK 1001) but after a few weeks focusing on other topics I am back to a 6 range and cant even remember what I read!

I am not sure if I'm burned out or what. Just wondering what everyone else is doing for verbal. If you have any hints or clues I would love to try them!

If you were scoring 10s before, it sounds like you're burned out. If you don't 100% focus, your score will suffer. Try to take another test when you feel your mind is clear.

Hey peeps!

jan 26 MCAT-er here. I love this 'today's goal' keeping e/o motivated thing going on here. Without delaying further lemme jump on this bandwagon.

Orgo hydrocarbon and substitution EK make condensed notes and do probs
Verbal 3 psgs- done
Physics fluids and solids condensed notes and in chap probs.

If i have time finish up yesterdays work: Bio respiration Condense notes and in chap psg.

Hope i can finish it.

I took a TBR FL , and I found the PS sciences part to be harder than AAMC , did anyone face the same experience, and they had a passage all about colors but not enough Information in the passage to go back and solve the problems , what chapter in PHY or Chem that talking in depth about colors. and I am not taking about wavelength stuff, for example
Color can be observed when all of the following are exposed to white light EXCEPT:

A. conjugated π-systems
B. transition metal complexes.
C. saturated fatty acids
D. highly substituted benzene compounds.
and
Which of the following materials exhibits reflected color?

A. Fireworks
B. Charcoal
C. Glow-in-the-dark paint
D. Fabric dyes

I've been KILLIN it today on passages on every subject, not missing more than 1 question if any, but now I feel like I'm getting sick

Originally Posted by YouNeverKnow22

I've been KILLIN it today on passages on every subject, not missing more than 1 question if any, but now I feel like I'm getting sick

CONGRATS on the passages.... and feel better soon.

Originally Posted by YouNeverKnow22

I've been KILLIN it today on passages on every subject, not missing more than 1 question if any, but now I feel like I'm getting sick

NICE! Keep up the good work. As for sickness... Zinc and oranges. GO!

I got the flu last week, dude. I lost 2 full days, but it was much closer to 3 or 4. Blah. Watch your stress level!!! Cortisol is out to get us alllll. lol

finally done with finals then my computer decided to crap out on me. gonna have to get a new one now. fml. just gonna stick to my study plan and hope for the best. it's time I get this annoying pest out of my life

For those of you taking the exam in Texas, do you remember if the there was an Austin, TX testing spot available for Wednesday 1/24 OR Saturday 1/27 2013 dates?

Since everything closed already, I do not know if they offer an Austin testing site on the Jan 2013 dates. Can anyone confirm for me if there is an Austin site on 1/27? I'm trying to change into that date but I do not want to keep refreshing if the Austin site was not offered in the first place.

Originally Posted by maybemed2013

CONGRATS on the passages.... and feel better soon.

Originally Posted by jeffs office

NICE! Keep up the good work. As for sickness... Zinc and oranges. GO!

I got the flu last week, dude. I lost 2 full days, but it was much closer to 3 or 4. Blah. Watch your stress level!!! Cortisol is out to get us alllll. lol

thanks guys, feel a little better now, nasty head cold...gonna try and bang out 3-4 passages before callin it a day!

Originally Posted by adrakdavra

I took a TBR FL , and I found the PS sciences part to be harder than AAMC , did anyone face the same experience, and they had a passage all about colors but not enough Information in the passage to go back and solve the problems , what chapter in PHY or Chem that talking in depth about colors. and I am not taking about wavelength stuff, for example
Color can be observed when all of the following are exposed to white light EXCEPT:

A. conjugated π-systems
B. transition metal complexes.
C. saturated fatty acids
D. highly substituted benzene compounds.
and
Which of the following materials exhibits reflected color?

A. Fireworks
B. Charcoal
C. Glow-in-the-dark paint
D. Fabric dyes

Doooooood! When you find out, will you let me know?

Originally Posted by adrakdavra

Which of the following materials exhibits reflected color?

A. Fireworks
B. Charcoal
C. Glow-in-the-dark paint
D. Fabric dyes

No idea what chapter that stuff is in, but let me guess, the answer to this one is D?

Reflected color would be a feature of a substance with a chromatic reflectance curve, and A, B, and C are all orange/red/yellow/green or whatever because their emitting light at those wavelengths. Fireworks and charcoal are burning, so you have photons at particular wavelengths being emitted there, and a chemical reaction is occurring in the GITD paint causing release of photons at a particular wavelength as well. Charcoal is a particularly good example, because without being on fire it's black (achromatic reflectance), and fabric dyes clearly aren't burning or undergoing some constant chemical reaction, so their color is result of selective reflectance.

Ta da!

Today's Goals
Luminosity-Done
Redo and Review PR VR 2 Test--- I could not review the test I been feeling down lately and it interfering with my concentration.
Orgo Passages-Done with all of Orgo amplifire hw from PR... PR orgo is way too extreme just like their physiology.
Do some content review-- To be done later.

uh jinxed myself, haven't gotten out of bed all day

got 34 on practice today (13/9/12)

extremely stoked. im ready to finish this

Originally Posted by audigq

got 34 on practice today (13/9/12)

extremely stoked. im ready to finish this

Great job! I'm taking my 4th full length tomorrow. My previous scores were 28, 27, and 32 (the 32 was ~5 days ago.. 9PS/11VR/12BS). Lets hope I continue to see an upward trend

Which practice test did you take?

Originally Posted by Rob Biomed

Great job! I'm taking my 4th full length tomorrow. My previous scores were 28, 27, and 32 (the 32 was ~5 days ago.. 9PS/11VR/12BS). Lets hope I continue to see an upward trend

Which practice test did you take?

kaplan 4

Originally Posted by maybemed2013

Today's Goals
Luminosity-Done
Redo and Review PR VR 2 Test
Orgo Passages-Done with all of Orgo amplifire hw from PR... PR orgo is way too extreme just like their physiology.
Do some content review

I guess that makes me feel somewhat better- I get a good chunk of these questions wrong even when I know the material and get it right in FL and some of TBR passages :/

took kaplan 5 and got 25 (9/7/9)

only waited like 2 hours after kaplan fl 4 to take this one. must be cuz i was tired

Originally Posted by audigq

took kaplan 5 and got 25 (9/7/9)

only waited like 2 hours after kaplan fl 4 to take this one. must be cuz i was tired

Why would you take 2 FL's in one day? Not smart bro.

Originally Posted by YouNeverKnow22

Why would you take 2 FL's in one day? Not smart bro.

gotta make up for my lazyness during school. besides we dont have alot of time left so i want as much practice as possible

Originally Posted by adrakdavra

I took a TBR FL , and I found the PS sciences part to be harder than AAMC , did anyone face the same experience, and they had a passage all about colors but not enough Information in the passage to go back and solve the problems , what chapter in PHY or Chem that talking in depth about colors. and I am not taking about wavelength stuff, for example
Color can be observed when all of the following are exposed to white light EXCEPT:

A. conjugated π-systems
B. transition metal complexes.
C. saturated fatty acids
D. highly substituted benzene compounds.

I think that all they want you to know here is what grease looks like. Ans: C
(although benzene is not colored, the substituents should be.

Color = absorbency, which usually results in fun bright colors. Absorbance happens because of fun orbitals from conjugated double bonds or metals. Saturated fatty acids have neither.

I just took the AAMC 3, (12,13,13). I assume this is because this is a relatively easy practice test?

I got a 36 on the Kaplan diag. I plan to take the rest of the AAMC's in order (for lack of a better plan). I am a bit of an orgo expert and love to answer questions if anyone has one.

Taking the Jan. 26 exam.

Originally Posted by audigq

gotta make up for my lazyness during school. besides we dont have alot of time left so i want as much practice as possible

haha, I mean there's still plenty of time to take a FL, review, take another FL (rinse and repeat). Taking 2 in one day won't help, just a waste of a test IMO.

Originally Posted by plumazul

I just took the AAMC 3, (12,13,13). I assume this is because this is a relatively easy practice test?

I got a 36 on the Kaplan diag. I plan to take the rest of the AAMC's in order (for lack of a better plan). I am a bit of an orgo expert and love to answer questions if anyone has one.

Taking the Jan. 26 exam.

hey! didn't you do research at Wash U this summer? how'd ya like it?

Originally Posted by YouNeverKnow22

hey! didn't you do research at Wash U this summer? how'd ya like it?

I loved it. Everything was wonderful, but it made summer go by so fast.

Originally Posted by plumazul

I loved it. Everything was wonderful, but it made summer go by so fast.

Agreed, I love it as well, got to explore St. Louis quite a bit and made a bunch of friends that were MS1's and MS2's,definitely made it one of my top choices going into next cycle .

Today's Goal
Luminosity-Done
PR Verbal Passage-Done had a 4/6
Finish PR Physics F.S.-- Only finish half of it. I get to it next time.
Content Review--Doing now.

I just found out that my mom has decided to send my brother to live in GA due to his behavioral issues so I am going to be at my cousins house longer than expected.

My Goal of the day is to do as much as possible so I can understand spermatogenesis and oogenesis looool.

Originally Posted by adrakdavra

My Goal of the day is to do as much as possible so I can understand spermatogenesis and oogenesis looool.

Do you guys know of any sites for videos on spermatogenesis and oogenesis , pregnancy hormonal regulations, meiosis and mitosis?

kaplan 7
31 (10/9/12)

looks like that rest did me well

Just finished another FL, it was either Kaplan or AAMC practice test #4...I'm not sure which because I opened it via my Kaplan MCAT on demand program but it brought me to the AAMC website?

Regardless, I got a 31 (11/10/10)...Good to see that my 32 (9/11/12) the other day wasn't necessarily a fluke, and this is the first time I've scored above 10 in all sections. I thought the ochem passages within the BS section were, compared to my other practice tests, really hard! I aced the physics section other than some periodic motion and waves questions, but struggled with some of the gen chem topics.

Also, I took way too much time on the first VR passages and had 15min remaining for the last 3 passages (which were also the hardest), so I'll take a 10 out of a situation like that...

I'd say I need to focus on chemistry/ochem and managing my time during VR.