Breaking Down the MCAT: A 3 Month MCAT Study Schedule

[SN2ed]

Written by SN2ed.

Downloadable MCAT Calendar iCAL and XML versions: http://www.studentdoctor.net/3-month-mcat-study-schedule/
(Click the events for more details)

Everyone please keep the questions to this strategy AND READ ALL OF THE FIRST FOUR POSTS.
Do NOT start this schedule late. You will burnout. There have already been numerous posts & threads on people starting late, trying to rush through the material, and burning out quickly.
Check the Update log in the last post for any changes.

I noticed that some people are claiming they wrote this guide to scam people out of money. Let me make this clear, I have not and will not be selling anything related to this guide. If you see a poster trying to sell books saying they wrote this schedule, do NOT buy from them. They are attempting to take your money away on false pretenses. Additionally, this guide has only been and should only be posted on SDN. I have not posted this guide anywhere else. Furthermore, SDN is the sole MCAT/medical forum I visit and the only forum where I use the screen name SN2ed. I never imagined this thread would be popular enough to warrant this kind of attention. The contents of this thread (and any other on SDN) cannot be replicated and re-hosted on any other forum, blog, or website without prior consent of both the author and SDN.
Make sure you read ALL of the opening posts, including the FAQ, before posting questions.

To begin with, check out these two threads:

Why Diagnostics are Worthless: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=557231

MCAT and a Heavy School Workload Don't Mix: Stop rushing to take the MCAT:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=602186

Can I accomplish this schedule with a part-time job or school?

Very unlikely. I highly recommend you devote 3 months to the MCAT. There may be a few that could follow this schedule and work part-time, but chances are it would not end well. You are FAR more likely to burn out if you try to study for the MCAT using this schedule and go to school or take a part/full-time job.

Furthermore, I've yet to see a valid reason for students (ie. not non-trads) to not take the MCAT in the summer.

Will following this guide guarantee me a +30?

Sadly, there are no guarantees on the MCAT. I certainly hope it helps you, but I can't say whether or not you'll hit your target score.

Should I take the MCAT before finishing my pre-reqs?

There's no point in doing so. You have to take them anyway. Hence, you might as well go into the test with your pre-reqs completed. Yes, this includes the English pre-req.

Any tips for retakers?

Check out the thread I made on the subject: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=754682

Remember to check out the third and fourth post FAQ.

Anything else before I start?

CONFIDENCE. Through all of the troubles and hardships you'll face, approach everything with confidence. You must constantly attack this test. The MCAT is merely a stepping stone on your journey.

Also, this is just a guide I made up. It is my opinion on what a study schedule should resemble. I'm sure there will be people that disagree with parts of this schedule or the whole thing. This schedule can easily be adjusted for 4 months instead of 3. I don't suggest starting heavy studying 5 months+ from your test date. Keep it to 3-4 months. If you start too soon, it will be a waste of time and resources.

Remember to use the search function on these forums. Tons of questions have already been asked and answered.
Lastly, please give credit to me, SN2ed, if you post this elsewhere. I put a ton of work into it.

Materials:

- Berkeley Review (BR) General Chemistry
- BR Organic Chemistry
- Examkrackers (EK) Biology for non-detailed approach OR The Princeton Review Hyperlearning (TPR) Biology/BR Biology for a detailed approach (In the schedule, I will use EK Bio because most prefer a non-detailed approach)
- BR Bio
- BR Physics
- EK 1001 series, excluding EK 1001 Bio (i.e. do NOT buy EK 1001 Bio)
- EK Verbal 101
- TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook or Berkeley Review Verbal
- AAMC Full Length (FL) #3-5 and 7-11 (AAMC #6 is not available at the moment)

You're using EK Bio for content review and BR Bio for passages. If you need more detail during in your content review, refer to BR Bio.

You can pick up the BR books from their website: http://www.berkeley-review.com/TBR/home-study.html
Also, check out the For Sale section on here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=230 All of the above, except for the AAMC FLs show up from time to time. I've regularly seen a complete BR set go for under $100 on there. Whenever you buy used, MAKE SURE THE PASSAGES ARE UNMARKED.

To buy the AAMC FLs: http://www.e-mcat.com/

Bare Minimum Set-up:

$245 for AAMC FLs (http://www.e-mcat.com/)

$240 for BR Physics, O-chem, Gen Chem, Biology (http://www.berkeley-review.com/TBR/home-study.html)

$26 for EK Verbal 101 (http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-MCAT101-Passages-Verbal-Reasoning/dp/1893858553)

$30 EK Bio (Amazon product)


Prices vary on TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook, search the For Sale forum on here for copies. They regularly show up. You should be able to get one for under $50.

Total = $541 + TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook

Set-up with EK 1001:

$18 EK Physics 1001 (http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-1001-Questions-MCAT-Physics/dp/1893858189)

$20 EK O-Chem 1001 (http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-1001-Questions-Organic-Chemistry/dp/1893858197)

$19 EK Chem 1001 (http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-1001-Questions-MCAT-Chemistry/dp/1893858227)

Total = $598 + TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook

Possible Book Replacements:

If you're having a hard time finding the TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook, BR is an okay replacement. Well, there's not much of a choice left. Again, I HIGHLY recommend you hunt down the TPRH Verbal Workbook.

TPRH is a great choice for content review in all subjects, however, you still need the BR books and EK 101 Verbal for their practice passages. TPRH does not have enough practice passages, though the Workbooks are still great resources.

A Little Bit more about TPRH books:

If you're looking for the Science or Verbal Workbooks, your best bet is through the For Sale forum on here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=230

You can also find the full TPRH set in the For Sale. People usually sell the whole set together.

If you want the content books, they're available on Amazon.

Yes, these books are the same as the TPRH content review books. The only difference is that these books, unlike the class content review books, contain some practice passages. I believe it's 3-4 passages per chapter. It's not enough to just stick with these books and some FLs, but it's nice to have a few passages thrown in.

About the EK 1001 series:

It is a good idea to get the complete EK 1001 series. I thought they really helped me nail down my understanding of the various topics. Through using the physics especially, I found that I didn't understand some things as well as I would like. Furthermore, for whatever reason, they helped me visualize the problem in my head and made the equations intuitive to use. Too many people neglect their basic understanding which could be bolstered by EK 1001. They think they have a strong grasp, yet when those fundumentals are tested, one's weaknesses become more apparent. Plus, doing more timed practice problems is always a good thing.

The only negative for the non-bio and VR practice books is that they aren't in the right format (unless you think of them as tons of discretes). However, it is significantly easier to spot your content weaknesses with EK 1001 because they aren't passages. You don't have to worry about if you messed up due to a failure to synthesize multiple ideas or the passage was worded strangely. When you mess up on EK 1001, you know it's due to a content weakness. Lastly, this problem would be alleviated by the BR books and EK content books containing practice passages. There are also the practice tests that you will be taking.
I suggest you get the above materials 1-2 months in advance! It takes awhile to get your BR books! You don't want to be missing your materials when you're about to start this schedule. Also, older content review books are usually okay, just don't go too far back (past 5 years old).
Lastly, sign up for your MCAT as soon as possible. Seats fill up months in advance.

Timing:

- ALWAYS complete your practice problems under TIMED conditions
- For BR passages: 6-7 minutes per passage, work towards 6 minutes
- For the EK 30-minute exams….well 30 minutes
- EK 1001, except Bio series: 30 seconds to 1 minute per question
- EK Verbal 101/TPR Verbal: 6-7 minutes per passage, work towards 6 minutes
- AAMC FLs: Use their timing


Notes:

- Do NOT retake old practice material
- Thoroughly review ALL of your practice problems. Review your problems the day AFTER you take them. Don't even look at the answers until then. If there's a break day, review your problems on the day after your break.
- Remember to round like crazy for any math problem
- Always use process of elimination with your answer choices
- Before you begin this schedule, count the number of verbal practice passages (101 from EK + however many in the TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook). Divide the number of passages by 70 (total days - the number of break days AND FL days). That number is the number of verbal passages you should be taking per day. I'm hoping that number breaks down to at least 3 passages per day. Ideally, you should take 4-5 verbal passages per assigned day. You do NOT take verbal passages on break days OR FL days.
- If you don't want to get the EK 1001 series, spread out the second 1/3 of BR practice passages over 2 days. Again, I recommend you get the EK 1001 books that are listed.
- If your practice test score is not within your target range after 2-3 tests, you should consider delaying. If you delay, go over your weaknesses again and complete an in-depth analysis of what went wrong.
- If you have enough money, you could adjust the schedule to fit in more practice tests. I didn't include that many to keep the cost down.
- If your test is in the morning and you're not a morning person, start getting used to waking up early when you start taking practice tests.
- Try to practice under as realistic as possible conditions when you take your practice tests. In other words: wake up early enough to be able to drive to your center; eat a meal you would eat before a test; follow the proper timing; and if you're really into it, you could even drive around for about the same time it would take you to get to your test center.

General Guidelines for Reviewing:

- Go over EVERY question. Both the ones you got right and the ones you got wrong.
- Reviewing should take 2-3 times longer than taking the timed practice problems.
- If your tests are fluctuating, it is due to the different topics on the various tests. In other words, you have some glaring weaknesses that when targeted, nail you, badly. You have to find out what those weaknesses are because they are evident by your scores. Do NOT dismiss any wrong answer as a "stupid mistake." You made that error for a reason. Go over your tests again.
- You might want to consider making a log for all of your post test results where you work through the questions below. Doing so, you'll be able to easily notice trends.

Some things to go over when reviewing:

1. Why did you get the question wrong? Why did you get the question right?
2. What question and passage types get you?
3. How is your mindset when facing a particular passage?
4. Are you stressed for time?
5. Where are your mistakes happening the most? Are they front loaded? Are they at the end? All over?
6. What was your thought process for both the questions you got right and the ones you got wrong?
7. For verbal, what was the author's mindset and main idea?
8. Did you eliminate all of the answer choices you could from first glance?
ex. You know an answer should be a positive number so you cross out all of the negative number answer choices.
9. What content areas are you weak in?
10. Why are the wrong answers wrong and the right answer right?
11. How can you improve so you don't make the same mistake again?

Hat Trick:

Get a hat and write every single MCAT PS and BS topic onto a piece of paper. Then, when you're ready to practice PS, put all the PS topics into the hat. Draw two or three pieces of paper and connect the topics together. In addition to connecting them, come up with what a passage might look like and what kind of questions you might get. If you can't do this, go back and review each of the three sections. Rinse and repeat.

The hat trick days are important because they aid you in synthesizing the various topics together. On the MCAT, you utilize this skill for every passage because MCAT passages combine topics. Furthermore, you may also discover content weaknesses that you will need to go over.

PS Topic List: https://www.aamc.org/students/download/85562/data/ps_topics.pdf
BS Topic List: https://www.aamc.org/students/download/85566/data/bstopics.pdf
Page to get topic lists if you don't want to directly download the pdf: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing

Here's a rough example using Distillation, Mendelian Genetics, and Lipids:

You are studying a Mendelian inherited recessive genetic defect of a lipid receptor. A defect in this receptor prevents the uptake lipids in the body and can cause several negative effects, such as, atherosclerosis due to fat build-up in arterial walls.

To test for the concentration of lipids in a patient's blood, you design a distillation experiment.

1. Given a couple where the male is Ll and the female is ll, what is the chance the child will have the defect?

2. What kind of solvent should you use to test the concentration of lipids?

3. What type patient would have the highest boiling point elevation?

4. If the trait exhibited incomplete dominance, which patient is likely to be Ll? Boiling point information here.

5. Which cell component requires lipids?

Verbal Help:

Check out Vihsadas's verbal guide and the other guides found in the MCAT Guide sticky
Vihsadas's Guide: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=6022602&postcount=96
MCAT Guide Sticky: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=602154

Arithmetic Tricks:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=528674&highlight=Arithmetic Tips Tricks

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Members don't see this ad.

 

[apumic]

Hi SN2ed,

I got the EK Complete Study Package for Christmas from my parents, it includes:

EK Biology (listed in your materials)
EK Verbal and Math Techniques (listed in your materials? Equivalent to Verbal 101?)

But also:
EK Chemistry
EK Orgo
EK Physics

Are the Chem, Orgo, Physics (and Verbal) sufficient replacements for the BR Chem, Orgo, Physics? I realize that BR Bio is needed as well as EK Bio, so just wanted to clarify.

No. They work as nice supplements (since you already have them) but lack the passages and depth of BR.

 

[sc4s2cg]

^ Thank you for the info.

Is the EK "Verbal and Math Techniques" sufficient for EK "Verbal 101"? Or are they totally different as well?

 

[apumic]

^ Thank you for the info.

Is the EK "Verbal and Math Techniques" sufficient for EK "Verbal 101"? Or are they totally different as well?

Also totally different. The techniques book has some good practice material in it but only about 1/10 what the 101 book has.

 

[Abrojozo007]

Hello everyone,

I ordered all the required books last week and am hoping to start this program no later than the end of next week.

Unfortunately, I cannot find TPR verbal workbook and everywhere I check people are either asking a rediculous price for it or if one is available someone gets it before I do :-(

Any suggestions? I know there was a BR substitute but seeing how everyone is acting like piranhas attacking TPR like a piece of meat I feel like I need it also.



-Thanks

 

[sc4s2cg]

Also totally different. The techniques book has some good practice material in it but only about 1/10 what the 101 book has.

Thank you apumic for the timely answers.

 

[apumic]

Hello everyone,

I ordered all the required books last week and am hoping to start this program no later than the end of next week.

Unfortunately, I cannot find TPR verbal workbook and everywhere I check people are either asking a rediculous price for it or if one is available someone gets it before I do :-(

Any suggestions? I know there was a BR substitute but seeing how everyone is acting like piranhas attacking TPR like a piece of meat I feel like I need it also.



-Thanks

I can get you whole set for around $300 but I can't get you just the VR workbook.

 

[Abrojozo007]

Thanks for replying,

I was very lucky and blessed to find someone who had the 2010 edition and sold it to me for $50.

-Take care

 

[ScoobyDooo]

Hello everyone,

I ordered all the required books last week and am hoping to start this program no later than the end of next week.

Unfortunately, I cannot find TPR verbal workbook and everywhere I check people are either asking a rediculous price for it or if one is available someone gets it before I do :-(

Any suggestions? I know there was a BR substitute but seeing how everyone is acting like piranhas attacking TPR like a piece of meat I feel like I need it also.



-Thanks

If you have a Borders or affiliated bookstore near you, you can try getting one there. Borders has weekly 33%-40% off a single book. Find the coupon here and print it. This may not be the cheapest method, but it is certainly more efficient than waiting for a good deal from a private seller.

Edit: I did not see your response above, silly me. I guess you can consider my comment for future purchases.

 

[mitchlucker]

Hi, does anyone know how long you should be taking to review these things per day?

I KNOW IT VARIES FROM PERSON TO PERSON, I just want to know how long you guys spent studying per day on this plan, on average. I want to give this a shot because I really want to get a 40 but I can't afford to study 6 hours a day working 2 jobs. I can afford maybe 2 or 3 hours in a day, some days more, some less.

Just wondering before I decide to give this a shot.

 

[Abrojozo007]

If you have a Borders or affiliated bookstore near you, you can try getting one there. Borders has weekly 33%-40% off a single book. Find the coupon here and print it. This may not be the cheapest method, but it is certainly more efficient than waiting for a good deal from a private seller.

Edit: I did not see your response above, silly me. I guess you can consider my comment for future purchases.

Thank you very much!

 

[UIUCstudent]

Is anyone having trouble running out of passages? I have the recommended EK101 and 40 passages from TPR, but at the pace of 3-4 passages a day, I'm going to run out soon.
I rather not have to buy the BR verbal, but it looks like I have to.

 

[StPetebull]

Any idea of the daily commitment in hours for the 3-month and 4-month plans?

Thanks for your shared work! So appreciated.

 

[Anish Dhamija]

What's the reason for choosing BR physics over EK physics? And I have the 2003 version of BR Bio. Can anyone confirm for me that the passages are the same?


Thanks,
Anish

 

[apumic]

What's the reason for choosing BR physics over EK physics? And I have the 2003 version of BR Bio. Can anyone confirm for me that the passages are the same?


Thanks,
Anish

BR Physics is more thorough and has far more passages.

2003 BR Bio is almost certainly different from 2009/2010 BR Bio; however, the differences are probably not major enough to merit $60. Stick w/ the 2003 edition and spend that money on practice tests instead (FLs).

 

[TsongaTennis]

I have the Examcrackers from 2002. It's a tan colored book.It says "101 passages in Verbal Reasoning." I have about 27 other MCAT books like Examcrackers. A set includes "Hyperlearning MCAT." It's all from 2002,2004,2005.Anyone know about all this?Is it useful? Is it trash?

What about "The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam" first edition,400 pages?It's on the website I think. I called the MCAT phone number and the guy said all the stuff is in that guide. He said it's the first guide put out by MCAT exclusively?Has anyone bought this?
https://services.aamc.org/publications/index.cfm?fuseaction=Product.displayForm&prd_id=255

I tried the "verbal reasoning" today in Examcrackers-the practice tests. I am fluent in English. I received an A Honors English for a college course. But I only got one answer correct out of the questions asked. For example, there were 7 questions for 1 passage. I read 1 passage and only got 1 correct out of 7. I read another passage and only got 1 correct out of 7. What am I going to do?

sn2ed, i saw the list of books u posted at the beginning of the threat. but i was wondering about an uptodate list? does that list still hold true for best books to study from?


not taking mcat for awhile.

 

[TsongaTennis]

which books (title,edition,) should i use to study for all parts of mcat?

 

[Sonyfan08]

Sorry for bumping this, but I just needed some advice on which method I should take.

Thanks!

I'm considering doing the 3 month plan and do two months of just practice exams. My test is in 4 months. I will also be working part-time. Should I do the 3 month plan + additional one month of practice exams, or follow the 4 month plan? This will be my 3rd time re-taking. I was consistently scoring 26 on my practice exams & 28 right before my test, but got a 21 on the real deal. Any advice is appreciated! And thank you for all you've done!

 

[apumic]

Sorry for bumping this, but I just needed some advice on which method I should take.

Thanks!

 

[mzblue]

Congrats. Even with average LORs or ECs and i'm not sure if what you have are strong or mediocre but whatever it is, you're definately getting in somewhere.

Your post is encouraging. Good of you to share.

Just wanna toss my 2 cents into this thread. I used this method to study, and I would say 80% of my success is due to it (scored a 43 - 15 Bio 15 Phys 13 VR). The other 20% I would attribute to studying with a friend. He was extremely rusty on his pre-reqs, and I spent nearly every day after studying with him explaining random topics to him, which really helped me solidify my own understanding. He also scored in the upper 30s as well.

 

[Sonyfan08]

I was re-quoting something I had asked previously, but didn't get a response..

 

[apumic]

I was re-quoting something I had asked previously, but didn't get a response..

Use some problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Seriously, though, look at the pros and cons and decide what you feel will be best for you. You're the expert on yourself and how you learn, not us.

 

[sardog803]

Hello,

I've just started with your plan and I'm a tad confused about the 1/3 of the passage aspect. My question is, does this only encompass the practice examples? Or, does it also include the practice exams at the end of each chapter? For instance, does the 1/3 of the passage mean that we do 1/3 of ALL of the end of chapter passages, or just the specific review examples?

I suppose my confusion stems from BR titling both as Passage 1 (it has a passage 1 section for the practice examples and a passage 1 section for the practice exams). These "passages" also include more than one question.

Anyway, I apologize in advance for my ignorance and confusion. Thank you for your help!

 

[Sonyfan08]

All I'm asking for is an advice. I'm not saying I want you to make a choice for me. This is my 3rd time taking this exam, and would like advice because I have no idea what went wrong. I am not sure if it's best to follow the 3 month plan + 1 additional month of test or 4 month plan where the studying is more spread out.

 

[apumic]

Hello,

I've just started with your plan and I'm a tad confused about the 1/3 of the passage aspect. My question is, does this only encompass the practice examples? Or, does it also include the practice exams at the end of each chapter? For instance, does the 1/3 of the passage mean that we do 1/3 of ALL of the end of chapter passages, or just the specific review examples?

I suppose my confusion stems from BR titling both as Passage 1 (it has a passage 1 section for the practice examples and a passage 1 section for the practice exams). These "passages" also include more than one question.

Anyway, I apologize in advance for my ignorance and confusion. Thank you for your help!

For small details like this, use your problem solving skills and make up your own rules. You are not participating in a research study, so there is no reason to "follow every rule" perfectly. I did all in-chapter questions together along w/ odd passages and discretes on the first phase. Second phase, I did even passages. Third phase, I did TPRH. This is not exactly what SN2ed suggested but is similar. Honestly, just make up your own rules. Do what works for you.

 

[apumic]

All I'm asking for is an advice. I'm not saying I want you to make a choice for me. This is my 3rd time taking this exam, and would like advice because I have no idea what went wrong. I am not sure if it's best to follow the 3 month plan + 1 additional month of test or 4 month plan where the studying is more spread out.

Either way will be similar. SN2ed suggests the 3 month if possible. If you've taken it twice already, though, and had little to no improvement, you probably need more one-on-one help to diagnose the problem as you are likely blind to your mistakes. Perhaps it is time to either go DO or hire a private MCAT coach. Unless you've really just not been prepping for the past 2 times, I doubt following SN2ed's schedule is going to make much of a difference.

 

[SN2ed]

Yes all of the book selections are up to date.


Sonyfan08: As apumic wrote, you're currently dead in the water. You HAVE to figure out what went wrong. If you can't do that, don't bother taking the MCAT again. No schedule will help you succeed until then. Check out the link to the tips for retakers thread in the first post. Hopefully that will help you get started in determining what went wrong.

 

[desdes]

Thank you for the great information

 

[Abrojozo007]

Hi everyone,

I just received all my books and started yesterday. I noticed that the BR Physics books have a 52 question exam at the end of each chapter. I'm assuming the same goes for the other subjects.

I'm sure you know what my question will be and I'm sure I will get a response from Apumic saying that whatever I like-there is no set rule. But I still have to ask when do you suggest would be the best time to take this exam?

Is this a new addition to the BR books? I haven't heard anything about these from this forum, but what a nice addition

Thanks and take care everyone!

We can do it! Confidence is key!!

 

[apumic]

Hi everyone,

I just received all my books and started yesterday. I noticed that the BR Physics books have a 52 question exam at the end of each chapter. I'm assuming the same goes for the other subjects.

I'm sure you know what my question will be and I'm sure I will get a response from Apumic saying that whatever I like-there is no set rule. But I still have to ask when do you suggest would be the best time to take this exam?

Is this a new addition to the BR books? I haven't heard anything about these from this forum, but what a nice addition

Thanks and take care everyone!

We can do it! Confidence is key!!

That's because there's not and I think people need to learn not to be so dependent upon others to make their decisions for them.

That being said, I'd take the exam later. Also, it's only that way in the new physics book (not in the others at this time).

 

[LucileDupin]

I posted this somewhere else but have not gotten a reply so hopefully someone here can help me.

SN2ed posted a ranking of MCAT resources in another thread, where he ranked EK Verbal higher than TPRH Verbal (see quote below).
Following his 3-month schedule should one substitute EK Verbal instead of BR Verbal if we can't get a hold of TPRH Verbal?

Thanks!

Biology: 1. EK Bio (for content) + BR Bio (for passages and further topic depth if needed) 2. TPR Hyperlearning, detail oriented 3. Kaplan

Physics: 1. BR 2. Nova 3. TPR Hyperlearning 4. Kaplan

Verbal: 1. EK Verbal + EK 101 Verbal 2. TPR Hyperlearning 3. BR 4. Kaplan (Avoid if possible)

Organic Chemistry: 1. BR, by far 2. TPR Hyperlearning 3. EK/Kaplan

General Chemistry: 1. BR, by far 2. TPR Hyperlearning 3. EK/Kaplan

Extra Practice Material: 1. TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook + TPR Hyperlearing Science Workbook, good source of practice passages 2. EK 1001 series, helps nail down basics

 

[UIUCstudent]

I posted this somewhere else but have not gotten a reply so hopefully someone here can help me.

SN2ed posted a ranking of MCAT resources in another thread, where he ranked EK Verbal higher than TPRH Verbal (see quote below).
Following his 3-month schedule should one substitute EK Verbal instead of BR Verbal if we can't get a hold of TPRH Verbal?

Thanks!

The general consensus for BR verbal is that it contains some good and some pretty bad passages. EK verbal 101 and TPR are more representative. I have both and like TPR a bit better since their answer keys are shorter and straight to the point.

 

[LucileDupin]

The general consensus for BR verbal is that it contains some good and some pretty bad passages. EK verbal 101 and TPR are more representative. I have both and like TPR a bit better since their answer keys are shorter and straight to the point.

Oh OK then. Thanks for the advice. I was just confused because some other people have posted above that EK Verbal "EK "Verbal and Math Techniques ... has some good practice material in it but only about 1/10 what the 101 book has" so I wanted to know why SN2ed ranked it so high.

Also, does anyone else know what the difference is between the 2008,2009,2010 TPRH verbal workbook? Are there notable changes such that you would advise getting the latest editions?

 

[TsongaTennis]

I posted this somewhere else but have not gotten a reply so hopefully someone here can help me.

SN2ed posted a ranking of MCAT resources in another thread, where he ranked EK Verbal higher than TPRH Verbal (see quote below).
Following his 3-month schedule should one substitute EK Verbal instead of BR Verbal if we can't get a hold of TPRH Verbal?

Thanks!

SN2ED,
What about years of publication?
Can you write the exact year for each book that you recommeded in that post?

 

[TsongaTennis]

All I'm asking for is an advice. I'm not saying I want you to make a choice for me. This is my 3rd time taking this exam, and would like advice because I have no idea what went wrong. I am not sure if it's best to follow the 3 month plan + 1 additional month of test or 4 month plan where the studying is more spread out.

when you're a doc and you are scheduled to work but there is 12 inches of snow falling,expected,or accumulating, do you still need to show up?

 

[circulus vitios]

Of the biology books listed (EK/TPR/BR), which would be best for someone who hasn't taken the biology sequence?

 

[LeoGer]

Of the biology books listed (EK/TPR/BR), which would be best for someone who hasn't taken the biology sequence?

Why would you take the MCAT before undergraduate biology? It's required for medical school and is 35% of the science tested on the exam.

 

[circulus vitios]

Why would you take the MCAT before undergraduate biology? It's required for medical school and is 35% of the science tested on the exam.

I know it's required for medical school. I'm applying summer of 2012 so I want to take the MCAT at least once before then (that is, summer 2011 MCAT.) My school doesn't offer bio 1/2; the closest equivalents are zoology & botany. I've taken the former and it's worthless, so I plan on taking one or two upper level bios (cell biology) but I won't be able to do so until the fall semester.

 

[LeoGer]

I know it's required for medical school. I'm applying summer of 2012 so I want to take the MCAT at least once before then (that is, summer 2011 MCAT.) My school doesn't offer bio 1/2; the closest equivalents are zoology & botany. I've taken the former and it's worthless, so I plan on taking one or two upper level bios (cell biology) but I won't be able to do so until the fall semester.

Sounds like a terrible idea, but good luck. BR bio is very detailed and gives a lot of practice passages. Mixed with Google I'm sure you can make it work.

 

[apumic]

SN2ED,
What about years of publication?
Can you write the exact year for each book that you recommeded in that post?

Recent ones.

 

[LucileDupin]

SN2ED,
What about years of publication?
Can you write the exact year for each book that you recommeded in that post?

SN2ed posted this (in reference to TBR books, I believe):

This was posted by BerkReviewTeach awhile ago:

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.

My personal opinion is that the year is not as important as the condition. If it's marked in, then it's natural to overemphaisze what has been written in the book. Worry first that the copy is clean (even if it's been erased, indentations from circled letters give you a bias when you attempt a question). If the books are clean, then used books seem fine for most subjects. I'd probably get the physics and general chemistry brand new if it were me, but those are the subjects I most would not want a previous user's influence.

Just to see what's out there, I looked at Amazon and have to laugh at the following offer: $72.49 for a used Physics Part I

Based on the Amazon prices, I would definitely not buy from them. If they come up on eBay, that would probably be the better way to go.

 

[iSeeKnowledge]

Hey, first of all, I can't thank you enough for setting this up. I can't believe you aren't charging for this!
Now I ordered all the books that you've recommended (with the exception of TPRH Verbal ) but you didn't say anything about diagnostic tests. I've heard from a lot of others saying that diagnostics are important in identifying your weaknesses from an early point. So, what diagnostic exam (or from what company) do you recommend that I take before starting this 3 month rigorous process?

 

[SN2ed]

Hey, first of all, I can't thank you enough for setting this up. I can't believe you aren't charging for this!
Now I ordered all the books that you've recommended (with the exception of TPRH Verbal ) but you didn't say anything about diagnostic tests. I've heard from a lot of others saying that diagnostics are important in identifying your weaknesses from an early point. So, what diagnostic exam (or from what company) do you recommend that I take before starting this 3 month rigorous process?

Please re-read the opening posts. Diagnostics is one of the first things I address.

 

[Neuralbunny]

For those who haven't started yet, I'd recommend giving yourself more than 4 buffer days. No disrespect to SN2ed's wonderful plan, but **** happens; for example, I just was seriously ill for 5 days (no studying) and then my aunt and uncle came and visited (very little studying). I'm now exactly on track only because I allowed a few extra days, but if anything else happens...sigh.

 

[LucileDupin]

Has anyone here who prefers more detail in content review had success in modifying the schedule to use BR Bio instead of EK Bio?

For example, instead of doing EK bio Chp 1 + the passages mentioned in SN2ed's 3rd post (that matches them up), you do TBR Chp 1 +1/3 passages, Chp 2 + 1/3 etc. and then complete the 2/3 and last third as set in the schedule.

The only differences I see is that TBR has 10 Bio sections whilst EK bio has 9 (i.e. +3 days to the schedule for 1 extra Chp + 3 sets of passages), and that the in-class exams would be tailored to the order of the EK book.

Also, at day 18,30,41 are you re-reading from chapters 1-3, 1-4 and 1-5 respectively, or just that week's work?

 

[smarty666]

I was hoping SN2ED or someone else might be able to answer my questions in regards to the writing sections for the MCAT. In this schedule, are there books that cover writing practice in them, such as the TPR Hyperlearning Verbal workbook or the exam cracker book?

Also, is the verbal and writing book posted on TPR website the Hyperlearning verbal workbook or is this something else?

In your 3 month schedule, when you say that you should be doing some verbal every day what exactly do you mean? More specifically, should you rotate verbal books each day and how many verbal problems should be done each day?

Also, do you know if you can buy the TPR Hyperlearning Verbal from a store, such as Borders, Barns and Nobles, Amazon, etc?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[UIUCstudent]

For those who haven't started yet, I'd recommend giving yourself more than 4 buffer days. No disrespect to SN2ed's wonderful plan, but **** happens; for example, I just was seriously ill for 5 days (no studying) and then my aunt and uncle came and visited (very little studying). I'm now exactly on track only because I allowed a few extra days, but if anything else happens...sigh.

SN2ed did say you should give yourself 4 buffer days.

The TPR verbal that you want to get for this guide isn't sold retail (you need to enroll in the class or find one on the for sale threads, eBay, amazon etc.).
The one that's on their website focuses on their verbal and writing techniques. It dissects 10 passages and gives a few writing examples. Up to you if you want to shell out that money.

The answer to your verbal question is in the first four posts. Read 3-5 passages a day except FL and break days.

 

[smarty666]

SN2ed did say you should give yourself 4 buffer days.

The TPR verbal that you want to get for this guide isn't sold retail (you need to enroll in the class or find one on the for sale threads, eBay, amazon etc.).
The one that's on their website focuses on their verbal and writing techniques. It dissects 10 passages and gives a few writing examples. Up to you if you want to shell out that money.

The answer to your verbal question is in the first four posts. Read 3-5 passages a day except FL and break days.

Thanks for the reply, pretty much answered everything, except what is the source for writing sample practice that SN2ed uses?

 

[UIUCstudent]

Thanks for the reply, pretty much answered everything, except what is the source for writing sample practice that SN2ed uses?

Unless you're applying to Canadian schools, I wouldn't worry too much about writing samples. I've talked to DO and MD students and the consensus was pretty much "take it as a break and don't stress too much on it." In fact, one of the student was asked during his interview what a good writing score actually was.

If you're still worried, get the verbal book you saw on TPR's website. Or EK math and verbal technique book also contains strategy for essay writing. I have this book and haven't bothered looking at the writing section yet. I believe you're going to get your fair share of essays when you take the AAMC FLs.

 

[sahandy]

Hi All, SN2ed thank you so much for your great advices. I'm a retaker and have till May 7 to prepare again for mcat, I have been following this thread and have used your techniques to come up with a schedule. I've used Rdavido's excel sheet and changed it to fit my schedule a bit better. After my last test I have realised that I have problem with every section, and material review might help me. I am using TPRH instead of TBR (but might get a hold of some TBR in near future and add to it). This Schedule is intense since I want to use all the material I have for this test, I have usually been able to do better under pressure than relaxed so that's why im making it more intense than it needs to be. With all that in mind, I have taken all of TPR FL's (and fully know your oppinion on not retaking them) but have decided to retake them anyway just as a material practice(since it has been about 6 months since last I took them). I have AAMC FLs as well which I'm planing to take. Also on the last month I am going to try to take 2 FL's on the FL days to bring up my stamina. In addition, I am going to review both EK and TPRH chapters/day. I have taken out the hat trick and replaced it with the Flash Card Review (it's Pretty much the same with minor differences). Its been about a week going with this schedule and I'm getting the hand of it, I have posted the new changes. I wanted to get you guys's oppinion on it (specially SN2ed's,please). Again, Pleaaaase give me your opinions... I'd appreciate any pointers. thnx

 

[SN2ed]

Thanks for the reply, pretty much answered everything, except what is the source for writing sample practice that SN2ed uses?

As mentioned, unless you're applying to Canadian schools, the WS carries VERY little weight. The only time it can play a role is when someone scores the in the top or the bottom. In other words, unless you get a J-L or an R-T, no one cares.

If you still really want practice outside of the FLs (remember you WILL be getting some practice using my schedule), the AAMC has over a hundred prompts: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/85192/preparing_writingsampleitems.html

Keep in mind that if you really want to go this route, you'd need someone to grade your essays.