4/24 Actual MCAT (PS/V/BS): (7/9/8) = 24
8/16 Actual MCAT Score (PS/V/BS): (9/12/9) = 30
Predicted MCAT Score (PS/V/BS): (8/11/11) = 30
MCAT Prep Materials (Content/Practice Materials and FLs): This is a retake so I threw out the old play book and started from scratch. First time around I used SN2ed and did not care for it. To be honest, I hated it and found it completely ineffective for my studying habits. Why I continued with it after a few weeks I can only blame on the fact that so many have had success with it.
This time around I did nothing but practice tests - 3 full lengths a week from various test companies. I couldn't use the AAMC FL because I had already done all but one of them in the first go around. I used TBR, TPR, and Kaplan. My complete strategy is up in this thread but basically I used Spinach Dips method - taking a test one day and then scoring and reviewing weak points the next day. For my review materials I used nothing but Chad's_Videos. Best secret weapon ever and I believe they are solely responsible for increasing my PS score.
So, if you are someone who has tried SN2ed and it didn't work for you either, try learning from your mistakes. Do lots of practice problems and review only what you miss. Don't waste time on stuff you know. The more exposure you have to various types of questions, the more likely you are to discover what you really need to improve on!
In regards to my verbal score...I never practiced verbal besides what was on practice tests (cool story bro?). I found it absolutely frivolous unless it was AAMC material. I am an anthropology major and reading comprehension is just part of the job. I read the Wall Street Journal everyday and have since I was 16 and also read a lot of academic work. My suggestion to tackling verbal is pretty simple - read more.
AAMC and Other FL Averages: AAMC average: 29ish my first time around with AAMC FL's. This time around I was averaging around 33-34 with my practice materials. I scored a 35 on the one AAMC FL that I hadn't done yet. So, needless to say, I felt pretty dang good pre-test. But once again, I was faced with material that I had never seen and scored 4 points below my practice average. It's just the nature of the test. You can't review every possible scenario you could be faced with and I'm not the best standardized test taker. I just kept plugging away and kept my eye on the prize, knowing that I could not have prepared any better than I had or given it anymore than I did.
Comments/Feelings/Tips: Don't listen to the anomalies. If you are reading this and struggling with a bad first score or just starting off your studies for this beast, do not compare yourself to how hard or easy it appears for others (especially the loud mouths on SDN). You're journey is unique and you need to find your own stride and what works for you. You need to only focus on how YOU will defeat the MCAT. I know there are guys on here that study for 3 hours a day, BS on SDN for the rest of it, and fart out a 35 like it's nothing. Those people are not the norm, they are freaks and few and far between. The majority of people are busting their arse just as much as you and want to put their head through the wall just like you do (from what I hear, this is no different in med school when dealing with gunners). So, put your head down (not through a wall) and worry about yourself and your own success. Harping on how easy it is for someone else isn't go to get you to your white coat ceremony.
Final thoughts: Never give up. If this is your dream, you die trying - blood, sweat, and tears baby - the recipe of champions. Failing cannot be an option for you!
I'd just keep reality in mind, though.
