The Official May 22, 2015 MCAT Thread

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fenderboi930

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I think many of you will agree that today is a great day to officially prepare for the May 22nd MCAT!!!

I was against the April 2015 MCAT because a typical 3 month schedule doesn't seem to work for
students and/or working test takers. With a little over 4 months of preparation we can go in with confidence!
It's all new and really scary--so let's kick MCAT butt together!!

I was also wondering, wouldn't many professional MCAT test takers and tutors want to take the MCAT 2015 as soon
as possible (April MCAT) so they can better they're material or teaching? Wouldn't that just destroy the curve?
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dboyhaaan said:
Would you say your schedule pretty much covered everything you needed to know? Was there anything you wish you would have done differently? Sorry if this was asked already; I'm sure lots of people have been asking similar questions 🙂
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Oops, I didn't see this, sorry!

Yes, my schedule was pretty comprehensive. The only times I supplemented EK with other sources are 1) when I was studying metabolism (and I used TBR), and 2) when I was studying Psych/Soc (and I ended up switching completely to TPR).

This seems contradictory, but I wish I had done less passages during content review. I felt the need to do every. single. relevant TBR passage for each EK chapter which ended up making me fall drastically behind on my schedule. I would have benefited more by capping the number of passages I did for each chapter somewhere around 10 and then saving the rest for post-content review if I had the time. Instead, I would sometimes spend 8 hours on one chapter's worth of passages. Sometimes two 8 hour days. Dumb dumb dumb.

Otherwise, I felt I set things up well! If I had stuck to quality over quantity I would have been very well prepared for this exam.

MCATwiz said:
Does anyone know if there is a January 2016 MCAT?
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No, no one knows.
 
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I made a thread about this, but in retrospect I should of posted here.

Can any of the May 22 test takers comment if the real test stays true to the new official outline? Is there no mention of momentum, ropes/pulleys, fungi etc. ?
 
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OuchCharlie said:
I made a thread about this, but in retrospect I should of posted here.

Can any of the May 22 test takers comment if the real test stays true to the new official outline? Is there no mention of momentum, ropes/pulleys, fungi etc. ?
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I can attest to that, yes, but keep in mind that what's not on this test could very well show up on a future test. But I also doubt they'd have material that's not on their outline.
 
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OuchCharlie said:
I made a thread about this, but in retrospect I should of posted here.

Can any of the May 22 test takers comment if the real test stays true to the new official outline? Is there no mention of momentum, ropes/pulleys, fungi etc. ?
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O.k I'm not trying to be an A-hole but we are not allowed to tell you specifics. The AAMC does not allow it and they do check this site. What I think I can say is that the AAMC has added to the MCAT more than they have taken away. Also understand that there is so much material that fitting it all into one test is impossible, so just because something did not make it on to the May 22nd test does not mean it will not be on the June and July tests.

Just study the best you can. Im sorry but know one will be able to effectively narrow your studying down to select subjects.
 
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So I haven't looked at SDN at all since the MCAT and I tried googling it but couldn't find it so I have to ask, when do out percentiles come out?
 
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I know this question cannot be answered because no one knows the standard curve yet, but what do you guys think?
Do you think 51/59, for instance, puts the person on ~130 range?
About 40/59 for ~125?
 
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platanus said:
I know this question cannot be answered because no one knows the standard curve yet, but what do you guys think?
Do you think 51/59, for instance, puts the person on ~130 range?
About 40/59 for ~125?
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I would guess higher than 51/59 for 130 per passage
 
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stonyalltheway said:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/may-22-2015-mcat-most-difficult-section.1138371/
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It's rather obnoxious for you to continuously post that link, and honestly, it's pointless to talk about what section was the hardest when we all have different strengths and weaknesses, not to mention take different exams. Please respect the fact that we've already taken the time to write up our thoughts and take a look at the Compilation of Commentary on the New Exam.
 
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Levrone said:
you're also the guy who kept spamming the 'what are your april percentiles' thread, aren't you ?:nono:
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I don't really get what the point is in a poll. Polling a question on peoples percentiles is like asking how many beers are in a six pack...and obviously this forum had a huge skew to the right due to our inherit OCD or lying

On the other hand, people posting old practice scores and their preliminary percentiles can at least give some meaningful information. I spent a lot of time trying to figure that out, as it's literally the ONLY way to gauge how one actually is faring, and even still it's a poor method.
 
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mikil100 said:
I don't really get what the point is in a poll. Polling a question on peoples percentiles is like asking how many beers are in a six pack...and obviously this forum had a huge skew to the right due to our inherit OCD or lying

On the other hand, people posting old practice scores and their preliminary percentiles can at least give some meaningful information. I spent a lot of time trying to figure that out, as it's literally the ONLY way to gauge how one actually is faring, and even still it's a poor method.
Click to expand...

Seriously I read one post that was like, "See how your percentile range ranks with others'!" I read that thinking, "Wow, please let that person never be my doctor..."

I'd bet money that approximately 10% of test takers scored 90-100th percentile, and another 10% scored 80-90th percentile, etc. But you know, it's just a guess. I'll even throw in that 10% scored 50-60th. Anyone want to bet against me?!11!1!1!?
 
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mikil100 said:
I don't really get what the point is in a poll. Polling a question on peoples percentiles is like asking how many beers are in a six pack...and obviously this forum had a huge skew to the right due to our inherit OCD or lying

On the other hand, people posting old practice scores and their preliminary percentiles can at least give some meaningful information. I spent a lot of time trying to figure that out, as it's literally the ONLY way to gauge how one actually is faring, and even still it's a poor method.
Click to expand...

Also, I agree that comparing practice scores and preliminary percentiles is useful. But it's tough because people took the AAMC FL at different times in their studying. Some took it before even starting (or finishing) content review and some took it a week before the exam.
 
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For those of you who have taken the 2015 MCAT, what's the best review material for biochem? I took a biochem class a few years ago and did well, but it's been a while. Any advice would be appreciated🙂
 
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workoutmaniac said:
For those of you who have taken the 2015 MCAT, what's the best review material for biochem? I took a biochem class a few years ago and did well, but it's been a while. Any advice would be appreciated🙂
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Honestly i thought everyone's material that i saw dropped the ball pretty badly on biochem...PR was a joke (one chapter) and Kaplan was just ok (not bad if you just need an overview to get you kickstarted). I would use old class notes and google personally...but that depends on how well biochem was taught to you.

As for the other hundred non-may 22 test takers' questions in this thread I will answer what resources I found helpful but will not discuss even broad concepts that were on the exam:

Chem/phys: you can't really do much better than the old EK 1001 to make sure you have the main concepts down. PR I felt was much too involved besides their first chapter on gen chem-it was good for reminders of basic chemistry calcs (like molality and all that). Kaplan was less specific which I actually think is more helpful for the MCAT (regardless of what people may say it is NOT a memorize every fact test)

CARS: go back in time three years and read challenging material. no time machine? ok just practice a bunch (it doesn't matter who you use, just that you are practicing)

Bio: Kaplan will give you all the info you need to answer the questions. studied PR less but thought they were pretty decent from what I read (again, much more depth)

Psych/Soc: memorize a first semester psych/soc text book and then be able to apply it to various scenarios/experiments. sounds harder than it is. it is just work.

More than anything use AAMC guide and practice like crazy. If you don't feel like dumping $2000 down a toilet for useless strategies as I did, then instead find a nice prep company that will allow you to buy just FL's (i.e. not Kaplan), after you have bought all the AAMC stuff

if you studied four months I would say my ideal schedule for using practice materials would go:
(Diagnostic-if you really feel it is necessary)
First month-read all your books. everything. End of month do AAMC sample packs and write down why you missed each question/what material to study.
Second month-Hit each AAMC topic in their outline/google/watch khan vids/review notes to really commit everything. Take two practice tests at some point in this month while also reviewing what you missed (do this for everything, I'm gonna stop saying it, but do it.) End of month take the 1/2 length that AAMC sells (official guide or whatever-ought to kick your a** in gear)
Third month-Again review all necessary topics as you deem fit, do all problems at the end of your prep book chapters. Again two practice tests this month but in addition do a practice test one section at a time, un-timed (one per week and really focus on that section's material in your review that week). At the end of the month take AAMC sample test (this should give you some confidence but also make you realize prep company tests are very poor at replicating the MCAT). Go back through this like you are Indiana Jones looking at an ancient document on the Ark of the Covenant.
Fourth month- Review as needed again (even reread some chapters if you are really struggling with something). Take a practice test once a week. Go back and review all AAMC questions you missed or marked.
 
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To the post above. It's obvious that you put a lot of thought into writing the post and I'm sure a lot of people will find it helpful but there are a few places I don't agree with.

Chem/phys: You can do much better than the old EK1001 for main concepts. They weren't even close to being the best concept prep for the old MCAT, let alone the new one. They are pretty much a waste of time for the new MCAT.
Psych/Sco: You don't need to memorize a textbook. No one memorized a textbook for the May 22nd MCAT and most of us felt fine for the psych/soc.

Doing full-length practice tests one section at a time is a waste because there are so few full-length tests for the new MCAT. Doing practice test/questions un-timed 3 months into your study is not going to work at all. Timing is a big issue for the MCAT and people should start practicing with the necessary timing as soon as possible, if not immediately. I can understand giving yourself a bit more time per question when you are learning the material, but by 3 months in and finished content review, you really should be doing them under time constraints .

I hope you are not offended in any way because that is completely not my intention. I just hope to offer a different perspective on the study methods you've suggested that other people may find helpful.
 
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@summergirl what do you suggest is better then? no offense, you essentially attacked the op's method and labeled it as mediocre (at best), but didn't offer anything better.

Chem/Phys: personally, I used Kaplan books and EK 1001 for chem and physics and my April test put me at something like 83-98th percentile. I am awful at both inorganic chemistry and physics, so I think it prepared me pretty damn well.
Psych/Soc: the vast majority of my studying was memorizing terms. I wouldn't advocate for memorizing a textbook or word-for-word definitions, but you should know what each and every one of these terms means, even if you have to make flashcards to get there.
 
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rachiie01 said:
@summergirl what do you suggest is better then? no offense, you essentially attacked the op's method and labeled it as mediocre (at best), but didn't offer anything better.

Chem/Phys: personally, I used Kaplan books and EK 1001 for chem and physics and my April test put me at something like 83-98th percentile. I am awful at both inorganic chemistry and physics, so I think it prepared me pretty damn well.
Psych/Soc: the vast majority of my studying was memorizing terms. I wouldn't advocate for memorizing a textbook or word-for-word definitions, but you should know what each and every one of these terms means, even if you have to make flashcards to get there.
Click to expand...

I had different opinions on several points that he made and I wrote out what these opinions are. There is no need to add the word "attack" to people's differing opinions. And I did not label op's method as mediocre. I didn't even come close to mention that word actually. Again, I had different opinions on SOME of the points he made. Just because I disagree with some points he made doesn't mean I'm labelling his method as mediocre. Please don't be put words in other people's mouth.

Also, I didn't "offer anything better" because of several reasons, but the main reason is because it is not a rule to come up with something better in order to have a valid point that something doesn't work. That's like how a lot of people from the April MCAT thread said the books they used didn't prepare them for the Psych/Soc section but they didn't mention what will. There's nothing wrong with that. Other reasons I didn't mention anything "better" to study for the Chem/Phy is because it's different and no one has a lot of experience with that section. However, it is safe to say that EK1001, which was formulated for the old MCAT (and a poor preparation even for the old MCAT IMHO) would not be the most suitable. Generally, books produced specifically for the new MCAT will be more suitable than things produced for the old MCAT, with rare exceptions where the old MCAT book really excels such as EK101 (the verbal book), BR etc.

In case you do not find the above explanation satisfactory, I also did not want to say which books I really recommend (and yes I have one) for this section because I am currently employed as a MCAT instructor at the company that produced the books I like, and I don't want to sound biased. I got 13/10/14 on the old MCAT 2 years ago so I have some experience working with the material. I can't say I'm an expert on the new MCAT (no one can) but I can tell you that EK1001 is far from the best prep out there even for the version of MCAT that it was made for.
 
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"They weren't even close to being the best concept prep for the old MCAT, let alone the new one. They are pretty much a waste of time for the new MCAT", which I would say is tantamount to labeling them as "mediocre (at best)". I also take offense to telling someone that their method was a "waste of time", so it seemed like an attack to me.

Typically, you don't need to come up with something better to make a valid point, but again, you stated "they weren't even close to being the best concept prep", which means that you believe there are other prep companies that are better. Which companies are you referring to? Stating that they are far from the best but being unable to identify a company that ranks better doesn't make much sense to me.

My point is that it's unfounded to label someone else's method as a "waste of time" when, as you stated, you have very little experience with this section. It sounds like you 1. didn't use EK1001 for this test and 2. still don't know how you did on this section. As someone who did use these materials and did score well on this section, I have to say that the point you are trying to make is not valid.

Additionally, many people have found the question packs to be helpful despite them being composed of recycled passages from the old MCAT. Does that mean that because these passages were formulated for the old MCAT that they aren't suitable for practice for the new MCAT? Of course not. I also scored a 37 on the old MCAT (though my score was in 2011 and expired, not sure why you retook if your score of 37 is only two years old and still valid) and a lot of my old MCAT materials were helpful for me. Just because it's a new test doesn't mean the vast majority of material has changed nor has the company writing the test.
 
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rachiie01 said:
"They weren't even close to being the best concept prep for the old MCAT, let alone the new one. They are pretty much a waste of time for the new MCAT", which I would say is tantamount to labeling them as "mediocre (at best)". I also take offense to telling someone that their method was a "waste of time", so it seemed like an attack to me.

Typically, you don't need to come up with something better to make a valid point, but again, you stated "they weren't even close to being the best concept prep", which means that you believe there are other prep companies that are better. Which companies are you referring to? Stating that they are far from the best but being unable to identify a company that ranks better doesn't make much sense to me.

My point is that it's unfounded to label someone else's method as a "waste of time" when, as you stated, you have very little experience with this section. It sounds like you 1. didn't use EK1001 for this test and 2. still don't know how you did on this section. As someone who did use these materials and did score well on this section, I have to say that the point you are trying to make is not valid.

Additionally, many people have found the question packs to be helpful despite them being composed of recycled passages from the old MCAT. Does that mean that because these passages were formulated for the old MCAT that they aren't suitable for practice for the new MCAT? Of course not. I also scored a 37 on the old MCAT (though my score was in 2011 and expired, not sure why you retook if your score of 37 is only two years old and still valid) and a lot of my old MCAT materials were helpful for me. Just because it's a new test doesn't mean the vast majority of material has changed nor has the company writing the test.
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Did you read my entire post??

The OP had so many points regarding the MCAT and no one has to agree 100% with what he says. I'm saying a book that he used (out of probably 7 or 8 he used in total) didn't work is not an attack on his method. It's me saying that the book doesn't work for most people. I can't argue with ultra-sensitivity if you think that's an attack. (btw, it wasn't even your method so why the hell are you upset?)

Yes I believe other prep materials are better and I stated my reasons as to why I chose to not mention it. Again, I don't think you read my reply. And how is the specific identity of the book I used and liked relevant to this discussion? My point is EK1001 doesn't work. Not book x worked.

I take offence when you say I have "very little experiences with this section". I am a MCAT instructor who has taken the new MCAT. I'm not an expert as no one is for the new MCAT, but I find it extremely insulting that you would say I have very little experiences in the section I teach. It is my work and I'm proud of it. I've used EK1001 before and I stopped using it because it doesn't work, so why would I use EK1001 to study for my new MCAT when I don't believe it works??

And lastly, I mentioned that some books for the old MCAT are suitable for the new MCAT because they are exceptional. I even gave examples like EK101 and BR. Again, I hate retyping stuff but it seems like you simply don't read what people write.

Also, do you realize that you contradicted yourself in your previous post? If the old MCAT is very similar to the new MCAT (I'm not challenging this point, just stating what you said in the last paragraph), then how can I have "very little experiences" with this MCAT since I got a 13 on the old one and teaches the MCAT? Please don't insult people's understanding with their work just to make your point. It doesn't help your point and it is hurtful.

The reason I decide to retake is a long one and I choose to not get into it here. It is my decision.

I am free to have my opinion on something and I generally find your posts insulting in the sense that you are making unnecessary accusations towards me (attacking others) and insult my understanding of my work ("very little experiences with this section").
 
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Lol I don't think you yourself know what you wrote.

You stated that the material was a waste of time. What are you going off of? To me, it would seem founded to say something is a waste of time if you used that material and didn't see any improvement in your scores. However, you did not use EK1001 to prep for the MCAT 2015, so your comment is unfounded. Do you see what I'm saying? I did use the material and I did see an increase in my scores, and I did actually test well after prepping with those materials. Thus, I think your point is invalid.

You have a great deal of experience with physics and the MCAT strategy, yes. But, I do not think you have any substantial experience with the new section. You can't possibly say you have experience with this section until you get your score back, because until then you have no idea if your method of prepping actually paid off or not. That's all I'm saying. I am not implying that I am the MCAT master (lol) by any means, just that I know my way of prepping worked for me and could help others, too. To write it off as a waste of time when you have no experience prepping this way is illogical. What happens if you get your score back and it's much lower than you anticipated? Will you still assert that those who prepped with EK1001 and scored higher were wasting their time, and that the company you teach for is superior? This is what I'm talking about in terms of experience with the section. You aren't sure yet how your materials actually prepared you (hopefully you did well!) or anyone else, so it's unfair to tell someone else that they wasted their time.

Feel free to disagree with another person's point of view, but there is a more appropriate and logical way to do so without telling them they're wasting their own time and suggesting that there are far better methods to use while not offering those methods up for suggestion.

PS I did not contradict myself lol. Just because I find using old passages helpful does not mean that I think they are sufficient for prep. They are helpful, but must be supplemented with current material. The difference is that you seem to be under the impression that because you took the old MCAT and tutor physics, your knowledge of the current MCAT is sufficient for you to write off certain methods of prepping. Was your experience helpful? Sure. Was it sufficient for you to advise others to abandon potentially helpful materials? Absolutely not. This is a sufficient vs necessary case that you misunderstood as a contradiction.

Did I read your entire post? No.
 
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0_o said:
Post MCAT Day 4: Everyone and their mother is asking me "how it went?" or "how was it?". Although I'm gaining my emotional stability back, I'm still moody. I believe I'm transitioning from the anger stage of grief to the bargaining stage. Progress.
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Yup, I **** you not, as I finished explaining the MCAT's evil ways to someone today at work, someone else walks in the door and asks me "omg how did it go!?"

Like me going through my head of all the "what if's" for the past 4 days wasn't bad enough.


rachiie01 said:
Feel free to disagree with another person's point of view, but there is a more appropriate and logical way to do so without telling them they're wasting their own time and suggesting that there are far better methods to use while not offering those methods up for suggestion.
Click to expand...

I agree, everyone has their study methods that work. I honestly was trying too hard to follow some of the April people's method that I didn't feel fit with the way I learn. If it works for that person, let them study that way. EK1001 worked for me for several reasons, I learn by doing problems, I can't just memorize or read it. If anything doing the problems and getting them wrong THEN reading works better for me in certain topics/subjects.
 
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Guys, guys, guys.

Guys.

Some overactive anterior pituitaries here, too much LH running through our blood if you get what I mean. We're all hormonal from the emotional battery we just endured, but let's not fight over MCAT materials or posts about MCAT materials or posts about posts about MCAT materials.

tumblr_inline_musmnrFgzm1rcqgzn.gif
 
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IKnowNothingSometimes said:
Yup, I **** you not, as I finished explaining the MCAT's evil ways to someone today at work, someon else walks in the door and asks me "omg how did it go!?"

Like me going through my head of all the "what if's" for the past 4 days wasn't bad enough.
Click to expand...

My default response: "Idunoooooooo" with eyes wide & face cupped in hands.
 
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carpediem22 said:
My default response: "Idunoooooooo" with eyes wide & face cupped in hands.
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I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes at a certain point, then the talks of personal statements...I wanted to cry. My emotional state is quite unbalanced at the moment.


carpediem22 said:
Guys, guys, guys.

Guys.

Some overactive anterior pituitaries here, too much LH running through our blood if you get what I mean. We're all hormonal from the emotional battery we just endured, but let's not fight over MCAT materials or posts about MCAT materials or posts about posts about MCAT materials.
Click to expand...

HA! Also yup. There is no ONE way to do it. Some material got people 90%'s and the same material got people people 50%'s. Let's JUST RELAXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Or study (b/c of us are scared about their results and want to be ready for retake......)
 
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I thought I would be so relieved to be finished with the MCAT until I came home and realized I still had to write my personal statement, fill out AMCAS, badger my letter writers to send their letters in, and get my school list in order. I've coped by posting up at the bar and pretending AMCAS doesn't exist.
 
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success16 said:
For those that are being forced to retake, what date are you rescheduling for?
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it depends on when/where they offer for the retake. i work full-time and with limited locations and test dates, it may be hard for me to switch my work schedule depending on how soon it is. when are you retaking?
 
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takeonme said:
it depends on when/where they offer for the retake. i work full-time and with limited locations and test dates, it may be hard for me to switch my work schedule depending on how soon it is. when are you retaking?
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I have no idea. I start a research internship next week that ends in August. I'll be too distracted to take it during the internship. September maybe, how the hell am I supposed to remember what I've studied though.
This is incredibly frustrating.
 
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Hey guys,

what kind of activities are you guys selecting as most meaningful experiences, I am kind of torn between 3, teaching/volunteering/job. I am wondering if one of the most meaningful activities will have to be clinical oriented. Could you please comment on this.
Thanks!
 
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Liz1234 said:
Hey guys,

what kind of activities are you guys selecting as most meaningful experiences, I am kind of torn between 3, teaching/volunteering/job. I am wondering if one of the most meaningful activities will have to be clinical oriented. Could you please comment on this.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

The whole point of the meaningful experience is to describe an experience that was most meaningful... to you. I'm putting down my mental health advocacy experiences because of the personal growth I experienced through that work (and, of course, its major role in my decision to pursue medicine). Don't choose a clinical activity just because you think it's the right thing to do--they're likely to sense through your description of the activity whether or not you actually considered it the most meaningful.
 
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