09/12/09 MCAT Club

[Fudge]

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Hey, just officially signed up for this beast. It's early but I figured this thread could provide some moral support to keep me on track with studying🙂 I have not done a couple of the pre-requisites, so slow and steady works for me. Looking forward to hearing from the rest of you!

 

[bura]

whats up guys!! noobie here, i just signed up for this forum, and it was very helpful. I took most of the AAMC practice tests, and my verbal is the worst, not to mention my physics since i forgot 90 percent of the material, got about 5 days before the exam. Any suggestions on what i can do to prepare for verbal?? How different is the AAMC practice tests compared to the actual thing?

thanks

 

[trackcutie25]

Hey Everyone,

So my last three practice exams have gone as such:

AAMC 7: 9P 15V 11B
AAMC 8: 12P 13V 11B
AAMC 10: 12P 11V 11B

Now the interesting thing I've noticed... my raw score on the last test was waaaaay better then the AAMC 7 or 8 3 more questions right on Physical science section and only 1 question less on Verbal and yet my Physical section stayed the same and my verbal dropped 2 whole points! The AAMC 10 curve is brutal... I really hope the test is not that awful.

Bura, how have you been studying for verbal and what practice materials do you have?

 

[Protactinium]

whats up guys!! noobie here, i just signed up for this forum, and it was very helpful. I took most of the AAMC practice tests, and my verbal is the worst, not to mention my physics since i forgot 90 percent of the material, got about 5 days before the exam. Any suggestions on what i can do to prepare for verbal?? How different is the AAMC practice tests compared to the actual thing?

thanks

Err...should you really be writing? I don't think repeated attempts look good mang. I guess if **** hits the fan you can void the test.

 

[Protactinium]

Hey Everyone,

So my last three practice exams have gone as such:

AAMC 7: 9P 15V 11B
AAMC 8: 12P 13V 11B
AAMC 10: 12P 11V 11B

Now the interesting thing I've noticed... my raw score on the last test was waaaaay better then the AAMC 7 or 8 3 more questions right on Physical science section and only 1 question less on Verbal and yet my Physical section stayed the same and my verbal dropped 2 whole points! The AAMC 10 curve is brutal... I really hope the test is not that awful.

Bura, how have you been studying for verbal and what practice materials do you have?

What's your verbal secret?

 

[trackcutie25]

What's your verbal secret?

I will put a disclaimer on this and say that verbal has always been my best, I have never gotten below a 10 and my average is 12-13. Now having said that here's all I got.

For the studying that I did do, I did it with EK. The two things that EK said that have helped me the most firstly taking every test with both feet on the ground sitting up straight and paying attention, usually if I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with a paragraph its because I've let my self get all slouched down and lax and my brain mirrors that. Next, I actually wait five seconds before starting every passage and after I'm done reading I take a 1-2 minutes to write down the main idea.

All that takes everytime, but gives me more confidence to answer questions.

Oh and once I think I see the answer for the question I go with that....second guessing in verbal is death.

I hope that helped a little.😛

 

[FutureDoctor015]

I will put a disclaimer on this and say that verbal has always been my best, I have never gotten below a 10 and my average is 12-13. Now having said that here's all I got.

For the studying that I did do, I did it with EK. The two things that EK said that have helped me the most firstly taking every test with both feet on the ground sitting up straight and paying attention, usually if I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with a paragraph its because I've let my self get all slouched down and lax and my brain mirrors that. Next, I actually wait five seconds before starting every passage and after I'm done reading I take a 1-2 minutes to write down the main idea.

All that takes everytime, but gives me more confidence to answer questions.

Oh and once I think I see the answer for the question I go with that....second guessing in verbal is death.

I hope that helped a little.😛

I'm going to try EK strategy starting tomorrow (lol I know a little late right?). I've been using KAPLAN til now and I'm averaging 8-10 -- although I improved from a 5.

Hope it works miracles, cuz I need one!

ps. Did anyone else think AAMC 9 and 10 PS were relatively easy? I had heard they were hard and expected the worst but was pleasantly surprised. Anyone?

 

[supafield]

Did anyone else think AAMC 9 and 10 PS were relatively easy? I had heard they were hard and expected the worst but was pleasantly surprised. Anyone?

I think each test sets up well for some people over others.... I always found AAMC 10 seemed easier but then had a rough curve.

9, although I did well on the verbal, I found the passages really really tough to read. I wasn't expecting to score too well after finishing it.

 

[supafield]

2nd and last practice test today...

AAMC #6 (15P, 10V, 12B)...

I think I'm more happy with my 12 in bio than the 15 in physical... haha I came out of that bio with my fingers crossed for a 10.... It was terrible with the 1 question passage, and tonnes of orgo...

Either way.... it feels good going into Saturday.... I'm going to do more orgo review before now and the test because for a second time I did well on this orgo but felt like I had nooooo idea what I was doing...

Best of luck on Saturday everyone.

 

[bamagurl14]

Ahhh!!! I can't believe we've made it this far! I'm already starting to get MCAT-induced insomnia just thinking about Test Day!

Best of luck to all of yall!!! I hope I can break that magic number 30!!!!

 

[DOCnAbox]

Update

I did two practice tests over the weekend on Sat🙁 and Mon.
AAMC 9 34 (PS11, VR10, BS 13)
AAMC 10 32 (PS13, VR8👎, BS11)

VR on AAMC 10 is crap. Bad passages, bad questions, and bad curve. I went against my better judgement and changed a bunch of answers from a passage I felt bad on at the last min and would have scored a 10 if I had left it alone, haha. I think it is funny how my over all score stays within range but my individual score in each section is fluctuating (PS 11 ->13, and BS 13 -> 11) I don't know if y'all are experiencing the same thing but it is very annoying. So two more days of studying left for this guy.
I am gonna take AAMC 8 thursday night as my last fl practice test.

What are you all doing the Friday before the test and saturday morning? Frantically studying? Going to the pool? Shooting off knuckle children?

Just curious.

 

[supafield]

What are you all doing the Friday before the test and saturday morning?

Just curious.

Waking up early.... going for a bike ride and then playing 18 holes in the afternoon... I figure enough fresh air should give me a decent night's sleep on Friday night.

 

[Aljazera]

Driving to a place 1 hour from Miami, so I'm going to get there at 12PM and check in to the hotel. It doesn't look like there are any beaches really close by just a bunch of golf courses. So I might just go outside and walk around the hotel exploring and then hit a movie.

 

[FutureDoctor015]

Update

What are you all doing the Friday before the test and saturday morning? Frantically studying? Going to the pool? Shooting off knuckle children?

Just curious.

Lol wtf is shooting off knuckle children? 😵

I am actually gonna swim a few laps. Been a while since I've done that, but it's always refreshing and puts me in a good mood!

My update:
Took my last practice test today. I felt REALLY horrible taking it and thought I was going to score in the 20s and my confidence would be shot, but I ended up getting a 35! 🙂(AAMC 6, 13PS, 10VR, 12BS).

I really hope this isn't an anomaly. Is 6 a lot easier than the others? I thought it was INSANE (especially biology - it had 8 passages?!)

Here's my track record with AAMC tests: 29, 27, 31, 35.

Now I'm just hoping I can sustain my latest performance! AHHHH I can't wait til this is all over 🙁

 

[onebeautifulday]

6 on aamc10 verbal 🙁🙁
makes me super sad i want to cry and scream at the same time.

11PS 10BS, for a total of 27!!!!!!🙁🙁🙁

 

[DOCnAbox]

6 on aamc10 verbal 🙁🙁
makes me super sad i want to cry and scream at the same time.

11PS 10BS, for a total of 27!!!!!!🙁🙁🙁

Don't feel bad about the 6 on VR for AAMC 10. It is much harder than any VR that will actually be on the MCAT

 

[supafield]

Lol wtf is shooting off knuckle children? 😵 (

haha reproductive bio at it's finest.

Knuckle (hand) equals = method of stimulation
Sperm = potential children

Shooting off knuckle children = masturbation.


At least you're prepared if that shows up on the MCAT.

 

[DOCnAbox]

haha reproductive bio at it's finest.

Knuckle (hand) equals = method of stimulation
Sperm = potential children

Shooting off knuckle children = masturbation.


At least you're prepared if that shows up on the MCAT.

Haha, I'm glad someone got it!

 

[onebeautifulday]

so, with 11PS 10BS 6V on aamc10, do you suggest that I go home and do EK 101 psgs for verbal like crazy? Or study up on PS/BS and dismiss that verbal score? how should I study tomorrow? I'm definitely taking Friday off to relax and hope verbal goes back up ><

 

[FutureDoctor015]

haha reproductive bio at it's finest.

Knuckle (hand) equals = method of stimulation
Sperm = potential children

Shooting off knuckle children = masturbation.


At least you're prepared if that shows up on the MCAT.

That would definitely be an interesting passage if it were on the MCAT lol.

 

[DrDeejay]

That would definitely be an interesting passage if it were on the MCAT lol.

I was surprised by the Viagra passage on AAMC 7! Didn't see that one coming (no pun intended)...

and about those knuckle children, that is a potentially dangerous weapon...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtqEknAtyQQ



A little humor to break up the anxiety and tension, good luck to all!

 

[FutureDoctor015]

I was surprised by the Viagra passage on AAMC 7! Didn't see that one coming (no pun intended)...

and about those knuckle children, that is a potentially dangerous weapon...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtqEknAtyQQ



A little humor to break up the anxiety and tension, good luck to all!

Oh yeah I remember that passage, it was super in depth too hahah

Thanks for the clip - I just spent like an hour watching Dave Chappelle clips! 🙄

 

[DOCnAbox]

so, with 11PS 10BS 6V on aamc10, do you suggest that I go home and do EK 101 psgs for verbal like crazy? Or study up on PS/BS and dismiss that verbal score? how should I study tomorrow? I'm definitely taking Friday off to relax and hope verbal goes back up ><

At this point, there is little you can do to increase your verbal score. Any change in the way you take the VR section is likely to hurt you so just remember to be confident. Your verbal score will likely reflect your verbal average and not your lowest score. I suggest you go once over all the stuff that is still kinda confusing to you in PS or BS.👍

 

[tritonhopeful]

Hi 9/12 test takers. I completed the exam today and just wanted to wish you all luck. It was difficult at points, but definitely doable. It really felt like just another AAMC.

Things I'd really like to emphasize that helped me:

1. Try not to get caught up on one passage. If it's difficult, keep your pace and go back to it. Better to get to the easy questions and go back to decipher the harder ones. (This really helped me on a really tough passage in PS. Marked three questions and was able to go back later)

2. If you've taken an AAMC, treat it just like another one. The look and feel seemed almost identical.

3. Try to change the font size if it doesn't suit your preference. Not sure if it works on the actual exam but it did during the tutorial. Hit Ctrl and use the scroll on the mouse to change the size.

4. Relaxing the day before the exam really refreshed my mind. Do whatever it is you like doing and try your best to chill.

5. Believe. Believe that you can do well. Channel all that energy from when you performed well on practice exams and believe that you can do just as well if not better on the real deal.

Best of luck and try to think of it as just another AAMC exam...because that's all it is.

 

[greenbean09]

I've heard you shouldn't do anything mcat-related the day before the exam...but I still feel screwed and unconfident. I'm afraid if I take another diag and do terribly, I'll just freak out since I've gotten the same score on AAMC 6 and 9, the last 2 I took. Should I just study for a few hours to go over some things I actually could brush up on/memorize and then go see a movie or do something relaxing at night?

Right now I feel like I can't even breathe and I'm going to throw up!! Is anyone else feeling like this?? Any tips to de-stress? Watching Friends has helped a little 🙂

 

[Hah]

Just gotta say.... PETRIFIED of verbal :O

 

[haroldbelez]

Just gotta say.... PETRIFIED of verbal :O

SCARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am in the SAME boat!!! I'm so SCARED.... should I even apply this late???? Seriously... I only took two MCAT exams... I scored 8's in physical sciences and biological sciences on the 6R and 5R exams... my VERBAL was 5 and 6!!!!!

I'm trying to do DO but still it doesn't look good for me... but if I wait one year it's going to be an additional year to apply again....

I'm really thinking of canceling my test... the only good thing is that I got a fee waiver for my test and I also got fee waiver for my application cycle as well.... which is why I thought I should just apply and take the exam since everything is pretty cheap/free... What would you do??????

 

[tmac11]

SCARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am in the SAME boat!!! I'm so SCARED.... should I even apply this late???? Seriously... I only took two MCAT exams... I scored 8's in physical sciences and biological sciences on the 6R and 5R exams... my VERBAL was 5 and 6!!!!!

I'm trying to do DO but still it doesn't look good for me... but if I wait one year it's going to be an additional year to apply again....

I'm really thinking of canceling my test... the only good thing is that I got a fee waiver for my test and I also got fee waiver for my application cycle as well.... which is why I thought I should just apply and take the exam since everything is pretty cheap/free... What would you do??????

I would wait the extra year, unless you feel you can be competitive based on the stats of schools you want to attend. The last thing I would want is to apply late and with a MCAT score I'm not happy with. Take the time to work on your weaknesses for the MCAT and put in more practice over the next several months. You'll take the test much more prepared and will likely end up with a better score. You'll also be in a position to apply early which can make all the difference in an application cycle. Since you are signed up for Saturday's test, go ahead and take it to see what it's like and void. In your case, no money goes down the drain and you get real testing experience. This is just my opinion though and no one knows your circumstances better than you. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[DOCnAbox]

Almost only 12 hours left. Any one freaking out???

 

[greenbean09]

I'm freaking out too!!! It sucks because there is so little you can do at this point, besides freak out. Maybe I'll take a nap...

I have a test room question. So if I brought snacks/drinks would I be able to access them on my breaks? It's just no cell phones right?

 

[Lala0512]

I'm freaking out too!!! It sucks because there is so little you can do at this point, besides freak out. Maybe I'll take a nap...

I have a test room question. So if I brought snacks/drinks would I be able to access them on my breaks? It's just no cell phones right?

Don't freak out. You'll be fine. I was feeling the same way, too. If you just relax, you'll do better. I took my test yesterday. So the day before yesterday, I just watched TV after class. Then I played Paper Mario for a little bit and went to bed around 9PM (my test was at 8AM). Just relax! You'll be fine. If not, you can always void your score. Remember, it's not the end of the world.

I brought some snacks, but I didn't even get to them. I just got so sucked into the test that I skipped a few breaks. I just had enough time to use the bathroom.

 

[KPCOFGS]

Yes! I get to be the first one to say...

GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!

 

[FutureDoctor015]

Just gotta say.... PETRIFIED of verbal :O

me too! I took a practice yesterday (EK) and did horrible despite my increase in score that past couple days.. now my confidence is low :/

VR sucks.. why do doctors have to know how to read?! lol

 

[FutureDoctor015]

Don't freak out. You'll be fine. I was feeling the same way, too. If you just relax, you'll do better. I took my test yesterday. So the day before yesterday, I just watched TV after class. Then I played Paper Mario for a little bit and went to bed around 9PM (my test was at 8AM). Just relax! You'll be fine. If not, you can always void your score. Remember, it's not the end of the world.

I brought some snacks, but I didn't even get to them. I just got so sucked into the test that I skipped a few breaks. I just had enough time to use the bathroom.

I always make sure I eat a little on breaks to keep me full so that I don't get jittery and unfocused during the exam. Just some banana or half a grilled cheese so I don't get food coma from eating too much!

Also, having to void will suck esp for the 9/12ers since the next one is in JAN!!! Will not be fun to start over again...

 

[haroldbelez]

I always make sure I eat a little on breaks to keep me full so that I don't get jittery and unfocused during the exam. Just some banana or half a grilled cheese so I don't get food coma from eating too much!

Also, having to void will suck esp for the 9/12ers since the next one is in JAN!!! Will not be fun to start over again...

I will take your advice... but I think mostlikely I will void it because I only took 3 full length MCATs... and I did questions out of Ek but forgot a lot of chemistry already... don't feel really well about it.... but if I take the exam and feel good about it I might not void... but been only getting 8's on bio and physical part and getting 6's on verbal (don't think I can increase this at all..)

 

[Protactinium]

Good luck everyone!

I am so apathetic about it now. I've taken a day off work to do absolutely nothing, clear my head and just chillax. If I mess up I'll take it again early next year...In Ontario Canada, repeated trials do not harm you unless you go over 3-5. They just take your best score.

I need to go to Derek Zoolander Center For Children Who Can't Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too...Verbals hitting 8-10, I'm gamblin'.

 

[trackcutie25]

I'm wavering between....scared mode and I could really care less mode. It barely registers that this thing will actually be happening tomorrow. I don't know what Im doing to do with myself with all this new found free time.

Also, I'm mildly concerned that I will skip past the first essay without even noticing because I've done it for every single test and then I will be royally screwed..

 

[Red Leader]

wtf its tomorrow?!!?

houston we have a huge f***ing problem

 

[unDRdog]

Go in expecting it to be difficult...and you wont be screwed up by initial feelings of WTF when you see your first passage. I've never had test anxiety but you will feel the heat tomorrow...just laugh it off and dont stress out ab it...its just another test. Stay focused and dont ever give up on a passage or question set...keep your pace and stay with your rhythm. My test yesterday was alot like the AAMC practice exams more difficult in PS and VR but bio was ok...YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO DO GREAT...luck always favors the prepared so you guys are looking A OK!!

 

[DOCnAbox]

Good luck everyone!

I am so apathetic about it now. I've taken a day off work to do absolutely nothing, clear my head and just chillax. If I mess up I'll take it again early next year...In Ontario Canada, repeated trials do not harm you unless you go over 3-5. They just take your best score.

I need to go to Derek Zoolander Center For Children Who Can't Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too...Verbals hitting 8-10, I'm gamblin'.

How can we get better at Verbal Reasoning if we can't fit in the building?
http://michaelnorthrop.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/zoolander-school1.jpg

 

[Red Leader]

yeah i'm just kidding. I'm going to own this tomorrow.

go
go
go
go
go
go
GL

 

[Hah]

Good luck everyone! Hope no one oversleeps 😴

 

[bamagurl14]

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE TOMORROW!!!

I can't believe 3 full months of intense prep has finally come to an end!!!
Just think, we're all gonna be amazing doctors one day, so don't let any worries or fear take over during the test.

P.S. Man, if I break that 30 tomorrow, I'm gonna cut inches of my hair off and donate it to charity. 😀 Sorry, just thought I'd share that.

 

[ts87v]

yea, those 3 months just flew by HELL fast....i really hope our effort and dedication will really pay off sometime in the future ...i mean even if we perform not too good on tmrow's test, our knowledge and experience in studying science will be of some good use in practical medicine!

Good luck everyone !!!!

 

[Winterpegger]

Third and final MCAT attempt in 14.5 hours.

Good luck to those writing for the final time. Good luck to those writing for the first time (hopefully the last.)

If anyone out there is freaking out (I mean really worrying) just remember that stressing is not going to help your performance. I know it's like a vicious positive feedback loop but just continually repeat to yourself that you will do well, like a robot.

And if you find you get destroyed by the PS/VR/WS, as often happens, tell yourself that it is done and that worrying isn't going to make your score any better now. It works.

Damn I sound cheesy.

 

[Evergrey]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!! MCAT TOMORROW........

Good luck everyone!

 

[trackcutie25]

Good Luck Everyone!

Now go to bed! 😉 Especially if your on the east coast like me.

 

[Compass]

If you're still up and you're taking this test, go to bed. That's an order.

-Compass



And good luck tomorrow.

 

[supafield]

Good morning and good luck everyone....

Remember, no matter how awful a particular section may look... it's a scaled test. Handle each passage cool and calmly and do your best not to fall behind in your timing because you obsess more on answers now that you're actually dealing with the real thing.


With those ideas in mind... your AAMC average or better awaits you....

 

[DOCnAbox]

Morning guys and girls. JW what y'alls pre test ritual is. I'll be doing some P90x cardio followed by cereal and a shake. Then comes 12 cups of coffee and adderall. Then some reading and of course my infamous 5 page formulas and commonly confused sheets.

 

[coat0023]

Good luck to all of us taking the test today.

It has been said before but I will say it again; stay confident!