2 weeks left, deciding priorities...

[luctoretemergo]

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Today, I will be finishing up reading all 5 EK books and doing all the questions except the physics and gen chem passages in the back (30 min exams) tomorrow.

I haven't taken a practice exam yet, as I don't want to discourage myself before reviewing all the material again. My MCAT is June 17. I just had a friend that only took the AAMC tests 3, and 6-10, after his review and he felt totally unprepared for the real MCAT and said it was significantly harder. I want to avoid this. So what would you recommend I do within these 10 days as far as practice exams go (around 2 days will probably be needed to review content/go thru the kaplan flash cards, which is probably a good idea but I'm not sure if its more or less beneficial then just doing practice exams. This will give me 10 days to do FLs) Should I do 6-10 of the AAMC and then 2 Kaplans or 2 BRs? Or should I do all the 30 minutes passages from gen chem and physics and then FLs? I don't think I have time to do 8 FLs, so I really need some advice on making the most of my time left. I've been getting 9s and 10s on every verbal, without improvement. My first EK 101 verbal was a 9, 2nd a 10, 3rd a 10, 4th a 10. So idk how to even improve this one.

 

[venacontracta]

I am using the EK books to study for June 17 and am at a similar point to you. I took pretty extensive notes on all the EK reading so I plan on going through my notes and making 1 page or less of cheat sheet type notes for each lesson in the EK books - things that really need to be memorized and I feel I do not know well enough yet. Then keep reviewing that packet until June 17 and take as many of the AAMC practice tests as I can, reviewing problematic areas after each test.

 

[NickNaylor]

Don't mean to harsh your mellow, but I wouldn't recommend cramming a bunch of stuff like that in one day. I would try and distribute the material over the time you have left as much as possible.

If you haven't finished your content review, I would do that first. After that, I would take a FL every few days. The FLs WILL prepare you well IMO. However, you have to have some content review on your belt first.

 

[CardiacArrest]

Start taking exams. You won't know your weak areas until you begin practicing. Besides knowing the content well, timing is a big part of the exam!
I'm also signed up for the 17th exam. For the past 3 weeks, I've been taking 2 FL a week. On my FL days, I take the exam and then get the hell out, by going to the gym, hanging out with friends, whatever it takes to get my mind off.
Post FL days, I'll go over all my mistakes, and the ones that I got right, but I was unsure about. I've made a journal with a list of areas missed, and why I missed them. After a few FL, you'll find your most missed areas, go reread your notes/chapters, do a few practice passages or a few dozen problems in that area. This is esp crucial for Physical Sciences.
Hope this helps! We can do it!

T-minus 12 days...and counting.

 

[MCAT4life]

You realize that these tests are around 4 hours a piece timed, not including writing right? and it takes you around the same time to review it.. You don't want to take these tests 1 per day cause you will get very drained. I know that there are people that did that, but I tried a back to back once Kaplan one day/AAMC the test, and that wasn't too much fun.

 

[luctoretemergo]

So I feel like some say begin practice exams, and some are saying to reivew more first? I'm going thru the Kaplan flash cards now. I am having issues memorizing the 4+ pages of physics equations alone from EK. But as I review them more and more I start forgeting gen chem and orgo chem eq'ns and now I feel like I've forgotten all of bio. It feels impossible to retain all this information as I continue studying =/

I also know that I am terrified to take a practice exam with the thought of getting a 25 or something (haven't taken any yet) and freaking out since I only have 12 days, so I don't want to discourage myself =/

Advice?

 

[brado]

So I feel like some say begin practice exams, and some are saying to reivew more first? I'm going thru the Kaplan flash cards now. I am having issues memorizing the 4+ pages of physics equations alone from EK. But as I review them more and more I start forgeting gen chem and orgo chem eq'ns and now I feel like I've forgotten all of bio. It feels impossible to retain all this information as I continue studying =/

I also know that I am terrified to take a practice exam with the thought of getting a 25 or something (haven't taken any yet) and freaking out since I only have 12 days, so I don't want to discourage myself =/

Advice?

The MCAT is in 10 days and you still have no idea where you stand. Take AAMC 4 and 5/6 over 2 days and see what you get. You can't save all the practice MCATs for the week before the real MCAT. That's setting yourself up for disaster. What if you save them and end up scoring 25s? Won't that freak you out more than if you get a 25 right now? The best advice is to take the MCAT when you're completely ready and have mastered all of the material. Don't make the mistake of rushing it.

Right now I've taken AAMC 3/4/5 and I'm finishing reviewing EK chem and doing the exams in the back. After that I'm gonna start taking the rest of the AAMCs, and even I feel like I'm making a mistake saving this many so late.

 

[luctoretemergo]

Don't mean to harsh your mellow, but I wouldn't recommend cramming a bunch of stuff like that in one day. I would try and distribute the material over the time you have left as much as possible.

If you haven't finished your content review, I would do that first. After that, I would take a FL every few days. The FLs WILL prepare you well IMO. However, you have to have some content review on your belt first.

Well, for bio I have about 75% down I'd say-- the hormones, blood pathway of heart, digestive enzymes, kidney stuff (adh, alodosterone, reabsorption/secretion stuff), etc. I've heard a lot of deductible from the passages, so I'm not sure how strongly to focus on bio.

Phsyics- I know most of the equations, but still tend to get confused on when to use certain eq'ns for certain type problems, like remember force in electic field is kq1/r^2 (I think) instead of thinking too hard and trying to get it from some derivation of f=ma. Also, some of the concepts with waves I'm struggling with, along with two lens/mirror systems. So I think this stuff may more easily come with practice rather than memorization. I didn't think EK physics did a very good job with practice problems.

Gen chem- know most of the eq'ns, lacking some knowledge of concept type stuff

Orgo- struggling with rememerbing the names of diff alkane substiuents, like isopropyl, sec-butyl, etc. And also the properties of certain things like most acidic proton, etc. I also felt EK orgo sucked at explaining this stuff in a way I'd rememebr. Also not sure which reactions to bother memorizing.

Verbal, consistenly have gotten 10s and 9s, which is where I started off =/

So, there's where I stand, if that helps on any advice.

 

[luctoretemergo]

The MCAT is in 10 days and you still have no idea where you stand. Take AAMC 4 and 5/6 over 2 days and see what you get. You can't save all the practice MCATs for the week before the real MCAT. That's setting yourself up for disaster. What if you save them and end up scoring 25s? Won't that freak you out more than if you get a 25 right now? The best advice is to take the MCAT when you're completely ready and have mastered all of the material. Don't make the mistake of rushing it.

Right now I've taken AAMC 3/4/5 and I'm finishing reviewing EK chem and doing the exams in the back. After that I'm gonna start taking the rest of the AAMCs, and even I feel like I'm making a mistake saving this many so late.

Well, I bought AAMC 3, and 6-10. Do you think I should buy 4 and 5 too? I don't think I'll have time for them all. If not, which 2 should I take first?

 

[Silverfalcon]

Well, for bio I have about 75% down I'd say-- the hormones, blood pathway of heart, digestive enzymes, kidney stuff (adh, alodosterone, reabsorption/secretion stuff), etc. I've heard a lot of deductible from the passages, so I'm not sure how strongly to focus on bio.

Phsyics- I know most of the equations, but still tend to get confused on when to use certain eq'ns for certain type problems, like remember force in electic field is kq1/r^2 (I think) instead of thinking too hard and trying to get it from some derivation of f=ma. Also, some of the concepts with waves I'm struggling with, along with two lens/mirror systems. So I think this stuff may more easily come with practice rather than memorization. I didn't think EK physics did a very good job with practice problems.

Gen chem- know most of the eq'ns, lacking some knowledge of concept type stuff

Orgo- struggling with rememerbing the names of diff alkane substiuents, like isopropyl, sec-butyl, etc. And also the properties of certain things like most acidic proton, etc. I also felt EK orgo sucked at explaining this stuff in a way I'd rememebr. Also not sure which reactions to bother memorizing.

Verbal, consistenly have gotten 10s and 9s, which is where I started off =/

So, there's where I stand, if that helps on any advice.

Given 10 days, you can't really expect to magically fill up all the missing holes in your study. You should, however, instead make your stance as strong as possible.

1. Definitely take full-length. This is more important than doing last-minute cramming.
2. EK Physics does not do good job of explaining or giving practice problems. Its section on electricity is utterly useless. If you need to, refer to several websites that are mentioned here at SDN to quickly learn them.
3. GChem and OChem. It depends on where you think that you will be able to maximize your points. If you feel strong at Bio, then quickly skim over OChem, but don't sweat it much - you may get lucky and not have more than 1 OChem passage in the exam. If you are weak at PS, and obviously, physics isn't your strong area, you may want to spend more time on GChem than OChem to fix up the holes in the concepts.

By all means though, all of these mean nothing without enough FLs. Go take them, review them, and keep working. There's really not much you can ask us to tell you.

 

[Mbeas]

this last week and a half is going to be very busy for you, but hopefully worth it in the end....

i would definitely take an AAMC full length tomorrow, if you can, and review it to help identify some of your weak areas. content review only goes so far. practice is where you really start learning the topics where you need additional review. another benefit, as mentioned above, is the timing of the test. the unfortunate reality is that this aspect needs to be mastered, and you can only do that by taking a practice test.

so please, for your sake, take an AAMC FL. and don't get too upset if its not your dream score. use it as an assessment to help identify areas where you can use additional practice in this next week. good luck!

 

[luctoretemergo]

Given 10 days, you can't really expect to magically fill up all the missing holes in your study. You should, however, instead make your stance as strong as possible.

1. Definitely take full-length. This is more important than doing last-minute cramming.
2. EK Physics does not do good job of explaining or giving practice problems. Its section on electricity is utterly useless. If you need to, refer to several websites that are mentioned here at SDN to quickly learn them.
3. GChem and OChem. It depends on where you think that you will be able to maximize your points. If you feel strong at Bio, then quickly skim over OChem, but don't sweat it much - you may get lucky and not have more than 1 OChem passage in the exam. If you are weak at PS, and obviously, physics isn't your strong area, you may want to spend more time on GChem than OChem to fix up the holes in the concepts.

By all means though, all of these mean nothing without enough FLs. Go take them, review them, and keep working. There's really not much you can ask us to tell you.

So would you recommend me skipping the physics 30 min exams and focusing on learning from trial and error on FL's? And also could you link me to the post you are talking about? I got an A+s in physics 2 but that was 2 years ago, my biggest issue is recognizing what equations to use/combine/etc to attack a problem.

 

[Mbeas]

Please skip the 30 min. EK exams and do the full length. you will learn much more.

 

[Silverfalcon]

So would you recommend me skipping the physics 30 min exams and focusing on learning from trial and error on FL's? And also could you link me to the post you are talking about? I got an A+s in physics 2 but that was 2 years ago, my biggest issue is recognizing what equations to use/combine/etc to attack a problem.

A post with links:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=9764966&postcount=2

I wouldn't call taking and reviewing FL as "trial and error," but I suppose that fits - since you will need intuition to do well on MCAT. Anyway, yes, skip the 30 min exams, and frankly, these exams should have been done while you were doing content review. I know it's no good to say that at this point, but just something to point out for future (I hope it becomes unnecessary though). Good (luck)!

 

[luctoretemergo]

So, my worst fears have been confirmed. I got a 24! (7 PS, 8 BS, 9 verbal). This was practice exam 3. If I don't take the exam this month I will be waiting two years instead of 1 (doing the preprofessional masters at iupui). All I need is a 30. Is it normal to score this low on the first exam?

 

[smmossey]

Im not saying this is foolproof and I am taking the exam for the second time July 16th, but I scored a 18 (6,6,6) on three practice tests after my content review using Kaplan last summer.

I then listened to Audio Osmosis and scored a 23 on the actual MCAT (6PS, 9VR, and 8BS). I have been scoring 23+ since then. I'm studying much harder now but I truly think Audio Osmosis brought me to that 23. It's not going to get you a 30 by any means...but it will solidify certain key concepts if you really listen to it. I would study when you can and definitely take full lengths during your hardcore study sessions. I have talked to several people who only took full lengths tests and got 30+ (...yes I hate them too). Still, when you are driving or just relaxing put the cd in if you have it and see if it helps you.

 

[Silverfalcon]

So, my worst fears have been confirmed. I got a 24! (7 PS, 8 BS, 9 verbal). This was practice exam 3. If I don't take the exam this month I will be waiting two years instead of 1 (doing the preprofessional masters at iupui). All I need is a 30. Is it normal to score this low on the first exam?

We can't really tell you because we don't know how many practice passages you had done in the past. If all you did was memorize from flashcards and read for content review with very minimal problems/passages (e.g. I would say just doing In-Class Exams are somewhat minimal), then it may be expected.

I wouldn't, however, say that this is the score you will get for sure. I mean, you never know how the exam turns out. If, for some luck, you end up facing something that you are strong at, you will do well. I would say just keep working until the day before the test and try not to panic.

 

[luctoretemergo]

We can't really tell you because we don't know how many practice passages you had done in the past. If all you did was memorize from flashcards and read for content review with very minimal problems/passages (e.g. I would say just doing In-Class Exams are somewhat minimal), then it may be expected.

I wouldn't, however, say that this is the score you will get for sure. I mean, you never know how the exam turns out. If, for some luck, you end up facing something that you are strong at, you will do well. I would say just keep working until the day before the test and try not to panic.

I did all the back of book passages in bio and orgo. Did about half on gen chem. But the stuff I missed was primarily harmonic stuff (EK physics didn't even explain that as harmonic number goes up, freq goes up, etc, and solubility stuff, like finding the conc of an ion when given that the solution is a certain molarity and 15ml exists. I tried looking up these concepts online and couldn't find much info on solubility stuff). A girl across from me was on the phone on a quiet floor so I was a bit distracted, but that doesn't account for much. Not much of what I studied was even on the exam, after 6 weeks of content review at about 8-12 hours a day. I had a panic attack after that score. I'm not sure what to do, if I postpone the exam, I will surely burnout, plus destroy my chances of getting in for fall of 2011. I've already graduated, and am donig that masters, with my gpa I need at minimum a 29 to stand a chance for instate (IU).

I just can't stop panicking. If I do a FL everyday, do I even have a shot at 30 by next thursday when the real thing is supposed to be so much harder? does the sealed score account for it being so much harder to will my score likely drop from doing FL's 3-10? I also want to do Kaplans and maybe another test prep company, but if they're much harder I am going to upset myself even more. I guess I just have no idea what the learning curve is like once the first FL is down. If I don't stand a shot I might as well cancel it and wait another year to get in =/

 

[Mbeas]

I did all the back of book passages in bio and orgo. Did about half on gen chem. But the stuff I missed was primarily harmonic stuff (EK physics didn't even explain that as harmonic number goes up, freq goes up, etc, and solubility stuff, like finding the conc of an ion when given that the solution is a certain molarity and 15ml exists. I tried looking up these concepts online and couldn't find much info on solubility stuff). A girl across from me was on the phone on a quiet floor so I was a bit distracted, but that doesn't account for much. Not much of what I studied was even on the exam, after 6 weeks of content review at about 8-12 hours a day. I had a panic attack after that score. I'm not sure what to do, if I postpone the exam, I will surely burnout, plus destroy my chances of getting in for fall of 2011. I've already graduated, and am donig that masters, with my gpa I need at minimum a 29 to stand a chance for instate (IU). =/

Why do you think that? a july test date is not THAT bad

I just can't stop panicking. If I do a FL everyday, do I even have a shot at 30 by next thursday when the real thing is supposed to be so much harder? does the sealed score account for it being so much harder to will my score likely drop from doing FL's 3-10? I also want to do Kaplans and maybe another test prep company, but if they're much harder I am going to upset myself even more. I guess I just have no idea what the learning curve is like once the first FL is down. If I don't stand a shot I might as well cancel it and wait another year to get in =/

i wouldn't assume that your scores will likely drop between FL's 3-10. sure, the curve is stricter and the tests harder, but with more practice (and review) you should end up doing better regardless. and i wouldn't bother taking a kaplan test now since you have several other aamc tests. the kaplan tests are harder, but their curve is more generous. just stick with what you have and keep trying!

 

[Silverfalcon]

Why do you think that? a july test date is not THAT bad

Are you even allowed to postpone this close to the exam? Even if you are allowed to, I highly doubt if there is any spot left in the postponed date.

I did all the back of book passages in bio and orgo. Did about half on gen chem. But the stuff I missed was primarily harmonic stuff (EK physics didn't even explain that as harmonic number goes up, freq goes up, etc, and solubility stuff, like finding the conc of an ion when given that the solution is a certain molarity and 15ml exists. I tried looking up these concepts online and couldn't find much info on solubility stuff). A girl across from me was on the phone on a quiet floor so I was a bit distracted, but that doesn't account for much. Not much of what I studied was even on the exam, after 6 weeks of content review at about 8-12 hours a day. I had a panic attack after that score. I'm not sure what to do, if I postpone the exam, I will surely burnout, plus destroy my chances of getting in for fall of 2011. I've already graduated, and am donig that masters, with my gpa I need at minimum a 29 to stand a chance for instate (IU).

It seems to me that while you studied and reviewed, there are a lot of stuffs that you did not cover. Solubility is pretty common topic, and it's one of those things that you should know (I recall some people here at SDN saying that). So, you might want to go through Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences Content Outlines and see if you recognize everything in there - this may help to see where you are standing in terms of at least having some idea of materials.

I just can't stop panicking. If I do a FL everyday, do I even have a shot at 30 by next thursday when the real thing is supposed to be so much harder? does the sealed score account for it being so much harder to will my score likely drop from doing FL's 3-10? I also want to do Kaplans and maybe another test prep company, but if they're much harder I am going to upset myself even more. I guess I just have no idea what the learning curve is like once the first FL is down. If I don't stand a shot I might as well cancel it and wait another year to get in =/

I wish I can tell you yes, but my answer is no. It's possible - anything is possible for the real exam. But, likelihood is slim mainly because you don't have enough time of doing full-lengths. As I said before, there's really not much to do instead of just practice and review, and worst comes worst, take the exam and void at the end. If you want to void, that is.

P.S. Most people feel terrible at the end of the exam so unless you know for sure that you didn't do well, I wouldn't just void it - you may have done somewhat decent. Plus, there are people who get into medical schools with low MCAT - it's difficult but it has happened.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

It is too late to cancel and get your money back or reschedule. With that said I would go sit for the exam and unless you're feeling REALLY GOOD about it I would then hit the "void" button. If your goal was a 27, I'd say go for it. A 24 to 30 jump could happen but it isn't something I'd bank on.

 

[luctoretemergo]

It is too late to cancel and get your money back or reschedule. With that said I would go sit for the exam and unless you're feeling REALLY GOOD about it I would then hit the "void" button. If your goal was a 27, I'd say go for it. A 24 to 30 jump could happen but it isn't something I'd bank on.

If I could manage a 27, I'm hoping I could go ahead and submit my application, then retake it in late july if theyre any openings left. Do you think this would be a good plan?

 

[Mbeas]

good plan, but i seriously doubt you will be able to find an open seat in july

 

[SoFreakedOut]

If I could manage a 27, I'm hoping I could go ahead and submit my application, then retake it in late july if theyre any openings left. Do you think this would be a good plan?

Take a few more exams. If you continue to score 24s you should just show up to the exam and use it as an experience for the real testing situation, then hit "void". You really want one solid score rather than a poor score and a good score one month apart (some schools will average them instead of taking your higher, newer score). I know you probably feel like the $230 fee warrants keeping the test but if you're going to retake it and do better, it's NOT work keeping. Along with that, sign up for a July test and continue to take full lengths until then. Go through them thoroughly and figure out your content weaknesses. A month of FLs will go a long way. Good luck.

 

[SoFreakedOut]

Not sure where you live but your "location" next to your SDN name says Indiana. Checked the July dates for you. There are a couple of places for the July 8th and July 16th. Many for the 29th and 30th. Obviously it depends on where in the state you live though. A tip I've heard before if you can't find a seat close enough to you is to check in the mornings and as the date gets closer there will be kids who freak out and reschedule. Try not to get obsessed with checking for open spots though, it will distract you from your studies.

*edit* Glitch in the plan, I just remembered that you can only be registered for one MCAT exam at a time. That complicates things...

 

[Cramster]

good plan, but i seriously doubt you will be able to find an open seat in july

If you're willing to check multiple test sites, even ones far away, everyday you'll likely find a seat. There will be lots of people in your exact position come the july test dates. Also, it ISN'T too late to cancel your June 17th test appointment. However, to cancel at this time you will have to contact the AAMC directly. This will allow you to register for a new test date sooner. You will not receive a refund this late. Also, if you cancel it will not count towards the 3 times you are allowed to take the MCAT per year.

 

[luctoretemergo]

The problem is, for IU, you have to really get your AMcas application in by end of june to have any sort of chance at getting in (esp with my 3.6 gpa even tho I'm doing the masters program which really helps with getting in). If i wait that late and don't apply till the end of July, I am probably not going to get in. That's why I was hoping to take it and at least send in my application. I have no idea what to do now, =/ You're right, I can't sign up for the July date when I'm enrolled for this one, which I can't cancel.

 

[Cramster]

The problem is, for IU, you have to really get your AMcas application in by end of june to have any sort of chance at getting in (esp with my 3.6 gpa even tho I'm doing the masters program which really helps with getting in). If i wait that late and don't apply till the end of July, I am probably not going to get in. That's why I was hoping to take it and at least send in my application. I have no idea what to do now, =/ You're right, I can't sign up for the July date when I'm enrolled for this one, which I can't cancel.

Are you tied to indiana? Why don't you apply broadly instead. There are lots of great schools here in the California

Also, I'm sure there are some good schools in your neighboring states...

 

[luctoretemergo]

Yea, I really am. I am in-state as well so my chances are best here. The whole reason I am paying 19k for the 1 year masters is because about 50% who do it (and are in-state) are accepted by IU. I had a friend take the mcat, get a 26, send in his score and application in June. Then retake in August, where he got a 29. He had a 3.9 GPA however (versus my 3.6), but did the masters program like I did. He got in.

But I'm wondering if it's better to take it, get a feel for what I need to study and have a score to send in with my application, rather than cancel it altogther. If I take it and send in my application with the intentions of retaking at the end of July/early August, is that better than no MCAT at all with my applicaton or waiting till end of July all together? Theyre may still be mid July dates as well, I'm not sure.

 

[luctoretemergo]

How would exam 8 on emcat relate to a potential score? It's my third exam and I got a 8 PS and 9 Bio. I haven't done verbal yet but my average is a 9-10. Does this show any potential for a 29-31 on the real MCAT in a week if I do AAMCAS 9, 10, 5, 6?