April MCAT plan strategy

[Ebete]

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I just read Blee's post on how he achieved a fabulous score of 37 (congrats 👍 ) and wondering on how I can set up a master plan of attack myself. I, unlike Blee took my prereq. many years ago, the only material I am confortable (b/c graduate classes) is biochem and most bio.
For the Aug MCAT I used the EK 10 week schedule times 2. I started 20 weeks ahead and repeated the 10 week schedule twice (yeah don't ask)...obviously this did not work! I believe I did not enough practice, I studyed and read a lot, but did not take many diagnostics. A lot of material especially phys and chem was forgotten so I really needed to review in more detail.

I now need a new plan of action, taking the following into consideration:

*My 2 kids, a 2y/o (no daycare) and an almost 4 y/o (daycare for 2 days)
*Mammalian Phys. until Dec; decided not to take a class in Jan to concentrate on MCAT
*Every Monday volunteer at an AIDS/ID research clinic
*Cook, clean, laundry......all the "house-wife" things
*lets not forget to kiss the hubby; when I have time 😛
*oh and time for me, my Sat 1 hour yoga class 😀

Sorry, I guess I'm just writting to see what I need to prepare. I just want to make the best out of the 5 months I have, it's a lot of time, but needs to be used wisely, so the same end result does not happen again.

I need to work on Phys, Chem (taken about 6years ago0 and some Org. (which I took about 2 years ago, but did extremelly well). I just don't know how to plan this wisely. I know I need work on some areas in more detail, I just don't know how to go about it. I am very disciplined, and love schedules and deadlines, I like to check things out as I go along, and usually stick to the plan to the dot. For my last plan I had all the 20 weeks printed out and wrote in exactly what I should cover during that week. This keeps me organized and keeps me from slacking and procastinating. Plus I really have to stick to a time plan, I only have about 2 hours while the kids are napping, and at night time (after 9PM). To those who have toddlers you know the possibility of studying while they are awake is as good as me hitting the big 400million lotto 🙄 wouldn't that be nice!

Would anyone like to become a mentor, or can help me formulate "the plan".

Thank you all so much, I believe that being an older applicant is tough but not imposible. I also belive that my courage and strenght comes from being a older person, a mom, and a wife. We will achieve!!!

Thanks, E

 

[QofQuimica]

Ebete,

It sounds to me like you already have a good idea of what you need to do to prepare for the MCAT. Just make sure that you spend more time studying subjects like physics that you need more practice with, and less time studying your strong areas like biochem. Also, you should purchase and take MULTIPLE full-length practice tests (minimum of three, five is better) under strictly timed conditions. Taking practice tests is essential for doing well on the MCAT.

Also, if you haven't already, check out the MCAT Study Questions subforum. Lots of good tips in there. And, there is a sticky thread in the main MCAT forum called "30+ study habits." You might find that helpful as well. Good luck to you!

 

[LuckBALady]

Hi Ebete,
Sounds like you have your hands full. I can definately relate. I'm also taking the April 06 MCAT and I have 2 kids. One just turned 3 and the other just turned 1. I'm a stay at home mom with no daycare and I feel your pain when it comes to studying with kids. I can barely type this message in peace.I plan on working in Jan full time so I have to plan studying around that as well. Mt hubby is in the military and he will probably be headed to Iraq as soon as we get back to the states. I'm not looking forward to "running the house" and everything else by myself. If you ever need moral support..don't hesitate to PM me. You said that you used EKs textbooks. Are you trying another set of texts this time? or just doing more practice problems? It's been about 5-8 years for my earlier pre-req so I'll be reviewing big time. My weakest areas are physics & organic so I'll be studying especially hard for those(Did not enjoy those classes). So far I have the ExamKr. books and the verbal 101 ?s, the TPR hyperlearning set is comming soon and a few older versions of Kaplan books (Comprehensive Review 2004 and another question book), also the AAMC tests and some Kaplan tests. Congrats on the family... I know that it is worth putting off your career for them but there comes a time when you have to start pursuing your dreams..and that's what I'm doing now. 🙂

 

[punchberry]

I studied with EK, and also looked at some other books. I really found that EK has everything you need in terms of the science. If you have studied those inside and out last time, focus on practice exams this time. Do all of the AAMC exams, and then if you need more, there is a book of two practice exams from Kaplan that has really detailed explanations, plus you can buy practice tests from EK. Personally, I do not like TPR practice exams, because they focus too much on memorization of things that do not come up in the actual test. Just get your hands on as many practice tests as you can find and practice, practice, practice. Then go over every problem you get wrong, maybe even put it on an index card or something.

Another thing that I would recommend is the MCAT Audio Osmosis CDs. They are not the best way to utilize your dedicated study time, but they are a good way to sneak in a little extra studying while you are doing something else. I had a half hour bus commute to work while I was studying, so I converted the files to MP3s and listened to them every day on my way to work.

Good luck!

 

[Ebete]

Hi Ebete,
Sounds like you have your hands full. I can definately relate. I'm also taking the April 06 MCAT and I have 2 kids. One just turned 3 and the other just turned 1. I'm a stay at home mom with no daycare and I feel your pain when it comes to studying with kids. I can barely type this message in peace.I plan on working in Jan full time so I have to plan studying around that as well. Mt hubby is in the military and he will probably be headed to Iraq as soon as we get back to the states. I'm not looking forward to "running the house" and everything else by myself. If you ever need moral support..don't hesitate to PM me. You said that you used EKs textbooks. Are you trying another set of texts this time? or just doing more practice problems? It's been about 5-8 years for my earlier pre-req so I'll be reviewing big time. My weakest areas are physics & organic so I'll be studying especially hard for those(Did not enjoy those classes). So far I have the ExamKr. books and the verbal 101 ?s, the TPR hyperlearning set is comming soon and a few older versions of Kaplan books (Comprehensive Review 2004 and another question book), also the AAMC tests and some Kaplan tests. Congrats on the family... I know that it is worth putting off your career for them but there comes a time when you have to start pursuing your dreams..and that's what I'm doing now. 🙂

HOW DID YOU GET TPR Hyperlearning set? I heard its pretty detailled, something I need!!!

 

[Ebete]

It's such an honor to get replyed by Q 😀 ...Thank you. and you are right I pretty much know what I need to do; I guess I just like to see it down written somewhere; easier to check off what's done.
Punchberry I also have the EK AO poor CD's are so beatten up I usually listen to the corresponding lecture in the car...get the kids down, and while they nap I drive and listen.
Luckybalady, I guess we should team up...I pm you with my schedule if you want.

Thanks for the replies 🙂 🙂 🙂