BERKELEY REVIEW scores/discussion

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
C

capn jazz

Full Member
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2006
Messages
1,529
Reaction score
9
Members don't see this ad.
Just like the EK Verbal 101 thread, this is a thread to talk about how you're doing with the TBR passages. I don't know how people are generally going through these, but I'm doing Phase I and II after reading the chapter, and saving Phase III for after I finish all content review.

I'm currently working on Gen Chem.

Chapter 1:
Phase I: 27/41 = 66% = 10
Phase II: 10/20 = 50% = 8 (ouch!)

Chapter 2:
Phase I: 29/37 = 78% = 11
Phase II: 28/33 = 85% = 13

So far I LOVE the book. I hated Gen Chem and I'm enjoying reading this and I really feel like it's helping me grasp the topics. Hopefully future chapters will continue this trend...

Now it's up to you guys! Keep this thread alive!
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
I will be taking the MCAT in january and I've been looking for materials that have worked for many people. One of the materials that seemed to have been used by many is this Berkeley Review. Where exactly do I buy this? Can I just go to Amazon or something? Sorry, I didn't really bother to look. Thanks in advance!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I am so confused...where exactly is everyone finding Phrase 1 and 2 from? All i see is sections then end of each section there are some problems. Ok nvm for biology there isnt phrases....

And why is the biology question so freaking ridiculously hard and (not really covered by the book)? I mean I am still getting the 12-15 range but still it is like way harder than anything else lol (had to reread teh passage again and again). Maybe it will be alot easier when I am awake in the morning lol
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Spiker said:
I am so confused...where exactly is everyone finding Phrase 1 and 2 from? All i see is sections then end of each section there are some problems. Ok nvm for biology there isnt phrases....

And why is the biology question so freaking ridiculously hard and (not really covered by the book)? I mean I am still getting the 12-15 range but still it is like way harder than anything else lol (had to reread teh passage again and again). Maybe it will be alot easier when I am awake in the morning lol
Click to expand...

hey does anyone know if they want you to convert your score into a percentrage or just grade it by raw points?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Spiker said:
hey does anyone know if they want you to convert your score into a percentrage or just grade it by raw points?
Click to expand...

Wow I just realized the curve for biology is harsh as hell.

In chemistry 66+ =10+
In biology 79+=10+
66 in biology is like a 8
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Spiker said:
hey does anyone know if they want you to convert your score into a percentrage or just grade it by raw points?
Click to expand...

I haven't seen the Bio books but for the G. Chem and Physics books most people take the percentage from the Phase and multiply it by total number of questions total in that section and compare it to the charts in the book before the passages start. It was posted I think on page 2 by capn jazz.

I don't know what you mean but I looked at the homework list and bio does have phases also.

I'll post it here just in case.

-LIS

P.S. And it's PHASES not PHRASES
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Spiker said:
So reflex arc...is it automic system or somatic?
Click to expand...

Depends on the reflex. Some responses (knee jerk response) are somatic because they innervate skeletal muscle. Other responses (such as say sweating) may be autonomic responses. The type of reflex arc depends on the type of innervation (autonomic or somatic) by the neuron.

Hope this helps,

-LIS
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I'm doing Physics section 2 right now and some of the examples do not have answers to them. Does anyone know where we get these answers? Section 1 had all of the answers to them, I don't know why they would change the format...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
LetsGo352 said:
I'm doing Physics section 2 right now and some of the examples do not have answers to them. Does anyone know where we get these answers? Section 1 had all of the answers to them, I don't know why they would change the format...
Click to expand...

Read the very first page after the cover of the book, it won't take more than a few minutes. It is helpful with not only answering this question but ultimately about how to use the book and the mindset you should have.

It's at the end of the glossary. Did anyone else notice that the top of that page says Biology?

Hope this helped,

-LIS
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
LetsGo352 said:
I'm doing Physics section 2 right now and some of the examples do not have answers to them. Does anyone know where we get these answers? Section 1 had all of the answers to them, I don't know why they would change the format...
Click to expand...

The answers to the "b" examples are on the last page of the book.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I just got my hands on a set of books, and was wondering if anyone had a study plan suggestion...

i.e., do chem section 1, then phys 1, bio 1, orgo 1, verbal ---- then repeat the same with sections 2 until the end... while following the "Homework List" .pdf...?


Also, for those using TBR, are when are you taking the MCAT?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
So I just did the Ochem section (the questions are really relevant and useful) and let me tell you it is sooo much better made than the bio section (which is much much worse than i expected)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
This question may have already been answered... I just got the physics book and where is does it show how the phases are broken down? can't seem to find them.. Help is appreciated🙂
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
fishsticks2629 said:
This question may have already been answered... I just got the physics book and where is does it show how the phases are broken down? can't seem to find them.. Help is appreciated🙂
Click to expand...
You shall find your answer in the .pdf file posted 8 posts above yours.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I'm about to start doing Phase II in the G. Chem books and I was wondering if you guys reviewed or studied to material before Phase II or did you just do it cold? Does it matter?

Also, I'll start posting my scores soon to bring this thing back to life.

Thanks,

-LIS
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Question: # 66 in physics, Sound (chapter 6), "ultrasound":

"The energy loss of ultrasonic wave is proportional to sq of freq. Ratio of energy loss for waves of 1MHz to wave with 3000 MHz?"

I put b, 9x10^6 : 1

Correct: 1.11x10^-7 : 1 >>>> their answer explanation
is basically a ratio of energies and frequencies, and I get that. But I'm frustrated, because it's just simple math, but I'm confused as to why it's

(1MHz/3000MHz)^2
I switched the numerator/denom values.

I guess I'd like someone to clear up the "why" of the math set up.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Okay, so I'm going to bring this thread back to life for the next few weeks since most of the original contributors like Capn Jazz, loveoforganic, and the others have finished and moved on.

General Chemistry Phase I

Section I: 34/41 = 83% = 12

Section II: 39/48 = 81% = 12

Section III: 35/41 = 85% = 13

Section IV: 26/35 = 74% = 11 (Ouch!)

Section V: 24/35 = 69% = 10 (Ahh!)

Section VI: 21/27 = 78% = 12

Section VII: 21/28 = 75% = 11

Section VIII: 30/38 = 79% = 12

Section IX: 27/35 = 77% = 11

Section X: 20/26 = 77% = 11


I have a few more Phase II G. Chem to go and I'm almost done with physics Phase I, so I'll post those probably early next week.

-LIS
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
chem phase I/II avg = 10.75
physics phase I/II avg (except for phase II for chs 7-10... I didn't write those down) = 9

actual PS score: 11

I didn't use TBR for Bio or Verbal, but my verbal was also 11 and my bio was 13, for a total of 35R.

I'd recommend TBR PS in a heartbeat. I seriously, seriously, seriously SUCKED at physics and gen chem before I used these books. It would have taken a miracle for me to break a 10 without the books... and my AAMC averages were PS 12, VR 12, BS 13. So I underscored by 2 points from my average, but I'm okay with that.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Im considering ordering the TBR verbal because that is my weakest section. And I was just wondering how you guys thought their passages compared to the actual MCAT. Thanks!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Hello!
First, I'd like to say thanks for providing the HW List for those of us who are not enrolled in the class. I'm wondering if it is my computer problem or something, but I don't see the Biology HW List in the pdf file you have attached. Any comments?

Thanks!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
loveoforganic said:
35N! 12 PS / 11 VR / 12 BS!


Ah!
Click to expand...

Were you getting similar scores on their practice materials?

So far, I have completed three sections

Stoichiometry 81/100 12

from the new physics book
Translational Motion 22/25 and 40/52 supposedly 12

Forces and Gravitation 20/25 and 38/52 supposedly 11
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I was wondering when studying with TBR did you guys following the pdf to the t...Basically following what they recommend- go over the lecture and then do the passages at the end of each section. Or did you do all your content review for that particular subject (chem/phys etc) before diving into the passages?

About how long did it take to cover the chemistry section and physics?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Stephen2009 said:
I need some motivation to get through stoichiometry chapter 1 in gen chem!!! aahh!
Click to expand...

The stoichiometry chapter is hell in terms of all the math and the calculations, but once you get past chapter 1, it's downhill for the most part. The important thing about chapter 1 is the math tricks and learning that you don't need to solve things exactly, but rather, solve them just enough to eliminate three choices.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
General Chemsitry
Stoichiometry 81/100 12

Atomic Stuff 76/100 11

Equilibrium 88/100 13 (yeah!)

Acids and Bases 73/100 10 (yikes)

Physics
Translational Motion 22/25 and 40/52 supposedly 12

Forces and Gravitation 20/25 and 38/52 supposedly 11

Work and Energy 21/25 and 42/52 supposedly 12

Momentum and Equilibrium 23/25 and 45/52 supposedly 13

Periodic Motion and Waves 21/25 and 38/52 supposedly 11

I am really loving the way the physics is laid out. The strategies are sticking this time faster than last time. Just to make sure it wasn't a set up that only worked on their questions, I tried about 50 EK 1001 questions (random selection) and got a 48/50. This is one of those really high feelings that I vaguely recall getting from time to time the last time I studied. I feel inspired!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
capn jazz said:
Just like the EK Verbal 101 thread, this is a thread to talk about how you're doing with the TBR passages. I don't know how people are generally going through these, but I'm doing Phase I and II after reading the chapter, and saving Phase III for after I finish all content review.

I'm currently working on Gen Chem.

Chapter 1:
Phase I: 27/41 = 66% = 10
Phase II: 10/20 = 50% = 8 (ouch!)

Chapter 2:
Phase I: 29/37 = 78% = 11
Phase II: 28/33 = 85% = 13

So far I LOVE the book. I hated Gen Chem and I'm enjoying reading this and I really feel like it's helping me grasp the topics. Hopefully future chapters will continue this trend...

Now it's up to you guys! Keep this thread alive!
Click to expand...

Say, I have the 2003 versions of the books. Are they pretty "up to date" with "newer" versions?
Let me just say, I LOVE the TBR Chemistry so far. No other book has explained orbitals in a way that I can understand it, like this one has.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
LetsGo352 said:
I'm doing Physics section 2 right now and some of the examples do not have answers to them. Does anyone know where we get these answers? Section 1 had all of the answers to them, I don't know why they would change the format...
Click to expand...

Back of the book. Nearly the last page, somewhere.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Vanguard23 said:
Say, I have the 2003 versions of the books. Are they pretty "up to date" with "newer" versions?
Let me just say, I LOVE the TBR Chemistry so far. No other book has explained orbitals in a way that I can understand it, like this one has.
Click to expand...

There's a recent thread on this that details the updates and what is most useful. The MCAT underwent big changes in 2003 (sequence, number of questions, and topics). Books were modified once those changes had been fully implemented, so books before 2004 are generally not useful. You'll see things in the older books that are no longer tested (benzene chemsitry is a perfect example). I know new books seem expensive, but in a process where you'll drop $5K applying and $100K to $200K (not counting interest on loans) to attend, it would seem that dropping a $100 to get updated versions of key books would be worth it.

Vanguard23 said:
Back of the book. Nearly the last page, somewhere.
Click to expand...

Actually, in some versions of the physics books, the answers are in the text (with full explanations).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
moto_za said:
Are we purposely not supposed to time ourselves for phase 1 passages?
Click to expand...

Yes. I think TBR suggests taking them untimed. Phase I passages are mainly designed to reinforce the content review and understanding those key concepts for each section without worrying about the time.

However, Phase II and III should be taken timed.

Here is what TBR mentions in their suggested HW Phases schedule:

Homework Phase I (within an hour or two of the end of lecture):
Do some of the passages (the suggested passages will be listed later in this document) using a pencil. Write a detailed explanation of how you eliminated wrong answers and/or zeroed in on the best answer. Once you have completed the passages, grade each question using the answer key following the last question (using the answer letters at the start of each answer explanation at the end of the corresponding chapters), marking incorrect questions using blue ink. Repeat any questions you got incorrect using blue ink. Grade them once again using the answer key, marking incorrect questions using red ink. Read the detailed answer and using red ink, write out how you should have answered the questions. This is very time consuming, but it presents a color-coded view of what you know well(pencil only), what you need to review a little (pencil and blue ink), and what you need to restudy (pencil, blue ink, and red ink). DO NOT worry about your timing on these first passages!

Homework Phase II (within a week of the end of lecture):
Time yourself on these passages with great accuracy, creating as realistic a testing environment as possible. Grade yourself using the answer key. Review any incorrect answers and questions that caused any uncertainty. Record the number of​
content errors, careless errors, and question interpretation errors you made. This will tell you where you need to improve most.

Homework Phase III (about a month or two before the MCAT, when you have free time):
Most of these passages listed in phase III cover both the subject in the corresponding section as well as some outside material. These are meant to test you at your ability to integrate multiple concepts. Time yourself, but even if you don’t finish on time, keep going while noting the overtime issue. These passages should serve as a review of sorts.​
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Thanks for the response. Anyone notice that the passages for each phase in the chem book do not match the phase passages in the homework list??
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
PRamos said:
Were you getting similar scores on their practice materials?

So far, I have completed three sections

Stoichiometry 81/100 12

from the new physics book
Translational Motion 22/25 and 40/52 supposedly 12

Forces and Gravitation 20/25 and 38/52 supposedly 11
Click to expand...

Sorry I'm just noticing this. I'm not sure, as I didn't ever really convert my scores. I'd range from 0-2 wrong on most passages though, with an average of maybe 1.

As far as judging how you're actually faring, I'd put a lot of stock in the AAMC practice tests. They were right on the money (and generally tend to be).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
So pretty much i've seen that the consensus is that the BR PS books are out of this world, and I have decided to buy those. But what are your feedback about their ORGO book? Do you think it's worth the time and effort, or would you recommend another company for orgo??

Thanks a bunch
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
rocketbooster said:
yea except for the physics. they havent released their final copy yet so physics isn't broken into phases yet. I have the whole study plan with the physics phases if you want me to email it to you. Todd, the owner of BR, sent me it bc I emailed him asking him about it when i first started BR like 3 months ago. 👍
Click to expand...

do you think you could email me the phases for mcat physics?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Who here has done any of the BR exams? If you have, could you pleease post scores? I would like to compare.

thanks
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I took BR 1 recently and scored a 32...verbal was easy but the sciences were rather thorough.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Working through Ochem first:

Chapter 1: 90/100 ~14

Chapter 2: 85/100 ~13

Chapter 3: 86/100 ~13

Chapter 4: 81/100 ~12 (hard passages IMO)

Chapter 5: 86/100 ~13
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
wolverine1 said:
Has anyone taken BR 3 that would like to share, especially VR score. I bombed the second and seventh passage.
Click to expand...


Ugh, just finished BR 3. I usually finish the BS with like 20 minutes to spare, but this time, I ended up needing the last second, literally. Verbal - I didn't think it was any worse than the other FL's, but apparently it was 🙁 I missed 14, eep. So, I got 26 correct and ended with a 9. I've gotten 10-11 on the other BR FL's I've done so far :-/

Does anyone know if BR FL average scores correspond to the real deal at all? I know the AAMC averages are pretty accurate, but how about TBR ones? I can only hope that my real score on the actual test will be higher than what I'm getting now on the TBR's... :xf:
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
luckyducky..i hear ya. these BR FLs are pretty difficult. I've found them to be a lot harder than the AAMCs so far. Does anyone else feel that way? I Hope the real deal isn't as tough as TBR
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Berkley Review MCAT
Replies
0
Views
1K
chubjectsubject
C
A
Thoughts on Princeton Review?
Replies
2
Views
2K
aj1340
A
M
Berkeley review vs Kaplan for nontrad
Replies
5
Views
6K
unusualonion
U
J
Planning to Void MCAT: Inconsistent Full-Length Scores Fix?
Replies
0
Views
1K
JAH_
J
I
Retaking MCAT, need advice for content review
Replies
4
Views
3K
rcsurgeon
R
Top