BERKELEY REVIEW scores/discussion

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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!
 
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thanks for the response! i skipped test 6 and 7, but physical science for test 1 was the easiest out of the first five imo.

can someone with access help me out and tell me what the answer for #6 on the physical science portion of test 5 is? i can't get the answer for that problem to open up. their system is ridiculously buggy. 😡 thank you so much !

6. The exhaust steam in a one-cylinder steam engine is condensed:

A. to recover the heat energy originally used to vaporize water into steam for evaporating more water in the boiler. B. so that the fluid is more dense and better able to flow through the pump.
C. so that the piston does not overheat and expand.
D. in order to reduce the pressure in the condenser, to allow vapor to escape from the piston when the exhaust valve is opened
 
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TFS said:
thanks for the response! i skipped test 6 and 7, but physical science for test 1 was the easiest out of the first five imo.

can someone with access help me out and tell me what the answer for #6 on the physical science portion of test 5 is? i can't get the answer for that problem to open up. their system is ridiculously buggy. 😡 thank you so much !

6. The exhaust steam in a one-cylinder steam engine is condensed:

A. to recover the heat energy originally used to vaporize water into steam for evaporating more water in the boiler. B. so that the fluid is more dense and better able to flow through the pump.
C. so that the piston does not overheat and expand.
D. in order to reduce the pressure in the condenser, to allow vapor to escape from the piston when the exhaust valve is opened
Click to expand...

"6. D is correct. The heat released when steam is condensed in the condenser is dissipated through the walls of the system to the external environment and thus is wasted energy. This makes choice A an invalid statement. Both a gas and a liquid are fluids, so both are capable of flowing through the pump. The density of a liquid does not necessarily impact the ease with which it flows. The ease with which it flows depends on its viscosity, which may or may not parallel density. This eliminates choice B. The piston in the cylinder is hot from the steam, so condensing gas in a nearby chamber does not affect the temperature of the piston. The boiling point of water and the condensation temperature of steam are both 100?C, so the chambers adjacent to the piston are at 100?C. The piston is likely going to be at 100?C, so condensing the steam in the condenser does not result in a decrease in the temperature of the piston. Choice C is an invalid statement. When the vapor is condensed into a gas, the pressure in the condenser is reduced. This results in the pressure in the condenser being lower than the pressure in the piston. Because of the pressure differential between the piston chamber and the condenser, steam flows from the piston through the exhaust port and into the condenser (from a region of higher pressure to a region of lower pressure). Flow is made easier, when the exhaust gas is condensed into a liquid once inside of the condenser. The correct choice is D."
 
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^^
thank you! how odd, that was what i selected and it was marked wrong.
 
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BerkReviewTeach said:
"6. D is correct. The heat released when steam is condensed in the condenser is dissipated through the walls of the system to the external environment and thus is wasted energy. This makes choice A an invalid statement. Both a gas and a liquid are fluids, so both are capable of flowing through the pump. The density of a liquid does not necessarily impact the ease with which it flows. The ease with which it flows depends on its viscosity, which may or may not parallel density. This eliminates choice B. The piston in the cylinder is hot from the steam, so condensing gas in a nearby chamber does not affect the temperature of the piston. The boiling point of water and the condensation temperature of steam are both 100?C, so the chambers adjacent to the piston are at 100?C. The piston is likely going to be at 100?C, so condensing the steam in the condenser does not result in a decrease in the temperature of the piston. Choice C is an invalid statement. When the vapor is condensed into a gas, the pressure in the condenser is reduced. This results in the pressure in the condenser being lower than the pressure in the piston. Because of the pressure differential between the piston chamber and the condenser, steam flows from the piston through the exhaust port and into the condenser (from a region of higher pressure to a region of lower pressure). Flow is made easier, when the exhaust gas is condensed into a liquid once inside of the condenser. The correct choice is D."
Click to expand...

Thank you. All your posts are always incredibly helpful.
 
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I took them backwards for fun. Interesting trend...

CBT #7: 37
CBT #6: 37
CBT #5: 37
CBT #4: 37
CBT #3: 34
CBT #2: 34
CBT #1: 38

Just finished #1 today.
 
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Hi, when you guys say BR books are the best to learn PS, are the books good only b/c of the practice passages or are the content review good too?

I don't like the content review b/c it's so wordy and long-winded and convoluted to me. Also they give no outline of the most important info to grasp in bullet forms. Also a lot of formulas are not in math notation ( = ( )/( )) but actually written out in words. I find that very annoying.

What are you guys' opinions?

Does anyone recommend using other prep books for content review and just doing the BR for passages?

Thanks!
 
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Latuza said:
Hi, when you guys say BR books are the best to learn PS, are the books good only b/c of the practice passages or are the content review good too?

I don't like the content review b/c it's so wordy and long-winded and convoluted to me. Also they give no outline of the most important info to grasp in bullet forms. Also a lot of formulas are not in math notation ( = ( )/( )) but actually written out in words. I find that very annoying.

What are you guys' opinions?

Does anyone recommend using other prep books for content review and just doing the BR for passages?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you read the recent "official MCAT of X/X/10" threads after people have taken the MCAT, I think you'll find your answer. The short of it is that yes, the passages and questions are the best (most realistic and helpful) of the materials out there. For the content part, what people have mentioned they like is that there are questions integrated into the text (so you can test yourself as you read), the strategies are techniques are really helpful, that there are other topics integrated in (which could be seen as convoluted with extra information), and that it prepares you well for the different ways the MCAT presents material (which sometimes write formulas out in words and sometimes present them in standard form).

As for the bullet list, I hope they release their new physics book soon, because it denotes the important equations, shortcuts, and strategies and has equation lists.

I'd recommend you look at the MCAT threads from recent test dates to get a complete answer to your question.
 
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quick question: does TBR accept fax orders for their materials/ FL exams? I am all the way on the east coast and am sending a postage mail to order some material, and was just curious.
 
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anbuitachi said:
i didn't do the BR CBT yet but i thught the BR cbt is supposed to be easier than their section tests in the books?
Click to expand...

That's their plan. While the books were primarily written by the owners (with a few passages submitted by outsiders), the exams were written by a bunch of us. Their goal was to get a wider array of writing styles and perspectives.
 
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how berkeleyteach, how long does it take to order CBT? I dont want to do it now but i might do it later after I do some reviewing, just want to make sure I have time to get it sometime before i take mcat if i order it. thanks
 
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Is there any data showing how scores from the TBR book passages correlate with MCAT/FL score? Are they harder? Easier?
 
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The general consensus is that TBR passages in the books are a bit harder than AAMC.

Hope this helps,

-LIS
 
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I purchased the BR books. I plan on doing a LIS / SN2ed variation study plan. Only have 7 weeks.

AAMC + BR FLs also.

Should be interesting. BR seems quality to me.
 
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Don Draper said:
I purchased the BR books. I plan on doing a LIS / SN2ed variation study plan. Only have 7 weeks.

AAMC + BR FLs also.

Should be interesting. BR seems quality to me.
Click to expand...
Sorry, I'm super curious, what's the LIS / Sn2ed variation study plan?

Also, props for putting my name firs... I mean alphabetical order.

Curious,

-LIS
 
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LostInStudy said:
Sorry, I'm super curious, what's the LIS / Sn2ed variation study plan?

Also, props for putting my name firs... I mean alphabetical order.

Curious,

-LIS
Click to expand...

I've read a few of your threads.

What you've said that I will do:

  • Review passages one by one, same day
  • TPR for Bio/Phys content
  • TBR for Chem/Ochem content
  • Passages from all (EK1001/TPR/BR) but mostly BR and the other 2 to sharpen weak areas
  • focus on mastery (not time) at first, then hone the timing skills in the FL phase
Of course this is brief as the plan is more elaborate, but I picked up the bulk (90%) of my plan from each of you.

Regards,

-Don
 
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Looking at it all together, I think that's a really good plan. I don't see why anyone using that couldn't get AT LEAST a 34 with hard work and effort. My only concern is if 7 weeks is enough but you know yourself best so good luck.

-LIS
 
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LostInStudy said:
Looking at it all together, I think that's a really good plan. I don't see why anyone using that couldn't get AT LEAST a 34 with hard work and effort. My only concern is if 7 weeks is enough but you know yourself best so good luck.

-LIS
Click to expand...

I have the same concern. Only time will tell. Necessity is mother of invention...

I know because time is low, Berkeley Review will be my cornerstone while the extra prep companies are there only my my handful of weakest areas.

Goal is 35+

Regards,

Don Draper
 
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I put in the most work probably the last month or month and a half and the pressure definitely kept me going so I think that will help.

When are you taking, July 8thish?

-LIS
 
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Is TBR Gen chem enough for content review. I've gone through chapter 1 and feel like i understand it. I'm doing a kaplan topical and i'm just lost. It's a little scary.
 
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How do you guys time yourself in the real mcat? Is there a counting down clock just like in BR cbt? I usually use the half way point: if I get to question 26 with 35 minutes left then I know I am not late. Let me know how you guys time yourself? Thanks.
 
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i was doing Physics part I, section V: waves section

as i was doing the practice problems,

somehow i got totally owned...

i was very sad...

especially passage II and III....

someo fthe explanations didnt make sense to me..

does anyone feel the same way?
 
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Arite I'm gonna go retro on this thread and start posting by BR scores for different phases in the sciences. I wanna stay accountable and motivate myself to keep doing better. Hopefully others will follow.

G. Chem Chapter 1

Phase I: 15/27, 55% = 8 (painful)

Phase II: 15/26, 58% = 8 (oooofff)

O. Chem Chapter 1

Phase I: 27/36, 75%= 11

Phase II: 81%= 12

Bio: Metabolic Components Section

Phase I: 22/33, 64%= 9

Phase II: 24/33, 72% = 11

Physics Section I:

Phase I: 12/25, 52% = 8 (trying my best not to punch the wall)

Phase II: 25/36, 69%= 10

Physics Section II:

Phase I: 18/25, 72% = 11


Scores MUST improve!
 
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Yea, scores improve as you go along and develop better test habits and such. Just make sure you're reviewing carefully and understanding why you got each question wrong.

Good job with continuing the tradition. I even posted scores somewhere in this thread. I think most people who've posted scores have ended up killing the test...maybe that means something.

-LIS
 
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TheMightyBoosh said:
Scores MUST improve!
Click to expand...

One thing I keep in mind when doing BR, is to do a single passage at a time not overly focused on time. That way you learn before approaching the next passage.

Next, don't get too focused on your scores. Complete it and find extra practice for weak areas. I know people who didn't hit 13+ until their final weeks of prep, then got 12-13+ on the test.

Passages are for learning more than diagnosis.
 
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Thanks guys, I'll try not to be too critical of my scores.

DonDraper: I noticed that the first time around in Chem/Phyics when I timed myself 8 mins a passage and had trouble finishing. Now I give myself about 10 minutes on Phase I and then 8.5 on phase II, and so far I've been finishing all the passages on time.

LostInStudy: I'm glad I'm following the trend. Anything else I should know about? Do people who grow out their beards while studying do better as well? haha
 
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Don Draper said:
One thing I keep in mind when doing BR, is to do a single passage at a time not overly focused on time. That way you learn before approaching the next passage.

Passages are for learning more than diagnosis.
Click to expand...

This is what I did for all of content review and it worked out excellently for me. First you master the content then you master the timing. Those are two separate skills that are hard to master at the same time.

It's like when you learn to throw a baseball, you learn to throw the ball properly and with accuracy first and then you work on adding power and speed, you don't just grab the ball and work on throwing it hard and accurately at the same time. You learn the mechanics and once you've mastered them you work on the power and speed. No use in finishing on time if you still get a lot wrong.

I grew a MCAT beard. But I cut it the day before my exam so I would look like my ID and people wouldn't be freaked out. I grew it out for almost 6 months. I had a friend who has had a red beard for like 2 years and he took it with me and he got a 39. So maybe the MCAT somehow recognizes the beardedness and rewards you for your wisdom?

Maybe this helps,
-LIS
 
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Lumberjack? I was so disheveled that I looked more homeless than lumberjack. When I think lumberjack I think what Clooney had a little while ago. That definitely wasn't me.

-LIS
 
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My beard grows out insanely fast. If I were to grow one out from now until test date (3 1/2 months) it would be cave man epic for sure. I wouldn't mind if my beard grew out like Baron Davis' does... but unfortunately mine is more like a Pau Gasol beard.
 
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LostInStudy said:
This is what I did for all of content review and it worked out excellently for me. First you master the content then you master the timing. Those are two separate skills that are hard to master at the same time.

It's like when you learn to throw a baseball, you learn to throw the ball properly and with accuracy first and then you work on adding power and speed, you don't just grab the ball and work on throwing it hard and accurately at the same time. You learn the mechanics and once you've mastered them you work on the power and speed. No use in finishing on time if you still get a lot wrong.
Click to expand...

I forgot to mention I learned it from you.

When do you take PiBond?
 
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hey guys.
im planning to take on august 4th.
i get around 1 - 2 wrong questions on passages.
so for about 7 passages i get about 10 wrong.
what would be my theoretical score for the real mcat? 🙁
 
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How much do people improve on the TBR bio passages (from the books) throughout their review (I know this question is highly dependent on the person studying)? I've just started studying and my scores using TBR bio passages have been all over the place (got approx. 13 my first day doing TBR bio passages, but the last two days I've gotten around an 8 or 9 🙁 ), so it's kind of worrying me.
 
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snipermonkey said:
hey guys.
im planning to take on august 4th.
i get around 1 - 2 wrong questions on passages.
so for about 7 passages i get about 10 wrong.
what would be my theoretical score for the real mcat? 🙁
Click to expand...

As the posters above me have said, you really shouldn't use your scores on TBR passages as predictors of what you will get on the mcat, but more so as practice to see where you can improve. Having said that, if you are getting 1-2 wrong per passage you are in decent shape. Ideally we want to get ALL the questions right, correct? So strive to get every question right and figure out why you are getting those other ones wrong. If you are making mistakes do to content, then you know you have to go back and review/do extra practice problems on that topic. If the mistake is careless or due to question interpretation, then you have to work on your focus/test taking habits.


G. Chem Chapter 2, Phase I: 31/37 = about a 13

Physics Chapter 2, Phase II: 23/32 = about an 11
 
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phonyreal98 said:
How much do people improve on the TBR bio passages (from the books) throughout their review (I know this question is highly dependent on the person studying)? I've just started studying and my scores using TBR bio passages have been all over the place (got approx. 13 my first day doing TBR bio passages, but the last two days I've gotten around an 8 or 9 🙁 ), so it's kind of worrying me.
Click to expand...

Don't get overly focused on scores.

Two possible scenarios

  • You could be getting 8's and score a 13-15 on the MCAT with reflection, great notes, and postgaming of the passages.
  • You could be scoring 10's and not improve, lacking notes/postgaming/reflection, only to score an 10 on the MCAT.

Honestly, I would just put my head down and do them all throughly, then asses progress during the FL phase. Tracking progress now is like weighing yourself after every workout.

Not to say you shouldn't post your phases here, do whatever makes you happy.
 
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Don Draper said:
Honestly, I would just put my head down and do them all throughly, then asses progress during the FL phase. Tracking progress now is like weighing yourself after every workout.
Click to expand...

Great analogy 👍

Yea I'm still going to post my scores just so I have somewhat of an idea of where I have GLARING weaknesses that I can put additional work into... which in my case so far is doing stochiometry calculations/conversions.

To add to your analogy, its kinda like knowing that one muscle group is a lot weaker than all the others. So knowing that, you can put extra work onto that muscle so to catch up to the rest.

Also, I like being challenged and motivated to get to the "next level." So even though the scores don't really assess anything, I will always feel like improving as long as I'm not getting 15's on all my passages.

But I agree that the most important thing in the beginning stages is simply drilling through the work.
 
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Do you guys take notes and then study from that or make flashcards? Or do you just refer back to the chapter to review?
 
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Lokhtar said:
Do you guys take notes and then study from that or make flashcards? Or do you just refer back to the chapter to review?
Click to expand...
If I got a specific question wrong in practice then I would refer back to the content if I couldn't immediately figure out where I went wrong on my own.

Hope this helps,

-LIS
 
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yeah
i make careless mistakes such as misinterpreting the questions.
🙁
oh boy.
i should focus better lol
thnkassss 😀
 
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what do you guys think of the bio passages?

I'm getting about 1-2 wrong per passage, how would that reflect on an aamc score?

much thanks🙂
 
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okay guys.
i just started 2nd physics book and finished sound section.
I did 3 passages (21 questions) in a timed manner.
i got 19/21 (i know it is amazing)
but in one of the questions i got wrong, i was just curious.

it goes like this:
When listening to a recording of their own voices, people often remark that their taped voice does not sound like the voice they hear when they speak aloud. Which of the following statements would explain this?

first of all, this qeustion had nothing to do with the passage (i know we get some of them.)
but, when you read the choices, you had to know if the bone transmit low frequency better or high frequency better (which i had no idea, BR, EK nor Kaplan talked about this), so i guessed this question and obviously got it wrong.
also, you were "required" to know if your spoken voice has higher frequency than your taped voice or not...
do you think we need to know that much in detail
or do you think the MCAT would have this type of question?
ARGHHHHH
 
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