Bombing Physics

[Maverick56]

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I bombed the second 1/3 passages for physics. By bombed I mean I scored 0/8 and couldn't even eliminate answers. Should I reread the chapter and take notes or find more practice passages?

 

[maybemed2013]

You should really go over your formulas.

 

[Narie]

I bombed the second 1/3 passages for physics. By bombed I mean I scored 0/8 and couldn't even eliminate answers. Should I reread the chapter and take notes or find more practice passages?

Hi Maverick56!

My best guess from what you're describing is that you are not reading well. The physics section, if done right, can get done in less time than allotted, and, assuming you have mastered the topics, you should be able to get 4/6 easy, per passage. (Not trying to get down on you at all, I'm sure you know.)

You should think of physics passages in terms of their diagrams, mentioned formulas in the passage, tables and graphs. If you understand those bad boys, you are good for at least 2-3/6 of the questions at least. Try to make sure you understand those elements of the passage before even reading, and I promise you, things will be clearer...

 

[mcloaf]

I bombed the second 1/3 passages for physics. By bombed I mean I scored 0/8 and couldn't even eliminate answers. Should I reread the chapter and take notes or find more practice passages?

Go over the content once more. Getting 0/8 is an indication that you need to get the basics down before you can iron out the details with more practice passages--there's no need to waste a finite number of practice passages if you're totally unprepared for them.

How did you fare on the first third?

 

[Gauss44]

I bombed the second 1/3 passages for physics. By bombed I mean I scored 0/8 and couldn't even eliminate answers. Should I reread the chapter and take notes or find more practice passages?

Use Examkracker's Physics because it is the shortest, reasonably complete MCAT book. Master everything in that book, one chapter at a time. Supplement with the internet and other texts if necessary.

This, I believe, is the shortest means to the end of learning MCAT physics. I have known people who bombed college physics and scored very well on MCAT after using this method. Good luck!

 

[Maverick56]

Go over the content once more. Getting 0/8 is an indication that you need to get the basics down before you can iron out the details with more practice passages--there's no need to waste a finite number of practice passages if you're totally unprepared for them.

How did you fare on the first third?

I did much better on the first third. 3/8 on most practice passages. I do see what your talking about on using the graphs, tables, and pictures to quickly interpret the passage. Think I've narrowed down my problem. What i'll do first thing tomorrow is go back through the first three physics chapters and take better notes then work some additional passages. My test isn't till march 23rd now, because I had a feeling it would take some additional time to relearn & master

 

[xGeorgettex]

I can relate. I'm a retaker--scored a 6 the first time around because I thought I knew physics. Now I'm retaking a very nice 10B and 11V. Berkley Review burned me out because it was so detailed in the chapters, followed by very difficult passages. I got through them, but didn't really retain anything. This time around, I'm starting with Exam Krackers to get the very basic principles, supplementing with as many Khan Academy videos as I can possibly manage (a few per day for about ~20-30 minutes of physics daily, so I get enough review for the chapter I'm working on that week), and tons of EK 1001 physics questions to drill the basics. It's paying off, since I'm starting to score 90+% on the 1001, 12s on the 30 minute exams, and I'm not afraid of every BR physics passage I see now.

Breathe. Relax. Youtube is the fountain of all knowledge and you'll get there. Good luck! 🙂

 

[collins5428]

Use Examkracker's Physics because it is the shortest, reasonably complete MCAT book. Master everything in that book, one chapter at a time. Supplement with the internet and other texts if necessary.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Hi Maverick56!

My best guess from what you're describing is that you are not reading well. The physics section, if done right, can get done in less time than allotted, and, assuming you have mastered the topics, you should be able to get 4/6 easy, per passage. (Not trying to get down on you at all, I'm sure you know.)

You should think of physics passages in terms of their diagrams, mentioned formulas in the passage, tables and graphs. If you understand those bad boys, you are good for at least 2-3/6 of the questions at least. Try to make sure you understand those elements of the passage before even reading, and I promise you, things will be clearer...

Wow that is good advice. I will use that for my next MCAT.

Thanks!

 

[whoknows87]

So you would recommend doing Physics EK + Khan Videos mainly and using TBR for passages only?