Breaking Down the MCAT: A 3 Month MCAT Study Schedule

[SN2ed]

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Written by SN2ed.

Downloadable MCAT Calendar iCAL and XML versions: http://www.studentdoctor.net/3-month-mcat-study-schedule/
(Click the events for more details)

Everyone please keep the questions to this strategy AND READ ALL OF THE FIRST FOUR POSTS.
Do NOT start this schedule late. You will burnout. There have already been numerous posts & threads on people starting late, trying to rush through the material, and burning out quickly.
Check the Update log in the last post for any changes.

I noticed that some people are claiming they wrote this guide to scam people out of money. Let me make this clear, I have not and will not be selling anything related to this guide. If you see a poster trying to sell books saying they wrote this schedule, do NOT buy from them. They are attempting to take your money away on false pretenses. Additionally, this guide has only been and should only be posted on SDN. I have not posted this guide anywhere else. Furthermore, SDN is the sole MCAT/medical forum I visit and the only forum where I use the screen name SN2ed. I never imagined this thread would be popular enough to warrant this kind of attention. The contents of this thread (and any other on SDN) cannot be replicated and re-hosted on any other forum, blog, or website without prior consent of both the author and SDN.
Make sure you read ALL of the opening posts, including the FAQ, before posting questions.

To begin with, check out these two threads:

Why Diagnostics are Worthless: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=557231

MCAT and a Heavy School Workload Don't Mix: Stop rushing to take the MCAT:http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=602186

Can I accomplish this schedule with a part-time job or school?

Very unlikely. I highly recommend you devote 3 months to the MCAT. There may be a few that could follow this schedule and work part-time, but chances are it would not end well. You are FAR more likely to burn out if you try to study for the MCAT using this schedule and go to school or take a part/full-time job.

Furthermore, I've yet to see a valid reason for students (ie. not non-trads) to not take the MCAT in the summer.

Will following this guide guarantee me a +30?

Sadly, there are no guarantees on the MCAT. I certainly hope it helps you, but I can't say whether or not you'll hit your target score.

Should I take the MCAT before finishing my pre-reqs?

There's no point in doing so. You have to take them anyway. Hence, you might as well go into the test with your pre-reqs completed. Yes, this includes the English pre-req.

Any tips for retakers?

Check out the thread I made on the subject: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=754682

Remember to check out the third and fourth post FAQ.

Anything else before I start?

CONFIDENCE. Through all of the troubles and hardships you'll face, approach everything with confidence. You must constantly attack this test. The MCAT is merely a stepping stone on your journey.

Also, this is just a guide I made up. It is my opinion on what a study schedule should resemble. I'm sure there will be people that disagree with parts of this schedule or the whole thing. This schedule can easily be adjusted for 4 months instead of 3. I don't suggest starting heavy studying 5 months+ from your test date. Keep it to 3-4 months. If you start too soon, it will be a waste of time and resources.

Remember to use the search function on these forums. Tons of questions have already been asked and answered.
Lastly, please give credit to me, SN2ed, if you post this elsewhere. I put a ton of work into it.

Materials:

- Berkeley Review (BR) General Chemistry
- BR Organic Chemistry
- Examkrackers (EK) Biology for non-detailed approach OR The Princeton Review Hyperlearning (TPR) Biology/BR Biology for a detailed approach (In the schedule, I will use EK Bio because most prefer a non-detailed approach)
- BR Bio
- BR Physics
- EK 1001 series, excluding EK 1001 Bio (i.e. do NOT buy EK 1001 Bio)
- EK Verbal 101
- TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook or Berkeley Review Verbal
- AAMC Full Length (FL) #3-5 and 7-11 (AAMC #6 is not available at the moment)

You're using EK Bio for content review and BR Bio for passages. If you need more detail during in your content review, refer to BR Bio.

You can pick up the BR books from their website: http://www.berkeley-review.com/TBR/home-study.html
Also, check out the For Sale section on here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=230 All of the above, except for the AAMC FLs show up from time to time. I've regularly seen a complete BR set go for under $100 on there. Whenever you buy used, MAKE SURE THE PASSAGES ARE UNMARKED.

To buy the AAMC FLs: http://www.e-mcat.com/

Bare Minimum Set-up:

$245 for AAMC FLs (http://www.e-mcat.com/)

$240 for BR Physics, O-chem, Gen Chem, Biology (http://www.berkeley-review.com/TBR/home-study.html)

$26 for EK Verbal 101 (http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-MCAT101-Passages-Verbal-Reasoning/dp/1893858553)

$30 EK Bio (Amazon product ASIN 1893858626)


Prices vary on TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook, search the For Sale forum on here for copies. They regularly show up. You should be able to get one for under $50.

Total = $541 + TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook

Set-up with EK 1001:

$18 EK Physics 1001 (http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-1001-Questions-MCAT-Physics/dp/1893858189)

$20 EK O-Chem 1001 (http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-1001-Questions-Organic-Chemistry/dp/1893858197)

$19 EK Chem 1001 (http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-1001-Questions-MCAT-Chemistry/dp/1893858227)

Total = $598 + TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook

Possible Book Replacements:

If you're having a hard time finding the TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook, BR is an okay replacement. Well, there's not much of a choice left. Again, I HIGHLY recommend you hunt down the TPRH Verbal Workbook.

TPRH is a great choice for content review in all subjects, however, you still need the BR books and EK 101 Verbal for their practice passages. TPRH does not have enough practice passages, though the Workbooks are still great resources.

A Little Bit more about TPRH books:

If you're looking for the Science or Verbal Workbooks, your best bet is through the For Sale forum on here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=230

You can also find the full TPRH set in the For Sale. People usually sell the whole set together.

If you want the content books, they're available on Amazon.

Yes, these books are the same as the TPRH content review books. The only difference is that these books, unlike the class content review books, contain some practice passages. I believe it's 3-4 passages per chapter. It's not enough to just stick with these books and some FLs, but it's nice to have a few passages thrown in.

About the EK 1001 series:

It is a good idea to get the complete EK 1001 series. I thought they really helped me nail down my understanding of the various topics. Through using the physics especially, I found that I didn't understand some things as well as I would like. Furthermore, for whatever reason, they helped me visualize the problem in my head and made the equations intuitive to use. Too many people neglect their basic understanding which could be bolstered by EK 1001. They think they have a strong grasp, yet when those fundumentals are tested, one's weaknesses become more apparent. Plus, doing more timed practice problems is always a good thing.

The only negative for the non-bio and VR practice books is that they aren't in the right format (unless you think of them as tons of discretes). However, it is significantly easier to spot your content weaknesses with EK 1001 because they aren't passages. You don't have to worry about if you messed up due to a failure to synthesize multiple ideas or the passage was worded strangely. When you mess up on EK 1001, you know it's due to a content weakness. Lastly, this problem would be alleviated by the BR books and EK content books containing practice passages. There are also the practice tests that you will be taking.
I suggest you get the above materials 1-2 months in advance! It takes awhile to get your BR books! You don't want to be missing your materials when you're about to start this schedule. Also, older content review books are usually okay, just don't go too far back (past 5 years old).
Lastly, sign up for your MCAT as soon as possible. Seats fill up months in advance.

Timing:

- ALWAYS complete your practice problems under TIMED conditions
- For BR passages: 6-7 minutes per passage, work towards 6 minutes
- For the EK 30-minute exams….well 30 minutes
- EK 1001, except Bio series: 30 seconds to 1 minute per question
- EK Verbal 101/TPR Verbal: 6-7 minutes per passage, work towards 6 minutes
- AAMC FLs: Use their timing


Notes:

- Do NOT retake old practice material
- Thoroughly review ALL of your practice problems. Review your problems the day AFTER you take them. Don't even look at the answers until then. If there's a break day, review your problems on the day after your break.
- Remember to round like crazy for any math problem
- Always use process of elimination with your answer choices
- Before you begin this schedule, count the number of verbal practice passages (101 from EK + however many in the TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook). Divide the number of passages by 70 (total days - the number of break days AND FL days). That number is the number of verbal passages you should be taking per day. I'm hoping that number breaks down to at least 3 passages per day. Ideally, you should take 4-5 verbal passages per assigned day. You do NOT take verbal passages on break days OR FL days.
- If you don't want to get the EK 1001 series, spread out the second 1/3 of BR practice passages over 2 days. Again, I recommend you get the EK 1001 books that are listed.
- If your practice test score is not within your target range after 2-3 tests, you should consider delaying. If you delay, go over your weaknesses again and complete an in-depth analysis of what went wrong.
- If you have enough money, you could adjust the schedule to fit in more practice tests. I didn't include that many to keep the cost down.
- If your test is in the morning and you're not a morning person, start getting used to waking up early when you start taking practice tests.
- Try to practice under as realistic as possible conditions when you take your practice tests. In other words: wake up early enough to be able to drive to your center; eat a meal you would eat before a test; follow the proper timing; and if you're really into it, you could even drive around for about the same time it would take you to get to your test center.

General Guidelines for Reviewing:

- Go over EVERY question. Both the ones you got right and the ones you got wrong.
- Reviewing should take 2-3 times longer than taking the timed practice problems.
- If your tests are fluctuating, it is due to the different topics on the various tests. In other words, you have some glaring weaknesses that when targeted, nail you, badly. You have to find out what those weaknesses are because they are evident by your scores. Do NOT dismiss any wrong answer as a "stupid mistake." You made that error for a reason. Go over your tests again.
- You might want to consider making a log for all of your post test results where you work through the questions below. Doing so, you'll be able to easily notice trends.

Some things to go over when reviewing:

1. Why did you get the question wrong? Why did you get the question right?
2. What question and passage types get you?
3. How is your mindset when facing a particular passage?
4. Are you stressed for time?
5. Where are your mistakes happening the most? Are they front loaded? Are they at the end? All over?
6. What was your thought process for both the questions you got right and the ones you got wrong?
7. For verbal, what was the author's mindset and main idea?
8. Did you eliminate all of the answer choices you could from first glance?
ex. You know an answer should be a positive number so you cross out all of the negative number answer choices.
9. What content areas are you weak in?
10. Why are the wrong answers wrong and the right answer right?
11. How can you improve so you don't make the same mistake again?

Hat Trick:

Get a hat and write every single MCAT PS and BS topic onto a piece of paper. Then, when you're ready to practice PS, put all the PS topics into the hat. Draw two or three pieces of paper and connect the topics together. In addition to connecting them, come up with what a passage might look like and what kind of questions you might get. If you can't do this, go back and review each of the three sections. Rinse and repeat.

The hat trick days are important because they aid you in synthesizing the various topics together. On the MCAT, you utilize this skill for every passage because MCAT passages combine topics. Furthermore, you may also discover content weaknesses that you will need to go over.

PS Topic List: https://www.aamc.org/students/download/85562/data/ps_topics.pdf
BS Topic List: https://www.aamc.org/students/download/85566/data/bstopics.pdf
Page to get topic lists if you don't want to directly download the pdf: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing

Here's a rough example using Distillation, Mendelian Genetics, and Lipids:

You are studying a Mendelian inherited recessive genetic defect of a lipid receptor. A defect in this receptor prevents the uptake lipids in the body and can cause several negative effects, such as, atherosclerosis due to fat build-up in arterial walls.

To test for the concentration of lipids in a patient's blood, you design a distillation experiment.

1. Given a couple where the male is Ll and the female is ll, what is the chance the child will have the defect?

2. What kind of solvent should you use to test the concentration of lipids?

3. What type patient would have the highest boiling point elevation?

4. If the trait exhibited incomplete dominance, which patient is likely to be Ll? Boiling point information here.

5. Which cell component requires lipids?

Verbal Help:

Check out Vihsadas's verbal guide and the other guides found in the MCAT Guide sticky
Vihsadas's Guide: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=6022602&postcount=96
MCAT Guide Sticky: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=602154

Arithmetic Tricks:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=528674&highlight=Arithmetic Tips Tricks

 

[wild2taz]

Again, every third for the ENTIRE chapter, do NOT skip sections.

Let's say the passages for chapter are like this:

Physics Chapter 1

Section 1
1
2
3
4
Section 2
5
6
7
8
Section 3
9
10
11
12

You would then do EVERY THIRD: 1, 4, 7, and 10

For the second third: 2, 5, 8, 11

For the last third: 3, 6, 9, 12

The BR books aren't organized by chapters. for example the physics book has 10 sections and the book is divided into 2 parts (2 diff books). Each section has 10 passages at the end. I'm just a little confused with the schedule and need you to clarify. So if i got this right day 1 would go like BR physics section I (translational motion) and then at the end of the section do 1/3 of the passages?

 

[CunningCaregivr]

I first took the MCAT in September of 2008, and after taking most of the AMCAS exams online, I am worried that the problems will be familiar and ineffective.

To anyone: What is your advice for using the AMCAS exams online, or an alternative for a simulated exam?

 

[cpufreak3]

Does it matter what edition of TPR verbal I get? I'm looking at the 2003 version.

 

[SN2ed]

wild2taz: I forgot that BR uses section headings as its main separators when I was explaining the 1/3 bit. So, yes, when the guide says BR chapter 1, I'm referring to section 1. I'll probably change this soon.

CunningCaregivr: From the FAQ in the third post.

I've already taken the AAMC FLs, are there other practice tests you recommend?

Both Gold Standard and Berkeley Review offer solid practice tests. GS FLs are a great value since you can typically get all 10 GS FLs for around $100. The caveat for Gold Standard is that you should expect your score to be roughly 2 points lower than normal. Berkeley Review has better FLs that are much closer to the current MCAT, but they're more expensive. Still, if you order your tests well in advanced, BR is a good option if you're willing to pay more. Unfortunately, neither test is great in verbal, though BR is decent.

cpufreak3: That should be okay.

 

[DreamingPremed]

Hi SN2ed,

I just wanted to let you know that I've been using the Exam Krackers Bio for review and the BR BIO for passage pratice, which has been an excellent combination so far. Also, I decided on review days that it's probably best to just concentrate on rereading the chapters and work the second 1/3 BR passage over two days. I decided to cut out the EK 1001 questions because they are not as helpful in my opinion. However, this is my second time studying for the MCAT, and I have already done most of the 1001 questions. They were GREAT for nailing the concepts into your head, but they failed miserably in preparing you for hard, convoluted MCAT passages.

Your method is working, though. I started out missing 3-4 questions per BR passage, and now I am consistently missing none or 1-2 per passage. My timing is also improving. I started out with 7-8 minutes per passage and now can finish in about 6.5 minutes.

Thanks!

 

[DreamingPremed]

Also, the Exam Krackers 16 Mini-MCAT book is a great resource of passages for physical science, verbal reasoning, and biological science. I've been using the VR passages in that book, which are comparable to EK's 101 VR Passages. It has 32 VR passage, 32 PS, and 32 BS.

 

[SN2ed]

That's good to hear. Keep it up and go kill the MCAT.

 

[sharona1121]

Hi,

Just wanted to ask a question about the schedule.. (looking at the 4 month one). My understanding is when you say EK1001, one should do a third of the questions. When do you do the 2nd 3rd? I see that during the period when we take full lengths, you write last1/3rd br and 1/3ek bio?

I'm a little confused. If you could clarify where in the schedule the 2/3rd and last 3rd of the EK series comes in, that'd be helpful.

Also, is it normal that for the beginner, the passages take long? it takes me around 10 minutes to do a passage. What's the best way to improve on timing?

Thanks!

 

[SN2ed]

Hi,

Just wanted to ask a question about the schedule.. (looking at the 4 month one). My understanding is when you say EK1001, one should do a third of the questions. When do you do the 2nd 3rd? I see that during the period when we take full lengths, you write last1/3rd br and 1/3ek bio?

I'm a little confused. If you could clarify where in the schedule the 2/3rd and last 3rd of the EK series comes in, that'd be helpful.

Also, is it normal that for the beginner, the passages take long? it takes me around 10 minutes to do a passage. What's the best way to improve on timing?

Thanks!

You only complete the first 1/3 for most of the EK 1001 books (2/3 for EK Bio 1001). This is so you have extra practice for concept specific problems. If you want, you're free to go through more.

Yes, it's normal to take awhile at the start. Work towards slowly reducing your time until you take about 6 minutes per passage.


Updated FAQ with EK 1001 question.

 

[LetsGo352]

I'm in about the second month of the 3 month plan and I realized something. When you say to do 1/3 BR passages, should we just do the 1st third? Or should pick every third passage to do? I just realized that the passages are in the order of the material for BR books. I've probably done half of the review by doing the 1st third and not every 3rd, is this okay?

 

[SN2ed]

I'm in about the second month of the 3 month plan and I realized something. When you say to do 1/3 BR passages, should we just do the 1st third? Or should pick every third passage to do? I just realized that the passages are in the order of the material for BR books. I've probably done half of the review by doing the 1st third and not every 3rd, is this okay?

Day 1: BR Physics Chapter #1 + Every third passage of the corresponding passages for this chapter (i.e. go through 1, 4, 7, 10 for first 1/3 and 2, 5, 8 for the second 1/3 on Day 8). 1/3 of corresponding passages = 1/3 from now on.

 

[LetsGo352]

Ah crap. I must've printed out the schedule before that was written. I guess I'll start doing the actual 1/3 from now on.

Thanks for this schedule. It's really organized and it really forces me to make sure I complete each day's assignment. It's a huge help.

 

[SN2ed]

Ah crap. I must've printed out the schedule before that was written. I guess I'll start doing the actual 1/3 from now on.

Thanks for this schedule. It's really organized and it really forces me to make sure I complete each day's assignment. It's a huge help.

No problem, I'm glad this schedule has been helpful.

I think I'll start making an update log with date so people know what's been updated.

 

[moto_za]

When you say "reread chapters" do you mean going back and reading everything?

Thanks for your help.

 

[SN2ed]

When you say "reread chapters" do you mean going back and reading everything?

Thanks for your help.

Day 6: Re-read ALL of the previous chapters. This means you re-read the ENTIRE chapter again for both BR Physics chapters 1 & 2, BR Gen Chem chapter 1, BR O-Chem chapter 1, and EK Bio chapter 1.

 

[joshto]

I find that, after studying certain BR Physics chapters, I am unprepared to tackle the corresponding EK questions.

anyone else notice this?

 

[Kalyx]

I find that, after studying certain BR Physics chapters, I am unprepared to tackle the corresponding EK questions.

anyone else notice this?

Yup, I switched to PR for content review for physics and I've fared much better with both the EK 1001 questions AND the BR passages! I think part of it is that the BR content review seems dense and doesn't organize information in a way that our brains can easily hold on to...


~Kalyx

 

[DreamingPremed]

SN2ed: I know EK 101 Verbal is best, but what is second best? Would you say BR Verbal or TPRH Verbal? I started on the BR Verbal book today, and I thought the questions were really easy and not worded the same way as the MCAT. Even if one review book or the other is far less superior, is it still worthwhile to practice VR with it?

Thanks!

 

[cpufreak3]

To what extent should I be memorizing the details from EK bio?

I'm almost done the book, and although I have a good overview of everything, I've never been good at memorizing random things that I can't somehow deduce.

I noticed that the EK passages test my random knowledge sometimes, but I wanted to know if the MCAT does?

I would look at questions myself, but I'm trying to save all the practice tests until I'm done reviewing everything.

 

[SN2ed]

DreamingPremed: BR Verbal isn't great, but it's better than nothing and worth going through if you have it. Second best verbal source would go to the TPRH Verbal Workbook.

cpufreak3: In general, you don't need to know random factoids. Additionally, the current BS is leaning more towards passage interpretation. However, if it's just a handful of details you're forgetting, you should just memorize them. You'll get a better feel for what you should know through practice passages and FLs. Remember, once you hit the FLs, you still have about a month.

 

[moto_za]

I took the MCAT almost two years ago and was wondering if it will be ok to reuse the EK material for review and practice passages again?

 

[SN2ed]

Everyone, remember to read the ENTIRE first 4 posts.

I took the MCAT almost two years ago and was wondering if it will be ok to reuse the EK material for review and practice passages again?

From Notes:

- Do NOT retake old practice material

EK is okay for review, but not ideal for most subjects. It's good for Bio review.

 

[JP2740]

Just a note. I have EK, TPR, and Berkeley verbal books, and Berkeley's just plain sucks... most of the questions are just look for it in the passage questions.

 

[joshto]

I want to take 8 or 9 practice tests before the real thing,

should I buy all the TBR tests and then a couple AAMCs, or should I buy all the AAMCs and a couple of TBRs?

Given the 2010 MCAT, what's the general consensus on this?

 

[SN2ed]

I want to take 8 or 9 practice tests before the real thing,

should I buy all the TBR tests and then a couple AAMCs, or should I buy all the AAMCs and a couple of TBRs?

Given the 2010 MCAT, what's the general consensus on this?

You could buy AAMC #7-10 and BR #1-5. Doing so you'd get the best AAMC FLs and some BR FLs.

The general consensus is that BR FLs are worth taking. However, more people would probably favor taking all of the AAMCs, especially if you've taken tons of BR practice passages through their books.

 

[Kalyx]

Hi SN2ed,

I have a bunch of passages from old FL's and I was wondering which would be most useful to do for practice.

I have the Kaplan FL's 1-6, for 6 * 7 = 42 passages per section.

I have 5 old AAMC FL's, for 5 * 9 = 45 AAMC passages per section,

and lastly I have 3 Arco old FL's for 3 * 9 = 27 passages per section.


I was thinking of doing the AAMC ones first (assuming that I may not have time to do ALL of the passages from each company), but might the Kaplan ones be better to do if they're more challenging?


~Kalyx

 

[SN2ed]

Kalyx:

First off, ditch Arco and go with the vetted sources. By old does that mean the paper tests? Have you taken them already? Check out my FAQ on why you shouldn't retake tests.

Now on to the tests. If your AAMCs are the paper versions, take them first. This is especially the case if they're pre-AAMC FL #7. You'll want to take the Kaplan FLs last to get used to the CBT format. Plus, taking the longer paper versions first will help build your endurance.

 

[Kalyx]

Kalyx:

First off, ditch Arco and go with the vetted sources. By old does that mean the paper tests? Have you taken them already? Check out my FAQ on why you shouldn't retake tests.

Now on to the tests. If your AAMCs are the paper versions, take them first. This is especially the case if they're pre-AAMC FL #7. You'll want to take the Kaplan FLs last to get used to the CBT format. Plus, taking the longer paper versions first will help build your endurance.

All right, ditching Arco. =)

Yes, my AAMC old FL's are the paper format. The Kaplan FL's that I have are actually .pdfs rather than the CBT program. In addition, I'll have the ExamKrackers 16 mini-MCATs (too much stuff! )

Would you still recommend doing the AAMC passages first, and then Kaplan stuff later? What about ExamKrackers? Basically I'd like to know in what order you'd suggest working through passages.

I have not seen *any* of the passages from any source before.

Thanks!

~Kalyx

 

[SN2ed]

Kalyx:

Don't treat the EK 16 mini as a set of FLs. They're more like a passage workbook. Take the passages when you would normal take practice passages. For instance, days like 62 and 63 in the 3 month schedule.

Honestly, it'd be better to take AAMC FL #7-10 right before your test date, however, they're the paper versions. So, it's a balance between better content versus preparing for the CBT format. That said, Kaplan #1-6 aren't that bad, except in verbal. There's no right way to go about mixing the old AAMCs and Kaplan #1-6.

Which AAMCs do you have?

 

[Kalyx]

Kalyx:

Don't treat the EK 16 mini as a set of FLs. They're more like a passage workbook. Take the passages when you would normal take practice passages. For instance, days like 62 and 63 in the 3 month schedule.

Honestly, it'd be better to take AAMC FL #7-10 right before your test date, however, they're the paper versions. So, it's a balance between better content versus preparing for the CBT format. That said, Kaplan #1-6 aren't that bad, except in verbal. There's no right way to go about mixing the old AAMCs and Kaplan #1-6.

Which AAMCs do you have?

Who's on first? I'm afraid I made myself unclear! 🙂

So here's the deal: my MCAT date is far away. For CBT practice tests, I certainly plan to take all of the AAMC CBT's, in addition to TBR CBTs.

Before taking the CBT FL's, I want to get tons of practice with answering passage-based problems. Thus I can turn to the passages in my BR books, the passages in the ExamKrackers 16 mini-MCATs book, the passages of the .pdf Kaplan exams (1-6), and the passages of the old paper AAMC exams (can't remember what numbers they are).

I plan on doing all of the BR passages.

After that, I'll have more passages available than time to complete them! So I'm wondering which ones I should prioritize doing in light of having so many.

Thanks for your advice,

~Kalyx

 

[jpagano]

So is the agreed upon/finalized schedule (by Sn2ed) on the 1st page of this forum? I want to make sure that I have the correct 3-month schedule.




Thank you.

 

[SN2ed]

Kalyx:

Oh. In that case, ditch the paper AAMC FLs. They're the same as the current AAMC FLs, just in the old format. So focus on EK 16 mini-MCAT first, followed by Kaplan #1-6 when you get closer to your test date.

jpagano:

The schedule is basically finalized. The only change I may make is replacing EK 1001 Bio for BR Bio because BR Bio has better practice passages. I would keep EK Bio for content review.

 

[jpagano]

Beautiful. So the 3-month schedule on the 1st page of this forum is the updated version?

 

[SN2ed]

Beautiful. So the 3-month schedule on the 1st page of this forum is the updated version?

Pretty much. The 3 month schedule has only been updated once and it was a minor change. It's the 4 month that actually had some major changes. That said, you should swap EK Bio 1001 for BR Bio. I think I'll make that change tomorrow. So, uh, I guess you might want a wait a little while 😉 Don't worry though, the majority of the schedule will be unchanged. The only difference is that you'll be doing practice passages out of BR Bio instead of EK Bio 1001.

 

[DreamingPremed]

I want to emphasize that the combo of EK BIO for review and BR BIO for passage practice is excellent. I thought the BR Bio would be very detailed, given that their review is way more detailed then EK Bio. However, the passages are very good and close to the real MCAT. I took the MCAT last summer so I can attest to that.

EK 16 Mini MCATs is a great source for VR passage since it's written by the same people as the EK 101 VR Passages for the most part. The question types are the same and worded in the same fashion. Also, the new Kaplan review books are BETTER than Berkeley Review for verbal reasoning practice. I know SN2ed said Kaplan is awful at verbal; however, their newer books seem to be decent. There are some questions that are very detail oriented, but they do ask questions about the main idea and about how the author would respond given a new piece of information, which seem to represent MCAT verbal.

 

[Kalyx]

Also, the new Kaplan review books are BETTER than Berkeley Review for verbal reasoning practice. I know SN2ed said Kaplan is awful at verbal; however, their newer books seem to be decent. There are some questions that are very detail oriented, but they do ask questions about the main idea and about how the author would respond given a new piece of information, which seem to represent MCAT verbal.

That sounds great.

Are you talking about this book?

http://store.kaptest.com/catalog/templates/product.jhtml?PRODID=kprod9781427798763&rcid=T00210001

~Kalyx

 

[Mbeas]

Hi SN2ed,

Quick Question:

In the month and a half leading up to my test date I have a full length sheduled about every 3 days (I have a lot of practice tests). Do you think I am setting myself up for burn out, or is this a good amount of practice? I am currently doing my content review...Thanks!

 

[SN2ed]

Major Update:

Feb 21, 2010 Changes:
- Switched EK Bio 1001 for BR Bio as primary Bio passage practice source

This will most likely be the last major change for a long time.

 

[nds86]

SN2ed:

Would you agree that the TPRH and the TBR books for content review are the same..in terms of understanding the material? I have both texbooks but I don't know which to use to follow the 4 month plan. Sometime I feel that TBR is a bit too much explained and its hard to grasp major concepts where as the TPRH is easy going..well explained. Is it ok to use the TPHR for content review and use the TBR for the practice passages only? Thanks!

 

[SN2ed]

Mbeas: Every 3 days should be fine which is why I picked it. However, you should probably add in a couple more break days since you'll be taking so many. I'd put an extra day every time you complete 1/3 of your practice tests. No, I don't know why I keep using 1/3.

nds86: No, TPRH and BR are not the same in terms of content review. TPRH, in general, is better than BR when it comes to content review. So it is perfectly fine to use TPRH for content review and BR for practice passages.

 

[JP2740]

Mbeas: Every 3 days should be fine which is why I picked it. However, you should probably add in a couple more break days since you'll be taking so many. I'd put an extra day every time you complete 1/3 of your practice tests. No, I don't know why I keep using 1/3.

nds86: No, TPRH and BR are not the same in terms of content review. TPRH, in general, is better than BR when it comes to content review. So it is perfectly fine to use TPRH for content review and BR for practice passages.

I thought you said TBR is better in content review except in the case of Bio?

 

[nds86]

Mbeas: Every 3 days should be fine which is why I picked it. However, you should probably add in a couple more break days since you'll be taking so many. I'd put an extra day every time you complete 1/3 of your practice tests. No, I don't know why I keep using 1/3.

nds86: No, TPRH and BR are not the same in terms of content review. TPRH, in general, is better than BR when it comes to content review. So it is perfectly fine to use TPRH for content review and BR for practice passages.

Thanks for the quick reply. I realized this when doing Organic from the TBR where the amount of details is really not needed to do well on the MCAT. Whereas the TPRH Organic is straightforward and tells you what you need to know for the test. Thanks again 🙂

 

[SN2ed]

I thought you said TBR is better in content review except in the case of Bio?

I wouldn't worry about it too much. They're both good and you can't go wrong with either. Go with whichever you prefer. This schedule uses BR because it combines good content review and a serves as a great source of practice passages. The key to MCAT success is not content review, it's taking tons of timed practice passages and thoroughly reviewing those passages.

If you really want an exact breakdown in terms of content review, it'd probably be something like this:

Bio: TPRH
O-chem: TPRH, a good number prefer BR
- In the past, more people preferred BR. Both TPRH and BR are probably about equal with style preference being a large factor.
Verbal: TPRH
- Verbal is basically entirely practice-based so this doesn't really count. For verbal practice, TPRH easily beats BR.
Gen chem: BR, some prefer TPRH
Physics: BR, some prefer TPRH

Again, you can't go wrong with either. For the money, BR is better because it contains practice passages which are vital and far more important than content review.

 

[politor]

Hi SN2ed,

I would love your help with a small problem. I am about to start my 3-month schedule very soon. I have TPR available to me, and the EK books, including the 1001 series. However, I haven't been able to get a hold of the BR books, and if I wait on them my schedule will be a mess.

You have said TPR is as good as BR in terms of content review. Is there any other option you would suggest for timed practices
(like the mini EK) in lieu of the BR series?

Thank you!

 

[PltEnthusiast]

Hi SN2ed,
I was wondering how would it be possible to re-read all the chapters in one day? They are pretty long chapters and with examples. Am I missing anything?

 

[SN2ed]

politor:

First off, make sure those are TPR Hyperlearning. The big book they sell isn't nearly as good. For content review, the TPRH books would be good. If you also have the TPRH Workbooks, use those until you get BR. However, definitely get BR because they're the best practice passage source and the only source that offers so many passages.

In the meantime, use the 30 min in-class exams in your EK books after you read the relevant TPRH chapter. Then, use EK 1001 as listed in the schedule. EK mini-MCATs is a decent source in the meantime, but not enough in the long run.

Unforgettable:

It shouldn't be that bad because you would have read the chapter in-depth already. Focus on understanding the first time you read and the second time should be much easier. Nevertheless, these will be long days. If you find yourself struggling with a particular chapter during your first read, take the time that day and nail it.

 

[TheMightyBoosh]

Hey Sn2ed,

In your schedule you list a day to study BR O-chem Chapter #8 but on their website they only list 7 chapters for O-chem... is there something I'm missing here?

 

[SN2ed]

Hey Sn2ed,

In your schedule you list a day to study BR O-chem Chapter #8 but on their website they only list 7 chapters for O-chem... is there something I'm missing here?

A while back I was told that the new O-chem book had 8 chapters. I'm guessing they haven't updated their site.

 

[TheMightyBoosh]

Awesome.

I have a couple more questions for you.

1) I recently purchased a 2005 unmarked edition of TPR hyperlearning verbal workbook... do you know if that year's edition is OK to work with?

2) I'm deciding on whether a 3 or 4 month schedule would be best for me to work with. I'm leaning towards a four month schedule just because the "re-read chapters/ek 1001" day sounds a little too intense for me and I'd like to space that out an extra day. Would you say that a four month schedule will make it easier to forget content or do you think that doing practice problems/FL's keeps the material fresh anyway?

 

[SN2ed]

TheMightyBoosh:

1. It should be okay. I don't believe TPRH has made major changes to their verbal workbook for some time.

2. The problem with extending any schedule is that you start to forget content. However, the last section of the schedule with FLs and the last 1/3 should help in that regard. Nevertheless, I don't think you should shy away from the 3 months guide over the re-read chapters/EK 1001 days. Yes, they're long, but they're doable as long as you have time to dedicate to the MCAT.