Breaking Down the MCAT: A 3 Month MCAT Study Schedule

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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
 
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SN2ed,

I've been following your schedule and I'm almost done with the study material. I go back on some things and find that I've forgotten a little about it. I printed off the AAMC MCAT content outline and made large spaces within each topic to write. I was thinking about going over all the topics and trying to fill in everything I know about it. I would then go back and review information that I'm having trouble on. What do you think? I've studied my tail off and find it a little discouraging that quite a few details have been lost. Thanks for your time!

-Cale
 
One more thing....

I've also found the EK1001 for Biology to be rather challenging. I haven't struggled much with the other sections and feel this book is way more in depth than the review. Any thoughts? Thanks again.

-Cale
 
Man I did really ****ty on the first set of Physics passages for Berkeley. Those were hard... Anyone see the same?
 
what are your thoughts about using EK for physics and chem for content review and then the BR books for their practice passages?
 
Cale:

What you're describing is kind of what goes on with the Hat Trick albeit without the actually writing anything down. One of the goals of the Hat Trick is to get you to synthesis multiple topics together and become the author of an MCAT passage. The other goal is to make sure you know all of the topics down cold. When you don't know a topic or can't connect the topics together, you're supposed to re-review those areas.
 
Hi Sn2ed and others,

How might one go about a one month study schedule, if they can devote all their time to nothing but MCAT study?

Thanks!
 
Hi Sn2ed and others,

How might one go about a one month study schedule, if they can devote all their time to nothing but MCAT study?

Thanks!

I strongly recommend against studying for only a month. The overwhelming majority will do very poorly. Just because a few SDNers have gotten away with it, does not make it a good idea. Again, this is an exceedingly bad idea.
 
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I posted earlier in this thread, and ended up following this program for the 4 month variation. I took a full class schedule that was not terribly difficult while studying in the fall.

I got back my scores today and was satisfied with a 33P (12 PS 10 VR 11 BS).

I just wanted to post this because when I was first starting out I hadn't seen anyone claim that they had used this program while in school. It can be done as long as you don't have too many other commitments.

Thanks to SN2ed for the program, and best of luck to everyone else.
 
Were you able to complete the readings and the questions everynight or did you find yourself falling behind?
I posted earlier in this thread, and ended up following this program for the 4 month variation. I took a full class schedule that was not terribly difficult while studying in the fall.

I got back my scores today and was satisfied with a 33P (12 PS 10 VR 11 BS).

I just wanted to post this because when I was first starting out I hadn't seen anyone claim that they had used this program while in school. It can be done as long as you don't have too many other commitments.

Thanks to SN2ed for the program, and best of luck to everyone else.
 
I took a 4 class schedule.

Introductory Statistics-about 1 hour work/week
Perception Psychology-No work except for the weeks of the three tests
Independent Study/Neuro Research-About 10 hours/week, mostly in the morning at the local teaching hospital
Introductory to Business-About 2 hours/week

I also play Division 1 baseball, which took up about 15 hours a week in the fall.

I put aside about 2-3 hours/day to do MCAT stuff. Obviously, my schedule was a bit hectic, but I also had all of my 5 week winter break to polish up on stuff. I never fell behind on the readings, and felt like I reached an information saturation point about 2 weeks before my January 30th test day.
 
Thanks for posting that information. It's really important that people see what classes you took since you said it wasn't that tough. There have been numerous people that thought taking a few upper division science courses (biochem, p chem, molecular genetics) and a couple others would be easy.

Congratulations again on your score.
 
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.

Yea I just finished undergrad and I'm not working a job so I really have no excuse for not doing the 3 month schedule. I'm going to start studying around late May with your schedule and add some extra BR FL's (while reading the magazines/books you recommended for pre-MCAT work in the mean time)

Thanks for replying and pushing me to do better 🙂
 
TheMightyBoosh: That's great hear.


I noticed that the philosophy book I recommend in the FAQ has gone up quite a bit in price. It used to be available for less than $1. Looking at the items also bought with the book, I'm thinking this is my fault... Oh yeah, if you get this edition, you do NOT need to buy volume 2. What happened is that later editions of the book split the original into 3 different books. The original book has the weird green and black cover. Check with your libraries and see if they have a copy or can get one from another library branch.

Due to the insane markup on Amazon, I'm going to see if my local libraries have the new edition and I'll pick one out of the three. I may also just pick another cheap philosophy compilation.
 
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Hello SN2ed: I have some questions and advices in hope you'll answer them.. or any other person for that matter.

I logged in today and found that BR Bio was changed to be used for passages. I'm in Day 37 and I was just doing the EK Bio as per the old pre-revised schedule.

1) What should I do? I could do the rest with BR Bio passages, but should I go back and find some time to do the previous BR Bio passages as well?

2) I don't work, do full time MCAT studying but still find that it takes nearly 3~4 hours to read the BR/EK-Bio chapters. I barely have time in the day to finish the required chapter studying + verbal passages + yesterday corrections. I have a burning desire to go back to the past chapters and review them, but I really can't seem to find time. Seriously, I spend nearly 10 pure hours daily (by logging the actual times learning) but somehow it's not efficient.

I wonder if it's like that for everyone. Or are there any time saving tips on studying efficiently.

3) As for BR Verbal, I'm almost done with the book, and will start EK101 later. I found within the time constraint of 6~7 minutes I'd get about less than half wrong for the 3 passages that I do daily. I do feel I'm getting better, but the change is really slow. Do you recommend any options to expedite the verbal proficiency?
 
Hi Sn2Ed....I read ur thread regarding 3 month schedule for MCAT. I would taking my MCAT in July. So I am buying books which you have recommended for preparation. But I have one concern, I would appreciate if you could advice me on that part. I am not good in Verbal section, so I am not sure what books I should read to get more practice which would help me in improving my speed for reading. To be honest, I have never been a good reader so I don't know how to improve my reading ability. Also I would like to know that I am planning to buy TBR FLS. But I am not sure whether they would be helpful or not like real AAMC FLS.

Hope to hear from you soon
 
Hi SN2ed,

I have a question regarding BR FLs. I checked BR's website and they have 7 FLs for sale at CBT format. When I checked eBay and craigslist, however, I found people were selling paper versions, and one seller had 9 FLs to sell.

I am wondering whether the paper version is a good equivalent to the CBT format FLs. Do you know whether BR produces FLs of CBT and paper formats simultaneously, or the paper version ones were simply old? And why do some people have 9 FLs instead of 7? If I purchase those FLs online, is there a way I can be sure I am getting the genuine FLs from BR?

Thank you very much for your effort to help all MCAT takers. Your work is really amazing!
 
Hey Everyone,

I am trying to buy TBR books through their website. But before buying the set, I tried calling them to ask about payment option which would help in processing my order fast. Unluckily I couldn't find anyone to speak on phone. So I would like to ask everyone that which payment option is better Credit card or money order? I would appreciate if anyone could help me out.
 
lovebes:

1. Keep going with EK Bio 1001. If you'd prefer to use BR Bio passages, start using them immediately per the schedule guidelines. Since you aren't that far into the schedule, you'd still go through BR passages for the chapters you missed in the final month of the schedule. When you arrive at a chapter you didn't cover with BR passages, do more then the last 1/3. To sum up, you'll be fine with EK Bio 1001, but it's not a terrible idea to get BR Bio if you can. If you can't, don't worry about it.

2. Yes, some people take quite awhile. That is perfectly normal.

3. Verbal is section that takes the longest to improve. Keep working hard and analyzing your mistakes. I also posted a couple verbal help links in the first post towards the bottom of the post.

khushi1:

Check the FAQ for recommended reading. BR FLs would be a good addition. Recent test takers have said the BR sciences are more similar to the current MCAT than the AAMC FLs. However, their verbal doesn't touch the AAMC FLs. Oh and money order is the way to go for ordering.

frankg1401:

It's best to purchase them directly from BR. You don't want to get ripped off.
 
Hi SN2ed,
I have already taken the mcat twice and I am thinking if I should take it a third time. My scores were as follows:
PS 11 V 9 BS 8 28Q
PS 8 V 9 BS 11 28Q
I think you are right about not retaking practice exams bec it gave me a false confidence and really inflated my practice grade. I used TPR books and access online, verbal EK and TPR. What else can I use for verbal which is really my hardest section? I would like to know your advice on taking the exam again and was thinking of trying again this summer using your 3mo schedule. or I am not sure if to apply with my low mcat score. My overall GPA is 3.896 and Science GPA 3.919 and I am a NY resident.
Thanks for your help.😕
 
Everyone please keep the questions to this strategy.

I think I better go back to the policy of not answering questions that are not directly related to the schedule. Sorry, but I don't want this to turn into a thread to contact me.
 
I posted earlier in this thread, and ended up following this program for the 4 month variation. I took a full class schedule that was not terribly difficult while studying in the fall.

I got back my scores today and was satisfied with a 33P (12 PS 10 VR 11 BS).

I just wanted to post this because when I was first starting out I hadn't seen anyone claim that they had used this program while in school. It can be done as long as you don't have too many other commitments.

Thanks to SN2ed for the program, and best of luck to everyone else.
Did you take the MCAT once before? I am trying to get a feel for how this 3 month schedule helps improve scores.
 
SN2ed, you advise to take about 6-7 minutes/passage for the science passages, right? Well don't the two science sections allow for about 10 minutes/passage? Is it necessary to complete passages in 6-7 minutes?
 
LetsGo352:

I am a strong advocate of planning in some buffer time just in case. You don't know what the MCAT will throw at you and your stress levels will be high, so that extra cushion can really help in multiple ways. Plus, while the science sections typically have 7 passages like verbal, there are free standing questions as well. Surprisingly, these can take some time to figure out.
 
SN2ed,

I started following your 3 month schedule plan. I want to use my 3rd month just to do FL's. I used half of my TPRH and EK verbal passages already and have 103 passages left (70 from EK 33 from TPRH). Since I'm going to do 3 passages/day (like you said) in this first two months, 103 passages will only be enough for one month. I wanted to ask you if I should order TBR verbal so I can use their verbal passages in my first month and then move towards doing TPRH and EK passages.

Thank you.
 
coach55:

Since you previously used up some verbal material, you will have to go with BR. Rotate BR in more frequently so you finish it quickly (ex. BR - TPRH- Br - EK - BR). It's not as good as TPRH or EK.
 
coach55:

Since you previously used up some verbal material, you will have to go with BR. Rotate BR in more frequently so you finish it quickly (ex. BR - TPRH- Br - EK - BR). It's not as good as TPRH or EK.

Ok thanks. Do you recommend using TPRH science workbook in your schedule? or are the TBR passages plenty of practice?
 
SN2ed,

For those of us late to this thread, are the 3 and 4 month schedules still the same as in the very first post?

Thank you!
 
Hi,

I have TPR Hyperlearning science workbook and it seems quite decent in the amount of passages and questions. I've heard the EK 1001 series are worth it but should I invest it these books if I already have the TPR workbook?

If anyone has used both, can you please compare the two for me? Is TPR workbook insufficient in the amount of problems/passages or level of difficulty?

Thank you.
 
Thank you so much for the review.😍😍😍 I truly appreciate it and it sucks whoever is trying to get money from your work. 😡😡
 
pmak67:

They been changed slightly based on input on the years. The first major change was adjusting the 4 month so there are separate days for re-reading the chapters, completing the EK 1001, reviewing the EK 1001, completing the second 1/3 BR passages, and reviewing the second 1/3 BR passages.

The second major change which affected both the 3 and 4 month schedule was the addition of BR Bio in place of EK Bio 1001. The general consensus from MCAT test takers over the past couple years was that BR Bio had the best bio passages. Hence, I swapped the two.

A smaller change was a slight stretching out of the schedule. At first, it was pretty much set to 90 days with the first couple last 1/3 BR passages sections containing all BR passages from both chapters 1 and 2. This was too much work. In response, I stretched out the schedule to 96 days.


NeuroscEYEnce:

Thanks. I hope my message in the first post has at least somewhat prevented people from doing that.
 
I was wondering why you recommend rereading every chapter at the end of the week? Don't you think it might be better to review all the chapters at the very end of our studying? Just curious. Thanks for your help.
 
Hey everyone,

First of all I am sorry for preseting my concern on this thread. But I would appreciate if anyone could help me out. I am planning to take MCAT on July 7/8/2010. But I have one concern regarding application process. After reading few threads regarding application cycle, I am nervous about being considered on same cycle like ones applying in June. I would appreciate if anyone could tell me that taking MCAT in July and getting its scores in August is too late for application?

I hope anyone could help me out
 
Hey everyone,

First of all I am sorry for preseting my concern on this thread. But I would appreciate if anyone could help me out. I am planning to take MCAT on July 7/8/2010. But I have one concern regarding application process. After reading few threads regarding application cycle, I am nervous about being considered on same cycle like ones applying in June. I would appreciate if anyone could tell me that taking MCAT in July and getting its scores in August is too late for application?

I hope anyone could help me out

Last year I took the MCAT in August and didn't get my scores til september, but I still had time to apply and still got in to my #1 and #3 schools and waitlisted at my #2. Earlier is definitely the best way to go, but if you don't have the time or are not prepared yet then you definitely need to wait unitl you're ready. You can still send your application in to the schools without the MCAT score, it will list the date you plan to take it. Just don't plan on hearing back from any schools until your scores are released. If you do take the July mcat and your scores are released in August the schools should still get them before the even start sending out their first interview invites.
 
SN2ed,

Thank you very much for pointing out the switch from EK Bio passages to BR Bio - I had completely missed that detail, to the point of ordering the BR books minus the bio ones. I have now corrected my error and ordered the BR Bio books.

Without reading through all the entries, I'm not sure what's motivated you to put so much time and effort into helping so many of us rather anonymously, but I hope you get whatever you're working towards. Not many people would go to the lengths you have for the rest of us.

From a non-trad with a strong desire to slam the MCAT (after doing rather mediocre some years ago), thank you for allowing me the opportunity to follow your footprints rather than creating my own!
 
SN2ed,

I'm at the point where I'm about to take the practice tests. I'm a little worried that if I use up all the AAMC practice tests now, I may not be able to take any of those if I have to take the MCAT a second time. So, should I mix in a couple of Kaplan FL in place of some of the AAMC FL?

Thanks
 
SN2ed,

Thank you very much for pointing out the switch from EK Bio passages to BR Bio - I had completely missed that detail, to the point of ordering the BR books minus the bio ones. I have now corrected my error and ordered the BR Bio books.

Without reading through all the entries, I'm not sure what's motivated you to put so much time and effort into helping so many of us rather anonymously, but I hope you get whatever you're working towards. Not many people would go to the lengths you have for the rest of us.

From a non-trad with a strong desire to slam the MCAT (after doing rather mediocre some years ago), thank you for allowing me the opportunity to follow your footprints rather than creating my own!

Completely true. SN2's work here is priceless.
 
Thanks for all the compliments 🙂

moto_za:


I picked an official re-reading after a week because I feel that makes the material stick more than a re-read a month or more later. It's the repetition through that week which will help you retain your knowledge. It's like if you were trying to ride a bike. You wouldn't try one day and hope to remember your progress a month later. However, if you worked on it throughout the week, you'd have a better chance at picking it back up later.

Also, in a way you do review all of the chapters towards the end when you go through the last 1/3 chapter passages. If you happened to forget anything from the early chapters, those chapters are up front so you can re-review if needed.

pmak67:


The switch to BR Bio was a recent change because over the past year MCAT test takers have been saying they're the closest to the actual MCAT.

LetsGo352:

Yes, it's a risk, however, you want to go into the test as well prepared as possible. If you're still reluctant, go through the even numbered AAMC and Kaplan FLs (#1-6 only).
 
SN2ed,

I have worked through the 3 month and 4 month schedules and have realized that I have a larger, overarching question before I decide how to attack the MCAT. I'm a non-trad applicant who completed my science prereqs in 2005, took the April 2005 MCAT and ended up with 8/9/10 in PS/V/BS. I have since attended one semester of med school but withdrew for personal reasons (in 2006). As I'm considering how to prepare, I'm wondering if it's to my biggest advantage to try the 3 month schedule with the 4 month schedule as a "fall back", or maybe even take a month to review all the science chapters in detail prior to engaging in either schedule. I'm assuming that the prereq for either the 3 or 4 month schedules is that we have a good, solid, working knowledge of the four science categories, right? And if so, then perhaps I'm trying to start a sprint (ie, the 3-4 month schedules) without even warming up (ie, refreshing my science knowledge).

Just to clarify, I've taken all the prereqs and done well, but that knowledge is a bit dated now despite having just completed a year of A&P at the community college level.

Thanks again,
PMak
 
Hi SN2ED
i gotta thank you again for taking the time to make this schedule. i'm at the point now where i am taking full lengths.
so, i've decided to purchase the (crazy expensive!) BR full lengths and i've finished 3 so far (i unfortunately practiced thru all but 2 AAMC full lengths while taking the kaplan course, which was more than a year ago- i'm saving the 2 aamc for last after finishing thru BR).
ANYways, i noticed a (subtle? but noticeable) style difference with BR Verbal and the EK Verbal that was using to practice so far..and as a result doing a bit lower score-wise with BR (I wasn't able to get PR hyperlearning workbook). which style did you find to be most similar with the real thing?

or am i just being paranoid and just imagining this difference? can i (as a confidence-booster mainly) just add a point or 2 to the BR verbal score? or should i actually be deducting..i'm presently at the 7-8 range with BR..trying to reach/break the 10..

ps
after doing BR full-length, i can see why you changed the Bio material to BR. they seem to cover more things.
 
SN2ed,

In your 3 month study plan, do you recommend using TPR hyperlearning books for all content review and doing all passages in TBR? I'm using TPR for biology content review and it explains everything very well. Should I use TPR for orgo, physics, genchem content and do TBR passages? or use TBR for both content and passages in the three subjects I listed?

Thanks
 
SN2ed,

Do you know if the Berkeley Review has changed their books since last year? I have books purchased from them around spring of 2009. I'm about to start my MCAT studying now and am wondering if there are any changes to them.

Also, where can I find TPR verbal book to supplement the EK 101 passages?

Thanks!!
 
Sn2ed;
Thanks for putting the time to make this thread. So far it's been real helpful
 
pmak67:

You should be okay with the 3 month schedule. Usually, the rust comes off once you get going.

coach55:


If you prefer TPRH, sure use it for content and BR for passages.

As mentioned in the first post:

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, EK 101 Verbal, and either EK Bio 1001 or BR Bio for their practice passages. TPRH does not have enough practice passages, though the Workbooks are still great resources.
 
SN2ed, are the AAMC FLs that you recommend web-based?

I can only find web-based ones on their site, but I have heard of people taking paper exams. I just want to be sure before I purchase them and begin studying.

Thanks!
 
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