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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For those of you who did this plan..How were you doing on your passages? Like what were you getting. So far i have been struggling with them, and am not getting a good score. I'm guessing we hsould get getting a like 6/7 each time, but i am falling short of that. What were you all getting? What do you recommend. Thanks

Its not true that you should be getting 6/7 right, but if you are that is good. A lot of people including me did not start out so well. But slowly by slowly you will see improvements. Just make sure you go over the answer explanations even the one you get right. I cannot emphasize that more because I over looked it before and learned the hard way. You will learn tricks and further explanations. Over all dont get worried just keep pursuing and you will see results.
 
For your 4 month or 3 month plan, how long per day is each of the things? I got all the books, just wondering how much time I should realisitcally budget

Timing differs greatly from person to person and depends primarily on how long it takes you to get through a chapter. This could be affected by such things as, reading speed, how well you know the material, etc. There are some guidelines for practice passage timing and how long reviewing should take you.
 
Its not true that you should be getting 6/7 right, but if you are that is good. A lot of people including me did not start out so well. But slowly by slowly you will see improvements. Just make sure you go over the answer explanations even the one you get right. I cannot emphasize that more because I over looked it before and learned the hard way. You will learn tricks and further explanations. Over all dont get worried just keep pursuing and you will see results.

Thanks, I definitely appreciate the feedback/advice. Yeah I've felt pretty demoralized lately b/c studying has been pretty tough.. See I wasn't really sure if you'd really see improvement later b/c for the most part you move on to "new" stuff..
 
Thanks, I definitely appreciate the feedback/advice. Yeah I've felt pretty demoralized lately b/c studying has been pretty tough.. See I wasn't really sure if you'd really see improvement later b/c for the most part you move on to "new" stuff..

You will see improvement. Just do post analysis on the passages good and you will see yourself improving. Another thing is to keep up with the study schedule don't fall off. I took a week off and it was horrible.
 
Hey y'all, two quick questions.

1) When and how should the hat trick be used?

2) Why are we using the EK In-Class Biology exams and not the EK 101 Biology passages?

Thanks everyone!
 
For those of you who did this plan..How were you doing on your passages? Like what were you getting. So far i have been struggling with them, and am not getting a good score. I'm guessing we hsould get getting a like 6/7 each time, but i am falling short of that. What were you all getting? What do you recommend. Thanks

i was doing really lousy on these at first, but lots of practice makes a huge difference. i started trying a little exercise where, as i read along, i'd identify the main point of the passage and how each paragraph was related to the main point. it doesn't take that long, really, and it's a reading skill i wish i'd learned a long time ago. i didn't always do this but maybe it gets kind of internalized by the end. forcing yourself to do this really helps you understand the passage and get in the mind of the writer. the idea is, eventually, you shouldn't have to look back at the passage for most of the questions.
 
Okay so I spent all day yesterday doing orgo section 1 and got a 3/8 on my first passage, and even the 3 that I got right I didn't feel good about. I feel like I'm rushing and not Looking at like the given tables and stuff for the passages enough bc of the time constraint.. Idk what to do, should I keep going with this plan, or what? 3/8 is unacceptable, on this pace I'd get like a 10 on the mcats 🙁
 
Thanks for the schedule! I have already started and wow, every day takes a lonnnng time for me.

I have a question though: For the EK1001s, you mentioned to do every third problem/passage, but after day 6 I don't see any mention of the second portion of the EK1001 1/3 problems/passages? Do we do that during the days of "complete second 1/3 BR passages"?
 
Hi SN2ed,
Thank you so much for your quick and helpful reply.

So I really would like to apply this (2011-2012) cycle. I am going to be taking 12-13 credit hours this (Spring 2011) semester. I apologize in advance for the many follow-up questions that I have, but here goes:

I had been planning to taking the MCAT at the end of May, giving me about 1 month after the Spring semester to study "hardcore." (I will be doing review during the entire Spring semester, though.) I obviously want to get my application in ASAP for this cycle, but I also want to do as well as possible on the MCAT. Which do you believe takes priority: studying more and delaying the MCAT to July-ish (which would hold back my app, I am assuming, til scores come in sometime in August), or getting the completed application in ASAP? Even without the MCAT scores, I can still submit everything else in early June, and then it takes ~1 month to get verified by AMCAS, correct? So if I were to take the MCAT in late May, the AMCAS verification would likely be the limiting step in my application, not waiting for my scores from AAMC?

Like I mentioned earlier, I am going to be taking Molecular Biology this semester. I have heard that Genetics may be more helpful for the MCAT. I know that this is a school-dependent question, but does anyone happen to know of any great differences in the content between the 2 courses, just in general?

I am going to be taking Molecular Bio/Genetics, a Nutrition course, and education courses this semester. I have room for 1 more course. Does anyone suggest that I maybe take an upper-level bio or chem course (e.g. upper level physiology or Inorganic Chemistry) that may help me to get a more in-depth understanding of MCAT topics, or should I just take an easy course to allow me to study specifically for the MCAT?

Any and all advice from anyone is greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! 🙂
 
Does anyone have a list that shows the "BR chapter that corresponds to the EK1001 Chapters /questions"?

ive searched the forum but i cant find it ):

if anyone could link me or help me out

or is it just through the toc's and noone really laid it out (if thats the case sorry for the post!)

that would be greatly appreciated!
 
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hey Sn2ed, or anyone for that matter, just wondering what advice you can offer regarding the essay portion of the exam
 
Does anyone have a list that shows the "BR chapter that corresponds to the EK1001 Chapters /questions"?

ive searched the forum but i cant find it ):

if anyone could link me or help me out

or is it just through the toc's and noone really laid it out (if thats the case sorry for the post!)

that would be greatly appreciated!

Summary:
1) It doesn't matter (much)
2) Practice using the AAMC prompts (available on the AAMC MCAT website)
3) Compare your versions to ones in prep books
4) Find someone who is a good writer (e.g., find an English major or, at minimum, a strong humanities student) and have them read and give comments on it -- your school's Writing Center might be great for this (however, many writing centers suck, IME, so YMMV)
 
EK Lecture: Molecular Biology & Cellular Respiration
BR Chapter # - Passage #: 1-13, 6-3, 6-8, 6-9, 6-12, 6-14, 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4, 7-6, 7-7, 7-8, 7-9, 7-10, 7-11, 7-12, 7-13, 7-14, 7-15, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 8-5, 8-6, 8-7, 8-8, 8-9, 8-10, 8-11, 8-12, 8-13, 8-14, 8-15

EK Lecture: Genes
BR Chapter # - Passage #: 6-13, 9-1, 9-4, 9-6, 9-7, 9-8, 9-9, 9-10, 9-11, 9-12, 9-13, 9-14, 9-15, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8, 10-9, 10-10, 10-11, 10-12, 10-13, 10-14, 10-15

EK Lecture: Microbiology
BR Chapter # - Passage #: 6-1, 6-4, 6-5, 6-11, 6-15

EK Lecture: The Eukaryotic Cell; The Nervous System
BR Chapter # - Passage #:
Eukaryotic Cell: 6-2, 6-6, 6-7, 6-10

Nervous System: 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 1-10, 1-11, 1-12

EK Lecture: The Endocrine System; Reproductive System
BR Chapter # - Passage #:
Embryo: 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, 4-9, 4-10, 4-11, 4-12, 4-13, 4-14, 4-15
Endocrine: 5-7, 5-8, 5-9, 5-10, 5-11, 5-12, 5-13, 5-14, 5-15

EK Lecture: The Digestive System; The Excretory System
BR Chapter # - Passage #:
Digestion: 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 3-14, 3-15
Excretory: 3-7, 3-8, 3-9, 3-10, 3-11, 3-13

EK Lecture: The Cardiovascular System; The Respiratory System
BR Chapter # - Passage #:
Circulatory: 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-7, 2-8, 2-9, 2-10, 2-13, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4, 5-5, 5-6
Respiratory: 2-5, 2-6, 2-11, 2-12, 2-14, 2-15, 7-5
Lymph: 3-12,

EK Lecture: Muscle, Bone, and Skin
BR Chapter # - Passage #:
1-14, 1-15, 3-1

EK Lecture: Populations
BR Chapter # - Passage #:
9-2, 9-3, 9-5




YOU ARE AMAZING FOR DOING THIS!!!!!! THANK YOU.
 
1. Why do you not recommend EK 101 Passages for Bio?

2. Why are you so heavily recommending the TBR Biology books when the content of the book and difficulty of the passages is far greater than on the MCAT (coming from a retaker)? I've taken a prep course before and I know that several of the TBR Bio topics are not asked on the MCAT - why should I be doing passages that test over content in the TBR books specifically when this content is out of the scope of the MCAT. It seems like a waste of time considering how many passages one has to do.

I'm not trying to knock the process, or be unthankful, I am just not sure on why we're doing this and want to know if you would recommend EK 101 Bio Passages and if so, why you don't currently. I understand that occasionally the MCAT will ask a tough passage on a topic that's not usually covered so in depth in a prep course, but TBR's content and passages delve in far more detail than I've seen in any other course and just feels like time that could be spent studying other things.
 
I am wondering if the schedule would be harder to do when finishing up my course work, or when working full time. I am a somewhat older nontrad that needs to get back to work asap and am wondering if I should start the schedule during my last semester, when taking three courses, or once I have gone back to work?

Keep in mind, my three courses will probably consume about three and a half of my days per week. They are labs - labs at my school are rather intensive, and while not too intellectually demanding, very time consuming.
 
SN2ed,

Im sure others have or have had this question before but I couldnt find it.

I am taking my last pre-req this semester, Physics 2, and will start studying for MCAT soon for the may 26 test date. i will be following your study plan. Question is, should I rearrange (basically reverse) the physics chapters/passages to coincide with my physics 2 class?

Im in between, part of me thinks to just do the normal schedule because it looks like Ill be a little over a month into the class by the time I start doing physics 2 from TBR. Then the problem is I will start getting way ahead of my physics 2 class.

Advice?
 
SN2ed,

Im sure others have or have had this question before but I couldnt find it.

I am taking my last pre-req this semester, Physics 2, and will start studying for MCAT soon for the may 26 test date. i will be following your study plan. Question is, should I rearrange (basically reverse) the physics chapters/passages to coincide with my physics 2 class?

Im in between, part of me thinks to just do the normal schedule because it looks like Ill be a little over a month into the class by the time I start doing physics 2 from TBR. Then the problem is I will start getting way ahead of my physics 2 class.

Advice?

Ideally, you shouldn't be studying for the MCAT while taking classes. Are you applying this upcoming cycle? If so, you may be able to do it, but you are placing yourself at a disadvantage. If you are taking classes along w/ studying, keep in mind that prepping for the MCAT is equivalent to a difficult 6-9 unit class (~20-25 hrs solid studying/wk for most people -- equivalent to about 300+ hrs of studying total).
 
Is there any way to incorporate the Kaplan books into this study guide?
Or should I just count my losses for signing up with them and buy the books you mentioned?

Just don't want the books to go unused after investing in them?
 
Ideally, you shouldn't be studying for the MCAT while taking classes. Are you applying this upcoming cycle? If so, you may be able to do it, but you are placing yourself at a disadvantage. If you are taking classes along w/ studying, keep in mind that prepping for the MCAT is equivalent to a difficult 6-9 unit class (~20-25 hrs solid studying/wk for most people -- equivalent to about 300+ hrs of studying total).

Thanks for the reply. I will be taking Physics 2 w/lab, Cell Bio, and 2 fairly easy psych courses. Not to bad. Im strong in Bio and Physics.

I will not be working for the next few months either and I have already racked up plenty of healthcare experience, shadowing, community service, etc. so other than my PS I have most of my stuff together already. LORs are ready to go to. Already finished most of my AMCAS/AACOMAS app.

That said, I will have time to dedicate at least 3 hrs/day M-F and all day saturday to study for MCAT. It will be tough but Im fine embracing the suck factor for 3 months its only temporary.

Did you follow SN2ed's schedule and what do you think about aligning MCAT studying with the class?
 
How would you rank the FLs?

In terms of easily accessible tests (tests that are available to non-class MCAT studiers), BR and Gold Standard are your best bets. BR is generally regarded as better, but they're quite expensive. On the other hand, GS is much cheaper and one's average is usually about -2 due to the tough science sections. Both BR and GS are not known for good verbal.

When considering all four, unlike MCAT prep books, I don't think the agreement on practice test ranking is that strong. Most tend to agree that the later AAMC tests are the best, but beyond that, there isn't much of a consensus
Greetings SN2ED and all. Hope everyone had a blessed holiday. I am getting ready to purchase three of the FL's, and I just want to make certain when people have seemed to suggest the later ones are better does later mean more recently? As in 2008-2011. I was confused that maybe later meant older ones. Clarifications about what you meant SN2ED is appreciated.😕 Thank you!

Peace
 
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Hello,

Thank you so much SN2ed for all of your time and efforts to help all of us out! I really respect your kindness.

I know that SN2ed has mentioned in a reply that Kaplan books are bad. I am wondering if that's only referring to the kaplan books you buy from bookstores+online? Are the kaplan books that you get exclusively in their prep courses different and better? Someone is offering me to buy the Kaplan course books set for $100, so I am wondering if it's worthwhile to get them. I am planning to also get the other materials (BR + EK + TPR) listed on SN2ed's schedule.

Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!
 
Hi again sn2ed,

Today I started my studying and was working through BR passages and I scored a 75% overall in 8 passages.

I was wondering approximately what mark corresponds with what grade on the MCAT scale (1-15)?

I know it probably varies per test, but what is the average?

Thanks.
 
I was just wondering if the links to the EK 1001 books are still current. They're linking to amazon 2001 edition. There's a new 2004 edition Alex Merkulov instead of Jonathan Orsay. Should I get the 2004 version or 2001 version? Does the edition matter?

2001 version: http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-...=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253483527&sr=1-4

2004 version: http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294666278&sr=1-1

Thanks.

They're different books pertaining to different subjects. The 2001 version is for Physic and 2004 version is for Biology. The 1001 for biology isn't required for this guide. And I don't think the 1001 series will be updated anytime soon.
 
Forgive me if this has already been asked--I've searched the thread and didn't find a good answer--but, I'm also thinking about taking an online prep course. Is there a good way for me to incorporate the online prep with SN2ed's schedule?
 
Hi,
I'm retaking the MCAT in April which is a year after I initially took it. I'm trying to increase my verbal as everything else was strong.

Are the AAMC FL changed annually? Are they different year to year. I saved mine and briefly looked at one (very briefly to see if I remembered the problems) and I couldn't recognize them. I am wondering what people think about taking them again with your schedule if I took them a year ago. I don't remember them and it seems like a long enough time.

If anyone thinks it's a bad idea what are my options for FLs?

Thanks!
 
Yeah, you have to buy it used/get it from a friend since TPR's Hyperlearning books are for their course. If they released their Hyperlearning in bookstores, they'd probably trample their competitors. Although BR is better in some areas, TPR actually has the means to mass produce their books. Plus, BR's ordering system is among the worst I've encountered on the web. Their website also looks unprofessional. If one didn't know better, they would easily mistake it for a fake website.

Also, check out the For Sale forum on here. I think I saw a few people selling their TPR Hyperlearning Science Workbook.

CRAIGSLIST is a wonderful source for buying old TPRHL and Kaplan MCAT course books.
 
SN2ed,

Thank you so much for posting this, it is very helpful. I am still a little daunted by the material. What is your take on prep courses? Is either PR or Kap better than the other?

Thanks,
(non-trad med school applicant: been out of undergrad since 2003)
 
Hey SN2ed, thank you for this wonderful schedule!
So I planned on following your 3 month plan to study, but for some bizarre reason I didn't buy the BR Bio books (I bought all my books months ago)... so now I have the EK 1001 for bio and the TPR-H MCAT science workbook, which has a bio section. Do you think it's ok to replace the BR bio passages with the EK 1001 and TPR-H science workbook passages?
 
I'm having trouble deciding which passages to do in the BR books when I'm supposed to do the 1st 1/3. For example the table of contents for the passages at the end of the 1st physics chapter looks like this:

Passage 1
Passage 2
Passage 3
Questions Not Based on a Descriptive Passage
Passage 4
Passage 5
Questions Not Based on a Descriptive Passage
Passage 6
Passage 7
Questions Not Based on a Descriptive Passage

I could count the "Questions Not Based on a Descriptive Passage" as passages, and for example on the first day do Passage 1, QNBDP set 1, QNBDP set 2, and QNBDP set 3. Or, I could ignore the QNBDP sets, and just do passages 1, 4, and 7. If I took this second option, when would I get around to doing the QNBDP sets? Thanks in advance.
 
I'm having trouble deciding which passages to do in the BR books when I'm supposed to do the 1st 1/3. For example the table of contents for the passages at the end of the 1st physics chapter looks like this:

Passage 1
Passage 2
Passage 3
Questions Not Based on a Descriptive Passage
Passage 4
Passage 5
Questions Not Based on a Descriptive Passage
Passage 6
Passage 7
Questions Not Based on a Descriptive Passage

I could count the "Questions Not Based on a Descriptive Passage" as passages, and for example on the first day do Passage 1, QNBDP set 1, QNBDP set 2, and QNBDP set 3. Or, I could ignore the QNBDP sets, and just do passages 1, 4, and 7. If I took this second option, when would I get around to doing the QNBDP sets? Thanks in advance.

You decide. Weigh pros and cons. Be a critical thinker instead of a robotic monkey.
 
I just need some clarification even after I have read through the posts and people's replies because I can't seem to find the answer.

1) So we are NOT using EK 1001 BIO AT ALL. We are using EK BIO Study Content book for practice problems instead. If so, Why?

2) So at the END of the 3/4 months, we only complete 1/3 of all BR Science books? Why only 1/3? Isn't more practice better?

Thank you very much for anyone who clarifies these two points!
 
I just need some clarification even after I have read through the posts and people's replies because I can't seem to find the answer.

1) So we are NOT using EK 1001 BIO AT ALL. We are using EK BIO Study Content book for practice problems instead. If so, Why?

2) So at the END of the 3/4 months, we only complete 1/3 of all BR Science books? Why only 1/3? Isn't more practice better?

Thank you very much for anyone who clarifies these two points!

Clarification is on page one. You're welcome.
 
Clarification is on page one. You're welcome.

Hello,

I did look through page one as well as several more pages of replies and I see people mentioning working on questions in EK 1001 BIO when this book is not in the schedule and that the schedule says work on BR BIO and not EK BIO...and I see work on "second 1/3 of BR" and no last 1/3 of BR or something like that in the schedule. I don't have the BR or EK books yet so maybe I that's why I am confused. Can someone clarify please? Thank you.
I am sorry if I miss something.
 
I'm considering doing the 3 month plan and do two months of just practice exams. My test is in 4 months. I will also be working part-time. Should I do the 3 month plan + additional one month of practice exams, or follow the 4 month plan? This will be my 3rd time re-taking. I was consistently scoring 26 on my practice exams & 28 right before my test, but got a 21 on the real deal. Any advice is appreciated! And thank you for all you've done!
 
Hello,

I did look through page one as well as several more pages of replies and I see people mentioning working on questions in EK 1001 BIO when this book is not in the schedule and that the schedule says work on BR BIO and not EK BIO...and I see work on "second 1/3 of BR" and no last 1/3 of BR or something like that in the schedule. I don't have the BR or EK books yet so maybe I that's why I am confused. Can someone clarify please? Thank you.
I am sorry if I miss something.

The schedule suggests you do the first 1/3 of BR passages right after you read, then second at the end of that week, then 3rd in between full lengths toward the end. Check out the actual schedule posted. The EK Bio 1001 book used to be included in the schedule but is now considered easier than the current mcat bio and so BR bio is more representative. If you need the practice, use everything. I suggest getting the TPRH science and verbal workbooks for the extra practice. They really help.
 
Hey SN2ed, thank you for this wonderful schedule!
So I planned on following your 3 month plan to study, but for some bizarre reason I didn't buy the BR Bio books (I bought all my books months ago)... so now I have the EK 1001 for bio and the TPR-H MCAT science workbook, which has a bio section. Do you think it's ok to replace the BR bio passages with the EK 1001 and TPR-H science workbook passages?

Can someone please answer my question? THANKS!
 
Can someone please answer my question? THANKS!
do what the Guide says....stop trying to change it, then you arent doing it
he wrote it like it is for a reason..

you remind of clients who are on a NO carb diet.,
"Can I be on the diet if I have 1 piece of bread?"
--bread has carbs,,,what do you think, fatty?
 
well, the reason I asked was because 1) I don't have enough money to buy 2 more books and 2) I'm starting this plan on Monday and even if I ordered it, they won't come in on time. If I had a choice, of course I wouldn't change it, but my situation won't allow it right now. Eh, oh well.
 
well, the reason I asked was because 1) I don't have enough money to buy 2 more books and 2) I'm starting this plan on Monday and even if I ordered it, they won't come in on time. If I had a choice, of course I wouldn't change it, but my situation won't allow it right now. Eh, oh well.

Yeah, I understand your situation. I guess it is also workable to use both EK 1001 Bio and TPRH Science Workbook. But the good thing about BR Bio is that it contains MORE passages and that they are more challenging than the ones in EK 1001 Bio. So it would still be good to get BR Bio, and start them when they arrive. In the meantime, you can use TPRH or EK 1001. You can always sell your BR books (they are SO popular in the forum) along with everything else after your MCAT, so in the end, not a lot of money is spent. If you are not getting BR Bio, then I guess try to get any Bio practice passages from any other books/practice tests. Definitely get all the AAMC practice tests too if you haven't already.

Here's the listing of recommended books that SN2ed posted earlier:

Biology: 1. EK Bio (for content) + BR Bio (for passages and further topic depth if needed) 2. TPR Hyperlearning, detail oriented 3. Kaplan

Physics
: 1. BR 2. Nova 3. TPR Hyperlearning 4. EK/Kaplan

Verbal: 1. EK Verbal + EK 101 Verbal 2. TPR Hyperlearning 3. BR 4. Kaplan (Avoid if possible)

Organic Chemistry: 1. BR, by far 2. TPR Hyperlearning 3. EK/Kaplan

General Chemistry: 1. BR, by far 2. TPR Hyperlearning 3. EK/Kaplan

Extra Practice Material: 1. TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook + TPR Hyperlearing Science Workbook, good source of practice passages 1. AAMC Official Guide to the MCAT Exam (most representative material available) 2. EK 1001 series, helps nail down basics
 
To anyone who is using/has used this study schedule:

Do you feel like this schedule/books works under the assumption that the testtaker has forgotten everything and needs to return to square one? Or are the sufficient reviews aimed at refreshing?

Thanks!
 
SN2ed:

Schedule looks excellent. Planning on using it this summer.

Quick question. I looked through all the pages of this thread and didn't really find an answer to this question.
You mention that you didn't include many FL's in the interest of keeping the overall cost low. If I was to go ahead and buy some BR FL's on top of the AAMC FL's, is there a certain way you'd advise incorporating them into the schedule? Or should they just be thrown in whenever. I do understand that the AAMC's (especially 7-10) should be taken last as they are most like the real thing.
Furthermore, are you against taking any of these extra FL's early on in the 3 month sequence?
THANKS!
 
To anyone who is using/has used this study schedule:

Do you feel like this schedule/books works under the assumption that the testtaker has forgotten everything and needs to return to square one? Or are the sufficient reviews aimed at refreshing?

Thanks!

I was wondering this too. I took Biology and Chemistry 3 years ago and have forgotten most of it.
 
Just wanna toss my 2 cents into this thread. I used this method to study, and I would say 80% of my success is due to it (scored a 43 - 15 Bio 15 Phys 13 VR). The other 20% I would attribute to studying with a friend. He was extremely rusty on his pre-reqs, and I spent nearly every day after studying with him explaining random topics to him, which really helped me solidify my own understanding. He also scored in the upper 30s as well.
 
Hi SN2ed,

I got the EK Complete Study Package for Christmas from my parents, it includes:

EK Biology (listed in your materials)
EK Verbal and Math Techniques (listed in your materials? Equivalent to Verbal 101?)

But also:
EK Chemistry
EK Orgo
EK Physics

Are the Chem, Orgo, Physics (and Verbal) sufficient replacements for the BR Chem, Orgo, Physics? I realize that BR Bio is needed as well as EK Bio, so just wanted to clarify.
 
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