Breaking Down the MCAT: A 3 Month MCAT Study Schedule

[SN2ed]

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)


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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Members don't see this ad.

 

[metalgirl14]

I've just been doing every third passage for a chapter.

 

[SN2ed]

for anybody that is using the BR and ExmCrkers

for the " 1/3 of BR Chapter (.).."

are yall doing 1/3 of the passages for each section in the chapter

or

1/3 of the sections in the chapter

I'm gonna do 1/3 of the passages for each section in the chapter but was wondering what everyone thought. thanks.

For the 1/3, you do every third passage for the entire chapter. Do NOT skip a section's passages. It is formatted like this for a reason Pretty much everything in the schedule is there for a reason.

 

[dayNight]

hello SN2ed...

i am using your 3-month study guide to study for the mcat. thank you for such a wonderful schedule that really breaks down the studying and shows us all that we can study for the test by doing a chapter or two a day along with practice problems. i do have 2 questions...

1. do you suggest taking your own notes when reading the chapters or focus on reading and connecting ideas and then move along to integration of the material?

2. i substituted BR bio because i needed a more detailed approach because i only took general bio. do you have any suggestions on how to use this book?

thank you so much again!!!

 

[SN2ed]

hello SN2ed...

i am using your 3-month study guide to study for the mcat. thank you for such a wonderful schedule that really breaks down the studying and shows us all that we can study for the test by doing a chapter or two a day along with practice problems. i do have 2 questions...

1. do you suggest taking your own notes when reading the chapters or focus on reading and connecting ideas and then move along to integration of the material?

2. i substituted BR bio because i needed a more detailed approach because i only took general bio. do you have any suggestions on how to use this book?

thank you so much again!!!

1. I'd go with what works best for you. Since you should be re-reading the chapters, you could also do both. The first time you would read and take notes because that's the only chapter you're working on. Then, for the second read through, try to connect the topics together. If you do both (notes and connecting), I suggest this order. You don't want to be reading all of the week's chapters and take notes on all of them in one day. In any case, keep in mind that you will be reading every chapter twice if you follow this guide.

2. BR Bio is very easy to integrate into the schedule. On the EK Bio days, simply read through BR Bio. Next, take 1/3 of the passages. Finally, do 1/3 of the passages whenever there's a 1/3 BR passage day. In other words, go through BR Bio the same way the other BR books are outlined.

 

[LALAKERS24]

For the 1/3, you do every third passage for the entire chapter. Do NOT skip a section's passages. It is formatted like this for a reason Pretty much everything in the schedule is there for a reason.

For the "1/3 passages" do we follow the BR Guideline/Passage Selections that was in the form of a .PDF posted somewhere here on SDN. Or when we get to the Passage sections for each chapter, do we do every third? Sorry, I'm a bit confused....

 

[SN2ed]

For the "1/3 passages" do we follow the BR Guideline/Passage Selections that was in the form of a .PDF posted somewhere here on SDN. Or when we get to the Passage sections for each chapter, do we do every third? Sorry, I'm a bit confused....

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

 

[UntitledFlow]

Are flashcards and notes necessary when studyinf for the MCAT? or am I better off reading throroughly and doing as many questions as I can? I'm taking the Jan 30th MCAT, and am way pressed for time.

Thanks!!

 

[loveoforganic]

I bought the Kaplan pack of like 700 cards and ended up going through maybe half of the biology ones, once. I didn't find them very helpful, and I tend to make use of notecards to study pretty frequently.

 

[zetabetazeta]

SN2ed, you are such an amazing person!

 

[Malayna]

SN2ed, you are such an amazing person!

I second that. And no doubt it will be thirded and fourthed, etc.

 

[SN2ed]

Thanks for the compliments!

Also, I was thinking about making a calendar of the schedule for people to print out and have easy access to the day's activities.

 

[coffeeslug]

Thanks for the compliments!

Also, I was thinking about making a calendar of the schedule for people to print out and have easy access to the day's activities.

+1 If you want someone to put it into excel just shoot me a PM

 

[JP2740]

SN2ed, I am taking TPR Hyperlearning class. What books would you recommend for me to get in addition to these books (mostly in terms of essentials. I mean realistically I can't read every book out there)? I will go along with the class and kind of incorporate my own stuff along the way.

By the way, if you do not mind, can you answer my thread really quick with your opinion? Thanks for the help. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=677856

 

[CORockDoc]

Thanks for the awesome schedule, book list and tips. Really great stuff!

I know you made it clear that this study plan isn't compatible with a full time work schedule... However here I am asking the question... Do you think the 4 month option would be doable without burnout? I'm sure you get this question all the time -- my apologies -- not working isn't an option for me so I'm trying to plan accordingly... I took the test about 5 years ago and got a 30 with a full time work schedule, but I'm confident that if I take studying more seriously I can boost my score... really looking for high 30's so I'm thinking ~400-500hrs of quality time might get me there with a plan akin to what you've outlined... any suggestions are greatly appreciated, thanks for your time.

 

[lDanny]

when you go over the chapters do you take notes or just read it?

 

[SN2ed]

Thanks for the awesome schedule, book list and tips. Really great stuff!

I know you made it clear that this study plan isn't compatible with a full time work schedule... However here I am asking the question... Do you think the 4 month option would be doable without burnout? I'm sure you get this question all the time -- my apologies -- not working isn't an option for me so I'm trying to plan accordingly... I took the test about 5 years ago and got a 30 with a full time work schedule, but I'm confident that if I take studying more seriously I can boost my score... really looking for high 30's so I'm thinking ~400-500hrs of quality time might get me there with a plan akin to what you've outlined... any suggestions are greatly appreciated, thanks for your time.

There are too many factors to take into consideration, so I really don't know. It's up to the individual to control the burnout. Sorry I can't be of more help.

when you go over the chapters do you take notes or just read it?

I'd go with what works best for you. Since you should be re-reading the chapters, you could also do both. The first time you would read and take notes because that's the only chapter you're working on. Then, for the second read through, try to connect the topics together. If you do both (notes and connecting), I suggest this order. You don't want to be reading all of the week's chapters and take notes on all of them in one day. In any case, keep in mind that you will be reading every chapter twice if you follow this guide.

 

[JP2740]

Hey SN2ed. If I took the Princeton Hyperlearning Course and ended it a month before my MCAT, what kind of plan do you think I should carry out in that month? Should I mimic the last month you got there on yours (even though I'd have different books)?

Or do you think I should just end the course as close to my MCAT as possible?

 

[SN2ed]

Hey SN2ed. If I took the Princeton Hyperlearning Course and ended it a month before my MCAT, what kind of plan do you think I should carry out in that month? Should I mimic the last month you got there on yours (even though I'd have different books)?

Or do you think I should just end the course as close to my MCAT as possible?

It doesn't really matter when it ends. The important part is whether you're prepared. For your last month, I suggest you try to emulate the last month presented here.

 

[JP2740]

It doesn't really matter when it ends. The important part is whether you're prepared. For your last month, I suggest you try to emulate the last month presented here.

Thank you. I am not sure if you have covered this already, but what is your opinion of taking the prep courses?

 

[SN2ed]

Thank you. I am not sure if you have covered this already, but what is your opinion of taking the prep courses?

Unfortunately, that's not really related to the guide, so I suggest you make run a search or make a thread. This question has come up before. I want to keep the questions in this thread to the guide.

 

[ballinplayer03]

Hey everyone!

I really like the setup of this study schedule, but I was just wondering if people who used this method could share some insight into its effectiveness. For example, some of the practice test scores you had and then your actual MCAT score after using this method. Please do share, Im sure a lot of people reading this would love to know! Thanks!

 

[SN2ed]

Hey everyone!

I really like the setup of this study schedule, but I was just wondering if people who used this method could share some insight into its effectiveness. For example, some of the practice test scores you had and then your actual MCAT score after using this method. Please do share, Im sure a lot of people reading this would love to know! Thanks!

There were a couple posters that gave their feedback on the schedule I made earlier in the thread. There are also some more responses scattered in various threads. Unfortunately, none of it has been localized to one spot and I doubt it ever will since people generally talk about their own performance in their respective MCAT date threads. Also, keep in mind that the schedule is relatively new.

 

[JP2740]

Is there a proper way to rank how close the practice problems of each company is to the real deal? Like you pick Berkeley Review because of content/number of problems, but is that also because the questions are close to the real thing?

 

[SN2ed]

Is there a proper way to rank how close the practice problems of each company is to the real deal? Like you pick Berkeley Review because of content/number of problems, but is that also because the questions are close to the real thing?

Yes, the practice passages are also close to the real thing. However, they're usually slightly harder than what you'll encounter.

 

[JP2740]

I got confused a bit with the 1/3 thing. Does this guide not go into the last third of the EK1001 questions?

 

[SN2ed]

I got confused a bit with the 1/3 thing. Does this guide not go into the last third of the EK1001 questions?

This schedule does not go through the entire EK 1001 set. They're good practice, but I focused on passage practice as that is more beneficial. If you run into a trouble spot in any EK 1001 topic, you have plenty of practice to strengthen your understanding of the topic.

 

[JP2740]

Do you think it would be way too much to do both TPR Hyperlearning and TBR but in accordance with your posted schedule (I am doing 5 months, so it will be stretched out a little more)? Maybe this would be possible if I didn't do the EK1001?

 

[SN2ed]

Do you think it would be way too much to do both TPR Hyperlearning and TBR but in accordance with your posted schedule (I am doing 5 months, so it will be stretched out a little more)? Maybe this would be possible if I didn't do the EK1001?

I don't think that's a good idea. What you could do is use TPRH and BR for content review, picking whichever suits you more. Then do the practice problems from BR and TPRH workbooks. You should still get EK 101 Verbal. On the positive side, you probably won't need EK 1001 since you'll have a large number of practice passages between both sources.

 

[JP2740]

I don't think that's a good idea. What you could do is use TPRH and BR for content review, picking whichever suits you more. Then do the practice problems from BR and TPRH workbooks. You should still get EK 101 Verbal. On the positive side, you probably won't need EK 1001 since you'll have a large number of practice passages between both sources.

Ok so, I'll have TPRH series, BR series (except verbal), and EK101 Verbal. I can still pretty much do what you say on your schedule, just substitute a few things here and there. Do you believe that is adequate for practice? I'm just going to leave out EK1001.

 

[kai1581]

Hi SN2ed,

Great guide!! I'm starting TBR Bio Section I today, and I just noticed that the first book has an emphasis on human physiology, specifically the first chapter is on "Nerve & Muscle". The second book has an emphasis on molecular bio. I don't think its a big deal, but I'd like to point out that if I were to follow the EK Biology book I'd be doing molecular bio stuff first then building up to human physio, which is how most prep materials do it, I think. I'm kind of confused if I should do the second TBR book first to mimic the EK schedule you have outlined in the guide or just go in order as its presented in TBR. For now I'll do it in order as its presented in TBR as they must have a method to their madness, until you recommend otherwise.

 

[SN2ed]

I'd just go in order.

 

[JP2740]

Sorry I believe I've ready every post in here before, but what is the point of doing every third passage? Is this to switch up the topics so that the next time you do a third, you still get a dose of the beginning topics? I don't think it was addressed before, but I'm not completely sure. Thank you.

 

[PracticeMd]

?

 

[SN2ed]

Sorry I believe I've ready every post in here before, but what is the point of doing every third passage? Is this to switch up the topics so that the next time you do a third, you still get a dose of the beginning topics? I don't think it was addressed before, but I'm not completely sure. Thank you.

Sounds like you got one of the goals of doing a third. Yes, it's so you cover each topic multiple times throughout the schedule. The repetition also helps retention since you'll be seeing the topics from various chapters so many times through reading the chapter twice, completing the passages, and reviewing those passages.

PracticeMd: I suggest you make a thread for your post since those questions don't really pertain to this guide.

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

Hi SN2ed,

Great guide!! I'm starting TBR Bio Section I today, and I just noticed that the first book has an emphasis on human physiology, specifically the first chapter is on "Nerve & Muscle". The second book has an emphasis on molecular bio. I don't think its a big deal, but I'd like to point out that if I were to follow the EK Biology book I'd be doing molecular bio stuff first then building up to human physio, which is how most prep materials do it, I think. I'm kind of confused if I should do the second TBR book first to mimic the EK schedule you have outlined in the guide or just go in order as its presented in TBR. For now I'll do it in order as its presented in TBR as they must have a method to their madness, until you recommend otherwise.

I don't mean to cut across SN2ed on the dance floor here, because what he does is so amazing. But please allow me to toss my two cents in.

Unlike chemistry, orgo, and physics, where BR book I clearly preceeds book II, the biology books were separated into two separate books by topics and not with a sequential plan. In the course itself, the first physiology lecture (nerve and muscle) and the first non-physio lecture (cell biology) happen about the same time. Then the second physiology lecture (heart and lung) and the second non-physio lecture (metabolism and energetics) happen around the same time. In essense, the course has five separate science reviews happening simulataneously (physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physiology, and non-physiology biology topics). This seems to work well, especially since some of the organic chemistry chapters overlap with some of the biology chapters (for fatty acids, carbohydrates, and amino acids in particular).

Good luck with your scheduling.

• We now return you to your regularly scheduled SN2ed insights session.

 

[kai1581]

Thanks for the clarification Berk! So any thoughts on this S2Ned? Is there a preference going the single chapter way, the double bio chapter way, or is there compromise between the two? I'm eager to know the pros/cons of each. Going the double chapter way would require some revision to the current study plan, but nothing too big if you just add a second bio day per study "week" earlier on and take away from the later ones. It would make the first 5 "weeks" pretty rigorous, but then leave the rest of the "weeks" decompressed. Though I could see a con being that there wouldn't be much bio during those decompressed weeks, unless someone added additional stuff. For now I'm going the single chapter way, unless there's a good argument otherwise.

 

[SN2ed]

Thanks for the clarification Berk! So any thoughts on this S2Ned? Is there a preference going the single chapter way, the double bio chapter way, or is there compromise between the two? I'm eager to know the pros/cons of each. Going the double chapter way would require some revision to the current study plan, but nothing too big if you just add a second bio day per study "week" earlier on and take away from the later ones. It would make the first 5 "weeks" pretty rigorous, but then leave the rest of the "weeks" decompressed. Though I could see a con being that there wouldn't be much bio during those decompressed weeks, unless someone added additional stuff. For now I'm going the single chapter way, unless there's a good argument otherwise.

I'd stick to one chapter per day, though you might want to change the order of the chapters.

 

[loveoforganic]

Hey everyone!

I really like the setup of this study schedule, but I was just wondering if people who used this method could share some insight into its effectiveness. For example, some of the practice test scores you had and then your actual MCAT score after using this method. Please do share, Im sure a lot of people reading this would love to know! Thanks!

Very effectice, but you've still gotta put the work in. For example, on the problem review days where you do passages from every subject, I would generally reread chapters (particularly in bio). This isn't part of the schedule (explicitly), but it's what I felt I had to do to learn the material.

 

[DreamingPremed]

Hi everyone,

I have been following this board and have decided to use this study schedule. I plan to start studying this January for the May MCAT. I have edited the schedule a bit to include more practice tests (16 total). I have attached it to my thread. SN2ed, can you check to see if this is an acceptable schedule? Please provide your valuable input.

By the way, this schedule was adopted from Rdavido's spreadsheet (I don't want to take full credit for this..).

NOTE: I have already taken the MCAT once and used all of the AAMC tests. Therefore, this schedule uses the Berkeley Review (BR) and Gold Standard (GS) tests. I wish I had known about this forum before and had not tried to cram my review into 2 months this past summer because I certainly am paying the price now. SN2ed, you're an amazing person and should win some sort of Good Samaritan award.

Thank-you!

 

[DreamingPremed]

Well, does anyone have any suggestions on the schedule I created? I want to make sure it is good before I start it..

 

[SN2ed]

I've been gone for the past few days, so I haven't been able to post. I don't carry my laptop when I travel.

I don't like 5 month schedules. I think it's far too long and you start to forget material. Additionally, you won't have nearly enough verbal practice passages to make a concentrated effort. Instead, I suggest you look into the 4 month variation I posted. Even with the 4 month variation, you'll need TPRH Verbal Workbook, EK 101, and probably BR Verbal as well. To adjust the schedule for more practice tests, take one every other day rather than every three days, excluding break days. This works especially well with the 4 month variation because you won't be doing the last 1/3 of practice passages and taking FLs. The last month in the 4 month variation is focused on FLs. Lastly, take out the 4 Hat Trick days in the 4 month variation, leaving only the one on day 61. Then, move the chapters up (ie. 1/3 chapter 4 on day 68). I think this will give you enough days for 16 practice tests.

 

[DreamingPremed]

I've been gone for the past few days, so I haven't been able to post. I don't carry my laptop when I travel.

I don't like 5 month schedules. I think it's far too long and you start to forget material. Additionally, you won't have nearly enough verbal practice passages to make a concentrated effort. Instead, I suggest you look into the 4 month variation I posted. Even with the 4 month variation, you'll need TPRH Verbal Workbook, EK 101, and probably BR Verbal as well. To adjust the schedule for more practice tests, take one every other day rather than every three days, excluding break days. This works especially well with the 4 month variation because you won't be doing the last 1/3 of practice passages and taking FLs. The last month in the 4 month variation is focused on FLs. Lastly, take out the 4 Hat Trick days in the 4 month variation, leaving only the one on day 61. Then, move the chapters up (ie. 1/3 chapter 4 on day 68). I think this will give you enough days for 16 practice tests.

Thanks for the input. Do you think it would burn me out to work 16 FLs and only have one day to review them during the last month? Do you even think working this many practice tests will be that beneficial? Why do you not schedule in more FL throughout the schedule and concentrate them into the last month?

Also, I have already gone over all of the EK 101 VR passages this past summer. Will it be ok to redo them when I start studying this January or February? Is there not any other good sources for VR passages other than EK, BR, and TPRH?

Sorry for all of the questions, but I just want to get a clear idea of what to do before I start.

Thank-you!

 

[SN2ed]

Thanks for the input. Do you think it would burn me out to work 16 FLs and only have one day to review them during the last month? Do you even think working this many practice tests will be that beneficial? Why do you not schedule in more FL throughout the schedule and concentrate them into the last month?

Also, I have already gone over all of the EK 101 VR passages this past summer. Will it be ok to redo them when I start studying this January or February? Is there not any other good sources for VR passages other than EK, BR, and TPRH?

Sorry for all of the questions, but I just want to get a clear idea of what to do before I start.

Thank-you!

Taking that many FLs can be helpful, but you must be wary of burning out. I think it should be doable with the 4 month variation because you'll only be going through FLs (taking a FL one day and reviewing the next). With the 3 month version, 16 tests is too much because you would be balancing practice tests and the last 1/3 of practice passages. If you think you're burning out, take 2 days off and immediately switch to every three days. Also, make sure you ONLY take a FL on FL days.

There were a few reasons why I didn't include more FLs. First, the money. I wanted to keep my schedule around $500. That with MCAT sign up fees is already quite a bit of money. Secondly, there are already tons of practice passages spread throughout the schedule. Finally, I think 8 FLs when combined with a large number of practice passages is sufficient. Between all of the non-FL sources, you should be taking more than 500 timed passages.

I don't suggest you retake any practice passages you've done previously. Unfortunately, the only good to decent verbal resources are EK, TPRH, and BR.

 

[DreamingPremed]

Thanks again. One final question (well, for now)...I like the EK Biology review book way better simply because it is colorful and has some pretty funny mnemonics to help me stay awake. However, I think the 1001 Questions in MCAT Biology is not as close to the real MCAT as the BR's bio passages. Could I use EK Biology to review the content than use BK's biology passages as practice? Or should I just stick with BR for the content review and practice passages?

Thanks so much!

 

[SN2ed]

You could easily use EK for content review and BR for passage practice (that's one of the combos I'm debating for a possible revision). If there's a topic you're having problems with, you should read the section in BR to see if it helps.

 

[SN2ed]

Hi guys,

I have TBR, TPR, Kaplan, and EK materials and I was wondering whether there was an effective way to incorprate all of these materials in my study schedule.

Thanks

I guess you could pick a different source for each chapter or section. I wouldn't recommend it whatsoever. I'd stick with the books listed though you may want to swap out EK Bio for TPRH Bio or BR Bio. You have too many prep materials.

 

[BennieBlanco]

Ok scheduling guru,

What would be best after going through BR passages and doing over 15 quality FLs (BR/AAMC):

A. Doing more content type Q's (Kaplan topicals / EK 1001)
B. Doing FLs such as Gold Standard

???? just setting up the final plans. (also, money isn't an issue. I already have all the FL/content Q's, so just wondering what in your opinion is best)

 

[SN2ed]

Hahahaha. Nice picture hotshot. Why not do both? I would do the content type questions and GS similar to the last month setup on this guide. In other words, something like this:

Day 1: GS FL
Day 2: Review FL and content questions
Day 3: Review FL and content questions

Or take a FL every other day to fit in more:

Day 1: GS FL
Day 2: Review FL and content questions
Day 3: GS FL

Make sure to throw in a break day every week. Taking tons of practice tests raises the chances of burnout. I'm not sure how it will effect you, but it's always good to keep burnout in mind.

In any case, you should do the GS FL and content questions before the BR/AAMC FLs and BR passages. The BR/AAMC material is closer to the actual test, so completing those directly before your test would be best. Conversely, GS isn't that close and has some tough science sections which should help with identifying your weaknesses before you hit the BR/AAMC phase. Similarly, the Kaplan topicals and especially the EK 1001 questions, aren't close to the real MCAT.

 

[BennieBlanco]

Hahahaha. Nice picture hotshot.

Good pick up on the reference, wasn't sure if it would hit home.

Thx for the advice.

Just to clarify, if I had the TPR science workbook you are saying that this should proceed BR passages?

I like the BR passages because they are hammering the concepts home, so I kind of wanted to do those early. But if you are saying TPR science wkbk is best first I will switch up.

I do have the AAMC/BR planned for the last part of prep. Just trying to perfect the balance of content/FL (tier 3 FLs like GS vs Kaplan topicals / TPR science wkbk).

 

[rsmithjr42089]

I have been following this thread for months now, slowly trying to formulate my own to fit with my schedule.
I am a very non-trad student. I have 2 children and have been a 20+credit/semester student. I work part-time and is a must. It isnt a demanding job, but does take time away.
I plan on taking the MCAT in the spring either in April or May, and I would like some insight as to how best to spread the studying for the MCAT.

My spring semester is quite easy to be honest:
Microbiology + Lab
Biochemistry II
Embryology + Lab
Senior Honors Thesis (3 credit) This semester all I am doing is writing up my paper and getting it published (there is some remaining research left but is maybe 2 or 3 weeks of in lab research. There is two presentations I must do: my school's yearly research day and at The Great Lakes Consortium (I do population genetics on invasive shrimp)
Internship at Local Hospital 10hrs/week

So it is really only three classes with the regular tests/papers/ect.
I am very used to a heavy workload every semester, as I used to work 35+hours on top of a 20+credit semester and being a parent to two children (My fiancee does not work BECAUSE I am always doing school work or at work.....
I have a firm background in Biology, Organic Chem, and most of Gen Chem. Physics I struggle in. Verbal to me is easy (I am a double major in Zoology and Philosophy) so we are constantly doing verbal like questions on a weekly basis.
I generally study *maybe* 15 hours/week for my classes. (I just retain *information easy)

SO:
I believe I can fit the MCAT study schedule with my already busy schedule since I purposefully reduced my classes for next semester.
Summer study *would* be an option but I need to work and I take classes as well (full time). I cant delay entry to medical school for a whole year- it is not an option, as I depend on my Student Grants and Loans for survival.

If, as loveoforganic had said in a much earlier post that it is 5-6hours/day (excluding FL days) then I can do it. I will be doing the 4 month variation. I understand you do not recommend doing this with any other commitments but I have confidence in my ability to do this.

So my question is this: I do not plan on extending the FL days and review days, but rather spreading out content review by *maybe* a month-but it will still be reinforced by biochemistry and microbiology( perhaps even embryo) To be honest my premed adviors unanimously agree that Biochemistry is perhaps the best concept review for the MCAT.

I will be starting the last week of December and taking either the April MCAT (4 month plan) or May MCAT(5 month review)
I would take the end of May MCAT in this case as it would give me a solid three weeks of unrestricted FL's review and Verbal.
As I said before Verbal is perhaps my best advantage. I plan on doing all the 101's from EK but I do not have anymore money for TPR.
I have all the books from your list and also have (only because it was in the set) EK review for Verbal, Ochem,Genchem,and Physics.
I would probably only use these for questions and for quick review, but will be using BR for the bast majority in addition to the 1001's.

Dont get me wrong: This schedule is exactly the way to do it, I commend you for helping others. I just need to tweak it a little. If you have any suggestions as to which areas *could* be extended even if just including an extra break day between content review could give me the extra time I need.

Thanks again!

PS: How quickly do seats fill up for registration for the MCAT? I was planning on registering in January, but it seems like I have to do it now rather than later....