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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Now compared to BR, recent test takers have said Kaplan is better. So if those are your choices, I'd go with Kaplan.


I'm definitely doing EK and PR. I am trying to find a tertiary source.
I have access to both BR and Kaplan verbals, and just wanted to pick the better one, since I can't go through both.
BR has more passages than Kaplan, but based on your opinion and others Kaplan has more quality. So I guess it's quality vs. quantity...
 
Just wanted to stop in and say thanks! I'm a Canadian so I'm dealing with tough VR and WS cut offs, and by using this guide and doing some serious WS practice I scored a 32R (11/11/R/10- PS/VR/WS/BS)!! The guide works great, thanks again!
 
I'm confused as to what something like
Day 34: Review BR passages means?
-means ALL PASSAGES in every book I've done so far?
Day 33: Complete second 1/3 of BR passages
-means? Complete 2nd 1/3 out of what book?
Day 8: Complete second 1/3 of BR passages for the previous 5 BR chapters (remember this includes BR Bio). I’m going to shorten this to: “Complete second 1/3 of BR passages”

ok so this isnt telling me what to do, I have to look back and see what I'd did as the last 5 chapters and extrapolate what to do? chapters? so this is going to take a ton of time?
 
Day 8: complete second 1/3 of passages of chapters you have done this past week. It shouldn't take that long because you should be using normal mcat per passage timing.

Day 33: complete 2nd 1/3 of passages for chapters you have done this past week (all books)

Day 34: review all passages you did the day before

If you read the earlier posts in this thread, you'll not only be better equipped to use the schedule but will gain valuable study tips. Good luck!

I'm confused as to what something like
Day 34: Review BR passages means?
-means ALL PASSAGES in every book I've done so far?
Day 33: Complete second 1/3 of BR passages
-means? Complete 2nd 1/3 out of what book?
Day 8: Complete second 1/3 of BR passages for the previous 5 BR chapters (remember this includes BR Bio). I’m going to shorten this to: “Complete second 1/3 of BR passages”

ok so this isnt telling me what to do, I have to look back and see what I'd did as the last 5 chapters and extrapolate what to do? chapters? so this is going to take a ton of time?
 
Hello SN2ed,
I have recently received my score, and to say the least I CHOKED.
I was studying with Kaplan this whole time. Now I am planning to retake the test with your strategy.
I had one question though, the 1001 EK are not as important as every else?
Also, I have some AAMC on paper that I have not done. These paper versions are not old, they are from the regular ones. So to save money do you think it is ok to take them like that?
For my first time I was studying online, is it ok to do it on paper now? Or should I get at least 1 online?
Thanks
 
Hi guys

I'm looking for some advice about Fl's. After studying for about 10 weeks I sat for the MCAT this past august. I had gotten above 30's on all my AAMC's and absolutely bombed the real thing. I think my content is pretty decent despite my score. I really need to work on test taking skills. My problem is I've used all my AAMC's. I wanted to know what CBT you think is the most similar to the AAMC’s in terms of timing constraints. I was looking at getting the GS or the BR. I have access to Kaplan’s paper versions but not online and I'm not willing to shell out 1500 bucks to get them. Also I was under the impression that Kaplan’s are pretty hard to finish on time. Towards the end maybe that will help but I'm not there yet. Any advice?

Thanks
 
I used Sne2d 3 month review course with the Berkely review which i highly reccommend

2.5 weeks into studying got 23 on free Princeton review practice test

i took a free kaplan test 6-7 weeks into studying and got a 27

AMCC practice. I took them in order the month before the real mcat with a practice test every 3 days

3-26
4-29
5-29
6-31
7-28
8-30
9-29
10-33

9/3 2 pm
Actual 32P 11-10-11

I am happy the score and i actually did better than my average. The score i was most happy with was verbal 10. it aamc 3,4,5 i got 6,7,8 in VR so i was definitly able to improve it with practice. I left the last page in the PS section blank by mistake and that had 3 questions. maybe could have got a 33 but im not gonna stress over it. Im happy with the score i got since i felt pretty low about it when i found out i left the last page blank and the overall difficulty of the test. My summer of studying wasnt a waste and im never gonna open a MCAT book again. I have a 3.16 gpa 32P mcat score and am trying to go D.O incase anyone was curious. This mcat score may be what makes me a competitive applicant.
 
How much studying time does your schedule require per day on average (not counting test days). I plan on using your schedule, and take a kaplan course at the same time. This means that I will do everything kaplan requires of me, and everything you outlined for your schedule. This summer I won't be doing anything but studying for the mcat and hanging out with friends, so I think its doable.



Has your strategy not worked for anyone? If so, do you know why it didn't work for them?
 
Hey SN2ed, just wanted to say thanks for this! I used your schedule and just got my scores back and I just wanted to let you know that I'm thrilled with my score!
 
First of all, Congrats. Your scores look great. Nice of you to come back and give this little testimonial. It's nice to see these success stories.

Hey SN2ed, just wanted to say thanks for this! I used your schedule and just got my scores back and I just wanted to let you know that I'm thrilled with my score!
 
Hey guys just wanted to ask if anyone who is done with the books willing to sell. Especially TRP verbal and BR boi. Let me know. Thanks or also PM me.
 
Congrats on the scores everyone!

georgia5:


The EK 1001 books are pretty important for fixing your weaknesses. If you have taken the AAMC CBT, then it's pointless to take the paper ones. They're the same test. The difference between the two is that the AAMC cut out questions to get to the CBT format. Though I think 9 and/or just 10 might have been true CBTs and not trimmed written MCATs. If you did NOT take the AAMC CBTs, you should buy CBT #7-10 and use the paper ones for the others. You definitely need to take some CBT before you retake.

For more retake advice, check out tips for retakers thread in the first post.

sas1121:

A FL ranking is in the FAQ.

fneverforget:

I don't suggest taking both schedules. It's a waste of money. The only thing Kaplan would provide is its online content. Do not try and learn the content from multiple sources. Focus on the source that works best for you and stick with it.

The general trend I saw with people doing poorly while trying my schedule was that they were in school or working. In most cases, they were in school. Nevertheless, providing a schedule can only do so much. MCAT success rests solely on the person.
 
hey guys, i have quick question regarding this plan. i have all the EK books and the EK 1001 books. could i use those instead of the BR? and so then the +1/3 would be passages from the EK 1001's...does this make sense?
 
hey guys, i have quick question regarding this plan. i have all the EK books and the EK 1001 books. could i use those instead of the BR? and so then the +1/3 would be passages from the EK 1001's...does this make sense?

No, that won't work, except for Bio because EK Bio 1001 has passages. None of the other EK 1001 books contain practice passages and cannot be substituted for BR. The only possible replacement for BR's books would be the TPRH Science Workbook and even then there aren't enough passages. The Science Workbook is still a great resource.
 
No, that won't work, except for Bio because EK Bio 1001 has passages. None of the other EK 1001 books contain practice passages and cannot be substituted for BR. The only possible replacement for BR's books would be the TPRH Science Workbook and even then there aren't enough passages. The Science Workbook is still a great resource.

but the ek 1001 have tons of questions in them?
 
but the ek 1001 have tons of questions in them?

They are not passages. They aren't really like MCAT discretes either. EK 1001 should play a support role in strengthening your conceptual base; they cannot replace actual MCAT passage practice. Again, do NOT use them to replace MCAT passage practice. The only exception is EK Bio 1001.
 
They are not passages. They aren't really like MCAT discretes either. EK 1001 should play a support role in strengthening your conceptual base; they cannot replace actual MCAT passage practice. Again, do NOT use them to replace MCAT passage practice. The only exception is EK Bio 1001.

k, thanks SN2ed. i will buy the BR books, i just dont want to waste my money and not have used the EK books. i will follow your schedule and hope that this time around i will do better!
 
just to clarify...the BR books have the content review and passages? so i will have the BR books, the EK 1001s, EK bio, EK 101 verbal...and thats all i need right? (and yes, more verbal if i am to do a couple passages a day)
 
just to clarify...the BR books have the content review and passages? so i will have the BR books, the EK 1001s, EK bio, EK 101 verbal...and thats all i need right? (and yes, more verbal if i am to do a couple passages a day)

Yes, BR books contain both content review and passages. For the recommended books, check the first post.
 
ok sn2, so i have ordered the BR books and have one final question. i still am kind of confused about your 1/3 part. so after every particular review we do, at the end we work on passages. now, i havent seen the actual book yet so i dont know how many passages there are...but i am assuming there are alot. so this means that we do every third passage for the particular content. how many does that come out to be for every day? is there a maximum you do?
 
1/3 corresponds to each specific section. 1/3 of Physics passages on that day will correspond to the first 1/3 of the passages in that section (i.e. passage 1, 4, 7, 10). There are between 3-5 passages corresponding to the 1/3 referred to. It shouldn't take you more than 50 minutes to do those passages, even if you are still getting used to the timing. On the days of the 2nd 1/3, you will be doing passages 2, 5, 8, etc. for ALL the sections you went over in the previous week. That should be a total of around 15-20 passages. Good luck!

ok sn2, so i have ordered the BR books and have one final question. i still am kind of confused about your 1/3 part. so after every particular review we do, at the end we work on passages. now, i havent seen the actual book yet so i dont know how many passages there are...but i am assuming there are alot. so this means that we do every third passage for the particular content. how many does that come out to be for every day? is there a maximum you do?
 
Hello SN2ed,

I will start your advised program in November. I would like to know if the materials are still the same or do you have any updated recommendations. It's been a while since you posted them. My verbal section needs to be improved more than the others and I'll get whatever you recommend.

These are your original recommendations for materials:

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
- EK Verbal 101
- TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook or Berkeley Review Verbal
- AAMC Full Length (FL) #3-10

 
Greetings all and @ SN2ed

Please SN2ed I have a problem, I took the MCAT, not well prepared or with any real prerequisites, and I did not do well (I understand why). Now I am preparing to take it again using your study schedule. The problem is that I used the Examkrackers before (for only a few weeks), I am not sure if I did all of the problems, I certainly did a good portion, would you suggest that I switch to a different book or just reuse the examkrackers? I did not mark the book--It did not appear to improve my scores for biology (then again it is for review, not to learn the material which I was mostly not familiar with). Thank you.😱

NB I just completed the exam September 11, 2010.
 
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Notes:

- Do NOT retake old practice material

Thank you SN2ed with the prompt response!

I also noticed your previous post

- 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)
You seem to have covered your bases well.

In any event TPR could be fine with me details work better for me as I self-study!

Thank you so much for your study plan. Thank you very much!
 
Dear SN2ed,

Peace. Thank you again for the study guide, I wanted to ask your permission to please use a modified version of your study syllabus. I had really low MCAT scores (although I have a strong social background--as a missionary, solid GPA, and advanced degrees), and a medical school has requested that I submit to them by next week my proposed study schedule for the MCAT. It seems that they want me to retake it my spring semester. So, I was going to combine yours with some of the information in a second column to accommodate the topics from Iloveorganics (who modified your study guide--I have requested permission from him as well), I will also have a column to accommodate the courses I will be taking (which they also want--I believe) then I can submit it.

If I did not have to submit it I know it would be fine to use, but I am not certain how copyright works and did not want to infringe without permission.

Of course you would be credited with your content and fine work. Thank you in advance for your help.

Oh and if you think that I should include anything else in my submission to them, please let me know. I was thinking about adding sections on the value of the material I am using, some general procedures I will follow, a pre-post synopsis of my MCAT (I took the previous MCAT with only a few weeks of preparation, and only one summer semester of bio; whereas the next time I take it I'll have like 4-5 months of study time and would have completed almost all of my prerequisites--except math ( I have a math online program now though, and one orgo).

If possible, thank you for your approval (with full credit, certainly), and for any feedback on anything else I might include in a study plan. Thank you.

Peace:luck:

Edit:

The structure is 100% yours; I am relying on your format completely. It is only to give them information on what each chapter is about that I'll add another column in my matrix with the chapter contents (eg for respiration I can include all the topics and sub-topics on respiration).

Edit:
NB I can upload a copy when it is completed
 
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Does anyone of you tried writing the MCAT successfully with no or minimal science background. Yet following the prescribed pattern and still do well.

Any thoughts?
 
Hi SN2ed...

There is a very extensive list of cooresponding chapters for the Biology BR to EK which is very thorough.

I am looking to see if there is the same type of list for the
coorsponding chapters from the BR chapters (physics,OChem, Chem) to the EK 1001 books, which is shown on the review days. If it is on your sticky I apologize, and am going to go to the eye doctor, because I really have searched for it. 😕

Also - I apologize for being so confused but... I don't completely understand when you reference the "EK Bio In-Class exam". I have all the EK books, BR books, TPR Verbal..... Are you referencing the 7 questions in the back of the EK Bio. book chapter?

Thanks for your help and your patience!
 
Drbound2012:

The rest of EK 1001 series correspond rather well to the BR chapters. Make sure you use the table of contents in the EK 1001 books and match them up with the BR chapters.

The EK Bio In-Class exam are towards the back of the book. They are listed in the table of contents.
 
Drbound2012:

The rest of EK 1001 series correspond rather well to the BR chapters. Make sure you use the table of contents in the EK 1001 books and match them up with the BR chapters.


SN2ed Thank you...

Because there are so many questions, and not all the BR chapters line up "exactly" with the EK1001 chapters, I am taking the time to identify which questions should be done by the BR chapter. (similiar to the list that you have for the EK and BR Biology section )

The table of contents was the first place that I went to. Some of the topics / chapters match up well, but some do not. After comparing the TOC to BR chapters, my list does not use all of the questions, and some of the BR sections -- don't really have many questions... Although against popular opinion, I am doing this while in school, so I would rather put some time in up front, and save search time and distraction weekly.

Since I am just in the first week of studying I thought someone who had completed the study plan might have the list. (or at least a list that I could compare mine to). 😕
 
Would anyone know of some new links for the connection to the aamc web site for topics covered on MCAT.
It appears the links in first post are dead.
Thanks.
 
Quick question, I know the material in EK series pretty well. Was wondering if you thought it was fees-able to substitute BR for EK just for content only, while still doing the passages of BR for Phys,Chem,O-Chem and Bio but still following your outline.
Thanks
 
SN2ed, thanks for all your hard work on this study guide! I definitely want to use it. I have a question though. I have all of the TPRH books and I know you said that it is possible to substitute the science workbook in the study guide. What about the other material? Do you think I would be ok with just TPRH, or do you think it would be worth picking up the BR books? Again, thanks for all of your help!
 
SN2ed, thanks for all your hard work on this study guide! I definitely want to use it. I have a question though. I have all of the TPRH books and I know you said that it is possible to substitute the science workbook in the study guide. What about the other material? Do you think I would be ok with just TPRH, or do you think it would be worth picking up the BR books? Again, thanks for all of your help!

The content of TPRH books is a good substitute for TBR books in this schedule. SN2ed has said that he even thinks that the Bio book of TPRH series is better content-wise. The reason TBR books are the best is for their passages, which are virtually irreplaceable, but the science workbook comes in a close second. Honestly, I have both and use TBR for content and passages with TPRH workbooks for extra practice. Content review is mostly preference and where you get it shouldn't really matter too much because all of the companies design the books based on the AAMC topic lists. Good luck!
 
SN2ed, thanks for all your hard work on this study guide! I definitely want to use it. I have a question though. I have all of the TPRH books and I know you said that it is possible to substitute the science workbook in the study guide. What about the other material? Do you think I would be ok with just TPRH, or do you think it would be worth picking up the BR books? Again, thanks for all of your help!

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.
 
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.

Because of their scarcity in the open market, they don't get a great deal of notoriety, but the in-class verbal handouts that come with the BR classroom course are excellent. They are much better than the BR verbal book. The former teacher who wrote them (and designed the classroom part of the course) was the best verbal teacher I have ever seen or heard by a long shot. It's really too bad they didn't let him write the book, because it would have been killer.

If the BR in-class worksheets (exercises and passages) show up in the SDN used section, they are a must have.
 
These are your original recommendations for materials:

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
- EK Verbal 101
- TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook or Berkeley Review Verbal
- AAMC Full Length (FL) #3-10

I plan to follow almost the same lineup.

General Chemistry
BR book for reviewing and techniques
BR passages for practice

Physics
BR book for reviewing and techniques
BR passages for practice
EK 1001 for last month drilling

Biology
EK book for reviewing and techniques
BR passages for practice
EK 101 for last month drilling

Organic Chemistry
BR book for reviewing and techniques
BR passages for practice
PRHL workbook for last month drilling

Verbal Reasoning
EK book for reviewing and techniques
PR passages for practice
EK 101 for practice

Practice Exams
PRHL Science workbook
BR 1-7
AAMC 3 and 7-11

This is what most people at SDN recommend, so call me the follower. I might look for verbal passages from other places, but it doesn't sound promising.
 
Notes:

- Do NOT retake old practice material

Why is this a good rule? Just curious about the rationale behind it because it seems like if its been years, you might as well reuse old material. After all, most people review their prereq textbooks and exams anyway, right?
 
Why is this a good rule? Just curious about the rationale behind it because it seems like if its been years, you might as well reuse old material. After all, most people review their prereq textbooks and exams anyway, right?

If you use old material, there will be trick questions you probably recall (even in your buried long term memory) and you'll probably get them right this time, giving yourself a false sense of security.

Let's say I get five extra questions correct out of every 52 I take. In that case, although I am scoring 10-12 and feeling good, I'm really actually only getting 8-10 and need to be worried. All it takes is subconsciously recalling ten to fifteen percent of the questions to invalidate the score you're getting.

Now if you're using the materials strictly for review (like you mention by comparing MCAT prep to re-reading a textbook) and not for testing, then old materials are probably fine as long as they aren't so old that they mention things like "the Earth is flat" or "if you leave the meat out it will spontaneously generate flies."
 
SN2ed,

First off thank you for a great guide! I'm currently scheduled to retake the exam and want to be as prepared as I can (7PS, 9BS, 10VR) and was wondering how you might best supplement a Kaplan course.

I ran into some EK books but realized that they weren't the 1001 but rather the new editions (2007). I was wondering if these would serve the purpose that people seem to use EK books and help identify weak areas or if I should purchase the 1001 as well.

Previously I took TPR hyperlearning so have all those materials (but don't want to rely on them too much.

Would you recommend trying to complete the schedule in addition to the kaplan course? I also have about 1.5 mo. before the course starts in which I had planned to identify weak areas using EK.

Thanks again any advice is greatly appreciated!
 
SN2ed,

First off thank you for a great guide! I'm currently scheduled to retake the exam and want to be as prepared as I can (7PS, 9BS, 10VR) and was wondering how you might best supplement a Kaplan course.

I ran into some EK books but realized that they weren't the 1001 but rather the new editions (2007). I was wondering if these would serve the purpose that people seem to use EK books and help identify weak areas or if I should purchase the 1001 as well.

Previously I took TPR hyperlearning so have all those materials (but don't want to rely on them too much.

Would you recommend trying to complete the schedule in addition to the kaplan course? I also have about 1.5 mo. before the course starts in which I had planned to identify weak areas using EK.

Thanks again any advice is greatly appreciated!

SN2's in med school give him a break. All your questions are answered on the first page.
 
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