Breaking Down the MCAT: A 3 Month MCAT Study Schedule

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SN2ed

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Written by SN2ed.

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

Everyone please keep the questions to this strategy AND READ ALL OF THE FIRST FOUR POSTS.

Do NOT start this schedule late. You will burnout. There have already been numerous posts & threads on people starting late, trying to rush through the material, and burning out quickly.
Check the Update log in the last post for any changes.

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

To begin with, check out these two threads:

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

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

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

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

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

Will following this guide guarantee me a +30?

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

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

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

Any tips for retakers?

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

Remember to check out the third and fourth post FAQ.

Anything else before I start?

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

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

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

Materials:

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

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

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

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

Bare Minimum Set-up:

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

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

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

$30 EK Bio (Amazon product ASIN 1893858626)


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

Total = $541 + TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook

Set-up with EK 1001:

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

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

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

Total = $598 + TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook

Possible Book Replacements:

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

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

A Little Bit more about TPRH books:

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

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

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

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

About the EK 1001 series:

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

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

Timing:

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


Notes:

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

General Guidelines for Reviewing:

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

Some things to go over when reviewing:

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

Hat Trick:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Which cell component requires lipids?

Verbal Help:

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

Arithmetic Tricks:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=528674&highlight=Arithmetic Tips Tricks
 
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SN2ed, are the AAMC FLs that you recommend web-based?

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

Thanks!

Get the web based that I linked in the first post.
 
Hey guys, I'm currently using the 4 month plan and using the EK bio +br for passages and I was wondering what everyone did to match the topics up. For instance, lecture 1 in Ek bio is discussed in 3 different sections in br bio. Did you do passages for all those sections that same day? Sorry if this has been explained before, but I'm just feeling a little lost on which sections I should be doing.
 
A third in the BR means what again when it comes to the passages. If there are lets say 60 questions at the end of chapter 1 should i do the first 20 questions of that chapter. Can you please clarify for me?

Also to increase in score we should take a pratice test every week or two and lastly is the BR bio book necessary if we have the TPR and EK bio book. And a third of EK 1001 is the same as the first third of questions in that lecture.

The physics BR and TPR are good or is the BR book better?

Again in your opinion can you see a 15point increase in 3 to 4months 🙂
 
phoenix206:

Unfortunately, you'll probably have to jump around for some chapters. At least some of the chapters correspond well to each other.

futuredoctor328:

Please read the first four posts, they answer most of your questions. For BR Bio, if you have TPRH Bio and EK Bio 1001 you're fine. If all you have is TPRH Bio and EK Bio (the content review book), you'll need a source of practice passages. In that case, you'll need either EK Bio 1001 or BR Bio for passage practice.
 
Hi SN2ed,

Just wanted to thank you for making this guide and for putting it up. I'm going to get started today (since my 3 months starts now!!). Unfortunately, I don't have the BR books but going to start with the EK ones for now.

I took the MCAT last year with extremely minimal prep and scored a 29R (with an unfortunate 8 in Bio - especially unfortunate since I'm a biomedical engineer and should now a little more about bio lol). Not getting into any schools this year, so will need to repeat the MCAT and hopefully do 35+ to make up for my shoddy GPA.

Ok, gonna stop typing now lol and start EK verbal! Thanks once again! 🙂
 
Hey SN2ed,

Thanks for the schedule and advice:

Two quick questions:

1) I have both the Exam Krackers OCHEM and the Berkeley OCHEM. The EK OCHEM is significantly shorter (by orders of magnitude). I have heard that the organic chemistry on the MCAT is "OCHEM light" but it seems that BR is doing "OCHEM heavy." If possible, it would obviously be easier to go through EK OCHEM due to its length. Have you heard any positive or negative feedback about EK OCHEM? Is it worth the extra time using BR for OCHEM?

2) I have read on different forums of people doing BR passages in "phases" -- i.e. phase I, II, and III. What does that mean and how does that differ in the way you schedule your passages?

Thanks!
 
do you have any advice on how/plan to use the TPR Science workbook? I finished content review. Thanks
 
I am scheduled to take the MCAT on 05/22.

I am on day 19 according to the schedule which means I need about 80 more days but only 64 days have left. Should I reschedule for June 17 or cram in with those break days?
 
bman87:

1. Don't underestimate the O-chem on the MCAT. Over the past year, people have gotten as many as 3 O-chem passages. You definitely do not want O-chem to be a weakness going into the test. As with most of the EK content review books, they're only good if you have strong background in the subject. Most people do not. Hence, go with BR O-chem. Yes, it will take more time, but it can easily pay off on test day. Even one passage can make or break your score.

2. If I remember correctly, the BR phases had students splitting up the chapter's problems into thirds. Unlike my schedule where you skip every third problem, BR's would have students complete all of the first 1/3 of a chapter's passages.

BR:
First third: 1 , 2, 3 Second third: 4, 5, 6 Final third: 7, 8, 9

My schedule:

First third: 1, 4, 7 Second third: 2, 5, 8 Final third: 3, 6 ,9

I favor my setup because you get a mix of passages each time. This helps you remember some of the early topics covered in the chapter because you will see them on multiple occasions. Conversely, with BR's phases, you will not revisit older material and will usually only see a chapter topic's passages once.

Unforgettable:

I suggest you reschedule. You should not compact the schedule because of the high risk of burnout.


Just a reminder to everyone, make sure you plan your MCAT date accordingly.
 
bman87:

1. Don't underestimate the O-chem on the MCAT. Over the past year, people have gotten as many as 3 O-chem passages. You definitely do not want O-chem to be a weakness going into the test. As with most of the EK content review books, they're only good if you have strong background in the subject. Most people do not. Hence, go with BR O-chem. Yes, it will take more time, but it can easily pay off on test day. Even one passage can make or break your score.

2. If I remember correctly, the BR phases had students splitting up the chapter's problems into thirds. Unlike my schedule where you skip every third problem, BR's would have students complete all of the first 1/3 of a chapter's passages.

BR:
First third: 1 , 2, 3 Second third: 4, 5, 6 Final third: 7, 8, 9

My schedule:

First third: 1, 4, 7 Second third: 2, 5, 8 Final third: 3, 6 ,9

I favor my setup because you get a mix of passages each time. This helps you remember some of the early topics covered in the chapter because you will see them on multiple occasions. Conversely, with BR's phases, you will not revisit older material and will usually only see a chapter topic's passages once.

Unforgettable:

I suggest you reschedule. You should not compact the schedule because of the high risk of burnout.


Just a reminder to everyone, make sure you plan your MCAT date accordingly.

Completely agree about Ochem. I was told that there would only be 1, maybe 2 passages about OChem on the MCAT - so I only did the EK, and I know that I got 3 passages on my MCAT and got screwed basically.
 
The courses I need for my major has prevented me twice from taking physiology. Should I buy the university book and follow the course syllabus or will the prep material be enough? Oh I hope the gen chem prep is good because I'm really rusty on this.

I'm really glad I found this guide!
 
SN2ed,

Is the TPRH Biology book you recommend (for the more detailed approach than EK Bio) called "The Princeton Review Hyperlearning Biological Science Review" book? Or is there one that is specifically dedicated to Biology?

Thanks,
E
 
Ok I want to take the test on June 17 but unfortunately there is not enough days in the 2month schedule before my test. I would be on the 80th something day before I am done with the 3months schedule. Can I just skip some of the breaks or read more than one chapter for some of the topics? As well as take a Princeton Review FL Test each week since I have both PR as well as AAMC Practive Exams which are computer based. I have BR tests but they are not computer based? In addition, I am getting my BR books this week so I am pressed for time since I really want to take the test before I go to my Merck Summer Fellowship 😛
 
Hi, Thank you SN2ed for such a useful outline and sharing your wealth of knowledge about the study prep materials. Just have one quick question and perhaps silly question. A friend who took an EK course gave me her old materials (EK books By Jonathan Orsay, 7th ed), are these the same as the EK 1001 books the guide recommends? Or close enough? Thanks!!
 
Hey SN2ed,

One more question:

Do you think that the BR passages are at a similar level of difficulty as the ones on the MCAT? Meaning, are they accurate representatives of what will be seen on the MCAT? Do people generally say that they are at a similar level?

Basically, from my experience so far, it seems like the EK passages at the back of their books are harder than the ones I have done thus far in BR.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Everyone please keep the questions to this strategy.

futuredoctor328:


You will most likely burn out if you skip the break days. There are no good solutions to your problem. You can try doubling up on the chapters about subjects you're strong in, but the re-read days and the second 1/3 days will be killers. Plus, there's a good chance you'll burn out doing two chapters per day.

Spidey821:

Nope. Those are the content review books. Check the links in the first post.


Updated first post to include warning on starting late.
 
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HEY SN2ED!
CAN U PLEASE SUGGEST A PLAN TO USE KAPLAN RESOURCES!!
I have been taking practice test, scoring in 20s.

any suggestions would dO!
I have nova for physics.. ek for verbal.. and kaplan for chem and orgo

anything?
thanks
 
SN2ed,

Why is it that you do not suggest using EK 1001 Bio as extra help, but you do for Gen Chem, O Chem, and Physics?
 
SN2ed,

Why is it that you do not suggest using EK 1001 Bio as extra help, but you do for Gen Chem, O Chem, and Physics?

The main reason is that EK Bio 1001 is more about passage practice than nailing down the basics. Practice passages are great, but there's plenty of them between EK Bio (the content review book) and BR Bio. Due to these reasons, I opted not to include EK Bio 1001.
 
Hey SN2ed,

Do you think that the BR passages are at a similar level of difficulty as the ones on the MCAT? Meaning, are they accurate representatives of what will be seen on the MCAT? Do people generally say that they are at a similar level?

Basically, from my experience so far, it seems like the EK passages at the back of their books are harder than the ones I have done thus far in BR.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
How can the Hat Trick be done in 30 minutes?

Seems like it would take at least a few hours...
 
bman87:

BR is usually considered about the same difficulty or slightly harder. EK in general is tougher than the real deal. EK even warns that the passages in the content review books are supposed to be hard.

joshto:

The length of time differs from person to person. When someone thoroughly understands the topics drawn, it shouldn't take too long. However, it can take a long time when one is weak across a variety of subjects. You could always pick from the hat once or twice per session. It's not like you have to sit there for hours constantly drawing a new set of three subjects.
 
I like the BR books, but I am having trouble figuring out how to test myself using the EK series because the EK series doesnt really match up well with the BR series
should I just do the best I can? I feel the BR series is pretty good without the EK 1001,
thanks
 
blade1978:

Day 4: EK Biology Chapter #1 + 1/3 of the corresponding passages in the BR Bio book. Although some of the chapters correspond well to each other, you'll probably have to jump around for some chapters. For instance, when EK Biology's chapter focuses on cell structure and function, work through the passages in BR Bio that deal with cell structure and function, i.e. BR Section VI. Yes, you are doing passages in BR BIO and NOT the ones in EK Bio.
 
Hi Sn2ed, any advice on how WikiPremed can be incorporated into your study plan? It seems like someone who is a audiovisual learner, the benefit of video explanations of concepts can be significant. Any thoughts? Thanks!
 
Another quick question: what value do you guys see in verbally explaining/teaching concepts out loud to another person, possibly someone who doesn't know the material himself? How can this be integrated into the study plan? Thanks!
 
SN2, thanks for the awesome strategy. I am currently doing the 3 month plan. I need help picking what FL's to take right before my MCAT. I took all the AAMC's before, and you advise not to reuse them so I am not.

I bought 3 TBR tests and will take them along with Kaplans. But I still need one more, right before. Should I buy a gold standard or do something else? I could switch a TBR test there or retake an old AAMC? Does it even matter which one I take right before my actual MCAT?

Thanks for the help.
 
Hi SN2ed, how to we determine if we should use the EK Bio book or the TPR Hyperlearning/TBR bio combo for studying the biology section material?

I am a bio sci graduate so I would assume I would need the less intense EK Bio review book and no the indepth that the other two give correct?
 
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SN2, thanks for the awesome strategy. I am currently doing the 3 month plan. I need help picking what FL's to take right before my MCAT. I took all the AAMC's before, and you advise not to reuse them so I am not.

I bought 3 TBR tests and will take them along with Kaplans. But I still need one more, right before. Should I buy a gold standard or do something else? I could switch a TBR test there or retake an old AAMC? Does it even matter which one I take right before my actual MCAT?

Thanks for the help.
Nevermind, I didn't realize that Kaplan gave more than 5 FL's. I'll take them, thanks anyway.
 
SN2ed -- if you are reading this, PLEASE consider adding reading 1 research journal abstract (1 paragraph) and trying to summarize it in your head after just 1 consistent read through or something daily to your 3 month plan. I seriously think it will help a lot of people, including myself potentially.

The current MCAT I took is extremely heavy on experimental passages - and the toughest task is managing to get your head around what exactly is going on. Not sure if you've already considered this idea, but I figure it was worth mentioning, especially since I saw you recommended outside reading for verbal practice..
 
I have these old FLs that I have. I was wondering if this is okay to work with, or if I should buy the new ones from AAMC.

Or if anyone has a cheaper offer for the recent AAMC FL's can you let me know? I'd love to buy them from you.

Thanks!
Day 63 now. Will be taking FL3 on Monday!
 
SNed, do you recommend using TBR books for passage practice over TPR hyperlearning books/EK 1001 questions? I'm pretty sure you already answered this question, so sorry for the repetitive question. I am trying to decide whether to purchase TBR books, TPR book or EK 1001 book for biology passage practice.
 
dna111:

1. You could watch the corresponding video to the chapter you're on. For instance, when you're on forces in physics, watch the forces video.

2. This can be pretty helpful, but it's also fairly low yield. Maybe incorporate it on one of the review days to wrap up the week.

tiedyeddog:

Just a warning, only use Kaplan #1-6, maybe 7. After that, they are too different from the MCAT to bother taking. Plus, they start to reuse previous passages which isn't good. Still, with Kaplan #1-6/7 + BR #1-3, you'll be fine.

smarty666:

Most people prefer the EK Bio book, so that's a safe bet. You could also order BR Bio, since you'll need it for passages, and then decide if EK Bio is necessary. Fortunately, EK Bio can be easily obtained through Amazon.

IndianVercetti:

Not a bad idea. I think I might make that a daily routine to go along with the day's verbal practice.

lovebes:

Please read the FAQ

Tennisgrl:

Yes, BR practice passages are preferably which is one of the reasons I chose them. Additionally, most EK 1001 books do not contain practice passages. However, they target different things as explained in the first post. TPRH Science Workbook is good, but often times it has too few passages in some areas while being great in others.
 
Thank you, SNed! And would you also recommend the EK 1001 Verbal over the TBR verbal? I think I read somewhere that you think the EK 1001 verbal is better. Again, sorry for all the repetitive questions. but thank you for all your helpful advice!
 
Thank you, SNed! And would you also recommend the EK 1001 Verbal over the TBR verbal? I think I read somewhere that you think the EK 1001 verbal is better. Again, sorry for all the repetitive questions. but thank you for all your helpful advice!

Check out the first post for my recommendations.
 
SN2ed -- if you are reading this, PLEASE consider adding reading 1 research journal abstract (1 paragraph) and trying to summarize it in your head after just 1 consistent read through or something daily to your 3 month plan. I seriously think it will help a lot of people, including myself potentially.

The current MCAT I took is extremely heavy on experimental passages - and the toughest task is managing to get your head around what exactly is going on. Not sure if you've already considered this idea, but I figure it was worth mentioning, especially since I saw you recommended outside reading for verbal practice..

What would be a good source to read such journal abstracts?
 
What would be a good source to read such journal abstracts?

Since this is just abstracts, they're easy to find. Most journals offer abstract viewing for free, but not always the full text. A good resource for free journals is the DOAJ: http://www.doaj.org/doaj?func=subject&cpid=24

Tons of journals, all free for public use. The link I provided is just the medically related journals. You could also go to Pub Med and the like.
 
@ sn2ed, i have already taken all the aamc exams, i want to follow your schedule, do you think taking the aamc exams will be a bad idea. I took the aamc exams last year, so, it's been a whole year, i took aamc # 3 last week and didn't really remember much from taking the test in past? i have also taken kaplan, gold standard exams, should i retake aamc or search for new tests?
 
blade1978:

Day 4: EK Biology Chapter #1 + 1/3 of the corresponding passages in the BR Bio book. Although some of the chapters correspond well to each other, you'll probably have to jump around for some chapters. For instance, when EK Biology's chapter focuses on cell structure and function, work through the passages in BR Bio that deal with cell structure and function, i.e. BR Section VI. Yes, you are doing passages in BR BIO and NOT the ones in EK Bio.
I am unsure of this answer
I don't have BR biology, I have the EK bio book(content) as you said that it has all the necessary stuff content review and to do the practice to get the BR biobook, right?

and then for verbal? I am not sure about this, I am making 7-8s on this
part, I thought
BloodySurgeon's Verbal Guide For Those Who Can't Read Good.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=509702
because I am just lost in a way to go through the VR section and do well
I thouight Bloodys guide was a good way to go to get an idea of what to do, I have BR verbal and it tells me a lot of ideas to follow;..I am just plain lost on how to get a 10+ in VR
(this is still keeping the question in line with your guide, I just dont understand how you use your guide to get a 10+ in VR, I have done a lot of passages and rarely get 60% of them right,, so I am just not clear what to do to get the 10+

Chem/phyisics I understand to use BR, and that's going fine I also have the EK 1000 series for each and realize I have to jump arouind IF I want to use those questions, but the BR books seem to be MUCH more than adequete, or am I just wrong?
thanks for the help and your guide 👍
 
2) I don't work, do full time MCAT studying but still find that it takes nearly 3~4 hours to read the BR/EK-Bio chapters. I barely have time in the day to finish the required chapter studying + verbal passages + yesterday corrections. I have a burning desire to go back to the past chapters and review them, but I really can't seem to find time. Seriously, I spend nearly 10 pure hours daily (by logging the actual times learning) but somehow it's not efficient.

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


I am so glad you asked about the time it takes to do this schedule. I am taking 9-11 hrs... I am only on day three and I thought it may just be me. I know I am weak in content and that is what is taking so long. I am really glad I took SN2ed advice and decided to take spring term off to study.
 
Sonia Khan:

Check the FAQ.

blade1978:

Yes, use EK Bio for content review and BR Bio for passages. You may also use BR Bio if you need your content review with more depth. In general, just go with the books listed in the first post.

Also, check the first post for links to verbal help threads. This thread is more about a schedule and not verbal strategies.
 
Hey, first time being on this forum, and this is an amazing guide. One question however, I am quite confused about the materials used for bio section. currently I have the EK bio review book, EK bio 1001, and TPRH bio review book. I see the plan is using EK bio for content review, and BR bio for passage, but would EK bio 1001 + TPRH bio review book be enough to replace BR bio? Or would I need the TPRH sci workbook? or should I just get the BR Bio, and ditch EK 1001 and TPRH? Thanks again 🙂
 
ok, guess I will return the books and get BR bio 😛 btw few other questions, i got a 2006 version of TPRH verbal workbook. would that be outdated if I plan to take the MCAT next year? And since I will be just finishing my 3rd ochem class at right before I take MCAT, should I start review and studying stuff that I've alrdy taken like physis/chem/bio? And what is the study plan for verbal material if I already have the EK 101 and TPRH verbal workbook? i dont seem to find any days with verbal in it :S
 
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JackyLin:

Keep TPRH for Bio content review and use BR Bio for passages. Please re-read the guide for when to use your verbal materials. It's all there in the first few posts.
 
understood. still havn't answer the other questions tho 😛 would 2006 TPRH book be too old if i plan to take MCAT next year 2011? and does it matter if I begin early on subjects i've taken?
 
understood. still havn't answer the other questions tho 😛 would 2006 TPRH book be too old if i plan to take MCAT next year 2011? and does it matter if I begin early on subjects i've taken?

Nope to the first. I suggest you take on the subjects according to the schedule.
 
the thing is i have already taken bio/physics and finishing chem this quarter, it would be a year from now for me to finish all 3 o chem classes. i should still wait until then to do anything if i plan to take the exam really close after finishing 3rd ochem class?
 
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