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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n=1 but I am currently working full time 40-50 hours per week and I am using your schedule, Some days I fall behind, other days I do extra (like weekends when I am not working).

I will likely not have the luxury to have a full month of practice exams, which is why I may do 3-4 a week and try to spend the rest of the days reviewing.

I have no other options and your study plan seems thoughtfully laid out. Some of the 1001 exam questions also have to be cut out. Sometimes I can do them and other times I can't. I am trying to keep a spreadsheet/page of common mistakes so that I can go back into EK 1001's to do more practice.

If I wasn't working, your study plan would be perfect, but like everyone, you must do what you can to get where you want.

To anyone who questions there ability to follow this plan, alter it so it fits your schedule, don't question yourself and go after it.

I took the exam once and I did not take a practice exam, I did content review for 3+ weeks and then did nothing but the occasional passage for 5 weeks leading up to my exam, that resulted in a 29.

I will report back with my score after I take the test (Aug 12th), hopefully I score well enough that others will believe it is possible.
 
SN2ed

Which day by day guide is updated, b/c I see it is written in 2009, or have you updated it?

You say BR is great for bio, bu then rake TPH as best. SO what should I buy?

Also, for verbal,

Is is best to get updated books, I have a 2005, should I get the latest one instead, also am I free to use any passages, b/c I have a used one and first 10 are written, but I cna do the rest. WOudl you recommend to buy a new one?

also, should I also get BR verbal

For FLs, you say now BR is better so I should but all AAMCS or recent ones and what about BR you say those FLS are great too??

Also, for verbal I just practice in b/w my sciences, you didn;'t mention anything



_______
Thanks for the guide. I appreciate its existence.
 
"- 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 67 (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."
 
WHERE CAN I GET MORE VERBAL PRACTICE???

I have tpr and ek101. However, according to the 3 month schedule, if I plan on doing 5 passages a day, I will need more practice.

What is the next best option after tpr and ek101?

thank you very much

(if this question was already answered, pls let me know and i will do my due diligence in finding the thread)
 
never mind the last post.... THANKS TO SN2ed I FOUND THE ANSWER IN ANOTHER THREAD.....


ek101, TPR HYPERLEARNING, BR VERBAL, KAPLAN(TRY TO AVOID)
 
Hi SN2ed,

I was wondering which is more like the real MCAT, the BR passages or the EK in class 30 min exams because I find that I can score a lot higher per passage on the BR material than the EK material? Also which one is suppose to be more difficult? Please reply back soon. Thanks
 
Guys, would it be better to skip the "reread CHs and 1001 passages" days so I can catch up with the chapter readings? I will still do the 1/3 BRs but I'm really behind and I want to get my concepts down before I actually start the FL month. What parts of the schedules are in priority and which are not when it comes to a desperate situation that I'm in?
 
Hi SN2ed,

I was wondering which is more like the real MCAT, the BR passages or the EK in class 30 min exams because I find that I can score a lot higher per passage on the BR material than the EK material? Also which one is suppose to be more difficult? Please reply back soon. Thanks

BR tends to be just harder than real MCAT or at the par.

EK In-Class Exams are meant to be just hard problems. It's stated right in the book.
 
Guys, would it be better to skip the "reread CHs and 1001 passages" days so I can catch up with the chapter readings? I will still do the 1/3 BRs but I'm really behind and I want to get my concepts down before I actually start the FL month. What parts of the schedules are in priority and which are not when it comes to a desperate situation that I'm in?

This depends on you. If you can do the problems with light reading/skimming to stay on the schedule, that's fine. But if you do this and your scores seriously deteriorate, maybe you should just keep with what SN2ed states on his schedule.
 
What did SN2ed get on the MCAT? PS/VR/BS ?

Does anyone know this?

Unfortunately, I don't want to share my score. I want my posts to stand on their own. When I first joined, some people were going, "well I got a 38, so my advice is better than your's." A high MCAT score does not necessarily transfer to good MCAT advice. Besides, it's very easy for people to lie about their score on a message board. The bottom line is that I hope my advice is helpful without the pretense of my MCAT score.

Thanks for understanding.
 
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Unfortunately, I don't want to share my score. I want my posts to stand on their own. When I first joined, some people were going, "well I got a 38, so my advice is better than your's." A high MCAT score does not necessarily transfer to good MCAT advice. Besides, it's very easy for people to lie about their score on a message board. The bottom line is that I hope my advice is helpful without the pretense of my MCAT score.

Thanks for understanding.

Just curious, I think it is somewhat pertinent but I completely respect your decision not to share.
 
Why do you think I'm hating on SN2ed? I actually gave him a lot of respect for putting together the best schedule I've seen. I find it very strange that if two people have opposing views, you believe:

A. I'm hating on him
B. I'm trying to personally offend him

I had a different view and expressed it while everyone gets all sensitive because I am critically thinking instead of just taking someone's word. I've always be a synthesis person, I read all the best ideas and come to a conclusion. This is the opposite of a follower who takes one person's words as truth (the genesis of the absence of thought). I will consider his opinion but I must base it upon some type of evidence.

As for me asking his score, it's pertinent to our discussion. If someone has an 8 VR or a 15 VR, I would judge their advice differently.

I know his scores. If numbers are the bar by which you measure the worth of an individual's information, then copy and paste into a word document each letter he posts.

I'm happy for you that you're not trying to be a thoughtless follower. SN2ed has worked for countless hours to help thousands of pre-meds be more successful on the MCAT. Adding his advice to the pile is a great idea.
 
hey SN2ed, is there a particular reason for doing 1/3 BR passages instead of following their phases?
 
It's to get more topic variety each time you complete your passages. Additionally, you're able to revisit older topics each time you take some passages.

You don't think some of these passages are too advanced for the first time?
 
You read the chapter before hand anyway plus even if you miss a lot of questions you spend plenty of time the next day reviewing and learning from mistakes.
 
Ok, so the material (BR and EK) for the mcat arent that bad. But I'm kind of nervous about forgetting all the information once I get done with the concept month of this schedule. I am not doing the "reread all ch" days due to me being behind so I'm just going day by day with a new chapter. Would all the practice tests and logging mistakes in the next month be good enough as a review for the material?
 
It really all depends on how well you understood the material before you started, and how well you can read, comprehend, and retain info. I did my prereqs in 2005, 06, and 07 and didn't do as well as I should have so this schedule has been tough. Just make sure you do ALL the passages and take your time reviewing mistakes. If missing several in a row pisses you off like it does me you won't forget next time you see the same thing (hopefully).

If anyone wants to do the BR FLs order them with your books because even though they're CBTs you can't access them instantly. I almost sent them an email to let them know I was about to buy 3 of their tests but they lost my business to Gold Standard due to an archaic ordering system.
 
Hello!
This might be a stupid question, but I am not clear on what it means by "Last 1/3 of BR passages for Chapter 1" Chapter 1 for what? Also, when it is said, for example, "Review FL + 1/3 Chapter 2," chapter 2 of what? Once again, I apologize if this something clearly stated somewhere else. These are towards the end of the 3 month schedule.
Thank you🙂
 
I feel you. I never expected that I would get THIS PISSED if I missed a question. It's like it's playing with you mind.
 
Hello!
This might be a stupid question, but I am not clear on what it means by "Last 1/3 of BR passages for Chapter 1" Chapter 1 for what? Also, when it is said, for example, "Review FL + 1/3 Chapter 2," chapter 2 of what? Once again, I apologize if this something clearly stated somewhere else. These are towards the end of the 3 month schedule.
Thank you🙂

Read through the first thread very carefully. I'm intentionally telling you this as there are other good points made on the first thread that most people don't read (and ask later).
 
I started your schedule a little late because I ordered the books late. I was hoping to get caught up by day 22-26 by doing extra work in the beginning. However, I am finding myself falling more and more behind.

How much time should it take, on average, to complete the daily workload?

How long do you think it should take to read the chapters? I feel like I am putting too much time into the reading but I am finding myself honing in on concepts until I reach perfect understanding... so how much time should I alot myself to the chapters?
 
You should read fast enough to finish each day's workload..

I fell behind so I am playing a little catchup. I was just wondering how detailed one should be in his reading in your opinion.

I know it sounds like a dumb question but it would be helpful to me to know how long it takes others to do the days work.

Throughout college I typically studied like crazy for the first exam of any class. I mean I would know every little detail, reaction, mechanism whatever it may be. I would really know the material in and out. After the first exam I sort of get an idea of what the Professor is emphasizing. From his exam I learn exactly what he wants us to learn and really understand. From that point on I dont stress as much when I am studying and I rarely end up studying like CRAZY for an exam.

I noticed I am doing that now. I am reading every subsection and rolling it around in my head to make sure that I REALLY know it...

Its an OCD thing I know...
 
Hi SN2ed,

Thank you so much for posting this and helping everyone out! My situation's a bit unique so I wanted to ask your advice: I took BR Review a few months ago but was not scoring as high as I wanted (was scoring 28's and I want upper 30's) when it came around to exam time so I decided to bypass this application year and study harder to take the test/apply this next year. So I'll be taking the test late January and I will officially be done with school (taking biochem now) at the beginning of August. I will then start working 30-40 hours per week at a research lab (a job I must have for financial reasons but one that I genuinely enjoy) and will also be studying. I know I have less of concentrated time availability but I do have a longer period of time. I was wondering if you thought it appropriate/advisable to split your study schedule in half for every day of studying (except for the break days) and then just study for a longer period of time? Thank you so so very much!!
 
I fell behind so I am playing a little catchup. I was just wondering how detailed one should be in his reading in your opinion.

I know it sounds like a dumb question but it would be helpful to me to know how long it takes others to do the days work.

Throughout college I typically studied like crazy for the first exam of any class. I mean I would know every little detail, reaction, mechanism whatever it may be. I would really know the material in and out. After the first exam I sort of get an idea of what the Professor is emphasizing. From his exam I learn exactly what he wants us to learn and really understand. From that point on I dont stress as much when I am studying and I rarely end up studying like CRAZY for an exam.

I noticed I am doing that now. I am reading every subsection and rolling it around in my head to make sure that I REALLY know it...

Its an OCD thing I know...

You should really read the rest of this thread, there are a few who have documented their progress along the way. I've also posted telling about how long it was taking me, etc. You need to just get into a routine that's good for you and go with it. Everyone learns at different paces and methods. You can't go too wrong if you follow this guide as best you can, do the EK 1001's, don't skip days or sections, and finish strong. Just realize you have that one day to complete the work needed, so be as detailed as you can be in the time you have. You'll learn to get it done faster.
 
Med 22: So many have asked the same question in different wording. He doesn't recommend doing it any other way than what he has listed which is by either a 3 or 4 month schedule. Figure out what goes into this schedule by reading posts made and see if you think you can handle what you want to squeeze in. If you really want an ~10 pt increase you'll probably need to do the regular schedule. "Fifty 3rds" made a post at the bottom of page 18 saying he is working full time and completing this schedule..
 
Okay what do you guys think is the best way for catching up if one falls behind? Doing multiple days at once or cutting from the break days?
 
Hey Sn2ed or any other SDN member,

1. I'm not sure if I should start this 3/4 month study now (summer with summer job) or later. The reasons being that I haven't taken physics yet, and will that finish at the end of my junior year (junior in fall) and am afraid that I won't have that 3 month or 4th month open study period when junior year ends due to school ending in late may and part time job starting in june (or can I just go ahead and study anyway?)Any advice?

2. If I don't start this plan now, is it ok to just review the material through the EK books?

3. What are the "normal/acceptable" price ranges for TPRH verbal workbook?

Much thanks 🙂
 
Hey Sn2ed or any other SDN member,

1. I'm not sure if I should start this 3/4 month study now (summer with summer job) or later. The reasons being that I haven't taken physics yet, and will that finish at the end of my junior year (junior in fall) and am afraid that I won't have that 3 month or 4th month open study period when junior year ends due to school ending in late may and part time job starting in june (or can I just go ahead and study anyway?)Any advice?

2. If I don't start this plan now, is it ok to just review the material through the EK books?

3. What are the "normal/acceptable" price ranges for TPRH verbal workbook?

Much thanks 🙂

First of all, you didn't even state when you are going to take MCAT. Decide that first.

Second, books differ by individuals. You know yourself better than I do - EK may or may not work.

TPRH Verbal workbook varies in price. Depends on luck.
 
Okay what do you guys think is the best way for catching up if one falls behind? Doing multiple days at once or cutting from the break days?

Read what other user said. Look into older threads/posts and see what others have done. SN2ed tends to discourage people from cutting break days because you may get burned out.
 
First of all, you didn't even state when you are going to take MCAT. Decide that first.

Second, books differ by individuals. You know yourself better than I do - EK may or may not work.

TPRH Verbal workbook varies in price. Depends on luck.

Hey, thanks for responding.

1. I was thinking of taking it in late August 2011, after junior yr, when I would be done with the 4 sciences and preparing to apply for fall 2012 admissions.

2. I know what you mean but wondering whats the actual price of the book...say if it would to be put up on sale at some bookstore like bn...like over what amount would be considered ridiculous.

3. Gotcha. Thanks 🙂
 
Hey, thanks for responding.

1. I was thinking of taking it in late August 2011, after junior yr, when I would be done with the 4 sciences and preparing to apply for fall 2012 admissions.

2. I know what you mean but wondering whats the actual price of the book...say if it would to be put up on sale at some bookstore like bn...like over what amount would be considered ridiculous.

3. Gotcha. Thanks 🙂

So, wait... you are not going to apply on your senior year?

And EK books are expensive from bookstore. Honestly, this is an advice for anything - don't buy books from bookstores. They are rip-offs, and you can't blame them because they have to make a living somehow. Online is a way to go.

TPRH Verbal Workbook is hard to get, and if you are lucky, you get a good price. If not, it's ridiculous. I had a person in SDN who was trying to get me to buy a new Verbal Workbook for $100. 👎 No.
 
I have a quick question for you SN2ed: is it ok to start studying for MCAT even when I haven't finished with my pre reqs? I've done Ochem 1, Phys 1, finished Chem 1-2 and am ok with Biology. As far as I understand, these books are written for ppl who already know the materials. Should I just go ahead with the study or should I wait?
 
I have a quick question for you SN2ed: is it ok to start studying for MCAT even when I haven't finished with my pre reqs? I've done Ochem 1, Phys 1, finished Chem 1-2 and am ok with Biology. As far as I understand, these books are written for ppl who already know the materials. Should I just go ahead with the study or should I wait?


As per SN2ed's first post on page one of this guide:

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.
 
Hi SN2ed...I'm thinking using TPRH science workbook to supplement my weak areas in biology (as highlighted by EK and TBR books, roughly following the schedule you've outlined)...since I've heard that the TBR/EK chapter tests tend to be on average, tougher than the real thing...how do TPRH science workbook passages compare to the real thing? Thanks!
 
I wanted to thank SN2ed for making this wonderful schedule. I followed one of the early versions of the schedule beginning in late December through May. I had to adjust SN2ed's schedule slightly to incorporate 2 passes of content review (and was taking 14 credits of classes).

I just wanted to encourage everyone to not give up and have faith in SN2ed's schedule. Of course simply following the schedule is not enough...you must put in the effort to truly learn the material and you will be set. I scored a well-balanced 34Q.
 
So, wait... you are not going to apply on your senior year?

And EK books are expensive from bookstore. Honestly, this is an advice for anything - don't buy books from bookstores. They are rip-offs, and you can't blame them because they have to make a living somehow. Online is a way to go.

TPRH Verbal Workbook is hard to get, and if you are lucky, you get a good price. If not, it's ridiculous. I had a person in SDN who was trying to get me to buy a new Verbal Workbook for $100. 👎 No.


1. lol I am aiming to apply in my senior year. Aug 2011 is after I'm done with junior year and fall 2011 is when i start my senior year. Does that make sense? 😕

2.I've already purchased the EK science package last year since I had a $40 gift card from bn that I had to use soon. So...yup. But definetely making future purchases online 🙂

3. So what would be the expected price range be? 20-90? :idea:

Much thanks for your patience and responses 😀
 
1. lol I am aiming to apply in my senior year. Aug 2011 is after I'm done with junior year and fall 2011 is when i start my senior year. Does that make sense? 😕

2.I've already purchased the EK science package last year since I had a $40 gift card from bn that I had to use soon. So...yup. But definetely making future purchases online 🙂

3. So what would be the expected price range be? 20-90? :idea:

Much thanks for your patience and responses 😀

1. Yeah it does, but most people take it early, just for the sake of enhancing their chance for some medical schools with rolling admissions.

2. 👍

3. It honestly depends. I say that if you find any in 30-40, that's an usual price. Anything beyond is really depending on you and other buyers at that point. I recall seeing a verbal book go for $17 once as well (2007 I think it was the edition... condition Very Good)
 
1. Yeah it does, but most people take it early, just for the sake of enhancing their chance for some medical schools with rolling admissions.

2. 👍

3. It honestly depends. I say that if you find any in 30-40, that's an usual price. Anything beyond is really depending on you and other buyers at that point. I recall seeing a verbal book go for $17 once as well (2007 I think it was the edition... condition Very Good)

I'm guessing 85 $ for the TPRH Verbal Workbook would be considered pricey.
Anywho, thanks 🙂

lol, now back to the original question. Any feedback on starting this 3/4 month study thing now or after?...knowing that I won't complete physics until after spring 2011 (jr yr)?
 
I'm guessing 85 $ for the TPRH Verbal Workbook would be considered pricey.
Anywho, thanks 🙂

lol, now back to the original question. Any feedback on starting this 3/4 month study thing now or after?...knowing that I won't complete physics until after spring 2011 (jr yr)?

If you are trying to do 3/4 month study for next year, you will forget everything by then and have wasted valuable study sources. A word of advice: do not rush MCAT. If there isn't time, make time to study.
 
WOW!!! This schedule is amazing! I am seriously contemplating doing it however, I had a question, my mom does not think its "effective" to study the MCAT by yourself and really wants me to take a Kaplan course because my siblings took it (for the SATs) and they were very successful. Do you think I could follow this schedule while appeasing my mother by going to Kaplan classes???
 
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