Chances of getting into a DO school... mostly UNE... please HELP!

[MedGrl@2022]

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I am a Biochemistry major with a Psychology minor and have a GPA of 3.7 and I believe my Science GPA is about the same or higher. I have several experiences including many volunteer and research in both medical and non-medical areas. (Working on a couple publications) I have worked in the hospital. I think my only pitfall is my MCAT. I have been studying for the MCATs since October with Kaplan. Taken the course twice. Mostly I got 24s on the practice exams but my last practice exam which was also an AAMC practice exam (and the last practice exam that I have a chance to take) I got a 19 and I thought I did better than a 24 on it. There is less than a week to the MCAT does anyone have any suggestions on anything I can do to possibly improve my score. In addition, what do you think my chances of getting into a DO school will be with my stats and a score of a 19?

DO schools really appeal to me even though they are so expensive. I want to work with underserved areas in both the United States and in the world. I also am really interested in being a primary care physician. I am particularly excited about learning the Osteopathic Manipulative Therapies so that as a physician I can utilize these therapies instead of expensive medicines and sugeries for my patients.

Please anyone help me. I would really like to get into a D.O. school. UNE is my first choice. I have been studying for MCATs forever. I am not sure if there is anything more I can do to increase my score. (I do technically have a learning disability and I am of Hispanic decent as well... I dunno if that is going to help me.) 🙁

 

[Futuredoctr]

First what was your mcat breakdown, we can't help unless we know your problem areas? Second, you do realize that the mcat is a predictor on how well you will do on standardized board exams in medical school. With that said, if you can't improve your score, and you do make it into medical school, you might have a very hard time passing some very important tests.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

First what was your mcat breakdown, we can't help unless we know your problem areas? Second, you do realize that the mcat is a predictor on how well you will do on standardized board exams in medical school. With that said, if you can't improve your score, and you do make it into medical school, you might have a very hard time passing some very important tests.

I think it is across all though... I haven't scored higher than a 9 in any of the sections. My last score was:

Physical Sciences: 6
VR: 6
BioSci: 8

I know that I could still review a lot of physical sciences but I was pretty confident with the BioSci on the last exam. Going over the exam I noticed that I had a whole passage where I think I screwed up the bubbling because I remembered what I answered and they were right. Also I mis read a lot of the questions like the EXCEPT and NOT type questions which led me to wrong answers as well. But still. I am afriad and a little frustrated. I was hoping I could at least get a 33.

I have issues with physical sciences I think some of the passages I just don't understand sometimes because some of the concepts are just not settling in my head. But I am going to try to work on them this week.

:/ 🙁

 

[ribcrackindoc]

This is a very easy one to answer.

1) The MCAT is scored on a bell curve. Therefore, it is hard for one to improve their score. Chances are, you'll never score a 25. So, if you're asian, indian, or white, medical school is an unlikely event for you. You need at least a 26 at UNE, and probably a 29 to be strongly considered.

2) If you're black, native, or hispanic, you're all set. Many schools will take "minorities" with 19's on the MCAT.

So if you're a minority, congratulations Doctor!

If you're not, doesn't racism suck? Now you have to go to podiatry school.

I can't wait to watch the flame expand from this spark.

-Crackah

 

[xTinaBna]

I am a Biochemistry major with a Psychology minor and have a GPA of 3.7 and I believe my Science GPA is about the same or higher. I have several experiences including many volunteer and research in both medical and non-medical areas. (Working on a couple publications) I have worked in the hospital. I think my only pitfall is my MCAT. I have been studying for the MCATs since October with Kaplan. Taken the course twice. Mostly I got 24s on the practice exams but my last practice exam which was also an AAMC practice exam (and the last practice exam that I have a chance to take) I got a 19 and I thought I did better than a 24 on it. There is less than a week to the MCAT does anyone have any suggestions on anything I can do to possibly improve my score. In addition, what do you think my chances of getting into a DO school will be with my stats and a score of a 19?

DO schools really appeal to me even though they are so expensive. I want to work with underserved areas in both the United States and in the world. I also am really interested in being a primary care physician. I am particularly excited about learning the Osteopathic Manipulative Therapies so that as a physician I can utilize these therapies instead of expensive medicines and sugeries for my patients.

Please anyone help me. I would really like to get into a D.O. school. UNE is my first choice. I have been studying for MCATs forever. I am not sure if there is anything more I can do to increase my score. (I do technically have a learning disability and I am of Hispanic decent as well... I dunno if that is going to help me.) 🙁

having a 3.7 gpa and being a biochem major is no walk in the park..you are obviously a smart one to be doing well with that major. the mcat is 1/2 strategy and 1/2 knowledge. i think it may seem like you have trouble with the strategy side? i've found that practice helps ALOT. just having a workbook of problems and doing them. just work on as many problems as you can between now and the mcat to reinforce any ideas that you are not comfortable with. as for the learning disability, you may be able to take the mcat in a private room untimed which should help you. i do not know about unecom's acceptance rates and mcat scores..i believe they do prefer that you are from the new england area though. good luck!

 

[BrownianMotion]

supposedly someone wit a 16 got in LECOM-FL this year...believe that? gpa wasnt even a 4.0, more like a 3.5...

 

[Hardbody]

You need at least a 26 at UNE, and probably a 29 to be strongly considered.

First of all you can increase your MCAT score. I don't know where you came up with the notion that you can't increase your score, but that idea is plain silly.

The AVERAGE MCAT score for MATRICULANTS at UNECOM is 25.2, so no the OP does not need a 29 to get in. Obviously the OP would have a better chance with a 29, but many people gain admission to UNECOM with an MCAT score UNDER a 25, thats a FACT!

http://www.une.edu/com/admissions/criteria.asp

To the OP, go ahead and apply. Let the chips fall where they may and worst case scenario prepare to take the MCAT again in 2007 if you do not get in. With more prep. I am sure that you will bring your score up.

 

[Hardbody]

So if you're a minority, congratulations Doctor!

If you're not, doesn't racism suck? Now you have to go to podiatry school.

This is one of the most ignorant remarks that I have ever heard. You my friend are a troll.

In the year 2003-2004 UNECOM had a total enrollment of 488 students, out of whiche only 6 were URMs. Thats right, a whopping 1.2%. Please think before you post again, you make yourself out to be a hateful *******!!!!

 

[wally223]

This is one of the most ignorant remarks that I have ever heard. You my friend are a troll.

In the year 2003-2004 UNECOM had a total enrollment of 488 students, out of whiche only 6 were URMs. Thats right, a whopping 1.2%. Please think before you post again, you make yourself out to be a hateful *******!!!!

Yup. Totally agree. Anyone who has worked or lived in a disenfranchised neighborhood knows what true racism is about. Anyone who thinks URMs are "stealing" their spot for med school is ignorant and needs to get served with some major lessons in race, class, power, and privlege...

 

[JasonUD]

I want to work with underserved areas in both the United States and in the world.

I could be wrong but I do not think that DOs are recognized in all countries to practice medicine.

Absolutely apply. A 3.7 in biochem is very impressive! I wish I could say I had that! A 19, yeah it sucks but its no way the end of the world. You will still have a chance whether you're a minority or not because of your GPA. Usually if either the GPA or MCAT is low, the other balances it out and for you your GPA should do this. Also, you haven't taken the real test yet...you may be surprised what you come out of there with!! Don't panic, keep studying, but also relax. Don't let people tell you there's nothing you can do, they're full of BS. Apply. Worst comes the worst, retake the test in January or later in the spring since it will be offered more often now and apply for the next cycle if you bomb it. You're just getting the pre-mcat jitters. Stick with it and fight smart until the end.

 

[Barts]

Yup. Totally agree. Anyone who has worked or lived in a disenfranchised neighborhood knows what true racism is about.

Agreed! I live in an extremely poor trailer park that is made up of a lot of Hispanics and African Americans, we however are white (well -look it anyway). I am sick of the racism, I can be out in my little yard and I get called white trash, gutter trash, and some other wonderful names because I look white. Someone was even nice enough to paint the side of our trailer with the word "Whity", yes...I'm assuming they meant whitey but they spelled it wrong, which was kind of funny.

Of course not everyone in the park acts this way, I have some wonderful friends here, but there are some pretty sad people (obviously) too.

Anyway, my grandmother was from Mexico so I decided to apply as such. I bombed the MCAT (as I've posted elsewhere on these forums--I didn't break 20) 🙁 I've gotten two absolutes so far--1 interview and 1 rejection pre-secondary. I have no idea what that means in accordance with how this thread is going, but I thought I would share it since the OP mentioned being Hispanic. 🙂

 

[musicalMDorDO]

This is a very easy one to answer.

1) The MCAT is scored on a bell curve. Therefore, it is hard for one to improve their score. Chances are, you'll never score a 25. So, if you're asian, indian, or white, medical school is an unlikely event for you. You need at least a 26 at UNE, and probably a 29 to be strongly considered.

2) If you're black, native, or hispanic, you're all set. Many schools will take "minorities" with 19's on the MCAT.

So if you're a minority, congratulations Doctor!

If you're not, doesn't racism suck? Now you have to go to podiatry school.

I can't wait to watch the flame expand from this spark.

-Crackah

i am asian and i do think that sucks. however, i would not call it "racism." it is just the way things are. those who benifit from AA think the "system" or "social factors" are unfair. will, those that suffer from it may think the same as well. its the way things are. 🙁

 

[Barts]

I could be wrong but I do not think that DOs are recognized in all countries to practice medicine.

I don't think you're wrong as I remember reading somthing like that not too long ago. 😉

And to the OP, I say go for it even if your MCAT comes back at a 19. Both your GPA and MCAT are higher than mine and I am cautiously optomistic for this cycle--and I think you would be in better shape than me 🙂

 

[Daddydoc]

You have good grades in a tough major. Just relax and focus on not making mistakes (like the bubbling error you mentioned) on the MCAT. Good luck! 👍

 

[wook]

Second, you do realize that the mcat is a predictor on how well you will do on standardized board exams in medical school. With that said, if you can't improve your score, and you do make it into medical school, you might have a very hard time passing some very important tests.

I don't think the MCAT predicts much. It certainly did not predict my performance in med school or the boards.



Wook

 

[wook]

You need at least a 26 at UNE, and probably a 29 to be strongly considered.

My experience at UNE has been that they tend to look at the whole package, not just one aspect of a person. Things may have changed since I applied.


Wook

 

[stockmanjr]

I don't think the MCAT predicts much. It certainly did not predict my performance in med school or the boards.



Wook

Agreed I have talked to several doctors who are regarded as excellent who bombed the mcat's and had to go overseas to medical school.Conversely I know doctors that had amazing mcat's and got into ivy league medical schools who are clueless..I guess being clueless with an MD is doing ok though 🙂
Cheers
howie

 

[xTinaBna]

I don't think the MCAT predicts much. It certainly did not predict my performance in med school or the boards.



Wook

can someone tell me if there's actual evidence to base the claims that mcat scores predict board scores? i keep hearing that statement all the time but i just wasn't sure if there was anything to back it up. i certainly am one of those who hopes it isn't true! 😳

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

"The second regression analysis indicated that MCAT scores and cumulative science UGPAs were related to performance on the NBME I, as were country of origin and sex. "



http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/...t_uids=9159589&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum

 

[Soccer885]

can someone tell me if there's actual evidence to base the claims that mcat scores predict board scores? i keep hearing that statement all the time but i just wasn't sure if there was anything to back it up. i certainly am one of those who hopes it isn't true! 😳

There must be some evidence because all the medical schools use the MCAT as a prediction model for the boards. However I don't think in all cases it is a good model, there are always exceptions to every rule. I don't blame medical schools for taking students with higher MCAT scores seeing as how it does show that you were able to perform well when it came to an important test and you are able to critically think better then others. It doesn't really matter if you find proof that the MCAT is not a good prediction matter anyways. Since the medical schools believe it is, that is all that really matters. I too hope that schools look at the whole package seeing as how my MCAT was not that great but my GPA is excellent. I wish every one the best of luck!

 

[lexrageorge]

A couple of misconceptions (although I think I may need a sarcasm detector for one of the previous posts):

1.) You can increase your MCAT score. The bell-curve scoring has no influence on that whatsoever. All the bell curve normalization does is ensure that noone gets an unfair advantage by taking an "easier" MCAT.

Probably on average most retakers do not change their score very much. But the key word there is most, certainly not all.

2.) There is some correlation between MCAT and USMLE/Comlex Step 1 scores, although not a strong one. Like most statistical measures, it works well when measuring the performance of large populations, but has essentially no predictive value when attempting to predict the score of a specific individual.

The day you matriculate, your MCAT gets reset to 0.

3.) Do NOT, under any circumstances, take the MCAT before you are ready, or take it for practice. If you are really unprepared, consider deferring the test. Even if you retake and improve significantly, the schools will still both scores.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

3.) Do NOT, under any circumstances, take the MCAT before you are ready, or take it for practice. If you are really unprepared, consider deferring the test. Even if you retake and improve significantly, the schools will still both scores.

Yeah in my case I already sent out 9 applications because I also applied to MD schools... I still have 4 more to send out, because I really want to go to UNECOM but I have to fix my personal statement (shorten it by 1000 characters). So I going to take the MCAT. I think it would be foolish not to. I got a refund for the April one because my score on the practice exams started to drop for some reason. I am just studying and hoping for the best. Focusing on my weak areas. I was hoping for a 33. But I think I will be happy with a 26 or at least a 24 which I got on the majority of the Kaplan practice exams. I think the AAMC practice exams were easier and I got more answers right but the score came out lower. It is so frustrating. But I think I will do the best I can and show the Medical Schools there is a lot more to me than my MCAT score. I just hope UNECOM will see that.

 

[redsoxfan]

i think u need some more confidence. u also sound kind of young, though i could be wrong. there is nothing wrong w/taking a year off, making a little money, whatever. if u took time off and started studying now for the Jan MCAT, you could be a competitive candidate for MD schools, as well as DO schools. There's no sense in rushing to apply, applying late b/c of Aug MCAT, and then agonizing all year if you're not happy w/your scores. it sounds like u will be a great doc, but maybe you're not mentally (ie psychologically) ready for the MCAT in less than a week. good luck either way!

 

[MedGrl@2022]

i think u need some more confidence. u also sound kind of young, though i could be wrong. there is nothing wrong w/taking a year off, making a little money, whatever. if u took time off and started studying now for the Jan MCAT, you could be a competitive candidate for MD schools, as well as DO schools. There's no sense in rushing to apply, applying late b/c of Aug MCAT, and then agonizing all year if you're not happy w/your scores. it sounds like u will be a great doc, but maybe you're not mentally (ie psychologically) ready for the MCAT in less than a week. good luck either way!

Thanks. I will see what happens. I am only 20 so I probably a little younger than the average applicant because my birthday is in December. I know I probably won't get into any of the MD schools that I applied to unless UConn excepts me. I really wanted to get into UNECOM though. As for MCATs, I am hoping I at least get the score that I got on the majority of my practice exams. If I do not get in this year I suppose I will just have to study for the MCATs on my own again seeing as I already used my money back guarentee with Kaplan. Or maybe I will just have to pay extra :/ so I can know how to do the new computer based MCAT. I was never a good standardized test taker though, I did poorly on the SATs after the prep course and retaking it at least three times. If I need to take a year off hopefully I will also get a nice paying job doing research for a year.

 

[DrBowtie]

First of all you can increase your MCAT score. I don't know where you came up with the notion that you can't increase your score, but that idea is plain silly.

The AVERAGE MCAT score for MATRICULANTS at UNECOM is 25.2, so no the OP does not need a 29 to get in. Obviously the OP would have a better chance with a 29, but many people gain admission to UNECOM with an MCAT score UNDER a 25, thats a FACT!

http://www.une.edu/com/admissions/criteria.asp

To the OP, go ahead and apply. Let the chips fall where they may and worst case scenario prepare to take the MCAT again in 2007 if you do not get in. With more prep. I am sure that you will bring your score up.

If you look at the MCAT data, you'll see that the vast majority score +/- 3 pts of their score.

 

[poly800rock]

Yeah in my case I already sent out 9 applications because I also applied to MD schools... I still have 4 more to send out, because I really want to go to UNECOM but I have to fix my personal statement (shorten it by 1000 characters). So I going to take the MCAT. I think it would be foolish not to. I got a refund for the April one because my score on the practice exams started to drop for some reason. I am just studying and hoping for the best. Focusing on my weak areas. I was hoping for a 33. But I think I will be happy with a 26 or at least a 24 which I got on the majority of the Kaplan practice exams. I think the AAMC practice exams were easier and I got more answers right but the score came out lower. It is so frustrating. But I think I will do the best I can and show the Medical Schools there is a lot more to me than my MCAT score. I just hope UNECOM will see that.

i hear you on that

 

[LINYKid]

this is like the never ending thread lol

 

[MedGrl@2022]

this is like the never ending thread lol

sorry... thanks everyone for your help though... I just hope they will let me in the first time around... that would be amazing

 

[silas2642]

sorry... thanks everyone for your help though... I just hope they will let me in the first time around... that would be amazing

Well, there's nothing you can really do about your mcat now unless you're retaking in August-- 19 is pretty low, but that's a great gpa and that may very well make up for the mcat. Remember that DO schools are much better than allopathic schools at looking past the numbers and looking directly at the applicant. If you have strong ec's, good clinical experience and strong lors, I would say that your chances at UNE are pretty good assuming you apply early. Early is the key here.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

Well, there's nothing you can really do about your mcat now unless you're retaking in August-- 19 is pretty low, but that's a great gpa and that may very well make up for the mcat. Remember that DO schools are much better than allopathic schools at looking past the numbers and looking directly at the applicant. If you have strong ec's, good clinical experience and strong lors, I would say that your chances at UNE are pretty good assuming you apply early. Early is the key here.

I am taking the real MCAT this Saturday and I am sending out my primaries right after because I still have to delete 1000 characters from my personal statement... I started it a year ago and I have been working on it like everyday since then... it started out 7 pages long... it is hard deleting information. I wish I already sent out the application though. I visited UNECOM today. I loved it. 🙂

 

[ribcrackindoc]

First of all you can increase your MCAT score. I don't know where you came up with the notion that you can't increase your score, but that idea is plain silly.

The AVERAGE MCAT score for MATRICULANTS at UNECOM is 25.2, so no the OP does not need a 29 to get in. Obviously the OP would have a better chance with a 29, but many people gain admission to UNECOM with an MCAT score UNDER a 25, thats a FACT!

http://www.une.edu/com/admissions/criteria.asp

To the OP, go ahead and apply. Let the chips fall where they may and worst case scenario prepare to take the MCAT again in 2007 if you do not get in. With more prep. I am sure that you will bring your score up.

I SAID "it's HARD to increase your score" I didn't say that one CAN'T improve it. My notion is accurate. You're response to it was "plain silly." Another thing: I didn't say that she NEEDS a 29 to get in. You're putting words in my mouth and making yourself look like a *****.

But thanks for the reference, I'm aware of the facts, and my statements don't clash with the data. Get YOUR facts straight before criticizing.

 

[ribcrackindoc]

This is one of the most ignorant remarks that I have ever heard. You my friend are a troll.

In the year 2003-2004 UNECOM had a total enrollment of 488 students, out of whiche only 6 were URMs. Thats right, a whopping 1.2%. Please think before you post again, you make yourself out to be a hateful *******!!!!

you wan't some REAL DATA!?! Check this out!!!!!!!!

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2005/mcatgparaceeth.htm

if you can comprehend this table you will be outraged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ribcrackindoc]

I don't think the MCAT predicts much. It certainly did not predict my performance in med school or the boards.



Wook

Congratulations for doing well in med school despite squeeking past admissions with a poor MCAT. Don't mislead though. Just because one person did it doesn't make it any more likely that another can. The data shows strong trends. Of course there are a few individuals who don't follow the statistics, but most do. That's why we love and need stats.

 

[ribcrackindoc]

A couple of misconceptions (although I think I may need a sarcasm detector for one of the previous posts):

1.) You can increase your MCAT score. The bell-curve scoring has no influence on that whatsoever. All the bell curve normalization does is ensure that noone gets an unfair advantage by taking an "easier" MCAT.

Probably on average most retakers do not change their score very much. But the key word there is most, certainly not all.

.

Lets clear this up right now! Because the MCAT scores are based on the bell curve, small differences in scores represent drastically different performances. This translates to great difficulty in an individual improving his/her score by significant numbers (improving by 3 or more).

The truth is that those who get a 27 are much smarter/more knowledgable than those who get a 24. Every jump of 3 or so puts one in a completely different class.

This is why the bell curve is used, it's very meaningful.

 

[ERdoc08]

I am a Biochemistry major with a Psychology minor and have a GPA of 3.7 and I believe my Science GPA is about the same or higher. I have several experiences including many volunteer and research in both medical and non-medical areas. (Working on a couple publications) I have worked in the hospital. I think my only pitfall is my MCAT. I have been studying for the MCATs since October with Kaplan. Taken the course twice. Mostly I got 24s on the practice exams but my last practice exam which was also an AAMC practice exam (and the last practice exam that I have a chance to take) I got a 19 and I thought I did better than a 24 on it. There is less than a week to the MCAT does anyone have any suggestions on anything I can do to possibly improve my score. In addition, what do you think my chances of getting into a DO school will be with my stats and a score of a 19?

DO schools really appeal to me even though they are so expensive. I want to work with underserved areas in both the United States and in the world. I also am really interested in being a primary care physician. I am particularly excited about learning the Osteopathic Manipulative Therapies so that as a physician I can utilize these therapies instead of expensive medicines and sugeries for my patients.

Please anyone help me. I would really like to get into a D.O. school. UNE is my first choice. I have been studying for MCATs forever. I am not sure if there is anything more I can do to increase my score. (I do technically have a learning disability and I am of Hispanic decent as well... I dunno if that is going to help me.) 🙁

I hear UNE has the lowest MCAT score average.

I also hear that this statistic is useless.

Apply to as many DO schools as possible, and apply as early as possible.

Good luck!

 

[MedGrl@2022]

I got a 20M after retaking Kaplan Classroom class twice, I took it in August of 2006. I do not recommend Kaplan. My Pre-medical committee is being more or less unsupportive of my decision to apply although I feel I have an excellent GPA and tons of experiences and research. I am going to fill out my secondary applications to UNECOM and VCOM. Since I already spend so much money on applications and studying for MCATs already. It would be a waste to not apply. I plan to try to get a job at Phizer in pharmocokinetics or as a lab assisstant for a year while I re-prepare for the MCATs. I hope I get in the first time to UNECOM. But if I don't does any one have any good advice for me. (my first post is above) I heard exam krackers was great but there is not course nearby my house so I was wondering if anyone was able to do it on-line or did a MCAT prep that worked for them especially now that the MCATs are on the computer. Thanks to anyone who replies.

 

[spicedmanna]

Well, all is not lost. I say you should go ahead with the process, anyhow; as you so eloquently stated, you've already invested much to the process. While a 20M is pretty low, you never know because the whole process is such a crapshoot. I think DO schools are likely to be more forgiving, if other aspects of your application are really good.

If it doesn't work out this year, don't despair. Find out exactly what the problem is with your MCAT. Diagnose your situation. For me, it was the PS section. Too early in the morning (8am), kind of freaked out at first, and didn't brush up on kinematic enough (unfortunately, I got hit with plenty of kinematic questions and very little gchem). I did fine in the other sections. If you know exactly how you are creating your low scores, you can solve your problem and possibly score higher. For example, for me, doing physics problems until I drop and practicing AAMC physics passages ad nauseam would help me perform better on the MCAT, if I were to take it again.

The problem with Kaplan's material is that it's practice VR sections aren't anything like the real test, and it's practice PS and BS sections are a little too broad; don't rely on their tests as representative of the actual one. Pick up the actual test outline released by AAMC and know all the topics, backwards and forward. Practice with the AAMC practice tests. Practice taking tests until you can't do it anymore, and practice pacing/timing, especially with the verbal reasoning section. Read lots and lots of science articles, hard literary journals, etc., and get used to interpreting graphs and numbers. Again, lots of focused practice will help.

Good luck in your process! I hope you do get accepted.

I got a 20M after retaking Kaplan Classroom class twice, I took it in August of 2006. I do not recommend Kaplan. My Pre-medical committee is being more or less unsupportive of my decision to apply although I feel I have an excellent GPA and tons of experiences and research. I am going to fill out my secondary applications to UNECOM and VCOM. Since I already spend so much money on applications and studying for MCATs already. It would be a waste to not apply. I plan to try to get a job at Phizer in pharmocokinetics or as a lab assisstant for a year while I re-prepare for the MCATs. I hope I get in the first time to UNECOM. But if I don't does any one have any good advice for me. (my first post is above) I heard exam krackers was great but there is not course nearby my house so I was wondering if anyone was able to do it on-line or did a MCAT prep that worked for them especially now that the MCATs are on the computer. Thanks to anyone who replies.

 

[momgracea]

I heard exam krackers was great but there is not course nearby my house so I was wondering if anyone was able to do it on-line or did a MCAT prep that worked for them especially now that the MCATs are on the computer. Thanks to anyone who replies.

I used EK.. but would not pay for the course again. Buy the books and the Audio Osmosis CD's (about $200 total) and you'll have all you need. The VR tutorial was EXCELLENT. I had quite a bit of trouble in the beginning (scoring 6-8's) but utimately wound up with an 11 in this section using their method. The bio stuff was great - especially being able to listen and re-listen to the audio (which is riddled with quite stupid jokes BTW) when I needed to reinforce an idea. The only area that I did not really get through was the Inorganic Chem and Physics material, but the info that you need is there. (I was taking 14 credit hours including Physics II and Org Chem II and working nearly full time, in addition to caring for a teenage son who was dealing with some major psych problems. So.... I never studied my PS area. Probably the reason I scored a 6 in this area, but what could I do? 😱 )

Good luck with everything! If nothing else, find someone with the EK Verbal book and read it. A couple hours will do wonders!

 

[czanetti]

I will give you a little hint I'm sure people all ready told you to just take practice tests and review your wrong answers no why you got it wrong and move on. Develop this technique.

One thing witht the verbal that got me an 11 on it was learning how to speed read. It seriously took a week for me to learn. If you want to learn more about it Just PM me and I'll give you the break down its quick easy and simple. If your interested.

By the way the Kaplan class is a joke and a rip off it just makes you feel good bcs your there and you think your learning when all it really does is scare you and make you feel worse bcs you think you don't know everything yet. Stick to taking practice tests and you will be fine

 

[Boner]

TT,
If you're planning on applying, why not try for some of the newer schools. Considering Touro-Harlem just opened for applications, they may not be as competitive at this point.
As for the whole MCAT thing, EK all the way. I did independent study with just the book set and did pretty well. If you have the motivation to study on your own, EK has everything you need - nothing more and nothing less. I also agree with CZ about the VR section. I didn't even study for it, rather developed my ability to read at a fast pace. The VR section is nothing more than a glorified SAT and there's nothing factual about it worth studying. Good luck

 

[MedGrl@2022]

I will give you a little hint I'm sure people all ready told you to just take practice tests and review your wrong answers no why you got it wrong and move on. Develop this technique.

I did this with the Kaplan practice tests.... I thought it was helping me but I guess it was not since my score ended up being so low... I think I got a 5 on VR, 8 on Biology, and 7 in PS... and an M on the writing section... I do not know how I could manage to do so horribly... I am ashamed of myself

 

[Orthodoc40]

I did this with the Kaplan practice tests.... I thought it was helping me but I guess it was not since my score ended up being so low... I think I got a 5 on VR, 8 on Biology, and 7 in PS... and an M on the writing section... I do not know how I could manage to do so horribly... I am ashamed of myself

It's just a test - no reason to be ashamed of oneself, just like there's no reason to think of oneself as the greatest person on earth if you aced it.

 

[gerido]

This is a very easy one to answer.

1) The MCAT is scored on a bell curve. Therefore, it is hard for one to improve their score. Chances are, you'll never score a 25. So, if you're asian, indian, or white, medical school is an unlikely event for you. You need at least a 26 at UNE, and probably a 29 to be strongly considered.

2) If you're black, native, or hispanic, you're all set. Many schools will take "minorities" with 19's on the MCAT.

So if you're a minority, congratulations Doctor!

If you're not, doesn't racism suck? Now you have to go to podiatry school.

I can't wait to watch the flame expand from this spark.

-Crackah

You have no idea what you're talking about. I'm only going to response to "you're never score a 25".

To the OP, the MCAT is so much of a test of what you know, it's a test of what you know given a limited amount of time. If you don't feel the rush to go to medical school and can delay it a year, I would encourage you to take a year of and study for the section that you're weak in. It's all about familiarity so repetition is all that you need. I can tell you that after talking to several of my friends, your MCAT will correlate with the amount of time that you spend to study it. I think it's worthed to wait and apply with solid numbers rather than take a huge risk and potentially waste a lot of money.

Goodluck

 

[MaximusD]

This is a very easy one to answer.

1) The MCAT is scored on a bell curve. Therefore, it is hard for one to improve their score. Chances are, you'll never score a 25. So, if you're asian, indian, or white, medical school is an unlikely event for you. You need at least a 26 at UNE, and probably a 29 to be strongly considered.

2) If you're black, native, or hispanic, you're all set. Many schools will take "minorities" with 19's on the MCAT.

So if you're a minority, congratulations Doctor!

If you're not, doesn't racism suck? Now you have to go to podiatry school.

I can't wait to watch the flame expand from this spark.

-Crackah

👎 👎

In all seriousness, I got a 21 on my diagnostic at the beg. of the kaplan course. I guess I was stuck statistically which was proven by my 11 point increase to a 32 🙄

You, cracker, are a complete *****. I hope you get hit by a large bus.

Happy New Year everyone!

 

[Instatewaiter]

I did this with the Kaplan practice tests.... I thought it was helping me but I guess it was not since my score ended up being so low... I think I got a 5 on VR, 8 on Biology, and 7 in PS... and an M on the writing section... I do not know how I could manage to do so horribly... I am ashamed of myself

There is definately some hope in your score since there are a few quick fixes to improve your score. For PS, memorize and understand how to use the equations on the Kaplan sheet. Understanding them will help not only in calculations but also in relationships (ie Energy's relationship to freqeuncy). Someone who is weak on these will easily raise their score by a point or 2 just by having a very solid grasp on these equations.

For VR I would recommend doing one section untimed and seeing if there is a significant increase in score. If there is, you may benefit in the VR section by doing all of the passages except one to give you more time on the other passages. Then guess on the last passage.

Also you are probably being tripped up by things like tone and overall meaning. MCAT is big on these and by solidifying you understanding and how they will ask the questions your score will increase very dramatically. An excellent strategy is to reflect after each passage before you go to the questions. Make sure you write down the argument of the author as well as the other people he/she names.

By the way the Kaplan class is a joke and a rip off it just makes you feel good bcs your there and you think your learning when all it really does is scare you and make you feel worse bcs you think you don't know everything yet. Stick to taking practice tests and you will be fine

I have to agree that the actual classes (when you sit in the classroom) were worthless. What was good about Kaplan was that they consolidated the info well and they had lots of practice tests. Just going to the Kaplan class will not give you any change in score. You need to study on your own, a lot.