Do you think reading a psychology textbook will help me?

[bluepeach9]

What do you think? Will this help me score high on the new MCAT? I just can't trust the review books enough and am scared I will do bad on this section since I have not taken the psyc/soc classes. I can memorize the stuff from review books word per word, but I don't think I would understand it the way I should. (like concepts and relevance)

I will study the sociology stuff from a review book and Khan Academy. I just want to know about the psych. portion because it is a super big part of the new test!

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[IntheClouds4ever]

How much time do you have to study? If you have ample time (>3 months) then I would go over a reveiw book and pick up a textbook later. The text book will give plenty of background info so you arent just using rote memory and youll have a better conceptual understanding. However, I used the nextstep and examcrackers reviews but I have already had a few upper division psychology/philosophy courses and I am a huge supporter of the review materials (when its just that.. a review)

Im taking test in June just for clarification

 

[bluepeach9]

How much time do you have to study? If you have ample time (>3 months) then I would go over a reveiw book and pick up a textbook later. The text book will give plenty of background info so you arent just using rote memory and youll have a better conceptual understanding. However, I used the nextstep and examcrackers reviews but I have already had a few upper division psychology/philosophy courses and I am a huge supporter of the review materials (when its just that.. a review)

Im taking test in June just for clarification

I'm taking my test on May 22nd and as of now, am kind of clueless about the new section 🙁 My textbook (Psychology Myers) has 16 chapters and if I do 2 a day + Anki flashcards, I can finish all in 8 days. I wouldn't mind reading a review book later too. It's just that, do you think focusing solely on the TPR review book will give me an understanding of the material?? I don't want to go into the MCAT with only rote memorizations of definitions and stuff…that's why I'm concerned about this.

 

[Czarcasm]

I'm taking my test on May 22nd and as of now, am kind of clueless about the new section 🙁 My textbook (Psychology Myers) has 16 chapters and if I do 2 a day + Anki flashcards, I can finish all in 8 days. I wouldn't mind reading a review book later too. It's just that, do you think focusing solely on the TPR review book will give me an understanding of the material?? I don't want to go into the MCAT with only rote memorizations of definitions and stuff…that's why I'm concerned about this.

Ideally, a textbook would be better to have a stronger grasp and firm understanding of the material. Even better if you have time to take the class and read the book. But realistically, given the time constraints you and other current test takers have, it would be an incredibly wasteful use of your time, which should emphasize practice over content. It's all about efficiency and making smart study decisions.

If I were in your predicament and was set on taking the MCAT this year, I would just use the review book and focus on high-yield concepts and do as much practice to solidify what I covered. Just realize that anyone who prepares for a topic without taking the required coursework is at a serious disadvantage when it comes to this test. If you're willing to take that gamble in order to apply this cycle, than go for it.