FL overload or Passage overload?

[apc]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

My exam is in Jan. and I'm done with content review. But I haven't practiced enough passages for half of the chapters.
My question is should I take AAMC FLs and Kaplan (1-6) FLs during this month, and find time to work on my weaknesses, or should I just do the AAMC FLs and practice more passages (specifically from the chapters that lack practice)?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Potatoman1800]

I'd start with 1 or 2 Kaplan tests just to get in the right state of mind for test-taking. Then follow this with the AAMC ones to really gauge where you are in terms of scores, test-taking ability, and content understanding. Remember to take just one test a day, and spend the next day or two reviewing the wrong AND right answers. Figure out what your train of thought was during each question and see how you could have figured each one out more efficiently using the strategies you have developed.

As far as random passages go, try getting the EK series from a friend if you don't have them and look at those. TPR, Kaplan etc may also be helpful for practicing passages.

There is a crap-ton of info in the forums that could help you plan out this last month, so def take a look around.

Good luck

 

[NYR56]

I don't know what kind of materials you used that chapters "lack practice", but you should definitely get some practice questions from either EK or another source for those areas. Honestly, I wouldn't waste too much time with the Kaplan FLs, but instead focus on the areas that you feel you need more practice. After that, take the AAMC FLs and analyze them like stevo said. The AAMC tests will take you a good 3 weeks to get through alone. Also, continue to review content that you feel weak with throughout this period.

 

[apc]

Thanks for replying.
I have already gathered enough practice materials (BR, EK, PR workbook), but the only issue is timing. As I mentioned I did EK/BR/PR passage/discrete practice for about half of these chapters (of each subject). And since I don't have the option of taking the exam in March (15+ unit semester) I have to somehow manage my time and take the Jan. exam.
I know practicing FLs is important, but how much practice is what I needed help with. Would AAMC FLs suffice (skipping Kap)? This way I can spend more time on those other chapters.

 

[NYR56]

It partially depends on your personal weaknesses and strengths, but I'd be much more inclined to skip the Kaplan FLs and do some extra practice on the subjects you didn't cover as thoroughly. If you are poor at test-taking in general, you might consider additional FLs, but assuming not, the AAMC FLs should be more than adequate. The problem with FLs is that they don't cover all of the material, so they should be used more for getting used to the format of the exam. You want to ensure you know each subject as well as you possibly can, so specific practice passages are more useful in that sense. To be honest, I took the January exam last year and ended up skipping one of the AAMC FLs because I felt it would be overkill.

 

[Ghayoour]

APC I hope you dont mind me using your post as an advice as well. But I am on the same boat as you so I have some questions.

I am taking my MCAT jan 29th, I am done with all the content review (BR, some EK) and I did about 2/3 of the BR passages. I want to know what is one of the best ways to utilize this last month. Yes the posts above have helped me but I have another issue and thats my weaken in PS section.

I have BR 1-7 FLs and all the AAMC (which I am saving for the last 3 weeks). I took the first BR FL and didnt do too great PS-8 VR-10 BS-10. I can tell my weakness is PS but what is the best way to go about it?

Should I do TPR workbook passages? Should i do 1001 Ek? Do Content review for PS or do FL and review them?

Thanks

 

[apc]

Thanks again guys.
And no problem Ghayoour