For those self-studying or otherwise, do you take notes with your prep books?

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clothcut

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I'm using the EK books and reading through, but I'm wondering if it's be most beneficial to take extensive written notes as I've been doing for each section. Should I just read up to the point where I'm familiarized with the material and base my time more on taking exams and reviewing answers. I'm taking it next April so I have time. Thanks.
 
To answer this question, first answer the following question. "Does the MCAT award points for note-taking on the passage or for picking the best answer to a question out of four options?"

It doesn't hurt to keep a running list of definitions and equations you find useful, but note taking on the reading is typically not worth the time you invest. You are much better off taking notes on the questions. When you go through the reading part of passages, take a few study notes. When you go through the questions take thorough notes on what you needed to know. That will help greatly.

And most importantly, of all the reading you'll do, the answer explanations are the most important by a mile. Even when the answer explanation to a simple physics question is ten to twelve lines long, it usually has test taking tips and strategies that prove very helpful.
 
For me, the only time I wrote things down was when I came across a subject that I was very shaky on. When I finally made sense of it, I would write down in my own words an explanation of the topic as well as how to solve problems relating to that topic. Taking notes on everything, especially things you don't need to review, is a waste of time in my opinion.
 
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