forgot almost everything from prereqs

[NP545]

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Took a practice MCAT today without studying, and couldnt recall 90% of the stuff I learned in my prereqs (most of bio, chem, physics, and organic). Would 3 months of self-study (non interrupted) put me in a position to do well on the MCAT? Or should I add in a MCAT class?

Which materials are best to refresh/relearn everything for the MCAT material? (companies and book names)
Any recommendations for a good MCAT class (if I choose to take it, will take it alongside self studying during the 3 months)

Going forward, how can I remember the stuff I learn in classes. I'll probably hear a lot of "repetition" answers, but I do repetition during the school year. It's just that after the class is over, I don't have the time to repeat my old material due. How can you retain info after long gaps?

 

[TxC]

With the amount of info you learn in science classes and college classes in general, it's easy to not remember things you've learned.

I think any test prep company will provide you with good content review materials.

If people actually remember most things from class, I don't think MCAT prep course companies would make that much money.

I personally used TPR and it wasn't too bad.

 

[Boolean]

Depends on how good you are at self studying. A 3 month period of devoted self study should be fine, but for some an MCAT class is better as they have difficulty self studying. Try following a study schedule (there are many here on SDN). It may help.

 

[ithd]

You dont really need to remember specific stuff from class - it's often too detailed and beyond the scope of the MCAT. I would focus on the content in MCAT review books.

3 Months should be more than enough, just stick to a good schedule.

 

[moop]

How can you retain info after long gaps?

By truly understanding the material and not blindly memorizing. Too bad that's not how most premeds see education

 

[Tawantinsuyu]

By truly understanding the material and not blindly memorizing. Too bad that's not how most premeds see education

How do you go about truly understanding material?

 

[Kochanie]

How do you go about truly understanding material?

If you don't go to a school that requires it to get good grades, I think it's all dedication. There are many helpful posts on here I used to truly understand the material.

 

[RoronoaZoro]

By truly understanding the material and not blindly memorizing. Too bad that's not how most premeds see education

Word

How do you go about truly understanding material?

Ask why, not what

 

[moop]

How do you go about truly understanding material?

Hard to say. I've never been good at explaining how it goes. But yes, asking why and reasoning through things helps it along. Seeing concepts over again also helps.

 

[MrLogan13]

How do you go about truly understanding material?

By understanding the broad, underlying concepts. That way, even if you forget specifics, you use the general foundation to allow you to deduce those things.

 

[Omppu27]

I think if you do some content review a lot of what you've forgot will come back quite quickly.

 

[TheRhymenocerous]

I find it helpful to review using old materials from classes, like notes and study guides I made back then. I think it jogs your memory better when you're seeing things presented in a familiar way.