gaining speed in PS

[AA|FCB|DOC]

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I am comfortable in the topics, just SUCK at sections that have too much calculation. For example, throw like 4 stoichiometry calculations on one test and i might be in trouble. Its not that I cant do them its that I cant do them that quickly. Always end up having to guess at the end. What do you guys recommend? I have already exhausted all AAMC practice tests (sometimes cant finish on time, but when I do I usually get 12 and above on PS). I hate the kaplan PS even though I have access to it, because it just destroys my confidence all together since its overly difficult. Idk what to do....any help?

 

[ridethecliche]

TBR.

Seriously. I used to laugh when people said that, but learning to do calculations their way, i.e. rounding, estimations, making quick work of scientific notation/logs,etc. makes it so easy to speed up.

 

[AA|FCB|DOC]

thanks for the advice. I will def look into it

 

[tima]

There will be calculations on the test day, but they can easily be answered by rounding the numbers.

For example, you might have a problem like 114 x 3 = ?. You can estimate by saying 120 x 3 = 360, and the answer will be a little less (342). So, pick the answer that is that is close/below 360.

There are also some good math tips in the book "Examkrackers MCAT Verbal Reasoning and Mathematical Techniques." You can either buy the book or borrow from the library.

 

[AA|FCB|DOC]

i have actually looked at EK book, and it does have some useful info in there. I am going to start running through TBR passages starting today and see how I do. Are you guys doing 6 min per passage?

 

[shaboobly]

rounding to a number that ends in 0 is always helpful; just take into consideration which way you round. (its easy for me to say because i like math lol)

also process of elimination helps tremendously. there are obvious wrong answers that don't make sense. (this is also easy for me to say because im a chemistry major lol)