How do some of you do it?!

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sizillyd

sizillyd

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Ok, I spent about 2 months studying for the MCAT: but was destroyed by confidence.

I only studied Physical Sciences and neglected VR and BS because "C'mon, it's just English and I'm a biology major".

I got a 24 total. 9 on PS, 7 on VR, and 8 on BS. I did pretty poorly. I didn't take any practice tests (mega fail).

But this semester I am taking 16 hours and have to work about 8 hours a week. My parents want me to take a prep course which is freaking awesome because I don't have the funds on my own (neither do they but family is helping) but it is difficult to find time to dedicate to the MCAT.

My question is how can I get in Beast Mode like a lot of the people here?

I'm sure some of you have take 16-18 hours in school, work full time, and have done a prep course and murdered it.

I would appreciate some advice from some of those who have been where I am.
 
sizillyd said:
Ok, I spent about 2 months studying for the MCAT: but was destroyed by confidence.

I only studied Physical Sciences and neglected VR and BS because "C'mon, it's just English and I'm a biology major".

I got a 24 total. 9 on PS, 7 on VR, and 8 on BS. I did pretty poorly. I didn't take any practice tests (mega fail).

But this semester I am taking 16 hours and have to work about 8 hours a week. My parents want me to take a prep course which is freaking awesome because I don't have the funds on my own (neither do they but family is helping) but it is difficult to find time to dedicate to the MCAT.

My question is how can I get in Beast Mode like a lot of the people here?

I'm sure some of you have take 16-18 hours in school, work full time, and have done a prep course and murdered it.

I would appreciate some advice from some of those who have been where I am.
Click to expand...

1. Quit partying
2. Make a weekly plan
3. Stick to it

It's that simple
 
if you didn't study bio or verbal and didnt take practice tests, you clearly dont care too much about this. i'd feel bad making my parents pay for an expensive class if i were you.
 
I obviously wasn't prepared for the exam. I didn't want to take it. I wanted to reschedule until I had more time to actually go over verbal and bio but my parents wanted me to go ahead and take it and see where I stand. I was unable to complete a study regimen because of time issues.
 
time to man up and do things the right way
 
sizillyd said:
I obviously wasn't prepared for the exam. I didn't want to take it. I wanted to reschedule until I had more time to actually go over verbal and bio but my parents wanted me to go ahead and take it and see where I stand. I was unable to complete a study regimen because of time issues.
Click to expand...

Step 1. Grow some balls
Step 2. The weekly plan stuff somebody mentioned
 
mfrizzo3 said:
Step 1. Grow some balls
Step 2. The weekly plan stuff somebody mentioned
Click to expand...

Grow some balls? That happened in utero. Your contribution was worthless. Trying to get that post count higher?
 
hey sizilly your mom says you should take a nap, even if you don't want to
 
Google VARK learning style, and review study methods that have worked for you and apply those methods to studying for the MCAT. Sometimes it's not how much you study, but how efficient and effective you are while doing so. Everyone has different learning needs, so don't compare yourself to others. Good luck!
 
For some reason this year a lot of my friends seemed to think they could do it without taking any practice tests. They uniformly did poorly. My advice is pretty simple: Don't take this test until your practice test score is at (or above) your target score.
 
He already spent two months studying for it, that about normal for most people. Maybe he just sucks at the mcat. I thought the mcat was a walk in the park compared to medical school, in which i did horrible in.
sizillyd said:
Ok, I spent about 2 months studying for the MCAT: but was destroyed by confidence.

I only studied Physical Sciences and neglected VR and BS because "C'mon, it's just English and I'm a biology major".

I got a 24 total. 9 on PS, 7 on VR, and 8 on BS. I did pretty poorly. I didn't take any practice tests (mega fail).

But this semester I am taking 16 hours and have to work about 8 hours a week. My parents want me to take a prep course which is freaking awesome because I don't have the funds on my own (neither do they but family is helping) but it is difficult to find time to dedicate to the MCAT.

My question is how can I get in Beast Mode like a lot of the people here?

I'm sure some of you have take 16-18 hours in school, work full time, and have done a prep course and murdered it.

I would appreciate some advice from some of those who have been where I am.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
sizillyd said:
Ok, I spent about 2 months studying for the MCAT: but was destroyed by confidence.

I only studied Physical Sciences and neglected VR and BS because "C'mon, it's just English and I'm a biology major".

I got a 24 total. 9 on PS, 7 on VR, and 8 on BS. I did pretty poorly. I didn't take any practice tests (mega fail).

But this semester I am taking 16 hours and have to work about 8 hours a week. My parents want me to take a prep course which is freaking awesome because I don't have the funds on my own (neither do they but family is helping) but it is difficult to find time to dedicate to the MCAT.

My question is how can I get in Beast Mode like a lot of the people here?

I'm sure some of you have take 16-18 hours in school, work full time, and have done a prep course and murdered it.

I would appreciate some advice from some of those who have been where I am.
Click to expand...

A lot of responses concern how to study and not movitation. I'll admit I too sometimes feel unmotivated. For me, "Beast Mode" is activated first by an extreme desire for success and a successful lifestyle. As an exam approaches, I then use my Bankai of extreme fear of failure (a variant of Beast mode) to continue my momentum. Finally, during the exam I go into super-saiyan mode of extreme overconfidence (yet another variant of beast mode). If that doesn't work I use my Sharingan.

Seriously though everyone is motivated by different things. Know that if you do not do well on the MCAT your chances of attending medical school diminish quickly. This alone should be motivation. If you are hyper competitive make a study group and compete with your friends. See who can get higher practice exam scores.

Finally, much has been posted on how to study for the MCAT in the MCAT discussions forum. If you improve your study efficiency you may not have to try as hard.

OPTIMUS_primal.jpg

(beast mode)
 
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I would advise against taking an in-person class, unless that kind of thing really helps you study. I actually did the Kaplan online course and structured my learning based on the live course (you can find their schedules online). That way I had a schedule to stick to but I could study a given section at any time during the day. Sometimes I ended up breaking 2-3 hours of studying into half hour chunks. I did practice tests on weekends. I actually took off work the week before the test so I could dedicate 8 hours a day to studying/taking practice tests and still have time to relax.

But honestly, doing well on the MCAT is largely based on your motivation to do so. It takes hundreds of hours of extremely focused studying. Also you should take AT LEAST 5 AAMC practice tests. I think I did 8 or 9.

If this in any way validates my advice...my score=37. I'm a psychology major.
 
Yeah you definitely have to do passages, even if you think you're good at that subject.
 
I assume they study....and not just PS. Why would you take the MCAT if you didn't feel prepared anyway?
 
TwoPaddles said:
Yeah you definitely have to do passages, even if you think you're good at that subject.
Click to expand...

1. Do as many practice tests as you can. Taking an exam like the MCAT without doing practice tests in EXAM CONDITIONS is like playing a sport without KNOWING THE RULES.

2. If you take a course (Kaplan is good, but very expensive). Have the common sense to join AMSA first. You get $200 OFF any class IN ADDITION to any other deal.

3. Realize that as much as you study and as efficiently as you study, some people are simply brighter and better at taking exams. You (and I) are premeds, and by nature very competitive. It takes a lot to accept that other students will always outperform you. It doesn't make your 24, 30, or 36 any more or less impressive.

My Advice: Live, eat, sleep, breathe the exam. When the time comes, KILL THE BEAST.

Good luck. A balanced 24MCAT and a true passion for medicine can allow you to be a doctor.

-C.J.
 
Pons Asinorum said:
You tell yourself that if you don't get into Beast Mode you have no chance of getting accepted to medical school. You study like the life you want depends on it. Because it does.
Click to expand...

Pons wins thread.

Self-motivation is literally everything.
 
sizillyd said:
Ok, I spent about 2 months studying for the MCAT: but was destroyed by confidence.

I only studied Physical Sciences and neglected VR and BS because "C'mon, it's just English and I'm a biology major".

I got a 24 total. 9 on PS, 7 on VR, and 8 on BS. I did pretty poorly. I didn't take any practice tests (mega fail).

But this semester I am taking 16 hours and have to work about 8 hours a week. My parents want me to take a prep course which is freaking awesome because I don't have the funds on my own (neither do they but family is helping) but it is difficult to find time to dedicate to the MCAT.

My question is how can I get in Beast Mode like a lot of the people here?

I'm sure some of you have take 16-18 hours in school, work full time, and have done a prep course and murdered it.

I would appreciate some advice from some of those who have been where I am.
Click to expand...

I would advise to stop thinking of it as "beast mode." It just requires dedication and good study habits. You don't have to kill yourself for this. Many many many people have succeeded in this part of your life and you won't be an exception as long as you're dedicated enough.

I'm also willing to bet that most people weren't working full time + taking 20 credit hours while studying for the test. I personally studied for 6 months and I took classes that semester that were pertinent to the exam (physio, a few chems, etc). Anything learned in class = bonus knowledge for MCAT. I worked as a tutor for classes (that were relevant to the MCAT!) on the side for money along with another little work-study job that allowed me to study while "working."

Also it doesn't matter if you're an english major or bio major or physics major. The MCAT test sections are going to be different from what you're used to. All you need to do is get used to the question (and you do that by taking lots of practice exams!) Take the practice tests under real, timed conditions. Use exam crackers/other q books to just take questions to get the feel. I would aim for 1 practice test/week for ~5 weeks until you take the real thing.

:luck:
 
sizillyd said:
Ok, I spent about 2 months studying for the MCAT: but was destroyed by confidence.

I only studied Physical Sciences and neglected VR and BS because "C'mon, it's just English and I'm a biology major".

I got a 24 total. 9 on PS, 7 on VR, and 8 on BS. I did pretty poorly. I didn't take any practice tests (mega fail).

But this semester I am taking 16 hours and have to work about 8 hours a week. My parents want me to take a prep course which is freaking awesome because I don't have the funds on my own (neither do they but family is helping) but it is difficult to find time to dedicate to the MCAT.

My question is how can I get in Beast Mode like a lot of the people here?

I'm sure some of you have take 16-18 hours in school, work full time, and have done a prep course and murdered it.

I would appreciate some advice from some of those who have been where I am.
Click to expand...

Hmmm.
 
Last edited:
sizillyd said:
Ok, I spent about 2 months studying for the MCAT: but was destroyed by confidence.

I only studied Physical Sciences and neglected VR and BS because "C'mon, it's just English and I'm a biology major".

I got a 24 total. 9 on PS, 7 on VR, and 8 on BS. I did pretty poorly. I didn't take any practice tests (mega fail).

But this semester I am taking 16 hours and have to work about 8 hours a week. My parents want me to take a prep course which is freaking awesome because I don't have the funds on my own (neither do they but family is helping) but it is difficult to find time to dedicate to the MCAT.

My question is how can I get in Beast Mode like a lot of the people here?

I'm sure some of you have take 16-18 hours in school, work full time, and have done a prep course and murdered it.

I would appreciate some advice from some of those who have been where I am.
Click to expand...

BALANCE brotha.

There are times in life to go beast mode but life is best in balance.
 
1. study the basics. if a questions asks you something, you should at least have some idea of what its referring to because at least you'll be able to guesstimate. but the more background you have, the better.

2. practice practice practice. you don't go play at a concert never having practiced playing your instrument. so why the heck did you go into a test not having taken a practice test?!? when i took the test i screwed up and only had 1.5 weeks to take tests. my score jumped 6-8 points in that time, and it was it was in the low to mid 30s after the content review. half the battle (a solid two months) is content. you entirely missed the quick and easy points by not practicing!

3. pray. at the end of the day it comes down to luck.

gl
 
I majored in Psych and scored a 40 (14PS, 12VR, 14BS)

1. Don't underestimate verbal; IMHO it's the hardest part of the test to score highly on, especially if you're a Bio major.

2. Take as many practice tests as possible (I took at least 10), under completely realistic conditions. If you're not scoring highly on these, don't take the real thing

3. Do as many passages as you can, under realistic timed conditions. I tried to do at least 10 each day for 3 months. By the time I took the test, I had done more than 1000 passages.

Good luck!
 
I'll admit. The MCAT was a toughie for me. AND THEN I had to take it again after putting in 3-4 months of work in already. I missed half of my summer studying again, which sucked because I was also balancing two jobs.

The way I had to look at it was...we're not like the majority of our classmates. We're not going on job searches or wining and dining at career fairs. We don't have to be constantly polishing our resumes and kill ourselves over the stress of actually nailing a job where our paycheck is decent...well yet anyway.

All we have to do is do what we do already (study...A LOT) and fill out paperwork. If we do this, hopefully we get an interview for our "dream job". Medical school is like an internship.

If you want it really badly, you'll put in the effort to land this "job". Good luck :luck: Don't let people tell you prep courses are lame (they actually help people...like me 😎). Most importantly, take practice tests!!
 
You've got to get your priorities in order while studying for the MCAT. On top of other things in your life, devote a good chunk to prepping well for this test through content review + practice problems + practice tests. Honestly, I did not go out to bars/clubs/parties at all while studying. I did go over to friends' houses for dinners and movies to relax and unwind but no "partying". The way I do things, I end up also not getting anything done the next day due to being hungover/vomiting = wasting 2 days worth of precious time. Many of my friends are also prepping for DAT, PCAT, OAT and whatnot but they still go out drinking a lot and they keep pushing their test dates back, prolonging the process. Just practice self-discipline for several months, take your test and then you're free.
 
barcoderider said:
3. Do as many passages as you can, under realistic timed conditions. I tried to do at least 10 each day for 3 months. By the time I took the test, I had done more than 1000 passages.
Click to expand...

Might I ask where you got so many practice passages? I wouldn't liked to do that much practice, but I simply ran out of practice material.

Also, to the OP, my advice with verbal is to read explanations for the correct answers and compare it to your own answers. Sometimes you might find that there are certain types of questions you keep getting wrong, or that there are specific words or other things that you should look out for more.
 
I found that confidence played a MAJOR role.

During my last four months of studying for the MCAT, I was grappling with 18 credit hours, volunteering, more volunteering, tutoring, and a terrible break up. Find your "groove," while taking the practice AAMC tests (don't bother with any others), and you should do better.
 
/op, have you even considered caribbean or DO??? thats where the baddies go to get shingles.

in all seriousness though, grow some balls. big, hairy, studying balls. scratch them when you get stuck on a practice question for inspiration. and if you cant grow some balls, stand naked in front of a microwave.
 
My ideas:

-If you're short of time, quit the job and get a loan. If you're working 8 hours a week, a $5000 loan should replace your earnings until next summer.

-Don't take it again until you're ready to kill it. Your practice scores will tell you when you're ready, don't be in a hurry to fail again. Plan on taking it just once more.

-You can get a good score and get into med school if it's important enough to you. If you fail, it won't be because it was too hard for you, but more likely because you didn't try hard enough.

Life's about choices, time for you to make some serious ones.
 
A few pointers from my personal experience:

1. Don't put any of the material "beneath" you so much that you don't even study it. You're taking an expensive test - likely the most difficult standardized test you've encountered thus far - that will in part determine which schools (if any) you can spend 4 years of your life and many many thousands of dollars learning to practice medicine. If you want it, it's time to take it seriously.

2. Find the study methods that are most efficient for you to learn the material. This may include taking a class, using audio books, print books, flash cards... the list goes on. I personally used some Kaplan review books and their flash cards, but the key is to use whichever methods help you understand the material best, and don't waste your time with the rest. Time is precious... use it wisely.

2b. You need to schedule your study time - all of it. Schedule your time to be spent reviewing all sections of all of the review books you buy, plus practice tests.

3. Take a lot of practice tests and passages. If you buy review books they'll likely have practice passages in them. I also recommend the AMCAS tests.

4. Give yourself a period to study without a lot of other obligations. I was in your position the semester before I took the test... 16 hrs. of science classes and work about 12 hrs./wk. ... I suppose I could've studied then but it certainly wouldn't have been fun. I left myself about 4 weeks after finals were over and took the test in late May. If you wanted to, you could probably even keep a part-time job during the summer, study, and take the test in late July with plenty of time of preparation. Assuming you're a junior or otherwise want to apply June 2011, taking the test late May or summer 2011 would mean you would probably want to wait til June 2012 to apply if you want to have the best shot.



I think you need to use this time as an opportunity to build discipline that will be necessary for a successful medical career. Organize your life as much as possible such that you don't have a lot of other obligations when you're studying for the MCAT. You don't necessarily have to make a choice between studying for the MCAT and having a social life... it's all in how your organize your time. Save the death of your social life for when you're really in a crunch like when it's time for Step II.
 
Grom said:
Might I ask where you got so many practice passages?
Click to expand...

I took a course from The Berkeley Review and used all of their books and extra study materials. In all that was probably ~1,000, but I also went back and did some of the same passages over again. It's amazing how brand new a passage you've done before can feel when you see it a month later.
 
imer said:
During the actual MCAT I had put a marble in my shoe that I worked under my arch after I was seated - when I felt like I was losing focus I stepped on it - a little bit of pain kept the bile down especially during those bs passages.
Click to expand...

This seems like a really good idea, actually.
 
It's all motivation. If you aren't motivated to do well, it's going to be very difficult. Do what it takes to get pumped. Then, priority 1 is getting background info, basic bio and physics. Not too hard. Priority 2 is the difficult part. You have to learn how to get in the test-writer's mind. You have to see the the question, and know what it's really after. Learn the feel of the test. This skill comes from paying attention in your classes and learning how to do science and think critically (mostly, I think), and from taking practice tests. Don't take Kaplan tests, they're crap. The questions feel like they were written by pre-med kids who just finished the test and want to give writing it a shot. I only took official AMCAS practice tests, as I didn't want to get mixed up by those Kaplan things. The class is a joke too--seriously, you get like two three hour sessions for each subject. What the hell can you cover in that amount of time?? You just have to buckle down and do it yourself.

Buy the official guide to the MCAT.

And BTW, it is totally obvious, based on your post, that you are from TX. Did you know that if Alaska were divided in half into two states, TX would be the third largest state? Just thought you should know. 😀
 
gujuDoc said:
If you got that score with minimal studying I'm pretty sure you'd score in the 30s with real studying or at least late 20s.

Seriously though,
1. YOU HAVE TO TAKE PRACTICE TESTS. This is key. the most important thing ever. PS my caps are not yelling, just emphasis.

2. You have to understand whether it is test anxiety, lack of understanding questions or how they are strutured or passages are structured or lack of material holding you back.

3. You need to make sure your understanding of all the material is solid.
Click to expand...

I agree with the above bolded statements.... Double-agree on the second one 😀
 
Spend 10 minutes in the morning planning and writing your sched on a pc of paper and follow it (no matter what):

8-12 = school
12-1 = lunch
1-3 = study
3=7 mcat
7-8 = dinner
8-12 = whatever didn't get finished/chores/relax/etc.
12-8 = sleep


put your social life/friends on hold for a few months.
 
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