How to interpret Kaplan diagnostic score for study plan?

[Seldon]

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A couple months ago, I took the Kaplan diagnostic test prior to studying and got a 504. I did well on CARS (84%... ran out of time on last couple sections) but did worse on chem and social sciences.

I put it on the backburner because I'm taking a gap year, but I spent my free time making condensed outlines of every Kaplan text. However, I recently decided to try for the August 11th test (8 weeks from now). Since I have the outline almost done, content review shouldn't take me long (3-4 weeks).

Considering the diagnostic, is there any specific way I should be studying besides tackling those subjects I did poorly on most?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Edit: My goal is 520+... ambitious I know, but on target for me based on my other stats

 

[ChopinLiszt]

Check out the MCAT score spreadsheet that's floating around (also on Reddit) - people list all their diagnostic and FL scores and then their actual MCAT score. I also recommend the free NS diagnostic, and of course the AAMC sample. I don't think you can tell much from the Kaplan diagnostic, but I've definitely seen much worse scores posted from it - lots of people get in the 400s on that. Good luck

 

[ChopinLiszt]

Here ya go.

 

[Coltuna]

A couple months ago, I took the Kaplan diagnostic test prior to studying and got a 504. I did well on CARS (84%... ran out of time on last couple sections) but did worse on chem and social sciences.

I put it on the backburner because I'm taking a gap year, but I spent my free time making condensed outlines of every Kaplan text. However, I recently decided to try for the August 11th test (8 weeks from now). Since I have the outline almost done, content review shouldn't take me long (3-4 weeks).

Considering the diagnostic, is there any specific way I should be studying besides tackling those subjects I did poorly on most?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Edit: My goal is 520+... ambitious I know, but on target for me based on my other stats

In my experience and from what I've read, Diagnostic (more specifically Kaplan's Diagnostic) exams are very deflated due to the "higher grade guaranteed" some companies (such as Kaplan) offer to people taking the actual classes. A 504 on that diagnostic actually already suggests a pretty good knowledge background. If I was you, I would probably just start taking practice exams and studying based on those scores and weaknesses. If you have the funds, Take Kaplan (less of these than the others)---> NextStep and Altius (alternate) ---> AAMC material in that order. Kaplan tests are very content heavy, so they're good to start with. I might do some daily questions from the AAMC Q packs as well just to familiarize yourself with how the easier questions are asked and what topics to really focus on.

 

[Seldon]

In my experience and from what I've read, Diagnostic (more specifically Kaplan's Diagnostic) exams are very deflated due to the "higher grade guaranteed" some companies (such as Kaplan) offer to people taking the actual classes. A 504 on that diagnostic actually already suggests a pretty good knowledge background. If I was you, I would probably just start taking practice exams and studying based on those scores and weaknesses. If you have the funds, Take Kaplan (less of these than the others)---> NextStep and Altius (alternate) ---> AAMC material in that order. Kaplan tests are very content heavy, so they're good to start with. I might do some daily questions from the AAMC Q packs as well just to familiarize yourself with how the easier questions are asked and what topics to really focus on.

Thank you for your help. In general, do you think that 2 months is an unreasonably short time to prepare? Obviously, having a full year until I apply, I can easily postpone. Still, I'd prefer to get it done while I have nothing else too demanding going on.

 

[Coltuna]

Thank you for your help. In general, do you think that 2 months is an unreasonably short time to prepare? Obviously, having a full year until I apply, I can easily postpone. Still, I'd prefer to get it done while I have nothing else too demanding going on.

Take my advice with a grain of salt though. I haven't taken my MCAT; however, I really do think it's the best way to prepare based on how my scores have changed since going to this method. Hmmmmm... 2 months of JUST MCAT is doable, but if you're looking for a 520+, I wouldn't rush things. 2 months is below average I would say. The big 3-4 schedules that many people on here have used to achieve that score are set up for 3 months+. Doing practice problems and learning from your mistakes is the most high yield way to a better score.

 

[Seldon]

Take my advice with a grain of salt though. I haven't taken my MCAT; however, I really do think it's the best way to prepare based on how my scores have changed since going to this method. Hmmmmm... 2 months of JUST MCAT is doable, but if you're looking for a 520+, I wouldn't rush things. 2 months is below average I would say. The big 3-4 schedules that many people on here have used to achieve that score are set up for 3 months+. Doing practice problems and learning from your mistakes is the most high yield way to a better score.

That's my concern. Still, with my schedule, I should have 4-5 weeks of just FLs and practice problems. Theoretically, my schedule should work, but in practice we'll see. I honestly have no problems with dropping my exam date if I know I'm not ready. I can always take it a few weeks or a month later.