How unrepresentative are Patterson MCAT books?

[indianjatt]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I did three passages of verbal: The first one wasn't so great because I was just reading hit for the first time and getting used to it, but the next one decent: 5/7; and then the third one was 8/8.

Thanks!

 

[schrizto]

You did 15 MCAT problems. That's probably not enough to make a thread on or for anyone to evaluate anything. 😛

Also, did you mean Peterson, not Patterson?

 

[indianjatt]

You did 15 MCAT problems. That's probably not enough to make a thread on or for anyone to evaluate anything. 😛

Also, did you mean Peterson, not Patterson?

oh lol my bad. I was just wondering whether the book sucks or not, but I think it might. I'll try another few passages later. The only reason I tried them was because my mind is constantly plugged with "will I be able to even do the MCAT." "Am I smart enough to do so//do well?" So I decided to take some and if the passages are very similar I can see myself getting better through practice in the next 3 years and is something that would give me reassurance. That's all.

Thanks!

 

[CielloStelatto]

no need to be studying for the mcat for 3 years, you'll be dead tired of it by the time you actually have to take it!

 

[loveoforganic]

You're going to drive yourself bat**** crazy if you worry about the MCAT for 3 years.

 

[indianjatt]

Yes, it would wear my out. haha.

Like I said, I just wanted to get peoples opinion on the book so that way I could get some reassurance that there is some correlation and I will be able to do well on the Verbal section when the time comes. I have always been skeptical about the section due to the many complaints on the MCAT forums, but if the passages are similar and like the ones in Peterson (not saying that they are exactly the same), but the same format and type of questions, I think it will definitely give me that reassurance I needed.

 

[IndianVercetti]

Indianjatt, with all due respect, focus on the tasks in front of you right now. I'm not sure what year you are in high school, but don't start dwelling in things so distant in the future.

Doing verbal passages this early is going to do you no good. If I were you, I would start reading for pleasure - try to read widely; magazines, books, articles, newspapers. If you can get your reading speed up, and increase your retention of what you just read, you will set yourself up for success.

Leave the MCAT studying for AT THE MOST a year before you take the test. I'm applying to medical school this summer, do you think it is wise that I start studying for the Step 1 now? Obviously not, same situation with you here.

 

[indianjatt]

Indianjatt, with all due respect, focus on the tasks in front of you right now. I'm not sure what year you are in high school, but don't start dwelling in things so distant in the future.

Doing verbal passages this early is going to do you no good. If I were you, I would start reading for pleasure - try to read widely; magazines, books, articles, newspapers. If you can get your reading speed up, and increase your retention of what you just read, you will set yourself up for success.

Leave the MCAT studying for AT THE MOST a year before you take the test. I'm applying to medical school this summer, do you think it is wise that I start studying for the Step 1 now? Obviously not, same situation with you here.

Yes mi old.

In response to your question about what I am doing senior year, oddly enough this semester hasn't been busy at all. On a regular day I get 0-30 minutes of homework with the occasional Biology homework, but all of which i did during the break. If I do have homework, I do it at lunch and break during school hours. Plus, I am not super concerned with my grades, but will bring them all back to A's or live with two B's since it is senior year! 😍 I am reading books for fun too at times! Death be not Proud was SO good

 

[mspeedwagon]

I've seen the book and the passages are ok. I haven't taken the actual MCAT, but it's similar enough to released tests that I think it would be representative. However, why are you studying for the verbal??? Especially so far in advance.

First, I would definitely not start studying so far in advance. It is totally worthless. I took the LSAT a few years ago, spending the whole year leading up to it studying. At this point, I don't recall a thing and after a year, I could not have taken any more studying.

Second, if you do want to study. I would actually start with biology and review general chemistry (subjects you should have a background in from high school). Much, much more important that verbal.

Finally, don't worry... any one can take the MCAT and score at or close to the mean and with dedicated studying after you having taken all the classes, you'll be fine.

Good luck.

I did three passages of verbal: The first one wasn't so great because I was just reading hit for the first time and getting used to it, but the next one decent: 5/7; and then the third one was 8/8.

Thanks!

 

[IndianVercetti]

indianjatt, I am sorry if I was too harsh lol

You seem very hardworking and motivated. Keep it up, you'll do great in college.

Seriously though, just keep doing what you are doing, studying hard for your classes, and you'll get into medical school 🙂

 

[mmmcdowe]

I think that most people are missing the point that the OP isn't studying for the MCAT, he is doing the equivalent of taking a practice test (except for just verbal).