I am panicking! I need your help - I have been slacking off

[malaika]

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Dear friends,
I am getting distracted. OMG! MCAT is barely 3 months away (May 30). I have been slacking off my study schedule. I work fulltime (9-5), but the hours that I have left in a day and weekends - I realize I have been slacking off. OMG...what should I do? Leaving my job is not an option right now, I have to survive but I will have the month of May off. So i need to work this out. What can i do...omg! What do you think? Anybody in my shoes or have been in my shoes? How did you do it?

I wouldn't mind skype study partners. To help keep each other accountable. I've tried the meetups study - they don't work, people never show up. Who wants to be my study partner via skype? Morning, Nights, Weekends - I am available (except 9am-8pm M-F).
I am serious about this.
Please no insults please. I need help or your insight only. I am committed to doing well on the MCAT. How can i do it?

 

[Catalystik]

I am committed to doing well on the MCAT. How can i do it?

Stay off SDN?

 

[malaika]

Stay off SDN?

I am rarely here. I only came in today after about 5months or so!!!! I am here to look for help.

 

[corndogger]

3 months is plenty of time to study. You need to make a study schedule and allot 2-3 hours each workday for studying plus probably at least 5 per weekend day (if you actually stuck to this it would probably be overkill, but there will always be distractions and unanticipated time killers). Aim to have the bulk of studying done by early May, which will leave you lots of wiggle room and time to brush up on weak areas.

also, you have to be accountable to yourself. studying with someone might help, but if you don't have the discipline to keep to a study schedule, you won't do well on the MCAT.

 

[Psai]

Just read through examkrackers.

 

[Catalystik]

Maybe there are other folks looking for Skype study partners in the MCAT Discussions Forum.

 

[kyamh]

I find it helpful to write a short paragraph (whether physically in a notebook somewhere, typed out in a word document, or sent to a friend in an email) that outlines what you accomplished that day, how it is working towards your general goal, and what your mini goals are for the next day. I use this for lab-work but it is useful for long term studying as well. If you take the 3-5 minutes to write this out every day, you will not only learn to set realistic day/week goals but you have a way to track how productive you have been. It's also helpful to lay out goals for the following day because instead of having the vague sense of needing to do "something" you can read over what you wrote the day before and tackle that thing to get started.

Hypothetical example: Today was a really busy day at work and Emma's birthday so I didn't get a chance to study as long as I wanted to. I reviewed my physics equations on the way to the party and feel very solid on the electricity equations so I can probably set that aside for now. That said, I had a really hard time with the wave equations so tomorrow I would like to review the actual material again and complete and review at least 10 practice problems on the topic. My other goal for tomorrow is to read through and take notes the respiratory system chapter and review the notes I took yesterday on the circulatory system to see if I've forgotten anything.

 

[malaika]

I find it helpful to write a short paragraph (whether physically in a notebook somewhere, typed out in a word document, or sent to a friend in an email) that outlines what you accomplished that day, how it is working towards your general goal, and what your mini goals are for the next day. I use this for lab-work but it is useful for long term studying as well. If you take the 3-5 minutes to write this out every day, you will not only learn to set realistic day/week goals but you have a way to track how productive you have been. It's also helpful to lay out goals for the following day because instead of having the vague sense of needing to do "something" you can read over what you wrote the day before and tackle that thing to get started.

Hypothetical example: Today was a really busy day at work and Emma's birthday so I didn't get a chance to study as long as I wanted to. I reviewed my physics equations on the way to the party and feel very solid on the electricity equations so I can probably set that aside for now. That said, I had a really hard time with the wave equations so tomorrow I would like to review the actual material again and complete and review at least 10 practice problems on the topic. My other goal for tomorrow is to read through and take notes the respiratory system chapter and review the notes I took yesterday on the circulatory system to see if I've forgotten anything.

Thank you so much. This makes sense...I'll try this. I write a todo list everyday that doesn't always get done, I'll see if sending to a friend works better.
Thank you.

 

[malaika]

Maybe there are other folks looking for Skype study partners in the MCAT Discussions Forum.

I've tried. I don't know why people can't ever keep their word. I'll try again.

 

[malaika]

Just read through examkrackers.

Really? That's it? i am using primarily examkrackers and then review Princeton Review when I need more clarity (can't stand TPR - omg! so painful), I am also doing 1001 questions & 101 Verbal psg. All I will be doing in May is questions and review. I need someone that's doing the sme thing tho or somethign to push me. It'll really help to keep me lifted.

3 months is plenty of time to study. You need to make a study schedule and allot 2-3 hours each workday for studying plus probably at least 5 per weekend day (if you actually stuck to this it would probably be overkill, but there will always be distractions and unanticipated time killers). Aim to have the bulk of studying done by early May, which will leave you lots of wiggle room and time to brush up on weak areas.

also, you have to be accountable to yourself. studying with someone might help, but if you don't have the discipline to keep to a study schedule, you won't do well on the MCAT.

Yea..I need to discipline myself for real. Thank you.

 

[histidine]

They need to open up more medical schools and more sits for applicants. We wouldn't need to lie.
Until then, I am happy lying my way in. Whatever i need to do. I won't feel guity for one bit. Thanks Adcoms, hope you buy my lies!

You already have the answer. Hack the AAMC, insert MCAT score of your choice, profit. Or get caught and go to jail.

 

[malaika]

You already have the answer. Hack the AAMC, insert MCAT score of your choice, profit. Or get caught and go to jail.

Be quiet histidine, i can lie about volunteering, I can't lie about MCAT. So Im trying my best here.

 

[histidine]

Be quiet histidine, i can lie about volunteering, I can't lie about MCAT. So Im trying my best here.

Low ambitions.

 

[SnakeOilForSale]

I'd Skype with you :3

 

[malaika]

I'd Skype with you :3

U sound suspicious

 

[SnakeOilForSale]

Yeah, as a 20s white female I'm often seen as suspect. H8 when people cross the street when they see me at night

 

[malaika]

U sound suspicious

Everyone is 20s white female on the internet, including me..lol

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

What score are you aiming for?

 

[orangeman25]

Do you have a long commute to work? If so, listen to EK audio osmosis while driving

 

[malaika]

What score are you aiming for?

39

Do you have a long commute to work? If so, listen to EK audio osmosis while driving

not long - 20 minutes commute. But i've been listening to these as i read the psgs. Thank you for the reminder. I can still listen in my short commute too. I have been spending that time thinking, meditating and talking to myself :/

 

[NuttyEngDude]

"Stay off sdn" is the serious but correct response. skype partners i dont know if that works but you need to get down and dirty with the material and spend lots of time working problems and reviewing, there is no shortcut. Time is your enemy. Good luck.

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

39

Why 39? Why not 40?

 

[TheBDP]

Why 39? Why not 40?

Nah, 42 or bust.

 

[malaika]

Why 39? Why not 40?

13 x 3 = 39. No more, no less.

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

I've never heard of anyone trolling the MCAT before. If you think you're doing well enough to get a 40, remember to purposely mark one or two wrong to bring your score back down to 39.

 

[malaika]

"Stay off sdn" is the serious but correct response. skype partners i dont know if that works but you need to get down and dirty with the material and spend lots of time working problems and reviewing, there is no shortcut. Time is your enemy. Good luck.

I am trying. Looks like i am on my own with this mountain called MCAT now

 

[malaika]

I've never heard of anyone trolling the MCAT before. If you think you're doing well enough to get a 40, remember to purposely mark one or two wrong to bring your score back down to 39.

Why you hating ?

 

[malaika]

I wonder if 3 months is enough for me to make a 39? I may need to move this one more month. I barely sleep

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

Why you hating ?

You know why. We all know why.

 

[Irish Luck]

Haha wow.

Freaking out because you can't study and saying your aiming for a 39? Pick one or the other.

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

If OP gets a 39, I will run naked through my office.

 

[SolarMed]

HAHAHAHAHA = I'll join you.

If OP gets a 39, I will run naked through my office.

Honestly, 36+ is basically all the same :/

 

[CW 2010]

I wonder if 3 months is enough for me to make a 39? I may need to move this one more month. I barely sleep

It depends what you are starting off with. Don't panic. Your original post really sounds "panicky" (if that's a word, hehe). Just get studying now. Don't waste any more time. I know how hard it is to work full time AND study... Been in the same boat since I don't remember when... But what can you do? Just conquer it. And maybe consider postponing the exam. Best of luck to you!

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

Honestly, 36+ is basically all the same :/

Are you certain? I find that people who get 39-45 are just better people overall. They're more attractive, and they even smell better than the <39 folks.

 

[911 Turbo]

I'll skype with you...............

 

[orangeman25]

Are you certain? I find that people who get 39-45 are just better people overall. They're more attractive, and they even smell better than the <39 folks.

They're just incredibly talented. Very rare bunch.

 

[malaika]

If OP gets a 39, I will run naked through my office.

U already run naked in your office. Everyone knows you are naked and empty - they just don't tell you.

Thanks for the motivation. Even more reason to study harder. I've been working really hard to make sure you manifest your nakedness. Every time I read your post, I get empowered and study harder

 

[malaika]

They're just incredibly talented. Very rare bunch.

Thank you 🙂 I am that, I am.

Are you certain? I find that people who get 39-45 are just better people overall. They're more attractive, and they even smell better than the <39 folks.

Hmn....now I understand why I am incredibly hot and people always tell me i smell great.

I'll skype with you...............

Let's do it. What's your study plan? When is your exam?

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

@malaika

Maybe when you get a 39, we could see each other naked?

 

[malaika]

It depends what you are starting off with. Don't panic. Your original post really sounds "panicky" (if that's a word, hehe). Just get studying now. Don't waste any more time. I know how hard it is to work full time AND study... Been in the same boat since I don't remember when... But what can you do? Just conquer it. And maybe consider postponing the exam. Best of luck to you!

Thank you so much for your very helpful reply. I am trying not to postpone - if i meet my intended range on aamc tests by end of April, I will decide then. I am doing much better than I thought - I did the Lecture exams on the EK books and I was doing mediocre on the topics I thought I mastered but I am back to reviewing the materials again, especially physics. And the Verbal?!!! OMG it's demoralizing and frustrating..i wanted to cry. I have to find a way to improve my Verbal and attention.

Starting April 1, till end of May all i will be doing is practice questions.
Studying tho has been incredibly exhausting esp. on weekdays when I've had a long day. I stopped taking caffeine to stay up. I switched my drugs to Earl Gray Green tea (caffeinated) now...yay 🙂

Anyways, for those who have given me very helpful tips and constructive criticism here, thank you. And thank you, all of you. Here is my prayer for you:
This prayer was originally written by Emmet Fox. I edited it and use it everyday. I pray it manifests in your life.

"I claim that the peace of God surrounds you and fills you. That peace goes with you as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. In that peace, and that health, and that harmony you dwell. I claim that the power of God goes before you and makes your path straight. It opens your way for true prosperity, for outstanding success in your goals, for love, for joy, for health, and for unlimited growth. I claim that God will bring into your life the right people who can help you, lift you and make you happy, and that those whom you do not wish will fade out of your existence and prosper elsewhere. I claim that all that God is, is now working to move you into your true place. The outer thing is but a picture, and the power of God is changing your picture now and moving you into your true place."

Amen!
___
I am off SDN for the next couple of weeks now. Will be busy working hard so i can see Cmdr_shepard's teeny weeny