I just did practice test 3 and

[2011Hope]

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So I just did practice test 3 (this is my first time doing an mcat since 2004 and I just started studying for it a few weeks ago). MY score is:

VR: 11
Phys: 6
Bio: 7

I'm not sure what to make of that. Thoughts? I will be writing on March 27th.

 

[indianjatt]

The score is quite low, however, you have a good verbal score so keep that up. For DO scores that is very close to the mean accepted, but if you wanted to get into MD you need to raise it to 30+ (balanced). In order to prepare more I would recommend using one of the stickied topics about the three month plan; focus on the PS and B more than VR.

 

[IndianVercetti]

wtf? indianjatt aren't you in high school?

 

[IndianVercetti]

Here's what I'd suggest. I'm also taking it on 3/27. Don't worry about your scores right now. Your verbal is fantastic, and you should be happy about that since it is probably the toughest to improve.

Unlike what indianjatt suggested (since he hasn't even started MCAT prep) - since our test date is quickly approaching, just continue taking tests. After you finish a test, make a list of all the topics you struggled with. For instance, if there was an electrostatics passage that you struggled on, write that down. Then go through your review books and review those topics. After your review, go back to the passage, and see if you can answer the questions you struggled on now. Repeat this process for all your practice tests, and I'm sure you can raise those scores up by 3/27.

I think a lot of people on here would agree that if you are scoring below a 9 on a section, it usually means you still have certain areas of content weakness. Make a concerted effort to review for a while after taking the practice test.

There was a time not too long ago when I was shocked to see that I got a 6 on the BS section when I was studying for the Jan date. I looked it over, and realized I had some big wholes in certain physiology and orgo topics. I went back and reviewed it, and immediately saw a jump to a 9-10 range on practice test scores.

 

[indianjatt]

Here's what I'd suggest. I'm also taking it on 3/27. Don't worry about your scores right now. Your verbal is fantastic, and you should be happy about that since it is probably the toughest to improve.

Unlike what indianjatt suggested (since he hasn't even started MCAT prep) - since our test date is quickly approaching, just continue taking tests. After you finish a test, make a list of all the topics you struggled with. For instance, if there was an electrostatics passage that you struggled on, write that down. Then go through your review books and review those topics. After your review, go back to the passage, and see if you can answer the questions you struggled on now. Repeat this process for all your practice tests, and I'm sure you can raise those scores up by 3/27.

I think a lot of people on here would agree that if you are scoring below a 9 on a section, it usually means you still have certain areas of content weakness. Make a concerted effort to review for a while after taking the practice test.

There was a time not too long ago when I was shocked to see that I got a 6 on the BS section when I was studying for the Jan date. I looked it over, and realized I had some big wholes in certain physiology and orgo topics. I went back and reviewed it, and immediately saw a jump to a 9-10 range on practice test scores.

Yeah I'm in high school. I guess I shouldn't have posted because my advice can't be all that helpful since I haven't started MCAT prep, but since no one posted I thought I would suggest him to look at the sticky by SN2ed, which includes taking practice tests and a good schedule. I figured that he had less than 2 months so I suggested him focusing more on Bio and Physics because he was getting good scores on verbal. But yeah... Don't take my advice too seriously. (I'm just a high school senior who lurks this forum too much) .

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

The score is quite low, however, you have a good verbal score so keep that up. For DO scores that is very close to the mean accepted, but if you wanted to get into MD you need to raise it to 30+ (balanced). In order to prepare more I would recommend using one of the stickied topics about the three month plan; focus on the PS and B more than VR.

Though his overall is getting close to the mean MCAT of those accepted (25.5 in'08) to D.O. schools, most DO schools don't like to see such lopsided results.

My question is have you done any content review for PS/Bio? I found just knowing general concepts (very few equations) went a long way on AAMC 3. If you haven't done any content review then no worries, your quickest to raise will most likely be PS if this is the case.

I think most here will need more info, have you done any review, if you have what have you been using, and how long have you been out of school (since you have taken a practice MCAT in 2004).

 

[2011Hope]

Though his overall is getting close to the mean MCAT of those accepted (25.5 in'08) to D.O. schools, most DO schools don't like to see such lopsided results.

My question is have you done any content review for PS/Bio? I found just knowing general concepts (very few equations) went a long way on AAMC 3. If you haven't done any content review then no worries, your quickest to raise will most likely be PS if this is the case.

I think most here will need more info, have you done any review, if you have what have you been using, and how long have you been out of school (since you have taken a practice MCAT in 2004).

I just started reviewing, using examcrackers, last week. I have done the first 3 chapters of bio, phys, and chem, and chaps 1 and 2 of orgo.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

I just started reviewing, using examcrackers, last week. I have done the first 3 chapters of bio, phys, and chem, and chaps 1 and 2 of orgo.

You're starting a bit late on your review. I would finish working through the examkracker books and then take another practice test. At that point if you are still getting below a "9" in anything you may want to review the type of questions your missing. Break down what you're missing and make sure you understand them and why you got it wrong.

At this point you can either A. rework through your books or B. grab another reference that does a bit more in depth review (there are many threads here reference what books are good for what) as examkrackers is a nice overview, but I found I had to go to TBR for my PS.

 

[Mister T]

[youtube]bnq_ldispre[/youtube]

LMFAO

ha ha ha ha ha

 

[Mister T]

Yeah I'm in high school. I guess I shouldn't have posted because my advice can't be all that helpful since I haven't started MCAT prep, but since no one posted I thought I would suggest him to look at the sticky by SN2ed, which includes taking practice tests and a good schedule. I figured that he had less than 2 months so I suggested him focusing more on Bio and Physics because he was getting good scores on verbal. But yeah... Don't take my advice too seriously. (I'm just a high school senior who lurks this forum too much) .

An Indian high school pre-med gunner. Wow, how unique

 

[2011Hope]

You're starting a bit late on your review. I would finish working through the examkracker books and then take another practice test. At that point if you are still getting below a "9" in anything you may want to review the type of questions your missing. Break down what you're missing and make sure you understand them and why you got it wrong.

At this point you can either A. rework through your books or B. grab another reference that does a bit more in depth review (there are many threads here reference what books are good for what) as examkrackers is a nice overview, but I found I had to go to TBR for my PS.

I don't think I am "late" in my review. I made a study schedule for myself and it fits perfectly with covering all the material and doing lots of practice tests. The content review should be officially over (thought I suppose I might go back during the pure practicing phase if I need to touch-up on stuff) by the first week of March, leaving over 3 weeks of daily mcat practicing. (I am doing this full-time, every day).

 

[Mister T]

I don't think I am "late" in my review. I made a study schedule for myself and it fits perfectly with covering all the material and doing lots of practice tests. The content review should be officially over (thought I suppose I might go back during the pure practicing phase if I need to touch-up on stuff) by the first week of March, leaving over 3 weeks of daily mcat practicing. (I am doing this full-time, every day).

You've got plenty of time. Even 3 months in many ways is too much time for this exam if you have a head on your shoulders.

I find myself sometimes forgetting the stuff that I learned during early january and it's only been 6 weeks in.

I can understand now how many of my friends were able to study for 2 months or so and in some cases just a month and still end up fine.

It really tests short-term recall and short-term reasoning ability that you'll forget once you stop drilling/breaking down the MCAT and those people who don't have a problem with understanding but rather just covering everything who cover this material in a short period of time are able to answer everything on the real thing more easily I think.

If you're the type who memorizes everything at the last minute and can recall everything because of the short time period between the exam and your studying, you'll be fine.

 

[LostInStudy]

Does the FlavorWave really work T? I've always wondered since I saw it, seems like a good idea.

Let me know,

-LIS

[YOUTUBE]HrVWyj-XcbQ[/YOUTUBE]

 

[chweasel]

i'd like to know if that works too, that describes me to a T

 

[LostInStudy]

i'd like to know if that works too, that describes me to a T

Oops, I was talking about the FlavorWave, not the strategy.

-LIS

 

[IndianVercetti]

I was considering buying the FlavorWave for my apartment. Mister T, is it better than the George Foreman grill?

 

[LostInStudy]

I was considering buying the FlavorWave for my apartment. Mister T, is it better than the George Foreman grill?

I have the George Foreman grill and it's not anything special that's why I wanted to check out the FlavorWave. Plus, the infomercial is ALWAYS on like every freaking week and that's usually consistent with good products (oxiclean, p90x, shamwow). Oh yea, just in case you're wondering, I definitely enjoy watching infomercials when I'm not studying for the MCAT.

-LIS

 

[IndianVercetti]

LIS, I was under the impression you had already taken the MCAT. When are you taking it?

 

[LostInStudy]

I took it in September and voided because I wasn't ready as I had only take 2 FLs. So I spent the next 4 months taking 40 FLs and all other practice material I could get my hands on to take it in January and just have it canceled due to snow. Now I'm rescheduled for march and just retaking and analyzing the heck out of the FLs I already took.

-LIS

 

[IndianVercetti]

Ah I see. Well, I'll be tackling it with you then in March.
Best of luck

 

[LostInStudy]

Thanks IV, but I still want to know Mr. T, does the FlavorWave work or not?

-LIS

 

[ronaldo23]

The score is quite low, however, you have a good verbal score so keep that up. For DO scores that is very close to the mean accepted, but if you wanted to get into MD you need to raise it to 30+ (balanced). In order to prepare more I would recommend using one of the stickied topics about the three month plan; focus on the PS and B more than VR.

this is the fundamental flaw with having a high school section on SDN. You should not be thinking/knowing about this stuff at all at this point...embrace your senior year and get ready for college! MCAT is years away

 

[IndianVercetti]

indianjatt, you're giving me a bad name 🙄

 

[rama kandra]

Haven't seen this many Indians outside of AOL's call center back in 98.

 

[2011Hope]

So I just did practice test 3 (this is my first time doing an mcat since 2004 and I just started studying for it a few weeks ago). MY score is:

VR: 11
Phys: 6
Bio: 7

I'm not sure what to make of that. Thoughts? I will be writing on March 27th.

So I just did practice test 6 and

VR: 11
Phys: 9
Bio: 8

Improvement!
and this bio section ahd a ****load of organic chem on it which I understand is not the case for the new mcat exams, is that right?--that there is less orgo on them? So I am pleased with my progress so far considering I have 5 more weeks to study and improve.

 

[Untraditional]

So I just did practice test 3 (this is my first time doing an mcat since 2004 and I just started studying for it a few weeks ago). MY score is:

VR: 11
Phys: 6
Bio: 7

I'm not sure what to make of that. Thoughts? I will be writing on March 27th.

This is about what I put up with my first practice. VR seems to be the section where you either get it or you don't. Everything else can be drilled to a better score. Put together a study plan, analyze your weaknesses in the science portions and hammer the books. You can bring those scores up with a few months of review.

 

[Untraditional]

So I just did practice test 6 and

VR: 11
Phys: 9
Bio: 8

Improvement!
and this bio section ahd a ****load of organic chem on it which I understand is not the case for the new mcat exams, is that right?--that there is less orgo on them? So I am pleased with my progress so far considering I have 5 more weeks to study and improve.

The Ochem was rather integrated. You still need to know mechanisms and all your functional groups. If there's one thing that will help you on O-chem questions its an understanding of how different groups behave depending on the pH of the environment. Zwitterions, tautomerism and the like.

OChem is one of those things where you need strong fundamentals. If you have the basics down you can think your way through but if you don't have the tools in your toolbox you'll be totally lost come exam day.

Also, you have GOT to know the stuff about NMR, spectra and IR. It's an easy point that can be had with good memorization.

 

[SN2ed]

and this bio section ahd a ****load of organic chem on it which I understand is not the case for the new mcat exams, is that right?--that there is less orgo on them?

The current MCAT has been fluctuating in terms of O-chem amount. Hence, know your O-chem because some of the tests within the past year have had 3 O-chem passages.

 

[Longshanks]

The score is quite low, however, you have a good verbal score so keep that up. For DO scores that is very close to the mean accepted, but if you wanted to get into MD you need to raise it to 30+ (balanced). In order to prepare more I would recommend using one of the stickied topics about the three month plan; focus on the PS and B more than VR.

How is a 24 remotely close to mean for DO schools, which for most are 27-28 but many trending towards 30?

This is a much larger difference than it appears. A 24 to a 27 in a large jump in questions answered correctly, unlike splitting hairs between a 33 and 34 which may be one question.

My advice to the OP, if you're currently scheduled for the 27th, is to postpone (depending how long you've been studying already), review thouroughly, and practice practice practice. You can make large improvements over a month-two months. Good luck!

 

[FungManX]

Hey guys, just out of curiousity.. Are the AAMC Exams available in PDF format (i.e. so we can print them out onto paper)?or are they strictly computer based?

 

[Longshanks]

Hey guys, just out of curiousity.. Are the AAMC Exams available in PDF format (i.e. so we can print them out onto paper)?or are they strictly computer based?

Yes, they, but they are in the old longer format. Besides that, it is VERY important to actually take CBT exams. You need to practice how you're going to perform on game day - get used to the format, reading a screen, how the browser works, being unable to take notes physically on the test, etc.

I would strongly encourage to not take paper format exams. Really, use the CBT.

 

[FungManX]

Yes, they, but they are in the old longer format. Besides that, it is VERY important to actually take CBT exams. You need to practice how you're going to perform on game day - get used to the format, reading a screen, how the browser works, being unable to take notes physically on the test, etc.

I would strongly encourage to not take paper format exams. Really, use the CBT.

we don't get a pencil and paper to work with while looking at the screen??!?

 

[madllama]

we don't get a pencil and paper to work with while looking at the screen??!?

I've heard it's different for each test center. You might get a white board and erasable marker, or pencil paper. Whats for sure is that you don't get to use your own supplies.

 

[pick8]

sorry i'm a little late to the party, but if you are only spending your time studying for the MCAT, then i think you definitely have enough time. i did all of my MCAT preparation in a month (literally 10+ hours/day, EVERY day. definitely not ideal, mind you, but doable), and it worked out fine. one comment though - i see that you're taking tests now. i would definitely recommend saving most of the tests (at least the AAMC ones) until you're completely done with the content review. the reason is that, at least for me, the practice tests were used to familiarize myself with the types of questions being asked on the exam. if you don't yet have a handle on the content, then the practice tests become less of a measurement of "how you think," and more just a test of "what you know." after each test, spot check the topics where you missed questions.

on my test, the biological sciences section was pretty evenly split between bio and o-chem, so definitely be confident in your orgo-problems-solving abilities.

and we got pencil & paper at my testing center.

 

[2011Hope]

sorry i'm a little late to the party, but if you are only spending your time studying for the MCAT, then i think you definitely have enough time. i did all of my MCAT preparation in a month (literally 10+ hours/day, EVERY day. definitely not ideal, mind you, but doable), and it worked out fine. one comment though - i see that you're taking tests now. i would definitely recommend saving most of the tests (at least the AAMC ones) until you're completely done with the content review. the reason is that, at least for me, the practice tests were used to familiarize myself with the types of questions being asked on the exam. if you don't yet have a handle on the content, then the practice tests become less of a measurement of "how you think," and more just a test of "what you know." after each test, spot check the topics where you missed questions.

on my test, the biological sciences section was pretty evenly split between bio and o-chem, so definitely be confident in your orgo-problems-solving abilities.

and we got pencil & paper at my testing center.

I finished the content review this week and am now doing practice tests and problems and going back and reviewing my weak points as needed.