Kaplan MCAT - How to Study?

[BillrothI]

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Hi Everybody -

I am scheduled for the 04/27 MCAT and have been studying for a couple of weeks now.

I scored 28 on my Kaplan diagnostic (7 PS/11 V/10 BS) and 29 on an AAMC practice test (10 PS/12 V/7 BS).

I'm currently enrolled in the Kaplan course and have gone through the first few chapters of the physics, gen chem, and organic books. I seem to be able to run through most of the organic and verbal questions without any problems; I am having a much harder time with gen chem and physics.

Anyway, my question is - how should I study? I wish I had known about SN2's schedule previously, but it's getting down to the wire and I would prefer not to postpone the exam. Do I *just* focus on gen chem and physics, or should I follow the Kaplan schedule? Do I take one practice test per week until the actual exam or do I wait until the last few weeks beforehand?

Also - is it critically important to submit your med school application as soon as possible (June 1st) or would it be advisable to study over the summer if it might improve your score by a few points?

Sorry for all the newbie questions. First time at SDN and I feel more than a little lost. Really appreciate any help you can give me.

Thanks very much.

-Bill R.

 

[GorgeousBorges]

It is critically important to apply on June 1st.

When I studied for the MCAT last year, I didn't take any full-lengths whatsoever. Not a single one. In retrospect I should have taken maybe 1 or 2 to see what the fatigue felt like, but I kept procrastinating it because I felt like I wasn't ready in certain areas. I don't regret it, because I still got the score that I wanted. Until a few weeks before the test I think that your time would be better spent not taking practice tests.

If I were you, I'd focus on the gen chem and physics content while trying to keep up with the Kaplan classroom stuff.

It seems like based on the results of that AAMC test you're having some issues with bio too though.

 

[BillrothI]

Thanks, GorgeousBorges.

Indeed, my score is nowhere near where I'd like it to be, in large part due to a very poor performance in the biology section. I am a bit confused as to why my PS and BS scores flip-flopped between AAMC and Kaplan, but I would assume that the AAMC score is much closer to what I can expect on the actual exam.

Your advice seems sound and I should have enough time to go over the PS multiple times while allocating less time to organic and verbal. A review of the biology book may be warranted as well.

Any other feedback or alternative approaches are welcome. I regret not doing more research earlier, but there is still some time to optimize my study schedule before the end of April if anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks again.

-Bill R.

 

[Mehd School]

Bill,

I'm short on time so this will be a brief reply. Kudos on the Kaplan diagnostic score. It is a very challenging test that is used as a baseline to either guarantee you score higher on later tests, or to scare you straight into studying (probably both). It is not uncommon for students to score 8-10 points higher than their Kaplan diagnostic. You're in pretty good shape man.

 

[BillrothI]

Bill,

I'm short on time so this will be a brief reply. Kudos on the Kaplan diagnostic score. It is a very challenging test that is used as a baseline to either guarantee you score higher on later tests, or to scare you straight into studying (probably both). It is not uncommon for students to score 8-10 points higher than their Kaplan diagnostic. You're in pretty good shape man.

Thank you for the kind words. I'm far from comfortable sitting at 28-29, but it is good to know that I am not too far behind the curve with respect to my diagnostic score. Hopefully your projection is accurate and I will be able to score above 35 after I go through the Kaplan content review and practice tests.

Best Wishes,
Bill

 

[BillrothI]

Hello, everybody.

I have a follow-up question regarding the verbal portion of the exam.

Is there any way to purchase or download verbal passages (with associated questions and answers) directly from AAMC? I understand that the Kaplan verbal isn't terribly useful.

If official AAMC resources are not freely available, is there a consensus regarding the best verbal study material out there?

Thanks,
Bill R.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

you have the aamc self-assessments through kaplan, they have A LOT of verbal passages in them. take a look

 

[BillrothI]

you have the aamc self-assessments through kaplan, they have A LOT of verbal passages in them. take a look

Thanks, NuttyEngDude.

The Kaplan online section is a little bit confusing, as clicking on the "AAMC Assessment" link sends you to a page that lists "Kaplan Practice Tests." I guess I'll shoot technical support an e-mail; they are usually very responsive.

Apropos of MCAT verbal, how do you all like the ExamKrackers verbal book? It looks like it's pretty inexpensive. Worthwhile investment?

Thanks again.

-Bill R.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Thanks, NuttyEngDude.
Apropos of MCAT verbal, how do you all like the ExamKrackers verbal book? It looks like it's pretty inexpensive. Worthwhile investment?

You're welcome. It's a worthwhile investment. Everyone likes it.