LOA to study - how useful?

[Twitch]

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I'm taking the MCAT for the first time in Apr 2006 and am considering taking a leave of absence from work. Do y'all think 3 months before the test is enough?

Just some background, typically I do terrible on standardized tests (SAT/GMAT), though end up making 4.0 the first semester I get in, and so far I've always gotten in.

So Spring 2006, I'm planning to take Kaplan or TPR (starting Nov 2005 for extra cushion 🙂 and just one class Orgo II in Spring '06. I'd have completed Bio I/II, Chem I/II, Phy I/II, Orgo I by then.

 

[lulubean]

three months is definitely enough and i don't think you need to take a LOA for it. as long as you budget your time. I studied about 15 hours per week for it. Just my 2 cents.
best of luck to you!

 

[Twitch]

I'm jealous of your MCAT score. I was reading about this girl from student diaries and she ended up getting a 23 after consistenly getting 30+ on practice tests.

Also, I feel my speed isn't fast enough. This guy in my BIO I class finished 100 multiple choice questions in the final taking about 32 seconds each. I took 48 seconds. We both got an A, though he did admit to guessing on some since I had bet him $20 that I'd finish first.

Needless to say, I'm gonna have to get that speed up. Perhaps it's like everyone says - it's all about reading comprehension.

 

[Brain]

People who get in the 30's typically study about 300 hours to give you an estimate. I didn't do too well on the SAT/ACT either but did just fine on the MCAT. It's a different standardized test. It's based on what you should be learning in a science program and you can learn the test. I practiced for it online only and did better on the actual test than any of my practice tests, just something about being able to write on the test. Just study hard and you'll be fine.

 

[Twitch]

People who get in the 30's typically study about 300 hours to give you an estimate. I didn't do too well on the SAT/ACT either but did just fine on the MCAT. It's a different standardized test. It's based on what you should be learning in a science program and you can learn the test. I practiced for it online only and did better on the actual test than any of my practice tests, just something about being able to write on the test. Just study hard and you'll be fine.

Any tips/suggestions on how you prep'd? On the LOA aspect I'll talk to my manager and see if he approves. The downside is after 30 days I don't have health insurance any more. Though I can go on COBRA which is a nice chunk of change.

This time next year I'll be hitting the books hard - need to get a nice desk/chair to setup in the guest bedroom to study.

 

[beep]

can you go down to part time? it is good to have enough time to study, but having the mcat be the only thing structuring your life could make you a little nuts. if not, at least pick up some clinical volunteering or something.