MCAT Advice?

[medboundgal]

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Hi guys. So this will be kind of long. I started studying for the MCAT in February but stopped Mid March and only started studying again three days ago. My MCAT is on September 1st so I have about 2.5 months. Honestly? I don’t remember much of unit one of the Kaplan course I am taking (unit one is what I studied before I stopped studying). Should I start studying everything over again from the beginning? I am on a Kaplan live online schedule and they are on the third unit (so I missed the second unit). I’m not sure what I should do?

 

[vrazzles]

That wasn't long. This belongs in MCAT discussion.

You should not take the test unless you're completely ready and your practice test scores reflect this.

If you don't remember anything, you should start from the beginning. I have no familiarity with Kaplan's system, however I tend to be of the conviction that anyone can self-study given discipline and determination.

I would advise you to not put too much stock into any practice test scores that aren't official AAMC practice tests.

 

[mr. tree]

have you taken a practice test yet? the goal is 510+ for MD or 505+ for DO if you don't feel like you can hit either of these I would hold off. From what you are saying is you will not have covered/remember 2/3 of the material. I would use their better score guarantee and restart and take it at a later date. But on the other-hand if you don't have a job or can focus solely on the MCAT 2.5 months should be enough time to start from the beginning and git 'er done.

 

[medboundgal]

have you taken a practice test yet? the goal is 510+ for MD or 505+ for DO if you don't feel like you can hit either of these I would hold off. From what you are saying is you will not have covered/remember 2/3 of the material. I would use their better score guarantee and restart and take it at a later date. But on the other-hand if you don't have a job or can focus solely on the MCAT 2.5 months should be enough time to start from the beginning and git 'er done.

I feel like 2.5 months is not enough. I’m really thinking about restarting and just taking the exam next year.

 

[vrazzles]

have you taken a practice test yet? the goal is 510+ for MD or 505+ for DO if you don't feel like you can hit either of these I would hold off. From what you are saying is you will not have covered/remember 2/3 of the material. I would use their better score guarantee and restart and take it at a later date. But on the other-hand if you don't have a job or can focus solely on the MCAT 2.5 months should be enough time to start from the beginning and git 'er done.

Doesn't the better score guarantee require them to take (and underperform on) the test in the first place? This is not wise.

OP, 2.5 months IS enough provided discipline and consistency. This test is currently the most important thing for your desired career.

Of course, if you feel like that isn't enough, it is best to lose time and money studying more than to score poorly.

 

[mr. tree]

I feel like 2.5 months is not enough. I’m really thinking about restarting and just taking the exam next year.

If you can dedicate 30-40 hours a week of pure study time then it is the perfect amount of time

 

[mr. tree]

Doesn't the better score guarantee require them to take (and underperform on) the test in the first place? This is not wise.

OP, 2.5 months IS enough provided discipline and consistency. This test is currently the most important thing for your desired career.

Of course, if you feel like that isn't enough, it is best to lose time and money studying more than to score poorly.

nope you just have to take their practice tests, to get a full refund maybe but to just redo the course you just have to be not satisfied with your current standing

 

[vrazzles]

nope you just have to take their practice tests, to get a full refund maybe but to just redo the course you just have to be not satisfied with your current standing

The more you know! Thanks 🙂

 

[jd989898]

Something similar happened to me. I would start over completely from the beginning and just go very quickly through the material you've already covered.

 

[medboundgal]

I would start over from the beginning with your studying. Treat the MCAT as a full-time job, putting in about 40 hours a week. I'd say 3 months is the perfect amount of time - anything over that, you may start forgetting the material you learned in the very beginning.

I would start over from the beginning with your studying. Treat the MCAT as a full-time job, putting in about 40 hours a week. I'd say 3 months is the perfect amount of time - anything over that, you may start forgetting the material you learned in the very beginning.

Thankyou! That is exactly what I am doing now!

 

[medboundgal]

Something similar happened to me. I would start over completely from the beginning and just go very quickly through the material you've already covered.

Yeah I figured that would be the best thing to do too! Thankyou for your reply! It makes me feel better knowing I am not the only one who has had something like this happen.

 

[Med Ed]

Hi guys. So this will be kind of long. I started studying for the MCAT in February but stopped Mid March and only started studying again three days ago. My MCAT is on September 1st so I have about 2.5 months. Honestly? I don’t remember much of unit one of the Kaplan course I am taking (unit one is what I studied before I stopped studying). Should I start studying everything over again from the beginning? I am on a Kaplan live online schedule and they are on the third unit (so I missed the second unit). I’m not sure what I should do?

Just don't rush it. History is littered with the dreams of premedical students who took the MCAT too soon, got a lousy score, and never managed to dig themselves out.