MCAT physics advice needed

[chiddler]

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Hello everyone,

I'm in a little predicament and seek advice. I'm a senior student and I'm taking physics this year. I was planning on taking the mcat this year and applying to schools at the end of this year. I was told there isn't THAT much physics I have to know, but as I'm studying i realize it is indeed a whole years worth of physics...or so it looks like.

Regardless, I'm trying to think of my next step of action. Possible to learn all my physics in this winter break? Should I apply instead to post baccalaureate? I would really like ideas or suggestions, or words of reassurement that I can finish learning the necessary physics.

Thanks!

 

[ModernAlchemist]

My physics class wasn't adequate so I'm in a similar position. I think what will help you the most is getting the new Berkeley review physics books (which are amazing) and powering through the content review during your break. Make sure you know all of it. Then you'll be in good shape again. It's been working for me, at least.

Hello everyone,

I'm in a little predicament and seek advice. I'm a senior student and I'm taking physics this year. I was planning on taking the mcat this year and applying to schools at the end of this year. I was told there isn't THAT much physics I have to know, but as I'm studying i realize it is indeed a whole years worth of physics...or so it looks like.

Regardless, I'm trying to think of my next step of action. Possible to learn all my physics in this winter break? Should I apply instead to post baccalaureate? I would really like ideas or suggestions, or words of reassurement that I can finish learning the necessary physics.

Thanks!

 

[Halfling]

Hello everyone,

I'm in a little predicament and seek advice. I'm a senior student and I'm taking physics this year. I was planning on taking the mcat this year and applying to schools at the end of this year. I was told there isn't THAT much physics I have to know, but as I'm studying i realize it is indeed a whole years worth of physics...or so it looks like.

Regardless, I'm trying to think of my next step of action. Possible to learn all my physics in this winter break? Should I apply instead to post baccalaureate? I would really like ideas or suggestions, or words of reassurement that I can finish learning the necessary physics.

Thanks!

Some people are just naturally good at physics... I feel like you should take the time and see if you can do the problems and try and integrate different concepts together. If you can do all this over winter break then you should be good.... (I suggest doing projectile motion and energy first then relate the two and solve a few problems, if you can do this you should be good... Take a week or two to see if you can do this, if not I suggest you take a year of physics)

*You mentioned applying to schools this year?! You may have missed the deadlines already...

(Like I said, if you can do projectile motion and energy AND relate them you should be good...)

 

[chiddler]

^Next year* I forgot it isn't 2011 yet 😛

Ok thanks I will try to learn it, then!

Oh hey i'm at UCI too!

 

[masscrash]

I don't know exactly where you are at in your physics curriculum but I would find a list of equations to know and then know how to use them. If you can memorize and understand the equation then you should be ok. If you don't have any idea of where to start I liked this:
http://www.goldstandard-mcat.com/physics-equation-lists/
Its a good jumping point. Also use the practice tests. These are tests from previous years. They vary from year to year but they can give you a good idea of much physics is actually in the test. I know they are expensive but you can buy them and they are good for a year. You can also split the cost with another student and you can both use them if you share passwords. I suggest that after you purchase the test sit down and do them like you would a normal MCAT. Set aside the full time and then work the test all the way through without looking at answers. Then go back and examine the questions more in depth. Do as many as you can afford.
http://www.e-mcat.com/
Good luck Chiddler and I am sure you will do great. Just remember the MCAT test on reasoning. With a good base knowledge you should be able to reason out at least one or two answers.

 

[SN2ed]

I strongly suggest you finish physics before taking the MCAT. The topics that give people the most trouble are found primarily in second semester. Additionally, these are the physics topics the MCAT likes to use. Is it possible to learn all of physics in a winter break? Not really. Could you memorize the equations? Sure. However, that won't get you far. You need a firm conceptual grasp on the material that can't be gained in a couple of weeks. Your best bet is to take the MCAT after you finish physics and apply post graduation.

 

[Swagster]

My physics class wasn't adequate so I'm in a similar position. I think what will help you the most is getting the new Berkeley review physics books (which are amazing) and powering through the content review during your break. Make sure you know all of it. Then you'll be in good shape again. It's been working for me, at least.

Are you talking about 2010 book or the brand new one? How are the explanations? I need something that explains the concepts and also shows how to solve questions. Is it worth the wait to get it from BR (sounds like it takes at least a week from when you mail in the order)?