Hey what's up,
I gave this advice to someone else so I apologize to the people who read the other post. I took Kaplan in the winter in prep for the April MCAT. When the test roled around,I thought I was ready. My last Kaplan exam was a 34 and last AAMC higher(don't remember the score just know I was happier). I got into the test and honestly the stress was much greater than I could have predicted. The proctors had their intracacies, you had to bubble in before each section(sounds stupid but it increased my stress), everyone around you was as stressed or more than you, and the test environment was new. You can't simulate these conditions in your practices, so I do think just familiarizing myself with the actual test day helped.
But additionally, my study tactics changed and this most definately had a significant effect. ( I paid the 200 to retake Kaplan, but did not focus as much on their library materials) First, I found two extremely dedicated individuals to study with and help motivate me. These individuals had connections of their own and were able to get the other testing prep course practice tests. Because I had studied in the Winter for April, I was able to refresh quickly, and I additionally knew where I had minor deficiencies, allowing me to correct them. We sat down together the last three weeks and took full length after full length, reviewing each one after completion. We even pulled two a days 2 or 3 times. By the time the test came around, sitting for an entire test did not seem traumatic or long. This was by far the most significant change and I think the biggest difference.
Oh yah, one other thing. I was a habittually slow reader, but very accurate. During the April MCAT, I only finished 7 passages and got an 8, but during the August MCAT I finished with a proctor timing error and got an 11. I think their were 4 major differences. 1st I realized that in order to get a high verbal score, one had to finish. Regardless of what testing companies tell you this is the key. 2nd I realized I had got into the habit of underlining and circling much too much stuff, partly because of Kaplan. If you look at my practice passages from before the April and before the August MCATs, the August passages are significantly less marked up. This helped my speed. 3rd when you answer questions, don't spend a significant amount of time on any one question. Sounds basic, but I bet if your anything like me you'll be spending more time on questions that you are unsure of than you thought. 1 of 2 things will occur if you just put down your first incling, you'll get it right or wrong. The key here is that I found that first vague incling on ambiguous questions was more often than not right, but the speed allowed me to get to the rest of the test. 4th don't get involved in semi-interesting passages or passages on subjects you have random outside knowledge on. Skim them. These passages can be completed 5-7 minutes and allow you to get through that ****ty philosophy passage they eneavitably throw your way.
1st score in April 29 L (8v, 10P, 11B).
2nd score in August 36 R (11v, 13P, 12B).
Anyway, I hope my ramblings were helpful to you and any others interested.
Late.
[This message has been edited by Hmmrstrength (edited 11-01-2000).]