MCAT retakers who improved thier score by more than 5-points!!!

[sng33]

For those of you who retook the MCAT and improved more than 5-points what did you do differntly to get the drastic change. Did you use different materials to prepare, changed your techniques when approching differnt sections, changed your study habits and style, or simply just put more time into studying?
What change did you feel helped the most?

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[A. Caveman]

i improved by 5.

i did everything you mentioned. the most valuable...spending more time on it. it's not about going through it many times like some people say--"just read this book 5 times and you'll be OK." that's bs. i only read it once (slowly so i understood everything) and then reread it once again. that's enough to really know and understand all the major principles, and lots of the details. but all you need for the mcat are major principles (and good test taking abilities). once you start investing more time, you'll start learning things (just keep asking questions).

oh and in the future, search for this information people have talked at length about this stuff. you will NOT benefit more by getting new posters at this time of the year when nobody has experience, and hte one's that already posted on this matter are sick of it. i am feelign particularly helpful today, so you're lucky. since i'm feeling so helpful i'm giving you this advice: search for your info, there's tons and it's just as good, no, BETTER than anything you'll get on this ONE thread.

 

[sng33]

I agree there is a great deal of information regarding INITIAL preperation for the MCAT, nevertheless my question is a bit more specififc. Although your point is well taken, I have not seen specific information regarding individuals who have improved greater than 5 points from one test to the next. I feel this would give more insight about common mistakes made in preperation, as well as, possibly shed some light on studying techniques that some of us may not be aware of or are simply overlooking. However, I do appreciate your experince and thanks for the information.

 

[scooter31]

I don't know if this really answers your question, but I'm in the same boat (about to take a second hack at the MCAT), and have found something useful. I took it first time after graduation and before my postbacc classes- not such a great idea. I did OK, took a prep course at all of that stuff, but my weak background in the basics (gchem, ochem, physics) DEFINITELY came back to haunt me. So I guess if you have postbacc stuff to cover first, I would be patient and wait until you complete that and have solidified your foundation in those classes, and your score can only go up! Granted, this info may not help you or I now, but it's still relevant to the thread, and hopefully others won't have to endure the frustration of doing this awful exam more than once. Good luck to you in your studies- you're not alone, homie!

 

[Art_Vandelay]

Caveman,

You are under no obligations to read or reply to any threads on these boards. If you see a topic you don't care about DON'T READ IT! Of course there is probably old information on this topic, just as there is for almost every issue that is brought up on this thread. But, that doesn't mean the poster hasn't already read the others, nor does it mean they shouldn't seek out new opinions.

Enough with your patronizing attitude already.

 

[Darwin]

HaaaaaaHaaaaaa...Hey Art. Might I suggest you do a search and learn how to deal with Caveman's patronizing. I mean, really, there is a LOT more information out there than what you would simply get from this single thread. You have not given information that is useful, especially at this time of the year when you are so inexperienced. Since I'm feeling helpful I'm giving you this advice - search for your info, there's tons and it's just as good, no, BETTER than anything you'll get on this ONE thread. (I'm just kidding, really).

PS Cavey- when I read the OP's question I couldn't wait to scroll down to see if you responded. Needless to say, I laughed once again but was somewhat caught off guard by your sincerity. Take care all.

 

[A. Caveman]

well, going up 5 points or more is just a case of someone who went up 3 or more points than someone who went up 2 points. what's the difference?--well, one is preparation and another is intelligence, and another is test-taking ability. any advice on improving points on the mcat is equal. the advice you get by someone who goes up one, could bring you up 7, and the advice you get from someone hwo goes up 6, could only help you improve 3. it's all the same. i think what you're looking for is a magic set of words. if you see it on everybody who went up more than 5 you'll say "that's IT!" but no, that's not it. you need to do everything, EVERYTHING better. so maybe you want to know what exactly "everything" is. well, that's a general quesiton, and you can benefit from everyone's advice. here's the skinny

it depends on where youare right now, and wehre you wanna get to. to go from 25 to 30 is easier than going from 30 to 35, in my opinion. to go from 25 to 30 you just need to really learn your stuff, because you're missing too many questions, and many of them are simple straight memorization or simple application questions. the middle 30's cannot be achieved just by learning all your stuff right...you need to know some things about taking multiple choice tests (ie one approach is to cross out all wrong answers, not just look for the right one) and be able to take the exam in a more effective way overall. i went from a 29 to 34 by learning all the basic stuff (which would land me probably at 30 where everybody else is--since all premeds work hard and learn all the basic stuff) but to improve more you need that extra je ne sais quoi. but i did know quoi back when i was studying. you just kind of get it. either it's an epiphany, or you slowly learn things. but the way it will happen is by studying more. more study time equals more time to reflect. do the reading, then do some passages in that subject area and reflect on why you missed questions, what type you missed, etc.

 

[brandonite]

I went from a 32P in April to a 38-40Q in August.

But I didn't actually study all that much for the April test. It was right in the middle of my finals, and I was spending more time studying for them, actually.

But, when I did study for the August test, then what I did do was pretty simiple. I took three weeks of work, and did nothing but MCAT. I didn't take a course, I just bought both the TPR and Kaplan MCAT books, and AAMC tests 1-4. I went through the review sections in both Kaplan and TPR, but I didn't do their practice tests. I got fed up with their stupid attention to detail. So, I just did all of the AAMC practice tests.

And, seriously, I think I must've gotten pretty lucky on the actual test day, because on all the AAMC tests I was scoring mid thirties, not fourties or anything... So, a little luck maybe helped a bit!

 

[Street Philosopher]

This time around I'm doing a lot more practice test taking than studying. I got really nervous the first time because stupid TPR's bio book stressed facts facts facts. I had the impression that I needed to know all those stupid details. I didn't. Now I'm focusing on not making stupid mistakes on the test by doing practice problems and seeing where my common pitfalls are.

By the way, the SDN search function sucks donkey nuts so feel free to make new threads. I estimate it only shows likes 10% of the threads when you search. It sucks.

 

[brandonite]

Yes, the Kaplan tests and the TPR tests are horrible! Both of them! Well, the verbal reasoning ones are better, but the other two emphasize memorization of random facts waaay too much!

To all of you studying - don't trust those tests! Go out and buy the AAMC ones!

 

[Scooby Doo]

Brandonite,

I disagree..the AAMC ones suck! THey are way way way too easy!

I was able to raise my score by 7 points and two writing scores.
First time, I studied hard for maybe about 1 or 2 weeks.
Second time, I studied very hard for about 3 to 4 weeks.
What allowed me to improve? I took an actual TIMER into the test with me. I finished the verbal section with 10 minutes to spare. I finished the Physical Science Section with 30 minutes to spare. And then i finished the Biological sciences section with roughly 45 minutes to spare. This allowed me to keep going over my answers...I didn't get bogged down on any questions like I had done on the first test and I had the timer. This is the key difference for me!

 

[Barbara]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by A. Caveman:
•well, going up 5 points or more is just a case of someone who went up 3 or more points than someone who went up 2 points. what's the difference?--well, one is preparation and another is intelligence, and another is test-taking ability. any advice on improving points on the mcat is equal. the advice you get by someone who goes up one, could bring you up 7, and the advice you get from someone hwo goes up 6, could only help you improve 3. it's all the same. i think what you're looking for is a magic set of words. if you see it on everybody who went up more than 5 you'll say "that's IT!" but no, that's not it. you need to do everything, EVERYTHING better. so maybe you want to know what exactly "everything" is. well, that's a general quesiton, and you can benefit from everyone's advice. here's the skinny

it depends on where youare right now, and wehre you wanna get to. to go from 25 to 30 is easier than going from 30 to 35, in my opinion. to go from 25 to 30 you just need to really learn your stuff, because you're missing too many questions, and many of them are simple straight memorization or simple application questions. the middle 30's cannot be achieved just by learning all your stuff right...you need to know some things about taking multiple choice tests (ie one approach is to cross out all wrong answers, not just look for the right one) and be able to take the exam in a more effective way overall. i went from a 29 to 34 by learning all the basic stuff (which would land me probably at 30 where everybody else is--since all premeds work hard and learn all the basic stuff) but to improve more you need that extra je ne sais quoi. but i did know quoi back when i was studying. you just kind of get it. either it's an epiphany, or you slowly learn things. but the way it will happen is by studying more. more study time equals more time to reflect. do the reading, then do some passages in that subject area and reflect on why you missed questions, what type you missed, etc.•••••

 

[A. Caveman]

Barbara, welcome to SDN (nice post by the way).

i read your post, ART, after posting my second time. as you can see, i've dedicated time to helping you newfish. you should hope, beg, and plead(!!) that people like me post replies to you and everyone else's questions, because we've seen a wide spectrum of posts regarding these topics, and we've formulated our own ideas after all of this experience this year. so you should be extra happy when a veteran stops by to say hello. maybe i'm a little grumpy when i don't see things done my way, just like every old guy is, but i still help don't i. so you can shove my patronizing boot straight up your butt-- all the way to your lips. yummy....here's something to calm you down: :wink:

(ps, did it work? --good)

 

[jmejia1]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Scooby Doo:
•Brandonite,

I disagree..the AAMC ones suck! THey are way way way too easy!

I was able to raise my score by 7 points and two writing scores.
First time, I studied hard for maybe about 1 or 2 weeks.
Second time, I studied very hard for about 3 to 4 weeks.
What allowed me to improve? I took an actual TIMER into the test with me. I finished the verbal section with 10 minutes to spare. I finished the Physical Science Section with 30 minutes to spare. And then i finished the Biological sciences section with roughly 45 minutes to spare. This allowed me to keep going over my answers...I didn't get bogged down on any questions like I had done on the first test and I had the timer. This is the key difference for me!•••••Yo Scoob that's friggin' beyond impressive: 30 and 45 minutes to spare on the Physical and Biological science sections respectively?! Did you read the passages or jump straight to the questions? How'd you score?

 

[A. Caveman]

i couldn't believe that either! that's nutty scooby! i just can't figure out how people finish that fast. i didn't finish verbal, and i finished the other sections exactly on time, no time to spare. ridiculous! i don't know how people read and answer questions that quickly. i'd like to know what you scored also (PM if you want to).

 

[Doctora Foxy]

Scooby is a natural speed reader. If you have ever IMed him you will notice that he responds before you can reread what you wrote. It's amazing! <img border="0" alt="[Wowie]" title="" src="graemlins/wowie.gif" /> &lt;--- phallic symbol

 

[fluffyj]

I read and test really fast, but at the same time I make silly mistakes. I finished both PS and BS with time to spare, but when I went back through the sections, I got bogged down wondering if my answers were right. It is probably better to finish just on time. Unless you are Scooby!

 

[brandonite]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by fluffyj:
•I read and test really fast, but at the same time I make silly mistakes. I finished both PS and BS with time to spare, but when I went back through the sections, I got bogged down wondering if my answers were right. It is probably better to finish just on time. Unless you are Scooby! •••••Hmm. Ya, that's more like me. I finish things pretty quickly, but I make a fair number of stupid mistakes. I finished VR 20 (!!) minutes early on the April test, and only scored a 10. By August, I had my timing down much better, and finished right on time, and scored a 13-15. Finishing early is useless, because if you want to check your answers, you have to reread the entire passage, which takes way too much time.

And I still think that the AAMC tests are way better. Yes, they are easier. But the Kaplan/TPR tests emphasize too much memorization. Most of the MCATs I've seen have gone so far as to give you most of the formulae you need for the PS section. Kaplan/TPR tests are horrible becaues they get you thinking you need to a lot of memorizing for the MCAT, which you don't really need to do.

 

[Art_Vandelay]

Caveman,

Yeah, I read your second post. It was just as inarticulate as the first and filled with just as many obvious facts. It took you two paragraphs of utter blabbing to say that to score high on the mcat you need to study hard and be a good test taker. Farking brillant man! My favorite quote of yours was "it is harder to go from a 30 to a 35 than it is to go from a 25 to a 30"... WOW, that is insightful!!! Are you implying that the mcat fits a gaussian distribution??? where did you come up with that?? You're a damn genius. You've really got the inside track on how to succeed, must have come from posting 650 times on SDN.

Your explicit violent reactions to anyone who challenges you are the classical symptoms of someone suffering from a inferiority complex. Don't feel bad though, a lot of premeds suffer from it, they go into medicine because they feel the presitige and respect of the profession will palliate their feelings of insecurity. Unfortunately, medicine won't ease your insecurities, on the contrary, it will actually expose and exaggerate them. Most don't realize this until its too late and by then they are already knee deep in the profession.

So, here is my advice TO YOU, take your feelings of inadequacy and your misanthropic attitude
and leave the field of medicine. Do it before its too late, do it now. If you are that into science, go do research, your more apt to get along with test tubes than you are people. Get out before your sh#tty, smug, know it all attitude ends up killing a patient.

Have yourself a great day!!

P.S.
650 posts is quite a bit, don't you think? Maybe its time you go outside and play with the other children. Get a life loser!

 

[brandonite]

Wow, that's a rather inflammatory post there, Vandalay...

 

[Scooby Doo]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by jmejia1:
•Yo Scoob that's friggin' beyond impressive: 30 and 45 minutes to spare on the Physical and Biological science sections respectively?! Did you read the passages or jump straight to the questions? How'd you score?•••••Hey there
Thanks
The first time I took the test, I ran out of time on the verbal and didn't get to 3 sections. The first time I took it I barely finished PS and barely finished the BS too!
The second time I went in with more sleep, and an extra week or so of preparation. I knew I wanted to go fast and not get stuck on any stupid questions. I am the type of person who CANNOT skip anything. I will sit there until I answer a question. I hate skipping around...and if something stumps me, I make my best guess and come back to it later. I read all the passages and I have no clue how I was able to finish so fast! I amazed myself even!
I think I got partly lucky by having sections that just made sense to me and so I didn't have to go back a lot and refresh my memory from the reading. I remember I was able to go through and actually do the BS section 3 times over b/c I had so much time. 1 time throuhg marking answers...second time over everything to make sure I was right. Third time through only on the ones that gave me trouble. Fourth time on the last few stubborn questions.

OH YEA,
HERE'S THE BEST ADVICE EVER!!!!!

Do NOT bubble in every answer right as you get it...rather than doing that....Complete ALL the questions on ONE PAGE..(so about 5 questions or so)...and then pull out your scantron and transfer them over 5 (or so) at a time. This allows you to focus on the page and not worry about having to transfer back and forth. This saved a hell of a lot of time!

 

[SMW]

As a grand member (&gt;2000 posts), I must take exception to certain implications of yours, Art_Vandelay. While I find it odd to be in the position of defending A. CaveMan's dyspeptic take on things, he did provide both an answer to the question, and a suggestion to take advantage of the very useful and under-utilized SDN search function.

Oh, btw, welcome to SDN!! (I'm the official greeter :wink: , as you'll learn if you stick around long enough and read enough threads . You might want to kind of get a feel for the SDN community before you come out with guns blazing again.
A. CaveMan's kinda crochety, but he'll grow on you.

 

[Papa Smurf]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by SMW:
•While I find it odd to be in the position of defending A. CaveMan's dyspeptic take on things, •••••Damn SMW, "dyspeptic"? Hello? Can we bring it back down to my "state school" educational level? :wink:

 

[mj]

Not that I think the original poster is even still reading this but...

it depends on what you need to improve on. How you up your verbal score is way diff. than how you go about doing better in one of the sciences. What was your original spread?

mj

 

[brandonite]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Papa Smurf:
• •••quote:•••Originally posted by SMW:
•While I find it odd to be in the position of defending A. CaveMan's dyspeptic take on things, •••••Damn SMW, "dyspeptic"? Hello? Can we bring it back down to my "state school" educational level? :wink: •••••<img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> Did they teach you Stanford people to talk in language that the rest of us couldn't understand?

And I felt very conflicted about defending Caveman as well. But he is a generally good guy, and definitely didn't deserve the outburst above.

 

[SMW]

C'mon, guys, don't you read? That's not that hard a word! Both syllables are very common in the medical world! :wink: I was trying to think of a tactful way to characterize A. CAveMan's worldview.

 

[Papa Smurf]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by SMW:
•C'mon, guys, don't you read?•••••No. And even if I did, I still don't think I'd know what that word means. Hell, that was the first time I'd ever heard of it. For future reference, let us all abstain from these pedantic displays of knowledge. :wink: You know what they say, never use a big word when a dimunitive one will suffice. :wink: I also felt obligated to come to the defense of my fellow Floridian Caveman, but I already pledged to be on my best behavior for at least a couple of more days. Hang onto that acerbic wit Caveman! It livens this place up a bit.

 

[brandonite]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by SMW:
•C'mon, guys, don't you read? That's not that hard a word! Both syllables are very common in the medical world! :wink: I was trying to think of a tactful way to characterize A. CAveMan's worldview. •••••I suddenly feel very inferior.

Maybe we should start a new poll trying to find out how many SDN'ers to know what that word means... :wink:

 

[SMW]

OK, OK. CaveMan is cantankerous. Or grouchy, how 'bout that? :wink:

 

[Coalboy]

SMW, if it makes you feel any better, I know what dyspeptic means. Maybe we're just more literate than the av-uh-rage bear. :wink:

 

[sng33]

I am still reading the answers, just chose to stay out of the energy sapping cockfight that happens to be blurring the original purpose of my post. Nevertheless, I do feel inclined to agree with some of the comments solicited by Art. I also agree Cavemen is a good guy and a loyal poster, but everyone has the right to start a post they feel relevant. Behaving in a pompous, condescending manner is probably not the appropriate action, and if you don't like the post simply don't read it. Aside from that thanks for the insight Scooby about your tactic on time management.

 

[brandonite]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by SMW:
•OK, OK. CaveMan is cantankerous. Or grouchy, how 'bout that? :wink: •••••Ooh! Ooh! I understand those words!

 

[DarksideAllstar]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Schoolboy:
•By the way, the SDN search function sucks donkey nuts so feel free to make new threads. •••••Hahaha

 

[WonderBoy]

Calm down Art you are taking this way tooo seriously.

Original poster, sorry don't have any advice for you I am taking my MCATs in August.