MCAT: So many prep materials what should I do!?

[beastlybaja]

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Hello everyone. First and foremost I did use the search function and couldn't find anything that answered my question as adequately as I would have wanted it to. I am taking the MCAT on May 31st, and am currently studying for it along with taking 16 credits (I know not the best idea). I am taking biochem, orgo 2 (got an A in Orgo 1), Calc 2 (Pretty easy), Physics Lab, and 3 credits for research. I received B in chem 1 and 2 when I took them and I received a B and B+ in physics 1 and 2. My question is what materials should I use to study, as I dont have an unlimited amount of time with school work and research. I am currently enrolled in a kaplan prep course and am having trouble keeping up with the work in the sense that after I do the preview assignments and attend class and then try to do the quizzes I do terrible on them and feel like I am not learning that much. So the prep materials I have currently are the Kaplan review notes (Chem, Organic, Verbal, Bio, Physics), Kaplan online materials, TBR Physics G Chem Organic, Examkrackers complete study package as well as audio osmosis and verbal 101 questions book. Should I mix and match books or should I stick to one company?? I really dont like the kaplan books but maybe im just not studying hard enough. Any advice is much appreciated. Have a great day SDN.

 

[3655]

I think Tbr really breaks it down way better. It's a bit long but very helpful. you can use ek or kaplan as supplements but i definitely recommend Tbr everything except bio (ek or tpr are the consensus here on SDN). However if there's a particular topic i don't get in ek, i refer to Tbr bio.

 

[TheVitalReview]

If you're feeling that you're not getting good results from the kaplan review course, take a look at the sn2ed study schedule.
link: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/breaking-down-the-mcat-a-3-month-mcat-study-schedule.623898/

I did both the Kaplan course as well as the sn2ed study schedule. sn2ed's methods are MUCH higher yield and a better use of your (limited) time. If you're taking the MCAT on may 31st that means you have 4 months (feb, march, april and may) for your prep. That'll be enough time for you to prep for the MCAT as well as taking care of your coursework. I'd recommend prioritizing your GPA and MCAT as much as possible because those two factors will weigh the most when you apply to med school.

 

[beastlybaja]

If you're feeling that you're not getting good results from the kaplan review course, take a look at the sn2ed study schedule.
link: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/breaking-down-the-mcat-a-3-month-mcat-study-schedule.623898/

I did both the Kaplan course as well as the sn2ed study schedule. sn2ed's methods are MUCH higher yield and a better use of your (limited) time. If you're taking the MCAT on may 31st that means you have 4 months (feb, march, april and may) for your prep. That'll be enough time for you to prep for the MCAT as well as taking care of your coursework. I'd recommend prioritizing your GPA and MCAT as much as possible because those two factors will weigh the most when you apply to med school.

I have heard that SN2ed plan is amazing but its most likely not possible doing it while going to school full time? How could I incorporate kaplan into it because I payed 2k for it, and really dont want to waste it. I find it hard to manage my time with working out, school work, research, and mcat studying. Any tips?

 

[Happy_Puppy5000]

Hello everyone. First and foremost I did use the search function and couldn't find anything that answered my question as adequately as I would have wanted it to. I am taking the MCAT on May 31st, and am currently studying for it along with taking 16 credits (I know not the best idea). I am taking biochem, orgo 2 (got an A in Orgo 1), Calc 2 (Pretty easy), Physics Lab, and 3 credits for research. I received B in chem 1 and 2 when I took them and I received a B and B+ in physics 1 and 2. My question is what materials should I use to study, as I dont have an unlimited amount of time with school work and research. I am currently enrolled in a kaplan prep course and am having trouble keeping up with the work in the sense that after I do the preview assignments and attend class and then try to do the quizzes I do terrible on them and feel like I am not learning that much. So the prep materials I have currently are the Kaplan review notes (Chem, Organic, Verbal, Bio, Physics), Kaplan online materials, TBR Physics G Chem Organic, Examkrackers complete study package as well as audio osmosis and verbal 101 questions book. Should I mix and match books or should I stick to one company?? I really dont like the kaplan books but maybe im just not studying hard enough. Any advice is much appreciated. Have a great day SDN.

My understanding is that Kaplan has a very extensive question bank. Therefore, since you already paid for the Kaplan prep, I would really focus most of my time and effort into completing and fully understanding every question in the question bank (including full length.) I believe that will be the highest yield for you utilizing the Kaplan material. Once again, whatever you do, try to complete as many questions (if not all) from the Kaplan data base you already own. Best of luck studying.