MCAT strategy suggestions!

[Restart13]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm currently taking Princeton Review's 5 day a week class, and am about 30% through it. I took my first diagnostic test after the first week and got a (9, 5, 7) = 21. I just took my second one today, after three weeks of the class and got a (9, 7, 6) = 22. To my defense I knew a lot the stuff we have covered so far and the stuff I still have to learn (PHY 2, misc. GCHEM, and Human Physio) we haven't covered yet, but what is a good diagnostic plan? Should I save most of them after the class? My class finishes july 12th, and I am thinking of taking the MCAT aug. 6th (actually signed up, but might delay). What is a good post-class schedule and some good techniques to review after class? PS and BS I think I can eventually learn most of the science stuff in time, but verbal is killing me! I'm doing worse then I did when I started. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[SPLearner]

August 6th? are you applying next year? That date is never recomended if one is applying the same year.

 

[Restart13]

Sorry I forgot to say, I'm applying next cycle so next year. I'm trying to take it a year ahead of schedule, to free up next summer.

 

[movax]

Sorry I forgot to say, I'm applying next cycle so next year. I'm trying to take it a year ahead of schedule, to free up next summer.

Two things:
1. Some diagnostic tests are artificially "harder" or have tougher curves for the test prep company to quantify improvement on your part, or meet some kind of "test score increase guarantee"
2. If you're applying next cycle, and don't feel ready for this August, don't take it. There are plenty of test dates. I would try to take it soon after your class though, as the knowledge will likely be fresh in your brain. Studying too far in advance can be detrimental.

 

[Restart13]

I guess my real question is when is the cut-off? Say I was aiming for a 33 and two weeks before I got a 28, and a 29? Is that good enough to go forward with the test or should I delay from there. I kinda wanna know what I'm doing in advance. I have about 3.5 weeks after my TPR class gets done before the real MCAT.