Mcat Studying Strategies

[UdnamNes]

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Hi,
So I'm officially starting to study for the January 2007 MCAT:
Do any of you have any strategies that particularly worked for you?
What do you think is more effective, focusing on memorizing and understanding or on practicing?
I guess I'm asking because I'm the type of person who can spend forever just reviewing materials before ever practicing. I'm a little anal! But I wonder if that's a good strategy for this exam.

Also, the Princeton Review's 2004 review book (and the later editions too, I think, but the 2004 is what I have) has two full (old) length computer based exams that are really similar to the new MCAT. Probably a good way to get started.

Thanks!

 

[Inessa]

try to understand the main concepts using any review book (EK, tpr, or kaplan...take your pick) Be as thorough as can in your understanding, but don't panic if you can't remember little details-- Don't sweat them! chances are, after covering physics, orgo, bio, gen chem... you'll forget those anyway for now.

Once get semi-solid with content, the next step if doing as many practice questions you can get your dear hands on....those will reinforce all the concepts again and again, and them some more. If getting many questions wrong on the topic- go back to the material to refresh. Regardless of how much material it seems right now, MCAt repeatedly asks same types of questions on the topics. Repetition of seeing the concepts being asked is key, this way you'll eliminate "stupid/careless" errors"

I found it's not much about 'strategy' you use ( i.e. doesn't matter if you look at graph first, or read the passage, and then look at table, make a " map' or don't, underline or not) but on your comfort zone with the basics and reading skills.

Practice til the point you can't imagine yourself even looking at 1 more question- then you know you're ready for the beastie 🙂

good luck!

Hi,
So I'm officially starting to study for the January 2007 MCAT:
Do any of you have any strategies that particularly worked for you?
What do you think is more effective, focusing on memorizing and understanding or on practicing?
I guess I'm asking because I'm the type of person who can spend forever just reviewing materials before ever practicing. I'm a little anal! But I wonder if that's a good strategy for this exam.

Also, the Princeton Review's 2004 review book (and the later editions too, I think, but the 2004 is what I have) has two full (old) length computer based exams that are really similar to the new MCAT. Probably a good way to get started.

Thanks!

 

[Brandon81081]

Hi,
So I'm officially starting to study for the January 2007 MCAT:
Do any of you have any strategies that particularly worked for you?
What do you think is more effective, focusing on memorizing and understanding or on practicing?
I guess I'm asking because I'm the type of person who can spend forever just reviewing materials before ever practicing. I'm a little anal! But I wonder if that's a good strategy for this exam.

Also, the Princeton Review's 2004 review book (and the later editions too, I think, but the 2004 is what I have) has two full (old) length computer based exams that are really similar to the new MCAT. Probably a good way to get started.

Thanks!

Review all princeton books (or whatever review books your using) front to back. make note cards...do what you have to. Lastly start taking any full lenghts you can get your hands on. especially aamc practice tests. Take one every saturday leading up to the test. Take these simultaneously while reviewing throughout the day...to avoid forgeting anything. My hardest part was staying fresh on each subject...so you will have to somewhat spread yourself through each subject(physics,bio,o-chem..etc). For instance...maybe review bio in the morning...physics in afternoon and maybe watch an Ochem DVD at night, always alternating the subjects. While your not reading review note cards. Its hard to stay fresh on ALL material because of the volume of the material. This way may not work for you...im sure its more up to the individual...it's a matter of opinion. It worked for me however.

 

[kevster2001]

If you're doing it by yourself, Ek books + lots of practice tests.

Altough I would strongly recommend a prep course (not sure if there are any designed to prep you for the jan test though)