MCAT...the BEAST!!

[lalee]

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Sorry to double post (posted in the MCAT forum, too)...and intrude on the pre-allo folks, but here goes:
What do you guys/gals think I should do? I received my audio osmosis a few days ago. I spend a tremedous amount of time in my car everyday!! I've listened to a couple CD's and although they're rather weird/wacky, they DO keep my attention! I won't be able to go to a prep class...too busy, and the nearest one is 2 hours away! So, that's just out of the question! Would any of you recommend signing up for the MCAT practice online membership? It would be cheaper than buying each paper practice test...so wadda ya think? Should I fork out MORE frickin' money?
I have several of the Kaplan books and I am taking O-chem II and Phyics II this semester, so those subjects will be fresh.
I want to be prepared, so any input is appreciated!!
Thanks and good luck to everyone who is trying to tame the beast!!!

 

[lalee]

🙁 sniff, anyone? 🙁 sniff, anyone?...🙁 bumpity bump 🙁

 

[14931]

why not buy the books (kaplan, EK, or princeton) and use the aamc practice tests (about 4 or 6 real mcat tests that cost $80 to use online for a period of i think 6 months), maybe if u think u need the online course just so u can be more disciplined or something then u can go for it, otherwise if u think u can stick to a reading schedule, then reconsider the online class

 

[lalee]

The $80 online membership for the 4-6 pratice tests is what I am referring to. I don't want to do an online class (I've given enough $$ already ). I was just wondering if the $80 would be worth it...THANKS for responding! 😀 😀

 

[14931]

of course it is totally worth it, if u buy the paper edition, it costs like $80 each, am not sure if that even includes the answers, but the online version inlcudes the answers and explains them too. some people have said they got similar scores on the real mcats that they did on the practice tests, some have also said the tests are too easy, but i think they give a good idea of what the real mcats will look like. u could and should also use other practice tests, kaplan, princeton.... as many as u can, practice makes perfect

 

[Iffy premed]

I recommend that you buy Princeton Review books, but only the ones that they use for their prep classes. The PR or Kaplan ones that they sell in regular bookstores are too easy and flimsy. You can ebay them, but believe me...the books and doing practices are the key, not so much the lectures. I prefer PR, they put the strategies, and tricks right into the books, compared to Kap, who separates the content review from strategies (which they only teach in class)

 

[odelay]

i bought a few online tests at the last minute in August, and they were much more difficult (i.e. - helpful) than the books i bought at Barnes & Noble. the bookstore Kaplan and Princeton Review books are actually incredibly easy, and get the dynamics of the test wrong. can you print off the online stuff with your computer? i can't remember. that'd probably be your best help, though.

 

[deleted9493]

I really prefer examkracker's material over the other stuff. They seem to know exactly what you do and don't need for the MCAT and they tell you that explicitly. Both owners/authors are readily available to answer questions via their bulletin board at www.examkrackers.com.... it's great. I agree with everybody else, get the $80 online membership.

 

[lalee]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!
I guess I'll fork out even more cash...soon, they'll be asking for my blood, kidney and corneas!! I suppose I could still apply to medschool minus a kidney! But I think it would be a little difficult without my blood and corneas!🙄
Oh, well! Thanks again!

 

[laviddee]

here's my suggestion.
get the $80 membership. I printed out each section, and then just timed myself when i took each section. Then go back into the computer and put your answers in for your evaluation. I believe it saves your answers so you can always go back and always see what you did wrong and make sure you don't do it again.

On getting other practice exams:
I went to the library and spent about 10 bucks in copying. Most MCAT books at the library have their practice tests in the back of the book. Just copy em and use em. What's really cool about doing that is you just see a total wide array of questions and styles that do prepare you for anything. Just make sure the books aren't too old and you get the 'current' mcat style of questions.

well that's the cheap method i used for studying for the mcat.

 

[ohiowa]

I just started tossing my MCAT study books, practice exams and notes into my woodstove. I took the BEAST twice, finally go in to med school and never want to see those study supplies again. I like to think that all the energy I put into studying for the MCAT now keeps my house warm in winter.

 

[Dr. Hugh Hefner]

I just started tossing my MCAT study books, practice exams and notes into my woodstove. I took the BEAST twice, finally go in to med school and never want to see those study supplies again. I like to think that all the energy I put into studying for the MCAT now keeps my house warm in winter.

ahhhh....hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to do the same in the coming months! 😀

 

[Lactic Folly]

Check out your public library as well as your school library for MCAT books.. I found quite a few there. You can also head to Chapters early in the day, settle down in a comfy chair, and read away 😉 See if the bulletin boards/used bookstores have anything about MCAT materials. I bought my AAMC tests this way. I also recovered most of the cost by selling them back at the used bookstore 🙂