MCAT woes

[gumbyj]

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This is going to sound a bit whiny. I apologize.

I have been working my behind off to study for the MCAT the past month or two, and I am barely seeing any results. I have gotten a handful of higher practice scores, but mostly I am around the "average" for test takers, which we all know is not the average for matriculants - or even applicants for that matter.

I am working so hard to try to make this happen, but having to re-learn all of this material while working a demanding job is suffocating me. It is making me doubt that I can even become a physician. If I can't even consistently score in the high 20's then how am I going to perform in medical school or pass my boards...🙁

 

[startoverat40]

studying while working full time will take much longer than just a month or two, so don't get discouraged. It took me 4 months to review all the content, and 3 months of doing practice tests. evaluate your practice test scores once you finish reviewing. after that keep doing a few thousand practice questions, and always go back and review your wrong answers to see why you got them wrong. if you've signed up with a prep company, do all of their practice tests and quizes, plus all of the AAMC practice tests.

 

[gumbyj]

I'm scheduled for 7/26

 

[rguil15]

No one can really tell you this or not, but it may not be a good time to take the test. I'm sure another year sounds terrible to a non-trad, but if you're not ready, you're not ready. There's lots you can do in a year to strengthen your app anyways.

Nice honey badger, btw.

 

[DrMidlife]

Sorry to say it, but this isn't your year. July 26 is too late to take the MCAT when prep is going well (unless you get about a 40).

Wait on the MCAT until next year and take it in April, so you can apply early. And of course figure out how to get into the 30's.

Best of luck to you.

 

[LabMonster]

This is going to sound a bit whiny. I apologize.

I have been working my behind off to study for the MCAT the past month or two, and I am barely seeing any results. I have gotten a handful of higher practice scores, but mostly I am around the "average" for test takers, which we all know is not the average for matriculants - or even applicants for that matter.

I am working so hard to try to make this happen, but having to re-learn all of this material while working a demanding job is suffocating me. It is making me doubt that I can even become a physician. If I can't even consistently score in the high 20's then how am I going to perform in medical school or pass my boards...🙁

Don't forget pre-med college students are immersed in chem/bio/english for 4 years. You can't expect to be up to par after 1-2 months.

I RETOOK o-chem and physics even though I did fine in them during college, but that was years before! I burned a year taking pre-reqs, not so much for a GPA, but for a scheduled MCAT education.

Give yourself credit - to relearn the basic sciences covered on the MCAT takes time and typical MCAT materials show you what to memorize, but you don't learn as much - because you haven't used it in a meaningful context.

You could take it and see what you get after preparing as you've said, but if you're getting low 20's you may be in trouble, maybe not -because there is no really good evaluation prior to the exam (otherwise everyone would have a 40.)

My own opinion: If your undergrad numbers could stand a boost, take some advanced level classes in the basics while working and actually use and learn the information. Many of those classes are 2 semester deals - so start MCAT studying the second semester and do it then (optimally, do it right after.)

It's a value call. I took the SOB blind without knowing what it was I was doing and did fine - but puttered around for 5 years before taking the plunge, so I had to do the entire cycle again. I took the classes, bolstered my GPA and did better on the MCAT. That's my n=1.

 

[gumbyj]

Thanks everyone. I am debating not applying this cycle. This is a really hard decision for me and one I am not going to be making lightly. I feel very defeated and don't know if I can stomach another application cycle wasted, not applying. Any and all advice is appreciated.

 

[startoverat40]

if you take it now and get a bad score, it will stay on your record, so you're better off not taking it. if you take 1 or 2 AAMC practice tests and get below 27, then you'd be better off not taking it until next Spring. (if your GPA is high enough, you might have a chance at a DO school with a 27) Next time don't schedule your test until you consistently score in your target range on AAMC practice tests.

I know this is disheartening, but it doesn't mean you can't do well on the MCAT or be able to handle med school. you just need more time to prepare. it took me 7 months. in the meantime you can also do more clinical/community work to bolster your application.

 

[gumbyj]

I have been going through the "30+ MCAT Study Tips" thread to try to find a good study plan for the next ~7 months or so (I am planning to take Jan/Feb). I basically need to "re-learn" everything from my pre-reqs (taken 6 years ago) and I was wondering if any other non-trads have suggestions? Most of the study plans I see are from those who just finished the classes.

I was planning on just reading through every prep book out there over the next 5 months or so, taking my own notes, making flashcards and reviewing everything. Start practice passages ~3-4 months out. Then ~2 months or so out start taking practice tests. Does this sound like an okay strategy?

*I decided to push my application cycle from this year to next after recently scoring a 26 (6/13/7) on an AAMC practice test. I never really did any "content review" (I know... idiotic me). Goal is >36

 

[ghostman]

*I decided to push my application cycle from this year to next after recently scoring a 26 (6/13/7) on an AAMC practice test. I never really did any "content review" (I know... idiotic me). Goal is >36

Hmm... a few things:
- If you are not hitting the scores you need to get into med school on practice exams, you should not take the actual MCAT. Plain and simple. It may be difficult to choose to do, but there's no decision to be made.

- Do you absolutely have to work during this time? When I committed to completing my postbac and take the MCAT, I quit my job and lived on my savings. This isn't a luxury everyone has, but if it's available, I suggest you take advantage of it.

- You said you "never really did any content review". What does that mean? You decided to just start taking practice tests and hoped you remembered everything? If so, you're just wasting your practice tests. Invest in a set of review books (I don't recommend depending on EK review books alone, as they do not go into enough detail. I used Kaplan review books, which I found were thorough.) Find a study plan, stick to it and READ the review books until you understand what you're reading. Don't understand something? Look it up through other resources.

- Are you reviewing your practice exams? If your practice exam reviews are taking less time that it takes to do the exams, then you're not doing it right. At the very least, the review process should take twice as long as the exam itself. You need to go through ALL the questions and understand why ALL the answer choices are right/wrong. Even the ones you got right, because you might have just been lucky.

- Set a realistic goal (one actual number!) given your existing scores. ">36" is what everyone wants, but it's not realistic for everyone at their current level. You want an attainable goal, so that you can see your progress. Always hitting below your target will squash your self-esteem. If you have trouble hitting 30, then set your target at 30 for now. Once you hit it, up the score by 1.

- Have you considered a test prep course? I took Kaplan and did not feel it was worth the money. I felt the 3-hour classes could be better spent doing something else. But it did give me access to all the AAMC's, a bunch of Kaplan full-length exams and a ton of other questions in the Q-bank. It also helped me keep on top of my work by setting a rigid schedule. If you need that, it may be worth the investment (it doesn't have to be Kaplan, just a test-prep company).

 

[gumbyj]

Hmm... a few things:
- If you are not hitting the scores you need to get into med school on practice exams, you should not take the actual MCAT. Plain and simple. It may be difficult to choose to do, but there's no decision to be made.

- Do you absolutely have to work during this time? When I committed to completing my postbac and take the MCAT, I quit my job and lived on my savings. This isn't a luxury everyone has, but if it's available, I suggest you take advantage of it.

- You said you "never really did any content review". What does that mean? You decided to just start taking practice tests and hoped you remembered everything? If so, you're just wasting your practice tests. Invest in a set of review books (I don't recommend depending on EK review books alone, as they do not go into enough detail. I used Kaplan review books, which I found were thorough.) Find a study plan, stick to it and READ the review books until you understand what you're reading. Don't understand something? Look it up through other resources.

- Are you reviewing your practice exams? If your practice exam reviews are taking less time that it takes to do the exams, then you're not doing it right. At the very least, the review process should take twice as long as the exam itself. You need to go through ALL the questions and understand why ALL the answer choices are right/wrong. Even the ones you got right, because you might have just been lucky.

- Set a realistic goal (one actual number!) given your existing scores. ">36" is what everyone wants, but it's not realistic for everyone at their current level. You want an attainable goal, so that you can see your progress. Always hitting below your target will squash your self-esteem. If you have trouble hitting 30, then set your target at 30 for now. Once you hit it, up the score by 1.

- Have you considered a test prep course? I took Kaplan and did not feel it was worth the money. I felt the 3-hour classes could be better spent doing something else. But it did give me access to all the AAMC's, a bunch of Kaplan full-length exams and a ton of other questions in the Q-bank. It also helped me keep on top of my work by setting a rigid schedule. If you need that, it may be worth the investment (it doesn't have to be Kaplan, just a test-prep company).

I understand and I have already made the decision, while of course, it was a difficult choice.

I absolutely can not quit my job to take the MCAT, this is not at all an option.

I read 75% of EK Bio and ~50% of TBR Physics and Gen Chem. Stopped taking any practice tests after the 26 when I realized that if I was so lacking in remembering the content that I couldn't answer most of the questions. Didn't waste very many practice tests, most were TPR not AAMC.

Realistic goal based on my lack of content review and baseline verbal scores = 34. 🙂

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[ShoTyme]

In all reality, if you haven't finished your content review, you shouldn't be taking full length exams. I mean, what's the point really? You know you haven't finished studying so.... Keep at it though. Just take the blasted thing when you have finished reviewing and have taken some full lengths that you are happy with. Good luck.

Sho-

 

[startoverat40]

i used the Kaplan online self-study course, and it was very much worth it. I also used their physicsEdge course.

 

[gumbyj]

i used the Kaplan online self-study course, and it was very much worth it. I also used their physicsEdge course.

Thanks! Maybe I will bite the bullet and charge it. 😀

I feel into the trap of reading posts in pre-allo saying the MCAT is "really only a critical thinking test..." and "all you need to do is a ton of practice" and I have always been great at critical thinking, so I thought - what the heck. I had no idea that the test required a VERY solid basis of background knowledge before you can 'think critically' about the material. I am very much, all too much, aware of what the test entails now 🙂

 

[aspiringdoc09]

Thanks! Maybe I will bit the bullet and charge it. 😀

I feel into the trap of reading posts in pre-allo saying the MCAT is "really only a critical thinking test..." and "all you need to do is a ton of practice" and I have always been great at critical thinking, so I thought - what the heck. I had no idea that the test required a VERY solid basis of background knowledge before you can 'think critically' about the material. I am very much, all too much, aware of what the test entails now 🙂

Sorry to hear that gumbyj. I was really rooting for you. The advantage: you will have the additional time you need to get a 34+. The disadvantage: there isn't one. I know how you feel. Good luck!

 

[startoverat40]

make sure you know exactly what is covered, and review each and every area listed. if you take a prep course, then you'd be sure to get a good coverage of all the basic material. after that it's doing practice questions and reivew of right/wrong answers.


https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/

 

[gumbyj]

Sorry to hear that gumbyj. I was really rooting for you. The advantage: you will have the additional time you need to get a 34+. The disadvantage: there isn't one. I know how you feel. Good luck!

Thanks so much. This year has been hell for me, but I am writing two papers write now so at least I will have them on my application. I will also be able to say I did everything I could when it came to the MCAT, take Biochem and up my GPA a tad. Just hoping this is good enough 🙂

 

[gumbyj]

Just for anyone that cares- found out after feeling horrible about postponing my app a year that because I will have 5 years residency in my current state I will be able to apply to my state school!!!!!!!!! 🙂 sorry had to share how insanely happy this makes me!

 

[VM3125]

Hmm... a few things:
- If you are not hitting the scores you need to get into med school on practice exams, you should not take the actual MCAT. Plain and simple. It may be difficult to choose to do, but there's no decision to be made.

- Do you absolutely have to work during this time? When I committed to completing my postbac and take the MCAT, I quit my job and lived on my savings. This isn't a luxury everyone has, but if it's available, I suggest you take advantage of it.

- You said you "never really did any content review". What does that mean? You decided to just start taking practice tests and hoped you remembered everything? If so, you're just wasting your practice tests. Invest in a set of review books (I don't recommend depending on EK review books alone, as they do not go into enough detail. I used Kaplan review books, which I found were thorough.) Find a study plan, stick to it and READ the review books until you understand what you're reading. Don't understand something? Look it up through other resources.

- Are you reviewing your practice exams? If your practice exam reviews are taking less time that it takes to do the exams, then you're not doing it right. At the very least, the review process should take twice as long as the exam itself. You need to go through ALL the questions and understand why ALL the answer choices are right/wrong. Even the ones you got right, because you might have just been lucky.

- Set a realistic goal (one actual number!) given your existing scores. ">36" is what everyone wants, but it's not realistic for everyone at their current level. You want an attainable goal, so that you can see your progress. Always hitting below your target will squash your self-esteem. If you have trouble hitting 30, then set your target at 30 for now. Once you hit it, up the score by 1.

- Have you considered a test prep course? I took Kaplan and did not feel it was worth the money. I felt the 3-hour classes could be better spent doing something else. But it did give me access to all the AAMC's, a bunch of Kaplan full-length exams and a ton of other questions in the Q-bank. It also helped me keep on top of my work by setting a rigid schedule. If you need that, it may be worth the investment (it doesn't have to be Kaplan, just a test-prep company).

Just to clarify - is this the type of Kaplan books you are referring to?

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kap...iew-notes-kaplan/1110057897?ean=9781609786052

 

[startingover84]

Just for anyone that cares- found out after feeling horrible about postponing my app a year that because I will have 5 years residency in my current state I will be able to apply to my state school!!!!!!!!! 🙂 sorry had to share how insanely happy this makes me!

That is awesome.

May I ask what state you are in that you need five years of residency to be eligible?

 

[gumbyj]

That is awesome.

May I ask what state you are in that you need five years of residency to be eligible?

A horrible. HORRIBLE one. 🙂

MA

But the huge perk is only 15k/year tuition. Here's to hoping!

 

[ghostman]

Just to clarify - is this the type of Kaplan books you are referring to?

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kap...iew-notes-kaplan/1110057897?ean=9781609786052

Possibly, but mine came from Kaplan's MCAT course, so the covers are different. My set looks more like this:
http://media.photobucket.com/image/recent/dave262/MCAT10-1.jpg
They might be the same thing though, since mine also says Scientific American pictures.

If you're buying the complete set, check ebay. There are bound to be people off-loading their review notes after taking the MCAT.

 

[elizabetta]

Hey gumbyj,
I feel your pain! I was scheduled to take the 7/6 MCAT but I'm not scoring where I want to be, so I'm going to defer until I can knock that thing out of the park. It feels like it's another "wasted cycle" but it's not. We're still moving towards our goals, just slowly. Better to be slow and efficient than quick and careless. Good luck!

 

[NuttyEngDude]

I'm in the same boat as you guys. Took me a while to get over my "wow i feel like an idiot" feelings but now i'm back in full force.... sort of. I blame SDN....

 

[LabMonster]

I was planning on just reading through every prep book out there over the next 5 months or so, taking my own notes, making flashcards and reviewing everything. Start practice passages ~3-4 months out. Then ~2 months or so out start taking practice tests. Does this sound like an okay strategy?

*I decided to push my application cycle from this year to next after recently scoring a 26 (6/13/7) on an AAMC practice test. I never really did any "content review" (I know... idiotic me). Goal is >36

I agree with Ghostman's general strategerie.

I think review books, as content review, is not wise. Those books are designed to remind you of things you've already learned.

I'm still a proponent of going back and taking some classes - maybe 9 credits-ish to actually learn your weakest points. It is really tough going back and taking classes as a non-trad, but I had two jobs when I re-took O-chem and Physics. Actually, I prioritized my study time much better when I was working, versus having tons of free time earlier in my life...

Also remember (flame on) that SDN is biased toward getting a 36 on the MCAT, having a 4.0 and getting in to Hopkins, Harvard blah blah blah; however, you may need to reconcile your expectations for WHERE you want to go based on your COMPLETE application. If you are "stuck" in MA then you'll have to meet the standards and have a great overall application.

I do agree that consistent mid-20 MCAT practice tests will not aid your endeavor. Good luck gumbyj!