MCAT, You Tricky Little Devil

[FutureDrB]

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So I just took my first practice Kaplan MCAT and scored a 20. Ick. But, I haven't studied for the MCAT at all and just wanted to get a baseline, so maybe that's okay.

Plus, the Kaplan test I just took was absolutely nothing like the questions I see on on these MCAT review sites. I aced like 30 questions in a row earlier on one of those sites, then I go to take the Kaplan test and I'm like, what the heck is this stuff?!

What surprised me the most is once I was done and began going over the questions I missed... this darn thing is setup to trick you! Haha.

Just one example... there was a verbal passage that talks about the reproductive cycle of digger wasps, then one of the questions is "The author suggests that male digger wasps..."

You're reading so quickly and focusing on the answers that the "male" goes right by you. It took me like 5 minutes of staring at the question thinking why the heck did I miss this, before I saw the "male" in the question.

Tricky. Tricky. There were at least 5 others just like that. Oh well, guess I need to pay attention.

 

[AlteredScale]

So I just took my first practice Kaplan MCAT and scored a 20. Ick. But, I haven't studied for the MCAT at all and just wanted to get a baseline, so maybe that's okay.

Plus, the Kaplan test I just took was absolutely nothing like the questions I see on on these MCAT review sites. I aced like 30 questions in a row earlier on one of those sites, then I go to take the Kaplan test and I'm like, what the heck is this stuff?!

What surprised me the most is once I was done and began going over the questions I missed... this darn thing is setup to trick you! Haha.

Just one example... there was a verbal passage that talks about the reproductive cycle of digger wasps, then one of the questions is "The author suggests that male digger wasps..."

You're reading so quickly and focusing on the answers that the "male" goes right by you. It took my like 5 minutes of staring at the question thinking why the heck did I miss this, before I saw the "male" in the question.

Tricky. Tricky. There were at least 5 others just like that. Oh well, guess I need to pay attention.

Hahaha yeah this test sucks. What was your breakdown?

 

[FutureDrB]

Hahaha yeah this test sucks. What was your breakdown?

6P/9V/5B

I've always been good with reading comprehension, so I'm not worried about that section, but certainly need improvement in the other areas. Oh well, I don't take it for another year. Plan to start studying about 3 months prior.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Congrats, you are on your way!

The Kaplan tests suck in general. Their prep material does not prepare you for the actual MCAT (imho). I have used Kaplan, BR, Princeton, and EK. I found that Kaplan was the worst. EK would be the worst except that their verbal is awesome. Princeton is challenging and I liked them the best. BR is the most challenging, but almost over your head and not necessarily as accurate to the real test (in structure) as Princeton.

My very first practice test I think I got a 17 or something. Over the next 14 weeks of studying I worked up to a 31 average on the AAMC tests. I ended up with a balanced 28 on the real deal (which is good enough for DO schools so I am more than happy).

If you want to really get an idea of what the MCAT is like, do the AAMC practice tests. But save them for when you have covered all other material. The prep companies test scores will be all over the place and generally will not represent the style of how the material is presented on the real deal.

It is good that you are seeing the tricks. There are probably 3 major reasons to do practice passages/tests. 1) Get your speed down 2) Get your confidence up/familiarity with the material 3) to learn the "tricks" that the writers put in. After a while you will be able to see through those tricks from a mile away.

One good suggestion I could give is to remember that the MCAT is not like undergrad. In undergrad your job on a test is to "pick the best answer." You get this nice feeling inside when you KNOW what your professor was thinking and pick the correct one. But your job on the MCAT is to "pick the least wrong answer." This is specially important in verbal and somewhat in bio. Recognize that in many passages several of the answers technically "could" be correct if you stopped and thought about it long enough..... and THAT is what they want you to do.. they want you to sit there, second guess yourself, waste time, and thus do poorly on the test or maybe not even finish entire passages. So your job is to learn how they write the questions and weed out the answers that seem like they are from way out in left field. Dont go for that warm and fuzzy feeling of getting the right answer. Go with your gut instinct, quickly pick the one that seems like its the least BS, then move on and never think about that question ever again. When I finally recognized the differences between the MCAT and undergrad, and I started doing the things suggested above, my scores started to rise.

Just some food for thought. Keep at it and good luck!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

6P/9V/5B

I've always been good with reading comprehension, so I'm not worried about that section, but certainly need improvement in the other areas. Oh well, I don't take it for another year. Plan to start studying about 3 months prior.

Sick verbal score! Thats usually the hardest thing to get up and you already are at a fantastic starting point. Just keep covering those science materials and doing dozens of practice problems a day and you will no doubt do extremely well.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Ohh haha, not taking it for another year. Well either way, hopefully you can remember some of the advice given, when the time comes.

 

[FutureDrB]

Ohh haha, not taking it for another year. Well either way, hopefully you can remember some of the advice given, when the time comes.

Hey, I always appreciate the advice.

 

[FutureDrB]

One good suggestion I could give is to remember that the MCAT is not like undergrad. In undergrad your job on a test is to "pick the best answer." You get this nice feeling inside when you KNOW what your professor was thinking and pick the correct one. But your job on the MCAT is to "pick the least wrong answer." This is specially important in verbal and somewhat in bio. Recognize that in many passages several of the answers technically "could" be correct if you stopped and thought about it long enough..... and THAT is what they want you to do.. they want you to sit there, second guess yourself, waste time, and thus do poorly on the test or maybe not even finish entire passages. So your job is to learn how they write the questions and weed out the answers that seem like they are from way out in left field. Dont go for that warm and fuzzy feeling of getting the right answer. Go with your gut instinct, quickly pick the one that seems like its the least BS, then move on and never think about that question ever again. When I finally recognized the differences between the MCAT and undergrad, and I started doing the things suggested above, my scores started to rise.

This entire paragraph is golden. Everything you said is what I noticed once I was done.

 

[hallowmann]

Yeah, Kaplan tests are made to be harder, especially if this was the diagnostic. That said, things that trip you up are definitely in the real thing. I found the Kaplan tests and course material very helpful. I didn't use very much else, except the AAMC tests, but I found that the Kaplan FLs did a good job of preparing me for the real thing. The biggest benefit for me was preparing myself in terms of timing.

Also, it's not really wise to trust practice problems on random review websites. Many are either too easy or not representative of the real thing for one reason or another.

 

[AlteredScale]

6P/9V/5B

I've always been good with reading comprehension, so I'm not worried about that section, but certainly need improvement in the other areas. Oh well, I don't take it for another year. Plan to start studying about 3 months prior.

Awesome! Way to go man, improving bio will be a piece of cake for you. You def got this!

Also wish there were more @Awesome Sauceome 's on SDN. Always super encouraging and helpful!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Awesome! Way to go man, improving bio will be a piece of cake for you. You def got this!

Also wish there were more @Awesome Sauceome 's on SDN. Always super encouraging and helpful!

Heh, I appreciate it.

Just trying to clear the way for anyone behind me.

 

[FutureDrB]

Awesome! Way to go man, improving bio will be a piece of cake for you. You def got this!

Also wish there were more @Awesome Sauceome 's on SDN. Always super encouraging and helpful!

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm about to order this bad boy. http://www.amazon.com/dp/0804126321

That set is all I plan on using. I don't really see the benefit in the expensive prep courses and all that, plus I haven't heard too many good things about them anyway.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm about to order this bad boy. http://www.amazon.com/dp/0804126321

That set is all I plan on using. I don't really see the benefit in the expensive prep courses and all that, plus I haven't heard too many good things about them anyway.

Sounds like a solid plan. Honestly I feel you. I did Princeton's prep course, and its not that they didnt provide great material, and its not that they werent helpful. But it is just not worth $2K. Just write up or find a good schedule so that you can cover all of the material and do loads and loads of practice passages. Stick to that schedule, knowing that there will be a few days here and there that you will have to skip and relax. If you stick to a consistent plan, there is absolutely no way you shouldnt be able to do well. I believe that the MCAT is very much a BS-proof test. Excluding some people who are just geniuses or naturally gifted test takers, the majority of us normal folk get higher scores as a result of effort put into the task. The more time and effort you consistently put in, the higher your score will be (to a point).

Also I saw in another of your posts that you planned on starting to study 3 months before. Good plan. I would highly advise you to not go over 3 months; 10-12 weeks is all you should need if you are studying between 30-50 hours a week. I found that after the 12 week mark I started to see some burnout and diminishing returns. I would even dare to say that my score would have been a point or two higher (closer to my practice averages) if I had stopped and taken the test at the 12 week mark.

 

[FutureDrB]

Sounds like a solid plan. Honestly I feel you. I did Princeton's prep course, and its not that they didnt provide great material, and its not that they werent helpful. But it is just not worth $2K. Just write up or find a good schedule so that you can cover all of the material and do loads and loads of practice passages. Stick to that schedule, knowing that there will be a few days here and there that you will have to skip and relax. If you stick to a consistent plan, there is absolutely no way you shouldnt be able to do well. I believe that the MCAT is very much a BS-proof test. Excluding some people who are just geniuses or naturally gifted test takers, the majority of us normal folk get higher scores as a result of effort put into the task. The more time and effort you consistently put in, the higher your score will be (to a point).

Also I saw in another of your posts that you planned on starting to study 3 months before. Good plan. I would highly advise you to not go over 3 months; 10-12 weeks is all you should need if you are studying between 30-50 hours a week. I found that after the 12 week mark I started to see some burnout and diminishing returns. I would even dare to say that my score would have been a point or two higher (closer to my practice averages) if I had stopped and taken the test at the 12 week mark.

I want to say I got the 3-month time frame off SDN. Before I saw that, I wasn't sure how much time to spend studying for it.

I'm sort of planning everything around my remaining retakes and Biochemistry too. I was going to take BIOC this fall semester, but it's going to have to be in the spring of 2015 instead. So I'm planning to take the MCAT in May of 2015, that way the Biochemistry will still be fresh in my noggin. Get my (hopefully good ) score back in late June/early July and still be able to apply "early".

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I want to say I got the 3-month time frame off SDN. Before I saw that, I wasn't sure how much time to spend studying for it.

I'm sort of planning everything around my remaining retakes and Biochemistry too. I was going to take BIOC this fall semester, but it's going to have to be in the spring of 2015 instead. So I'm planning to take the MCAT in May of 2015, that way the Biochemistry will still be fresh in my noggin. Get my (hopefully good ) score back in late June/early July and still be able to apply "early".

Sounds like you have your head on straight. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to message me if you ever need anything.

 

[optimistic3]

Yeah, that's the game they play! I wonder if Step 1/Comlex are a similar style.

Anyway, I'm currently taking a Kaplan course and I am so glad that I decided to do it. I've been thinking about it since freshman year and I finally just went for it and it's been so helpful. My bank account is unhappy but I know my score will be better because of it. They have a TON of online resources with so many quiz questions and ways for you to practice on top of the content in the books. I will be spending a lot of time working on all of that and I've already seen an improvement in my score on practice exams and I know I still have a lot more that I can do.

I often relate it to a personal trainer. Sure, you can self study and do well and many people do but it's easier to have someone to guide you through it and be there to answer your questions.

 

[FutureDrB]

Yeah, that's the game they play! I wonder if Step 1/Comlex are a similar style.

Anyway, I'm currently taking a Kaplan course and I am so glad that I decided to do it. I've been thinking about it since freshman year and I finally just went for it and it's been so helpful. My bank account is unhappy but I know my score will be better because of it. They have a TON of online resources with so many quiz questions and ways for you to practice on top of the content in the books. I will be spending a lot of time working on all of that and I've already seen an improvement in my score on practice exams and I know I still have a lot more that I can do.

I often relate it to a personal trainer. Sure, you can self study and do well and many people do but it's easier to have someone to guide you through it and be there to answer your questions.

I think it probably boils down to the type of learner you are.
I've always preferred teaching myself things, so I guess I'm more comfortable just studying from the book set.
Good luck to you when the time rolls around!

 

[optimistic3]

I think it probably boils down to the type of learner you are.
I've always preferred teaching myself things, so I guess I'm more comfortable just studying from the book set.
Good luck to you when the time rolls around!

Excellent point! If you are a good self-studier, then you don't need a class. This method works excellently for me, however.

Thanks you and good luck to you as well!

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

So I just took my first practice Kaplan MCAT and scored a 20. Ick. But, I haven't studied for the MCAT at all and just wanted to get a baseline, so maybe that's okay.

Plus, the Kaplan test I just took was absolutely nothing like the questions I see on on these MCAT review sites. I aced like 30 questions in a row earlier on one of those sites, then I go to take the Kaplan test and I'm like, what the heck is this stuff?!

What surprised me the most is once I was done and began going over the questions I missed... this darn thing is setup to trick you! Haha.

Just one example... there was a verbal passage that talks about the reproductive cycle of digger wasps, then one of the questions is "The author suggests that male digger wasps..."

You're reading so quickly and focusing on the answers that the "male" goes right by you. It took me like 5 minutes of staring at the question thinking why the heck did I miss this, before I saw the "male" in the question.

Tricky. Tricky. There were at least 5 others just like that. Oh well, guess I need to pay attention.

Why r u using current study material if you are taking new MCAT?

 

[osteohack10]

Sounds like a solid plan. Honestly I feel you. I did Princeton's prep course, and its not that they didnt provide great material, and its not that they werent helpful. But it is just not worth $2K. Just write up or find a good schedule so that you can cover all of the material and do loads and loads of practice passages. Stick to that schedule, knowing that there will be a few days here and there that you will have to skip and relax. If you stick to a consistent plan, there is absolutely no way you shouldnt be able to do well. I believe that the MCAT is very much a BS-proof test. Excluding some people who are just geniuses or naturally gifted test takers, the majority of us normal folk get higher scores as a result of effort put into the task. The more time and effort you consistently put in, the higher your score will be (to a point).

Also I saw in another of your posts that you planned on starting to study 3 months before. Good plan. I would highly advise you to not go over 3 months; 10-12 weeks is all you should need if you are studying between 30-50 hours a week. I found that after the 12 week mark I started to see some burnout and diminishing returns. I would even dare to say that my score would have been a point or two higher (closer to my practice averages) if I had stopped and taken the test at the 12 week mark.

I concur with this completely. I was foolish and only gave myself 4 weeks to study. I could have used another month for sure. Another 2 months would have been amazing.

 

[kalat]

Just want to let you know to not get discouraged. I have been studying for about two weeks. I took AAMC 3 as a diagnostic before I started studying at all and scored a 22 (6/10/6). I was a little discouraged but sought out some advice. I posted in the MCAT sub-forums here and was told I probably wouldn't get 4 points within the month I have... I just took AAMC 7 yesterday and got a 27 (8/11/8). If you're low on time I recommend only doing practice questions and review things you 100% don't understand as you go (I have been doing EK 1001 and Audio Osmosis).

Take as many AAMC tests as you can stomach but don't burn yourself out ($35 is a bargain - really). It is important you build up your stamina to be able to concentrate for long periods of time. I see a lot of people that take only a section at a time for their practice tests: don't do this. Take four hours out of your day and take it as if it is the real thing. Review every AAMC you take thoroughly - as in go through every single question, even the ones you got right, and read the solution explanation. The more I do the more I realize the MCAT tests really, really, really basic science knowledge and just wants you to apply it.

By the way, AAMC 3 is free. You should take it. Good luck!!! I have another two weeks.

 

[FutureDrB]

Why r u using current study material if you are taking new MCAT?

Honestly, I was just bored at work and wanted to see what I'd score. Like I said, when I really start to study for it I plan on tailoring my studying towards the new test.

 

[CUNYguy]

I'm sure this is a nationwide resource, but I registered for Kaplan's sit-in practice MCAT for 9/18. It's geared towards MCAT 2015, but as everyone is saying, since no one knows what it'll be like, it can only be so helpful. I'm taking mine Fall 2015, and plan on taking a sit-in Kaplan practice test before and after I start studying.

Whats more advisable for preparation? Practice Kaplan MCAT 2015? Or old AAMC?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile

 

[kalat]

I'm sure this is a nationwide resource, but I registered for Kaplan's sit-in practice MCAT for 9/18. It's geared towards MCAT 2015, but as everyone is saying, since no one knows what it'll be like, it can only be so helpful. I'm taking mine Fall 2015, and plan on taking a sit-in Kaplan practice test before and after I start studying.

Whats more advisable for preparation? Practice Kaplan MCAT 2015? Or old AAMC?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile

I really don't envy people that are going to be some of the first taking the new test. I honestly think most people have no clue how they're going to change it. Maybe some of the prep companies are receiving information from AAMC? The information seems scarce, and I'm interested to see what they do with the current practice tests they are offering. Maybe they will replace them with updated versions? I have no clue. In the meantime, you have to imagine 75% of the information must be the same or similar (considering they're only adding focus to biochemistry and social science), so maybe continuing to use the old tests wouldn't be unreasonable.

 

[FutureDrB]

I really don't envy people that are going to be some of the first taking the new test. I honestly think most people have no clue how they're going to change it. Maybe some of the prep companies are receiving information from AAMC? The information seems scarce, and I'm interested to see what they do with the current practice tests they are offering. Maybe they will replace them with updated versions? I have no clue. In the meantime, you have to imagine 75% of the information must be the same or similar (considering they're only adding focus to biochemistry and social science), so maybe continuing to use the old tests wouldn't be unreasonable.

I doubt the test itself will be that different, other than the addition of the new sections.
I think the biggest difference/challenge/confusion/kawinkeedink will be interpreting the new scores, for both the schools and the test-takers.
This could be a good or bad thing.

 

[mspeedwagon]

I personally feel that the worse you do on a diagnostic the better (to a point... you likely should be getting 7s/8s on each section). My first taken cold Kaplan diagnositc I got a 9/10/4. I thought this was a clear indication I was weak in BS only. Turned out I had false hope. It took me taking Kaplan, re-taking Kaplan and using other sources to study to actually go up from 23. I will confess that my relatively high baseline gave me false confidence.

I encourage you to take AAMC 3 for a true baseline. Had I done that I would have known to buckle down and study hard the first go around, realizing I just got lucky and got tested on things I knew in PS and was helped a lot by Kaplan's verbal curve.

 

[FutureDrB]

I personally feel that the worse you do on a diagnostic the better (to a point... you likely should be getting 7s/8s on each section). My first taken cold Kaplan diagnositc I got a 9/10/4. I thought this was a clear indication I was weak in BS only. Turned out I had false hope. It took me taking Kaplan, re-taking Kaplan and using other sources to study to actually go up from 23. I will confess that my relatively high baseline gave me false confidence.

I encourage you to take AAMC 3 for a true baseline. Had I done that I would have known to buckle down and study hard the first go around, realizing I just got lucky and got tested on things I knew in PS and had was helped a lot by Kaplan's verbal curve.

I'm going to do this next. I know they give you one freebie and then it's $35 a pop.