Mcat-

[Jonathan13180]

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I thought i would post this here-
For those of you who re-took your MCATS, what/how did you study the second time around? I have not yet applied, and i need to take the test again although i dont really know to go about it. I am planning on doing many practice problems (including verbal passges). Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions? I would greatly appreciate them.

 

[NorCalGirl]

It depends on what your weaknesses are. When I retook the MCAT, I really put a lot more time and effort into studying. I spent about a month studying the material for Bio and Physical Sciences and spent another month doing practice problems -- A TON OF THEM. That was the key for me, actually going through every practice test I could get my hands on. Because my weakness was verbal reasoning, for the two weeks before the test, I did one verbal section (9 passages?) each day and scored myself. My scored improved and I got into med school! So in addition to knowing the science stuff, doing a lot of passages really helps -- not just verbal, but all sections. Good luck! 🙂

 

[JohnBasedow]

When I retook the MCAT, I really put a lot more time and effort into studying.

This is the most important advice. I've seen many people half-study the second time around because they think that they don't have to do as much work since they've seen the stuff before. If you're going to re-take, go all out on it, be consistent in studying in your areas of weaknesses...and make sure you do lots of practice problems.

 

[MoosePilot]

I studies my butt off in a TPR class. Saw a nice improvement. I really think I gave it 100% (at least 99% of maximum effort).

 

[ArcherM2]

April: 22P Bio, Phys, Verb: 8, 7, 7
August: 26Q Bio, Phys, Verb: 10, 6, 10

What did I do? Studied by ass off for physical sciences because I knew that was my weakness and dropped a point. The test is just that random, but I'm sure if you don't depend on any of the prep courses and study dilligently yourself, you will do just fine.

 

[Hoya11]

On the verbal passages go with the obvious answer
its not trying to be deep, the passaages usually have one theme or argument throughout and most of the questions either test that basic idea or are just straight recall.

take tons of practice tests
good luck

 

[Jonathan13180]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I appreciate them.

 

[klp14]

If you plan to study on your own and you're a visual learner, Exam Crackers was helpful for me (went up 3 pts on PS). I'd also like to reiterate the point that doing practice problems - tons of them - helps the most.

 

[KiwiFruit]

This is the most important advice. I've seen many people half-study the second time around because they think that they don't have to do as much work since they've seen the stuff before. If you're going to re-take, go all out on it, be consistent in studying in your areas of weaknesses...and make sure you do lots of practice problems.

I totally agree with this. The second time around, I took a Kaplan prep course and took advantage of having a structured study guide and all the practice materials at the center (you couldn't finish all the materials if you tried!). I basically lived at the center and pushed myself to study a lot more the second time. The good thing about Kaplan is that they assess your strengths and weaknesses (so you know what to work on) and the instructors are always available to help...very supportive staff. It definitely helped to me to have classes and scheduled full-length practice exams that monitored my progress and after 2 months of studying my butt off, I increased to 34Q. Unfortunately, the course was a little costly...but for me it was worth it! Best of luck to you!!

 

[megswinter82]

I took the MCAT this past August (11VR, 8PS, 10BS composite: 29Q). I am debating taking the test again or not in April. I'm applying this time around, but got a late start and have a lowish GPA so I'm planning on having to reapply. My question is, should I retake the MCAT? I used the Kaplan prep course for my first time and can use it again b/c of their higher score guarantee. However, I graduated in December and I don't know if I've learned anything that will help me significantly improve my PS score and to be perfectly honest I'm not sure what I could do differently from last time to imporve my score! Any advice would be great! Thanks!

 

[ElleM]

I took the MCAT this past August (11VR, 8PS, 10BS composite: 29Q). I am debating taking the test again or not in April. I'm applying this time around, but got a late start and have a lowish GPA so I'm planning on having to reapply. My question is, should I retake the MCAT? I used the Kaplan prep course for my first time and can use it again b/c of their higher score guarantee. However, I graduated in December and I don't know if I've learned anything that will help me significantly improve my PS score and to be perfectly honest I'm not sure what I could do differently from last time to imporve my score! Any advice would be great! Thanks!

The first time I took the MCAT my scores were: VR: 10, PS: 7, and BS: 9. I retook in Aug after taking Kaplan and practicing DAILY with the endless supply of PS resources that Kaplan makes available. I raised my score to: VR: 10, PS: 13, BS: 10.....turning your weaknesses into a strength is definitely a possibility if you're willing to put in the extra time. I am a reapplicant-and have been accepted to 3 schools thus far. So my advice is if you dont get in this cycle-just stick with it and kill that PS section the next time around!