Mcat

[atruong1011]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi everyone, I'm studying for the Aug. MCAT's right now and my scores are still not improving as much as I would like, so does anyone have any tips on how to study or what to do? It would be a big help! Thanks!!!


by the way, i'm taking the princeton review course right now.

Ann🙄

 

[vinoyp]

Hi,

The Princeton Review material is excellent, although I was not very impressed with the lectures. I spent like 10 hours a day studying for the MCATs over the course of a month. I would start off my day by spending an hour reading various articles from the New York Times, ie articles from the front page, from the arts section, health section, editorial, etc. Then, I would drive to the library with my Princeton Review material, and test my comprehension of the NY Times articles during the drive. At the library, I would read the Science Review book, answering all the questions contained within the chapters, and fully reading the explanations (for any questions I answered, right or wrong). After I finished a section in the science review book, I would answer the corresponding passages in the workbook. I would also devote an hour or two to passages from the verbal review book.

I spent the last week doing Princeton Review and official practice exams. On the official exams, I was scoring pretty close to what I ended up actually scoring (39 S). I think the key to doing well is doing as many passages and answering as many questions as possible. Incidentally, I scored like a 24 on the Princeton Review diagnostic.

That's what worked for me. Hope it helps and good luck with your studies,

--Vinoy

 

[SaltySqueegee]

I too took the PR course.

The books were good, the classes sucked.

Use their schedule that they give to study the material on your own, if you're that kind of person.

Try supplementing your studying with test taking tips from examkrackers verbal/math. (Boosted my VR from an average of 6 to 9; very logical hints and test taking strategies).

Take as many practice tests as possible. Get in the groove of taking an MCAT for 6 hours straight every saturday morning. Make sure to eat the same type of food every saturday morning. Make sure to get in the habit of waking up early every day. Try using a small amount of caffeine (half a redbull) half an hour before the test, and the other half of the redbull during your lunch breaks. The small amount of caffeine will keep you sharp while your insulin levels are high from having consumed food from breakfast and lunch. Don't drink too much water (don't want to have to go pee).

The week before the test:

Saturday: PR test D (it will kick your ass but will show you what details you need to cover. If you're scoring above 20 you're in the right ball park.)
Sunday: PR test C
Monday: PR test B
Tuesday: PR test A
Wednesday: Amcas test 5
Thursday: Amcas test 6

your average scores on 5 and 6 should be pretty indicative of what you will actually score on the MCAT.

In all, from using practice tests and whipping myself with a large chain everyday (studying all week from sun up to sun down). I raised my first MCAT practice test from a 22L to a 32P(actual score).

Be brutal to yourself... because if you don't kick your own ass now, you will never be able to get a high enough score to let the medical schools kick your ass for you...

 

[ATPase]

I bought the Kaplan review book at Barnes and Noble and paid for the AAMC practice tests online. I studied about five hours a day - the first month just reading and reviewing the science material in the Kaplan book. I would read, make notes, memorize the notes, do the problems. I kept these notes with me all the time, i.e. I would quiz myself in the car while driving. But I agree with the above posters - actually working the practice tests is what gets you into the critical-thinking mindset you need to be in. Use your Princeton Review practice tests, definitely do the AAMC practice tests online, but don't get discouraged by your performance on these tests. I found that my score varied considerably on each practice test, although I ended up with a 34 on the actual MCAT. The three days before the test, I did nothing but practice tests, even repeating ones I had taken earlier just to stay in shape. Also, RE the verbal section, I didn't go out of my way to read any newspapers or anything for preparation - I thought my time was better spent going over and over the verbal tests and examples. The more of these verbal questions that you do, the better sense you get of how they ask questions and what answers they want. (I got a 13 on this section. Practice that verbal until you're sick of it!!) Good luck.