Let me do a bit of clarifying about my first post.
First of all, this was my first time ever viewing an MCAT question. I do not yet own an MCAT study book and have not yet looked through my old textbooks to begin studying. I plan to do most of this after my full "paper" version which is in two weeks (25th).
Secondly, I believe that the online test was fairly difficult in one particular aspect: concentration. Try staring at a computer screen and reading tiny print (I estimate it to be 10 point type or less) for nearly 5 hours straight, then try to answer questions based on it. I believe that if given a sheet of paper, I would most certainly be able to relax more. Also, it would be easier to read the passages and I would be able to cirle important aspects of the reading.
Finally, there was absolutely no place available where I could access this online test where there was not some kind of disturbance. No matter where, in my room or in the school's computer lab, something is going on.
True, I have alreday finished biology. I have found that half-way through my Microbiology course, that a great deal of early Biology is being supplemented with practical knowledge of drugs and bacteria. The one section of this part which I really messed up on was a full passage on the kidneys and pH and things like that. I cannot help but think that maybe a full year of Physiology (next year) will help me with this section....quite possibly the Biochemistry scheduled for next year as well.
Organic Chemistry is not a particularly favorite course of mine, but I find that much of what I did not know on the MCAT (questions I got wrong) were merely things which I have alredy learned, but have not yet reviewed.
As for Physics, I took an introductory Physics course my first semester (a completely useless class where the major focus was on optics) and got an A+. I am now changing my major, so I must retake a full year course in Physics. Not suprisingly, much of what I got wrong in the Physics portion of the exam were things I have never been exposed to.
I thank those of you who gave me a positive response, and to those of you who do not seem to believe in me, well...that's fine too.
I am planning on conentrating on this exam for at least 8 months. I have old MCAT study books from 3 friends, all of whom are in Medical School now (2 Osteo, 1 Allo) and also from another friend who is a year ahead of me and applying to Osteo.
And as for being a hot****, or whatever. I was in no way bragging, because I know the scores are low. I was merely stating that I fully exected to get straight 5's, and the fact that I did even slightly better than expected, I was pleased. I think 18 is a decent score to start from, considering my current position. I know when the time comes, I will be confident and relaxed, being that I have had nearly a full year to prepare.
One last thing, when I become a physician (yes WHEN, not IF), I fully intend to encourage the younger people who are in my situation now. I believe that being a physician in a responsibility which goes far beyond taking care of people. I believe that with the position comes a duty to encourage others to strive for better health and well-being of our fellow man, which entails encouraging younger people to receive an education which puts them in a place to provide much needed medical care. If not, why are any of you in this field?
Thank you for reading.
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Josh Hazelton
[email protected]
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
"D.O. Wannabe"