Need help/tips/guidance on how to prep for the new MCAT

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anyone here could give me some info/tips/guidance on how to prep for the new MCAT? What courses/materials you would recommend to prep for the exam? Thanks.

 

[baxt1412]

I'm confused.... are you pre-med or pre-pharm...? or accepted pharm?

 

[oldstock]

I'm confused.... are you pre-med or pre-pharm...? or accepted pharm?

lol 🙂

I did not change my SDN status when I got accepted to pharmacy.

Anyway, I would like to apply to med schools now and hence, my questions on how to prep for the new MCAT.
I have found little info, except the AAMC's website + Khan's academy...

I do not know if Kaplan or Exam Kracker or others have come out with their prep materials for the new test yet... Even then, I would like to see a consensus on which ones are the best and how people are prepping on this test...

if you have any idea, please help. Thanks again.

 

[Maverick626]

If you feel you need a prep program than use it. I know a lot of people who went to the free 30 day MCAT prep guide and just continually repeated that for about 3 months and did well. That was however for the "old" test and I'm not sure if there is a new one up yet or not. I myself used Kaplan and couldn't have been happier with the outcome. I did have to take it twice but after my first test I contacted my Kaplan instructor, he met with me and asked some questions, then outlined some of the crucial mistakes I made prepping for the test in the days leading up. After making the corrections he suggested Eureka!!!!! So yeah, I used Kaplan and loved it! I would just shop around and find the program that fits best for you and your study/prep type. I.e. online, in-person, hybrid, etc. Best of luck!

 

[oldstock]

If you feel you need a prep program than use it. I know a lot of people who went to the free 30 day MCAT prep guide and just continually repeated that for about 3 months and did well. That was however for the "old" test and I'm not sure if there is a new one up yet or not. I myself used Kaplan and couldn't have been happier with the outcome. I did have to take it twice but after my first test I contacted my Kaplan instructor, he met with me and asked some questions, then outlined some of the crucial mistakes I made prepping for the test in the days leading up. After making the corrections he suggested Eureka!!!!! So yeah, I used Kaplan and loved it! I would just shop around and find the program that fits best for you and your study/prep type. I.e. online, in-person, hybrid, etc. Best of luck!

if you don't mind, could you please tell me where I can get the free 30 day MCAT prep guide? Also which Kaplan course did you use (online, in-person, or hybrid)? And if you could share your stats or MCAT scores and how big the improvement on the 2nd take... I know it is a lot to ask, but if you can, please. 🙂

 

[PlaqueBuster]

The material hasn't really changed. You can still review old test material. Just add a psychology, sociology and biochemistry prep book from Kaplan or Princeton Review. I recommend getting the examkrakers bundle as I found those books to be very helpful and the 101 verbal passages should be good practice. Other than that there really isnt much out there atm. Before you take your exam take a AAMC practice test and I think they will only have 1 practice test released for next year.

 

[Maverick626]

if you don't mind, could you please tell me where I can get the free 30 day MCAT prep guide? Also which Kaplan course did you use (online, in-person, or hybrid)? And if you could share your stats or MCAT scores and how big the improvement on the 2nd take... I know it is a lot to ask, but if you can, please. 🙂

I don't mind at all. I just did a quick google search and didn't check the validity or age of these so you might need to dig a bit deeper:

here's a 3 month, I know there's also some 30 day crazy intense one's out there: http://www.studentdoctor.net/3-month-mcat-study-schedule/

I did the Kaplan in person course. I learn best that way. I'm pretty old school when it comes to lecture. I thrive on it. Just the way I'm built.

My MCAT practice exams, both Kaplan and AAMC, all scored around a 33-35.
My first actual MCAT scored a 25 (tank!)
My second and current MCAT was a 31.
To make excuses it really should have been a 33. I made a timing mistake that prevented me from answering about 10 questions which were on redox and I knew that subject backwards and forwards. However timing is part of the MCAT. Had I not made that mistake... well, yeah.

GPAc: 3.8
GPAs: 3.6

Anyway the bottom line is it all came down to the way I studied and prepared, especially in the days leading up to the exam. Best of luck!

 

[oldstock]

The material hasn't really changed. You can still review old test material. Just add a psychology, sociology and biochemistry prep book from Kaplan or Princeton Review. I recommend getting the examkrakers bundle as I found those books to be very helpful and the 101 verbal passages should be good practice. Other than that there really isnt much out there atm. Before you take your exam take a AAMC practice test and I think they will only have 1 practice test released for next year.

thanks very much for the info. So should I take the exam as soon as possible or I should wait for a couple test dates when many people already take it to see how it is going like ?? I have still the end of summer to take it and I would like to start my application for med schools next summer (2015).

 

[PlaqueBuster]

thanks very much for the info. So should I take the exam as soon as possible or I should wait for a couple test dates when many people already take it to see how it is going like ?? I have still the end of summer to take it and I would like to start my application for med schools next summer (2015).

You can only take it from April to September or soemthing. look on AAMC website. they have very few dates for the first year of this exam (2015). Also, scores come out 60 days after the test so don't wait for anyone to report anything. Sign up in May. Submit primary app in June first week. Wait for secondaries and you should have your score back in July.

Make sure you are also volunteer/shadow and get involved with medicine int he meanwhile rather than just studying. The first thing you will asked is why did you change from pharm to medicine and you need to back this up with evidence.

 

[oldstock]

I don't mind at all. I just did a quick google search and didn't check the validity or age of these so you might need to dig a bit deeper:

here's a 3 month, I know there's also some 30 day crazy intense one's out there: http://www.studentdoctor.net/3-month-mcat-study-schedule/

I did the Kaplan in person course. I learn best that way. I'm pretty old school when it comes to lecture. I thrive on it. Just the way I'm built.

My MCAT practice exams, both Kaplan and AAMC, all scored around a 33-35.
My first actual MCAT scored a 25 (tank!)
My second and current MCAT was a 31.
To make excuses it really should have been a 33. I made a timing mistake that prevented me from answering about 10 questions which were on redox and I knew that subject backwards and forwards. However timing is part of the MCAT. Had I not made that mistake... well, yeah.

GPAc: 3.8
GPAs: 3.6

Anyway the bottom line is it all came down to the way I studied and prepared, especially in the days leading up to the exam. Best of luck!

you hard work paid off indeed. Congratulation !!

Thanks very much again for the info !! Did you get accepted to MD schools as well as I think your stats are very good (I assume you went for DO as this thread is in DO forum).

 

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You can only take it from April to September or soemthing. look on AAMC website. they have very few dates for the first year of this exam (2015). Also, scores come out 60 days after the test so don't wait for anyone to report anything. Sign up in May. Submit primary app in June first week. Wait for secondaries and you should have your score back in July.

Make sure you are also volunteer/shadow and get involved with medicine int he meanwhile rather than just studying. The first thing you will asked is why did you change from pharm to medicine and you need to back this up with evidence.

So it looks like it is going very intense for me to prep for the exam as I only have 3-4 months. I might take @Maverick626 's advice and spend a little on Kaplan's one-on-one tutoring.

I do have very old Exam Kracker's books and CDs from 2005-2006 from a friend. Are those materials too old ??

Thanks !!

 

[AM508]

I would presume that Kaplan would have a class for the new MCAT, however, I have not checked.

I also took a Kaplan in-person class. I thought the class was quite helpful. Some of their strategies worked well for me, others, like the full passage mapping strategy, I did not use because it seemed to use more time than necessary. I would suggest, however, if you do a Kaplan class that you do NOT rely solely on Kaplan's full length exams. I found the best strategy for me was to do some of the AAMC exams and some of the Kaplan exams. I averaged 31 (range 29-33) on AAMC and 33 on Kaplan (range 30-35), and got a 31 on the real thing. I did 5 AAMC and 5 Kaplan full lengths in total.

 

[oldstock]

I would presume that Kaplan would have a class for the new MCAT, however, I have not checked.

I also took a Kaplan in-person class. I thought the class was quite helpful. Some of their strategies worked well for me, others, like the full passage mapping strategy, I did not use because it seemed to use more time than necessary. I would suggest, however, if you do a Kaplan class that you do NOT rely solely on Kaplan's full length exams. I found the best strategy for me was to do some of the AAMC exams and some of the Kaplan exams. I averaged 31 (range 29-33) on AAMC and 33 on Kaplan (range 30-35), and got a 31 on the real thing. I did 5 AAMC and 5 Kaplan full lengths in total.

very helpful information !! Thanks !!

 

[PlaqueBuster]

So it looks like it is going very intense for me to prep for the exam as I only have 3-4 months. I might take @Maverick626 's advice and spend a little on Kaplan's one-on-one tutoring.

I do have very old Exam Kracker's books and CDs from 2005-2006 from a friend. Are those materials too old ??

Thanks !!

way too old because i think the test changed in 2007 to computer version and was made shorter. Now it became longer with more material. See if you can order exam krackers bundle. Ask that as a christmas present. https://www.examkrackers.com/store/product_details.aspx?p=179 its $275 and it seems to be updated for new mcat. Kaplan courses are hella expensive especailly if you want tutoring. I suggest you look at the SN2 study plan on this forum and follow it. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/breaking-down-the-mcat-a-3-month-mcat-study-schedule.623898/
Just change it for the new mcat

 

[PlaqueBuster]

If you only spend the next 4 months doing mcat studying, shadowing and volunteering once per week you will have plenty of time.

 

[oldstock]

way too old because i think the test changed in 2007 to computer version and was made shorter. Now it became longer with more material. See if you can order exam krackers bundle. Ask that as a christmas present. https://www.examkrackers.com/store/product_details.aspx?p=179 its $275 and it seems to be updated for new mcat. Kaplan courses are hella expensive especailly if you want tutoring. I suggest you look at the SN2 study plan on this forum and follow it. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/breaking-down-the-mcat-a-3-month-mcat-study-schedule.623898/
Just change it for the new mcat

I might have to oder the exam kracker bundle this Xmas as present for myself indeed... I would start it for a couple weeks and might add Kaplan's course in later. I do not know how expensive they are though... Could you give me some ideas ??

If you only spend the next 4 months doing mcat studying, shadowing and volunteering once per week you will have plenty of time.

definitely. My intended schedule is study 8 hours a day from 6 am to 2 pm then might work a bit part-time (20 hours or less) and shadowing/volunteering on weekend. Is that schedule possible ??

Also, I heard about many having "clinical hours". What are they and how am I going to get those hours ??

A lot of help here. Thanks again 🙂

 

[Maverick626]

So it looks like it is going very intense for me to prep for the exam as I only have 3-4 months. I might take @Maverick626 's advice and spend a little on Kaplan's one-on-one tutoring.

I do have very old Exam Kracker's books and CDs from 2005-2006 from a friend. Are those materials too old ??

Thanks !!

Unfortunately the exam cracker material you have is outdated. Considering this is a new test they have also changed some, not all but some, of the old material as well as adding new material to be tested on. I would look for the most up to date material. The AAMC's website lists the test dates available so get on and find one that works for you! Keep in mind more will come available later in 2015 but I would recommend getting it done sooner rather than later especially since you want your scores released to schools by June/July when the start reviewing your primary application and you will want time to factor in a possible retake! Plan for the worst man! It only takes 30 days to get your results, NOT 60. Also that 30 days is just about like clockwork so don't expect them any sooner and plan on that 30 days for the scores to be released to schools.

Yes, I was accepted at both MD and DO schools with those scores. I chose DO. It is something I believe in and have seen work more than just regularly or effectively. The MD schools were basically my "back-up" schools.

Lastly, 3-4 months is enough time to prep the MCAT and is in fact how long some if not most of the Kaplan and other prep courses run for. That being said I will now quote Star Wars: "DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE!" The MCAT in this instance is the Dark Side. It is a nasty, hateful, bear, mind-frell of a test that will not hesitate to take you down if you do not give it the respect it is due. I know to my core that with enough prep I could have gotten that score into the high 30's but timing is a tricky thing man. You study for 6 months and you won't necessarily be as "ready" for that test as you would at 3 months of study with EVERY topic fresh in your head. You need to sit down, evaluate yourself and your study habits honestly, evaluate your testing strategy honestly, then go from there with your plan. You need a study schedule and you need to STICK TO IT! MCAT every single day! Your rest days will still consist of flash cards!!! Take it serious and it will go your way, underestimate the Dark Side and you'll get bit like Luke when dear old Dad said frell your insolence and chopped off his hand! If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask or re-ask if I didn't answer something!

Best Regards!

 

[PlaqueBuster]

I might have to oder the exam kracker bundle this Xmas as present for myself indeed... I would start it for a couple weeks and might add Kaplan's course in later. I do not know how expensive they are though... Could you give me some ideas ??



definitely. My intended schedule is study 8 hours a day from 6 am to 2 pm then might work a bit part-time (20 hours or less) and shadowing/volunteering on weekend. Is that schedule possible ??

Also, I heard about many having "clinical hours". What are they and how am I going to get those hours ??

A lot of help here. Thanks again 🙂

Kaplan private tutoring $3,500, course $2,000. You can check their website. http://www.kaptest.com/mcat

That schedule is possible. I dont think you can shadow on weekend unless you find a doctor that works and can allow you. I recommend shadowing a DO so that you can get a letter of recommendation from them. Honestly 6 hours a day is enough for mcat prep. I feel like you should know the basics if you went to pharm.

clinical hours are time spend shadowing/volunteering/or other medical related activity.

 

[AM508]

Also, you should schedule 1 day per week or at bare minimum 1/2 day where you do not do anything MCAT related. Its a good way to maintain a little balance in life.

 

[PlaqueBuster]

Unfortunately the exam cracker material you have is outdated. Considering this is a new test they have also changed some, not all but some, of the old material as well as adding new material to be tested on. I would look for the most up to date material. The AAMC's website lists the test dates available so get on and find one that works for you! Keep in mind more will come available later in 2015 but I would recommend getting it done sooner rather than later especially since you want your scores released to schools by June/July when the start reviewing your primary application and you will want time to factor in a possible retake! Plan for the worst man! It only takes 30 days to get your results, NOT 60. Also that 30 days is just about like clockwork so don't expect them any sooner and plan on that 30 days for the scores to be released to schools.

Yes, I was accepted at both MD and DO schools with those scores. I chose DO. It is something I believe in and have seen work more than just regularly or effectively. The MD schools were basically my "back-up" schools.

Lastly, 3-4 months is enough time to prep the MCAT and is in fact how long some if not most of the Kaplan and other prep courses run for. That being said I will now quote Star Wars: "DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE!" The MCAT in this instance is the Dark Side. It is a nasty, hateful, bear, mind-frell of a test that will not hesitate to take you down if you do not give it the respect it is due. I know to my core that with enough prep I could have gotten that score into the high 30's but timing is a tricky thing man. You study for 6 months and you won't necessarily be as "ready" for that test as you would at 3 months of study with EVERY topic fresh in your head. You need to sit down, evaluate yourself and your study habits honestly, evaluate your testing strategy honestly, then go from there with your plan. You need a study schedule and you need to STICK TO IT! MCAT every single day! Your rest days will still consist of flash cards!!! Take it serious and it will go your way, underestimate the Dark Side and you'll get bit like Luke when dear old Dad said frell your insolence and chopped off his hand! If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask or re-ask if I didn't answer something!

Best Regards!

https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/faqs/
if u take the exam in april and may then its gonna take longer than 30 days for score results but it will be released before amcas application submissions so maybe not 60 days but count on 40 days atleast

 

[baxt1412]

I really liked chad's videos @ www.coursesaver.com for the science topics. well worth the money

 

[oldstock]

Unfortunately the exam cracker material you have is outdated. Considering this is a new test they have also changed some, not all but some, of the old material as well as adding new material to be tested on. I would look for the most up to date material. The AAMC's website lists the test dates available so get on and find one that works for you! Keep in mind more will come available later in 2015 but I would recommend getting it done sooner rather than later especially since you want your scores released to schools by June/July when the start reviewing your primary application and you will want time to factor in a possible retake! Plan for the worst man! It only takes 30 days to get your results, NOT 60. Also that 30 days is just about like clockwork so don't expect them any sooner and plan on that 30 days for the scores to be released to schools.

Yes, I was accepted at both MD and DO schools with those scores. I chose DO. It is something I believe in and have seen work more than just regularly or effectively. The MD schools were basically my "back-up" schools.

Lastly, 3-4 months is enough time to prep the MCAT and is in fact how long some if not most of the Kaplan and other prep courses run for. That being said I will now quote Star Wars: "DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE!" The MCAT in this instance is the Dark Side. It is a nasty, hateful, bear, mind-frell of a test that will not hesitate to take you down if you do not give it the respect it is due. I know to my core that with enough prep I could have gotten that score into the high 30's but timing is a tricky thing man. You study for 6 months and you won't necessarily be as "ready" for that test as you would at 3 months of study with EVERY topic fresh in your head. You need to sit down, evaluate yourself and your study habits honestly, evaluate your testing strategy honestly, then go from there with your plan. You need a study schedule and you need to STICK TO IT! MCAT every single day! Your rest days will still consist of flash cards!!! Take it serious and it will go your way, underestimate the Dark Side and you'll get bit like Luke when dear old Dad said frell your insolence and chopped off his hand! If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask or re-ask if I didn't answer something!

Best Regards!

I am going to sit down today to read those links you guys suggested above and learn a bit more about the topics and test schedule on the MCAT. Then order the Exam Kracker Bundle. Then devise a study schedule.

I will def have more questions later for you. If this post is old, would you mind if I PM you for questions ??

Thanks again for all the advice and info !! 👍👍

 

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Kaplan private tutoring $3,500, course $2,000. You can check their website. http://www.kaptest.com/mcat

That schedule is possible. I dont think you can shadow on weekend unless you find a doctor that works and can allow you. I recommend shadowing a DO so that you can get a letter of recommendation from them. Honestly 6 hours a day is enough for mcat prep. I feel like you should know the basics if you went to pharm.

clinical hours are time spend shadowing/volunteering/or other medical related activity.

yeah, Kaplan's might be a little expensive but I have to go all out to ensure a good score... I just have to find the money first 🙂

I might shadow both MD and DO. I am prob going to apply to both schools. Thanks again !! 👍👍

Also, you should schedule 1 day per week or at bare minimum 1/2 day where you do not do anything MCAT related. Its a good way to maintain a little balance in life.

https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/faqs/
if u take the exam in april and may then its gonna take longer than 30 days for score results but it will be released before amcas application submissions so maybe not 60 days but count on 40 days atleast

I really liked chad's videos @ www.coursesaver.com for the science topics. well worth the money

good info !! Thanks !! 👍👍

 

[Maverick626]

PM away and best of luck!

 

[oldstock]

PM away and best of luck!

👍👍 !!