Official 7/14/2012 MCAT Thread

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rjosh33

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I haven't seen this date posted yet, but I know I can't be the only one taking it on this day. It's almost exactly two months away, and hopefully everybody's prep is productive so far. I've been doing a lot of practice tests, and, at the advice of others, ordered a quarterly subscription to The Economist to try and help out with Verbal (jury's still out on that one). My target score is going to be tough to reach, and I still have a lot of work to do to get there. We'll see how it goes in about 60 days.

Any other "7/14ers" out there?
 
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I delayed my MCAT twice already because I didn't feel prepared, and now this will be the date when I FINALLY take it. I hope we all do well!
 
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I was wondering when this one would show up in the forums. I was close to making it myself. I gave myself a little extra time since I'm in graduate school/dietetic internship. Studying has gone...ok. Still have quite a bit to accomplish.
 
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Wow can't believe our exam is only ~60 days away!!! I hope all of you guys are making it rain on your practice tests! Lets do this!!!! Are any of you guys planning to submit your primaries early (to have it verified) so you can apply this cycle?
 
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My plan is to apply the next cycle if I understand the process correctly, which I think I do. It's still 2 months away to the day, and I'm already anxious about it.
 
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NiceMustacheBRO said:
Wow can't believe our exam is only ~60 days away!!! I hope all of you guys are making it rain on your practice tests! Lets do this!!!! Are any of you guys planning to submit your primaries early (to have it verified) so you can apply this cycle?
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Yep, that's my plan. My school's on the quarter system, so I'll have to wait until mid-June to submit my primary, but I'll just select the option letting adcoms know I'm planning on taking the MCAT in July. The (few) admissions departments I've talked to say they don't really start going through apps until sometime in August anyway.
 
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rjosh33 said:
Yep, that's my plan. My school's on the quarter system, so I'll have to wait until mid-June to submit my primary, but I'll just select the option letting adcoms know I'm planning on taking the MCAT in July. The (few) admissions departments I've talked to say they don't really start going through apps until sometime in August anyway.
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Thats great! I just rescheduled from may 31st to this date =]
 
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nabilesmail said:
Thats great! I just rescheduled from may 31st to this date =]
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Nice! An extra month and a half of prep can really help.

I should probably clarify my earlier statement though. It's definitely still best to submit your primary as early as possible as it kind of acts like a place holder -- meaning your application gets evaluated before the next guy's. But you can still submit it before taking the MCAT without any penalty. The adcoms simply wait to see how you do on the MCAT before making any final decision. Or at least that's how it was explained to me.
 
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i havent signed up but know this is the lastttt date I can take it. it's now or never for me. i was registered march last year, then again in may. i couldnt do it given all the problems in life so moved it 20 04/28-->05/12 and now finally JULY 14th. last chance to do it. I think if im not ready by this date I will just not apply for medical school. why is the mcat sooo stressful?
 
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You can do it svnangel!!! Just ~2 more months of hard work, dedication and sacrifices!! Are any of you guys using TPR CBT (in addition to AAMC CBT) for practice exams?
 
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I just purchased TBR physic and organic chemistry because I wasn't happy with my practice screes for these sections. I didn't buy the practice tests because in the next 2 months I know I won't be able to make goods use of them, nor do I have that money at the moment. If I had the time and money, I probably would buy them.
 
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Lactobacillus said:
I just purchased TBR physic and organic chemistry because I wasn't happy with my practice screes for these sections. I didn't buy the practice tests because in the next 2 months I know I won't be able to make goods use of them, nor do I have that money at the moment. If I had the time and money, I probably would buy them.
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Yeah, I'm mainly using TBR as well. It's tough, but good practice for the real thing. Some of their passages are pretty brutal, but it's really helped to get me thinking analytically the way the MCAT requires.

You should definitely buy at least one or two of the AAMC practice tests, though, if you haven't already. From what I've read CBTs 11 and 10 are closest to the real thing, so you might want to give those a shot.
 
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NiceMustacheBRO said:
You can do it svnangel!!! Just ~2 more months of hard work, dedication and sacrifices!! Are any of you guys using TPR CBT (in addition to AAMC CBT) for practice exams?
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Yeah, I've done 1 and 2 with 3 and 4 still on the shelf. I felt they were excessively tough, not only in terms of content but also in time required to solve the problems.

I just look at it as some extra practice with little diagnostic capability.
 
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Hi everyone! I'm taking the test on this date too. So far 75% done with content review, hoping to power through the rest of it soon and start full lengths. I'm applying this cycle too like many of you. Let's go 7/14/12 group!
 
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Slow and steady. Nothing too magnificent to report yet. But I'm plugging away.
 
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I've been slowly reviewing examkrackers for the past couple months and just started TBR for OChem and physics per recommendation. I have had a busy past several weeks, so I hope to get in quality study time in June (unlikely).
 
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I've been working some with Barron's, Kaplan, and McGraw Hill material from my school's library. TBR books come tomorrow. Already have EK books but have not kracked them yet. I'm going to do SN2ed study method in double speed. That's the plan anyway. We shall see how it goes.
 
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I have been using course saver (Chad videos) for phyiscs and g chem and I am almost through both of those subjects and going to go through his O chem videos this week.. I have been using the EK 1001 ?'s per subject and am going to start drilling those this week. Verbal seems to be my weakest and I am not sure how I can raise it.. I have been doing EK 101 verbal passages too. Any suggestions?

Also, when do you guys plan on taking practice tests? I was going to start at the end of next week.. then like 3 weeks prior to the test start donig one every other day.. thoughts?
 
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jcarlier2113 said:
I have been using course saver (Chad videos) for phyiscs and g chem and I am almost through both of those subjects and going to go through his O chem videos this week.. I have been using the EK 1001 ?'s per subject and am going to start drilling those this week. Verbal seems to be my weakest and I am not sure how I can raise it.. I have been doing EK 101 verbal passages too. Any suggestions?

Also, when do you guys plan on taking practice tests? I was going to start at the end of next week.. then like 3 weeks prior to the test start donig one every other day.. thoughts?
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I took the free one a few weeks ago just to see where I was at and what the exam was like. I don't suggest taking them until you feel comfortable with what you've studied. I was planning on taking one per weekend until the 14th. I guess it's been sneaking up on me.
 
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So what are you guys doing?
I'm about to finish phase 3 of SDN schedule, I'm gonna do the entire TPR workbook science, as well as take 8 GS tests. Then I'm going to do my final 4 aamc 2 weeks before =]
 
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Lactobacillus said:
I took the free one a few weeks ago just to see where I was at and what the exam was like. I don't suggest taking them until you feel comfortable with what you've studied. I was planning on taking one per weekend until the 14th. I guess it's been sneaking up on me.
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I took it twice 2 years ago and didn't score as well as I had intended... so I am aware of what the test is like.. I waited a year in between and did an accelerated biomedical masters program in 9 months.. So this is the last time I am going to take this damn test and I wanna make sure I score what I need to..

I have 3 GS (1,2,3) and 3 AAMC exams (3,4,5).. what other AAMC ones should i buy?
 
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jcarlier2113 said:
I took it twice 2 years ago and didn't score as well as I had intended... so I am aware of what the test is like.. I waited a year in between and did an accelerated biomedical masters program in 9 months.. So this is the last time I am going to take this damn test and I wanna make sure I score what I need to..

I have 3 GS (1,2,3) and 3 AAMC exams (3,4,5).. what other AAMC ones should i buy?
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I've read many times in these forums that 11 is the most MCAT-like one followed by 10. I don't have much of a budget (or time), as I am in a master's/non-paid dietetic internship program right now.
 
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Lactobacillus said:
I've read many times in these forums that 11 is the most MCAT-like one followed by 10. I don't have much of a budget (or time), as I am in a master's/non-paid dietetic internship program right now.
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Yeah I understand where you are coming from.. what are you using to study with?
 
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jcarlier2113 said:
Yeah I understand where you are coming from.. what are you using to study with?
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I'm borrowing examkrackers from a friend (2007 edition). I just bought TBR orgo and physics, as they are my weakest areas material-wise. Not that great at VR either though...just hoping to get in enough study time before the exam. I work 40 hours a week for my internship with case studies, couple grad classes, weekend part-time job(10 hours), and studying for the mcat when I have time.
 
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Hey everyone, re-taker here. Didn't take any AAMCs before my first MCAT, so I am going to go with those FL's as my practice for this one.

Still have to finish up ochem for content review, but I took AAMC 3 and got a 29 (10 PS, 9 VR, 10 BS). I think I can improve BS a point or two, but I seem to struggle with Gen Chem still. Anyone else in the same boat?
 
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What are you using to study Gen Chem? I'm using TPR (and my old class notes) and I'm finding it quite helpful to brush up on my weak spots.
 
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Been blowing through Exam Krackers since May 1, anyone else using them? Im hitting around a 9-10 on their verbal reasoning section, seems like some of the questions are so convoluted.
 
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I'm taking the 7/14 as well. I've been following S2ned's 3 month plan. The first month didn't feel too good, but I'm starting to really get into the groove. I just started my chemical engineering internship and all I can think about is the MCAT all day. Go to work for 8 hrs then come home and study for 6. Yeeehawww
 
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I was wondering when this one would show up in the forums.
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Verbal is so frustrating! I've been using EK verbal 101, w/ an average of 8-9 per section. Took EK verbal test 14 today and got a 6! Missed 5/6 questions on the last passage 🙁. Anyone else using EK verbal?
 
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NiceMustacheBRO said:
Verbal is so frustrating! I've been using EK verbal 101, w/ an average of 8-9 per section. Took EK verbal test 14 today and got a 6! Missed 5/6 questions on the last passage 🙁. Anyone else using EK verbal?
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I was using it for a couple weeks. I should probably throw it back in my study cycle. My scores have been pretty low as well in that 6-8 range, and I'd like to get a 10 minimum on everything. I assume it just takes diligence while reading the passage and lots of practice analyzing mundane information. I keep hearing it's a good practice book for VR.
 
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Lactobacillus said:
I was using it for a couple weeks. I should probably throw it back in my study cycle. My scores have been pretty low as well in that 6-8 range, and I'd like to get a 10 minimum on everything. I assume it just takes diligence while reading the passage and lots of practice analyzing mundane information. I keep hearing it's a good practice book for VR.
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I am in the same boat... for some reason I just suck at VR lol 6-8 is my average and I am hoping for a 9-10 the day of...
 
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jcarlier2113 said:
I am in the same boat... for some reason I just suck at VR lol 6-8 is my average and I am hoping for a 9-10 the day of...
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I am fairly certain it's d/t my reading comprehension. That's not to say I am bad at reading (I'm an avid reader when I have the time), I just have a bad habit of spacing out and not caring about mundane material; I'm getting better at consciously thinking about it.
 
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I have a background in the social sciences which required that I do a ton of reading and writing. I think because of this, I am scoring well on the verbal but not nearly so on the PS section. But I am using the EK 101 for verbal and everything seems to be going well so far, but I've barely started on it. Got a 12 on the first section.
 
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Lactobacillus said:
I am fairly certain it's d/t my reading comprehension. That's not to say I am bad at reading (I'm an avid reader when I have the time), I just have a bad habit of spacing out and not caring about mundane material; I'm getting better at consciously thinking about it.
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Might be it. Got a 9 on the 1H practice exam in VR, probably could have gotten an 11 if I hadn't totally spaced on one passage, missed every question in it.
 
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Hey everyone! I hope you all are ready for the big day! I'm kind of in a dilemma though- the test day is full. I'm disappointed in myself for not registering sooner, but I was caught up in the studying and Kaplan and reviewing and I didn't realize it would be such a big deal, even a month in advance. The closest test center for the July 14th date is about 500 miles away. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I should do? I've heard that test centers will randomly open up between now and then, but that's not really helping to ease the inevitable panic attacks... I'd appreciate some advice, thank you 🙂

Also, if anyone is thinking of canceling their spot or changing dates, please do let me know! It would be much appreciated.
 
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sakjo said:
Hey everyone! I hope you all are ready for the big day! I'm kind of in a dilemma though- the test day is full. I'm disappointed in myself for not registering sooner, but I was caught up in the studying and Kaplan and reviewing and I didn't realize it would be such a big deal, even a month in advance. The closest test center for the July 14th date is about 500 miles away. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I should do? I've heard that test centers will randomly open up between now and then, but that's not really helping to ease the inevitable panic attacks... I'd appreciate some advice, thank you 🙂

Also, if anyone is thinking of canceling their spot or changing dates, please do let me know! It would be much appreciated.
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I would go ahead and sign up for the next available date at your testing center, then keep an eye out for spots opening up on the 14th and cough up any fee's that might incur as a result of a re-schedule.
 
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Thank you for your help! Actually, at about 2 in the morning a spot opened up so I'm set! It's still a 3 hour drive, but at least it's in the same state. Again, thanks!
 
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Took AAMC 5 today...10PS / 11VR / 9BS

I thought the Ochem in BS was manageable, but man, I just thought some of those Bio passages were vague and weird and...I dunno. still happy to get my first 30+ though...
 
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farnell said:
Took AAMC 5 today...10PS / 11VR / 9BS

I thought the Ochem in BS was manageable, but man, I just thought some of those Bio passages were vague and weird and...I dunno. still happy to get my first 30+ though...
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nice farnell! that 11 in verbal looks so friggn nice dude. I took AAMC 5 a couple weeks ago... 11PS/ 7VR/ 12BS. I wish I could get that 11 in verbal lol! For those of you using TBR, how are you guys doing on the passages on average? I haven't started the TBR PS passages yet (I just finished the TPRH workbook), but I've been getting anywhere from 68-75% on my biology TBR sets.
 
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NiceMustacheBRO said:
nice farnell! that 11 in verbal looks so friggn nice dude. I took AAMC 5 a couple weeks ago... 11PS/ 7VR/ 12BS. I wish I could get that 11 in verbal lol! For those of you using TBR, how are you guys doing on the passages on average? I haven't started the TBR PS passages yet (I just finished the TPRH workbook), but I've been getting anywhere from 68-75% on my biology TBR sets.
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Don't get discouraged...I am a retaker and got a 6 on VR the first time...Lately I've been hitting 11's though. One question away from a 12 on one of those as well.
 
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farnell said:
Don't get discouraged...I am a retaker and got a 6 on VR the first time...Lately I've been hitting 11's though. One question away from a 12 on one of those as well.
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Wow, what a jump! Can I ask what you may be doing differently this time around? I feel like my main problem is w/ comprehension. If I understand the passage, I'll get around 0-1 wrong. However, if it's like a dense and weird passage, I tend to miss way more.
 
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NiceMustacheBRO said:
Wow, what a jump! Can I ask what you may be doing differently this time around? I feel like my main problem is w/ comprehension. If I understand the passage, I'll get around 0-1 wrong. However, if it's like a dense and weird passage, I tend to miss way more.
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Honestly, I just changed the way I've been reading the passages...you don't need to understand what every single sentence means - like you said, if you understand the point of the passage you can get pretty much every question right. At the end of each paragraph, I summarize in my head what the "point" of that paragraph is, and then at the end i ask myself (literally) "why did the author write this?" The only time I don't do this is when I get a natural sciences passage, for those I try to understand every detail because questions can be specific.

On a related note, I very rarely go back to read the passage while trying to answer a question. I think sometimes you can have an idea what the right answer is, but going back to the passage can really distract you from choosing the right answer. I predict what I think the answer will be in my head and then just go with my gut in picking the answer closest to that.

Lastly, if I don't know the answer after 30 or so seconds of thought, I pick one and move on. If you don't know the answer after 30 seconds of thought, you probably wont know it after 2 minutes. Last year I was always tight on time and it was because I spent too much time on the questions i was unsure of.

I've seen these strategies posted a bunch of bunch of times, but it wasn't until I actively started trying them that my scores improved...hope some of this helps
 
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Hey everyone, how's the studying going thus far? Anyone starting to take some practice tests yet? I was wondering what order I should take mine in: I have Kaplan 3-11 and AAMC 3-11.
I was thinking about taking a mixed approach, AAMC 3/Kaplan 3 then AAMC4/Kaplan 4 etc. Any thoughts?
 
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So far I am making 10/8/10 . Reallistically how much more improvement should I expect? Trying to bump it up to 12/10/12 in 1 month
 
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