Official 7/14/2012 MCAT Thread

[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?

 

[Barley426]

First time I saw this, I have registered for this date. I've been practicing quite a bit. I'm a graduate student so I wanted to start early since I don't always have consistant time to study, I managed to get in more study time than I thought I would.

I finished EK review late april and my 30min exam averages were (in chronological order) O-10 P-11.6 G-11.8 B-13.1 took my first FL shortly thereafter. Here's my scores so far.

KFL1 4/28/12 11 12 12 35
KFL2 5/5/12 10 11 15 36
KFL3 5/12/12 12 9 13 34
KFL4 5/19/12 12 11 11 34
AAMC 3 5/26/12 10 8 14 32
AAMC 4 6/2/12 12 10 13 35
AAMC 5 6/9/12 10 11 12 33
AAMC 7 6/16/12. 13 9 14 36
AAMC 8 6/24/12 13 13 12 38
AAMC 9 6/30/12 13 10 12 35
AAMC 10 7/7/12 13 11 13 37
AAMC11 7/11/12 11 11 13 35

KFL=kaplan full length, AAMC = duh.

Currently trying to stay sharp and to do as much practice verbal as I can stand.

Good luck everyone!

 

[theiintig]

I'm so glad I FINALLY found this thread. Couple of months ago, it appeared like I was the only one doing it on the 14th!
Anyhow, how's the prep going with only 26 days left or so?

 

[farnell]

Just took aamc 10.

Aamc 3 10ps/9vr/10bs
Aamc 5 10 ps/11vr/9bs
Aamc 10 11ps/11vr/9bs

Guess I need to hit bio and Ochem a little harder

 

[pure skill]

Well, you were consistent. I've still got to finish Ochem and Bio and review physical science.

I took FL #9 last night:

10 PS/11 VR/10 BS = 31

I previously took FL #3 back in April:

11 PS/8 VR/9 BS = 28

Hopefully reviewing PS, finishing BS, and doing a little more VR practice will do it for me.

 

[Lactobacillus]

Well, you were consistent. I've still got to finish Ochem and Bio and review physical science.

I took FL #9 last night:

10 PS/11 VR/10 BS = 31

I previously took FL #3 back in April:

11 PS/8 VR/9 BS = 28

Hopefully reviewing PS, finishing BS, and doing a little more VR practice will do it for me.

What has helped you most for VR? It's the one section I've struggled with most on a consistent basis, so it'll be my focus for the next few weeks. I have heard just keep doing practice problems from EK etc.

 

[pure skill]

This won't be much help I'm afraid, but all I did was read over all the questions from FL #3 (right and wrong) and read the first chapter of EK's VR book and do the first 30 minute exam. In all seriousness, that is all the VR practice I did in those 2 months. Here's why I think I improved:

I scored an 8 on both FL #3 and the EK 30 minute exam. That was pretty bad. So I went back through all of my answers and began to see just what they were looking for. Before I thought of the VR section as much more interpretative. It seemed to me like you were supposed to read deeply into the author's feelings, motives, etc. After reading the solutions, it actually seemed like most of the questions had concrete answers that you could find in the passage or otherwise you could find the opposite fact or sentiment and rule a solution out. I also learned to disregard what was not even hinted at in the passage. It seems completely off the wall to you, the problem is not that you aren't thinking deeply enough. The problem is that it's the wrong answer choice. Like EK says, if you can narrow it down to 50/50, you're doing alright. I still need much more work though, especially on the scientific VR passages. Those seem much harder than the other types.

 

[BurntFlower]

I know this isn't a constructive post in the slightest, but I'm starting to panic big time.

 

[Lactobacillus]

I know this isn't a constructive post in the slightest, but I'm starting to panic big time.

It's reasonable to be anxious but there is no reason to panic. The only reason to panic would be s/p taking the exam. If you did really poor on it or just not well enough for what YOU need, it would be more-so a problem than a reason to panic. Don't worry about it before the exam, just after if you see a score that isn't close enough to what you need.

Have you taken any AAMC practice exams?

 

[farnell]

What has helped you most for VR? It's the one section I've struggled with most on a consistent basis, so it'll be my focus for the next few weeks. I have heard just keep doing practice problems from EK etc.

Take this as advice as you want, I'm sure a lot of people would advise against this but this is what has been working for me (I scored a 6 on my first actual Mcat verbal, now I'm consistently getting 11's). For the more abstract and difficult passages, don't read super critically - Instead just try to figure out what the authors point is. When you read answer choices, dont think about it too much - if you only read choice a but a seems like a pretty good bet, choose it and move on.

I would try to just keep the reading light and not think about it too much. Sometimes stupid details that you pick up on can throw your answers off. Just make sure to always know what the authors message is. It may seem a bit unorthodox but if you are really struggling it may be worth a try.

 

[FirstAndFinal]

I know this isn't a constructive post in the slightest, but I'm starting to panic big time.

hahaha yep, I can relate to this. I have random spikes of panic. Sometimes I'm focused and chugging through the material and then I'll randomly realize how little time there is left until the exam and how much needs to be done for the MCAT and for the application process in general, bingo: panic! I then try to take my mind off it, it comes and goes in waves. I hope you're no longer panicking.

 

[BurntFlower]

It's reasonable to be anxious but there is no reason to panic. The only reason to panic would be s/p taking the exam. If you did really poor on it or just not well enough for what YOU need, it would be more-so a problem than a reason to panic. Don't worry about it before the exam, just after if you see a score that isn't close enough to what you need.

Have you taken any AAMC practice exams?

Sorry if this is a dumb question but what is s/p? And no, I haven't taken any AAMC practice exams yet - I will take one this weekend. Do you recommend any other practice exams? I want to practice as much as possible. Thank you for your advice!

hahaha yep, I can relate to this. I have random spikes of panic. Sometimes I'm focused and chugging through the material and then I'll randomly realize how little time there is left until the exam and how much needs to be done for the MCAT and for the application process in general, bingo: panic! I then try to take my mind off it, it comes and goes in waves. I hope you're no longer panicking.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. Thank you, and yes, I feel a bit more calm now (though still nervous).

 

[Lactobacillus]

BurntFlower-

s/p = 'status post'. It's never a dumb question to ask something you do not know. I'm in graduate school currently and aside from myself and one other person, no one ever asks questions, and it royally pisses me off. Not asking questions is how people get things wrong and screw up big time.

I've taken 3x AAMC exams, and I wish I had enough time to take all of them because they are so invaluable. If you can afford it (I'm on a tight budget) and have time, take all of them. I keep reading that AAMC 11 is supposed to be the most similar to the real deal. Due to the little time before 7/14, AAMC exams will likely be enough. I've heard of people taking TBR, but I've only taken AAMC exams.

 

[BurntFlower]

BurntFlower-

s/p = 'status post'. It's never a dumb question to ask something you do not know. I'm in graduate school currently and aside from myself and one other person, no one ever asks questions, and it royally pisses me off. Not asking questions is how people get things wrong and screw up big time.

I've taken 3x AAMC exams, and I wish I had enough time to take all of them because they are so invaluable. If you can afford it (I'm on a tight budget) and have time, take all of them. I keep reading that AAMC 11 is supposed to be the most similar to the real deal. Due to the little time before 7/14, AAMC exams will likely be enough. I've heard of people taking TBR, but I've only taken AAMC exams.

Thank you for the clarification. I feel so nervous because I've been studying casually for months now, but I realize now that there are only 3 weeks left and I haven't studied as hard as I should have.

All right, I will take only AAMC exams, and maybe one GS test if I have the time.

 

[Sports Junky]

How are the Full-Lengths coming along everyone?

I just took Kaplan FL 2, and I'm pretty happy atm... 12/9/14

Even though I know Kaplan's curve is a bit generous, it was still a confidence booster!! 😀

Let's go guys (and gals), we can do this!! 👍

 

[JustinMC]

Is everyone here applying? it sounds nerve wracking to wait for scores after submitting, knowing that many have their apps complete by this date.😎

 

[jcarlier2113]

Yeah I applied to 13 DO schools and I was going to wait until I got my scores back to submit them to the MD schools.. This forum is a little overwhelming seeing all these people scoring 12s 13s and 14s on sections.. Should i be panicking if I am not scoring those numbers in all the sections?

 

[Sports Junky]

Yeah I applied to 13 DO schools and I was going to wait until I got my scores back to submit them to the MD schools.. This forum is a little overwhelming seeing all these people scoring 12s 13s and 14s on sections.. Should i be panicking if I am not scoring those numbers in all the sections?

Personally, I try not to compare myself to other people on SDN. As long you see an improvement in your own scores, that's all that matters 🙂

I think of it as retirement lol, everyone has their own specific "number" to aim for

 

[Lactobacillus]

I am not applying this year, but I am 99% sure I will apply next year. Not sure yet whether I want to go DO or MD.

Don't look too far into scores, it's such a small amount of people in the scope things. You also don't know about their EC. I know I won't score above the low 30's, but I'm sure my ECs will be highly competitive; I see more value in ECs than scores (to a certain extent).

 

[FirstAndFinal]

First time I saw this, I have registered for this date. I've been practicing quite a bit. I'm a graduate student so I wanted to start early since I don't always have consistant time to study, I managed to get in more study time than I thought I would.

I finished EK review late april and my 30min exam averages were (in chronological order) O-10 P-11.6 G-11.8 B-13.1 took my first FL shortly thereafter. Here's my scores so far.

KFL1 4/28/12 11 12 12 35
KFL2 5/5/12 10 11 15 36
KFL3 5/12/12 12 9 13 34
KFL4 5/19/12 12 11 11 34
AAMC 3 5/26/12 10 8 14 32
AAMC 4 6/2/12 12 10 13 35
AAMC 5 6/9/12 10 11 12 33
AAMC 7 6/16/12. 13 9 14 36

KFL=kaplan full length, AAMC = duh.

Currently trying to stay sharp and to do as much practice verbal as I can stand.

Good luck everyone!

I meant to comment on this earlier. You are and have been doing a phenomenal job getting so far ahead in the game, great job! 👍 Definitely wish I had been as diligent as you.

 

[FirstAndFinal]

Is everyone here applying? it sounds nerve wracking to wait for scores after submitting, knowing that many have their apps complete by this date.😎

I'm submitting blind to my score. That is, I'm submitting prior to taking the MCAT. The app will get verified without a score and once the score comes in AAMC will send it to schools. Some say having the app in beforehand puts you in the school queues on the date they receive your AMCAS and you'll simply be marked complete once they receive your MCAT score.

 

[JustinMC]

I'm submitting blind to my score. That is, I'm submitting prior to taking the MCAT. The app will get verified without a score and once the score comes in AAMC will send it to schools. Some say having the app in beforehand puts you in the school queues on the date they receive your AMCAS and you'll simply be marked complete once they receive your MCAT score.

Right, I'm just wondering what month schools schools start looking at completed apps, and how long after the JULY 14 MCAT scores come back will you receive a secondary? (after screening of course). Being this late in the game sucks, even considering SDN's high standards.

 

[dnovikov]

So I took the 6/21 test and had to void due to computer problems... Hopefully will be snagging a seat for this test date; quick question tho, would this test date be too late for this cycle?

NVM just saw the posts above me.. so is everyone pretty much submitting blind and just getting verified before they know their score? I guess thats the move...

 

[farnell]

Update...

Aamc 3 10ps/9vr/10bs 29
Aamc 5 10 ps/11vr/9bs 30
Aamc 10 11ps/11vr/9bs 31
Aamc 7 9ps/11vr/11bs 31

anyone find the PS on aamc 7 to be difficult? I was very rushed.

 

[jcarlier2113]

Update...

Aamc 3 10ps/9vr/10bs 29
Aamc 5 10 ps/11vr/9bs 30
Aamc 10 11ps/11vr/9bs 31
Aamc 7 9ps/11vr/11bs 31

anyone find the PS on aamc 7 to be difficult? I was very rushed.

I did and i felt rushed in VR as well (hence my VR score).. I felt the BS had a lot of organic chem..

AAMC 7 9/8/10 27

 

[ccrone]

So I took the 6/21 test and had to void due to computer problems... Hopefully will be snagging a seat for this test date; quick question tho, would this test date be too late for this cycle?

NVM just saw the posts above me.. so is everyone pretty much submitting blind and just getting verified before they know their score? I guess thats the move...

I also voided due to computer problems, and chose this date. As to the question of "too late," I don't think it's too late, so long as one is already verified and has secondaries pre-written and ready to go. More like "in the thick of things." Is it ideal? Of course not. But I'm not waiting ANOTHER YEAR because I'll be "in the thick of things" instead of crazy early. Then again, everyone's stats are different. YMMV.

 

[Barley426]

I meant to comment on this earlier. You are and have been doing a phenomenal job getting so far ahead in the game, great job! 👍 Definitely wish I had been as diligent as you.

Thank you! I'm a grad student and didn't know if I could count on having enough free time outside of my lab (PI can be demanding) so I started early. Thankfully I've been able to find sufficient time and its paying dividends. I mostly do problems during the week, and timed full-sections or small groups of passages if I have time, with FLs usually on saturday mornings.

I'll update my original post but I took AAMC 8 today, got a 38, PS-13, V-13, BS-12.

I'm Ecstatic because I finally got verbal up, but some tricky organic caused my bio to slide just a bit. Happy overall. Also most people say to not even worry about the WS until the day of the test but I've been doing it ever since AAMC-4 to avoid a subpar day-of-test performance in BS as a result of not being used to getting worn down by the writing sample.

 

[rjosh33]

First time I saw this, I have registered for this date. I've been practicing quite a bit. I'm a graduate student so I wanted to start early since I don't always have consistant time to study, I managed to get in more study time than I thought I would.

I finished EK review late april and my 30min exam averages were (in chronological order) O-10 P-11.6 G-11.8 B-13.1 took my first FL shortly thereafter. Here's my scores so far.

KFL1 4/28/12 11 12 12 35
KFL2 5/5/12 10 11 15 36
KFL3 5/12/12 12 9 13 34
KFL4 5/19/12 12 11 11 34
AAMC 3 5/26/12 10 8 14 32
AAMC 4 6/2/12 12 10 13 35
AAMC 5 6/9/12 10 11 12 33
AAMC 7 6/16/12. 13 9 14 36
AAMC 8 6/24/12 13 13 12 38

KFL=kaplan full length, AAMC = duh.

Currently trying to stay sharp and to do as much practice verbal as I can stand.

Good luck everyone!

Good work, Barley.

I've been working through the practice tests as well. I've gone through all the Gold Standard and most AAMCs. I've found Gold Standard CBTs to be a couple ticks more difficult on the sciences (esp. the later ones), and their revamped verbal just beats me down. I have to remind myself it's just practice, as confidence will be key come game day.

Anyway, I guess I'll throw in my AAMC scores as well:

AAMC 3: 13 12 14 39
AAMC 11: 11 12 15 38
AAMC 10: 13 10 13 36
AAMC 4: 14 12 11 37
AAMC 5: 12 11 11 34
AAMC 7: 13 11 12 36

Orgo's been dinging me up the last few tests, and I've gotten caught on a couple passages that hit my weak spots in bio (development on 7 cost me 3 or 4 questions alone). I still have 8 and 9 left, and I plan on taking them within the next couple weeks. I'd like to hit my target score at least once before the real thing, though your AAMC average seems to be the much better predictor of the real thing than one or two outliers.

 

[pure skill]

You guys are killing it. That must take some real dedication. I wish I was making those kinds of scores, but certainly won't complain with anything in the 30s.

As for my own progress, I've finished all content for EK. I'll spend Monday through Friday reviewing physics and gen chem after work with a little organic before bed, look over Bio and VR a little more on Saturday, and take FL 10 on Sunday and review the exam that afternoon.

After that, I only have 3 more days off before the exam. I have July 4th off but have to work the following weekend. Then I have the Thurs. and Fri. (12th and 13th) off before the real thing. I'm contemplating taking FLs on the 4th and 12th and reviewing all of the 13th. Any suggestions on what to do with those days?

 

[Sports Junky]

You guys are killing it. That must take some real dedication. I wish I was making those kinds of scores, but certainly won't complain with anything in the 30s.

As for my own progress, I've finished all content for EK. I'll spend Monday through Friday reviewing physics and gen chem after work with a little organic before bed, look over Bio and VR a little more on Saturday, and take FL 10 on Sunday and review the exam that afternoon.

After that, I only have 3 more days off before the exam. I have July 4th off but have to work the following weekend. Then I have the Thurs. and Fri. (12th and 13th) off before the real thing. I'm contemplating taking FLs on the 4th and 12th and reviewing all of the 13th. Any suggestions on what to do with those days?

If your finished with most of your content review, I would try and focus on doing full-length exams when you have the time for it. I would definitely take a Full-length on the 4th (probably AAMC 11) to gauge your progress. The more practice passages you do, the more you can identify if you have any 'weak' areas at this point. As for taking a FL on the 12th, I would probably advise against it due to the possibility of burnout. If burnout isn't an issue for you, then it would be okay. Good luck and keep us posted 🙂

P.S. I've been getting destroyed on embryology/developmental biology, anyone know of a good source to review these topics? I have access to Kaplan's online material, BR passages, and the EK series.

 

[AppleCat3]

Taking it on this day for the third time. I'm shooting for 13+ in each section. I hit 39 on my last practice test (aamc 5). I am a Kaplan teacher, and I use Kaplan method for verbal, but I run out of time sometimes. Any suggestions on timing? I am going to take aamc 7 tomorrow. Then 8, 9, 10, and 11 over the last few weeks.

Barley and rjosh, how do you guys plan to study in the home stretch?

 

[rjosh33]

Taking it on this day for the third time. I'm shooting for 13+ in each section. I hit 39 on my last practice test (aamc 5). I am a Kaplan teacher, and I use Kaplan method for verbal, but I run out of time sometimes. Any suggestions on timing? I am going to take aamc 7 tomorrow. Then 8, 9, 10, and 11 over the last few weeks.

13+ in each section would be quite a feat! Let us know how the rest of your AAMC's go.

Barley and rjosh, how do you guys plan to study in the home stretch?

I have a number of things I'm doing. I have a couple topics in Physics I still need to cover (I'm currently taking Phys III this summer), so I'm using freelanceteach and Berkeley review to try and learn thermodynamics, waves and optics.

For Bio I'm reading and rereading Examkrackers' Bio book. I've worked through almost all of the 1001 Questions and both of Berkeley's books, so to supplement I'm going over journal articles as well. They're hard and time consuming, but I think it'll help come test day.

I plan on doing all of the sample questions in AAMC's Guide to the MCAT either tomorrow or Wednesday, and then AAMC 8 Wed of next week with 9 to follow on the weekend. In the meantime I'm going to continue hammering out GS verbal (I hate those things), as well as reviewing previous AAMC exams. I find it helpful to really try to understand why I missed questions (mental mistake or content deficiency), and how I can avoid the same mistake in the future.

The week of the actual MCAT will be mostly review: previous exams (GS and AAMC), equations, lecture notes, etc. I find I'm at my best when I basically immerse myself in the material immediately before the exam, so that's what I plan on doing the week before. YMMV, of course.

 

[adrogen]

Kap 1 10/7/10
Kap 2 13/10/13
Kap 3 12/11/13
AAMC 8 13/9/13

I am more than satisfied with the scores I have been getting, but still feel like I have huge gaps in my knowledge

 

[Sports Junky]

Kap 1 10/7/10
Kap 2 13/10/13
Kap 3 12/11/13
AAMC 8 13/9/13

I am more than satisfied with the scores I have been getting, but still feel like I have huge gaps in my knowledge

Kaplan topical tests are one of the best ways to pinpoint your weak areas. When I took the topical tests, I aimed for a 75%. If I wasn't close to my target range, I would do some additional review and do some more practice problems. For example, when I first started reviewing I thought I had a thorough grasp on molecular biology, but it turns out I was mistaken (I got a 55% on that section). Also, I feel that Kaplan's curve is way too generous, so try taking a few more AAMC's to make sure your scores stay within range. Good Luck 🙂

P.S. I'm assuming you have access to Kaplan's online material since you have taken the practice tests.

 

[Lactobacillus]

I have a fun story, prometric called me today and said that my testing site no longer existed and cancelled my test on July 14th, but they would be happy to reschedule it for no additional fee....I signed up in February, I'm in graduate school/dietetic internship (aka I take classes, work on my thesis and work 40-50 hours a week), plus have a part-time job on weekends. Wow...I guess I'll find a new testing site? Just glad I'm not applying this year...

 

[rjosh33]

I have a fun story, prometric called me today and said that my testing site no longer existed and cancelled my test on July 14th, but they would be happy to reschedule it for no additional fee....I signed up in February, I'm in graduate school/dietetic internship (aka I take classes, work on my thesis and work 40-50 hours a week), plus have a part-time job on weekends. Wow...I guess I'll find a new testing site? Just glad I'm not applying this year...

Wow, that's pretty ridiculous. Are you able to squeeze it in later this summer?

 

[Lactobacillus]

Wow, that's pretty ridiculous. Are you able to squeeze it in later this summer?

I think I'm the most upset about the disrespect towards my time. I cannot imagine Prometric JUST found out the site would not exist by July 14th. Letting me know 2 weeks prior to the exam date is unacceptable, as I've been preparing the previous 5 months for it; I only have time to study at night and waking up early. The next time available at a location within 3 hours of me is on September 1st. I hate it because it's just prolonging something I was going to be ready to take; I don't want to feel like I have to study for it anymore.

Apparently taking the MCAT in Memphis will no longer exist from what I can tell (not from Memphis by the way, here for graduate school). As a side note, great hospitals to learn at as an FYI for those of you interested in UT Martin or any related affiliations.

 

[xcleex]

I have a fun story, prometric called me today and said that my testing site no longer existed and cancelled my test on July 14th, but they would be happy to reschedule it for no additional fee....I signed up in February, I'm in graduate school/dietetic internship (aka I take classes, work on my thesis and work 40-50 hours a week), plus have a part-time job on weekends. Wow...I guess I'll find a new testing site? Just glad I'm not applying this year...

Hello, mind if I ask where you were suppose to take the test? I just checked mine after reading yours just in case and seemed fine luckily.

Oh I didn't see your follow up posts where you mentioned Memphis.

 

[pure skill]

That's ridiculous Lacto. I'm sure your life has been mostly centered around preparing for this date for a very long time. Even if they were to offer the test for free, it wouldn't make up for a change of test date (to me anyway).

Btw, I am almost definitely going to apply to UT. I submitted my amcas last week but just picked my state school (MS) and a couple of others. As long as I don't feel like I self-destructed during the test, I'm going to go ahead submit my app to UT before I get my score back. How do you feel about the city itself? I've always like Memphis though I haven't spent a whole lot of time there. I worry about the crime a little, but I imagine that it will be about equivalent to Jackson or Birmingham and not nearly as bad as New Orleans.

 

[Lactobacillus]

That's ridiculous Lacto. I'm sure your life has been mostly centered around preparing for this date for a very long time. Even if they were to offer the test for free, it wouldn't make up for a change of test date (to me anyway).

Btw, I am almost definitely going to apply to UT. I submitted my amcas last week but just picked my state school (MS) and a couple of others. As long as I don't feel like I self-destructed during the test, I'm going to go ahead submit my app to UT before I get my score back. How do you feel about the city itself? I've always like Memphis though I haven't spent a whole lot of time there. I worry about the crime a little, but I imagine that it will be about equivalent to Jackson or Birmingham and not nearly as bad as New Orleans.

I'll cope if they accommodate me and apologize for such negligence; it could have been 1000 times worse if I was actually applying for this cycle. I am going to try and run with the situation and consider delaying taking it until post graduate school, or I may very well take it next opportunity. I suppose waiting the longest would provide the most studying and chance to do well.

I'm not from 'The South', so I'll admit that it's a little backwards at times to me. A lot of people really love Memphis, and I can see why, although it's not quite my cup of tea.

If you've heard anything about the crime in Memphis, it's probably just as bad as you've heard or worse. Not trying to discourage, just and FYI. Keep in mind, you will likely never see the 'worst' parts because it's in sporadic pockets; Memphis does have safe areas to live.

I've had the experience of a lifetime because I had the privilege to work at St. Jude as graduate assistant doing legit dietitian things (assessments, enteral nutrition, rounds). Now I'm at my actual internship portion; I've been at The Med for almost 4 weeks. I have seen almost every chronic disease and problem known to man there. They have a great trauma and burn center; I get to go back in a couple months for nutrition support. Feel free to PM if you have other questions.

 

[svnangel]

hey,just got an email about a self-assessment package with more than 500 practice questions. Ive been getting 25-26's on the prac exam but I still have 4 more aamc and 5 full length kaplans, do you think I need to ditch out $104 for this package? Thoughts? Will you be purchasing?

 

[Jepstein30]

Our MCAT date is so unloved. Guess we are all hard at work studying!!

I just took AAMC 8 and got 11/13/13 . Very happy with the score but still looking to eliminate some of the careless mistakes I'm making here and there.

Also got a 37 on AAMC 7 (13/14/10) Don't know what happened in Bio on that one..

I have AAMCs 9, 10 and 11 left. Took the other three earlier in studies and hit 32-35.

For those looking to eliminate stupid mistakes, I keep telling myself "Read every line, every question and every answer choice" over and over and I'm training myself to pick up the little nuances MCAT likes to throw at you. I also now take a few second breather between each passage to switch gears.

I think for these last two weeks here, I'm going to focus on getting my Physics up a little bit as its my worst of the four sciences. Otherwise, going to just keep fresh with all the Bio/Orgo/Chem material!! I do have the verbal self assessment which I will break up for some more practice.

Still have to decide if I'll use any specific test date strategies.. like pre-writing equations, etc. during the tutorial.. how I'm going to time myself going through (right now, I'm just going straight through without worrying about time and doing okay time management wise)... discretes vs. passages first, etc. any ideas?

 

[adrogen]

Kap 1 10/7/10
Kap 2 13/10/13
Kap 3 12/11/13
AAMC 8 14/9/13

I am more than satisfied with the scores I have been getting, but still feel like I have huge gaps in my knowledge

Took Kaplan # 5 today and scored 11/10/13. Seems like I am regressing!

Worst score of my recent efforts, although I'm not so bothered (I only set out with a goal of 31+)

Is it just me or is the PS on this one just harder?

 

[Barley426]

Androgen, I'd stop doing Kaplans if I were you. Time to move solely to AAMCs as they will be more like the real thing as far as content and difficulty.

Well here we are guys, less than 2 weeks!

I slipped a little on today's test down to a 35 (updated above), but the good news is I finally got my sleep schedule in order. Today was able to get up, get ready, provide time for driving, and then start AAMC9 at 8am, which is my scheduled time come test day. Now to keep the sleep cycle and also work a little harder on verbal.

Good luck on the last leg of studying guys.

 

[Jepstein30]

Androgen, I'd stop doing Kaplans if I were you. Time to move solely to AAMCs as they will be more like the real thing as far as content and difficulty.

Well here we are guys, less than 2 weeks!

I slipped a little on today's test down to a 35 (updated above), but the good news is I finally got my sleep schedule in order. Today was able to get up, get ready, provide time for driving, and then start AAMC9 at 8am, which is my scheduled time come test day. Now to keep the sleep cycle and also work a little harder on verbal.

Good luck on the last leg of studying guys.

AAMC 9 was tough on me as well. After hitting a 37 on both 7 and 8, I dropped to a 34 (12/12/10) on this one today. One question off in each section which is annoying.

For some reason, I can't get my BS scores to stabilize. They are either 13 or 10 every other test (like seriously, every other test it flips between 10s and 13s). Gotta figure that out in next two weeks because if I can hit a 13 in BS, I'll be in a very good spot (12/13/13 is my goal).

 

[rjosh33]

For some reason, I can't get my BS scores to stabilize. They are either 13 or 10 every other test (like seriously, every other test it flips between 10s and 13s). Gotta figure that out in next two weeks because if I can hit a 13 in BS, I'll be in a very good spot (12/13/13 is my goal).

Just make sure you get a 10 on your last practice exam. Skip questions if you have to.

 

[Jepstein30]

Just make sure you get a 10 on your last practice exam. Skip questions if you have to.

Well let's see. I have two AAMCs left so I'll hit a 13 on AAMC 10, a 10 on AAMC 11 and then a 13 on the real thing!!

PERFECT!!

 

[pure skill]

I took AAMC 10 today and got a 31. The previous week, I was a little uneasy about my physical sciences content so I spent the whole week looking at that. Unfortunately, that means I didn't look at BS for a week. It was bad. Once I got into the BS section, I felt like my memory was Swiss cheese. There some serious gaps in my knowledge. I feel like if I had reviewed it more recently, that wouldn't have happened. Anyway, I was glad to see my VR remain the same at least. I got 36/40 right, and it still gave me an 11. I can only assume that for each additional question I got right, my score would have went up a point also. Kind of discouraging to know you can miss so few.

AAMC 10: 11/11/9 = 31 on 7/1/2012
AAMC 9: 10/11/10 = 31 on 6/17/2012
AAMC 3: 10/10/8 = 28 on 4/8/2012

I'm going to review the test tonight and look over BS the next two days after work. I'll take AAMC 11 on the fourth. I should be able to bring that BS up some. I don't think a 33 is unrealistic on this thing. After I take it, I'll try to strike up a more balanced content review before the real thing.

 

[jcarlier2113]

Hey Guys,

I have AAMC 8,9,10 left.. any particular order you would take them? I want to take one tm and 2 next week.. I also have all the Princeton Review MCATs as well but find them very specific to how TPR teaches their students. So what would you guys recommend? For some reason I cannot get my VR up to a 10 🙁 any suggestions on that too?

 

[Ineedhopenow]

My first AAMC, took AAMC 11.

P/V/B 7/7/12 = 26. DAMNNNN!!!!!! I ran out of time for the physical section. For verbal...I just suck, always have.

Physical: Ran out of time, and missed easy ones that were worded so well it gave me the impression they were impossible. To cut down on time, I think I'm going to do all the free standing questions first, and skim the passages instead of reading them for full comprehension.

Verbal: Timing is right on cue (too close for comfort). I do pretty well with gathering the main idea, but I have major problems recalling names which really messes me up when the questions talks about a specific character or species name. I'll try highlighting the names and visually picturing them.

Biological: I had 15 minutes leftover!!! Since I panicked about my timing in Physical, I skimmed the biological passages. I think I'd do better if I took more time to better understand the passages.

OMG!!! Any advice???

 

[Jepstein30]

My first AAMC, took AAMC 11.

P/V/B 7/7/12 = 26. DAMNNNN!!!!!! I ran out of time for the physical section. For verbal...I just suck, always have.

Physical: Ran out of time, and missed easy ones that were worded so well it gave me the impression they were impossible. To cut down on time, I think I'm going to do all the free standing questions first, and skim the passages instead of reading them for full comprehension.

Verbal: Timing is right on cue (too close for comfort). I do pretty well with gathering the main idea, but I have major problems recalling names which really messes me up when the questions talks about a specific character or species name. I'll try highlighting the names and visually picturing them.

Biological: I had 15 minutes leftover!!! Since I panicked about my timing in Physical, I skimmed the biological passages. I think I'd do better if I took more time to better understand the passages.

OMG!!! Any advice???

PS- Do you usually do better on the passages or the discretes? For me, the passages would be what I would focus on before the discretes because it's easier for me to focus on one topic and get 5-6 questions about it than jump around from topic to topic.. even though the discretes tend to be a little easier, I think there's more 'money' in the passages.

VR- Highlighting names, titles and key terms is the way to go. You can just tell they're going to ask about them so it's nice to know where exactly they were mentioned without having to take the time to read through everything again.

BS- I speed on BS, really annoying me too since I'm not hitting scores I want. I end up finishing with around 25-30 minutes left and am working on slowing myself down. I think because I'm most familiar with the Bio/Orgo stuff, I tend to work faster.. and also make more stupid mistakes. I've been approaching every MCAT problem (all 3 sections) the same way now- read every question carefully twice, read every answer and ELIMINATE each answer one by one. No more "this is obviously right, no need to read the rest." This works for me because I tend to have 10-15 minutes leftover per section but may not work for you if you're tight on time.


Good luck everyone.. just a little less than two weeks away!

My schedule -> Reviewing difficult topics for me in physics and gen. chem for next few days. getting access to Kaplan online for some random review here and there. going to take AAMC 10 on Saturday followed up with a review and than AAMC 11 on Tues/Wednesday.

This weekend and all of next week I'm going to basically read through everything again to make sure I'm not missing out on a topic I had previously mastered but haven't focused on in awhile. Not going to study Friday before the test, going to take it easy and maybe just do some light review of the physiology stuff.