Official April 4, 2013 MCAT Thread

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cowboys said:
ME! This is going to be my second time taking it. I took the September 7th MCAT...ended up getting a 28. I was averaging ~35 on my (14) practice tests (13P,10V, 12B). I got a (12P, 6V, 10B) on the real thing. Unfortunately, I couldn't control my stress after taking the physical science section (I thought I did horrible). I couldn't stop thinking about how bad I did while reading the first 3 verbal passages. Totally shot myself in the foot 🙁

Guess I can't be too sad, I just need to learn how to control my anxiety and stress.
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Obviously your sciences are solid though, how did you study for the first time?
 
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count me in for this date!

i'm working on planning out a schedule that works for me before I really start studying..i hope to get started in the next few days.
 
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cowboys said:
I also did all of the questions in the Examkrackers 1001 series.
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You did ALL of them? Not just like every 5th question or something? If so, WOW! How long did that take you?

I'm also a retaker and also did well on the sciences but bad in verbal. averaged 12/13 in sciences on AAMC PTs as well and pulled 11/12 on the real thing.

I wonder if doing all of EK1001 questions will help me since I'm already comfortable enough in science to score a consistent 12/13. What do you think?

Didn't do any EK 1001 questions before my first test btw.
 
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cowboys said:
I took a Kaplan course. I did all of the material they provided me with except the last few full-lengths. I also did all of the questions in the Examkrackers 1001 series. Since we have so much time, I would recommend doing the 1001 questions and content review. Also, read some economist and do a verbal passage everyday. Even though I got a 6 on the real thing, I can safely say that the only way to build your verbal score is to practice as much as you can.

Honestly, my real test was actually quite easy (but extremely tricky). It was exactly what I expected it to be. After the exam, I remembered so many questions (on the science sections) that I missed because of stupid mistakes, not reading carefully enough, or making an easy problem more difficult. Utilize this time to tackle the broad spectrum. As time passes, start studying the details. There were definitely some very specific discrete questions on my exam. Most importantly, learn how to control stress and anxiety. Go run, workout, or meditate. It's really easy to be shaken up while taking this exam.
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I can already see that verbal for me is going to be the thing that kills me. I've done a few verbal practice sets so far and my scores are all over the place, ranging from as low as 4 up to 11. I need to get some consistency. So how are you going about studying this time around?
 
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Trayshawn said:
You did ALL of them? Not just like every 5th question or something? If so, WOW! How long did that take you?

I'm also a retaker and also did well on the sciences but bad in verbal. averaged 12/13 in sciences on AAMC PTs as well and pulled 11/12 on the real thing.

I wonder if doing all of EK1001 questions will help me since I'm already comfortable enough in science to score a consistent 12/13. What do you think?

Didn't do any EK 1001 questions before my first test btw.
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Yeah I did all of them in about 2 weeks. I think I was doing 100 questions a day in each subject (took about 8 hours). But as you can see, I only pulled a 12 and a 10 on the science sections on the real thing. I think they will definitely help you. This time around I am going to write every problem out instead of doing most of them in my head (especially for physics). I don't know your schedule, but you should start doing the 1001 series ASAP. Since we have so much time until our test date, you should make sure to write all the problems out and really understand the concepts behind them. You have to understand that doing this will not help you gain critical thinking skills vital for the MCAT, but it will help you gain sufficient background knowledge on the science sections. But your main focus should definitely be verbal (just like mine). One more thing, never use a calculator...for anything!

O Grady said:
I can already see that verbal for me is going to be the thing that kills me. I've done a few verbal practice sets so far and my scores are all over the place, ranging from as low as 4 up to 11. I need to get some consistency. So how are you going about studying this time around?
Click to expand...

Yeah, inconsistency is killer and makes you feel like crap. I'm trying to read as much as possible this time around. Don't worry, just practice as much as you can. I'm also going to take my practice tests in a library instead of my room. You have to get used to distractions :laugh:
 
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I'm in.

So far all I'm doing is working my way through EK books...

It's weird working through problems where it's just P=mv when my current physics prof just convinced me that its actually P=(gamma)mv. Oh well.
 
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xBODOMx said:
I'm planning to start after this semester since I graduate. Doing SN2s schedule most likely modified since I work full time-ish.
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I'm also planning on following SN2s schedule (4 month), starting around the new year. Although, as of now, I don't plan on using EK1001. I don't know if that will be a mistake or not. Thoughts, anyone?
 
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cowboys said:
I took a Kaplan course. I did all of the material they provided me with except the last few full-lengths. I also did all of the questions in the Examkrackers 1001 series. Since we have so much time, I would recommend doing the 1001 questions and content review. Also, read some economist and do a verbal passage everyday. Even though I got a 6 on the real thing, I can safely say that the only way to build your verbal score is to practice as much as you can.

Honestly, my real test was actually quite easy (but extremely tricky). It was exactly what I expected it to be. After the exam, I remembered so many questions (on the science sections) that I missed because of stupid mistakes, not reading carefully enough, or making an easy problem more difficult. Utilize this time to tackle the broad spectrum. As time passes, start studying the details. There were definitely some very specific discrete questions on my exam. Most importantly, learn how to control stress and anxiety. Go run, workout, or meditate. It's really easy to be shaken up while taking this exam.
Click to expand...

Do the exam crackers questions have explanations with them? I'm almost done reviewing all the material and I'm trying to find a few thousand practice questions before spring to prepare for the real deal.
 
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pre med 2014 said:
Do the exam crackers questions have explanations with them? I'm almost done reviewing all the material and I'm trying to find a few thousand practice questions before spring to prepare for the real deal.
Click to expand...

The explanations aren't as thorough as you would like them to be, especially for physics. You should definitely do them for practice though. I'm going to start them again soon.
 
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cowboys said:
ME! This is going to be my second time taking it. I took the September 7th MCAT...ended up getting a 28. I was averaging ~35 on my (14) practice tests (13P,10V, 12B). I got a (12P, 6V, 10B) on the real thing. Unfortunately, I couldn't control my stress after taking the physical science section (I thought I did horrible). I couldn't stop thinking about how bad I did while reading the first 3 verbal passages. Totally shot myself in the foot 🙁

Guess I can't be too sad, I just need to learn how to control my anxiety and stress.
Click to expand...

Hey, I'm in a pretty similar situation. I took the September 11th MCAT -- ended up getting a 28 as well. I was averaging ~31-32 on the AAMC's (11/10/11 avg) but definitely screwed up my real test. I finished the physical science section thinking I got destroyed, which seeped anxiety into my verbal reasoning section. By the time I hit bio I didn't really care because I thought I would probably void. Decided miracles sometimes do happen and ended with (9P/8V/11B).

I also took the Kaplan course, but did not do nearly the amount of practice problems you had. I definitely plan on starting that strategy soon. I'll probably begin a bit of verbal within the week.

Like you mentioned, I also need to control my anxiety and stress -- I definitely think answering most of the questions requires a ton of critical thinking that gets hampered when your mind is partially somewhere else.
 
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I'll be taking this exam as well. Going to start studying December 15, the day after my finals end. I'll be using EK everything and following their 10 week study schedule, minus audio osmosis and supplemented by some TPR bio books.
 
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Im taking a Kaplan course right now. To the people who have taken it before, do you recommend supplemental problems?
 
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Hello everyone !

It is exciting that this trend started early. Not sure when I am taking it but this day sound good so far. It will be my second time taking it, for what I see I am far below many :scared:

I will say i wasn't as focused as I could of been, I was working 80 hours a week "trying to study" and then took two months off but still I think i was using my time wrong, for the first month I slept 5-6 hours. Point of the story is that I took all AAMC, two kaplan, one princetown, one gold standard. did 101 EK for verbal.

Got a 22Q - V-6, P-8, B-8 .... I know I can work extra hard in the sciences but verbal cont promise much I see no way how I can increase that score. I did over 220 passages to practice and still always was in the 6-7 ?

Please any suggestion on what i should use now, I feel I used up all the material, and as always I will be working 40 hours a week but is better than 80, starting late december. if you wonder why, I am just the typical poor spanish kid in school ! But happy to have the opportunity to go to school !

Thank you so much for any future responses, and I know this might not be the perfect place to post, but I saw some re-takers and I might do this date.
 
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I just recently registered for this date. I am taking kaplan course up until March. I also plan on doing EK 1001 questions. especially Verbal. I did horrible on my first MCAT and looking to improve dramatically. I also have some TPR books from a friend.
 
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On a Mission said:
Hello everyone !

It is exciting that this trend started early. Not sure when I am taking it but this day sound good so far. It will be my second time taking it, for what I see I am far below many :scared:

I will say i wasn't as focused as I could of been, I was working 80 hours a week "trying to study" and then took two months off but still I think i was using my time wrong, for the first month I slept 5-6 hours. Point of the story is that I took all AAMC, two kaplan, one princetown, one gold standard. did 101 EK for verbal.

Got a 22Q - V-6, P-8, B-8 .... I know I can work extra hard in the sciences but verbal cont promise much I see no way how I can increase that score. I did over 220 passages to practice and still always was in the 6-7 ?

Please any suggestion on what i should use now, I feel I used up all the material, and as always I will be working 40 hours a week but is better than 80, starting late december. if you wonder why, I am just the typical poor spanish kid in school ! But happy to have the opportunity to go to school !

Thank you so much for any future responses, and I know this might not be the perfect place to post, but I saw some re-takers and I might do this date.
Click to expand...

I got the same score but with a 6 PS 7 BS and a 9 VP even though I usually get closer to 10 with BS and a lower VP. I am also poor and have to work and do school at the same time.
 
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green lantern said:
I got the same score but with a 6 PS 7 BS and a 9 VP even though I usually get closer to 10 with BS and a lower VP. I am also poor and have to work and do school at the same time.
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Yay ! So happy sometimes I feel like I am on my own group class. But is good to know that there are more people on my situation. I am sure we can give each other tips. Because you did well on VR and I was doing "well" in the other and higher in some practices. I will forward you my email later, and send you some tips.
 
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Wanted to register for the January 26th date, had already begun studying. Did about 4 chapters of bio, and chem, and 2 of physics, and a couple EK verbal tests already but with April 4th being my only feasible earliest test date I need to post pone my studying. I'm using TPR for bio, chem, and physics, and EK for Verbal. Will probably start studying after finals.
 
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Also sitting for exam with you all and looking forward to it! Getting the rest of my study materials this week and starting Sn2ed schedule the first of December.
 
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Is anyone taking a Kaplan Course to study? I am taking a course starting in a few weeks and would like to know some study plans people are utilizing.
 
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I'm taking a kaplan advantage anywhere course...there are actually a lot of resources through it...
 
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krispy said:
I'm taking a kaplan advantage anywhere course...there are actually a lot of resources through it...
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Yeah, I have a ton of books from Kaplan, EK, and Princeton. I am just trying to figure out a plan of attack because there is just so much material.
 
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Hello Everybody!

Wow I haven't used a forum since like 2003. Throwback.

Anyway... I'm all for joining this thread for mutual support and encouragement and also to share study tips, troubles, and triumphs! 🙂

I started studying today and I'm doing a modified version of Sn2ed's four month study schedule that is a little more intensive. This entails the review books recommended by Sn2ed (BR, EK1001, EK) as well as some Kaplan review material and TPR books.

Currently, the plan and make up of my study schedule follows Sn2ed's 4-month study schedule with a few exceptions. I've moved two of the AAMC practice exams up to the 30 day and 60 day mark instead of having them all at the end. I've also incorporated an EK practice exam at the 15 day mark and a Kaplan practice at the 45 day mark. This is to ensure that I'm constantly becoming familiar with the format of the test. I already know the arguments against "wasting" the practice exams before I've covered all the material but I think that the benefits of having a "gut check" roughly every 15 days outweighs the cons. Of course that is just my opinion and personal preference.🙂

In addition to working through the BR books as my primary (everyday), I've also incorporated TPR Gen Chem, TPR Physics, and Kaplan Physics every other day as the PS section is without a doubt my weak area. For verbals I'm using TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook and the BR Verbal book from which I do roughly 3-4 passages everyday (Ended up getting a great deal on Ebay for pretty much all my materials right after the August exam this past year). I've also formatted my study schedule to reflect the MCAT, by which I mean that I always study PS before Verbals and BS after Verbals to get my brain used to switching gears (MCAT format goes PS > Verbals > BS)

Finally, I've also been reading The Economist (not from cover to cover but I do make it a point to read several articles that I'm not really interested in) as well as NPR.org and NYTimes.com everyday for the past year or so. Recently, I've also been listening to the EK Audio Osmosis whenever I work out as well (acquired from a friend). I will probably stop doing that though as I like to give my brain a break especially when I work out.

I've also integrated a work out plan and recently quit smoking but I won't go into that.

Anyway...Sorry for the huge post but I just thought I'd share my strategy and I'll make sure to give you guys regular updates on how I'm doing. I'm rooting for ALL of you and I'm very excited to be part of this thread!

Also I just read through the MCAT Essentials Handbook (Found here https://www.aamc.org/students/download/63060/data/mcatessentials.pdf) and did you know that if you choose to take the new Trial Section (which is optional) you get a $30 Amazon Gift Card? Woo hoo! :laugh:
 
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Question. If I have TPR and ExamKrackers Gen Chem book, would it be beneficial to order the berkeley review book as well or would that be overkill? What's so great about those books anyways? Also, how does everyone plan to raise their verbal? My scores are all over the place!
 
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When are you starting your prep? I am currently doing the content review and will be starting SN2ed 3 month schedule from Jan 1st

How about you??????
 
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For Verbal I just simply plan to DRILL, DRILL and more DRILL. I have EK 101, TPR Verbal, and Kaplan Verbal. I just plan to do two to three passages every single day until the test as well as dissecting the passage and answers to see why I got it wrong.
 
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Hey everyone, I'm pretty new to this site but I will be joining all of you on the April 4 MCAT. I picked this test date purely out of convenience. My school is on the quarter system and this is during the first week of spring term, which seemed a lot better than trying to take the MCAT during midterms or finals.

I took two Kaplan practice tests, several months apart, 31 and 36 but I think that last score was inflated b/c I think I actually ended up taking the same test twice (or at least the two tests were really similar).

Doing the PR class starting in January and have already started on the study plan that I found on this site. I'm kind of worried b/c I'm taking a somewhat heavy load in winter term plus working (only 5-10 hrs/wk but still) so that is why I'm trying to get as much as I can done over winter break. Starting to go through the study materials, it's amazing how much I've forgotten. Not doing so great on the Berkeley Review passages but that's the point of practicing, right?

I'm also working through Organic Chemistry as a Second Language b/c it's a GREAT overview/refresher of the O chem topics and helps tie it all together and make it more cohesive and there are tons of practice problems and I'm realizing I have forgotten a lot of O chem specifics since I took it last year.

Anyway, good luck and happy studying to everyone!
 
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My 1st MCAT as well!


I'm going to go w/ TBR 12 week schedule with take TBR CBTs and AAMC CBTs


I'm still waiting to get my TBR books. If I had known their customer service was so unpredictable I would have ordered the stuff months ago! I just assumed TBR was like TPR or EK customer Sevice and able to order online. So frustrating. Oh well. As long as I get my books by jan. 4 my 3 month schedule should be fine.


Can wait to start studying for it!
 
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Hey new friends! I just postponed my test from the January 26th date. Definitely going to use the next 3 months to improve my PS and VR like crazy.

Anyone started studying yet?
 
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jeffs office said:
Hey new friends! I just postponed my test from the January 26th date. Definitely going to use the next 3 months to improve my PS and VR like crazy.

Anyone started studying yet?
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Yeah, I'm using TPR online along with TBR. I just need to learn how not to procrastinate since that was my mess up the first time around
 
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I'm going to be starting the SN2ed study schedule this week for the April 4 mcat. Is there anyone else who would be interested in staying on the same schedule and checking in w each other (via pm or email) to keep us on task or talk about the material we covered that day if needed?
 
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Glad to see you guys are around. 👍 I will be doing lots of practice problems from now on. For the month of January, I'll be using my TPR resources. I think from there, I'll work with TBR and Kaplan. I have too many weaknesses in PS, it turns out, so I'm going to finish my diagnostics tomorrow. From there, I'll do focused practice problems. It turns out the first things I learned are the details I forgot. D: So I need to do better with retaining information. Tomorrow, I also need to review my TBR FL.

Um...new smiley? :naughty: Haha so creepy.
 
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Happyj15 said:
I'm going to be starting the SN2ed study schedule this week for the April 4 mcat. Is there anyone else who would be interested in staying on the same schedule and checking in w each other (via pm or email) to keep us on task or talk about the material we covered that day if needed?
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I definitely want to do this. I slack off way too much. I tend to study more at night because I work during the day so let me know if you're still interested in checking in with each other.
 
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vagusnerve said:
I definitely want to do this. I slack off way too much. I tend to study more at night because I work during the day so let me know if you're still interested in checking in with each other.
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Same here. I'll likely be beginning my study schedule on Thursday or Friday once my books come, so I'd be more than glad to have regular check-ins.

Quick question -- for Biology, I see that we're using EK Bio for content review and TBR Bio for questions. I saw the passage sections in the thread -- are they up to date for the 2012 versions of TBR?
 
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