Official: January 2013 MCAT Thread

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It's never too early!

AAMC Hasn't officially released the '13 test dates yet, but unless something crazy happens they will stick somewhat to the old schedule and there will be but one (or two) administrations the end of January (around the 24th).

There has been a lot of talk of people planning on taking (or retaking) in January, so I figured we may as well converse in an organized fashion.

No writing section! It's too bad, too. I enjoyed the nap. :laugh:
 
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Also hoping to take a January test. Studying OChem now from scratch, which is ambitious, but I've had success at self-teaching in the past. If it's not going well I may delay, but so far I've got January in my sights. Will be following the 4-month SN2ed schedule, as I work full time.
 
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whoknows87 said:
So Have you guys started studying yet? how many hours give or take a day? I think it would be pretty cool to follow the 3 months schedule or modify it and have like an hour or so every night to go over concepts/discuss that were covered that day we can use Skype or Paltalk Anyone?
Click to expand...

Would LOVE to study through skype just PM me.
 
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maybemed2013 said:
For those who have already taken the MCAT do you any advice to give first timers ?
What would you have done differently?
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I second what MCAT777 said. In addition, go over your practice problems and review both the ones you got wrong AND right. I can't tell you how many times I got an answer correct for the wrong reason, so when I applied that same logic in a similar problem, I would get it wrong.

I never had an issue with running out of time, but I would skim through the passages and question stems too quickly, bypassing some important hint. So practice with timing, but make sure you aren't doing things too fast.
 
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Due to work I already have change in plan.... I have to tutor someone for the SAT chemistry exam so instead of previewing biology I will preview gen chem.... which isn't bad since I already previewed physics and verbal I should have a strong PS and VR section and during my PR course I will focus on BS section.

My PS should be very strong I also just received a job offer to tutor physics, I do not know if I am going to take it cause I promise myself I would only tutor one client to study for my test, but since both of the tutoring topics are on the test it would also help me study for the MCAT.
 
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Elewynne said:
Also hoping to take a January test. Studying OChem now from scratch, which is ambitious, but I've had success at self-teaching in the past. If it's not going well I may delay, but so far I've got January in my sights. Will be following the 4-month SN2ed schedule, as I work full time.
Click to expand...

Id definitely be interested in this as well!!
 
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Might be joining you guys, 3rd time retaker (scored below 25 both times, odd distribution). Need most help on PS. Studying full time (graduated), enrolling in a Kaplan course. Root for me guys!
 
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Looks like I will be working more than 5 hour, when I was in school my parents did not budget me, but today my dad just told me that since I am not in school the unlimited budget is not going to occur, and then he handle me 20 dollars for pocket money.

I am not complaining because I know others are less, but I know this is going to effect my studying. Hopefully I will get alot of physics, gen chem and orgo clients.
 
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OMG fing gosh I do not know what I am about to do, today I decided to time myself while doing a 6 min gen chem passage from TPR it took my 20 Fing mIns what am I going to do on the real mcat.

I did get all the questions right by the way.
I think alot of my time was used because I keep rereading the passage for understanding and checking over my answer I remember a hint from another sdn.. where they said if you are doing a PS section, it is best not to read the passage but to read the questions and refer back to the passage for help.

I do not know what to do.. my plan is to guess on 2 passages on all three section, yes this will bring my score down but I will have more time to focus on what I am doing.

I will be quite please with a 24 8-8-8.
 
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I scheduled myself for 9/7, but by MCAT location has been changed and I have no other location closer to me.. Closest location is MIAMI and I live in VA .. 🙁
So they have me an option to take it on oct 5 2012 (apparently it is an emergency date by AAMC)
I am so torn .. If I should take it in October or just take it in jan 2013
 
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DocFelt said:
So I'm starting back up with studying this Saturday. I took the August 4th test and voided. Spent all summer studying, and when it came time to take full lengths, my scores were in the toilet (aamc 3: 20, aamc 4: 19). I was pretty burnt out at that time, and decided a week out to void my score.

Aiming to start fresh. Starting Saturday, I'm going through every EK chapter as a refresher. I plan on doing 6 chapters per week, with the corresponding 30 minute exams after each chapter. It will take me a little over a month to do this. Every three chapters of EK, I'm going to finish a unit of Kaplan online materials (excellent stuff), as well. Once I finish that, I'm going to probably take the aamc assessment package, and see where my faults lie.

After all that hoopla of a month, I'm going to nail down everything by going through TBR cover to cover. This will take a little over two months.

And finally, I'm going to punish the AAMC exams starting late December into January to ultimately make the mcat my personal bitch.

My main goal throughout what seems like 3 months of content review will certainly be practice and passages. I have my weak areas, but my content knowledge isn't too bad and is still fresh from summer study. I'm only reading the chapters to key into my weak spots and nail down what I already know. I have a pretty heavy course load, so this will definitely be a marathon.

Goal score: >35. Lofty, I know. I've got all the time in the world to master this stuff, though. I have no excuse to not do great on this. Also, I'm fairly strong in verbal (>11 on three EK 101 tests) so I'll be mainly focusing on the sciences.
Click to expand...
I'm in too for the Jan 2013. I will start studying Monday and have started organizing my materials. I am using various sources, mainly TBR and EK, with some supplementals from PR (VR) and Kaplan. Given the structure of TBR, I am reorganizing the sequence of how topics are presented so that my studying in following the logical order (e.g. from atoms-->organ systems). I am planning to review concepts for about 2-2.5 mths and spend the remaining time taking practice tests to prepare for the Jan MCAT given that I work full-time.
Previously used EK as my primary and Verbal from PR but will focus on using TBR as my primary source this time around. I took the MCAT last year for the first time and did not perform as well as I needed given other circumstances. This time, I am aiming for a score of at least =>30 to increase my chances of being accepted into my MD programs of choice. I am wishing everyone on here blessings and luck on the path to the Jan 2013 MCAT.
 
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Embolizedneuron said:
I scheduled myself for 9/7, but by MCAT location has been changed and I have no other location closer to me.. Closest location is MIAMI and I live in VA .. 🙁
So they have me an option to take it on oct 5 2012 (apparently it is an emergency date by AAMC)
I am so torn .. If I should take it in October or just take it in jan 2013
Click to expand...

I would definitely go with the October date. Presumably you have the momentum since you were going to take the September date. This new date just means an extra month of prepping. If you wait until January you may forget a lot of content or just lose your drive. The sudden timing isn't great because you have to book a flight quickly but if you feel very ready now it may just be worth it. See if anyone you know has frequent flier miles or credit card points they can give you as a gift!
 
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MAnne said:
Nope. Haven't taken it yet.
Click to expand...

There isn't really a point in sending secondaries if you won't have ANY MCAT score for this season. Unfortunately, as MDOnlyWillDo has pointed out, you're going to technically be a reapplicant for schools once you do apply. IF your AMCAS hasn't been verified and you can still withdraw you should do that IMMEDIATELY because that's the only way you won't be considered an applicant this cycle (and you will be considered a "new" applicant in future cycles).
 
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how are you guys buying TBR? Has anyone bought it in person? If so, where?

I am on the same boat, my qtr starts on the 24th, and I want to get started ASAP and not waiting for the shipping complications! I have examkrackers, but Physics and chemistry books are terrible!
 
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You can not buy TBR in person from BR.
You can do a mail order to the BR company OR you can buy them from someone else off of sdn,ebay,etc.
 
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moto_za said:
since AAMC will be removing the writing section in 2013, will we receive our scores sooner?
Click to expand...

I believe so, but have not read anything to back this up.

EK GC 30 min exam 1: 10
EK GC 30 min exam 2: 12

Damn, I have a lot of catching up to do. Frickin' Isaac. :laugh:
 
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haloalkane said:
Are you guys taking classes as well? If so, what does your schedule look like?
Click to expand...

Not me I just graduated. But I will be working as a tutor or trying.
I sigh up at like 3 different tutoring companies get 'hired' but have not never worked.... feel like crying.
 
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haloalkane said:
Are you guys taking classes as well? If so, what does your schedule look like?
Click to expand...

No I graduated as well.

Going to try and work on some of my clinical research projects and volunteer once a week. I tried taking classes and hasn't worked for me.

Anyone else taking a course?
 
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I'm going part time. Just taking Exercise Physiology and Exercise Psychology + volunteering. Shouldn't be too bad.
 
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YouNeverKnow22 said:
Yikes, that really doesn't sound optimal. Thought about taking it later? Like maybe April?
Click to expand...

It was my choice.

I studied from May-August and have the content down about 80%. Most of my classes directly apply to the MCAT, so I really didn't want to learn everything all over again. Now I'm just mastering the subject.

Things wouldn't be any less busy for me next semester, either. 👍
 
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DocFelt said:
So I'm starting back up with studying this Saturday. I took the August 4th test and voided. Spent all summer studying, and when it came time to take full lengths, my scores were in the toilet (aamc 3: 20, aamc 4: 19). I was pretty burnt out at that time, and decided a week out to void my score.

Aiming to start fresh. Starting Saturday, I'm going through every EK chapter as a refresher. I plan on doing 6 chapters per week, with the corresponding 30 minute exams after each chapter. It will take me a little over a month to do this. Every three chapters of EK, I'm going to finish a unit of Kaplan online materials (excellent stuff), as well. Once I finish that, I'm going to probably take the aamc assessment package, and see where my faults lie.

After all that hoopla of a month, I'm going to nail down everything by going through TBR cover to cover. This will take a little over two months.


And finally, I'm going to punish the AAMC exams starting late December into January to ultimately make the mcat my personal bitch.

My main goal throughout what seems like 3 months of content review will certainly be practice and passages. I have my weak areas, but my content knowledge isn't too bad and is still fresh from summer study. I'm only reading the chapters to key into my weak spots and nail down what I already know. I have a pretty heavy course load, so this will definitely be a marathon.

Goal score: >35. Lofty, I know. I've got all the time in the world to master this stuff, though. I have no excuse to not do great on this. Also, I'm fairly strong in verbal (>11 on three EK 101 tests) so I'll be mainly focusing on the sciences.
Click to expand...

I voided the Sept 7th exam cause wasn't studying at all this summer as I couldn't concentrate. Now that school is starting I will be more disciplined with my studies and hopefully concentrate on the MCAT as well. Goodluck everyone!
 
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DocFelt said:
It was my choice.

I studied from May-August and have the content down about 80%. Most of my classes directly apply to the MCAT, so I really didn't want to learn everything all over again. Now I'm just mastering the subject.

Things wouldn't be any less busy for me next semester, either. 👍
Click to expand...

Gotcha--just wondering because from personal experience I've bombed it with a full schedule, that's why I'm studying full time. Either way good luck, we got this :luck:!

I'm taking the Kaplan course, anyone else?
 
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dellian101 said:
Hey! I'm on board also. Anyone interested in getting together in NYC to do some questions?
Click to expand...
Maybe! I need to get through more content review first, but hopefully I'll be done with that soon and moving on to passages/practice problems... then I'll figure out exactly how much I really don't know (probable answer: a lot). At that point it might be good to talk over weak spots, share materials, etc. Please keep me in mind if you ever organize anything (or PM me if you have topics/dates in mind). At the very least, getting out for a change of scenery and some human contact while tackling the MCAT would be good 🙂
 
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Hello Hello!

I am also on this boat trying to study to take the Jan 2013 exam! I work full time (40+ Hours due to short staffing at my hospital) on top of that I work 3rd shift which is work within itself. I graduated from undergrad over a year ago and so I have to try study for this exam around my schedule. I am also shadowing an ER doc so my plate is sort of full. I am doing a 4 month version of the SDN2 schedule and I am using those supplies that was recommended. I havent studied yet because I have 2 weeks of vaca coming up and I will enjoy it at the beach rather than books but as soon as vaca is over I will be in the books drooling if I have to LOL jk This exam is no joke but keep the faith and have lots of confidence!
 
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How have you guys been balancing studying with work/classes? I work part-time and am taking classes/ECs, and between all that, I barely have time. Now i have to add MCAT studying. I guess hello Coffee and 5 hour sleep nights!😱😱
 
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I am also hopefully taking the exam in January, depending when it is available in my area (I'm Canadian). I'm using EK and TPRH to study, it's too hard to get berkeley review in my area. I start studying tomorrow, good luck everyone!
 
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MCAT777 said:
Decided on taking the TPR hyperlearning course. Need structure in my studying so baddd. 😡 been lazing around like a fool!😴 no more of that! But damn 2000$ is a lot!
Click to expand...

If you really don'y have the money I can help.

I am in the tpr course it will start OCT. 13.
And if u want we can skype each other. I can tell you want we went over in my course.

BUT if I were u I would get the course the online resources are the BEST especially the Hyperlearning Tech.

---Hyperlearning tech.. uses questions from the sci wrkbk with technology to help you learn... go to PR website they have a vid on it.
 
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MCAT777 said:
Decided on taking the TPR hyperlearning course. Need structure in my studying so baddd. 😡 been lazing around like a fool!😴 no more of that! But damn 2000$ is a lot!
Click to expand...

yeah same with Kaplan, but it'll help keep me organized and the online resources are gold.
 
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I have a new method for studying for the new BS section that I'm going to share with you guys, I think it'll help.

Look up ~3 sciences articles a week (from nature, cell, etc.). After reading each article write the following in 2-3 sentences from each study in your own words:

Objective:
Methods:
Results:
Conclusion:

I think it'll help a lot, especially analytical skills. Going to start today with this method.

first article I'm using if anyone is interested: http://thejns.org.prox.lib.ncsu.edu/doi/abs/10.3171/2012.4.JNS111170
 
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for people who are RETAKING the MCAT in january, are you applying in 2013 then, not this year? I know that most schools won't look at ur January retake unless u've been waitlisted or something, am I correct?
 
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I think I am going for the Jan MCAT as well. I think for now I am going to do a hardcore review of Gen Chem and Physics. On the 30+ forum I don't see many chad's video users. I have the NOVA book but it seems super dense. Any other suggestions besides TPR, TBR you guys are using this far out
 
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woahmanwoah here.

So, I'm not gonna be able to take the sept 6th test which I signed up for so I'm gonna sign up for the January one. I've been studying for the entire summer so I feel like I have the content down pretty well. I was scoring 12/10/12 as an average for the AAMC tests and want to make sure that I can maintain that. I need to improve verbal though so I'll probably read more and take more verbal tests from EK and TPR. Best of luck to everyone!

P.S: Do you guys think this test will be harder? I mean there's no writing section so should be an hour shorter if you omit the voluntary social sciences section. So, they may amp up the difficulty but I think we'll be ready.
 
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cobe3mat said:
I'm in! How many hours are you guys studying a day?
Click to expand...

About 4-5 hrs a day for 6 days.

I just rd a ch in a TPR science bk.
Do the corresponding free standing questions in the sci wrbk. ( saving the passages for later)
I also do 1 verbal passage a day
 
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So is there or is there not a "new" BS section on the test that is different than years past. I keep hearing different reports.
 
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