*Official June 2016 MCAT Thread*

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Hey there everyone! Figured I'd start this thread since I recently started preparing for the June 18th MCAT. For those of you who are taking the June 2nd MCAT, June 18th MCAT, or still considering one of those two dates, feel free to post here with any questions, comments, concerns, or support you have to offer!

Good luck to you all! Let's crush it.
 
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Should I Do the 30 min exams on EK? I just have the Physics Book in pdf though. And I'm wondering how many problems do you guys do in the EK 1001 books per day if you have them. I have the Physics, General Chem, and Orgo EK 1001 books. I am planning to also take a Full length on the weekend, hope my score will improve.
 
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TXhopeful said:
Good job with the scores so far! Content review and their 30-minute exams are helpful, but makes me antsy to have more practice passages. Starting the AAMC bundle material in 2 weeks, so I'll be working through those along with full-lengths the entire month of March. Curious to hear any feedback from those who are using them!
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Thanks! I thought the AAMC FL scored was easier then the 30 minute EK exams. Probably because the EK quizzes focus on minute trick concepts in a specific discipline and topic where as the AAMC passages have more common main concepts interdisciplinary so if you are a good critical thinker but don't like to memorize things (like me) you'll think the AAMC passages are easier. That's why I just focus solely on pounding out KA videos in 1.5 speed to master all the basic concepts rather then memorizing discrete info.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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Kryoux07 said:
Should I Do the 30 min exams on EK? I just have the Physics Book in pdf though. And I'm wondering how many problems do you guys do in the EK 1001 books per day if you have them. I have the Physics, General Chem, and Orgo EK 1001 books. I am planning to also take a Full length on the weekend, hope my score will improve.
Click to expand...

I think the 30-minute exams are crucial to practice, as well as content review, so I absolutely recommend them. I like 95% of their explanations and I think they help me work through future problems. A little more difficult, but better difficult than too easy. I didn't get the 1001 books because they're quite a few years old and I started studying crunched on time.

magicdock said:
Thanks! I thought the AAMC FL scored was easier then the 30 minute EK exams. Probably because the EK quizzes focus on minute trick concepts in a specific discipline and topic where as the AAMC passages have more common main concepts interdisciplinary so if you are a good critical thinker but don't like to memorize things (like me) you'll think the AAMC passages are easier. That's why I just focus solely on pounding out KA videos in 1.5 speed to master all the basic concepts rather then memorizing discrete info.
Click to expand...

Some of them did focus a lot on their tricks and specific information they mentioned, and that drives me crazy. Although KA kind of throws all these intense questions at you before you review any of the material, so that's tricky too.
 
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I started my undergrad in Bio wanting to go to med school then switched to Civil Engineering (long story) and graduated May '15. Now decided to apply to med school, I have all my pre-reqs for med school but never took a biochem class. I've been using Kaplan books and Khan Academy for studying and its going well so far. Only thing I'm worried about in biochem are the amino acids. I know functional groups, polarities, acidity, basicity, stuff like that. Is there anything more than that I should know about amino acids?
 
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Canuck10 said:
I started my undergrad in Bio wanting to go to med school then switched to Civil Engineering (long story) and graduated May '15. Now decided to apply to med school, I have all my pre-reqs for med school but never took a biochem class. I've been using Kaplan books and Khan Academy for studying and its going well so far. Only thing I'm worried about in biochem are the amino acids. I know functional groups, polarities, acidity, basicity, stuff like that. Is there anything more than that I should know about amino acids?
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From my understanding what you already know + KA + Kaplan have more than enough info about the AA. So you shoudl be fine. Memorize the structures, and everything you seem to already know.
 
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walloobi said:
Just took EK FL 1. That was pretty exhausting. Anyone else here take that one yet?
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Yeah that was the first one I took. I didn't do exceptionally (around 63% each section) but that was after only a few weeks of studying. I really disagreed with some of their CARS answers. The AAMC CARS passages and answers seem much less ambiguous to me.
 
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Hospitalized said:
Nope! How'd it go?

Has anyone done any of the official AAMC materials? I'm thinking of starting of the "official guide questions" here soon.
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Got a little over 72% overall. Pretty satisfied with it given the EK --> actual MCAT comparisons I've seen on this site. Planning on taking ~15 more full-length practice tests before June 18th though haha
 
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walloobi said:
Got a little over 72% overall. Pretty satisfied with it given the EK --> actual MCAT comparisons I've seen on this site. Planning on taking ~15 more full-length practice tests before June 18th though haha
Click to expand...

Pretty high score this far out! Yep.. I'm planning on doing a NSFL1 that I got for free on Sunday.
 
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after sitting in on the test twice for the new test. I'm just doing a test every mondy and reviewing topics throughout the week. yes you need a good foundation of content but it doesnt have to be PERFECT. IN my opinion. with doing some half test, and 1/3 tests, i know the topics i don't know well like refection, enzymes, inhibition and of course memorizing amno acids. so yea hats the plan do a test every day . goal is to complete all of next step exams, exam crackers, and aamc. in the last two tests, i never feel content with my practice, ( it was dumb for me to take a test, i thought i was ready_ but i wasnt. ) so yea. just tests and content review of the things i miss that week
 
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Hello everyone! Also checking in 🙂 I don't know if that's just me but I'm forgetting content I studied weeks ago!? I haven't done any practice yet because I feel like I'm "wasting" it if I'm not done with my review yet. But then again...without practice I will forget even more *pulling hair out*. I'm through with GenChem, Physics, Bio and most of Biochem. Planning on starting practice exams this weekend....
 
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June 2nd test takers, what are you guys doing now to prepare? I'm still on content review, but I feel like I'm a little behind.
 
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GoCubsGo20 said:
June 2nd test takers, what are you guys doing now to prepare? I'm still on content review, but I feel like I'm a little behind.
Click to expand...

I'm behind as well and want to finish all my content before doing practice tests only, so I might postpone until June 18. The first time around I didn't have a solid understanding of all my content and wanted to "just get through it", then ended up zooming through all the practice passages after the lectures, forgetting everything. Practice tests are definitely more important, but I don't see what an extra 2 weeks are going to hurt.
I do feel like the entire month before needs to be dedicated to practice tests and reviewing them, so I would say if you don't have a good 4-5 weeks for those then it's sacrificing finishing your content vs. pushing back the test date.
 
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GoCubsGo20 said:
June 2nd test takers, what are you guys doing now to prepare? I'm still on content review, but I feel like I'm a little behind.
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I'm at the same spot you are but I'm not too worried. My plan is to basically be done content review by April 30 and spend all of May doing practice tests, practice questions, and reviewing the tests. I'm not working nor have classes May so I'll be putting in 7 or 8 hours a day most days then taper that off in the week or so leading up to June 2 so I'm fresh
 
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MrsSheperd said:
Are you guys using Kaplan Flascards as well? I'm not a big fan of them..if there's a better source, I'd appreciate the input 🙂
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I usually dont use flashcards. I made my own flashcards for the pathways steps, hormones, enzymes kinetics, cardiac output/flow formulas. Thats all. I just bought the AAMC flashcards. I doubt they are helpful, I am just curious. Dont wanna regret it later
 
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RockMcat520 said:
I usually dont use flashcards. I made my own flashcards for the pathways steps, hormones, enzymes kinetics, cardiac output/flow formulas. Thats all. I just bought the AAMC flashcards. I doubt they are helpful, I am just curious. Dont wanna regret it later
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I agree..I made my own as well. I purchased the Kaplan flashcards because they come with an app. And whenever I have a minute somewhere, I can just go through them on my phone instead of playing a game 😀 It's very convenient..
 
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theNDhopeful44 said:
Hey guys. Anyone have scores on Kaplan exams? Those things suck. I've yet to break 501.
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Hey you! I will be taking my first practice test on Sunday. I will report back to you 🙂 How many have you taken so far? I feel like I'm behind. Also, if you guys plan on taking 2 practice exams/week, where do you all get those from?? I only have 4 so far, wanted to take the AAMC one in the last week. Anyone have a good source?? Preferrable online to mimic actual conditions...
 
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I've taken three: 1 diagnostic, 2 full lengths. I've also done a few sections from FL 8.

DIAG: 501 (125, 125, 126, 125)
FL 1: 499 (124, 125, 127, 123)
FL: 2: 497 (124, 124, 126, 123) (this one was rough...)

Scores from FL 8 so far: 125 CARS, 125 B/B, 126 P/S (haven't done C/P yet)

I seem to do a lot better on the EK 30 min exams. Yesterday I took a P/S one and got a 130 and B/B one and got a 127. I haven't started any of the AAMC stuff yet, but I hear the section banks are ridiculously hard.

@MrsSheperd
 
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Any TPR full length takers?
I've taken Core Test 1 and 2, and Complete Test 1.. 502, 503, 503

Thinking Kaplan/TPR tests and scoring are on the harder side.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
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theNDhopeful44 said:
I've taken three: 1 diagnostic, 2 full lengths. I've also done a few sections from FL 8.

DIAG: 501 (125, 125, 126, 125)
FL 1: 499 (124, 125, 127, 123)
FL: 2: 497 (124, 124, 126, 123) (this one was rough...)

Scores from FL 8 so far: 125 CARS, 125 B/B, 126 P/S (haven't done C/P yet)

I seem to do a lot better on the EK 30 min exams. Yesterday I took a P/S one and got a 130 and B/B one and got a 127. I haven't started any of the AAMC stuff yet, but I hear the section banks are ridiculously hard.

@MrsSheperd
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Thanks for the heads up! What score are you aiming for? Yeah I just purchased the AAMC section bank and ummm...yeah... those are HARD! I read through a few problems and logged off so I can save those for when I have a bit more practice. I will start with the Kaplan full length, but I have a feeling that those are going to be hard too!!
 
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Oh and are you guys taking them timed and in one sitting or are you splitting them up over a few days? Not sure how to go about building up stamina for the real deal
 
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I'm doing them timed. I'm also doing FL 4 today, too.

Ideally I'd like a 508. I don't care if I go to Hopkins or my state school or my state's osteo program (one of my parents is a DO). I just want to be a fricken doctor!
 
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theNDhopeful44 said:
I'm doing them timed. I'm also doing FL 4 today, too.

Ideally I'd like a 508. I don't care if I go to Hopkins or my state school or my state's osteo program (one of my parents is a DO). I just want to be a fricken doctor!
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Haha I totally agree!! I do not care which school I get into..as long as I can be a doctor! I'm aiming for a 510 so...I will post my initial score this weekend too. I'm also doing 2 CARS passages each day on Khan Academy.
 
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Checking in. Hello June takers. How is studying coming along? Home stretch!

I sat the April 23rd test (yesterday), but didn't feel it was my best performance. Scores won't be released until May 24, but I plan to continue to study and potentially schedule for retake June 18 after I discover my scores. Still submitting apps June 1.

I figure continuing to hammer down weak science areas (biochemistry, orgo, and applied physics in the form of problem practice, and published basic science article reading practice) in addition to maintainence of verbal reading practice and strategy is a good plan in the interim period. Learning the latest science research and reading about humanities can prove to be fun at times anyways.

For practice: What practice has everyone been using? I didn't have the chance to cover TBR or EK problems (aside from full lengths) so may start there as I hear they are best practice for science. I also like aldaily for verbal reading practice (Jack Westin introduced me to this. Also highly recommend his class if any of you struggle with verbal. His strategy + personalized modifications pulled me up to 92% raw score on AAMC sample test).

Looking forward to studying in solidarity with you all. Go team. ❤️
 
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@carswarrior Hope it went well yesterday, but props to continuing to prep just in case. What full lengths have you prepared with up to this point? And any thoughts on the craziness of c/p & b/b that I'm reading about in the other thread? makes me nervous hearing everyone that was well prepped came out rattled
 
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theonlytycrane said:
@carswarrior Hope it went well yesterday, but props to continuing to prep just in case. What full lengths have you prepared with up to this point? And any thoughts on the craziness of c/p & b/b that I'm reading about in the other thread? makes me nervous hearing everyone that was well prepped came out rattled
Click to expand...

Thanks @theonlytycrane. I was discouraged after the exam, but such is life. It could be all in my mind and I may have scored around my average, which I would be very happy about. But I will prepare for the worst scenario in order to still make this cycle. I have very little recollection of the test because it was such an adrenaline rush lol. It's unsettling.

I prepared with EK FLs and AAMC FLs, in addition to AAMC section banks and packets. I took several NS and TPR FLs months ago but stopped using TPR because I felt they weren't very representative of the actual exam. I still will probably abstain from TPR. May try NS again but probably not. I still don't like NS much.

EK and TBR are the best in my opinion. Science articles are also a good to practice. I just found out AAMC posted a link on their site for articles they use for passages (which are usually much denser than the old exam and require reasoning for analysis). I'll tag you with the link sometime soon. Going to go to an art class now to distress before the work week. 🙂
 
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carswarrior said:
That's an excellent score this far out. Kaplan FLs are harder than AAMC. You should be proud!
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Thanks! I think they might've changed their scoring scale, because the FL I took before that I had higher percentages in c/p and p/s but ended up doing 2 and 3 points better in those sections, respectively, this time. Not questioning it though! I'd love to hit around 507-508 on the Kaplans before test day!
 
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ddc150 said:
Any TPR full length takers?
I've taken Core Test 1 and 2, and Complete Test 1.. 502, 503, 503

Thinking Kaplan/TPR tests and scoring are on the harder side.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

FL 2: 500
FL 3: 498 🙁
FL 4: 499 🙁
FL 5: 502

The tests have been messing up on me lately, where I would have about 5ish minutes leftover and I am trying to go over my marked questions to think them over more and potentially correct them. However, it would just bring me to the FOLLOWING section with like 5 minutes remaining and no questions answered. Does that happen to you or anyone else??

I don't think I am going to use TPR for practice anymore, some of their questions make me want to flip my desk over.
 
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So far I have taken only Kaplan FL's.

First one I took I got a 500, and this was about less than a month ago. My second FL, I got a 497 but I improved on my C/P and CARS score. Should I go ahead and try another Kaplan FL or try my first TPR FL? How are TPR in regards to their FL? Are they more content based, experimental heavy, or in between?

And does anybody know exactly how Kaplan scores their FL's? I saw in my 2nd FL Psych/Soc section, I had received a drastically lower score than my FL2 Psych/Soc section yet I only missed 8 questions than my best Psych/Soc score. Thanks!
 
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Hey everyone,
Here is the link for science articles that AAMC posted. It's really good practice to read through these articles as if they are passages:
https://www.mededportal.org/icollab...l?att=190570,287060&p=1&q=MCAT&r=10&s=rel&t=p
Also, those of you taking TPR tests and scoring around 500 do not worry. TPR scores have consistently shown to be about 10 points +/-2 below AAMC scored test.
Another tip: visit sporcle for some fun AA and biochemistry games. This one is very helpful with getting structures down pat: http://m.sporcle.com/games/sproutcm/amino-acids-from-structures
@theonlytycrane
 
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Just moved from 5/20 to 6/18! Think the one month will definitely help.

So I'm finishing up content review now. Anyone have any recommendations on where to start with FL's? Should I start with AAMC's 2 full lengths, or save them for last? Any opinions on the best prep companies FL? Perhaps any resources for free exams?
 
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betterfuture said:
So far I have taken only Kaplan FL's.

First one I took I got a 500, and this was about less than a month ago. My second FL, I got a 497 but I improved on my C/P and CARS score. Should I go ahead and try another Kaplan FL or try my first TPR FL? How are TPR in regards to their FL? Are they more content based, experimental heavy, or in between?

And does anybody know exactly how Kaplan scores their FL's? I saw in my 2nd FL Psych/Soc section, I had received a drastically lower score than my FL2 Psych/Soc section yet I only missed 8 questions than my best Psych/Soc score. Thanks!
Click to expand...
I had a similar experience. 499 and then 497 on FL 1 and 2– needless to say I was pretty discouraged. I decided to take a few weeks to just do solid content review, and did some mixed practice with EK 30 min exams; I started seeing a lot of variations between the Kaplan and EK testing styles (EK is way more experimental-based). So where I was hitting 124's consistently on Kaplan, I was hitting anywhere between 127-130 on EK. Granted those are only the 30 min tests that I've done for almost every lecture in almost every book, but the confidence definitely helps.

But as much as the test is knowing content, I also really think it's being familiar with the test itself. I recently did FL 4 from Kaplan and received a 505 (128 in bio) and still think it's just test familiarity and practice with timing. I'm going to do another Kaplan FL this Saturday and then start to do ~2 a week plus section banks/question packs as well.

TL;DR don't get discouraged by practice test scores.
 
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statlin98 said:
Just moved from 5/20 to 6/18! Think the one month will definitely help.

So I'm finishing up content review now. Anyone have any recommendations on where to start with FL's? Should I start with AAMC's 2 full lengths, or save them for last? Any opinions on the best prep companies FL? Perhaps any resources for free exams?
Click to expand...
AAMC released another practice exam!?
 
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