*Official June 2016 MCAT Thread*

[aalamruad]

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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.

 

[WhittyPsyche]

Moving to July 9th! Just accepted a job and have to relocate the week before the test, don't want to mess up my test in any way so thought a reschedule would be best.

Best of luck everyone!!!


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[kanseou]

Hi.

Is MCAT testing date June-18 OK or Can I advise to move later date to get more time to study ?
Because I heard that if a GPA is good, it does not matter little late for MCAT score.

Current scheduled MCAT test date is 6/18/2016.
Kaplan FL scores: 1st 504, 2nd 508.
GPA: 3.985
College level: Senior
Major Biology
Asian

I am not a student but need to know to give an advise.

Thank you very much.

 

[Canuck10]

Finished my first FL today. Took the NS diagnostic on Monday and got a 501, took NS1 FL today and got a 505. Timing on Chem/Physics messed me up I didn't get to answer 7 questions.. not even enough time to randomly click a button and guess. Made a much more concerted effort to focus on timing for the remaining 3 sections and had no problem with timing. I actually had like 20min left over on Psych/Soc, anyone else find this is the easiest/quickest?
From what I've been reading most companies FLs are much harder than the real thing, which I'm hoping holds true. I'm taking 2 FLs a week from now until June 2, reviewing my test the next day, and mixing in some content review and AAMC question pack. Usually make Sunday really light, do some light review and mostly relax and gear up for the coming week. Those FLs exhaust me, not to mention bloodshot eyes!

 

[Brah of Science]

Finished my first FL today. Took the NS diagnostic on Monday and got a 501, took NS1 FL today and got a 505. Timing on Chem/Physics messed me up I didn't get to answer 7 questions.. not even enough time to randomly click a button and guess. Made a much more concerted effort to focus on timing for the remaining 3 sections and had no problem with timing. I actually had like 20min left over on Psych/Soc, anyone else find this is the easiest/quickest?
From what I've been reading most companies FLs are much harder than the real thing, which I'm hoping holds true. I'm taking 2 FLs a week from now until June 2, reviewing my test the next day, and mixing in some content review and AAMC question pack. Usually make Sunday really light, do some light review and mostly relax and gear up for the coming week. Those FLs exhaust me, not to mention bloodshot eyes!

Nice job! Yeah those FL are really draining. Make sure you don't burn out with doing two a week. Also, fit in the section banks if your have them. I just finished them up this past week and they were really helpful!

 

[LACMA]

Hey guys, do you know if the free gold standard full length is good to take?

 

[MrsSheperd]

Finally taking my first TPR FL today. Wish me luck, people!🙂

 

[kingslanding]

.

 

[Brah of Science]

Finally taking my first TPR FL today. Wish me luck, people!🙂

Kill it!

 

[Brah of Science]

Hey guys, do you know if the free gold standard full length is good to take?

Not sure. I haven't heard anything about them. But hey, its free!

 

[Brah of Science]

Are you guys timing the section banks and question packs, and if so how? Also, when should I be starting them? I've taken the Kaplan diagnostic, Kaplan FL 1, AAMC OG, and AAMC unscored. I'm mostly done with content review, but I do have a few chapters to finish.

I gave myself 3.5 hours for the section banks. For the question packs, I just split it up into two full sections (60 questions, 1.5 hours each). I would start the section banks sooner than later so that way your not surprised when you get a difficult passage.

 

[blainera]

Who has taken the AAMC Sample Test? My scores were 81%/91%/73%/88%. I'm not sure how I should feel about these scores since I have less than a month left until my test. I'm surprised my Bio/Biochem was so low because that has been my highest section on the 2 Kaplan FLs I've taken.

 

[kingslanding]

.

 

[kingslanding]

.

 

[Brah of Science]

3.5 hours per 100 question sections, correct? Did you do all of B/B in one sitting, and then later in the week do all of P/S or did you split each section up?


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Yeah 3.5 hours for the 100 question section banks. But don't think of it as rigid. I think on the C/P one I took a little longer. But I would do one full section bank in one sitting, review it in depth, then begin the next one. In all, I think it took me about 5 days.

 

[kingslanding]

.

 

[theNDhopeful44]

@MrsSheperd Super curious as to how your exam went!

 

[MrsSheperd]

@MrsSheperd Super curious as to how your exam went!

Hey you 🙂 I was super bummed, I scored 500 🙁 I'm debating whether I should take it in July. I don't think that I will be able to improve THAT much within 3 weeks....thoughts?

I kept running out of time in the science sections. I have to come up with a strategy that helps me improve that part!! Oh and interestingly enough, I scored highest in Psych/Soc... a section I'm not even done reviewing 😵 makes no sense to me.

I took a TPR FL from last year. I wonder how representative those are


You scored awesome, BTW. I wish I was that prepared already!!

 

[blainera]

Has anyone here ever gotten higher than a 506 on Kaplan?

I got 506 on Kaplan 1 and 510 on 2. I seem to do better on Kaplan stuff than AAMC though...

 

[Hospitalized]

Hey you 🙂 I was super bummed, I scored 500 🙁 I'm debating whether I should take it in July. I don't think that I will be able to improve THAT much within 3 weeks....thoughts?

I kept running out of time in the science sections. I have to come up with a strategy that helps me improve that part!! Oh and interestingly enough, I scored highest in Psych/Soc... a section I'm not even done reviewing 😵 makes no sense to me.

I took a TPR FL from last year. I wonder how representative those are


You scored awesome, BTW. I wish I was that prepared already!!

500 on a TPR 6 weeks out is solid. That might translate to as high as a 508 on the real deal.

 

[MrsSheperd]

500 on a TPR 6 weeks out is solid. That might translate to as high as a 508 on the real deal.

What?!😱 Are you serious?? How did you come up with those numbers? Is there a conversion table somewhere? I know that the first exams that came out could really be scored as there was no scale... thank you, I don't feel like a complete failure anymore

 

[Hospitalized]

What?!😱 Are you serious?? How did you come up with those numbers? Is there a conversion table somewhere? I know that the first exams that came out could really be scored as there was no scale... thank you, I don't feel like a complete failure anymore

A lot of reading on this forum. I've seen someone score 510+ while scoring in the low 500s on TPR. A lot of the test prep companies are failing hard at making exams that replicate the real deal, especially Kaplan.

 

[MrsSheperd]

Well, that is comforting to know! How do you work through the passages? I feel like I'm spending too much time reading them (too) thoroughly.

A lot of reading on this forum. I've seen someone score 510+ while scoring in the low 500s on TPR. A lot of the test prep companies are failing hard at making exams that replicate the real deal, especially Kaplan.

 

[Dr.Burns]

Is everyone still doing content review ?

 

[Ryomagoku]

Is everyone still doing content review ?

I am. I switched from Kaplan to TBR so I'm still in the early middle. I should be done with content review in 10 days though

 

[Hospitalized]

Anyone done any official AAMC content yet?

 

[Hospitalized]

Well, that is comforting to know! How do you work through the passages? I feel like I'm spending too much time reading them (too) thoroughly.

I usually end up going too slow on C/P, just about right on B/B, too slow on CARS, too fast on P/S. But I noticed improvement just over the course of my 3 psuedotests (diagnostics put out by Kaplan, TPR, and NS).

 

[blainera]

Anyone done any official AAMC content yet?

I have completed the sample test and the QPacks except for CARS vol. 2. I thought CARS vol. 1 was super hard and it's usually my best section. I think I'll do the official guide this week and start the section banks this weekend.

 

[Hospitalized]

I have completed the sample test and the QPacks except for CARS vol. 2. I thought CARS vol. 1 was super hard and it's usually my best section. I think I'll do the official guide this week and start the section banks this weekend.

How did the sample test go? I might take mine tomorrow.


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[blainera]

How did the sample test go? I might take mine tomorrow.


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My scores were 81%/91%/73%/88%. CARS and Psych were really straightforward and easier than I expected. I thought Chem/Phys was tough and I couldn't finish in time, but that has been my problem with every FL I've taken. Bio/Biochem was my lowest score because I made a lot of stupid mistakes. After going through all my answers, I realized that most of my mistakes were due to not reading the question correctly or failing to realize that the answer was actually in the passage. It definitely helped me to realize the things that I need to review - general chemistry, amino acids, enzyme kinetics, etc.

 

[Hospitalized]

My scores were 81%/91%/73%/88%. CARS and Psych were really straightforward and easier than I expected. I thought Chem/Phys was tough and I couldn't finish in time, but that has been my problem with every FL I've taken. Bio/Biochem was my lowest score because I made a lot of stupid mistakes. After going through all my answers, I realized that most of my mistakes were due to not reading the question correctly or failing to realize that the answer was actually in the passage. It definitely helped me to realize the things that I need to review - general chemistry, amino acids, enzyme kinetics, etc.

How much content review have you done? Those are really solid scores.

 

[blainera]

How much content review have you done? Those are really solid scores.

I've done a decent amount of content review. I started studying really lightly around September and ramped up the studying in March or so. I read through each of the Kaplan books a few times each except for the organic and CARS books which I barely used.

 

[Hospitalized]

I've done a decent amount of content review. I started studying really lightly around September and ramped up the studying in March or so. I read through each of the Kaplan books a few times each except for the organic and CARS books which I barely used.

How did you feel about the Kaplan biochemistry book? Considering using it. I'm not sure EK is giving me enough for biochemistry.

 

[blainera]

How did you feel about the Kaplan biochemistry book? Considering using it. I'm not sure EK is giving me enough for biochemistry.

I think it's really solid. However, I have seen people saying that it is way too detailed. I personally like that because my biochemistry class didn't cover any metabolism and it's really well covered in the book. The end of chapter questions are basically useless though because they are just easy discrete questions, but I think you get access to Kaplan's online FLs if you purchase a book.

 

[Brah of Science]

I thought Kaplan Biochem was pretty good as well. Just certain things needed a better explanation like the PPP, Kcat, etc

 

[MrsSheperd]

I usually end up going too slow on C/P, just about right on B/B, too slow on CARS, too fast on P/S. But I noticed improvement just over the course of my 3 psuedotests (diagnostics put out by Kaplan, TPR, and NS).

Okay..I guess it's all practice then. I will take another test this weekend and will report back again 🙂 Thank you for your input, it really helped to know that I didn't screw up as bad as I thought

 

[MrsSheperd]

I thought Kaplan Biochem was pretty good as well. Just certain things needed a better explanation like the PPP, Kcat, etc

How detailed are you guys going through metabolism? I'm not sure if I should memorize almost every step because simply getting the bigger picture doesn't seem to be enough at all.

 

[betterfuture]

Quick question! I was wondering when you guys started your AAMC Q-packs and Section Banks and any other AAMC material? Like how many months into should I start them? Just wondering as I am taking the MCAT in July and wanted some feedback. Thanks you guys!

 

[BlastedHeath]

Hey everyone, I'm a reschedule from May 20th, taking it June 2nd now, still feeling like I won't have enough time but I don't think that feeling will go away.

Anyway, I think I broke NextStep, can't resume the test or go to any other page.

 

[missionarydoctorhopeful]

Hey all! Checking in, I'm signed up for June 18th test day.

Just curious how you all are approaching the last month stretch or so before the test. I assume FLs twice a week?

 

[beOncogene]

I also will be joining you guys on June 18th. One more month guys. I can hardly wait! haha

 

[theNDhopeful44]

Have any of you guys done the 1st CARS question pack? I just finished the first 60 questions (first half) and DAMN I'm getting mauled. 65% so far (got 1/7 on the f****** Picasso passage). Is it really gonna be this bad?

 

[blainera]

Have any of you guys done the 1st CARS question pack? I just finished the first 60 questions (first half) and DAMN I'm getting mauled. 65% so far (got 1/7 on the f****** Picasso passage). Is it really gonna be this bad?

The first half of that question pack is absolutely brutal. Every passage is so convoluted. The second half is not as bad and the CARS on the sample test is a breeze in comparison.

 

[blainera]

Who has taken the Official Guide test?

 

[Brah of Science]

Who has taken the Official Guide test?

I took it a couple of months ago as I was just starting to study

 

[Canuck10]

Anyone have any tips for the Bio/BioChem section? I'm not sure if it's me or the NS FLs I'm doing, but I'm getting murdered on that section. Took NS FL3 today and got 127/128/124/127. My content knowledge is fine, I just get really confused reading through the passages on what inhibits what, what expresses what, and then applying it to the tables/graphs/etc. Any tips you guys have would be great!

 

[BlastedHeath]

Hey everyone, I'm a reschedule from May 20th, taking it June 2nd now, still feeling like I won't have enough time but I don't think that feeling will go away.

Anyway, I think I broke NextStep, can't resume the test or go to any other page.
View attachment 203604

Managed to get this fixed and finish NS1.

I know people preach about how the most useful thing to do is practice tests, but does anyone else feel like they don't learn much from doing them? I'm doing better than I expect on all of mine, but reviewing them I don't feel like I'm actually improving on anything.

 

[theNDhopeful44]

The AAMC unscored FL feels a lot different than Kaplan (for me at least). So far I'm at 76% C/P, 74% CARS. Once my wifi is fixed tomorrow I'll finish the rest.

 

[Brown_Man24]

Hi,

So, I started my content review for the MCAT a few months back with Kaplan, and I am signed up to take the MCAT June 2nd (about 17 days from now), and I just took my 2nd Kaplan practice exam and scored a 493. I was shocked because this score was lower than my first score (495) as I had gone down in all the categories by 1 or 2 points besides Chem/Phys. Were any of you in this kind of a rough spot who were able to get out it? Any advice moving forward.

I am planning on taking my next practice exam this upcoming Tuesday.

Thanks.

 

[BlastedHeath]

Hi,

So, I started my content review for the MCAT a few months back with Kaplan, and I am signed up to take the MCAT June 2nd (about 17 days from now), and I just took my 2nd Kaplan practice exam and scored a 493. I was shocked because this score was lower than my first score (495) as I had gone down in all the categories by 1 or 2 points besides Chem/Phys. Were any of you in this kind of a rough spot who were able to get out it? Any advice moving forward.

I am planning on taking my next practice exam this upcoming Tuesday.

Thanks.

Have you reviewed your tests in detail to see what you are missing? Some mistakes are going to be easier to fix than others. Have you done any practice outside of Kaplan? Different companies have different scoring scales and Kaplan tends to be a bit deflated. I'm taking it on June 2nd as well. I got 500 on Kaplan 1 and the next test I took was NextStep 1 and I got 509. I feel like in truth I should be somewhere in the middle there.

 

[LACMA]

Hey guys! I was wondering how useful it would be to use EK 1001 for bio, physics, etc. I thought it would be good practice and reinforcement of concepts. What do you think?