*Official June 2017 MCAT Thread*

[ICUBlue]

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I haven't seen a thread for this month so let's get this one going! Share study plans, questions, and motivation.

My test is June 17th and I started using TBR over winter break and doing ~15 hours each week during the semester leading up to full time studying starting in May.

What's everyone else's plans? Good luck!


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[BombsAway]

Any of you cats struggle with the idea of getting a "good enough" score vs getting the best possible score you're capable of?

 

[ariri]

Any of you cats struggle with the idea of getting a "good enough" score vs getting the best possible score you're capable of?

Ugh yeah, that's what's making me wonder if I want to push off my test to the end of June instead. It looks like from the AAMC admission stats that after a certain point, your chances of getting in doesn't really increase dramatically. Unfortunately, I'm an over-represented minority and have a higher threshold for what's "good enough". I'd look on the chart and follow your GPA line and see at what MCAT score the percentages stay relatively stable.

 

[BombsAway]

Yeah. i took aamc 10 days ago and got a 504, so I figure im ok-ish for DO schools (accounting for 4.0 + veteran status), but I don't think I'm gonna make it to the 509 promise land (decent shot at MD) for my June 1st exam. I'm gonna try to take #2 tomorrow if I can finish the section bank today. Really don't wanna push back a cycle

 

[mariposas905]

Any of you cats struggle with the idea of getting a "good enough" score vs getting the best possible score you're capable of?

Ugh yeah, that's what's making me wonder if I want to push off my test to the end of June instead. It looks like from the AAMC admission stats that after a certain point, your chances of getting in doesn't really increase dramatically. Unfortunately, I'm an over-represented minority and have a higher threshold for what's "good enough". I'd look on the chart and follow your GPA line and see at what MCAT score the percentages stay relatively stable.

I'm going through the same thing you guys...I scored 510 on AAMC FL 1 and 509 on FL 2 and while I feel I could do better (also ORM), I've seen that being early really really helps. Many friends of mine with far weaker applications got early interviews (and acceptances) at MD schools with low MCATs. Of course, I don't want to rely solely on that, but I've also been told that an earlier application can equal 2-3 extra points on the MCAT (meaning a 509 with an early application might fare better than a 512 with a later application).

I don't know what to think, but I just want to take the test and see what my score is already 🙁 I'm aiming for any MD school really. Ugh this process is so stressful!

 

[mariposas905]

Yeah. i took aamc 10 days ago and got a 504, so I figure im ok-ish for DO schools (accounting for 4.0 + veteran status), but I don't think I'm gonna make it to the 509 promise land (decent shot at MD) for my June 1st exam. I'm gonna try to take #2 tomorrow if I can finish the section bank today. Really don't wanna push back a cycle

Yeah, I really don't want to have to push back. I'm already on my third gap year and I feel like I would be wasting time with more years off (especially since medicine is all I ever want to do). I'm going to finish studying as much as I can and take the exam on June 1st. Hoping for at least a 509 like my practice exams. Good luck to you as well! I think you can reach your goal score...if you need extra motivation, look at the reddit threads. So many people got like 2-4 points higher on the real deal than their AAMC FL scores 🙂

 

[BombsAway]

Yeah, I really don't want to have to push back. I'm already on my third gap year and I feel like I would be wasting time with more years off (especially since medicine is all I ever want to do). I'm going to finish studying as much as I can and take the exam on June 1st. Hoping for at least a 509 like my practice exams. Good luck to you as well! I think you can reach your goal score...if you need extra motivation, look at the reddit threads. So many people got like 2-4 points higher on the real deal than their AAMC FL scores 🙂

I really don't expect to do well, and i certainly don't deserve it. I honestly never put in the work like I planned to. During spring semester I focused on my classes and took a tpr diag. Got a 500 so i figured I was in good shape. Then before I knew it the semester ended and the test was 2.5 weeks away! studied for a week, took the sample. reviewed it, took a scored. I'm making a lot of progress and feel like if I pushed back and took a solid 2 months after graduation I'd do really well. But maybe good enough is good enough? I dunno.

 

[mariposas905]

I really don't expect to do well, and i certainly don't deserve it. I honestly never put in the work like I planned to. During spring semester I focused on my classes and took a tpr diag. Got a 500 so i figured I was in good shape. Then before I knew it the semester ended and the test was 2.5 weeks away! studied for a week, took the sample. reviewed it, took a scored. I'm making a lot of progress and feel like if I pushed back and took a solid 2 months after graduation I'd do really well. But maybe good enough is good enough? I dunno.

My situation is even worse. I took a whole year off planning to study for the MCAT, apply on time and basically be perfect for the app cycle. But then I found out I needed MCAT accommodations, started a new job, and realized I had to re-study all the content over again. I couldn't take it in January like I wanted to because of the huge verification needed for accommodations. Then, March came by too fast with my new job and after that, the months kind of flew by and now it's June. I didn't do all the practice I wanted to for this test, but I also don't want to be late in the cycle if I can help it. Regretting everything now, but what can I do? 🙁 I'm hoping it will all work out somehow.

I think it depends on your overall application, state of residence and target score. You could push it back two months if you wanted, but it depends on what your goals are and how much you think you can increase your score. If you feel good about the test on Thursday, maybe just go with it?

 

[BombsAway]

I'm taking summer classes so I can't really push back. I graduate in december, so If I get my aamc 2 score tomorrow and don't think its "good enough" I'll have to push back and do undistracted studying in the winter after graduation. I feel like I have a good app other than the mcat, i might get lucky. It would certainly be wiser to push back, but I don't care where I go to school, as long as I get in somewhere, so maybe good enough is good enough?

 

[mariposas905]

I'm taking summer classes so I can't really push back. I graduate in december, so If I get my aamc 2 score tomorrow and don't think its "good enough" I'll have to push back and do undistracted studying in the winter after graduation. I feel like I have a good app other than the mcat, i might get lucky. It would certainly be wiser to push back, but I don't care where I go to school, as long as I get in somewhere, so maybe good enough is good enough?

In that case, I would suggest you go ahead and take it. I think you can reach at least a 506-508 and, combined with a super early app, that should get you in somewhere if the rest of your app is great. And anyways, you can't cancel the exam now. If you don't do well or feel iffy on test day, then you need to take the year off anyway. But see what your AAMC FL 2 is and then decide. I think it might go well for you. Good luck!

 

[BombsAway]

In that case, I would suggest you go ahead and take it. I think you can reach at least a 506-508 and, combined with a super early app, that should get you in somewhere if the rest of your app is great. And anyways, you can't cancel the exam now. If you don't do well or feel iffy on test day, then you need to take the year off anyway. But see what your AAMC FL 2 is and then decide. I think it might go well for you. Good luck!

I've been cautioned to make the void/score decision before walking in the door. I've never felt confident in the science sections on any practice tests, and sometimes I hit 126. Other times i've felt great about cars but only got a 127. I can't trust my confidence. (for reference, my scores are lopsided, good at cars/ps, weak at sciences).

 

[mariposas905]

I've been cautioned to make the void/score decision before walking in the door. I've never felt confident in the science sections on any practice tests, and sometimes I hit 126. Other times i've felt great about cars but only got a 127. I can't trust my confidence. (for reference, my scores are lopsided, good at cars/ps, weak at sciences).

That makes sense, it's hard for anyone to tell how they did on the test really. See how you do on FL 2 and then you'll probably have more information to make the right decision.

 

[Highwalk]

Hey all, 6/17 tester checking in. Took EK3 a few days ago and scored a ~69%. 3 weeks ago I scored a 75% on the AAMC sample. Hoping for a 90th percentile score, will be taking FL2 this Saturday and FL1 next Saturday while working on my primary and PS. Looking forward to connecting with everyone soon 🙂

 

[OchemOficionado]

Hey all, 6/17 tester checking in. Took EK3 a few days ago and scored a ~69%. 3 weeks ago I scored a 75% on the AAMC sample. Hoping for a 90th percentile score, will be taking FL2 this Saturday and FL1 next Saturday while working on my primary and PS. Looking forward to connecting with everyone soon 🙂

Great scores!

 

[ICUBlue]

Hey all, 6/17 tester checking in. Took EK3 a few days ago and scored a ~69%. 3 weeks ago I scored a 75% on the AAMC sample. Hoping for a 90th percentile score, will be taking FL2 this Saturday and FL1 next Saturday while working on my primary and PS. Looking forward to connecting with everyone soon 🙂

We share the same goal~513/514 90th percentile.

I take either EK 3 or 4 this week. Interested to see how you do on the AAMC stuff. Good luck




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[Coltuna]

My situation is even worse. I took a whole year off planning to study for the MCAT, apply on time and basically be perfect for the app cycle. But then I found out I needed MCAT accommodations, started a new job, and realized I had to re-study all the content over again. I couldn't take it in January like I wanted to because of the huge verification needed for accommodations. Then, March came by too fast with my new job and after that, the months kind of flew by and now it's June. I didn't do all the practice I wanted to for this test, but I also don't want to be late in the cycle if I can help it. Regretting everything now, but what can I do? 🙁 I'm hoping it will all work out somehow.

I think it depends on your overall application, state of residence and target score. You could push it back two months if you wanted, but it depends on what your goals are and how much you think you can increase your score. If you feel good about the test on Thursday, maybe just go with it?

It's honestly crazy how similar your story is to mine lol

 

[BurntFlower]

Finished AAMC FL 2. I'm exhausted. 😴

 

[mariposas905]

It's honestly crazy how similar your story is to mine lol

Lol really? I thought I was the only one going through such problems, but it makes me feel better to know I'm not alone. I gave myself so much crap for getting into this situation lol but I'm going to be strong and give it my all this summer. Hopefully, it works out for both of us!

 

[mariposas905]

Finished AAMC FL 2. I'm exhausted. 😴

Nice! How did you do?

 

[KittyKat00]

Hi All. My exam date is June 17th. Started self-study in November on and off (wasn't very efficient) then started Next Step Online Course beginning of April. Scored a 491 on my first half-diagnostic (super devastated) upon starting Next Step, 502 on my first FL#1 (go figure) two weeks in Next Step (while accidentally leaving 4 questions unmarked in the Chem/Physics Section of which I mentally kicked myself), 498 on my first AAMC exam, then again, a 502 on my second FL#2. I'm studying at least 7 hours a day while holding a full-time job and all day on the weekends. Taking one FL every weekend.

I still have 3 weeks to go so I'm hoping to bump that 502 up.

 

[ariri]

Hi All. My exam date is June 17th. Started self-study in November on and off (wasn't very efficient) then started Next Step Online Course beginning of April. Scored a 491 on my first half-diagnostic (super devastated) upon starting Next Step, 502 on my first FL#1 (go figure) two weeks in Next Step (while accidentally leaving 4 questions unmarked in the Chem/Physics Section of which I mentally kicked myself), 498 on my first AAMC exam, then again, a 502 on my second FL#2. I'm studying at least 7 hours a day while holding a full-time job and all day on the weekends. Taking one FL every weekend.

I still have 3 weeks to go so I'm hoping to bump that 502 up.

You'll definitely be able to bring your score up in a month 🙂 I started at a 502 diagnostics 5 weeks ago and improved a lot. Good luck!

 

[ariri]

Lol really? I thought I was the only one going through such problems, but it makes me feel better to know I'm not alone. I gave myself so much crap for getting into this situation lol but I'm going to be strong and give it my all this summer. Hopefully, it works out for both of us!

I know how you feel, I was supposed to take 3 months off work to study, which then became 2 months, then 6 weeks 🙁 I did my best and this summer will be the start of my third gap year too! I agree that the early applications will be more important than a point or two on the mcat especially for schools with rolling admissions, as long as you're on or around that 508 mark. I think I'm committing to the test at this point!!

 

[novice07054]

Hi, I am taking the test on June 30th. Took NS 1 at the end of april and got a 504 but had done minimal studying. I did a lot of content review and studying for half of may and started taking practice tests. On kaplan 1 got a 502, got a 503 on kaplan 2, and 507 on NS 2 (my most recent test). I'm aiming for atleast a 511, do you guys think I can reach that score?

 

[mariposas905]

I know how you feel, I was supposed to take 3 months off work to study, which then became 2 months, then 6 weeks 🙁 I did my best and this summer will be the start of my third gap year too! I agree that the early applications will be more important than a point or two on the mcat especially for schools with rolling admissions, as long as you're on or around that 508 mark. I think I'm committing to the test at this point!!

Yeah, I know that feeling. I hope I can reach a score worthy of an MD. Have you taken AAMC FL 2 yet?

 

[BurntFlower]

Nice! How did you do?

Low 500s. 😳

 

[mariposas905]

Low 500s. 😳

Don't worry, I think you will still do well this Thursday! Just review your test thoroughly and go in with confidence! Also, I just heard from the Mayo admissions coordinator that they actually look favorably upon those that retake their MCAT. I was so surprised lol So if you need to retake, it's not the end of the world like SDN makes it out to be

 

[BurntFlower]

Don't worry, I think you will still do well this Thursday! Just review your test thoroughly and go in with confidence! Also, I just heard from the Mayo admissions coordinator that they actually look favorably upon those that retake their MCAT. I was so surprised lol So if you need to retake, it's not the end of the world like SDN makes it out to be

All my FLs have been around my same NS range, so I'd be pleased with that score on the real thing (503-504).
Thank you for your kind words. 🙂

 

[ariri]

Hi, I am taking the test on June 30th. Took NS 1 at the end of april and got a 504 but had done minimal studying. I did a lot of content review and studying for half of may and started taking practice tests. On kaplan 1 got a 502, got a 503 on kaplan 2, and 507 on NS 2 (my most recent test). I'm aiming for atleast a 511, do you guys think I can reach that score?

Oh yeah definitely, the 3rd party company practice test scores are deflated. You should take the AAMC I and II FL and the sample test for a more accurate gauge of where you are.

 

[ariri]

Yeah, I know that feeling. I hope I can reach a score worthy of an MD. Have you taken AAMC FL 2 yet?

I have, my AAMC I was 512, sample was 510-515 depending on which scale (since it's unscored), and AAMC II was 515. It's past the 508 mark for sure, but my dream school might require a little higher MCAT score because of my average gpa

 

[novice07054]

Oh yeah definitely, the 3rd party company practice test scores are deflated. You should take the AAMC I and II FL and the sample test for a more accurate gauge of where you are.

Yeah I am planning on taking AAMC I this weekend to see which areas I need to do a little bit more content review. Plan on doing AAMC II a week before the actual exam and the Sample halfway between AAMC I and AAMC II

 

[deleted803410]

June 17th date here! Been studying since Christmas break originally for an April MCAT but now it's June 🙂

I've been using Kaplan books for review, mostly for the science stuff, but I've been using TPR for General + Organic Chemistry and Physics. Last FL I took was Saturday (May 27) from Kaplan and it was a 507. I still think it was some fluke because their tests are really hard, but we will see as the FLs go on lol! What is your main source of practice and where do you get your FLs from?

 

[deleted803410]

Is anyone else feeling unmotivated? I've been studying since January and recently I just feel tired. Wondering if there's any easy cure to this

I am in your exact same boat. Yes, sometimes I find that I am tired and have no stamina. It's because it's summer vacation perhaps? We aren't used to studying in the summer so we don't want to study? Also, I've been studying as long as you and honestly it feels like I've been studying too long! You just want to take the test and finish with it so you can have friends again.

 

[tj123]

June 17th date here! Been studying since Christmas break originally for an April MCAT but now it's June 🙂

I've been using Kaplan books for review, mostly for the science stuff, but I've been using TPR for General + Organic Chemistry and Physics. Last FL I took was Saturday (May 27) from Kaplan and it was a 507. I still think it was some fluke because their tests are really hard, but we will see as the FLs go on lol! What is your main source of practice and where do you get your FLs from?

Same! I moved my test from Aprill 22 to June 17. I'm in the middle of the AAMC unscored right now actually. I plan on taking FL2 next week. Also, NS has a free test you can take. I stopped taking Kaplan about a month ago so that I can only be exposed to tests that are representative of the real thing.

 

[deleted803410]

Same! I moved my test from Aprill 22 to June 17. I'm in the middle of the AAMC unscored right now actually. I plan on taking FL2 next week. Also, NS has a free test you can take. I stopped taking Kaplan about a month ago so that I can only be exposed to tests that are representative of the real thing.

How funny; April 22 was my date too! I've actually bought an Atlius test I am gonna take this weekend. Is the NS test any good? Different than AAMC or closer to AAMC?

 

[BurntFlower]

MCAT tomorrow! 😵

 

[tj123]

How funny; April 22 was my date too! I've actually bought an Atlius test I am gonna take this weekend. Is the NS test any good? Different than AAMC or closer to AAMC?

Yes, it is! Pretty similar actually. And it's free so why not

 

[joe_1395]

How funny; April 22 was my date too! I've actually bought an Atlius test I am gonna take this weekend. Is the NS test any good? Different than AAMC or closer to AAMC?

I LOVE ALTIUS

 

[joe_1395]

MCAT tomorrow! 😵

Good luck, take the day off my friend

 

[BombsAway]

I need a B/B miracle tomorrow

 

[ICUBlue]

MCAT tomorrow! 😵

Good luck!!

Our month is finally here, let's get it


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[deleted803410]

I LOVE ALTIUS

Lol. I've heard of good things about this company. Looks like the Altius test, Free NS test, and AAMC FL2 will be my FLs until June 17, which is the ultimate FL hahaha

 

[mariposas905]

Hey guys, what is your timing like for the C/P and B/B sections? I usually try to do ten minutes per passage, but I still always end up rushing towards the end and don't have time to check answers.

For CARS, I aim for 10 minutes per passage max and it usually works out. If it doesn't, then I guess on the last passage and still have managed 126-127 (hopefully it doesn't come to this though!) For P/S, I always have extra time.

How are you guys timing the sciences? My test is TMRW! could use the advice 🙄

 

[BombsAway]

For anyone reading this in the future, take biochem before

Hey guys, what is your timing like for the C/P and B/B sections? I usually try to do ten minutes per passage, but I still always end up rushing towards the end and don't have time to check answers.

For CARS, I aim for 10 minutes per passage max and it usually works out. If it doesn't, then I guess on the last passage and still have managed 126-127 (hopefully it doesn't come to this though!) For P/S, I always have extra time.

How are you guys timing the sciences? My test is TMRW! could use the advice 🙄

don't change anything at this point dude

 

[tj123]

Just finished AAMC unscored. According to the score conversion sheet on reddit, I got from 508-512 with an overall percentage of 72% (66/77/66/80). Has anyone else taken this and tried to scale their score? Does this seem accurate?

 

[joe_1395]

Just finished AAMC unscored. According to the score conversion sheet on reddit, I got from 508-512 with an overall percentage of 72% (66/77/66/80). Has anyone else taken this and tried to scale their score? Does this seem accurate?

The sample test is the easiest of all AAMC tests out there.

 

[BombsAway]

Just finished AAMC unscored. According to the score conversion sheet on reddit, I got from 508-512 with an overall percentage of 72% (66/77/66/80). Has anyone else taken this and tried to scale their score? Does this seem accurate?

Just use it to identify weaknesses, not to get a feel for your score. For that, only 2 things exists: aamc FL 1 and 2.

 

[hemoglobina1c]

Anyone taking the exam June 29 or June 30? I am thinking of changing my MCAT date to then, but I am worried about being late in the cycle. I plan to submit my primary today and will probably prewrite all of the secondaries after my exam. Is it okay to be complete early August?

 

[Coltuna]

Anyone taking the exam June 29 or June 30? I am thinking of changing my MCAT date to then, but I am worried about being late in the cycle. I plan to submit my primary today and will probably prewrite all of the secondaries after my exam. Is it okay to be complete early August?

I'm taking the exam on June 30. Applying strictly Do though, so being complete in early August is still early.

 

[Govols22]

Just finished the exam today, here are my thoughts...

Chem/Physics: Incredibly difficult. C/P usually is the hardest section so I'm not surprised. I tend to do fairly well on this section despite usually thinking it's the most difficult question. But man it was tonight today. I heard that the physics isn't too bad on the MCAT, but it was definitely on the tough side today, although the orgo and chemistry weren't too bad. This part definitely has the most questions that I've never seen before. I felt like there were questions harder than section bank material and that a few were easier but still harder than the AAMC practice test. On average I felt like this section as a whole was about section bank difficulty. This was significantly more difficult than the AAMC FL.

CARS: I felt like it was pretty easy. I didn't notice any absurdly hard passage and for the most part the passages were fairly straightforward outside a couple passages. I have no idea how my score will turn out because it's common to feel like the cars was easy to then see your score dip much lower than expected. These were very similar to the cars practice questions in terms of difficulty. Cars Pack 2 specifically, as I hear that Cars 1 is a bit more on the difficult side.

Biology: I feel like this section was okay. I wouldn't say it was easy, but much more manageable than the Chem/Physics. The passages were pretty difficult, but I think a lot of the questions were pretty straightforward. The passages were very similar to the section bank difficulty, but the questions were a bit easier to figure out. But this was slightly more difficult than the AAMC FL.

Psych/Soc: This was surprisingly tricky. This was definitely more difficult than the AAMC FL and was comparable to the section banks in terms of difficulty. No idea how this section will turn out for me.

Conclusion: The difficulty of the test is surely more difficult than the AAMC FL. I would say in terms of difficulty your test will be more comparable to the section banks than anything else. But it gets scaled in the end so your score will probably be most similar to your AAMC score, despite the added difficulty. Just don't panic.

Thank god it's over with.

 

[ICUBlue]

Anyone taking the exam June 29 or June 30? I am thinking of changing my MCAT date to then, but I am worried about being late in the cycle. I plan to submit my primary today and will probably prewrite all of the secondaries after my exam. Is it okay to be complete early August?

I moved my exam to 6/30 and I'm doing exactly this, except I'll submit my primary next week. Secondaries should start to become available 2nd week of July I believe


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[BombsAway]

I took it today as well. I wasn't prepared for that amount of physics. Coupled with my first section nerves, i'll need chance to be on my side. Cars was easy, bio wasn't. Psych was weird. It felt more like cars than psych. I definitely should have voided, but I didn't. I'll be happy if my score starts with a 5.