One Week to Go!!!

[James105]

OK...so one more week until I sit for the MCAT. I have been scoring in the 27-30 range since the 4th week of studying (I started in Jan.) I feel like I have a pretty decent grasp on the content and I have practiced endlessly. Thus, I would really like to score higher! I have this weird feeling (for the last three tests) that the test I am taking is going to be my "breakout" test. But, alas, another 28. Now, I am not scared, but I do want to make the best use of this next week. What is the best way to review practice exams? How can I get a better yield for my work? Any thoughts? Believe in miracles?

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[FrkyBgStok]

if you are consistently scoring 27-30 on practice tests, you are going to score 27-30 on the real thing. sure there is a possibility, but it isn't worth pretending. I had the same mentality until i realized i was kidding myself. if you are applying to DO schools, you will probably be fine. If you are applying to MD schools, I would honestly take the test next week and not have it scored, because it is too late to change your date, and you aren't ready.

 

[SN2ed]

Consistent 27-30 shows that you have some weaknesses which you haven't addressed. Here are some basic tips on reviewing your practice passages:

General Guidelines for Reviewing:

- Go over EVERY question. Both the ones you got right and the ones you got wrong.
- Reviewing should take 2-3 times longer than taking the timed practice problems.
- If your tests are fluctuating, it is due to the different topics on the various tests. In other words, you have some glaring weaknesses that when targeted, nail you, badly. You have to find out what those weaknesses are because they are evident by your scores. Do NOT dismiss any wrong answer as a "stupid mistake." You made that error for a reason. Go over your tests again.
- You might want to consider making a log for all of your post test results where you work through the questions below. Doing so, you'll be able to easily notice trends.

Some things to go over when reviewing:

1. Why did you get the question wrong? Why did you get the question right?
2. What question and passage types get you?
3. How is your mindset when facing a particular passage?
4. Are you stressed for time?
5. Where are your mistakes happening the most? Are they front loaded? Are they at the end? All over?
6. What was your thought process for both the questions you got right and the ones you got wrong?
7. For verbal, what was the author's mindset and main idea?
8. Did you eliminate all of the answer choices you could from first glance?
ex. You know an answer should be a positive number so you cross out all of the negative number answer choices.
9. What content areas are you weak in?
10. How can you improve so you don't make the same mistake again?

 

[Rabolisk]

Also, as I pointed out in another thread, don't forget to have sex.