This is my3rd attempt at preparing to take the MCATS. I did not fair well studying on my own the first time or taking a Kaplan course the second time. This time I would like to invest in a private tutor. I live in Boston, and was wondering if anyone has a good recommendation of a private MCAT tutor in the area. Please feel free to PM me with the information, if you don't feel comfortable giving such information on the open forum. All names and phone #'s would be much appreciated!
Private Tutor?
- Thread starter cgk
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Before thinking about getting a tutor, you should analyze what went wrong on both occasions. Then, you'll have an idea on what you'd like to get out of tutoring sessions. If it's a weak content knowledge base, then you'd be better served by calling up your local college and asking about what tutors they have available. A good college subject tutor will be able to help you AND they'll be substantially cheaper. Also, since you're in Boston there are plenty of schools around to find a tutor.
Conversely, a tutor might not be helpful if your problem was something intrinsic to your past study schedules. For instance, you might not have taken enough timed practice passages or spent enough time thoroughly analyzing your practice passages.
Conversely, a tutor might not be helpful if your problem was something intrinsic to your past study schedules. For instance, you might not have taken enough timed practice passages or spent enough time thoroughly analyzing your practice passages.
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Can I ask why you went ahead and sat for your first take when you were not ready? I'm assuming you must have taken at least 1 practice AAMC. If your practice scores were not near where you were aiming for and you felt unprepared, why did you go ahead and sit for that examination?
After the first attempt, did you feel adequately prepared going into your 2nd test day after Kaplan?
I might be coming off as an ass, but there are bigger issues that need to be addressed here than choosing between a class, tutor, schedule, materials etc. If you felt ready going into either of your past tests, why do you think you prepared below your standards? And if you didn't feel prepared, why did you go and take the test anyway?
After the first attempt, did you feel adequately prepared going into your 2nd test day after Kaplan?
I might be coming off as an ass, but there are bigger issues that need to be addressed here than choosing between a class, tutor, schedule, materials etc. If you felt ready going into either of your past tests, why do you think you prepared below your standards? And if you didn't feel prepared, why did you go and take the test anyway?
My problem is mostly centered around the verbal section. I thought a tutor could help me "break the code" of the MCAT verbal passages in order to answer more questions correctly. Do you have any suggestions?
Have you taken any AAMC practice tests?
Take AAMC3 and do the verbal untimed. Take as much time as possible and thoroughly analyze the passage and the questions. Then choose your answers carefully.
If you still get a bad score, you'll know it's not a timing issue, it's your ability to get a "feel" for the passages.
To develop the ability to "feel" the passages, you must read all the answer explanations and internalize them, and just keep on doing an insane amount of passages.
Take AAMC3 and do the verbal untimed. Take as much time as possible and thoroughly analyze the passage and the questions. Then choose your answers carefully.
If you still get a bad score, you'll know it's not a timing issue, it's your ability to get a "feel" for the passages.
To develop the ability to "feel" the passages, you must read all the answer explanations and internalize them, and just keep on doing an insane amount of passages.
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I agree. Most of the times, tutors have their own strategy and would want their students to focus on that (such as mapping). If the tutor is good at mapping and you hate mapping, there's no point for you to get that tutor. Therefore try out couple strategies and determine what works best for you.
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Do not retake the MCAT for a third time until you are getting good results on full-length practice tests. Until then, you are not ready for your possibly last attempt. Read SN2ed's schedule, and also SDN Verbal Advice Thread. You can also read other mcat guides. In my opinion, I would not get a tutor - instead prepare well and redo all of the materials (TBR, TPR, EK, etc.). Either way, don't take it until you are ready and go DO if you have to, it's a great alternative!
Good luck..
Good luck..
