Hi all,
First of all, I don't know if I should be posting this in the 30+ MCAT thread. If I am, I do apologize. Plz move if necessary. Thanks!
Second, I don't know how useful this will be to many, since I'm posting this well after the MCAT season (primarily summer), but I figured I'd hafta write now rather than later.
Anyway, on with business. I'm writing my rags to riches story on the MCAT, simply to provide some sort of encouragement for those of you who tanked on a practice mcat, or the real thing. I fell in the latter category.
Sorry, this is an old post, but if anyone needs some motivation in that you can recover, well here's my story.
I began with a 24R (PS 8, VR 6, BS 10-which translates to a 497 based on percentiles with the new MCAT). Not sure where the R came from, but the 24 was bad. I didn't really know what I was doing, and my preparation was poor. I took this two years ago, while in college as a Junior. I had a chance to talk to a faculty member, and he said I should consider another profession: scores hardly change. (and my 3.2 GPA didn't help much)
I was going to prove him wrong. Or at least TRY and know that I gave it everything I got.
In essence, I began studying around when summer quarter began (we do qtrs at my UG institution), mid June. Taking a practice exam from the online TPR test (which I thought wasn't a bad diagnostic, unlike Kaplan's), I again scored a 24. I was thinking that perhaps an extra year of UG would help my score out, but that did not happen.
At this point, I knew I had to change my habits. I think here's where I will chunk up key components in my strategy:
1.) Make a schedule. You going to %$#@'ing need it!
This is pretty obvious, but I think a lot of people fail to see it's importance. I did not use a Kaplan course, or a TPR course. I did acquire the books from friends who did take the course for free, but I never attended classes. The big reason why people take these classes, is to establish a schedule (a.k.a.: someone to keep you honest). For me, money was a big issue, so I opted not to take the classes. But, I knew making a schedule was critical. I took some of the inspiration from SN2ed and other posters on SDN. Lots of wise people here. Don't be stubborn-try to see what works and what doesn't work! But you have to be honest with yourself, and remember to be safe than sorry.
Anyway, with the practical aspects of scheduling:
-Make sure you put in a large chunk of time to study. Otherwise, you won't be able to really get into a groove when you're studying.
-Make a test run of your schedule: Can you read chapters and finish what you want given the time frame you've given yourself? (Try it out for a week, and if it sucks, tweak it! After 2 weeks, DO NOT TWEAK. You've had your chance to figure your stuff out: Now you need to commit.
-With the second note, be aware of when you want to take the test, and spread out your times. Don't try to superman it up and read everything as quickly as you can. Personally, I don't think that'll work-either burnout or lack of absorption.
-Make breaks! This will help you account for the "side distraction" and/or the days when you feel lazy. Not gonna lie, those happened to me too. But I expected it, so I hardly felt behind
-Think of this as more than a schedule! I think when one works out, the final product (a ripped or CUT body) is worth to boast, but I think what some admire more is the routine that one sticks to to achieve that success. This is a test for you to see if you can COMMIT to something! If you can't commit to a simple schedule for 3 or so months, how are you supposed to commit to a 4 years of intense med school and a lifetime of medicine? (That's what I kept telling myself to push me to stay focused)
-Personalize: You are going to be the best person to decide what you need to study the most and least if you want to rock this exam. Think of this as your PoC (Plan of Care), making a regimen for your patient (Yourself) to follow. Yes, this will require SOME critical thinking. Some people need more VR, some people need more PS, etc. You need to figure that our for yourself. Self-diagnosis is critical.
2.) Focus!
Okay, this is obvious, but seriously! Taking it 3 or 4 times is AWFUL! Bad for your apps, bad for the wallet, and bad for your time! It's game time ladies and gentlemen!
3.) Good Karma-Help others!
So this is an interesting tip that I would recommend, especially for you people who are reading this a year in advance, prior to taking the MCAT. One way I made my life incredibly easy to study for the MCAT, was to become a chemistry tutor. GREATEST THING I EVER DID FOR MYSELF TO STUDY FOR THE MCAT. Besides, it's good karma to help others!
So, I ended up being a chemistry tutor at the school's chemistry study center. For those of you who can't be a chemistry tutor, or can't find a center to tutor at, it might be worthwhile to just talk to some professors to see if you can help a student who is struggling in the general course. Some of my tutoring was paid, some of it was pro bono. Tutoring chemistry was nice because there was substantial physics overlap, and "chemistry" essentially covers both genchem, as well as ochem. As you can imagine, I didn't really study much for the chemistry sections of the mcat. In fact, I didn't even open my book for the chemistry parts. It was incredibly easier having to only "study" the bio, physics, and verbal sections rather than studying all 5 at a time. Tutoring kept me on my toes because I was required to provide the service, and so I didn't really think of this for the MCAT.
My best analogy for this is playing soccer or basketball to running: Lots of people hate running, but don't mind running while playing soccer or basketball because you're playing the game. Tutoring is much like the same-you're studying and absorbing the information because you need to teach, not necessarily for the MCAT. But hey, if it helps you on the MCAT as well, good for you! A friend of mine didn't know jacksquat in chem, joined our on campus tutoring center, and had an incredible level of confidence for the chemistry section on the MCAT (he didn't open any books either) . This stuff works. Just don't get started too late.
4.) The 8 Minute Rule
This was my verbal strategy. 8 minutes. Finish a passage. Do whatever it takes to get a passage done in 8 minutes. Read slower if you can, and answer questions as fast as you can. Don't do a slew of passages and burn through valuable practice material if you can't do a passage in under 8 minutes. I started at 10 minutes, and kept practicing at 8 minutes/passage. Once I was able to consistently do that while missing 1 or 2 problems/passage, I began to do them in triplets, timed at 24-25 minutes. Then 5 passages, then 7. You catch the drift. Part of doing this is to also help you get a mental clock of what 8 minutes feels like-looking at the clock is incredibly distracting and makes you lose your rhythm on the exam.
5.) Index Cards OH MY!
Index cards. One of my close friends suggested this to me, as I was working part time during the summer. (working helped me have something to do during the day, and to make some cash as well-AAMC tests and junk add up in costs!) So, on my commutes to work via bus, I ran through equations on my flashcards, certain biological processes, and concepts/terms/facts I missed while answering questions. This is goes with point #6 (below).
EDIT (3/24/13): Now with smartphones all over the place with apps, what I'd recommend is putting your flashcards on your phone so you can study literally anytime, anywhere. (From the minutes before you fall asleep in bed, to waiting on the street because your friend (who always is late) is running late, again. While you should avoid showing others how crazy ofa freak you are with your mcat studies, doesn't mean that you can't make the most out of your time, right? Quizlet with its iphone app (or QuizYourBrain on android) works for freee (yay). Or, i've spend a couple bucks getting Flashcard machine which has better formatting features than quizlet and I think it's easier to sync with them. (using these for med school lol)
6.) Feedback
A person who I really despised at the time had one valuable piece of advice he shared with his friends, which ended up in my hands through the grapevine. Understand each question, and go back to the questions where you missed the problems! Make flashcards of the concept you didn't know, AND available answers you didn't know whether or not it would be the right answer! This helps you determine where your holes of knowledge are. This is very critical once you are done reading the mcat review books. You need some level of what you know and what you don't know.
7.) Technical Components
So here's where I would put most of the 30+ MCAT answers in:
1) Your individual scores and composite score
In the end, it was a 35R (12 PS, 10 VR, 13 BS), which is a 517 , which was a massive improvement. phew!
2) The study method used for each section
Given above. The writing however was bizzarre. The only suggestion I would give there, is to try to be philosophical. I tried to make supporting points and counter arguments for the PRO and CON stances to the 'statement given.
3) What materials you used for each section(Kaplan, TPR, Examkrackers, AAMC, etc)
All AAMC tests, Examkrackers (VR101 Passages, and the general review book set, and the Hyperlearning TPR books for the sciences. Only used the review books, and the Verbal passages section. Did not do problems from TPR. No Kaplan-wasn't impressed with their materials.
4) Which practice tests did you use?
All AAMC tests. TPR online diagnostic. That wasn't too bad for where I stood, I felt. I didn't take these tests until the last 1.5 months of studying. Then i got into a rhythmn of taking them once a week for two weeks, then twice a week until match day. Remember to fix your holes of knowledge!
5) What was your undergraduate major?
Biochemistry, but began as a Philosophy major. Ended up with minors in Philosophy, Bioethics, and Chemistry.
6) Any other tips you may have for those of us who still have this test lurking over us?
Given above. Don't give up. I know many times when I tanked the VR again, again, and again. sometimes I only got 1 question right in a passage. It's all about how well you can brush your shoulders off, and move on. Keep hacking at it!
7) How long did you study for the MCAT?
Summer (mid-June to Sept 3rd)
Anyway, I wish you all the best, and if you really want to become a doctor, don't let this test get to you. I finally figured out why I wanted to become an MD (internal reasons, rather than external reasons), and it only made testing that much more motivated to test well. I knew that I was NOT going to let some damn test decide whether or not I could get into medical school. Not this lifetime.
Lastly, thank you everyone who did post all of your secrets and wise advice. SN2ed, BloodySurgeon, Vihsadas, and others-Thank you so much for your advice. I tried to make the most of it, and I cannot thank you guys enough for your inspiration for my own testing tactics. Cheers!
later.
First of all, I don't know if I should be posting this in the 30+ MCAT thread. If I am, I do apologize. Plz move if necessary. Thanks!
Second, I don't know how useful this will be to many, since I'm posting this well after the MCAT season (primarily summer), but I figured I'd hafta write now rather than later.
Anyway, on with business. I'm writing my rags to riches story on the MCAT, simply to provide some sort of encouragement for those of you who tanked on a practice mcat, or the real thing. I fell in the latter category.
Sorry, this is an old post, but if anyone needs some motivation in that you can recover, well here's my story.
I began with a 24R (PS 8, VR 6, BS 10-which translates to a 497 based on percentiles with the new MCAT). Not sure where the R came from, but the 24 was bad. I didn't really know what I was doing, and my preparation was poor. I took this two years ago, while in college as a Junior. I had a chance to talk to a faculty member, and he said I should consider another profession: scores hardly change. (and my 3.2 GPA didn't help much)
I was going to prove him wrong. Or at least TRY and know that I gave it everything I got.
In essence, I began studying around when summer quarter began (we do qtrs at my UG institution), mid June. Taking a practice exam from the online TPR test (which I thought wasn't a bad diagnostic, unlike Kaplan's), I again scored a 24. I was thinking that perhaps an extra year of UG would help my score out, but that did not happen.
At this point, I knew I had to change my habits. I think here's where I will chunk up key components in my strategy:
1.) Make a schedule. You going to %$#@'ing need it!
This is pretty obvious, but I think a lot of people fail to see it's importance. I did not use a Kaplan course, or a TPR course. I did acquire the books from friends who did take the course for free, but I never attended classes. The big reason why people take these classes, is to establish a schedule (a.k.a.: someone to keep you honest). For me, money was a big issue, so I opted not to take the classes. But, I knew making a schedule was critical. I took some of the inspiration from SN2ed and other posters on SDN. Lots of wise people here. Don't be stubborn-try to see what works and what doesn't work! But you have to be honest with yourself, and remember to be safe than sorry.
Anyway, with the practical aspects of scheduling:
-Make sure you put in a large chunk of time to study. Otherwise, you won't be able to really get into a groove when you're studying.
-Make a test run of your schedule: Can you read chapters and finish what you want given the time frame you've given yourself? (Try it out for a week, and if it sucks, tweak it! After 2 weeks, DO NOT TWEAK. You've had your chance to figure your stuff out: Now you need to commit.
-With the second note, be aware of when you want to take the test, and spread out your times. Don't try to superman it up and read everything as quickly as you can. Personally, I don't think that'll work-either burnout or lack of absorption.
-Make breaks! This will help you account for the "side distraction" and/or the days when you feel lazy. Not gonna lie, those happened to me too. But I expected it, so I hardly felt behind
-Think of this as more than a schedule! I think when one works out, the final product (a ripped or CUT body) is worth to boast, but I think what some admire more is the routine that one sticks to to achieve that success. This is a test for you to see if you can COMMIT to something! If you can't commit to a simple schedule for 3 or so months, how are you supposed to commit to a 4 years of intense med school and a lifetime of medicine? (That's what I kept telling myself to push me to stay focused)
-Personalize: You are going to be the best person to decide what you need to study the most and least if you want to rock this exam. Think of this as your PoC (Plan of Care), making a regimen for your patient (Yourself) to follow. Yes, this will require SOME critical thinking. Some people need more VR, some people need more PS, etc. You need to figure that our for yourself. Self-diagnosis is critical.
2.) Focus!
Okay, this is obvious, but seriously! Taking it 3 or 4 times is AWFUL! Bad for your apps, bad for the wallet, and bad for your time! It's game time ladies and gentlemen!
3.) Good Karma-Help others!
So this is an interesting tip that I would recommend, especially for you people who are reading this a year in advance, prior to taking the MCAT. One way I made my life incredibly easy to study for the MCAT, was to become a chemistry tutor. GREATEST THING I EVER DID FOR MYSELF TO STUDY FOR THE MCAT. Besides, it's good karma to help others!
So, I ended up being a chemistry tutor at the school's chemistry study center. For those of you who can't be a chemistry tutor, or can't find a center to tutor at, it might be worthwhile to just talk to some professors to see if you can help a student who is struggling in the general course. Some of my tutoring was paid, some of it was pro bono. Tutoring chemistry was nice because there was substantial physics overlap, and "chemistry" essentially covers both genchem, as well as ochem. As you can imagine, I didn't really study much for the chemistry sections of the mcat. In fact, I didn't even open my book for the chemistry parts. It was incredibly easier having to only "study" the bio, physics, and verbal sections rather than studying all 5 at a time. Tutoring kept me on my toes because I was required to provide the service, and so I didn't really think of this for the MCAT.
My best analogy for this is playing soccer or basketball to running: Lots of people hate running, but don't mind running while playing soccer or basketball because you're playing the game. Tutoring is much like the same-you're studying and absorbing the information because you need to teach, not necessarily for the MCAT. But hey, if it helps you on the MCAT as well, good for you! A friend of mine didn't know jacksquat in chem, joined our on campus tutoring center, and had an incredible level of confidence for the chemistry section on the MCAT (he didn't open any books either) . This stuff works. Just don't get started too late.
4.) The 8 Minute Rule
This was my verbal strategy. 8 minutes. Finish a passage. Do whatever it takes to get a passage done in 8 minutes. Read slower if you can, and answer questions as fast as you can. Don't do a slew of passages and burn through valuable practice material if you can't do a passage in under 8 minutes. I started at 10 minutes, and kept practicing at 8 minutes/passage. Once I was able to consistently do that while missing 1 or 2 problems/passage, I began to do them in triplets, timed at 24-25 minutes. Then 5 passages, then 7. You catch the drift. Part of doing this is to also help you get a mental clock of what 8 minutes feels like-looking at the clock is incredibly distracting and makes you lose your rhythm on the exam.
5.) Index Cards OH MY!
Index cards. One of my close friends suggested this to me, as I was working part time during the summer. (working helped me have something to do during the day, and to make some cash as well-AAMC tests and junk add up in costs!) So, on my commutes to work via bus, I ran through equations on my flashcards, certain biological processes, and concepts/terms/facts I missed while answering questions. This is goes with point #6 (below).
EDIT (3/24/13): Now with smartphones all over the place with apps, what I'd recommend is putting your flashcards on your phone so you can study literally anytime, anywhere. (From the minutes before you fall asleep in bed, to waiting on the street because your friend (who always is late) is running late, again. While you should avoid showing others how crazy ofa freak you are with your mcat studies, doesn't mean that you can't make the most out of your time, right? Quizlet with its iphone app (or QuizYourBrain on android) works for freee (yay). Or, i've spend a couple bucks getting Flashcard machine which has better formatting features than quizlet and I think it's easier to sync with them. (using these for med school lol)
6.) Feedback
A person who I really despised at the time had one valuable piece of advice he shared with his friends, which ended up in my hands through the grapevine. Understand each question, and go back to the questions where you missed the problems! Make flashcards of the concept you didn't know, AND available answers you didn't know whether or not it would be the right answer! This helps you determine where your holes of knowledge are. This is very critical once you are done reading the mcat review books. You need some level of what you know and what you don't know.
7.) Technical Components
So here's where I would put most of the 30+ MCAT answers in:
1) Your individual scores and composite score
In the end, it was a 35R (12 PS, 10 VR, 13 BS), which is a 517 , which was a massive improvement. phew!
2) The study method used for each section
Given above. The writing however was bizzarre. The only suggestion I would give there, is to try to be philosophical. I tried to make supporting points and counter arguments for the PRO and CON stances to the 'statement given.
3) What materials you used for each section(Kaplan, TPR, Examkrackers, AAMC, etc)
All AAMC tests, Examkrackers (VR101 Passages, and the general review book set, and the Hyperlearning TPR books for the sciences. Only used the review books, and the Verbal passages section. Did not do problems from TPR. No Kaplan-wasn't impressed with their materials.
4) Which practice tests did you use?
All AAMC tests. TPR online diagnostic. That wasn't too bad for where I stood, I felt. I didn't take these tests until the last 1.5 months of studying. Then i got into a rhythmn of taking them once a week for two weeks, then twice a week until match day. Remember to fix your holes of knowledge!
5) What was your undergraduate major?
Biochemistry, but began as a Philosophy major. Ended up with minors in Philosophy, Bioethics, and Chemistry.
6) Any other tips you may have for those of us who still have this test lurking over us?
Given above. Don't give up. I know many times when I tanked the VR again, again, and again. sometimes I only got 1 question right in a passage. It's all about how well you can brush your shoulders off, and move on. Keep hacking at it!
7) How long did you study for the MCAT?
Summer (mid-June to Sept 3rd)
Anyway, I wish you all the best, and if you really want to become a doctor, don't let this test get to you. I finally figured out why I wanted to become an MD (internal reasons, rather than external reasons), and it only made testing that much more motivated to test well. I knew that I was NOT going to let some damn test decide whether or not I could get into medical school. Not this lifetime.
Lastly, thank you everyone who did post all of your secrets and wise advice. SN2ed, BloodySurgeon, Vihsadas, and others-Thank you so much for your advice. I tried to make the most of it, and I cannot thank you guys enough for your inspiration for my own testing tactics. Cheers!
later.
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