Reading Versus Doing

[swifteagle43]

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Hey Guys

I am spending a lot of my time reading my Biology book just to get a better understanding of things. I am also taking lots of notes from the book. Is it better to focus more on problems and learn from the problems you get wrong or should one focus more on the readings?

I am using examkrackers and using the Kaplan books for reference.

I have all the 1001, EK books, AAMC tests and Kaplan stuff. What should I focus on?


-Swift

 

[Emma]

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[ssh18]

but it's still important to read right? I don't want to feel like I'm wasting my time. It takes quite a lot of time to get through TPR text but then I'm also trying to do the problems that coincide with the chapters...is that a good approach?

 

[killinsound]

I think you have to decide for yourself if it's effective. You have to ask yourself if the reason you got those questions wrong were because you didn't know the material, or you couldn't come up with the answer based on the passage. If it is the former, then reading your book might help... if it's the latter, you need to work on your critical reading skills.

 

[docolive]

but it's still important to read right? I don't want to feel like I'm wasting my time. It takes quite a lot of time to get through TPR text but then I'm also trying to do the problems that coincide with the chapters...is that a good approach?

Yes, that is a good approach! I would visit mcatpearls.com just to reinforce the importance of the 50/50 rule. There comes a point in your preparation where you have a good knowledge base to practice with (more complicated passages and exams) while also consistently reviewing previous chapters. I think this is important because as with any physical science, you need constant practice to stay fresh and confident for exam day. I remember doing TPR Physics problems at the beginning of the summer and then come August, I felt a bit rusted in the Physics department. Anyhow, best of and visit mcatpearls.com
I found it helpful.

 

[BuMasters]

i think you have to do a mixture of the two. I was studying for my mcats for this past april exam--and all i did was read because I wanted a strong science foundation when battling the problems down. However---like others on this thread have said---i learned that you also must practice because though you know the info very well--they can get you on the way they phrase things. So now I'm studying to take my mcats again--still reading a bit to refresh myself--but def doing more problems!

 

[smuwillobrien]

My litmus test for knowing that I was done with reading was to listen to the MCAT Audio Osmosis CDs - when I had finished reading, I would be able to listen through all of them and predict ahead as to what the answers to questions were and I was never lost. I think at that point, it's pure problem practice that works.

 

[ssquared]

I am spending a lot of my time reading my Biology book just to get a better understanding of things. I am also taking lots of notes from the book. Is it better to focus more on problems and learn from the problems you get wrong or should one focus more on the readings?

Wait: are you reading a textbook or are you reading an Examkrackers book? Because frankly, reading a textbook (and taking notes and not actually using the material) is wasting your time. Taking notes from an Examkrackers book is probably wasting your time as well. Follow their method: read once (overview), read again (pay attention, do in chapter problems), read a third time (highlight/underline, then take 30 min quiz).

Definitely leave time to do problems and go through each and every one of them; understanding why you got something wrong is as important as understanding why you got something right.

 

[swifteagle43]

Wait: are you reading a textbook or are you reading an Examkrackers book? Because frankly, reading a textbook (and taking notes and not actually using the material) is wasting your time. Taking notes from an Examkrackers book is probably wasting your time as well. Follow their method: read once (overview), read again (pay attention, do in chapter problems), read a third time (highlight/underline, then take 30 min quiz).

Definitely leave time to do problems and go through each and every one of them; understanding why you got something wrong is as important as understanding why you got something right.

good strategy....i just read most of the biology and did the problems over this christmas break. also did audio osmosis. Will do the 30 minute thing after i am done taking notes on everything which will probably be tommorow night.

 

[dr.kicia]

the best way i think is to try to hit the same topic from many different angles and then do tons of problems. MCAT is meant to intimidate but it is not that hard. The problem is that we as science majors usually look for a catch and then freak out.
When i first wanted to prepare for the april07 i made my own schedule using EK 10 week schedule(i streched it out to 7 months).
You still need to read but the best thing is to do it how EK tells you. Read it several times, then listen to AO and then practice. Buy 1001 books. They are passage based and great source for figuring out your weaknesses. When you get the problem wrong then go over it. If you still don't understand then reference back to the book. I also am using Berkeley review books and they seem a great reference for the topics that are not covered that well in EK.
Do as many FL as humanly possible.