Ready.Set.Panic. Full length - 21

[FRESCA12]

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Hey guys,

Over a month ago I took my Kaplan diagnostic without ANY prep, any studying, reviewing or much motivation. I got a 20 (5/7/8), which I wasn't too upset with because according the the trends that I have read about, that's not the end of the world.

I spent the month focusing on Gen Chem (going through the Kaplan book/exercises and using my textbook), and I am taking Cell Bio and Physics II right now, so I studied for those classes, but no MCAT studying for those two. I took my first Kaplan Full length and felt like i had no idea what i was doing and was wrong most of the time. which i was. I don't think I got any of the gen chem right (things that i had studied already)
I got a 21.
So
Diagnostic (5/7/8)
Kaplan 1 (6/9/7)

I have exactly two months to go. and I am panicking. I am taking it May 20th, and I can't postpone to June 16th because I am leaving the country for three weeks on June 1st and i won't be able to study during my trip.

It doesn't help that on top of that there's 5000 more things to do, but I really need some advice. Should I change my studying strategy completely, or just study harder.. should i start over with gen chem, since obviously i didn't do that much better?

Sorry for the rambling, all and any advice would be highly appreciated.

 

[SN2ed]

Running through some of the things you wrote, here are some problems I see.

1. You're doing too much at once and you can't balance it. Yet again, this is a demonstration of why studying for the MCAT while in school is a bad idea.

2. You haven't taken all of your pre-reqs. Another huge mistake. Only study for the MCAT AFTER you've taken your pre-reqs.

3. You shouldn't be using textbooks except as a reference if needed. Textbooks are far too dense with plenty of information that's not helpful for the MCAT.

4. Lack of practice passages. This is a big problem. You must take actual practice passages. Those exercises in the kaplan content review books are fairly worthless.

5. On that note, Kaplan is not even close to the best resource for PS or really any of the sections. BR and TPRH are significantly better in PS with BR being head and shoulders above the rest with their newest edition.

6. In focusing on gen chem, you're sacrificing your other sections. However, that's probably not the worst part of not rotating your subjects. What's worse is that this work will go to waste when you find that you have to switch gears to bolster your other sections as they drop. You'll basically be on a balancing board tipping from one subject to the next and never gaining a firm foundation because you focus on one subject while neglecting the others.

Additionally, you're neglecting the other large part of PS: Physics. Your attention for the past month as been drawn away from a major component of PS. Furthermore, you haven't even finished your physics pre-req. All of this compounds your problem with PS which will eventually effect your other sections.

7. You're taking practice tests too early. You should start taking them AFTER you finished your content review. There's no point in doing them before that. In the meantime, you should be taking tons of practice passages to identify weaknesses and get in passage practice among other things.


Now where to begin? A good place would be forming a schedule and giving yourself a few months to devote to the MCAT. For instance, after your study aboard trip.


Here are some longer explanations from my schedule thread:

Why rotate subjects?

I think rotating subjects is better for a couple reasons. First, it keeps material from the different areas fresh. Often times, concepts in one chapter build upon another. It also lessens the chance of forgetting what you've already studied. By studying all of one area and then moving on, you lack exposure to that topic for the remainder of your content review which leads to forgetting that area. Lastly, rotating subjects fosters connections between the different topics. One of the biggest aspects of the MCAT is connecting various topics together in any given passage. By rotating, you can easily begin to see connections as you complete content review from different areas. If you were only studying one subject, such connections would not be as evident.

Why study linearly? Why not focus on your weak areas before your strengths?

First off, I think this question underscores the importance of doing well in one's pre-reqs to reduce the number of weakness to as few as possible. Remember, do not merely go for the A; aim for mastery of the material. Working hard in your pre-reqs will boost your GPA and pay off when you study for the MCAT.

One of the reasons test prep companies, and most schedules, go in chapter order is due to companies developing schedules for a group of people and not the individual. Rather than create a schedule per student, which would take up quite a bit of time, they make a generic schedule. Sure, they could make a diagnostic to try and pin-point weaknesses, gather the data, and make a schedule per student, yet I doubt they would want to invest their resources like that. Even creating a program to accomplish that task would cost money they probably aren't willing to spend. Furthermore, well, you probably know how I feel about diagnostics judging by my sig.

Money is a factor in a test prep company avoiding personalized schedules; however, it is not the only reason to take chapters in order. Additionally, money would not explain why other schedules recommend going linearly. When looking at all of the various content review books, you might notice something. Translational motion is almost always the first topic in Physics. You might be thinking, "Why is that?" There are few reasons which come to mind. First, as opposed to electricity or fluids, translational motion is a relatively easy topic for most students. Secondly, it isn't hard to create complex problems/passages based on this simple area. Lastly, translational motion serves as a great time to introduce the basic math skills and tricks needed for the MCAT. What I'm getting at here is that there are good reasons why subjects are ordered in content review books.

The content of one chapter will frequently build from the preceding chapter. Let's take another look at Physics for an example. One starts with translational motion. The next subject is typically forces which is a form of translational motion. Then, there's work which advances the topic of forces and applies force by distance. As you can see, each chapter uses the basis of another to present the material in a logical order. Think of it like pyramid. You start with translational motion and then add the bricks of force and work.

Another rationale for a linear schedule is that it must instill the skills necessary to apply knowledge early on. In order to do this, a schedule must start in areas that are strong for the vast majority of students. Beginning with a tough subject does not lay the foundation for application of knowledge because the student is struggling with the content itself. In fact, application of knowledge is the most important factor in MCAT success. Merely knowing the content inside-and-out does not cut it which is why you may see students that ace their classes, but do badly on the MCAT.

Next, there is the topic of confidence. I cannot stress enough the how vital confidence is for this test. Without it, you might as well not take the MCAT. Jumping straight into weak areas destroys one's confidence. They start questioning whether they actually have the brains to take on the MCAT. Thus, you don't want to start a schedule by slamming the individual right away. You want to guide the student and help them gain some momentum before tackling their trouble spots.

Also, by placing all of your weaknesses up front, you naturally start studying those topics first. You might be thinking, "Yeah that's the point." The problem here is that you may forget those topics by the time your test rolls around. You may even try to subconsciously erase your memory since focusing on all of your weaknesses at once was probably not an enjoyable experience. That's not to say studying for the MCAT is fun, but you get the picture. Additionally, you might spend too much time on your weaknesses and neglect areas that should be your strengths and end up with more weaknesses.

Finally, there seems to be a misconception that studying linearly means you don't focus on your weak areas. If you are properly reviewing, you shouldn't be breezing by your weaknesses. You should read and re-read the chapter as you pound the practice problems. When you thoroughly review your practice problems, if you find you missed a problem purely based on content, you have to go over the topic again. Considering that this might mean you review the chapter several times, you can see how one might spend quite a bit of time on their weaknesses. You would also hit your weaknesses again whenever the topic comes up on a practice FL.

In closing, the above are my reasons for opting for a linear study schedule and why test prep companies may favor them as well.

 

[flodhi1]

Hey guys,

Over a month ago I took my Kaplan diagnostic without ANY prep, any studying, reviewing or much motivation. I got a 20 (5/7/8), which I wasn't too upset with because according the the trends that I have read about, that's not the end of the world.

I spent the month focusing on Gen Chem (going through the Kaplan book/exercises and using my textbook), and I am taking Cell Bio and Physics II right now, so I studied for those classes, but no MCAT studying for those two. I took my first Kaplan Full length and felt like i had no idea what i was doing and was wrong most of the time. which i was. I don't think I got any of the gen chem right (things that i had studied already)
I got a 21.
So
Diagnostic (5/7/8)
Kaplan 1 (6/9/7)

I have exactly two months to go. and I am panicking. I am taking it May 20th, and I can't postpone to June 16th because I am leaving the country for three weeks on June 1st and i won't be able to study during my trip.

It doesn't help that on top of that there's 5000 more things to do, but I really need some advice. Should I change my studying strategy completely, or just study harder.. should i start over with gen chem, since obviously i didn't do that much better?

Sorry for the rambling, all and any advice would be highly appreciated.

That's a concern towards your study habits. I personally thought the PS and BS section for the Kaplan full length 1 was a joke. My diagnostic for Kaplan one month ago was below yours but i scored a 27 on the Kaplan full length 1 (11 on the PS). I would suggest that you change your study habits big time. You need to read the book and ask yourself questions like WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? do I truly understand the mechanism behind this or am I just trying to finish reading the chapter? Plus you need to complete all the preview and review assignments every single one of them. That includes all subject tests and most importantly the topicals and section tests. Don't study harder but study more effectively. Analyze your mistakes! when I went over the PS section I realized that I made 4-5 extremely dumb mistakes. Grab a notebook and try to understand why you made those errors. If you still feel absolutely lost and have no idea of what is going on in the passages than go back and start with content review all over again. The key to the MCAT is to not get stranded on one subject (Gen chemistry) but to continuously revolve around. In one day I would do 1 chapter of Gen chem, 1 of Physics and the next day I would switch it up with some Bio and Organic mixed with some verbal. Anybody will tell you that getting stranded on one subject is probably the worst mistake since you start to forget concepts from the other huge portions of the MCAT. So try to mix it up every single day! Don't worry too much though since you have a lot of time to fix these mistakes. If after content review and a couple more full lengths you're not improving than there's a serious red flag.

 

[FRESCA12]

4. Lack of practice passages. This is a big problem. You must take actual practice passages. Those exercises in the kaplan content review books are fairly worthless.

5. On that note, Kaplan is not even close to the best resource for PS or really any of the sections. BR and TPRH are significantly better in PS with BR being head and shoulders above the rest with their newest edition.

6. In focusing on gen chem, you're sacrificing your other sections. However, that's probably not the worst part of not rotating your subjects. What's worse is that this work will go to waste when you find that you have to switch gears to bolster your other sections as they drop. You'll basically be on a balancing board tipping from one subject to the next and never gaining a firm foundation because you focus on one subject while neglecting the others.

Additionally, you're neglecting the other large part of PS: Physics. Your attention for the past month as been drawn away from a major component of PS. Furthermore, you haven't even finished your physics pre-req. All of this compounds your problem with PS which will eventually effect your other sections.

SN2ED,

Thank you so much for the advice. I have been reading through a lot of your posts and really respect what you have to say.
I am ALMOST done with my pre-reqs (2 months away from finishing Physics II) and my physics class is very much focused on combining all physics topics as a prep for MCAT.. that's the reason why studying for my class hasn't made me feel like i am neglecting the section completely. Obviously, I am not doing as well as I thought

I purchased the NOVA Physics book today, but now plan to also get the BR book. My only issue is that (considering the exam date as May 20th for now, and yes, I know how you feel about studying for the MCAT during school) I barely will have time to get through Kaplan alone, let alone other books. Would you consider replacing Kaplan PS practice assignments with BR would be more effective?

Also, I realize there's lots and lots of advice on the threads, but in your opinion, what is the best strategy out there for approaching passages for PS and BS? BR?

I appreciate the advice on how to approach the different. Your arguments make sense, and honestly I feel like an idiot for not recognizing my mistake earlier (I really did dive into my most difficult section head on and kill all my confidence to the point where I spent a week doing absolutely nothing MCAT related).

 

[FRESCA12]

That's a concern towards your study habits. I personally thought the PS and BS section for the Kaplan full length 1 was a joke. My diagnostic for Kaplan one month ago was below yours but i scored a 27 on the Kaplan full length 1 (11 on the PS). I would suggest that you change your study habits big time. You need to read the book and ask yourself questions like WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? do I truly understand the mechanism behind this or am I just trying to finish reading the chapter? Plus you need to complete all the preview and review assignments every single one of them. That includes all subject tests and most importantly the topicals and section tests. Don't study harder but study more effectively. Analyze your mistakes! when I went over the PS section I realized that I made 4-5 extremely dumb mistakes. Grab a notebook and try to understand why you made those errors. If you still feel absolutely lost and have no idea of what is going on in the passages than go back and start with content review all over again. The key to the MCAT is to not get stranded on one subject (Gen chemistry) but to continuously revolve around. In one day I would do 1 chapter of Gen chem, 1 of Physics and the next day I would switch it up with some Bio and Organic mixed with some verbal. Anybody will tell you that getting stranded on one subject is probably the worst mistake since you start to forget concepts from the other huge portions of the MCAT. So try to mix it up every single day! Don't worry too much though since you have a lot of time to fix these mistakes. If after content review and a couple more full lengths you're not improving than there's a serious red flag.

I agree that my study habits probably suck. I didn't think the section was ridiculously difficult, I just realized I did not know the information well enough. I haven't TOUCHED verbal yet, but I got a 9, which I think reinforces the idea that it's the lack of understanding of content that's hurting me. Although, my thought process was very hectic, which makes me think that the Kaplan mental passage mapping strategy may not be the best for me.
The words "you have a lot of time to fix these mistakes" meant a lot. I am open to retaking the exam in late July/August, but would much rather just go through hell now and own it the first time.
Do you think the Kaplan content review books are too superficial, aka, I should try out TPR and BR for better understanding of concepts, etc?

Thanks again for the advice, I am still not excited about this, but like you said a few more full lengths should tell me where I stand.

 

[FRESCA12]

bump.
Just wondering if taking the exam in two months is a realistic option to go over with good planning and time management?

 

[ridethecliche]

Not if your "study habits probably suck" as you just stated.

 

[epsilonprodigy]

Oi vey. This sounds a lot like my situation last year. I'm going to be very blunt, because I wish someone had been blunt with me about this time last year.

I don't care what kind of a genius/expert multi-tasker you are. Part of MCAT prep is... learning how to take the MCAT. This is a whole separate piece aside from simply knowing the material. Which, by the way, you will not know the material in all the depth the MCAT is counting on unless you have completed all prereq's with an appropriate level of investment. Even the best prep company counts on you having learned the material fairly deeply.

Even if you told me you'd scored 30 on your diagnostic and 30 on your subsequent FL, I'd try to talk you out of taking the test this summer. Ask yourself, can you really shine at your full potential when you are being pulled in so many different directions?

Based on my own experience with Kaplan, I will agree with SN2ed's statement that their materials are severely lacking in practice passages, and would daresay that they are one of the weaker test prep companies out there. Their books explain certain concepts well due to simplicity, but certain things that are listed in the "Official Guide to the MCAT" are not even touched upon in the books- your exposure to thoe concepts depends entirely upon your getting some random q-bank question, where the concept will be explained in the answer explanation. I took everything Kaplan said as the gospel truth, studied from their books and resources exclusively, and despite getting mid-30's on the practice tests ( AAMC and Kaplan) I scored abysmally on the real thing. This could have been due to many factors, but I believe that Kaplan's insufficient coverage and especially their lack of passage practice was a very large contributer. Even if you do stick with Kaplan, I would recommend NOT buying into their idea that "if you do well on the end of chapter quizzes and required materials, you'll be able to apply the concepts to the passages."

Instead, supplement with a quality source of passages such as TPRH or BR.

Okay, *steps off soap box* I don't give advice often, because I don'tfeel liek I have the credentials to back it up at the moment. But take it from me, you will mind very, very much if you find yourself re-taking in the fall. Instead, postpone your test date until you're able to exclusively (or at least primarily) dedicate the previous 3-4 months to the MCAT. The MCAT is also testing your ability to realistically plan the trajectory of your application process. Good luck and feel free to PM if you want.

 

[thomasfx10]

4. Lack of practice passages. This is a big problem. You must take actual practice passages. Those exercises in the kaplan content review books are fairly worthless.

5. On that note, Kaplan is not even close to the best resource for PS or really any of the sections. BR and TPRH are significantly better in PS with BR being head and shoulders above the rest with their newest edition.

👍

Drop Kaplan, and concentrate on passages (TBR .. Yea I know it is a pain to order but it worth it) ...

That is what I did and I am seeing a signifcant improvement. More than I saw with Kaplan ... Which was a $1600 mistake ... But that is another subject ...

 

[FRESCA12]

I REALLY TRULY DO APPRECIATE THE ADVICE.. I would not have turned to the forums if I wasn't looking for opinions of my peers, and people who have been through the situation that i am experiencing.

On the other hand, WTH. I realize that your advice is honest and meant to help me out. but
I spent..2000 dollars on a course that i researched for a good 2-3 months. I have ready through the entire 30+ thread, post by post.

- MCAT is half critical thinking, half content.
- Kaplan is a "great resource" and as long as you're doing okay in your science classes, you can follow and keep up with kaplan and get ready.
-don't spend more than 3-4 months on studying
- a TON of people study during the semester and do well, i would know, i go to a university where everyone and their mom started studying in February and signed up for the april date. I am one of the kids that's "taking it late".
- this is so frustrating!!!!!
UGH. and very very discouraging. How am i supposed to "go for it" when I am being told that it's not possible.

...
🙁

I am still gonna plan on May 20th. I will look at my exam averages and see what's up when it gets closer... this is not cool.

 

[flodhi1]

I REALLY TRULY DO APPRECIATE THE ADVICE.. I would not have turned to the forums if I wasn't looking for opinions of my peers, and people who have been through the situation that i am experiencing.

On the other hand, WTH. I realize that your advice is honest and meant to help me out. but
I spent..2000 dollars on a course that i researched for a good 2-3 months. I have ready through the entire 30+ thread, post by post.

- MCAT is half critical thinking, half content.
- Kaplan is a "great resource" and as long as you're doing okay in your science classes, you can follow and keep up with kaplan and get ready.
-don't spend more than 3-4 months on studying
- a TON of people study during the semester and do well, i would know, i go to a university where everyone and their mom started studying in February and signed up for the april date. I am one of the kids that's "taking it late".
- this is so frustrating!!!!!
UGH. and very very discouraging. How am i supposed to "go for it" when I am being told that it's not possible.

...
🙁

I am still gonna plan on May 20th. I will look at my exam averages and see what's up when it gets closer... this is not cool.

DO NOT LISTEN TO IDIOTS THAT ARE TELLING YOU TO DROP OUT OF KAPLAN OR GIVE UP. I have increased my score by 10 points (6 points on the PS, 4 points on the BS and 0 points on the VR 🙁 lol in the Kaplan full length 1 from my diagnostic and have a much better command on the material. Just like you I plan on taking the exam May 20th. Just relax and follow the Kaplan schedule do absolutely everything Preview, reading the chapters, Review, attending class and Q bank material. Follow it up with as much practice from topicals, section tests and you will be fine. Trust me if I can improve you can improve twice as much! keep your head up and keep going forward. I would suggest that you totally ignore any type of negative comments just post on the kaplan mcat forum where people that have first hand experience with kaplan like myself can guide you.

 

[flodhi1]

Oi vey. This sounds a lot like my situation last year. I'm going to be very blunt, because I wish someone had been blunt with me about this time last year.

I don't care what kind of a genius/expert multi-tasker you are. Part of MCAT prep is... learning how to take the MCAT. This is a whole separate piece aside from simply knowing the material. Which, by the way, you will not know the material in all the depth the MCAT is counting on unless you have completed all prereq's with an appropriate level of investment. Even the best prep company counts on you having learned the material fairly deeply.

Even if you told me you'd scored 30 on your diagnostic and 30 on your subsequent FL, I'd try to talk you out of taking the test this summer. Ask yourself, can you really shine at your full potential when you are being pulled in so many different directions?

Based on my own experience with Kaplan, I will agree with SN2ed's statement that their materials are severely lacking in practice passages, and would daresay that they are one of the weaker test prep companies out there. Their books explain certain concepts well due to simplicity, but certain things that are listed in the "Official Guide to the MCAT" are not even touched upon in the books- your exposure to thoe concepts depends entirely upon your getting some random q-bank question, where the concept will be explained in the answer explanation. I took everything Kaplan said as the gospel truth, studied from their books and resources exclusively, and despite getting mid-30's on the practice tests ( AAMC and Kaplan) I scored abysmally on the real thing. This could have been due to many factors, but I believe that Kaplan's insufficient coverage and especially their lack of passage practice was a very large contributer. Even if you do stick with Kaplan, I would recommend NOT buying into their idea that "if you do well on the end of chapter quizzes and required materials, you'll be able to apply the concepts to the passages."

Instead, supplement with a quality source of passages such as TPRH or BR.

Okay, *steps off soap box* I don't give advice often, because I don'tfeel liek I have the credentials to back it up at the moment. But take it from me, you will mind very, very much if you find yourself re-taking in the fall. Instead, postpone your test date until you're able to exclusively (or at least primarily) dedicate the previous 3-4 months to the MCAT. The MCAT is also testing your ability to realistically plan the trajectory of your application process. Good luck and feel free to PM if you want.

Please don't try to put her down and make her lose her confidence. If she scores in the 30s in the practice exams she will score a 30 on the actual test IF SHE REMAINS positive. There is absolutely no need for negativity. Yes Kaplan has minor flaws maybe the Verbal but that doesn't mean people don't improve. Excuse my language but just because you were ******ed enough to bomb the real deal does NOT and I repeat DOES NOT MEAN she should abandon the little bit of hope she has. If she follows the Kaplan schedule, practices and remains positive she will do well. Have a great day now

 

[tttgo]

Yeah, you have a lot of other commitments. If you really want to do well on the mcat this year, you need to increase your motivation like 10x. You don't sound motivated enough in your above posts. Also, you sound like you don't have content down, so that's a problem. The $2000 spent on the course isn't exactly a waste since it becomes another resource.. The problem is that you're not ready for the test and you don't have the time to put in. Just the 10 or however many in class a week isn't enough. you need to add in outside studying. You're basically at the point of about to start studying and have only 2 months. 2 months probably isn't enough is you don't have 30+ hours/week and are weak in content. If you really want to take it in May, you need to master the content do a bunch of passages (I'm talking all 8 aamc's kaplan 1-6, topicals, TBR, ek1001, whatever you can fit in). I consider myself extremely motivated, but I probably couldn't do all that in 2 months and keep my grades up and do volunteering and research etc. A better plan is to postpone the mcat until september. Keep attending class and do all hw in the meantime to be eligible for the score guarantee just in case. After your summer trip, focus the 2-3 months on passages. In the meantime, do well in your classes and master the content. If you're not applying this cycle, why not wait 3 months? I can almost guarantee that the 10 point increases don't come without a lot of hard work. or you can wait until next year. your choice.

 

[tttgo]

Staying positive is good, but sometimes you have to face the reality. $2000 is a lot of money, but in the long run it won't matter if you get into med school. Kaplan FL's are pretty good and the material does help, but that doesn't mean other resources can't help. I think the lesson hear is to not get distracted by setbacks. Trust me, I've had my step dad tell me I won't get into med school and try to dissuade me from extracurriculars. However, if your motivation is strong enough, just ignore these and do whatever is most logical (that includes waiting the 4 months if the odds are stacked against you).

Please don't try to put her down and make her lose her confidence. If she scores in the 30s in the practice exams she will score a 30 on the actual test IF SHE REMAINS positive. There is absolutely no need for negativity. Yes Kaplan has minor flaws maybe the Verbal but that doesn't mean people don't improve. Excuse my language but just because you were ******ed enough to bomb the real deal does NOT and I repeat DOES NOT MEAN she should abandon the little bit of hope she has. If she follows the Kaplan schedule, practices and remains positive she will do well. Have a great day now

 

[FRESCA12]

I am gonna go with the motivation x 10.
i mean im really not stupid.. like really.. im good at standardized tests.. i got a 35 on my act without any studying. i got a 9 on verbal without knowing how many passages there even are, and i didn't speak a word of english 8 years ago.

so.. im gonna have some faith in myself. and again.. motivation x 10.
I will keep up my grades which will only include studying for my physics II final (=content review) and cell bio and finish up my 3 month plan (let's not forget, i DID start studying over a month ago) and the two weeks i have after finals before the exam, i'll let aamc exams decide my test date for me.

Worst comes to worst i'll postpone it or take it again.
Thanks again for the advice, any other feedback is still welcome.. sdn has been a lifesaver before 🙂

 

[tttgo]

I'm actually not good at standardized tests. sat 1810 without studying. 2070 with. but I don't think sat/act correlate with the mcat that well. Since you're in the kaplan class, take advantage of it. Ask on the kaplan forum if you need help on maximizing the resources.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=786361
When you do take fl's spend lots of time to review them. Letting your aamc scores decide whether you'll postpone sounds good, but know that there are only 8 aamcs. If you retake/restudy later, don't exhaust all your resources the first time.

 

[FRESCA12]

Thanks! That's a good one,
a lot of you really do have a point..on some level -.- haha
but seriously, I am thinking im gonna move it to June 16th, which would get me my scores on July 20th. which is bad. in my book. really bad.. but it's okay. better to do 30+ and submit in July 20th, then go with my 21 on June 20th 😀
Thanks again for the advice, harsh or not, it was kind of a wake up call. if i want this, i gotta go for it.

Again, any other tips are def welcome

 

[ridethecliche]

There are often good reasons to become a non-trad and take some time doing something else for a year or two after graduation. You might want to consider if yours is one of them.

 

[epsilonprodigy]

OP, I didn't mean to sound negative. I totally believe you can do this, as long as you give yourself a sporting chance. I just hate to see anyone repeat my experience.

As for Kaplan, one thing I will say for them is that they are very nice about extending your access to online resources. So if you do decide to postpone until whenever, I bet you'll be able to get them to extend your access without much of a fight.

There are dozens of posts about sources and methods for each subject area. You dropped the cash, so I wouldn't say "forget Kaplan," but I still stand by my recommendation to supplement with other sources.