Really low diagnostic score...

[DocMcMommy]

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I was hoping/planning to take the mcat at the end of march or in April (if not ready for the March date).

I just completed the NextStep diagnostic exam (pre any mcat studying beyond looking at the first chapters of the Kaplan books) and my score was extremely low.

491 (121/124/121/125).

All of the scores are awful, but I'm particularly surprised by my Bio score since I am a Bio major and have scored really well in all of my biology classes. Biochem was my favorite! And not just that I've scored well in the classes, but I felt like I knew what the heck was going on and I enjoyed learning them.

Would it be possible, with a good study schedule and determination, to improve my score in time for a test in March/April? Or should I start reevaluating my timeline?

Ftr, I have completed all of my pre-req courses and some upper level bio courses.

Edited to add: I did expect a low chem and physics section, since physics was the class I struggled with the most.

 

[Orthopedics101]

I was hoping/planning to take the mcat at the end of march or in April (if not ready for the March date).

I just completed the NextStep diagnostic exam (pre any mcat studying beyond looking at the first chapters of the Kaplan books) and my score was extremely low.

491 (121/124/121/125).

All of the scores are awful, but I'm particularly surprised by my Bio score since I am a Bio major and have scored really well in all of my biology classes. Biochem was my favorite! And not just that I've scored well in the classes, but I felt like I knew what the heck was going on and I enjoyed learning them.

Would it be possible, with a good study schedule and determination, to improve my score in time for a test in March/April? Or should I start reevaluating my timeline?

Ftr, I have completed all of my pre-req courses and some upper level bio courses.

Edited to add: I did expect a low chem and physics section, since physics was the class I struggled with the most.

I haven't seen anyone who was scoring well first test pre actually studying for the MCAT lol. My diagnostic score when I started studying 3 months ago was a 485 and now I am in the 513-516 range for AAMC material. It is pointless to try to evaluate your test scores before you start studying. Just get a good book set (Kaplan, TPR, EK or TBR) read while doing FLs every couple of weeks and you should be fine. Most people generally spend around 3 months studying for it.

 

[NeuroPA]

You would be surprised that only one passage could just tear you apart. When I was doing old AAMC MCAT FL's I would average 3/5 correct per passage which is a relatively decent rate, and then out of the blue a passage would come that would F@#$ me! 1/5 or 0/5 ...... what did that mean??? Well it meant I guessed and had no clue how to attack the question. That being said, reading a remembering equations whether it be Chem, Physics, or Biochem is all good and dandy, but learning how to "attack" the question is in it of itself what the MCAT is all about. That being said, go back and UNDERSTAND WHY you got each question wrong, make flash cards of the passage, and keep chugging along. You will be surprised that time is your best friend when studying for the MCAT (don't half A#$ your concentration/time).

 

[studentDOnut]

I was hoping/planning to take the mcat at the end of march or in April (if not ready for the March date).

I just completed the NextStep diagnostic exam (pre any mcat studying beyond looking at the first chapters of the Kaplan books) and my score was extremely low.

491 (121/124/121/125).

All of the scores are awful, but I'm particularly surprised by my Bio score since I am a Bio major and have scored really well in all of my biology classes. Biochem was my favorite! And not just that I've scored well in the classes, but I felt like I knew what the heck was going on and I enjoyed learning them.

Would it be possible, with a good study schedule and determination, to improve my score in time for a test in March/April? Or should I start reevaluating my timeline?

Ftr, I have completed all of my pre-req courses and some upper level bio courses.

Edited to add: I did expect a low chem and physics section, since physics was the class I struggled with the most.

Don't be discouraged. Just took my NextStep diagnostic about a week ago and scored a 489. I am taking the May 18th MCAT. I have 4 months to relearn anything, taking physics 2 right now and learn how to actually take the MCAT, as well as understand what the questions are asking. The MCAT is a beast and you just have to find the strategies and best set of books or videos that work for you. For me, I have been using NS's free trial and I will most likely be purchasing the crash course, since just reading the Kaplan and Examkracker books are not working for me. I am retaining more info by watching NS's videos and then rereading the Kaplan or Examkracker books. I am taking another half-length diagnostic just so I can truly identify my strengths and weaknesses at this point to get a good 4-month study plan going. I will let you know how I do!


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