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September 2015 MCAT Thread
Started by DAF16
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Next cycle for me too. I think most people are on the same boat. I don't really feel ready yet either, and I've spent all summer studying. I definitely feel better about the test compared to the start of the summer, or even to when I did my first half practice test. But if I don't do well on this test, I honestly wouldn't think I wasted my summer at all, because I feel like it'll be much easier to study for a january retake now that most of the material is still somewhat fresh in my mind. It'll suck to have to buy new practice material and pay for the new test date, but you gotta do what you gotta do!
I'm just trying to not compare myself too much to the people here in SDN. I think too many of the scores reported are > 510, which makes it seem like everyone is doing well, but I think that those who are only doing decent or even less than decent just aren't posting their scores, because they probably feel embarrassed about their performance in relation to the majority in the forum. SDN is definitely not representative of the full application pool. Though in some way, it's good for motivating yourself to aim higher than what's necessary.
I'm just trying to not compare myself too much to the people here in SDN. I think too many of the scores reported are > 510, which makes it seem like everyone is doing well, but I think that those who are only doing decent or even less than decent just aren't posting their scores, because they probably feel embarrassed about their performance in relation to the majority in the forum. SDN is definitely not representative of the full application pool. Though in some way, it's good for motivating yourself to aim higher than what's necessary.
Glad I'm not the only one that feels this way! Hoping for a January retake too if I can handle studying with classes. I wish we had some closer test dates because January is still kind of far off and I know I'll forget some things. Hopefully I'll forget most of the details of the practice exams I've taken though that way I can retake them and save some money haha. The comparisons really do kill me, I've gotten better at not comparing myself to the scores on here but it's still in the back of my mind bugging me sometimes.
Definitely hope that it'll be way easier to study the second time around for me! Going to write down all the things I think I've done wrong or should have done etc. when this exam is over so I can tailor of a more productive way to approach this the second go around. And of the plus side I think some of my classes this semester will end up helping me too, I have one that's biochem focused and another one that seems like it'll be driven in part by research papers.
SDN may suck sometimes in the comparison department, but I've found that a lot of people are going through the same things as me and more importantly, are overall pretty supportive!
Just finished the AAMC Physics pack. I think I'm all set for physics content review (perhaps some more work on lights and stuff). Onward to chemistry!
AAMC Physics (first half): 97% (58/60)
AAMC Physics (second half): 93% (56/60) -- Cringey mistakes... misreading a velocity/time graph as a force/distance graph... misread "meter-stick"... misread "viola"
Total: 95%
AAMC Physics (first half): 97% (58/60)
AAMC Physics (second half): 93% (56/60) -- Cringey mistakes... misreading a velocity/time graph as a force/distance graph... misread "meter-stick"... misread "viola"
Total: 95%
T
torontopharm
498 on TPR review test 1 AND 2 😱 People here are getting 500+ left and right lol.
I'm not embarrassed but rather more petrified of the MCAT than i used to be. Hopefully the AAMC FL i'm scheduled to take next week will put my mind at ease. I've spent the summer studying for this as well. I wouldn't regret it if i did poorly on it. MCAT is just one of those things where i feel like the more time you spend on it doesn't always equal to more success. Oh well. Might cancel and take it in January depending on my AAMC FL score.
Oh sorry I meant the actual MCAT scores, not the FL practice test scores! I agree that everyone gets the mediocre practice test scores and that's nothing to be ashamed about. Everyone thinks that the TPR tests (which I also have taken) are harder and it definitely makes me feel better about my borderline 500 FL scores.
Does anyone know what about these practice FLs are harder compared to the real thing? Is it mostly about the random minute details that are asked in the practice FLs or how questions/answers are worded, etc.?
Thanks to everyone who replied to my burnout post! I really appreciate it.
Took another fl and saw a significant jump that has motivated me! The problem is I am a little skeptical about the new Kaplan scale over overcompensating for the previous inaccurate scale. For ex: 24/59 right on the fl 4 was a 124...that's less than 50% and still in that range. Anyone else have some input?
Took another fl and saw a significant jump that has motivated me! The problem is I am a little skeptical about the new Kaplan scale over overcompensating for the previous inaccurate scale. For ex: 24/59 right on the fl 4 was a 124...that's less than 50% and still in that range. Anyone else have some input?
It seems like Kaplan bumped up all the scores by about 2 points. Previously people were saying the scores were deflated by >10 points, so I would think they are still pretty deflated.
who is taking the MCAT on 9/12 and purchased Kaplan's class??
IF you did, here is some guidance I was given (and am using)
IF you have not started doing the AAMC q-packs, start those now. Use the accommodated setting and score your answer each time (do not wait until the 3 hours is up).
Write down everything you get wrong or guessed (same thing you should be doing with the Kaplan FL or any other test, I guess)
Take your time. The goal of doing the accommodated method is to LEARN what you are missing WHILE missing it. So far, doing things this way, I'm at the 1/2 way point through Bio 1 and getting 93% (56/60).
Once done with ALL the AAMC q-packs, take a day, review all the notes from the FL's taken, and the AAMC q-packs and take AAMC FL.
Kaplan was crushing my soul... eroding any confidence I had. Following the above, I'm slightly more optimistic. (slightly > none 😉 )
IF you did, here is some guidance I was given (and am using)
IF you have not started doing the AAMC q-packs, start those now. Use the accommodated setting and score your answer each time (do not wait until the 3 hours is up).
Write down everything you get wrong or guessed (same thing you should be doing with the Kaplan FL or any other test, I guess)
Take your time. The goal of doing the accommodated method is to LEARN what you are missing WHILE missing it. So far, doing things this way, I'm at the 1/2 way point through Bio 1 and getting 93% (56/60).
Once done with ALL the AAMC q-packs, take a day, review all the notes from the FL's taken, and the AAMC q-packs and take AAMC FL.
Kaplan was crushing my soul... eroding any confidence I had. Following the above, I'm slightly more optimistic. (slightly > none 😉 )
I'm more worried about how accurate the new scale is? I've taken 3 fls on the new scale 496-494-500 respectively. I'm hoping the improvement isn't entirely attributable to the new fl scale..
Ya like hopeful Pilot said, they retroactively adjusted ALL of the scores, so you can look back and see if your old ones moved up.
And like I said, if they were deflated by 10 points before, they are still deflated by 8 points now.
Check out the topic with the speadsheet of people's practice scores and real score. Many people who got GREAT scores, including up in the 520 range, never cracked 505 on Kaplan.
And like I said, if they were deflated by 10 points before, they are still deflated by 8 points now.
Check out the topic with the speadsheet of people's practice scores and real score. Many people who got GREAT scores, including up in the 520 range, never cracked 505 on Kaplan.
Just finished EK 2, decent improvement from EK1. I rocked the psy/soc section. Upwards from here boys & girls.
@PooshBag Thanks. Yeah Kaplan Cars is hit or miss, i am always going up and down. from 124 - 127.
Don't envy me 🙂 Just answering your question. Tests right now mean nothing. Real deal = 9/12.
Have you started doing the q-packs from AAMC?
I write my exam Sept. 12. I took the EK course, and my scores are as such:
EK1 60% (53%/72%/51%/68%) - before any studying began
EK2 66% (58%/70%/66%/71%)
EK3 64% (51%/75%/75%/56%) - I couldn't focus at all during physics or P/S
EK4 68% (78%/66%/59%/68%)
AAMC FL1 80% (80%/89%/75%/76%)
I retook EK1 and got a 75% (78%/75%/73%/73%) and I've done half of each of the Physics and Chemistry QPs (85% and 88% respectively).
I take NS' diagnostic tomorrow.
I'm starting to get nervous, especially since school starts on Monday. Any advice/any way to get Kaplan's free test? I tried to sign up, but the next registration is Sept. 15.
EK1 60% (53%/72%/51%/68%) - before any studying began
EK2 66% (58%/70%/66%/71%)
EK3 64% (51%/75%/75%/56%) - I couldn't focus at all during physics or P/S
EK4 68% (78%/66%/59%/68%)
AAMC FL1 80% (80%/89%/75%/76%)
I retook EK1 and got a 75% (78%/75%/73%/73%) and I've done half of each of the Physics and Chemistry QPs (85% and 88% respectively).
I take NS' diagnostic tomorrow.
I'm starting to get nervous, especially since school starts on Monday. Any advice/any way to get Kaplan's free test? I tried to sign up, but the next registration is Sept. 15.
That sounds like solid advice. I've taken AAMC FL. I'll begin the content shortly. My MCAT exam date is the same as most others: 9/12!
But I feel the soul-eroding is great for stress management in difficult situations
Also to answer your previous question, I work with a combination of everything. The portfolio stuff is primarily digital. I use a huge tablet and just draw on it -- it's been my trusty sidekick since my senior year in high school, and has been especially useful for the freelance to pay for stuff ._.
Took Kaplan 2 and scored 503 (127/126/127/123). Last week I scored 501 (124/126/127/124). I also took TPR Demo recently and scored 503 (125/125/124/129) so I suppose I am improving a little bit? P/S was super hard for me this time around, but it may have to do with the fact that I just finished the exam at 10PM and my level of caring diminished throughout the last section.
Sept 12 exam taker here! Does anyone have any suggestions on ways to really prepare for organic chem parts? All those previous posts from past exam takers talking about the abundance of ochem content are scaring me a little... I've gone through the TPR Ochem book and the science workbook.
@fallingclouds - took the words out of my mouth from reddit to here to a private mcat board... all I hear is "Hello Orgo, my old friend" ... thought I distinctly recall never once calling Orgo my friend 😉 Don't get me wrong, I liked Orgo, we were just never going to be BFFs
Okay so what do we know about holy Orgo:
SN1, SN2, E1, E2 ... Carboxy, enols, tautomers, racemic, polarized planes, and ummm, how would that tie to the MCAT...
I think I'll take my orgo flashcards from Kaplan and start a list of reagents and what they can/can't do, what can dance with COO-, look at reactions of Orgo 1 (outside of the generic S & E) since most of orgo 2 seems to be covered by mechanisms of Biochem (hoping here, really hoping)....
What else?
Okay so what do we know about holy Orgo:
SN1, SN2, E1, E2 ... Carboxy, enols, tautomers, racemic, polarized planes, and ummm, how would that tie to the MCAT...
I think I'll take my orgo flashcards from Kaplan and start a list of reagents and what they can/can't do, what can dance with COO-, look at reactions of Orgo 1 (outside of the generic S & E) since most of orgo 2 seems to be covered by mechanisms of Biochem (hoping here, really hoping)....
What else?
I can draw and explain both of those 🙂
And yes, if you're testing at my site, you'll see me drawing awesome pictures in the 10 mins pre-exam ... AA's, pathways, gluconeo, dogma, and anything else I can do.
My space will look like the Metropolitan Museum of MCAT 😵🙄
And yes, if you're testing at my site, you'll see me drawing awesome pictures in the 10 mins pre-exam ... AA's, pathways, gluconeo, dogma, and anything else I can do.
My space will look like the Metropolitan Museum of MCAT 😵🙄
@Ad2b @HopefulPilot Thank you all! haha yes, orgo definitely isn't my BFF either 😉 A part of me is hoping that my test isn't going to have too much of it, but knowing my luck haha... I'll make sure I have those concepts down before the test!
I've felt like the organic chemistry on the Kaplan and TPR tests takes up a pretty substantial chunk of the C/P sections and that most of it is pretty basic. A lot of it is carbonyl chemistry, tautomerization, acid-base chemistry, stereochem, and redox.
I also plan to use the "tutorial" time for drawing things. It gets even weirder should the Right Hand Rules be needed...
Regarding Orgo-I don't know if you guys still have your old textbooks-if not your library probably has some you can use. I pulled out of mine the appendix which had lists of rxns by functional group, named rxns, reagents, IR and NMR spectrum.
I also use this more than any other source as recommended by one of my org chem professors: https://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/VirtTxtJml/intro1.htm
You don't need SN1, SN2 crap for 2015 mcat
How long did you wait between taking the full lengths and what did you do between them?
How long do you plan on working on the AAMC q packs? When do you plan on taking the AAMC full length?
I feel like there's still enough time to squeeze in a couple of kaplan full lengths and all of the aamc material.
Where have you seen this? As far as I recall, these reactions are still on the OG.
I agree. It is not plausible to explicitly state every detail that one should be familiar with. By listing reaction kinetics, and alcohols, for example, it is implied that the mechanisms of substitution and elimination reactions at the uni and bimolecular level should be reviewed.
What book are you reading? These mechanisms are not in any of the new books. It doesn't hurt to know them, but i am almost sure you do not have to
The official 2015 MCAT guide written by AAMC. On page 184, it states "Sn1 or Sn2" as important reaction mechanisms in alcohol reactions.
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Okay bro, you don't have to get all capital letters on me. we believe you, old exam you had to know it all, it is not as vital now
Roughly, how long does it take to get through half a Qpack, to the 'break section' if you do it in one sitting? Also is there a timer? @jimmypod figured you know the answer to this best 😛
Trying to schedule what I can do these next few weeks and if it makes sense to buy more Qpacks.
Trying to schedule what I can do these next few weeks and if it makes sense to buy more Qpacks.
Are any of you starting classes soon, before your exam date?
I do & I'm going to have to put some effort in to my appearance and be social, two things I've forgotten how to do over the past few months.
Hopefully juggling the two won't be too hard. Would have switched to 9/23 if school and work wasn't in the way but hey, thats life right
I do & I'm going to have to put some effort in to my appearance and be social, two things I've forgotten how to do over the past few months.
Hopefully juggling the two won't be too hard. Would have switched to 9/23 if school and work wasn't in the way but hey, thats life right
There is no timer! For these Qpacks, I would recommend taking them at whatever speed you want to take them at, as their primary purpose is for you to learn the format of the test and get accustomed to the question style. You may find that you take more or less time on certain sections depending on your strengths and weaknesses, and that is totally fine.
If you want a reference, I ended up taking around 90 minutes for the first half of CARS 1, ~75 min for the second half of CARS 1, ~80 minutes for the first half of bio (I'm not entirely sure as I ended up watching some youtube in the middle of the Qpack and left it running), 60 minutes for the first half of physics, and 70 minutes for the second half of physics. I would say that physics is my strong suit, as I'm a very conceptual/mathematical person.
I hope this helps!
Check on the few previous pages, I typed out my review plan! Let me know if that's thorough enough.
Here's my breakdown of AAMC Bio Q-Pack #1
3 hours broken into two sections (1.5 hours each - given by the AAMC)
In accommodated mode:
It took me 3.5 hours to do the first piece. Why?
Take a look at the blog post: http://adoc2be.blogspot.com/2015/08/aamc-q-pack-biology-1.html
I not only wrote down the questions I got wrong and what I learned or needed to review but also ALL questions where I got the question right but was unsure (I'm at 56/60 at this point but some of the 56 were wishy/washy on my confidence that I knew the answer).
BTW, I HAVE fixed the histidine in my drawing but have NOT uploaded the revised picture. Will do that tonight from home as well as all the pathways for biochem.
3 hours broken into two sections (1.5 hours each - given by the AAMC)
In accommodated mode:
It took me 3.5 hours to do the first piece. Why?
Take a look at the blog post: http://adoc2be.blogspot.com/2015/08/aamc-q-pack-biology-1.html
I not only wrote down the questions I got wrong and what I learned or needed to review but also ALL questions where I got the question right but was unsure (I'm at 56/60 at this point but some of the 56 were wishy/washy on my confidence that I knew the answer).
BTW, I HAVE fixed the histidine in my drawing but have NOT uploaded the revised picture. Will do that tonight from home as well as all the pathways for biochem.
Yeah, and in free time after each section while he is waiting for timer to end - he will do each question again with attached 30-min video explanation. 🙂
For People who did Nex step FLs: How have guys been using the score report? You know with the % and num of questions correct given in a comprehensive list by topic.. I have done 3 fls so far and i feel like i m not using those data efficiently. 🙁
Any suggestion appreciated!
Any suggestion appreciated!
You guys crack me up about Sal taking the MCAT. 🙂
@Ad2b I don't know if you left endosymbiotic theory blank b/c you already know it or not, but its the whole "mitochondria probably came from a prokaryote entering a eukaryote and hanging out because it benefited both of them" thing-pretty cool! I noticed you wrote down the female hormone cycles...I have trouble remembering those as well, despite years of personal experience...
@HopefulPilot What kind of trouble are the kidney passages giving you? I will check if I have any good notes for kidney-ish things. 🙂
@Ad2b I don't know if you left endosymbiotic theory blank b/c you already know it or not, but its the whole "mitochondria probably came from a prokaryote entering a eukaryote and hanging out because it benefited both of them" thing-pretty cool! I noticed you wrote down the female hormone cycles...I have trouble remembering those as well, despite years of personal experience...
@HopefulPilot What kind of trouble are the kidney passages giving you? I will check if I have any good notes for kidney-ish things. 🙂
@drbeat14 - thank you! I was going to look it up later because the AAMC definition was wonky. I got the question right but was unsure; wanted to revisit all the hormones that hypo is precursor to with pituitary. Thankfully, my personal experience with the female hormone cycles are over - puberty AND menopause. 
(neither, FWIW, was terribly awful)
If you saw the back sides of those pages, you'd see "GFD!!! ADH v aldosterone - get the GD things straight in your pee-brain head" lol
(neither, FWIW, was terribly awful)If you saw the back sides of those pages, you'd see "GFD!!! ADH v aldosterone - get the GD things straight in your pee-brain head" lol
@HopefulPilot - my path has been 45 years in the making. The blog was my journey that I never in a million years expected to be still ongoing as a premed.
Kidney - have a picture - I'll throw it up on the blog. brb
Kidney - have a picture - I'll throw it up on the blog. brb
