Should I change major? And best way to study mcat for retake?

[Monkeys4Lyfe]

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Sorry to post a new thread but it seems like all the ones that could have answers to either of my questions are outdated.

FIRST QUESTION: I am a nontraditional (but not crazy) major for Pre-med. I am economics and have completed most of my pre-med requirements. Unfortunately, I don't have the best science gpa due to carelessness and unawareness of the competition involved with medical schools. While I cannot improve my gpa a great deal (I am a senior), I know if I improve, I can be admitted to medical school when I apply next summer. As I said, I have most of my pre med requirements and will be taking biochemistry and microbiology this Fall 2014 semester. Spring 2015 will most likely be anatomy and some other science class I do not know yet. (Approx. 9-10 credit hours of science per semester with 6 or so being economics). Should I consider switching to a biology major to be more competitive for medical school? I personally do not think it would be the best option, but ultimately want to do what is best for medical school admission. Switching would mean two crazy semesters or maybe three if I want to graduate later (I don't want to). Please let me know what you think of if you have any questions....




SECOND QUESTION:

I am wondering what the best way to study for the MCAT is. I know many of you will say look at the other forums but I have and many say different things. That is where your opinions come in. I voided my exam yesterday because it was terrible and much more difficult than the practice tests I did. Currently, I have the kaplan books and examkrackers books, as well as Kaplans online resources for another month and a half. Is there a preferred method for me to use? I have done most of the content review but feel weak in gen chem and O chem, as well as parts of biology. I am also weak at Verbal. It takes me a while to read and I usually can't decide between two answer choices. I would like to work on speed as well as comprehension. Is there an Mcat related strategy for this or is there a book someone might recommend? A book as in something probably non-fiction or scientific that is probably dense and difficult to read. Lastly, what are the best books for practice problems. I've heard mixed reviews about a lot but many seem to advise EK 1001 or the TPR and TBR books.

Should I follow SN2d's method? (I don't know if I will have enough time for all of it unless if I just focus on my weak areas mainly).
Should I just stick with one set of books? (If I need to use a book from EK and a book from a different company, that is fine!)
Should I just do more content review and then practice tests?

Please be as specific as possible because I only have a few weeks of summer and would like to start up again soon.



I don't mean to bother anyone if I have posted in the wrong forum. ..But I am in a bit of a panic because I really do not want to have to take the new MCAT next year. I am willing to do whatever it takes as long as I can still manage my schoolwork on top of the MCAT. I honestly think I can, but that means very low social life and leisure time. If this needs to be this way, it will be this way. I NEEEED to go to an allopathic or osteopathic medical school.

 

[JustWatt]

1st: You don't NEED to switch, just a good reason for being non-trad. This should probably be addressed in your PS from what I understand.

2nd: I don't know how much $$ is an obstacle but paying top $ for a good program can be worth the money. I used a small company called Altius and I feel like it made a huge difference in my scores (caveat: I took my MCAT a week ago and so I don't know my scores). Their approach to VR is especially thorough. But I do better with structure and deadlines.

 

[Monkeys4Lyfe]

1st: You don't NEED to switch, just a good reason for being non-trad. This should probably be addressed in your PS from what I understand.

2nd: I don't know how much $$ is an obstacle but paying top $ for a good program can be worth the money. I used a small company called Altius and I feel like it made a huge difference in my scores (caveat: I took my MCAT a week ago and so I don't know my scores). Their approach to VR is especially thorough. But I do better with structure and deadlines.

What do you mean by good reason for being non-traditional? What do you mean by "PS"? Lol, the only ps i know is post script and physical sciences.

Money isn't a huge obstacle. But seeing how I have a lot of books already, a couple online books, and kaplans online resources (already cost a lot), I do not want to spend a whole lot...But how much is Altius? I have heard a lot of good about the Chad videos and I think I could get those for a month for like 50 which I am considering (have you heard about chad videos?)

Thanks and sorry about all the questions!!

 

[kraskadva]

Sorry to post a new thread but it seems like all the ones that could have answers to either of my questions are outdated.

FIRST QUESTION: I am a nontraditional (but not crazy) major for Pre-med. I am economics and have completed most of my pre-med requirements. Unfortunately, I don't have the best science gpa due to carelessness and unawareness of the competition involved with medical schools. While I cannot improve my gpa a great deal (I am a senior), I know if I improve, I can be admitted to medical school when I apply next summer. As I said, I have most of my pre med requirements and will be taking biochemistry and microbiology this Fall 2014 semester. Spring 2015 will most likely be anatomy and some other science class I do not know yet. (Approx. 9-10 credit hours of science per semester with 6 or so being economics). Should I consider switching to a biology major to be more competitive for medical school? I personally do not think it would be the best option, but ultimately want to do what is best for medical school admission. Switching would mean two crazy semesters or maybe three if I want to graduate later (I don't want to). Please let me know what you think of if you have any questions....

Around here non-trad typically means you're not going straight from undergrad to med school, though that's not a definition set in stone. Your major doesn't really make you non-trad, people go to med school from all different majors. Don't bother switching, just make sure you have the science classes covered as well.

GPA: 1) what is yours? 2) you sure can raise it. by getting As. Also there's no rule that says you have to graduate in 4 years.

Note: economics don't count as science credits for med school apps. sorry. only bio, chem, physics and math. recalculate and let us know.

SECOND QUESTION:

I am wondering what the best way to study for the MCAT is. I know many of you will say look at the other forums but I have and many say different things. That is where your opinions come in. I voided my exam yesterday because it was terrible and much more difficult than the practice tests I did. Currently, I have the kaplan books and examkrackers books, as well as Kaplans online resources for another month and a half. Is there a preferred method for me to use? I have done most of the content review but feel weak in gen chem and O chem, as well as parts of biology. I am also weak at Verbal. It takes me a while to read and I usually can't decide between two answer choices. I would like to work on speed as well as comprehension. Is there an Mcat related strategy for this or is there a book someone might recommend? A book as in something probably non-fiction or scientific that is probably dense and difficult to read. Lastly, what are the best books for practice problems. I've heard mixed reviews about a lot but many seem to advise EK 1001 or the TPR and TBR books.

Should I follow SN2d's method? (I don't know if I will have enough time for all of it unless if I just focus on my weak areas mainly).
Should I just stick with one set of books? (If I need to use a book from EK and a book from a different company, that is fine!)
Should I just do more content review and then practice tests?

Please be as specific as possible because I only have a few weeks of summer and would like to start up again soon.

The best way to study for the MCAT is what ever works for you. Sorry. Many people have posted many times with their opinions/experiences and you're free to go read them and try out as many as you want, but asking people to reiterate when we don't know anything about you or how you learn is a bit pointless.

I don't mean to bother anyone if I have posted in the wrong forum. ..But I am in a bit of a panic because I really do not want to have to take the new MCAT next year. I am willing to do whatever it takes as long as I can still manage my schoolwork on top of the MCAT. I honestly think I can, but that means very low social life and leisure time. If this needs to be this way, it will be this way. I NEEEED to go to an allopathic or osteopathic medical school.

1) Breathe! In, 1,2,3. Out, 1,2,3. Seriously.
2)If you're taking biochem anyway in the fall and have done any sociology/psychology in the course of college so far, you should have no reason to fear the new MCAT.

What do you mean by good reason for being non-traditional? What do you mean by "PS"? Lol, the only ps i know is post script and physical sciences.

Money isn't a huge obstacle. But seeing how I have a lot of books already, a couple online books, and kaplans online resources (already cost a lot), I do not want to spend a whole lot...But how much is Altius? I have heard a lot of good about the Chad videos and I think I could get those for a month for like 50 which I am considering (have you heard about chad videos?)

Thanks and sorry about all the questions!!

PS here refers to the Personal Statement on AMCAS/AACOMAS

Also, instead of buying more books/courses, why don't you just go open some of the ones you have 😉 learning by osmosis ain't worked for nobody yet.

 

[Quik]

1) Breathe! In, 1,2,3. Out, 1,2,3. Seriously.
2)If you're taking biochem anyway in the fall and have done any sociology/psychology in the course of college so far, you should have no reason to fear the new MCAT.

While I think the rest of your post is spot on, I must disagree with this greatly. As it stands, the MCAT covers 5 basic sections including VR in about 4 hours of test time. It's also a very well established exam with an accumulation of study materials available. Fast forward to February 2015, add two more sections to your preparation and another 4 hours to your test time, start over partially blind with exam prep materials, and you've got the 2015 MCAT. While the Psy/Soc sections are assumed to be of minimal rigor, many haven't taken it and don't have the background, or it was so long ago (freshmen year of UG) that they are essentially starting again from scratch.

I was faced with this same decision, fast forward my prep time and take it in January or delay it and take the new one, and I decided not to be a test dummy for the new MCAT. The one thing to note however, is like every MCAT, you just have to do better than everyone else. All that said, there's no way in hell, given a choice without too much compromise, that I'm subjecting myself to the new MCAT.

Edit to add: I also wouldn't take the existing MCAT without the necessary background courses in Bio, gen chem, physics, Ochem, and Biochem... I'll gladly have genetics under my belt too. Don't take it if you're ill prepared in terms of content knowledge.

 

[kraskadva]

While I think the rest of your post is spot on, I must disagree with this greatly. As it stands, the MCAT covers 5 basic sections including VR in about 4 hours of test time. It's also a very well established exam with an accumulation of study materials available. Fast forward to February 2015, add two more sections to your preparation and another 4 hours to your test time, start over partially blind with exam prep materials, and you've got the 2015 MCAT. While the Psy/Soc sections are assumed to be of minimal rigor, many haven't taken it and don't have the background, or it was so long ago (freshmen year of UG) that they are essentially starting again from scratch.

I was faced with this same decision, fast forward my prep time and take it in January or delay it and take the new one, and I decided not to be a test dummy for the new MCAT. The one thing to note however, is like every MCAT, you just have to do better than everyone else. All that said, there's no way in hell, given a choice without too much compromise, that I'm subjecting myself to the new MCAT.

Absolutely valid points. However, I still don't think the new MCAT is something to be as fearful about as many seem to make it. While the new material would need to be studied in addition, and the prep materials won't have been field-tested, so to speak, the older prep materials would still be useful for the rest.
Also, if the OP is having such issues with everything else (verbal, as s/he says, and the sciences as per the 'low science gpa') then more time to study + very recent biochem would perhaps be more effective prep than rushing through just to take the current version.

Edit: just realized this was about a retake. still maintain my position.

 

[Monkeys4Lyfe]

Around here non-trad typically means you're not going straight from undergrad to med school, though that's not a definition set in stone. Your major doesn't really make you non-trad, people go to med school from all different majors. Don't bother switching, just make sure you have the science classes covered as well.

GPA: 1) what is yours? 2) you sure can raise it. by getting As. Also there's no rule that says you have to graduate in 4 years.

Note: economics don't count as science credits for med school apps. sorry. only bio, chem, physics and math. recalculate and let us know.


The best way to study for the MCAT is what ever works for you. Sorry. Many people have posted many times with their opinions/experiences and you're free to go read them and try out as many as you want, but asking people to reiterate when we don't know anything about you or how you learn is a bit pointless.


1) Breathe! In, 1,2,3. Out, 1,2,3. Seriously.
2)If you're taking biochem anyway in the fall and have done any sociology/psychology in the course of college so far, you should have no reason to fear the new MCAT.


PS here refers to the Personal Statement on AMCAS/AACOMAS

Also, instead of buying more books/courses, why don't you just go open some of the ones you have 😉 learning by osmosis ain't worked for nobody yet.

Ohhh I should have realised that about non-trad. My gpa is low (a little below 3.4 - if anyone is going to say just give up on pre med, please save yourself the time and stress that it will cause me). I can raise it but not significantly. I know if I improve these next two semesters, I will get accepted to and MD or DO school (assuming my MCAT is willing). I am aware econ is not science credits even though it is in the Arts and Sciences college (Econ through CBA is different). Fall semester: 9-10 cr hrs of biochem and microbiology and physiology TA. On top of this would be about 6 cr hrs of econ ( 16 ish total - but this is only tentative).

Spring semester would be about the same amounts of science vs econ (obviously different classes).
If I did this, I would mostly have to take two summer classes (hopefully online as I live in a different, but close city, to my university). These two classes would be 6 cr hrs of econ.


True, the studying for the mcat is what works best for me...but its always nice to hear stories of people that started out in my position or worse and had it work for them (i.e an underdog story in a way). And duh, I should have known PS was personal statement!


If you had a study method that worked for you please let me know. Also, if you have any book recommendations for just improving overall reading quality, esp. speed and comprehension. Thank you!

 

[kraskadva]

Ohhh I should have realised that about non-trad. My gpa is low (a little below 3.4 - if anyone is going to say just give up on pre med, please save yourself the time and stress that it will cause me). I can raise it but not significantly. I know if I improve these next two semesters, I will get accepted to and MD or DO school (assuming my MCAT is willing). I am aware econ is not science credits even though it is in the Arts and Sciences college (Econ through CBA is different). Fall semester: 9-10 cr hrs of biochem and microbiology and physiology TA. On top of this would be about 6 cr hrs of econ ( 16 ish total - but this is only tentative).
Spring semester would be about the same amounts of science vs econ (obviously different classes).
If I did this, I would mostly have to take two summer classes (hopefully online as I live in a different, but close city, to my university). These two classes would be 6 cr hrs of econ.

Sure you can. I started this with a full 4-yr degree (132 credits, sub-3.0) and raised my gpa by 0.4 points in 2 years (58 credits, 3.99). That's significant. and your average isn't weighted as low as mine. 2 years of all-As would bring yours up significantly.

Also, there are no guaranteed acceptances. Anywhere. Ever. Don't assume anything.
The only thing you can do to improve your chances is make each part of your app as strong as it can possibly be. In the grand scheme of things another year is nothing. Especially since you're young (I'm guessing 21-22 from the above). Why would you not take a little more time to put your best foot forward the first time? I promise you won't want to do this process twice.

True, the studying for the mcat is what works best for me...but its always nice to hear stories of people that started out in my position or worse and had it work for them (i.e an underdog story in a way). And duh, I should have known PS was personal statement!
If you had a study method that worked for you please let me know. Also, if you have any book recommendations for just improving overall reading quality, esp. speed and comprehension. Thank you!

For the MCAT I had a study group and we went with all AAMC materials + textbooks/a few free prep books I could scrounge. I couldn't afford to pay for the expensive prep stuff, and from what I've seen of the different books, I personally consider them nearly useless anyway.

You improve reading by reading. A lot. This you can do on your own. Doesn't matter what you read(So long as it comes in paragraph form, not speech bubble form), just spend at least 2 hours a day doing it. Not kidding.
You improve critical reading, by reading critically. A lot. You may initially have trouble doing this on your own. Fortunately you have a wealth of trained professionals at your beck and call who, for the price of tuition, will gladly teach you. I would recommend something in the philosophy department, heavy on primary literature, and/or a seminar class in the one of the sciences, again heavy on primary literature.

 

[Monkeys4Lyfe]

Sure you can. I started this with a full 4-yr degree (132 credits, sub-3.0) and raised my gpa by 0.4 points in 2 years (58 credits, 3.99). That's significant. and your average isn't weighted as low as mine. 2 years of all-As would bring yours up significantly.

Also, there are no guaranteed acceptances. Anywhere. Ever. Don't assume anything.
The only thing you can do to improve your chances is make each part of your app as strong as it can possibly be. In the grand scheme of things another year is nothing. Especially since you're young (I'm guessing 21-22 from the above). Why would you not take a little more time to put your best foot forward the first time? I promise you won't want to do this process twice.


For the MCAT I had a study group and we went with all AAMC materials + textbooks/a few free prep books I could scrounge. I couldn't afford to pay for the expensive prep stuff, and from what I've seen of the different books, I personally consider them nearly useless anyway.

You improve reading by reading. A lot. This you can do on your own. Doesn't matter what you read(So long as it comes in paragraph form, not speech bubble form), just spend at least 2 hours a day doing it. Not kidding.
You improve critical reading, by reading critically. A lot. You may initially have trouble doing this on your own. Fortunately you have a wealth of trained professionals at your beck and call who, for the price of tuition, will gladly teach you. I would recommend something in the philosophy department, heavy on primary literature, and/or a seminar class in the one of the sciences, again heavy on primary literature.

Thanks for the encouragement! Thats what I need. I kinda hate my college so want to get outta there but I guess once I get my degree, I could go to a local non community college and take science courses. I would have a gap year so might as will. (Also am considering studying abroad or mission trips, as well as lots of shadowing and other resume boosters)

Yup, heard reading a lot is the only way to improve. Do you think it would be more beneficial to read certain genres like fiction or non fiction? Fiction usually comes way easier (I could read the Harry Potter series for hours and at a pace/comprehension rate much higher than any other material). I would assume I should read magazines like the Economist (after all I am an econ major) or The New Yorker, or maybe some science non fiction novels (any recommendations for anything reading?).

Funny you mention the philosophy class. I took one this last semester and the readings were so dense. I thought it would help a little bit but it was ridiculous. I understood the gist of the articles but some would take forever and grading on it was incredibly strict (basically had to lawyer the author and find loopholes in his paper even if there were non).

 

[kraskadva]

Thanks for the encouragement! Thats what I need. I kinda hate my college so want to get outta there but I guess once I get my degree, I could go to a local non community college and take science courses. I would have a gap year so might as will. (Also am considering studying abroad or mission trips, as well as lots of shadowing and other resume boosters)

If you read around here, you'll see that cc is generally not recommended for hard science classes. I was really more recommending that you take a 5th year in UG before applying. Sorry if you hate your college, but all I'd say to that is suck it up. There will be things you dislike more before you're done. I worked a job for 2 years that I loathed in order to save money to do my postbacc. So unless you have some super awful, physically threatening situation you're not sharing, than I don't have much sympathy for that.

Study abroad: do it if you want, and if it will make you happy. Just recognize it may put your time line back further.
Mission trips: Voluntourism doesn't impress anybody in med school. You make no lasting difference to those people. Better to get involved locally with something you can maintain over the next several years.
Shadowing: absolutely.

Yup, heard reading a lot is the only way to improve. Do you think it would be more beneficial to read certain genres like fiction or non fiction? Fiction usually comes way easier (I could read the Harry Potter series for hours and at a pace/comprehension rate much higher than any other material). I would assume I should read magazines like the Economist (after all I am an econ major) or The New Yorker, or maybe some science non fiction novels (any recommendations for anything reading?).

Anything is better than nothing. However, if the point is to improve for the MCAT, you should be reading things written at the high school level and above, not childrens books (HP is great, but of course your speed and comprehension is better, it's written for 8 year olds) For a happy medium maybe go for more adult fiction- Tom Robbins, Salman Rushdie, Dickens, Terry Pratchett, etc, etc. Definitely read articles as well. And non-fiction if the topic appeals to you.
Also, since you've taken the MCAT once already, remember back to some of the passages you saw. Were they interesting to you? maybe, maybe not. You had to read them anyway. So best practice would be to pick something, minimum 1x a month, about medium length, that you find as boring and dense as a rock. Then read it. In a reasonable time. Continue until you get faster/better comprehension.

Funny you mention the philosophy class. I took one this last semester and the readings were so dense. I thought it would help a little bit but it was ridiculous. I understood the gist of the articles but some would take forever and grading on it was incredibly strict (basically had to lawyer the author and find loopholes in his paper even if there were non).

Is this not what you need to do on the MCAT? Sure seemed like it to me. If you didn't ace that course, I would suggest taking more just like it until you do. And for god sake, go to the professor and have them help you in office hours. That's what you're paying for after all.

 

[Gauss44]

Response to your title (2nd question): If you absolutely master the science contents of Examkrackers lecture books (not 1001 questions), you should be fine in that category. Prioritize and focus on what counts. TPR and AAMC are the best verbal resources.

How people screw up the MCAT frequently: 1. Way too many students think or say that they've "mastered" something way before they really have. 2. Good students are often in the habit of coming up with questions about stuff NOT in the book (or on the syllabus). This is a great way to show enthusiasm in the classroom; it's a terrible way to approach the MCAT since it results in spending/wasting time on stuff NOT tested. 3. Assuming that being really advanced in something will get you a good MCAT score. MCAT tests the basics, and if you've forgotten the basics, you will do poorly, regardless of how "advanced" you are.

Good luck!

 

[Mrazlover]

Sorry to post a new thread but it seems like all the ones that could have answers to either of my questions are outdated.

FIRST QUESTION: I am a nontraditional (but not crazy) major for Pre-med. I am economics and have completed most of my pre-med requirements. Unfortunately, I don't have the best science gpa due to carelessness and unawareness of the competition involved with medical schools. While I cannot improve my gpa a great deal (I am a senior), I know if I improve, I can be admitted to medical school when I apply next summer. As I said, I have most of my pre med requirements and will be taking biochemistry and microbiology this Fall 2014 semester. Spring 2015 will most likely be anatomy and some other science class I do not know yet. (Approx. 9-10 credit hours of science per semester with 6 or so being economics). Should I consider switching to a biology major to be more competitive for medical school? I personally do not think it would be the best option, but ultimately want to do what is best for medical school admission. Switching would mean two crazy semesters or maybe three if I want to graduate later (I don't want to). Please let me know what you think of if you have any questions....




SECOND QUESTION:

I am wondering what the best way to study for the MCAT is. I know many of you will say look at the other forums but I have and many say different things. That is where your opinions come in. I voided my exam yesterday because it was terrible and much more difficult than the practice tests I did. Currently, I have the kaplan books and examkrackers books, as well as Kaplans online resources for another month and a half. Is there a preferred method for me to use? I have done most of the content review but feel weak in gen chem and O chem, as well as parts of biology. I am also weak at Verbal. It takes me a while to read and I usually can't decide between two answer choices. I would like to work on speed as well as comprehension. Is there an Mcat related strategy for this or is there a book someone might recommend? A book as in something probably non-fiction or scientific that is probably dense and difficult to read. Lastly, what are the best books for practice problems. I've heard mixed reviews about a lot but many seem to advise EK 1001 or the TPR and TBR books.

Should I follow SN2d's method? (I don't know if I will have enough time for all of it unless if I just focus on my weak areas mainly).
Should I just stick with one set of books? (If I need to use a book from EK and a book from a different company, that is fine!)
Should I just do more content review and then practice tests?

Please be as specific as possible because I only have a few weeks of summer and would like to start up again soon.



I don't mean to bother anyone if I have posted in the wrong forum. ..But I am in a bit of a panic because I really do not want to have to take the new MCAT next year. I am willing to do whatever it takes as long as I can still manage my schoolwork on top of the MCAT. I honestly think I can, but that means very low social life and leisure time. If this needs to be this way, it will be this way. I NEEEED to go to an allopathic or osteopathic medical school.

I know I am commenting late, but here are my two cents about Altius:
1) They are conceptual over straight up memorization of equations = GREAT!
2) You get personal help from a tutor = LOVED MY TUTOR
3) They are a fairly "young" company = NOT GREAT. In my opinion, if I am paying thousands of dollars for something, I want it to be reflected in its organization and professionalism, but that's not how Altius rolls. I think they're unprofessional and rude. They can definitely work on their customer service skills and step up their game to look like a legitimate MCAT prep course. If you don't live in Utah, I would not do their "Satellite" classes. I've seen the quality of those videos and they are CRAP.