SN2'd first day

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
TexasSurgeon

TexasSurgeon

I don't pay state taxes
Verified Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2012
Messages
2,652
Reaction score
1,285
Members don't see this ad.
EDIT: This was supposed to be a thread about the first day of SN2. However as with all intelligent life, things evolve. This thread has now become a support page for people following the SN2 plan. You can think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for people studying to take the MCAT using the SN2 plan.

EDIT July 1, 2014:
If you are interested in @mehc012's Anki Deck, DO NOT SEND A PM. Here is the link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7if6wgaif98rkoa/mehc012 SN2edCh4s.apkg
**A NOTE: @mehc012 and several others (myself included) want to tell you guys that studying from another person's deck will probably not be as beneficial to you as creating your own cards. Yes you can take advantage of @mehc012's generosity, but you won't get the same advantage. Study the material. Create cards as you go along. You will find it more helpful to your studying. **

EDIT July 22, 2014:
The following is @TBRBiosadist's official MCAT Verbal Reasoning Strategy:
@TBRBiosadist's strategy that got [him] from a 7 average to scoring 13-15 average..

Spend the bulk of your time reading. Up to 3 minutes per passage.
  • Read the first and last paragraph thoroughly to begin with. Understand what the authors main point will be because 90% of questions require nothing more than a general idea.
  • After this, read the entire passage slowly enough where you dont feel like you need to reread sentences for understanding.
Next is just answer questions, there is a few tricks here that work about 90% of the time
  • Unless the passage is asking you about a specific detail, dont look back. READ EVERY ANSWER THOROUGLY AND THEN Answer what makes sense from the general point of the passage. Its very easy to prove a wrong answer to be somewhat correct if you dig hard enough, dont. Answer what your gut says and move onto the next question, dont contemplate to much. With that being said...
  • Answer like you were dropped on the head as a child. Alot of times if Im arguing between two answers, there is the answer that is 100% correct, and one that is 90% correct. Be an idoit and choose the one that seems like it is correct. However.....
  • "Always" is a word to avoid. If an answer uses this word, or definites like it, it is something to avoid. I would say 80% of the time the wishy washy answer is more correct then the highly affirmative one. This leads to my final point....
  • 100% of the time you are not actually looking for the "right" answer in verbal, this isnt PS or BS where 1+1 almost always equals 2 (unless we are talking about the different sedimentation values for Ribosomes). In verbal you are looking for the answer that isnt wrong. Often times an answer will seem very "right" but one aspect of it is clearly wrong, as compared to an answer that isnt wrong, but doesnt seem as right as that answer, these are meant to fool you. Choose the answer that isnt wrong.
I understand that I few of these tips may be at odds with each other. Ultimately you must adjust slightly for each passage, but it comes down to one thing. Read thoroughly. Read every sentence in the passage. Read every question. Read every answer. Then the correct answer will be fairly obvious. This may seem like it takes longer, but it takes much less time than skimming, and then trying to find the correct information later.

Or to summarize in one sentence

Understand what the hell the author is arguing

EDIT July 26, 2014:
@DoctorInASaree uploaded a guide to Verbal Reasoning. If you're interested, it's worth a look. Here is the link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2byivymmqwlvjms/MCAT VR Primer DRSAREE.pdf

EDIT 2, July 26, 2014: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/sn2d-first-day.1074344/page-52#post-15510851
________________________________________________
Just finished the first day of SN2...man is it long and exhausting.

The first day is BR physics chapter (translational motion) + 1/3 of the passages. I felt like I wasn't able to apply the stuff I read into the stuff I was tested on.

Has anyone felt this way when following the schedule? It just seems like the contents of the chapter didn't really stick in my head when I took the practice passages. Will this improve over time?

EDIT 3, March 4, 2015:

For verbal, if you are feeling lost and confused, I highly highly recommend you to look into the MCAT Strategy Course by @Jack Westin. I've been working with him, and nothing comes close to his course and teaching. It's a strategy course, so it will cover everything, not just the VR/CARS section.
 
Last edited:
Sort by date Sort by votes
Yeaaaaah ive only done verbal, like ever, twice a week, and now only 3x. I just really focused on my issues each time. I didnt have time for much more
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Quick question:

I am on my FL portion and last 1/3rd of SN2ed for the 8-15 test date. Do you guys/girls think I should buy the AAMC self assessment? Is it worth it? And why?

Through 3 AAMC exams I have a 36 average.

Thanks in advance for the advice!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I ****ing HATE physics! only like the first 4 chapters. After that, its all gravy. but seriously. I'm ****ed for the PS section.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
sillyjoe said:
Thanks... but for those who have taken it why do you think it is worth it?
Click to expand...

Meh, I mean I did the self assessment and it basically told me I have no weaknesses. Sooooo. If you need more verbal passages maybe. If you don't know your weaknesses then maybe, but the way you are scoring it probably will tell you the same. I mean, if you have the extra time and money and really want to make sure all bases are covered then maybe, otherwise, probably not necessary.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
SwedishMD2B said:
Meh, I mean I did the self assessment and it basically told me I have no weaknesses. Sooooo. If you need more verbal passages maybe. If you don't know your weaknesses then maybe, but the way you are scoring it probably will tell you the same. I mean, if you have the extra time and money and really want to make sure all bases are covered then maybe, otherwise, probably not necessary.
Click to expand...

Well maybe you have no weaknesses?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
sillyjoe said:
Thanks... but for those who have taken it why do you think it is worth it?
Click to expand...
I found it helpful to see, what, according to the AAMC questions, were my weaknesses (and just to see how different their style of q's are from other prep companies). Then again, my score is nowhere near yours so I found it helpful to evaluate where I was after finishing content review. On another thread, someone said to do them like the week before your test to just drill a bunch of AAMC questions, ESPECIALLY verbal. When I was doing them, I thought they weren't too bad (except verbal lol) so if you decide to buy them, they'll probably raise your confidence 🙂

Moral of the story, it wouldn't hurt to do them if you have extra time, but you're not really 'missing out' on a lot if you choose to not bother.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K1NG said:
LOL I only read what sillyjoe quoted and thought of something else :whistle:
Click to expand...

AhrrOcw.gif
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Haha I will be living the post-mcat life soon. I think I'll have some mcat withdrawals but I'll be busy with secondaries and stuff
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Alas, I'm not going to be done with my MCAT for a long, long while. After a lot of deliberation I've decided to push my date back from November 7th to early January (the next available batch). It's going to be better for me in the long run, I think. It'll give me time to go through the material several times over and really relearn the stuff I've forgotten- I'll be able to do lots of practice exams, too!

Edit: Also I'll be able to get some shadowing in a LOT earlier. Gotta get some clinical experience in my apps!
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Hi!

The second draft of my Verbal primer is finished...but I can't upload it on SDN because the file size is too large. (edit - it's a PDF file).

Any ideas? 😕
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
hubristicphantasm said:
Alas, I'm not going to be done with my MCAT for a long, long while. After a lot of deliberation I've decided to push my date back from November 7th to early January (the next available batch). It's going to be better for me in the long run, I think. It'll give me time to go through the material several times over and really relearn the stuff I've forgotten- I'll be able to do lots of practice exams, too!
Click to expand...

Nice, good luck! Yeah def give yourself enough time. I only gave myself 2 months and really regretting it now. Although I'm not far from my goal (~2 point) I want to push it later but have other obligations waiting for me.. and don't want to give aamc more money lol
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K1NG said:
Nice, good luck! Yeah def give yourself enough time. I only gave myself 2 months and really regretting it now. Although I'm not far from my goal (~2 point) I want to push it later but have other obligations waiting for me.. and don't want to give aamc more money lol
Click to expand...
Yeah- for me, the big thing is that it's been 3-5 years since most of these classes and, well, I wasn't the best student the first time around. I relied just a liiiiittle too much on the old "cram and dump" method early in my college career. You know, which is exactly when I took most of these classes. :/

Hence, some of the material is "familiar" to me, but more in the sense of "yeah, I've seen this equation before" than knowing anything about what's going on. I've spent the last few weeks studying 10-12 hours a day (to the exclusion of everything else) and finally hit a bit of a burnout in the last few days where I got almost nothing accomplished. I think I'll be best served by spending a month/month.five actually relearning and practicing the material via videos and my textbooks and THEN make the switch to SN2ed's schedule. Gotta have the basics to be able to review them, after all!

That'll also give me time to shadow a bit and, you know, actually talk to people. And watch the occasional movie. And work out. All the things that keep you human and from going stark raving mad over the long haul.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
:luck:😀😀😀😀😀😀😀Hi Everyone!!! 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀:luck:

:soexcited:I have completed the second draft of my Verbal primer! :soexcited:I strongly recommend reading Part I, and Part III if you would like an in-depth review of arguments and fallacies.

Part II is an introduction, of a sort, to political institutions/frameworks, market mechanisms, etc. I have come across many passages dealing with philosophy and the state, and I found it quite helpful to review my old notes!

My primer will present, to you, my perspective on how I approach Verbal passages. From the bottom of my heart I hope that it helps you in your journey as you attempt to master the Verbal Reasoning section of the MCAT.

All the best,
DoctorInASaree :flame:😍

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2byivymmqwlvjms/MCAT VR Primer DRSAREE.pdf

Note: This is only ( 😱 ) the 2nd draft. If you have any value to add to this document please let me know! I suspect I will update this document in a week or two.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
hubristicphantasm said:
Yeah- for me, the big thing is that it's been 3-5 years since most of these classes and, well, I wasn't the best student the first time around. I relied just a liiiiittle too much on the old "cram and dump" method early in my college career. You know, which is exactly when I took most of these classes. :/

Hence, some of the material is "familiar" to me, but more in the sense of "yeah, I've seen this equation before" than knowing anything about what's going on. I've spent the last few weeks studying 10-12 hours a day (to the exclusion of everything else) and finally hit a bit of a burnout in the last few days where I got almost nothing accomplished. I think I'll be best served by spending a month/month.five actually relearning and practicing the material via videos and my textbooks and THEN make the switch to SN2ed's schedule. Gotta have the basics to be able to review them, after all!

That'll also give me time to shadow a bit and, you know, actually talk to people. And watch the occasional movie. And work out. All the things that keep you human and from going stark raving mad over the long haul.
Click to expand...
Be careful after a while your ability to retain things will diminish,... I am doing the November 7th exam and i am almost 3 months away and already finished the first set of TBR books .. And its a constant battle for me to keep all the relevant information fresh in my mind ..
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
DoctorInASaree said:
:luck:😀😀😀😀😀😀😀Hi Everyone!!! 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀:luck:

:soexcited:I have completed the second draft of my Verbal primer! :soexcited:I strongly recommend reading Part I, and Part III if you would like an in-depth review of arguments and fallacies.

Part II is an introduction, of sorts, to political institutions/frameworks, market mechanisms, etc. I have come across many passages dealing with philosophy and the state, and I found it quite helpful to review my old notes!

My primer will present, to you, my perspective on how I approach Verbal passages. From the bottom of my heart I hope that it helps you in your journey as you attempt to master the Verbal Reasoning section of the MCAT.

All the best,
Saree :flame:😍

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2byivymmqwlvjms/MCAT VR Primer DRSAREE.pdf

Note: This is only ( 😱 ) the 2nd draft. If you have any value to add to this document please let me know! I suspect I'll be updating this document in a week or two.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much saree when i get that 30+ I will have you in my thoughts!!! And i can see just from your writing that you're one smart cookie!
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
hubristicphantasm said:
Yeah- for me, the big thing is that it's been 3-5 years since most of these classes and, well, I wasn't the best student the first time around. I relied just a liiiiittle too much on the old "cram and dump" method early in my college career. You know, which is exactly when I took most of these classes. :/

Hence, some of the material is "familiar" to me, but more in the sense of "yeah, I've seen this equation before" than knowing anything about what's going on. I've spent the last few weeks studying 10-12 hours a day (to the exclusion of everything else) and finally hit a bit of a burnout in the last few days where I got almost nothing accomplished. I think I'll be best served by spending a month/month.five actually relearning and practicing the material via videos and my textbooks and THEN make the switch to SN2ed's schedule. Gotta have the basics to be able to review them, after all!

That'll also give me time to shadow a bit and, you know, actually talk to people. And watch the occasional movie. And work out. All the things that keep you human and from going stark raving mad over the long haul.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a solid plan. Like @poop420 (nice username btw lmao) said it might be harder to keep retain content and little details, but a way to overcome that is to do passages passages passages! You can get some Kaplan stuff online since you def want to keep the AAMC stuff until last. If you have the EK books you can also do their 30 min exams. Once you start doing practice questions regularly it'll be easier to retain info.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
poop420 said:
Be careful after a while your ability to retain things will diminish,... I am doing the November 7th exam and i am almost 3 months away and already finished the first set of TBR books .. And its a constant battle for me to keep all the relevant information fresh in my mind ..
Click to expand...
K1NG said:
Sounds like a solid plan. Like @poop420 (nice username btw lmao) said it might be harder to keep retain content and little details, but a way to overcome that is to do passages passages passages! You can get some Kaplan stuff online since you def want to keep the AAMC stuff until last. If you have the EK books you can also do their 30 min exams. Once you start doing practice questions regularly it'll be easier to retain info.
Click to expand...
Ooooh yeah. That's been a big concern of mine and why I tried for the four month plan in the first place. At this point, my plan is to spend the next month to month and a half relearning material. Then, when I'm a little over four months out from my January date (to allow time in the middle to end for the holidays), I'm going to restart SN2ed (4 months). That way, with the official study days and the several days to reread the past five chapters, I'll have seen the material at least three times. I've also got TPRH SW to work through as well, so hopefully all of that will keep everything fresh!

As far as prep materials, I have TBR and EK1001 for the four sciences, TPRH SW, EK101 Bio, EK101 Verbal, and TPRH Verbal. I also still have all of my textbooks for those courses and a subscription to Chad's videos right now. If I run out of work, I may also try Wikipremed.

Tldr; I WILL CONQUER THIS EXAM.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
hubristicphantasm said:
Ooooh yeah. That's been a big concern of mine and why I tried for the four month plan in the first place. At this point, my plan is to spend the next month to month and a half relearning material. Then, when I'm a little over four months out from my January date (to allow time in the middle to end for the holidays), I'm going to restart SN2ed (4 months). That way, with the official study days and the several days to reread the past five chapters, I'll have seen the material at least three times. I've also got TPRH SW to work through as well, so hopefully all of that will keep everything fresh!

As far as prep materials, I have TBR and EK1001 for the four sciences, TPRH SW, EK101 Bio, EK101 Verbal, and TPRH Verbal. I also still have all of my textbooks for those courses and a subscription to Chad's videos right now. If I run out of work, I may also try Wikipremed.

Tldr; I WILL CONQUER THIS EXAM.
Click to expand...
Like the attitude I did the same as well .. TPR work book and get there review book as well ... Like we have a longer time to test date their review book is good because they are smaller and to the point and keeps the main topic fresh in your brain .. And I would recommend you do the TBR chapters last because they are the best . I am going to do the TPR SW questions and then first 1/3 of the TBR questions.. From what i hear the content review while important isnt the number one goal in getting a good score. Doing constant problems is your key to success .. I have committed myself on going through the TBR book against the warnings of most on this site on studying too early.. The problem is that even though there is a vast array of study material the TBR to me are the best so you dont want to use them up too early so I mostly do just readings and save the passages for later and use the TPR SW as a way to sure up my knowledge.. Do as much verbal as possible because it will be the hardest talent to increase in a short period of time.. And most of all pace yourself , your going to be for a hell of a ride *cried twice the first 2 weeks*
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
DoctorInASaree said:
:luck:😀😀😀😀😀😀😀Hi Everyone!!! 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀:luck:

:soexcited:I have completed the second draft of my Verbal primer! :soexcited:I strongly recommend reading Part I, and Part III if you would like an in-depth review of arguments and fallacies.

Part II is an introduction, of a sort, to political institutions/frameworks, market mechanisms, etc. I have come across many passages dealing with philosophy and the state, and I found it quite helpful to review my old notes!

My primer will present, to you, my perspective on how I approach Verbal passages. From the bottom of my heart I hope that it helps you in your journey as you attempt to master the Verbal Reasoning section of the MCAT.

All the best,
DoctorInASaree :flame:😍

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2byivymmqwlvjms/MCAT VR Primer DRSAREE.pdf

Note: This is only ( 😱 ) the 2nd draft. If you have any value to add to this document please let me know! I suspect I will update this document in a week or two.
Click to expand...

Once you are finished with this gem of yours and I have taken my MCAT I will show you some formatting magic that I use for work and you will have yourself a manuscript essentially shelf ready 😉
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I took TPR Practice Test 1 today and got a 38! 12 PS/12 VR/14 BS. Not really sure what to make of it though. Everyone I've talked to says that TPR's practice tests are harder than AAMC/real MCAT but I'm not sure. Their passages seem way too short and a lot of their questions are just FSQ's that are within passages. Has anyone here taken any TPR practice tests?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
sharkbyte said:
I took TPR Practice Test 1 today and got a 38! 12 PS/12 VR/14 BS. Not really sure what to make of it though. Everyone I've talked to says that TPR's practice tests are harder than AAMC/real MCAT but I'm not sure. Their passages seem way too short and a lot of their questions are just FSQ's that are within passages. Has anyone here taken any TPR practice tests?
Click to expand...
Haven't taken them but that's still a awesome grade. Pat yourself on the back good job !!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
OK, so I've been out of the game (only minimally productive) for 5-6d now due to work stuff and MCAT burnout, methinks.
I took the last 3 evenings off completely guilt-free. I have the next 2d off. SO...
I will finish my Ch7 2/3s and get through all Ch8s in the next 2d.
In the following 3-4d I will do Ch 9.
Then Ch10s

I will be only a week or so behind...which is less than the extra 1.5wks given by having 2 review days AND break days in the SN2ed schedule.

Once it's FLs, it's home stretch.

If I'm rull crazy, I'll work in the SAs...I think the VR would be the most worthwhile, as I'm struggling to beat a 10-11 there.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
poop420 said:
Because our fare-less leader has been away studying hard or he finally talked to that chick he liked at the gym ...
Click to expand...
Hahaha, I took a much needed break from MCAT stuff for the past 2 days. I'll get back into it this Saturday. I think I'm getting burned out from studying in the same places, you know? And I also hate electrochemistry. I'm just dying to get into the FLs because I feel like at this point I need to study in a different way. My MCAT is sept. 10 so I'm about 5-6 weeks out still but there's a lot that can be improved and the best way to do it is through taking exams and reviewing them.

I've also neglected the BS section. Mostly because I realize that you don't need to really memorize much other than stuff in EK101 which isn't too bad, and because I can read a lot of bio stuff over and over and get it down just fine. So I may spend 2 days at the end of content review just reading. I just NEEED to take exams now

Also I don't know where that girl went! There's another girl I see and we've exchanged a few glances. But she's with her friend so that's a cock blocker right there.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
TBRBiosadist said:
Seduce both. I fail to see issue
Click to expand...
TexasSurgeon said:
Hahaha, I took a much needed break from MCAT stuff for the past 2 days. I'll get back into it this Saturday. I think I'm getting burned out from studying in the same places, you know? And I also hate electrochemistry. I'm just dying to get into the FLs because I feel like at this point I need to study in a different way. My MCAT is sept. 10 so I'm about 5-6 weeks out still but there's a lot that can be improved and the best way to do it is through taking exams and reviewing them.

I've also neglected the BS section. Mostly because I realize that you don't need to really memorize much other than stuff in EK101 which isn't too bad, and because I can read a lot of bio stuff over and over and get it down just fine. So I may spend 2 days at the end of content review just reading. I just NEEED to take exams now

Also I don't know where that girl went! There's another girl I see and we've exchanged a few glances. But she's with her friend so that's a cock blocker right there.
Click to expand...
Ha Ha or you can make friends with her friend and she will get kinda jealous that you didn't approach her first ! Or just make her friend love you so she will say nothing but good things abut you so you already have one foot in the door when trying to hook up. Or the last but best option ménage à trois ,, everything is better in pairs!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
TexasSurgeon said:
Hahaha, I took a much needed break from MCAT stuff for the past 2 days. I'll get back into it this Saturday. I think I'm getting burned out from studying in the same places, you know? And I also hate electrochemistry. I'm just dying to get into the FLs because I feel like at this point I need to study in a different way. My MCAT is sept. 10 so I'm about 5-6 weeks out still but there's a lot that can be improved and the best way to do it is through taking exams and reviewing them.

I've also neglected the BS section. Mostly because I realize that you don't need to really memorize much other than stuff in EK101 which isn't too bad, and because I can read a lot of bio stuff over and over and get it down just fine. So I may spend 2 days at the end of content review just reading. I just NEEED to take exams now

Also I don't know where that girl went! There's another girl I see and we've exchanged a few glances. But she's with her friend so that's a cock blocker right there.
Click to expand...
Just don't be creepy weird dude and try to pick girls up by impressing her with a bottle of warm, raw milk (nope, no metaphor...that happened.)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
mehc012 said:
Just don't be creepy weird dude and try to pick girls up by impressing her with a bottle of warm, raw milk (nope, no metaphor...that happened.)
Click to expand...
HA HA at least he was original .. Did he have a line to go along with the prop ?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
poop420 said:
Ha Ha or you can make friends with her friend and she will get kinda jealous that you didn't approach her first ! Or just make her friend love you so she will say nothing but good things abut you so you already have one foot in the door when trying to hook up. Or the last but best option ménage à trois ,, everything is better in pairs!
Click to expand...
Ugggh, and this is why I hate hanging out with guys and gals at the same time/place. Everyone turns super fake and you never know whether anyone is interacting with you for your own sake or someone else's benefit, or whether they actually wanna talk or just want to get some. Anyone who is fun to hang out with either with all the guys or all the girls becomes boring and focused on hooking up. OK, OK, not 100% true, but the conversion ratio is annoyingly high. Maybe it'd be better if I had any intention of joining the game, ever.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
poop420 said:
HA HA at least he was original .. Did he have a line to go along with the prop ?
Click to expand...
It was pretty much "I drink raw milk. Want some? Wanna #@$?" and then never leaving me alone all night. Not sure why...I'm decent but I'm no tenner.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Second milk joke Hi, I'm the new Milkman. Do you want it in the front or the back? lol I better do well in the MCAT because a life of comedy doesnt look so good for me
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
poop420 said:
Second milk joke Hi, I'm the new Milkman. Do you want it in the front or the back? lol I better do well in the MCAT because a life of comedy doesnt look so good for me
Click to expand...
I was at an amateur comedy night...trust me, you're not at the bottom of the barrel.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
100 day mcat study plan questions!
Replies
1
Views
2K
JAH_
J
I
First Post - Looking For Study Tips
Replies
1
Views
1K
JAH_
J
PONS
Is worth spending a day scouring over my Blueprint FL?
Replies
2
Views
2K
PONS
PONS
DestinyRoseAndrews
Lower score on actual MCAT than first FL diagnostic?
Replies
5
Views
4K
DestinyRoseAndrews
DestinyRoseAndrews
D
MCAT Two day accommodation Question
Replies
0
Views
2K
doc12bq
D
Top