SN2'd first day

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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.
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
I hope so. God I so badly hope so.
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I'm feeling @avenlea. I'm pretty confident you did better than your average. Just keep that "30+ thread" short. Long ones are a bit over the top. I also like the when the posters put individual AAMC scores with averages so you can see how they did on the individual exams. Don't forget that.
 
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Dreamstoo said:
This doctor I know who got a 44 on his MCAT said if someone said the MCAT was a breeze... it's likely they got tricked up on the ones that were tricky. He had no clue how the MCAT went and predicted in the 40s but didn't know how well he did till he got his score.
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omg u kno someone who got a 44! How cool!
Did he give u any tips on how to do well??
 
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sillyjoe said:
I'm feeling @avenlea. I'm pretty confident you did better than your average. Just keep that "30+ thread" short. Long ones are a bit over the top. I also like the when the posters put individual AAMC scores with averages so you can see how they did on the individual exams. Don't forget that.
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LOL. I love the confidence. I'll keep those in mind. Thanks!
 
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avenlea said:
Literally @SwedishMD2B I KNOW you killed it on July 12th, I will be BEYOND shocked if you are a retaker, and I am rooting for you along with everyone else on this thread. So go enjoy your last few days of freedom before you're labeled by your phenomenal MCAT score 😀
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Aww thanks! Your comment makes me happy 🙂
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
It has a Hard Drive or Bluetooth. I think they sold you a defective model.
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Are you into cars by any chance? Lol I just get that feeling.

avenlea said:
Lambo's gotta be MCAT-ready and nerd-quipped 😛
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I know things might chance when I get older, but I would drop the money for that car. I would listen to Surgical Podcasts on the way to an operation....ughh, so dreamyyyy
 
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pbrocks15 said:
Europe is insane, I really wanna go. All my friends have been but I haven't.
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This makes life easier and cheaper in Europe 😛
IMG_20140808_204232.jpg
 
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pbrocks15 said:
Are you into cars by any chance? Lol I just get that feeling.



I know things might chance when I get older, but I would drop the money for that car. I would listen to Surgical Podcasts on the way to an operation....ughh, so dreamyyyy
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Yes, a little too much. All I read are car magazines. I should have read other things, it might have helped my verbal
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
Yes, a little too much. All I read are car magazines. I should have read other things, it might have helped my verbal
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Wow, I get Nature to my door as well as Car and Driver and a bunch of other car mags and I NEVER read Nature anymore because of the car magazines.

What's your favorite car?

I am literally obsessed with cars, a my dads friend has a Ferrari 458 Italia.
 
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pbrocks15 said:
Wow, I get Nature to my door as well as Car and Driver and a bunch of other car mags and I NEVER read Nature anymore because of the car magazines.

What's your favorite car?

I am literally obsessed with cars, a my dads friend has a Ferrari 458 Italia.
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I saw two Ferrari 458's yesterday. These guys came to starbucks with them.

Favorite realistic or favorite no matter the price range?
 
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Anyone working on the AAMC Self Assessment for Physics??
Why are like most of the questions like verbal!?
I was thinking I can score well on PS since its all calc based and the self assessments are completely NOT what I expected it to be like.

I was planning actually on NOT reading any of the passages given on the PS and just work on questions.
I have heard stories of people scoring 14 without reading passages.
Is that working for any of you out there? Is that a good option?

Apparently this technique is absolutely not working for Self Assessments.
I am just so pissed off.
I guess I am not meant to be a MD..........
feeling very disappointed
 
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acemcatthissummer said:
Anyone working on the AAMC Self Assessment for Physics??
Why are like most of the questions like verbal!?
I was thinking I can score well on PS since its all calc based and the self assessments are completely NOT what I expected it to be like.

I was planning actually on NOT reading any of the passages given on the PS and just work on questions.
I have heard stories of people scoring 14 without reading passages.
Is that working for any of you out there? Is that a good option?

Apparently this technique is absolutely not working for Self Assessments.
I am just so pissed off.
I guess I am not meant to be a MD..........
feeling very disappointed
Click to expand...

On the old MCATs maybe (but unlikely) you could not read the passage and get a 14. On the current MCAT, not a chance.
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
1. Aston Martin Vanquish (I think) - The nicest sounding car ever
2. Audi RS5 or RS7
3. Lamborghini Veneno
Click to expand...

The dealership by my house has the Aston Martin Vanquish in matte white. It's beautiful, its only $130,000. Although it's used its in amazing condition.
Audi's are amazing cars. The RS5 and RS7 are rare, you don't see those out often.
The Veneno doesn't even look realistic. There's a youtube video of a guy who bought it and he's talking about it.

Have you heard of Mansory? They customize cars. If you wanna kill some time check their website out: http://www.mansory.com.
 
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acemcatthissummer said:
Anyone working on the AAMC Self Assessment for Physics??
Why are like most of the questions like verbal!?
I was thinking I can score well on PS since its all calc based and the self assessments are completely NOT what I expected it to be like.

I was planning actually on NOT reading any of the passages given on the PS and just work on questions.
I have heard stories of people scoring 14 without reading passages.
Is that working for any of you out there? Is that a good option?

Apparently this technique is absolutely not working for Self Assessments.
I am just so pissed off.
I guess I am not meant to be a MD..........
feeling very disappointed
Click to expand...

I've done all of the SA except ORGO and Physics. But I think the concept of not looking at the passages is a thing of the past. Read the passages and take your time.
 
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pbrocks15 said:
The dealership by my house has the Aston Martin Vanquish in matte white. It's beautiful, its only $130,000. Although it's used its in amazing condition.
Audi's are amazing cars. The RS5 and RS7 are rare, you don't see those out often.
The Veneno doesn't even look realistic. There's a youtube video of a guy who bought it and he's talking about it.

Have you heard of Mansory? They customize cars. If you wanna kill some time check their website out: http://www.mansory.com.
Click to expand...

Man mansory looks legit! Yea, I'm quite partial to Audi's, I had an S4. I totaled it :'(
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
Man mansory looks legit! Yea, I'm quite partial to Audi's, I had an S4. I totaled it :'(
Click to expand...

My friend has an S4, he lets me drive it from time to time. Driving too fast?

Mansory also concepts an unreal amount of money, as you can see there really aren't any prices. Everything is pretty much custom, carbon and FAST.


I wasn't thinking clearly. The points would be nice. 🙂
 
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pbrocks15 said:
My friend has an S4, he lets me drive it from time to time. Driving too fast?

Mansory also concepts an unreal amount of money, as you can see there really aren't any prices. Everything is pretty much custom, carbon and FAST.



I wasn't thinking clearly. The points would be nice. 🙂
Click to expand...

No, some idiot stopped in the middle lane of the highway because he couldn't see because of the sun. I couldn't see clearly either, but I definitely didn't expect someone to be completely stopped on the highway. I slammed into him at 70mph.
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
No, some idiot stopped in the middle lane of the highway because he couldn't see because of the sun. I couldn't see clearly either, but I definitely didn't expect someone to be completely stopped on the highway. I slammed into him at 70mph.
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I am not the biggest fan of drivers other than myself, which makes me drive really cautiously. My parents refuse to buy me a fast car, but whatever.
 
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I hope you guys are taking care of your bodies throughout this process just checked my blood pressure and it was the highest it ever been ... *sigh* Luckily I had a dream about someone asking me to chill the F*ck out before I die from this exam.. TLDR-- please take care of your body throughout this process.. Peace ONE LOVe!
 
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So these last couple days I haven't been studying well at all, I just stare at the page and nothing transfers. Today I revisited the first chapter of Ochem and did not perform well at all. I think I'm burning out - I'm already behind on the schedule because I started it late, but I haven't taken more than one break day per week. I'm starting to wonder if I should just stop for a few days completely even if it means missing stuff simply because I'm burnt out, but I'm not really sure what would be more helpful... if the break will actually make me far more productive or just end up being wasted time. Gah.
 
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Lokkja said:
So these last couple days I haven't been studying well at all, I just stare at the page and nothing transfers. Today I revisited the first chapter of Ochem and did not perform well at all. I think I'm burning out - I'm already behind on the schedule because I started it late, but I haven't taken more than one break day per week. I'm starting to wonder if I should just stop for a few days completely even if it means missing stuff simply because I'm burnt out, but I'm not really sure what would be more helpful... if the break will actually make me far more productive or just end up being wasted time. Gah.
Click to expand...
Well A day break might be best .. But sometimes going on a nice lunch with a friend or significant other and promise each other you wont mention the* M word* the entire time can do wonders to your mental stamina. I have not yet taken a day off but I take mornings off to go out with girls and walking in central park and still able to finish the chapter due in the night..
 
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poop420 said:
Well A day break might be best .. But sometimes going on a nice lunch with a friend or significant other and promise each other you wont mention the* M word* the entire time can do wonders to your mental stamina. I have not yet taken a day off but I take mornings off to go out with girls and walking in central park and still able to finish the chapter due in the night..
Click to expand...
I feel like one day won't do anything. Might as well just study at that point.
 
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Lokkja said:
I feel like one day won't do anything. Might as well just study at that point.
Click to expand...

You'd be surprised at how much you can do in a day. Think about how much anxiety you can accrue in a day about this test.
Now think about how much perspective you can get by just taking a step back to re-enter the real world where the MCAT doesn't exist. My friends aren't pre-med and most of them are spending their summers at internships, jobs, going out, etc. and spending time with them, even for a day, makes me realize how insignificant this test is in the grand scheme of things.

Like, yeah. It is important. But it's totally not the end of the world. And for someone as anxiety prone as me, that can make a hugeeee difference in mindset and therefore test scores. Your support system is your rock during this ordeal.
 
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Lokkja said:
I feel like one day won't do anything. Might as well just study at that point.
Click to expand...
depends how burnt out you really are.. Have you been taking a day off in the week ? And I think the best way to judge how much day to take off is personal. Let your body to tell you that you are ready .. Everyone falls behind in schedule some time or the other .. But you dont want to fall back too much
 
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avenlea said:
You'd be surprised at how much you can do in a day. Think about how much anxiety you can accrue in a day about this test.
Now think about how much perspective you can get by just taking a step back to re-enter the real world where the MCAT doesn't exist. My friends aren't pre-med and most of them are spending their summers at internships, jobs, going out, etc. and spending time with them, even for a day, makes me realize how insignificant this test is in the grand scheme of things.

Like, yeah. It is important. But it's totally not the end of the world. And for someone as anxiety prone as me, that can make a hugeeee difference in mindset and therefore test scores. Your support system is your rock during this ordeal.
Click to expand...
Yep I second the support system thing .. I vented on this thread so much its not even funny .. Then you get motivated again when you see that everyone else is going through the same crap as you .. So I favor short but high quality break days where I can be around nature ..
 
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pbrocks15 said:
WHAT? You didn't finish and you got a 38? Although people say AAMC 3 is "easy" that's a serious score. Good work! So umm....pass the peasants some secrets??
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lol, I literally posted the Anki deck which is my sole source of studying (other than TBR passages and EK1001 discretes, the useful bits of which end up in Anki anyway). I take zero notes, have zero process, except the Anki which I shared.

I've got no secrets to give!

Hopefully I'll go up once I cover E&M, optics, genetics, and thermodynamics and can answer those with more than 'yeah, I vaguely remember that from highschool or college' :/
 
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