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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I don't really think anyone truly knows how it feels to to have worked so hard for something and then have it blow up in your face.. unless of course you have been there.

I get it, that this exam is a requirement for medical school. I get it that there are certain rules and regulations that have to be followed.. and I get that in this path there will be numerous exams that will be given for boards, residency, class ranks, etc.

But at least those exams TEST PREVALENT KNOWLEDGE. This text is NO WAY indicative of intelligence.. why? because I know for a fact people that Aced multivariable calculus but could't even get in the 60th percentile for PS. My friend, an English major, published author (children's books but still) that is struggling with a 6 in verbal. I really am so frustrated that such a prestigious career path has probably one of the worst gate keeping exams set up... No offence to lawyers or pre-Business folks but even the LSAT/ GMAT are more relevant to the specific career path that they are testing for and that's EXACTLY why AAMC is changing their exams. Because they realized that today's physicians are can sure as hell solve 7 passages in 70 min but misdiagnose stage 1 cancer patients(real life people).

Okay I am done with my rant. and I will go back to studying for this useless score that somehow determines my worth as a physician.. but best believe once I get my degree I will make sure some changes are made for the future generations of pre-meds.

#dueces and best of luck to all of you amazing individuals. you are def worth more than $275 and 45 points.
 
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pbrocks15 said:
Were you studying while waiting for your score?
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Just for a week. I wanted to do the Sn2 and the November 7th was only November test I could take. I figured best case scenario, I rock it and stop the studying, otherwise I get a head start with a solid schedule. Second option is fine by me.

Now I just got to finish up my gen chem for the day.
 
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orangetea said:
But at least those exams TEST PREVALENT KNOWLEDGE. This text is NO WAY indicative for intelligence.. why? because I know for a fact people that Aced multivariable calculus but could't even get in the 60th percentile for PS. My friend, an English major, published author (children's books but still) that is struggling with a 6 in verbal. I really am so frustrated that such a prestigious career path has probably one of the worst gate keeping exams set up... No offence to lawyers or pre-Business folks but even the LSAT/ GMAT are more relevant to the specific career path that they are testing for and that's EXACTLY why AAMC is changing their exams. Because they realized that today's physicians are can sure as hell solve 7 passages in 70 min but misdiagnose stage 1 cancer patients(real life people).
Click to expand...

The doctors misdiagnosed my brother. Told him its a benign tumor and was the size of a quarter and told him to not worry about it . Few months later, it was larger than a fist and spread all over his intestines. Then gave him 2 years.
 
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orangetea said:
I don't really thing anyone truly knows how it feels to to have worked so hard for something and then have it blow up in your face.. unless of course you have been there.

I get it, that this exam is a requirement for medical school. I get it that there are certain rules and regulations that have to be followed.. and I get that in this path there will be numerous exams that will be given for boards, residency, class ranks, etc.

But at least those exams TEST PREVALENT KNOWLEDGE. This text is NO WAY indicative for intelligence.. why? because I know for a fact people that Aced multivariable calculus but could't even get in the 60th percentile for PS. My friend, an English major, published author (children's books but still) that is struggling with a 6 in verbal. I really am so frustrated that such a prestigious career path has probably one of the worst gate keeping exams set up... No office to lawyers or pre-Business folks but even the LSAT/ GMAT are more relevant to the specific career path that they are testing for and that's EXACTLY why AAMC is changing their exams. Because they realized that today's physicians are can sure as hell solve 7 passages in 72 min but misdiagnose stage 1 cancer patients(real life people).

Okay I am done with my rant. and I will go back to studying for this useless score that somehow determines my worth as a physician.. but best believe once I get my degree I will make sure some changes are made for the future generations of pre-meds.

#dueces and best of luck to all of you amazing individuals. you are def worth more than $275 and 45 points.
Click to expand...

I will also add on this note that I started off studying for this exam in May with a genuinely positive mindset thinking oh, you know, this a genuine skill set I need to be a physician. Concrete foundation in the sciences, ability to cut through the bull**** with verbal (especially something I've learned through being a scribe - you need to learn to cut through bull**** with patients) - but after studying for months, no. I really don't agree that this test is a fair measure of your ability to be a physician, at all. ESPECIALLY verbal.

I was ranting about my studying to one of the docs at work the other day and tried to keep a sunny demeanor by saying "but oh, I'm sure there's worse ahead..." and he said, nope. Nope. The board exams are not worse, because the MCAT tests stuff that you will a) never use again and b) requires you to know concepts inside and out to the point where you could be asked some obscure concept and be asked to apply it with no outside information or help, be required to know it, and have it determine your future. What he told me: the boards are all or nothing, but don't require you to know everything to T or you're screwed.

But like tea said, it's a hurdle. Another hoop to jump through to help people, hopefully change lives and make a difference. Keep that end goal in mind I guess. I love taking my study breaks to read about one of the guys that inspired me to be a doc, so if any of you guys are in need of some motivation:

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-healthcare-change-20140608-story.html#page=1 (zdoggmd, google him he's the man)

And finally, @SwedishMD2B I have no doubt that you will be holding a medical school acceptance a year from now on and on your way to being an excellent physician.
 
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orangetea said:
I don't really think anyone truly knows how it feels to to have worked so hard for something and then have it blow up in your face.. unless of course you have been there.

I get it, that this exam is a requirement for medical school. I get it that there are certain rules and regulations that have to be followed.. and I get that in this path there will be numerous exams that will be given for boards, residency, class ranks, etc.

But at least those exams TEST PREVALENT KNOWLEDGE. This text is NO WAY indicative for intelligence.. why? because I know for a fact people that Aced multivariable calculus but could't even get in the 60th percentile for PS. My friend, an English major, published author (children's books but still) that is struggling with a 6 in verbal. I really am so frustrated that such a prestigious career path has probably one of the worst gate keeping exams set up... No offence to lawyers or pre-Business folks but even the LSAT/ GMAT are more relevant to the specific career path that they are testing for and that's EXACTLY why AAMC is changing their exams. Because they realized that today's physicians are can sure as hell solve 7 passages in 70 min but misdiagnose stage 1 cancer patients(real life people).

Okay I am done with my rant. and I will go back to studying for this useless score that somehow determines my worth as a physician.. but best believe once I get my degree I will make sure some changes are made for the future generations of pre-meds.

#dueces and best of luck to all of you amazing individuals. you are def worth more than $275 and 45 points.
Click to expand...

So my theory on why the thread deteriorated in the past 48 hours is because we didn't have @orangetea's wisdom. Glad to have you back.
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
The doctors misdiagnosed my brother. Told him its a benign tumor and was the size of a quarter and told him to not worry about it . Few months later, it was larger than a fist and spread all over his intestines. Then gave him 2 years.
Click to expand...


My sister was also misdiagnosed.. I know exactly what you are talking about and the pain you and your family had to go through. This was a doctor from Stanford Med btw. Study hard, get those damn points so we can shake this world up a bit. I am so tired of "this is just the way things are"
 
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orangetea said:
I don't really think anyone truly knows how it feels to to have worked so hard for something and then have it blow up in your face.. unless of course you have been there.

I get it, that this exam is a requirement for medical school. I get it that there are certain rules and regulations that have to be followed.. and I get that in this path there will be numerous exams that will be given for boards, residency, class ranks, etc.

But at least those exams TEST PREVALENT KNOWLEDGE. This text is NO WAY indicative for intelligence.. why? because I know for a fact people that Aced multivariable calculus but could't even get in the 60th percentile for PS. My friend, an English major, published author (children's books but still) that is struggling with a 6 in verbal. I really am so frustrated that such a prestigious career path has probably one of the worst gate keeping exams set up... No offence to lawyers or pre-Business folks but even the LSAT/ GMAT are more relevant to the specific career path that they are testing for and that's EXACTLY why AAMC is changing their exams. Because they realized that today's physicians are can sure as hell solve 7 passages in 70 min but misdiagnose stage 1 cancer patients(real life people).

Okay I am done with my rant. and I will go back to studying for this useless score that somehow determines my worth as a physician.. but best believe once I get my degree I will make sure some changes are made for the future generations of pre-meds.

#dueces and best of luck to all of you amazing individuals. you are def worth more than $275 and 45 points.
Click to expand...

animated-gif-clapping-hands.gif


orangetea always spitting that wisdom
 
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avenlea said:
I will also add on this note that I started off studying for this exam in May with a genuinely positive mindset thinking oh, you know, this a genuine skill set I need to be a physician. Concrete foundation in the sciences, ability to cut through the bull**** with verbal (especially something I've learned through being a scribe - you need to learn to cut through bull**** with patients) - but after studying for months, no. I really don't agree that this test is a fair measure of your ability to be a physician, at all. ESPECIALLY verbal.

I was ranting about my studying to one of the docs at work the other day and tried to keep a sunny demeanor by saying "but oh, I'm sure there's worse ahead..." and he said, nope. Nope. The board exams are not worse, because the MCAT tests stuff that you will a) never use again and b) requires you to know concepts inside and out to the point where you could be asked some obscure concept and be asked to apply it with no outside information or help, be required to know it, and have it determine your future. What he told me: the boards are all or nothing, but don't require you to know everything to T or you're screwed.

But like tea said, it's a hurdle. Another hoop to jump through to help people, hopefully change lives and make a difference. Keep that end goal in mind I guess. I love taking my study breaks to read about one of the guys that inspired me to be a doc, so if any of you guys are in need of some motivation:

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-healthcare-change-20140608-story.html#page=1 (zdoggmd, google him he's the man)

And finally, @SwedishMD2B I have no doubt that you will be holding a medical school acceptance a year from now on and on your way to being an excellent physician.
Click to expand...

There is a ton of truth to what @orangetea and @avenlea have said. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in and discuss some of the educational changes to the medical education at my post-bac (medical school). What you are saying is exactly on point and medical schools feel this way. There is a dichotomy on the one hand with concrete foundations in medical sciences and being that genetic doctor with the 4.0 and the practical aspect of being a physician with bedside manner.

One of the deans at my school I was talking to told me, "You know a nephrologist doesn't remember **** about venous return / cardiac plots. Nor will they know exactly the mechanism of how the drug they give alleviates renal failure on a cell biological level. Yet, they know it works and are good physicians."

Another professor who is very much involved with the changes said to me when I was lamenting a grade, "You know, you will be very disappointed when you get to medical school if all you care about is your grades/MCAT, things are changing here." and he pulled out the AAMC binder that all the professors had on the new frontier of medical education.

They have tried to fix the issue with the MMI interviews, new MCAT, collaborative small group work, etc. In my opinion, and more importantly the opinions of those making the changes, these are only akin to sticking bandaids on the issue.

Unfortunately, we are trying to become physicians at a time when there is a major transition in the medical education of physicians.

The worst part is, the medical schools recognize how poor of an indicator it is on performance in medical school or as a physician. The closest correlation is biological sciences with STEP 1...that's it.

Do not let the MCAT discourage you. It is truly one small piece of the puzzle and most of you who I have spoken to have a LOT more going for you and would make excellent physicians...way better than a lot of med students I know. A lot of people on this thread have definitely gotten more jaded and pessimistic since the beginning of the summer. Don't let the MCAT win. You all have what it takes to succeed on the MCAT and more importantly, become excellent doctors.
 
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K1NG said:
You guys are all awesome, just saying. Once we're all in med school a year or two from now we have to meet up and celebrate
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This X1000000^23. Everyone here is awesome and I think it's so nice to see everyone sticking up for each other and supporting each other through this torture.

For real, everyone here is the best.

I have to say, these last posts by everyone are seriously hold some good weight.
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
I'm not taking the new MCAT. No way. I'll retake this one, not sure when.

LOL my shiba is untrainable. He would jump out that window and never return.
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My heart sank with you when I saw this. Do not worry - your AAMC average is there. You still have Gold Standard, TBR, etc other exams you can take. Try using the TPRH Science workbook. If you don't have it, I have a copy I can send you for free in November if you like. You'll be able to reach your goal with a retake. Consider November, with January as your final backup. We are here with you!
 
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ymmit said:
My heart sank with you when I saw this. Do not worry - your AAMC average is there. You still have Gold Standard, TBR, etc other exams you can take. Try using the TPRH Science workbook. If you don't have it, I have a copy I can send you for free in November if you like. You'll be able to reach your goal with a retake. Consider November, with January as your final backup. We are here with you!
Click to expand...

Thank you. You are too generous. I have an old version of TRPH, I don't think they really change them so I am good with that. Thanks again.
 
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Alright, here's the plan. I'm giving myself a few days off to calm down. Then:

-Review all content. Use TBR for Phys and Gen Chem, use TPR for Bio, use EK for Orgo (plus last chapter of TBR Orgo) - B/c most of TBR orgo is way overkill
-While reviewing content, do all problems in TPR Science workbook
-Should be able to complete TPR science workbook and all content review in about a month so.
-My only option for verbal is TBR I think, so I will just do a couple passages a day and try Sadist's verbal tactic (might do the early TPRH passages also)
-Spend the following 6 weeks, starting with AAMC 10 and 11 as a warm up, then do GS exams, then TBRs exams. Heavy post game of course.
-Take early november exam.
-Win the war, destroy the MCAT.

What do y'all think? Any advice/input/comments?
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
Alright, here's the plan. I'm giving myself a few days off to calm down. Then:

-Review all content. Use TBR for Phys and Gen Chem, use TPR for Bio, use EK for Orgo (plus last chapter of TBR Orgo) - B/c most of TBR orgo is way overkill
-While reviewing content, do all problems in TPR Science workbook
-Should be able to complete TPR science workbook and all content review in about a month so.
-My only option for verbal is TBR I think, so I will just do a couple passages a day and try Sadist's verbal tactic (might do the early TPRH passages also)
-Spend the following 6 weeks, starting with AAMC 10 and 11 as a warm up, then do GS exams, then TBRs exams. Heavy post game of course.
-Take early november exam.
-Win the war, destroy the MCAT.

What do y'all think? Any advice/input/comments?
Click to expand...
ALL THE VERY BEST!
YOU CAN DO THIS!
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
Alright, here's the plan. I'm giving myself a few days off to calm down. Then:

-Review all content. Use TBR for Phys and Gen Chem, use TPR for Bio, use EK for Orgo (plus last chapter of TBR Orgo) - B/c most of TBR orgo is way overkill
-While reviewing content, do all problems in TPR Science workbook
-Should be able to complete TPR science workbook and all content review in about a month so.
-My only option for verbal is TBR I think, so I will just do a couple passages a day and try Sadist's verbal tactic (might do the early TPRH passages also)
-Spend the following 6 weeks, starting with AAMC 10 and 11 as a warm up, then do GS exams, then TBRs exams. Heavy post game of course.
-Take early november exam.
-Win the war, destroy the MCAT.

What do y'all think? Any advice/input/comments?
Click to expand...

In your opinion, was content the reason you scored lower than your AAMC average?
 
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sillyjoe said:
Definitely brush up on content, but do everything you can to work on test day skills. Simulate crazy situations while taking the exams, meditation, all that stuff.
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I'm going to get my Klonopin script filled. I hate it, but I need to get used to using it, and use it during the exam.
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
Alright, here's the plan. I'm giving myself a few days off to calm down. Then:

-Review all content. Use TBR for Phys and Gen Chem, use TPR for Bio, use EK for Orgo (plus last chapter of TBR Orgo) - B/c most of TBR orgo is way overkill
-While reviewing content, do all problems in TPR Science workbook
-Should be able to complete TPR science workbook and all content review in about a month so.
-My only option for verbal is TBR I think, so I will just do a couple passages a day and try Sadist's verbal tactic (might do the early TPRH passages also)
-Spend the following 6 weeks, starting with AAMC 10 and 11 as a warm up, then do GS exams, then TBRs exams. Heavy post game of course.
-Take early november exam.
-Win the war, destroy the MCAT.

What do y'all think? Any advice/input/comments?
Click to expand...
Considering you'll have used literally all available (reputable) materials, I'd say it's a great plan. Two things I'd keep in mind, though merely speculative so take it with a grain of salt as I have not been there myself.
(1) Your tendency might be to second guess yourself this time around, and that might lead to overthinking for individuals with ample brain capacity (you). Remember what was said earlier in this thread by @TBRBiosadist I think, about being a smart *******.
(2) Take some time now and then to read a very well written publication, like the New Yorker or the Economist. I know this is said a lot, but it doesn't just help you with verbal. When I was overworked this past month and didn't have any energy or time to put in any significant studying, I read some back issues of these magazines to relax. I found that this not only rendered me more articulate while talking at work, they made my mind sharper.

You will succeed. I have no doubt of that.
 
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ymmit said:
Considering you'll have used literally all available (reputable) materials, I'd say it's a great plan. Two things I'd keep in mind, though merely speculative so take it with a grain of salt as I have not been there myself.
(1) Your tendency might be to second guess yourself this time around, and that might lead to overthinking for individuals with ample brain capacity (you). Remember what was said earlier in this thread by @TBRBiosadist I think, about being a smart *******.
(2) Take some time now and then to read a very well written publication, like the New Yorker or the Economist. I know this is said a lot, but it doesn't just help you with verbal. When I was overworked this past month and didn't have any energy or time to put in any significant studying, I read some back issues of these magazines to relax. I found that this not only rendered me more articulate while talking at work, they made my mind sharper.

You will succeed. I have no doubt of that.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I have been reading the wall street journal, economist, and new yorker, along with books on Eastern and western philosophy since the beginning of the year. I think it actually helped me with verbal. Even though I only scored a 9, before last year whenever I did verbal, I used to score 4-6. I was averaging 10-11 now.
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
Thanks! I have been reading the wall street journal, economist, and new yorker, along with books on Eastern and western philosophy since the beginning of the year. I think it actually helped me with verbal. Even though I only scored a 9, before last year whenever I did verbal, I used to score 4-6. I was averaging 10-11 now.
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Great. Do you have any other obligations outside of studying? Work, etc?
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
Yes. About 30 hours of obligations a week.

EDIT: Actually more. I signed up for shadowing...
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How are you planning to divide up the science workbook and content review over a month? I think it can be done, but if you find yourself overworking then maybe can just do problems for any content holes... though you might not have any. Remember those passages are more for content review, though any passages are better than none.
 
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ymmit said:
How are you planning to divide up the science workbook and content review over a month? I think it can be done, but if you find yourself overworking then maybe can just do problems for any content holes... though you might not have any. Remember those passages are more for content review, though any passages are better than none.
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I'll probably do a chapter a day along with passages. There are less than half as many passages as TBR, so it should be doable.
 
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Dreamstoo said:
Is it just me or has the MCAT gotten harder or has the curve gotten harsher this summer?
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It's random. Generally seems like it is harder, but some exams seem like they are easy.

I thought my Bio curve would be lenient because is was really hard, and it was not lenient.
 
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SwedishMD2B said:
It's random. Generally seems like it is harder, but some exams seem like they are easy.

I thought my Bio curve would be lenient because is was really hard, and it was not lenient.
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I had a friend who took it this summer and said verbal was brutal. Did better than usual on PS/BS but because of their VR, they have to sadly retake it =/. With 2 points more on their VR, I think this individual could easily be competitive for most DO schools.
 
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From reading most of the threads it seems most people do +/-2 on their FL average, I don't think this year is special - there will always be statistical outliers.
 
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Lokkja said:
From reading most of the threads it seems most people do +/-2 on their FL average, I don't think this year is special - there will always be statistical outliers.
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True the individual that I'm thinking of was within +/- 2 of their score. They were not surprised but disappointed.
 
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Dreamstoo said:
True the individual that I'm thinking of was within +/- 2 of their score. They were not surprised but disappointed.
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It's why I put so much pressure on myself everytime I write an AAMC, they're the best predictors - and having that pressure just so happens to more closely simulate what writing the real thing will be like, pressure wise.
 
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I actually woke up today and drove all the way down to my testing center and back to help replicate it for myself today, I just want to be prepared
 
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@SwedishMD2B don't worry one bit my friend! your AAMC average shows you have wayy more potential than how you performed on that one lousy day. Keep your head up high, practice and ace that bitch next time.
 
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sharkbyte said:
I feel like if you're getting 15 on both PS and BS on AAMC 11 then the real MCAT can kind of be a game to see whether you can get that elusive 15 on verbal.
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It really comes down to the type of passages for me, even beyond their basic difficulty.

Psychology, philosopy, science, and social science pieces are my stong suit. History chapters can be hit or miss as can be "Art" piecess
 
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I always get at least one question wrong on art and philosophy passages. There always seems to be that one abstract or strengthen/weaken question that trips me up. I love the natural science passages though.

Also, I've come to the conclusion that the passages in TPRH and EK101 are way too interesting. Almost all of the passages on AAMC have struck me as really bland and boring. I wish they'd toss in a couple of humor passages but of course it's the AAMC so they wouldn't do that.
 
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In the midst of rescheduling my MCAT to October 25th.:luck:

TBRBiosadist said:
It really comes down to the type of passages for me, even beyond their basic difficulty.

Psychology, philosopy, science, and social science pieces are my stong suit. History chapters can be hit or miss as can be "Art" piecess
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Agreed agreed agreed! Psychology isn't really my strong suite, but I'm doing well on those passages, so I suppose that's all that matters. The really obscure passages are tricky..."let's discuss an artifact from the 14th century from a state you have never heard of". I wrote a Kaplan Verbal test recently, and there was a passage about how nation states are formed. Don't get me wrong, it was lots of fun, but I find it difficult to analyze and integrate the idea of "how nation states are formed". Loaded passages!

That being said I went and researched that topic in my spare time. But, can we really study or prepare for history chapters? I suppose that's when intuition, etc. comes in handy. In addition to that, all of the information needed to answer questions is in the passage itself. I suppose at that point it is simply about not being bogged down by irrelevant details such as the color of a pot from 400BCE. Incidentally, who cares about the pot?

Oh, and because of your avatar, I have this mental image stuck in my head: an ostrich stalking you on your way to your MCAT test facility.
 
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@SwedishMD2B Just shake this one off and keep fighting. Never let one test get in the way of your dreams!

@TexasSurgeon Are you doing/Have you done your S.A. package yet? I'm not sure if you should do them before or after AAMC 3 or 4? I remember we said before that it is before 3/3's but after 1/3's and 2/3's....but before any practice tests?
 
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DoctorInASaree said:
In the midst of rescheduling my MCAT to October 25th.:luck:



Agreed agreed agreed! Psychology isn't really my strong suite, but I'm doing well on those passages, so I suppose that's all that matters. The really obscure passages are tricky..."let's discuss an artifact from the 14th century from a state you have never heard of". I wrote a Kaplan Verbal test recently, and there was a passage about how nation states are formed. Don't get me wrong, it was lots of fun, but I find it difficult to analyze and integrate the idea of "how nation states are formed". Loaded passages!

That being said I went and researched that topic in my spare time. But, can we really study or prepare for history chapters? I suppose that's when intuition, etc. comes in handy. In addition to that, all of the information needed to answer questions is in the passage itself. I suppose at that point it is simply about not being bogged down by irrelevant details such as the color of a pot from 400BCE. Incidentally, who cares about the pot?

Oh, and because of your avatar, I have this mental image stuck in my head: an ostrich stalking you on your way to your MCAT test facility.
Click to expand...
He's my pet. Art passages usually get my goat the most since art is naturally supposed to be personal and interpretative, which is not conducive to multiple choice
 
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DoctorInASaree said:
In the midst of rescheduling my MCAT to October 25th.:luck:



Agreed agreed agreed! Psychology isn't really my strong suite, but I'm doing well on those passages, so I suppose that's all that matters. The really obscure passages are tricky..."let's discuss an artifact from the 14th century from a state you have never heard of". I wrote a Kaplan Verbal test recently, and there was a passage about how nation states are formed. Don't get me wrong, it was lots of fun, but I find it difficult to analyze and integrate the idea of "how nation states are formed". Loaded passages!

That being said I went and researched that topic in my spare time. But, can we really study or prepare for history chapters? I suppose that's when intuition, etc. comes in handy. In addition to that, all of the information needed to answer questions is in the passage itself. I suppose at that point it is simply about not being bogged down by irrelevant details such as the color of a pot from 400BCE. Incidentally, who cares about the pot?

Oh, and because of your avatar, I have this mental image stuck in my head: an ostrich stalking you on your way to your MCAT test facility.
Click to expand...
yay! also taking it on the 25th
go team!
 
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