So... I've realized I have a strange problem. Numerophobia.

[Zona Pellucida]

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I seem to be good at any question involving worded answers/phrases/sentences/pictures. As soon as I see a question coming up with numerical numbers I go into panic mode instantly thinking that I am disadvantaged and will probably get the question wrong.

This was evident in my full length test I took last week since PS was easily my weakest area (9-12-12 [Kaplan FL1]). Is it safe to assume that the more I drill formulas into my head, the better off i will be for these numerical questions? I think I also need to be a bit more confident in myself but its hard when I consistently get only these types of problems wrong. I hate math, therefore my Gen Chem and Physics has always suffered as they heavily involve math, where I have done well in Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Verbal.

A bit of a rant but also looking for a little bit of advice, specifically if someone else has had this issue previously. I write on May 22.

Should I basically spend the next month heavily focusing on PS and doing calculation based problems and just do a few refreshers in VR/Orgo/Bio along with the obvious FLs?

 

[crazymedgirl]

Wow, I could have written this post.
I was literally telling someone the same thing word for word last night.
PS is easily my weakest area--despite getting A's in both Gen Chem and Physics in undergrad, I somehow have not managed to overcome my fear of numbers. Like you, I have all the concepts down pat....it's when it comes to manipulating numbers that I just panic and often cannot even figure out how to begin approaching the question.
I think part of my problem is that I'm not quick at the simple math tricks, and at working with decimals and fractions. I'm also looking on tips for the best way to deal with this problem (I take the test June 18th.)

 

[EulerianCircuit]

I have four tips.

1) Scientific notation is your friend when you're doing mental math.😍

2) I find it easier to multiply the answers than to divide. For example, if I think the answer is 1/7 but I don't know the decimal value of 1/7, I would multiply all the answers by 7 and choose the one closest to 1.

3) This may be obvious, but I find it easier to multiply and divide in sections. For example. 11 * 22 = 10 * 22 + 1 * 22.

4) If all else fails, approximate!

 

[JokerMD]

I have four tips.

1) Scientific notation is your friend when you're doing mental math.😍

i think this is really key, for me at least. I suggest converting EVERYTHING into scientific notation (even like .01 and 23) when you have a lot of multiplication or division to do. It makes things sooo much easier...

if you have trouble with converting to and from scientific notation fast, i think it's worth it to invest a couple hours doing some practice.

btw, mental math works for some people. I just can't get myself to do it, because then im always second-guessing myself. If you suck at mental math like I do, just write it out everytime.

 

[SBR249]

Since MCAT is multiple choice, often time you don't need exact answers at all. Frequently, the answer choices will be so different that knowing (approximately) the first two digits and the exponent of the scientific notation is good enough to get you the answer. My strategy is a lot like the ones mentioned above. 2 steps:

1) Scientific notation: you work with simple operations and numbers between 1-10 and exponents. Just separate the exponent and number part and deal with them separately.

2) Estimation. Forget exact numbers, especially if you know that you can't possibly do it by hand with the time constraints you are under. Thus 3/4.4 --> 3/4.5 ---> 2/3

 

[crazymedgirl]

great tips guys, thanks!! anyone else?🙂

 

[Zona Pellucida]

Yeah thanks!
I will definitely review some of these and try to get more comfortable manipulating numbers.