Start studying for the MCAT?

[brdmadgrl82]

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Hello,

I wanted to get your opinions on whether or not I should start studying for the MCAT during my current Post-Bac program? I decided to slow down take only 1-2 classes in order to get a good gpa. I do also have the next couple of months off from school prior to Fall Physics...I'm waiting with Chem.

My question: I completed the year of General Biology...should I start studying for this? It also has been such a long time since I studied for these types of exams (um never for mcat)...

Should I re-read the whole Biology book first and do questions at the end of each chapter?

Or do I just use the Kaplan book as a guide to cover the main topics?

Also, I have an old Kaplan book from 2008, is this good enough to study from? I'm not sure what changed but I can't spend the money for a new one.

How do I know that there are topics that the MCAT book might not cover that will be on the exam?

Thank you in advance! 😳

 

[Jeffrey Winner]

I'm sure I will be corrected if wrong but, from what I have read the MCAT test changed in 2006 or 2007 so your 2008 book will be fine. As far as studying with only Biology under your belt may be a little pre-mature. I don't plan on studying until I have 90% of my prereq complete leaving only org-chem II to take and maybe a math class. The word on the SDN street is take practice test after practice test get yourself acclimated to testing length and the amount time you have for each question. I guese the biggest problem people have is not having enough time and they end up rushing at the end of each section instead of a nice steady pace. Your time starts running out and you have to many questions remaining which sends you into a panic which then throws off your concentration. People go back and forth about the prep classes, whether their worth the money, I need the structure so I will be taking one. That's all I got.

 

[mspeedwagon]

Here is my input: If you have the time to, definitely study for the MCAT along with the classes you take. I attempted getting the EK books and following along, but between working full-time, part-time, traveling and taking a class, I couldn't manage MCAT study time as well. I actually think this is the best approach since you learn the material fresh and see how it is applied on MCAT problems.

If you have completed a class and have free time, by all means start studying for it. You may forget it, but it's easier to re-learn than to learn for the first time. Also, don't re-read your book UNLESS you have a very weak understanding of an important concept (DNA, RNA, transcription, translation, proteins, glycolysis, Krebs cycle etc.). Rather focus your efforts on MCAT books (these are the kinds of questions that you will be required to answer on the MCAT).

A Kaplan book from 2008 is fine. The MCAT hasn't changed much. As a matter of fact, a lot of the EK material that people use to prepare today was written originally in 2001/2002. If you can't spend money on a new one, make do with what you got. If at some point you have an extra 200 bucks either get the complete EK set (if you just want a quick overview) or the complete BK set if you need more in-depth explanations. The EK1001/101 set is great to make sure you have the basics down.

If you go to the MCAT website, they have a list of topics they can test you on in each section. Some of them are fairly broad, but this will give you an idea. Honestly, an MCAT book from 2008 should not have any topics that are not relevant to the current MCAT.

 

[CookDeRosa]

Hello,

I wanted to get your opinions on whether or not I should start studying for the MCAT during my current Post-Bac program? I decided to slow down take only 1-2 classes in order to get a good gpa. I do also have the next couple of months off from school prior to Fall Physics...I'm waiting with Chem.

My question: I completed the year of General Biology...should I start studying for this? It also has been such a long time since I studied for these types of exams (um never for mcat)...

Should I re-read the whole Biology book first and do questions at the end of each chapter?

Or do I just use the Kaplan book as a guide to cover the main topics?

Also, I have an old Kaplan book from 2008, is this good enough to study from? I'm not sure what changed but I can't spend the money for a new one.

How do I know that there are topics that the MCAT book might not cover that will be on the exam?

Thank you in advance! 😳

>>

I had a similar question. I went over to the MCAT forum here and that question was answered in spades!

Generically, the advice was "absolutely not" and the consensus was to be the master of the material when you take the class so your MCAT prep is a review- rather than a learning experience. Rereading the text, also considered a waste of time, too broad. You should check out that forum, there is a really really great thread on a 3-4 month study plan. See what they say, you can (should) do your own plan anyway. Sorry I don't have the link saved, but you'll have no trouble finding it, I believe it's a sticky.


EDIT: Here is the link, I'd suggest starting on page 1 because there are revisions that are mentioned over the 900 posts. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=623898

 

[tennisfan]

Hi,

From what I've gathered if you have the time to study alongside your courses, go for it! I think it could definately help you in the long run. I too am going to try to study the mcat sections that correspond to my classes as I go along. Good Luck.