Still struggling after multiple mcat exams. Need Advice!

[jlang2323]

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Hi Guys,

Aspiring D.O. applicant here. I have a cumulative gpa of 3.6 and a science gpa of 3.5 but I still can't get over the hump of the MCAT with scores of 17,19,490, 495. My study materials that I currently have are: 1) Chem/Phy----- TBR, TPR Science workbook
2) Cars--------- Nextstep, TPR Verbal Workbook
3) Bio----------- TBR, TPR Science workbook
4)Psych/soc----- Khan Academy, Nextstep
On the last exam I noticed that I struggled with timing especially on Cars. I also feel that I have several gaps in content knowledge which I should probably ask if I even have the right materials to study with. I have took the next two months off of my Job so that I can study night and day for this so if you guys can give me any advice about strategy, materials, which full lengths I should use, dealing with test anxiety? I am feeling kinda down but I am determined to get into D.O. school.

 

[aldol16]

Have you seen the SN2ed schedule? If you have that amount of time, it's a good schedule to follow. Otherwise, for content review it really doesn't matter which company you use because they're all pretty similar. You should aim to get through content review as fast as possible and get to the point where you're doing practice passages and exams. Don't sweat the small details. Go through content review with the intent of understanding all the concepts and not so much memorizing minute details. Then as you encounter concepts you don't remember as you do practice exams, go back and review those before doing the next one.

With regard to practice exams, you can't beat the two AAMC FLs. Those are gold standard. Then would be AAMC Section Bank. The other test prep FLs are not completely representative and tend to focus on minute details. So don't sweat your scores on those - just use them to review weak content areas. Finally, Khan Academy is a great resource to practice data analysis and applying your knowledge to passage-based questions. Those are really great passage and you can't even do them whenever you have a few minutes. The down side is that sometimes they're too in-depth and require minute knowledge of the field - just don't worry too much about those questions. Focus on applying, applying, applying.

 

[Mimi Em]

Hi Guys,

Aspiring D.O. applicant here. I have a cumulative gpa of 3.6 and a science gpa of 3.5 but I still can't get over the hump of the MCAT with scores of 17,19,490, 495. My study materials that I currently have are: 1) Chem/Phy----- TBR, TPR Science workbook
2) Cars--------- Nextstep, TPR Verbal Workbook
3) Bio----------- TBR, TPR Science workbook
4)Psych/soc----- Khan Academy, Nextstep
On the last exam I noticed that I struggled with timing especially on Cars. I also feel that I have several gaps in content knowledge which I should probably ask if I even have the right materials to study with. I have took the next two months off of my Job so that I can study night and day for this so if you guys can give me any advice about strategy, materials, which full lengths I should use, dealing with test anxiety? I am feeling kinda down but I am determined to get into D.O. school.

How long did you wait between taking exams? When was the last time you took the MCAT? You have to give yourself time to reflect and go over what you are doing right and wrong. If you are just trying to force taking the MCAT to apply soon, dont do it. Take a year off or whatever to reflect. Sometimes things are going on in your life that are not conducive to doing well. No matter how much you study and whatever material you have, if "life" is getting in the way, it still wont help. Not sure what you have going on in "life right now, but being anxious about bad MCAT scores and applying can cloud your thinking. Good luck though with whatever you do 🙂

 

[TheRealCookieMonster]

Listen to Mimi em!!! Stop! You need to put the breaks on right now. You scores and the number of test demonstrate either a lack of maturity or a disability that needs accommodation. Which is fine I've been through both. Right now medical school is not for you. Take a deep breath and remember the fact that medical school is thousands of dollars and a huge time commitment. The MCAT is a peewee version of the exams you'll face while studying through med school. You need to spend some time learning about yourself. The power of meta cognition is king.