Studying for MCAT "Differently"

[MochezzmO]

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Good Day Everybody.

So, Ive come to terms that I am going to take this test in april and void it... and just continue to prepare for the August test...Now there seems to be a lot of people out there saying that you shouldn't study the same way, or you will not see much of an improvement.

My question is, how many different ways are there to study for this test? I've reviewed my content, taken practice tests, and reviewed the crap out of those tests, but just not gotten to the point where I want to be yet... Whether its been Kaplan tests, or AAMC tests, the one thing that I need to work is my "reasoning skills" specifically the logic that the MCAT tests. Aside from practice, is there other things out there that are resourceful to improving this asset?

Thanks for the adivce

Peace

 

[premed machine2]

In all honesty, if you lack the "reasoning skills" necessary for the MCAT, then maybe you need to reconsider becoming a doctor. The purpose of the MCAT is to filter out all the people with ambition but not enough intelligence to get them through medical school. If I were getting a score in the 30s at this point, I would most certainly pull out of the race altogether. If I were you, I'd start studying for something easier instead, like the LSAT.

 

[mdpremed]

Good Day Everybody.

So, Ive come to terms that I am going to take this test in april and void it... and just continue to prepare for the August test...Now there seems to be a lot of people out there saying that you shouldn't study the same way, or you will not see much of an improvement.

My question is, how many different ways are there to study for this test? I've reviewed my content, taken practice tests, and reviewed the crap out of those tests, but just not gotten to the point where I want to be yet... Whether its been Kaplan tests, or AAMC tests, the one thing that I need to work is my "reasoning skills" specifically the logic that the MCAT tests. Aside from practice, is there other things out there that are resourceful to improving this asset?

Thanks for the adivce

Peace

First of all, it's a very bad idea to void the MCAT because it still shows that you took the test and that you voided it, which looks as bad. You should take the test when you feel absolutely ready for it. Secondly, I disagree with the above post that you should reconsider another test. I've taken the MCAT 3 times myself. The first two times I got the same score, and felt I couldn't improve. I then went back to the drawing board, changed everything, and went up 6 points. It can be done...you just have to figure out what to do differently. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk specifics. Good luck.

 

[premed machine2]

3 times? Were you stuck in the high 30s your first 2 times? At that point, I'd probably just quit. Did they actually let you into med school?

 

[Saluki]

I agree with MDpremed that you shouldn't take the test and void it... There's nothing that you could get from that experience that wouldn't come by taking AAMC or Kaplan practice tests under normal conditions....

How long ago did you start studying? Did you take the Kaplan course or study on your own? Did you use a review book to study the main concepts or did you try to review using textbooks from those classes? Are you taking the full test together or are you doing it a passage at a time and then kind of half-guessing on the questions before going and looking at the answers?

As far as specific suggestions, since you're waiting till August I might say try to go through the test a little slower a couple times not worrying about the time and see if you can figure out the questions.... Once you know how to answer the type of questions you get on the MCAT, then you can improve your speed....

 

[MediMama23]

First of all, it's a very bad idea to void the MCAT because it still shows that you took the test and that you voided it, which looks as bad. You should take the test when you feel absolutely ready for it. Secondly, I disagree with the above post that you should reconsider another test. I've taken the MCAT 3 times myself. The first two times I got the same score, and felt I couldn't improve. I then went back to the drawing board, changed everything, and went up 6 points. It can be done...you just have to figure out what to do differently. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk specifics. Good luck.

Actually, you'll know that you took the test, but if you void, medical schools will never know (as stated in MCAT Essentials 2006).

 

[mdpremed]

Actually, you'll know that you took the test, but if you void, medical schools will never know (as stated in MCAT Essentials 2006).

That's interesting. Maybe that's a new thing then. I've taught for Princeton Review up until last summer and we were told that voiding the test shows up no matter what and so were instructed to tell our students never to void the test no matter what. If this is a new thing, then I'm sorry for the misinformation. However, I would still double check.

 

[MediMama23]

Copied from Kristiyana's post in the "Voiding Scores on test day?" thread:

The answer is on page 15 of MCAT Essentials ...

Voiding your answer documents on test day means that you will not receive scores. Answer documents voided on the test day cannot be “unvoided” at a later date. Furthermore, if you do not void your answer documents on test day, your test will be scored. You cannot cancel your scores at a later date. If you void your answer documents, your participation in this administration of the MCAT exam will not be reported to AMCAS or to non-AMCAS schools. However, even if you void, you are regarded as having attended the test and, therefore, not eligible for a refund. Also, if you wish to register after having attended three or more MCAT exams (whether you voided your scores or not), you must request and obtain permission each time you wish to retest.

This policy has actually been around for at least a couple of years. AAMC knows that you have taken the test, for attendance and money purposes, but schools do not know such information.

 

[Saluki]

Regardless of the policy, I still don't think you should take it if you're planning on voiding. For one, it's a waste of money- If you don't sit you can still get a 100$ refund... Two, it's a waste of time- you won't even know how you did so it will actually be less beneficial than taking a practice test under testing conditions. Three, I don't think it's a good idea to go into the test until you feel ready to take it....

Get the refund, take more practice tests under real conditions and then sit down for the August MCAT ready to go... 👍

 

[MediMama23]

It's too late to get the refund, but I like the way you think. 👍

 

[Saluki]

It's too late to get the refund, but I like the way you think. 👍

I didn't send in my refund request until after the April MCAT had already taken place, and they gave me $.... Maybe the rules have changed?

 

[MediMama23]

I didn't send in my refund request until after the April MCAT had already taken place, and they gave me $.... Maybe the rules have changed?

The rules changed this year...you had to send it in 10 business days before the day of the MCAT (April 10th).

 

[Dr Trek 1]

In all honesty, if you lack the "reasoning skills" necessary for the MCAT, then maybe you need to reconsider becoming a doctor. The purpose of the MCAT is to filter out all the people with ambition but not enough intelligence to get them through medical school. If I were getting a score in the 30s at this point, I would most certainly pull out of the race altogether. If I were you, I'd start studying for something easier instead, like the LSAT.

I don't exactly know how you define "intelligence" but I think most will agree that hard work is what it primarily takes to get through med school and be a good doctor. "Intelligence" is secondary.

 

[MochezzmO]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

I started taking the Kaplan course at around january and did a real efficient job reviewing the books that they gave you to study from. I kept up with the work, and took all my FL with them as well as did AAMC tests everyother week. After every test I made sure I sat down and reviewed the entire test, basically retaking it while reviewing what I missed. It just seems that kaplan material really was off as far as the material that they tested...the test either seemed too difficult (PS) or outdated (VR), but the bio was just right, though some tests had way too much ochem. AAMC material was very helpful, and I improved dramatically from where I started, but still very inconsistent with my scores (I can go from an 11 to an 8 b/w one sitting and the next for all the sections) It just seemed either I knew how to break down the passage or I didn't.

I know I cant refund now, and thats fine, I have taken all the AAMC tests and my highest was on AAMC 7(29) but I just dont feel comfortable yet. Either way I usually have a some sense of how I did on the test... If i really dont feel comfortable, I'll void it as it states in the AAMC Med Essentials that Med Schools will not see your score... and plus its additional material that I can actually see and get a feel for.

But, bottom line is... is there something out there that can improve your reasoning skills?

Thanks again...Peace

 

[confused-one]

I don't know if this would help or not, but I took a logics course when I was an undergrad and a lot of pre-law kids took it to boost their reasoning skills for the LSAT. A lot of proof writing and such. It might be worth looking into?

Other than that, this is going to sound laughable, but it's helped me tremendously- Harry Loraine has a few books about memory tricks. Seriously, I wouldn't tell people in person that I use it- it looks like one of those things for the over fifty crowd to remember where they parked their minivan or something. But it's made a huge difference in my ability to keep track of series of things for the MCAT (and my neuroanatomy final!).

Good luck.

 

[looloo3]

First of all, I am really not understanding the point of this SDN. I feel that there should be a comradery amongst us trying to get into medical school. We are in the same boat, unlike our friends that are communications and journalism majors. I cannot even believe that someone would say to not take the MCAT if you are not scoring in the high 30s. That is complete bull ****. You can get into at least 1 medical school with a score ranging from the average and above. Maybe it will not be Harvard, or John Hopkins, but there are plenty of other amazing schools out there. All it takes is ONE school to accept you for you to continue your path to become a physician. Stop listening to everyone's bull****, stop listening to people buying into the brand names of the school, and just study your ass off and go in there with the mind set to kick the exam's ass. After the exam, reward yourself, wait for your scores, and then consider the schools that you can definately get into and then apply to ones that might seem difficult, but it can happen. All it takes is one person to review your application, like what they see, and set up an interview for you to prove yourself more than you already have done throughout the years. I am sick and tired of this SDN bull**** with the 39s and above. This is reality, and I want everyone to go ask their physicians what they scored on the MCAT and you will be surprised with the answer. The answer is either HORRIBLE or they do not even remember. In a class of med students, there is a wide range of scores, and other factors determine your fate aside from the MCAT score. I cannot even believe someone would say go take the LSAT or something with less reasoning. The MCAT doesn't weed out ambition, ambition is a driving force necessary to even make it to test day. So if you have the ambition and the passion, and you want to practice medicine for the right reasons, than this should work out for you. You will see. Good Luck
Sorry for such the long post, but I am so annoyed by some people

 

[Kristiyana]

First of all, I am really not understanding the point of this SDN. I feel that there should be a comradery amongst us trying to get into medical school. We are in the same boat, unlike our friends that are communications and journalism majors. I cannot even believe that someone would say to not take the MCAT if you are not scoring in the high 30s. That is complete bull ****. You can get into at least 1 medical school with a score ranging from the average and above. Maybe it will not be Harvard, or John Hopkins, but there are plenty of other amazing schools out there. All it takes is ONE school to accept you for you to continue your path to become a physician. Stop listening to everyone's bull****, stop listening to people buying into the brand names of the school, and just study your ass off and go in there with the mind set to kick the exam's ass. After the exam, reward yourself, wait for your scores, and then consider the schools that you can definately get into and then apply to ones that might seem difficult, but it can happen. All it takes is one person to review your application, like what they see, and set up an interview for you to prove yourself more than you already have done throughout the years. I am sick and tired of this SDN bull**** with the 39s and above. This is reality, and I want everyone to go ask their physicians what they scored on the MCAT and you will be surprised with the answer. The answer is either HORRIBLE or they do not even remember. In a class of med students, there is a wide range of scores, and other factors determine your fate aside from the MCAT score. I cannot even believe someone would say go take the LSAT or something with less reasoning. The MCAT doesn't weed out ambition, ambition is a driving force necessary to even make it to test day. So if you have the ambition and the passion, and you want to practice medicine for the right reasons, than this should work out for you. You will see. Good Luck
Sorry for such the long post, but I am so annoyed by some people

Just calm down. The guy's a troll. Most people on SDN are amazing ... if you read the other replies to the OP, you'll see that no one else made any ******* comments.

Oh ... and breaking your arguments up into paragraphs is a good habit to get into ... otherwise it's difficult to read. 🙂

 

[looloo3]

Thanks for the tip, but I was not trying to write a unified essay...just a response

 

[dancedocm31]

Trying this out .... new to the site. I thought I was sending a message to someone but turns out I posted it for everyone oops 🙁. It doesn't seem like I can delete it so I am just editing.

 

[marble30]

....this thread is from three years ago. 🙄