The master MCAT result thread:

[Medikit]

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This was originally going to be posted when the April 2004 scores came out, but it seemed everyone was pretty distracted and posting in two different result threads. People were coming out of the woodwork who had never really posted before, only to simply post their scores and never post again.

The idea is that this is a master thread that can be used as a reference tool by people taking the MCAT or waiting for their scores. It should give a summary of the MCAT experience for the indvidual taking the test, along with their scores or satisfaction with their scores for those who wish to keep them to themselves.

I was inspired by another thread to post this thread, this isn?t just a thread where you simply report your MCAT scores, in fact you don?t have to report them at all to participate. The goal for this thread is to have a more balanced score report than previous threads while having its main focus on providing information for people currently involved in the whole MCAT process. I hope that happens.

Ok so here are the questions, answer as many as you like:

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

Yes and no. For a while I did, but my GPA was going to reach average levels by the end of the MCAT semester, so some of the pressure was off.

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a 👍 if you?re happy with them, a 👎 if you?re unhappy, or a 👍👎 if you are indifferent.)

I got a 36:

12 in BS

14 in PS

10 in V

N on the writing section

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

I expected between a 28-32Q, so this is much better than I expected, minus the writing section where I got a score that seems really bizarre to me.

Which area were you most worried about?

I was really worrying about the Verbal section, I always got an 8 or a 9 on practice tests depending on whether or not I could complete the sections.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

It seemed like for every test I could finish the Verbal section I wouldn?t be able to finish the PS section, and vice versa. I was able to finish both sections on the final test.

What was the score of your first practice test?

I think I got a 21. I didn?t study and I was rusty on pretty much everything and couldn?t finish all of the verbal passages. This was a free Kaplan test.

What was the score of your last practice test?

I took the first MCAT practice test provided by AMCAS and scored a 30.

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I dreamt that I had a 33 (11 BS, 11 PS, and a 9.5 V). I know it adds up to 32.5 but apparently I?m not good at math when I?m sleeping. I know they don?t have decimal scores either.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Definitely 🙂

How did you study for the exam?

I started reading through the big fat Kaplan book. It?s an ok book I guess, not very thorough and contains a few errors. I mostly used this book and practice tests to find my weak areas, and once I identified my weak areas I would hit the textbooks from my old classes. Not suprisingly my weakest areas turned out to be the areas that I spent the least amount of time studying for on undergrad exams.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Definitely verbal. I found this weird verbal book inbetween the AAMC test 1 and 2 booklets. It was the size of a full MCAT test, but only had verbal passages with about 8-9 questions per passage. At first I was missing two questions per section, but by the time I was halfway through the book I was missing about 1 question per passage and sometimes getting them all.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

I am fairly happy. I would probably spend less time with the Kaplan book and more time making sure I covered every single area that AAMC said would be on the tests using my old textbooks. I think the thing that was most disappointing was that I still had to deal with my propensity for procrastinating in spite of the importance of this test. For the verbal section I think I would have tried to read more books while completing my undergrad, and taken more verbal practice questoins.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

No, I think I?d do better by myself working at my own pace; I already spent money and took classes on these subjects in college, no need to spend more money simply to keep myself from procrastinating.

Did you study for the writing section?

I practiced like three times and read two samples the week before I took the MCAT. I didn?t really want to waste time on this section. This is probably why I got the N although I am still feeling like a great injustice was done to me

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Oh dear God, lol

 

[Medikit]

Oh dear God, lol

I think it can be really useful and should cut down on other threads. It's pointless without any of the questions.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Right on 👍

 

[pyra]

Ok so here are the questions, answer as many as you like:

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004 (also Aug 2000, April 2003)

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

A little. I have a 3.5, so to be competative I need a 30 I guess.

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a 👍 if you?re happy with them, a 👎 if you?re unhappy, or a 👍👎 if you are indifferent.)

I got a 30: 👍

11 in BS 👍

11 in PS 👍

8 in VR 👎

O on the writing section 👍 👎

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

I expected between a 23-30. The first time I took the MCAT was in Aug 2000 and I got a 20 (4 VR 8 BS 8 PS O WR). Next I took one last year in April 2003 and I got a 23 (6 V 9 BS 8 PS Q WR).

I wish I got a 9 on verbal though, that would make me really happy.
English is my first and only language, and VR is still difficult for me, one factor may be that I was an Engineering major in college and I took very little humanities and lit courses since my college had very few general education reqs for engineering majors. I used to read a lot in high school but in college I did not have much time.

Which area were you most worried about?

Verbal. On practices this year I had a 9 or 10, but this was the same as last year when I got a 6 on the real thing. So it really depends (for me at least) on how I am able to concentrate on test day.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

Aug 2000: Used the TPR method to rate passages and map. Always did not finish 1-2 passages in physical sciences and 2 passages in verbal in practice and real test. Was told by instructor that it is better to guess on last passages than to rush through.

April 2004:
On practices: trouble finishing last passage of verbal and last few questions in Physical Sciences
On real test: Used EK method to reduce going back to passage, NOT map and get through all passages at all costs. Result...Had 5 minutes to finish last verbal passage, rushed through. Guessed on 1 question.
Had 5 min to finish last free standing questions on Physical, guessed on last one. 10 min extra on bio.

What was the score of your first practice test?

2000 MCAT First practices test ever, which was 4 years ago in a TPR diag was a 6 BS 6 PS 4 VR.

2003 MCAT 6 BS 10 PS 10 VR (Free Kaplan Diag 2 months before test)

2004 MCAT 11 BS 11 PS 9 VR (AAMC 3R - 2 weeks before test)

What was the score of your last practice test?

2000 MCAT 8 BS 10 PS 8 VR (AAMC 4)
2003 MCAT 8 BS 9 PS 11 VR ( AAMC 6R - I only took 2 practice tests total that year)
2004 MCAT 12 BS 11 PS 10 VR (AAMC 5R - 1 week before test) also just to test something I took AAMC 7 in a noisy area without eating lunch and with a big headache resulted in 11 BS 10 PS 7 VR...so verbal score has a lot to do with your ability to concentrate on test day (for me at least)

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I never had MCAT dreams about my scores. How can you see numbers in your dream I thought that you couldn't read or do math in dreams since it has to do with separate parts of your brain. Or at least that is what I learned from a Batman cartoon.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

I was undecided and after asking SDN people, about applying with a 8 in verbal, I think I will.

How did you study for the exam?

First time...TPR: went to all classes and practice tests, did not do any practice problems and hardly did any reading, I was very unmotivated and I should have played less video games that year
Second time...TPR again: read through Science review books, did a few practice verbal passages, minimal studying.
Third time...EK: Used home study schedule, read through review books twice, once taking notes, studied the notes, did practice review problems from TPR, did all AAMC exams, even ones I did from past years, studied 4-6 hours a day sometimes 8 hrs a day for 2 months. Took leave of absence from work to study. Mostly concentrated on sciences, did minimal verbal studying.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Physical and Biological Sciences

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

I would study verbal more, take more practice exams, get Verbal 101 from EK, read more difficult books.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

No do not take a class, only take one to get the practice material, but EK worked for me. I don't know if I would do well if I actually used TPR material.

Did you study for the writing section?

No. I had enough studying from the first time I took the MCAT. Used TPR's method, the TAS - Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis method. Works ok if you can think of good examples. The second time I took the exam in April 2003, I got a Q and that was because I could think of strong examples at that time. I had lame examples when I got an O. Also think of somethine corny for your ending, something like a universal life lesson ...

 

[UCLAstudent]

I'll play along.

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

No. Science/non-science GPAs are 3.8, so I came into the MCAT in a good position.

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a 👍 if you?re happy with them, a 👎 if you?re unhappy, or a 👍👎 if you are indifferent.)

10 VR, 11 BS, 11 PS, Q = 32Q

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

After the test, I felt terrible. I was praying that I would get a 30.

Which area were you most worried about?

Physical ... when the proctor called 45 minutes left, it just freaked me out. I was on passage 7, and, even though 45 minutes would have been plenty of time for me to finish, I just started panicking. I thought I blew it and would end up with a 9.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

Yes, I was able to finish. Physical was rushed, I had five minutes left for verbal, and 30 minutes left for bio. In practice tests, I usually finished right on time (maybe 5 minutes to spare) for physical, felt rushed for verbal, and had 30-40 minutes left for bio (I know, odd ... I would try to go back and "fix" answers, but I usually ended up changing from right to wrong.)

What was the score of your first practice test?

34 (12 BS, 11 PS, 11 VR)

What was the score of your last practice test?

AAMC 7R: 33 (13 BS, 11 PS, 10 VR)

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

My mom had a dream that I got a 37, hahaha.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Indeed.

How did you study for the exam?

I took the Berkeley Review course and studied exclusively from their books, except for verbal (I used the EK 101 passages book). I took AAMC 4-7 and 6 Berkeley Review exams.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Verbal and physical sciences.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

Yes, it definitely worked for me.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

I think the class was worth it. Granted, most of the money is for the books and exams, but the instruction seemed to help me a lot. The teachers were knowledgeable and willing to help via e-mail, office hours, etc. I'm glad I took a course.

Did you study for the writing section?

Yep. I had a list of past MCAT essay prompts, and on some days I would just go through that list and pick a few to go over. I didn't actually write the essays during practice, but I timed myself for five minutes to make sure that I could come up with examples and counterexamples quickly.

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

so can some of you april bunnies post :: POKE ::

 

[LUBDUBB]

I'll chime in too...hope it helps in some way


Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

3.5 cum and bcpm, so I needed ~30 for me to be happy.

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a 👍 if you?re happy with them, a 👎 if you?re unhappy, or a 👍👎 if you are indifferent.)

I got a 30: 👍

10 in BS 👍

11 in PS 👍

9 in VR 👍👎 - My verbal practice was always between 9-11, I guess I hit on the lower end of my range.

L on the writing section 👎 - I blew it off

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

I wanted something ~30. After walking out of the exam I thought I bombed and hoped that I had at least gotten a 26.

Which area were you most worried about?

During my prep I was worried about Gen Chem...I went through undergrad without attending my gen chem class. During my practice exams, my PS score was always the lowest, mostly 8's.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

On every section I had to rush through/guess on the very last passages.

What was the score of your first practice test?

Kaplan Diag 10VR 6PS 7BS


What was the score of your last practice test?

4R - 2 weeks before - 24

5r - 1 week before - 27 -

6r - 4 days before - 31 - 10ps, 11vr, 10bs


How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I hoped for a 30 and got a 30.


Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Yupp

How did you study for the exam?

Kaplan review books + some college texts (genetics, orgo, physics)

TPR Science workbook and some Kaplan topical tests + kaplan online workshops

9 practice tests - 3 kaplan, 3tpr A-D, 3 aamc

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Physical and Biological Sciences

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

More practice exams.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

The material that goes along with the classes are key.

Did you study for the writing section?

"L" speaks for itself.

 

[An Yong]

Great Thread!! Wish someone would post something like this when I was studying for April MCAT =P


Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

Well, I have a pretty solid GPA but I've heard you need a good MCAT score to "prove" the worthiness of your gpa... go figure, so I guess that means you need a good mcat score no matter what hehe

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a 👍 if you?re happy with them, a 👎 if you?re unhappy, or a 👍👎 if you are indifferent.)

I got a 36:

11 in BS

13 in PS

12 in V

M on the writing section

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

Expected around a 33 (+/- 3) so I got a little on the higher end of what I expected

Which area were you most worried about?

Verbal and Biology. Verbal because I had to pee really bad half way through so I rushed (ended up with like 7 minutes to spare haha) Hmm... that might be the reason why I did well on the verbal? Anyways, I was worried because I felt I was guessing answers and flipping coins on so many questions.

Biology because my thing was filled with genetics, and I only expected 2 or 3 questions at most so I didn't really study that much for it.


Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

Yep. During practice tests I had difficulties finish kaplan's physical sciences. But I think that has more to do with the fact that they put these questions that require an obscene amount of complicated calculations.


What was the score of your first practice test?

27, but I studied a little before it.

What was the score of your last practice test?

AAMC VI - 37

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I was hoping for a 45 😱 hey if your going to hope, why not hope high right? =P But I'm very very happy with my scores.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Definitely 🙂

How did you study for the exam?

I started my studying during winter break. During winter break, I finished the examkracker series (yea I didn't go out much). Once school started, I enrolled in the kaplan classes (total waste of money, don't do it, didn't help at all). During school I basically took one practice test on saturday, graded sunday, made a list of weak areas, and reviewed the weak areas during the week. Rinse and repeat.


For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

I stopped studying 2 weeks before the test (I just reviewed flash cards I made).

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

Overall yes, but I think I overdid it a little.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

No, its not worth it. The lectures just rehash what you probably already know. You can cover much more on your own in less time. But, if your really struggling with one particular subject, it may help since you have a teacher to ask questions to.

Did you study for the writing section?

No, but I got an M so I'm not a good example hehe.

 

[Marvin O'Connor]

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

Not particularly, but it can't hurt.

What was your score?

I got a 36:

9 in BS 👍 👎

12 in PS 👍

15 in VR 👍

R on the writing section

How does this score compare with the score you expected?

I expected 28-33, so I was happy.

Which area were you most worried about?

Biology. I'm in Chemical Engineering so I don't have much Biology background.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

I barely completed PS and BS. I completed VR with 10 or 15 minutes to spare.


What was the score of your first practice test?

29 (7 BS, 9PS, 13 VR)

What was the score of your last practice test?

31 (9 BS, 11PS, 11 VR)

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I knew I had done OK on VR, but you can't ever expect a 15. So I guess my scores were just what I had dreamt of and then some.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Done.

How did you study for the exam?

I did a half-hearted job of taking all the AAMC practice tests. I bought the Kaplan big book, but I didn't look at it much.


For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Didn't study the week before the test.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

Yes. I guess I could have tried harder, but I did fine anyway.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

No. Are they going to have classes to teach you how to study in med school. If I can't take a standardized test by now, I've got no business in med school.

Did you study for the writing section?

Actually, on the day of the test I forgot about the writing sample until someone reminded me. Again, if I can't write by now I should be working at McDonald's.

 

[Kazema]

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did you need to compensate for your GPA?

Yes, yes, yes. With a GPA of 3.0 I was advised that I'd probably need at least a 33 to even have my app looked at by my in-state schools, even with a strong final 4 semesters. So the MCAT was pretty much make or break for me.

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a 👍 if you?re happy with them, a 👎 if you?re unhappy, or a 👍👎 if you are indifferent.)

I got a 40 👍

12 in BS 👍

14 in PS 👍 👍

14 in V 👍

P on the writing section

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

Entering the test center, I was expecting/hoping for a 35. Exiting the test center, I expected a 32 - 36.

Which area were you most worried about?

Physical Sciences was always my biggest worry. I had always been strong in verbal and I felt that I knew the Bio Sciences material well; I just never got over feeling like the difference between my doing well and doing poorly on PS came down to what topics were on my test form.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

I was able to complete all sections. On Physical Sciences I did have to go back and guess on 2 or 3 questions during the last minute.

I always cut it close on physical sciences during practice tests, and only once came close to running out of time on verbal. I finished bio comfortably except on my first two practice tests.

What was the score of your first practice test?

28, in September 2003. This was the TPR diag they gave to try to get you to sign up for their class. I did.

What was the score of your last practice test?

37 (12P 12V 13B) on AAMC 6R.

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I dreamed about getting a 40 once, but laughed when I woke up. Before taking the test, I thought the best score I could hope for was a 38 to match my highest practice score. After taking the test I thought that at best, I would get a 36 (10P 13V 13B).

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Yes. My GPA remains a red flag but I think that if I get past numerical screenings I have a shot at getting in somewhere.

How did you study for the exam?

I took the TPR course, which accounted for 8 hours a week on weekends. On top of that I studied roughly 20 hours a week, though this varied depending on homeworks, exams, and projects. I read the TPR bio book cover to cover, focused on my weak points in the physics section, and did all of the practice problems for all 3 sections. I usually studied in our school's dining area, which was somewhat quiet but had lots of ambient noise, so that I'd be less bothered by ambient noise during the actual test. I also did some studying in the library (ultra-quiet) as well as some studying in front of the television (ultra-distracting). I also studied during Orgo lab while waiting for reactions to finish.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Physics, without question. I went over the topics I was weak in, such as optics and E&M.

But I stopped studying completely at noon on the Wednesday before the test. I kept my mind sharp by taking walks, reading, and talking with friends. I did a quick look-over of my formula sheets before going to bed the night before the test, and glanced over the hormones during my lunch break.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

Yes, I am happy with my study method. The only thing I can think of adding would've been more practice problems. But I was close to burnout by the time the test rolled around anyway.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

It was worth it for me. I liked that everything was structured for me already since I was taking a fairly heavy courseload at the time. I thought TPR's materials were good, and my teachers for the most part were good as well. I think the test taking strategies I learned definitely made an impact on my scores, but I have no empirical way of verifying this.

Did you study for the writing section?

Not really study, but I practiced for it somewhat, since they did cover it in the course.

 

[stinkycheese]

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

Yes, definitely, since I have a lot of holes in my transcript. GPA itself is holdin' it down at 3.45, but there are quite a few bad blips on the transcript.

What was your score?

34 Q 👍

13 in BS

11 in PS

10 in V

Q on the writing section

How does this score compare with the score you expected?

I hoped for 30-33, I never expected to do better than that. I felt very fuzzy after the exam and had no concept of how I had performed. I went home and cried before going out and boozing with my friends. The whole day was such a trauma that I blocked the test out 😉 As we got closer to the score release date, I was convinced I was facing a 28-, but I got extraordinarily lucky on BS and got a high score. It had a lot of neuroscience which was my major, and very little organic chem, which I suck at.

Which area were you most worried about?

PHYSICAL SCIENCES! I suck balls at physics.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

By the time the real MCAT came around, I had no trouble with timing. I was rushed at the end of VR but I still finished comfortably. PS and BS I finished about 20 minutes in advance of the call time and spent time going over the hardest problems. Practice tests were mostly the same- time limits were not a problem except sometimes on VR.

What was the score of your first practice test?

21, baby. I know, it's hot. You can tell me that you find my score sexy.

What was the score of your last practice test?

11 PS 10 VR 11 BS.

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

It's funny- I dreamt a lot about getting an 8 in PS. I also dreamt about getting 18 overall. But in one dream I got a 15 on BS, which I thought was ludicrous when I woke up. I ended up getting a 13, to my surprise, so it was nice to see that the dream wasn't as far off as I had thought.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Hehehehee, YES!!! 😀 🙂 😀

How did you study for the exam?

Kaplan course, PR books from friend, textbooks, lots of practice questions. I wasn't as prepared as I should have been, but it turned out okay in the end.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Physics and Organic, my two nemesis, MCAT-wise.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

I would just study more and not cram so much. I CRAMMED those last few days. It was BAD. Optics and beyond in Physics, and all of O-Chem 2 were learned, um, four days before the test.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

I think it is good for structure and materials. The actual classes I could take or leave, but some of my teachers were quite helpful and I made some good friends.

Did you study for the writing section?

HELL NO! 👎 And I am glad I didn't! It's the most bull**** section I have ever seen! The scores are stupid. I am happy with mine but I am sure that I didn't do anything to deserve it. It's random. A trained monkey picks the letters out of a hat.

 

[Shades McCool]

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

No. 3.96

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a 👍 if you?re happy with them, a 👎 if you?re unhappy, or a 👍👎 if you are indifferent.)

10 VR, 11 BS, 12 PS, Q = 33

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

I thought I bombed it.

Which area were you most worried about?

Physical ... I hate solution chemistry and it had 4 passages on it.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

Yep

What was the score of your first practice test?

25

What was the score of your last practice test?

AAMC 7R: 36 ( 1 12 13)

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I just wanted a 30 something.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Indeed.

How did you study for the exam?

EK for reading, kaplan for practice.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Physical sciences.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

Yes, it definitely worked for me.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

Yeah the resources helped.

Did you study for the writing section?

No.

 

[IndyZX]

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

No.

What was your score?

11 VR, 13 BS, 14 PS, O = 38O

How does this score compare with the score you expected?

I was confident as I entered the test and I felt really good as I left.

Which area were you most worried about?

Verbal.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

Yes. I had trouble finishing up verbal on the practice tests, and my timing got worse as I tried to prep for it. So, on the real thing, I just focused on time and pretty much nothing else. I figure that my natural ability is good enough to get an 11 or 12 on VR, and I got an 11 on the real thing. I was happy.

What was the score of your first practice test?

I got a 33 on AAMC 3R, but this was after my initial review of all the test material.

What was the score of your last practice test?

On AAMC 7, I got 13P 10V 11B.

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I was aiming for a 35-36 when I initial started prepping. Obviously, I was pleased with the results.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Yes.

How did you study for the exam?

I studied by myself for 4 months with EK, Audio Osmosis, Kaplan Big Book, Nova Physics, and EK 101.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

VR.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

Yes.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

No.

Did you study for the writing section?

No.

 

[Jack Swift]

Definitely verbal. I found this weird verbal book inbetween the AAMC test 1 and 2 booklets. It was the size of a full MCAT test, but only had verbal passages with about 8-9 questions per passage. At first I was missing two questions per section, but by the time I was halfway through the book I was missing about 1 question per passage and sometimes getting them all.

What verbal book are you talking about?

 

[lynnier79]

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

maybe -- ihave a 3.6 overall and want to apply to MSTP

What was your score?

12 VR, 12 BS, 11 PS, R = 35R
How does this score compare with the score you expected?

I can never tell how well I did. I felt OK about it, but didn't expect a 35

Which area were you most worried about?

physical science

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

Yes. I had trouble finishing up physical on the practice tests, but as I practiced strategies I was able to finish my last 4 practice tests.

What was the score of your first practice test?

I got a 29 on the Kaplan diagnostic.

What was the score of your last practice test?

On AAMC 6 I got a 35

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I was aiming for a 35-36 when I initial started prepping. I was pleased with the results.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Yes. MSPT

How did you study for the exam?

I studied by myself for 6months with EK, Audio Osmosis, and then took Kaplan starting in January. I continued with Audio Osmosis until the real test, and actually took 5 weeks off from my full time research job to study before the exam.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

I studied very little the actual week before. I did one practice exam on Monday (AAMC 6), and then did sections on Weds and Thurs. On Friday I did not study.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

Yes.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

I took kaplan. I thought the resources made the classes worth the money. I would take it again, yes. Now I teach for them.

Did you study for the writing section?

Yes. I practiced about 10 prompts during full length simulations, and about 15 on my own. I outlined a number of others and looked at those outlines during the lunch break of the real test. It paid off, because my two prompts were both very similar to those I had either done before or outlined.

 

[dnelsen]

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

Not really. I had a 3.8 GPA in undergrad and I've gotten all A's in my post-bac classes.

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a 👍 if you?re happy with them, a 👎 if you?re unhappy, or a 👍👎 if you are indifferent.)

I got a 36:

12 in BS

13 in PS

11 in V

Q on the writing section

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

I was getting about 32-33 on my last Kaplan practice tests, so I was hoping for this range. I didn't sleep for two days before the test (nerves...not studying 🙂 ) so I was afraid that I did worse.

Which area were you most worried about?

I was most worried about the physical sciences section as the physical sciences sections on Kaplan's practice tests were very difficult. Also, I took gen chem 7 years ago and I have yet to take physics II.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

Yes. I actually finished the physical sciences section with 20 minutes to spare (much to my surprise!)

What was the score of your first practice test?

I got a 26 on my Kaplan diagnostic and the only reason it was so high was due to my 12 on verbal. I got two 7's in the other sections.

What was the score of your last practice test?

I got a 33 on the last Kaplan practice test.

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I had a dream I got a 40 even though the scores in each section only added up to something in the low 30s (I cannot remember exactly).

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Yes, probably early decision.

How did you study for the exam?

I took the Kaplan course and I'm glad I did. Having set times to meet and study helped me a lot. If you are very disciplined you could probably do it on your own.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Physics. As I mentioned, Kaplan had really difficult physics sections on their practice tests so it was really freaking me out (especially since it is the first section on the exam and it could set the tone for the entire day).

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

I am very happy. The Kaplan course really kept me on track. I wish I would have studied a little harder at the beginning of the course as it felt like I was scrambling to finish at the end.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

I did take a class and I do think it was worth it for someone like me who tends to procrastinate.

Did you study for the writing section?

I only practiced when I took the Kaplan full length practice exams.

 

[adamj61]

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004...still not sure if I will retake

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

Not really. 3.6 in biochem is good enough for me.

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a 👍 if you?re happy with them, a 👎 if you?re unhappy, or a 👍👎 if you are indifferent.)

I got a 31:

12 in BS 👍

12 in PS 👍

7 in V 👎 👎

L on the writing section 👎

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

A little low, but verbal brough me down.

Which area were you most worried about?

PS, my only B's were in those classes. Looks like taking the harder ones payed off.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

Yes, but I know I was rushing verbal because I knew the pace I had to keep.

What was the score of your first practice test?

28

What was the score of your last practice test?

34

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I don't think you can dream in numbers...

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

For sure

How did you study for the exam?

Used the Princeton Review books from the class, AAMC and PR tests.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

I actually didnt study much the last week...just kinda relaxed.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

Maybe do more verbal, but I felt like I did enough.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

I think they are a waste of money, and they should be eliminated to level the field.

Did you study for the writing section?

Somewhat, but I was told it was ok I believe I didn't explain the prompt enough, instead I gave positive examples....stupid now that I look at it, I should have just written a simple essay .

 

[leiface]

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

Definitely, my pre-med advisor told me I should aim for a 33.

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a if you?re happy with them, a if you?re unhappy, or a if you are indifferent.)

Very happy with the score:

PS: 14
BS: 13
VR: 11
Writing: R

38R

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

I felt horrible after the exam and thought I would get probably somewhere around 28-32, which is what my last practice test suggested.

Which area were you most worried about?

Verbal, it was the hardest section on the actual exam and I thought I got a 4. I didn't study much for it and didn't goto some of the verbal sections for TPR because I thought they were useless.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

Yeah, I'm speedy...sometimes careless..but speedy.

What was the score of your first practice test?

TRP 21 first diag

What was the score of your last practice test?

32 on the AAMC 6

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

I had dreams of getting a 37...and a dream of getting a 24...so basically, just a lot of worrying, haha.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Definitely

How did you study for the exam?

I took the spring TPR course which involved 2 hours of class Monday through Thursdays. On my own, I did a lot of problems in the science workbook, not all of it, but a lot of it. I also did about 20 passages in the verbal section.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Physical Sciences and Biology, I just did pages and pages of problems.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

I'm happy, I would probably do it over the summer because my grades did suffer a bit when I was studying for the MCAT.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

TPR was definitely worth the money, the guarantee 10 points improvement from first diag and I got a 17 point improvement!

Did you study for the writing section?

I took about 7 practice exams with TPR

 

[Medikit]

What verbal book are you talking about?

I have a couple people that asked me about it. I'm pretty sure it's by AAMC, like I said I found it sandwiched inbetween AAMC test 1 and 2 so it must be pretty old. I have to go to our premed library to get more info.

 

[lorelei]

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

No.

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a 👍 if you?re happy with them, a 👎 if you?re unhappy, or a 👍👎 if you are indifferent.)

43R (I wasn't going to post in this thread, since I have bragged enough already, then I was going to just post 👍 but then I figured people are actually interested.) 14PS, 15VR, 14BS.

How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

5-10 points higher.

Which area were you most worried about?

BS, I guess. Both gen chem and orgo were weaker for me, but I was also worried there'd be bio topics I wasn't familiar with.

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

Yes. I sometimes had trouble finishing PS during practice.

What was the score of your first practice test?

36 or 37? I can't remember. On AAMC 3R.

What was the score of your last practice test?

The last one I completed was 38. The last one I took, I skipped verbal, but if I'd finished it would have been 40-41.

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

Are you talking about wishes or sleep? I hoped for a high-30s score but tried not to get my hopes up - I was trying to expect a 34, for some reason. Once I dreamt I got a 31 and was sad in my dream but happy when I woke up. (You know how dream logic is.)

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

Yes.

How did you study for the exam?

On my own, with a Peterson book and textbooks. I would take a test, mark which topics (such as acid-base reactions) I had trouble with, then study those. I also posted formulae and key topics in my bathroom, disgusting as that is.

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

Gen chem. It had been quite awhile since I took the course, and I had trouble with some basic concepts up until right before the test.

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

I pretty much have to be happy, considering the results. If I had to do it over, I wouldn't go get drunk the weekend before like I did, since the hangover wiped out a day of studying, but it all worked out.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

No.

Did you study for the writing section?

Just practiced when I took AAMC exams.

 

[superdevil]

well, since i actually did well, i guess i'm a sucker for all these threads now

ok....

Which MCAT did you take?

April 2004

Did your need to compensate for your GPA?

well, not so much "compensate" as "justify." i am a bio major with a 4.0 at a run-of-the-mill state school and i wanted to prove that my GPA was the real deal.

What was your score? (Don?t post it if you don?t want to, you can put a if you?re happy with them, a if you?re unhappy, or a if you are indifferent.)

35S 👍

PS=12 👍

VR=12 👍

BS=11 👎 (again, bio major; was killing this section on practice tests)

WS=S 👍


How does this score compare with the score you expected? (Use a +/- to indicate it if you didn?t give your score, you could do +/- a # if you are comfortable with that.)

my scores on AAMC 5R and 6R were 35 and 34, respectively, so it was dead-on.

Which area were you most worried about?

well, i felt comfortable with all the sections, but i guess i was concerned about getting some of the wackier verbal passages 😀

Were you able to complete all the sections? Which areas did you have trouble completing during practice tests?

easily. the fact that i'm a fast worker has bailed me out many times.

What was the score of your first practice test?

first TPR? 22 🙄 ...first AAMC (3R)? 29

What was the score of your last practice test?

34

How do your final scores compare with the scores you dreamt about?

as for dreaming, i was shooting for *at least* all 12's (38-39), but i am nonetheless pleased.

Will you be applying for Medical School with these scores?

of course

How did you study for the exam?

TPR prep course

For what subject did you concentrate most heavily the week before the test?

gen chem/physics--basically just ensuring that all memorizable tidbits were indeed memorized!

Are you happy with the study method? What would you do differently if you had to retake the test?

well, it was a pain in the ass at the time, but i'm cool with the result.

Would you consider taking a class? If you did was it worth it?

took TPR. i suppose its worth it if you've got the $$$, but not at all necessary.

Did you study for the writing section?

hell no.

 

[blz]

What's the point of this thread? another opportunity to flaunt scores? I read it and I didn't find it helpful at all. I'm not surprised it was started up by a person with an MCAT of 36.

 

[superdevil]

What's the point of this thread? another opportunity to flaunt scores? I read it and I didn't find it helpful at all. I'm not surprised it was started up by a person with an MCAT of 36.

what's the point of posting on a thread that you find to be useless in the first place? did that little scolding make you feel better?

who cares.

internet forum.

so what.

none of this is important anyway.

 

[Medikit]

What's the point of this thread? another opportunity to flaunt scores? I read it and I didn't find it helpful at all. I'm not surprised it was started up by a person with an MCAT of 36.

It's unfortunate that the scores were quickly skewed toward the high end. I do think that this thread has less braggers as most everyone has taken the time to answer all the questions rather than simply post their scores. The point of this thread is to decrease the amount of other threads that have questions related to those found in the questionnaire.

Your comment about me starting the thread to brag is moot. I made this questionnaire before the scores were released:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=125495&highlight=medikit