The Official 3/23/13 MCAT Thread

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Figured I'd start this one out. I'll be registering for the MCAT first thing tomorrow. Who else is taking it on this date? How do you all plan on studying over the school year?
 
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NuttyEngDude said:
Having exhausted everything else I would use it. It's not good, but it's better than using old material.
Click to expand...
Yea I've also heard it's not good but since I have it, I might as well use it. Would you recommend doing some SAT verbal? I have a barrons SAT verbal workbook that a section solely composed of "hard" passages.
 
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osprey099 said:
Yea I've also heard it's not good but since I have it, I might as well use it. Would you recommend doing some SAT verbal? I have a barrons SAT verbal workbook that a section solely composed of "hard" passages.
Click to expand...

I dont know. I would probably use LSAT material over SAT material, do you know why people say LSAT is not good? i've heard its good to practice w/LSAT verbal (from some classmates), especially if it's main idea and weaken/strengthen argument type of questions you are missing.
 
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NuttyEngDude said:
I dont know. I would probably use LSAT material over SAT material, do you know why people say LSAT is not good? i've heard its good to practice w/LSAT verbal (from some classmates), especially if it's main idea and weaken/strengthen argument type of questions you are missing.
Click to expand...

I haven't heard a lot about this but I think it's mainly the format difference in terms of passage type and questions? Idk though
 
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Hey guys. I've been missing out on the action! Been so busy. Everything its going good though. reading about genetics today. Hows everyone else doing?? Everyday i feel stronger 🙂

Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch Q using SDN Mobile
 
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Here's my passage, hope it isn't too easy. I'll post answers some time tomorrow night.


The food that we digest each day is composed of a variety of things. The food we eat can include macromolecules such as starch, cellulose, proteins, and other things. Our body reacts very differently in terms of what hormones to release in response to various foods. There are also disorders that may prevent cooperation of our cells in response to the release of these hormones.
One such disorder is diabetes mellitus, where a person has high blood sugar. Type I diabetes is also called "insulin-dependent diabetes" while Type II diabetes results from insulin resistance. The effects of diabetes, if left untreated, are diabetic ketoacidosis, cardiovascular disease, as well as chronic renal failure.

1)After various carbohydrates are broken down and glucose is the monosaccharide remaining, where would glucose be reabsorbed?
a. blood brain barrier
b. Proximal Convoluted Tube
c. Distal Convoluted Tube
d. Loop of Henle

2) After eating a meal rich in carbohydrates, what would the blood glucose level be compared to the interior of cells and which hormone would be released and by what cells?
a. High blood glucose level; insulin by alpha cells of pancreas
b. Low blood glucose level; glucagon by beta cells of pancreas
c. high blood glucose level; insulin by beta cells of pancreas
d. low blood glucose level; glucagon by alpha cells of pancreas

3. Which of the following malfunctions in Type I diabetes?
a. Insulin receptors on cells
b. Alpha cells not able to produce insulin
c. Beta cells not able to produce insulin
d. none of the above

4. Which of the following peptides/steroids increase blood glucose level?
I. Cortisol
II. Glucagon
III. Glycogen
IV. Insulin

a. II and III only
b. I, II, and III only
c. III only
d. I and II only

5. What is the correct stereochemistry of L- glucose? (figure not provided)
a. 2R 3S 4R 5R
b. 2S 3R 4S 5S
c. 2R 3R 4S 5R
d. 2R 3S 4S 5R

6. Why can't our bodies break down cellulose?
a. We don't have the necessary enzyme to cleave beta 1-4 linkages
b. Our bodies don't feel like it.
c. We don't have the necessary enzyme to cleave alpha 1-2 linkages.
d. We don't have the necessary enzyme to cleave beta 1-2 linkages.
 
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Just did the first E&M chapter in BR physics :scared: Got destroyed on the passages, which had almost nothing to do with the content. Anyone have any good resources for someone who has forgotten all of circuits, magnetism, etc. (don't like Kahn)?
 
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osprey099 said:
I haven't heard a lot about this but I think it's mainly the format difference in terms of passage type and questions? Idk though
Click to expand...
Not sure, to be honest I dont know what I'd do in your position. I'd use up the kaplan and tbr verbal material then move onto non-mcat material like SAT or LSAT stuff at that point, I guess. but your call on this is as good as anything I could suggest.

Jr MD said:
Hey guys. I've been missing out on the action! Been so busy. Everything its going good though. reading about genetics today. Hows everyone else doing?? Everyday i feel stronger 🙂
Click to expand...
I'll let you know at the end of the night.... 😛

slz1900 said:
Just did the first E&M chapter in BR physics :scared: Got destroyed on the passages, which had almost nothing to do with the content. Anyone have any good resources for someone who has forgotten all of circuits, magnetism, etc. (don't like Kahn)?
Click to expand...
wikipremed, i'm a big fan of this site.
 
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slz1900 said:
Just did the first E&M chapter in BR physics :scared: Got destroyed on the passages, which had almost nothing to do with the content. Anyone have any good resources for someone who has forgotten all of circuits, magnetism, etc. (don't like Kahn)?
Click to expand...

What about someone who has never learned any of that? 😳

(I'm in Physics II now but we won't get to it before I get to the TBR E&M chapters; I'm on Fluids and Solids now.)
 
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Albein said:
Here's my passage, hope it isn't too easy. I'll post answers some time tomorrow night.


The food that we digest each day is composed of a variety of things. The food we eat can include macromolecules such as starch, cellulose, proteins, and other things. Our body reacts very differently in terms of what hormones to release in response to various foods. There are also disorders that may prevent cooperation of our cells in response to the release of these hormones.
One such disorder is diabetes mellitus, where a person has high blood sugar. Type I diabetes is also called “insulin-dependent diabetes” while Type II diabetes results from insulin resistance. The effects of diabetes, if left untreated, are diabetic ketoacidosis, cardiovascular disease, as well as chronic renal failure.

1)After various carbohydrates are broken down and glucose is the monosaccharide remaining, where would glucose be reabsorbed?
a. blood brain barrier
b. Proximal Convoluted Tube
c. Distal Convoluted Tube
d. Loop of Henle

2) After eating a meal rich in carbohydrates, what would the blood glucose level be compared to the interior of cells and which hormone would be released and by what cells?
a. High blood glucose level; insulin by alpha cells of pancreas
b. Low blood glucose level; glucagon by beta cells of pancreas
c. high blood glucose level; insulin by beta cells of pancreas
d. low blood glucose level; glucagon by alpha cells of pancreas

3. Which of the following malfunctions in Type I diabetes?
a. Insulin receptors on cells
b. Alpha cells not able to produce insulin
c. Beta cells not able to produce insulin
d. none of the above

4. Which of the following peptides/steroids increase blood glucose level?
I. Cortisol
II. Glucagon
III. Glycogen
IV. Insulin

a. II and III only
b. I, II, and III only
c. III only
d. I and II only

5. What is the correct stereochemistry of L- glucose? (figure not provided)
a. 2R 3S 4R 5R
b. 2S 3R 4S 5S
c. 2R 3R 4S 5R
d. 2R 3S 4S 5R

6. Why can’t our bodies break down cellulose?
a. We don’t have the necessary enzyme to cleave beta 1-4 linkages
b. Our bodies don’t feel like it.
c. We don’t have the necessary enzyme to cleave alpha 1-2 linkages.
d. We don’t have the necessary enzyme to cleave beta 1-2 linkages.
Click to expand...

answers:
b
c
c
d
a
a
 
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osprey099 said:
I thought TBR was great for E&M.
Click to expand...

Really?? I thought it was the worst chapter yet. I was surprised by how much stuff you needed to know to even have a fighting chance with the passages. If you don't know emf, ohm's law, resistance and stuff that they cover in a later chapter, you flat out can't answer about a third of the questions.
 
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slz1900 said:
Really?? I thought it was the worst chapter yet. I was surprised by how much stuff you needed to know to even have a fighting chance with the passages. If you don't know emf, ohm's law, resistance and stuff that they cover in a later chapter, you flat out can't answer about a third of the questions.
Click to expand...

Most of the passages were about electric and magnetic fields, which was covered in the chapter.
 
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osprey099 said:
Most of the passages were about electric and magnetic fields, which was covered in the chapter.
Click to expand...

True, but all of the things I listed were asked about in passages and not covered. Just fyi to people who have yet to do that chapter: review your circuit stuff before doing the first e&m chapter.
 
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Have y'all seen passage 7 in TBR for the genetic information chapter???? Goodness...i pray that no one had to do a passage like that..smh 😱😱😱:banghead::banghead:

Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch Q using SDN Mobile
 
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Yup...just got assaulted by TBR genetic info passages...worst ive ever done on a set of passages..ridiculous 🙁
 
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Albein said:
Here's my passage, hope it isn't too easy. I'll post answers some time tomorrow night.


The food that we digest each day is composed of a variety of things. The food we eat can include macromolecules such as starch, cellulose, proteins, and other things. Our body reacts very differently in terms of what hormones to release in response to various foods. There are also disorders that may prevent cooperation of our cells in response to the release of these hormones.
One such disorder is diabetes mellitus, where a person has high blood sugar. Type I diabetes is also called “insulin-dependent diabetes” while Type II diabetes results from insulin resistance. The effects of diabetes, if left untreated, are diabetic ketoacidosis, cardiovascular disease, as well as chronic renal failure.

1)After various carbohydrates are broken down and glucose is the monosaccharide remaining, where would glucose be reabsorbed?
a. blood brain barrier
b. Proximal Convoluted Tube
c. Distal Convoluted Tube
d. Loop of Henle

2) After eating a meal rich in carbohydrates, what would the blood glucose level be compared to the interior of cells and which hormone would be released and by what cells?
a. High blood glucose level; insulin by alpha cells of pancreas
b. Low blood glucose level; glucagon by beta cells of pancreas
c. high blood glucose level; insulin by beta cells of pancreas
d. low blood glucose level; glucagon by alpha cells of pancreas

3. Which of the following malfunctions in Type I diabetes?
a. Insulin receptors on cells
b. Alpha cells not able to produce insulin
c. Beta cells not able to produce insulin
d. none of the above

4. Which of the following peptides/steroids increase blood glucose level?
I. Cortisol
II. Glucagon
III. Glycogen
IV. Insulin

a. II and III only
b. I, II, and III only
c. III only
d. I and II only

5. What is the correct stereochemistry of L- glucose? (figure not provided)
a. 2R 3S 4R 5R
b. 2S 3R 4S 5S
c. 2R 3R 4S 5R
d. 2R 3S 4S 5R

6. Why can’t our bodies break down cellulose?
a. We don’t have the necessary enzyme to cleave beta 1-4 linkages
b. Our bodies don’t feel like it.
c. We don’t have the necessary enzyme to cleave alpha 1-2 linkages.
d. We don’t have the necessary enzyme to cleave beta 1-2 linkages.
Click to expand...

my answers in white:
1. b
2. c
3. c
4. d
5. c
6. a
 
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Today began the 60-day countdown, everybody 😉

I have some pretty ambitious ideas for my practice FL schedule starting in February. Yikes, we're really getting down to business now, eh? Fellas? 😳
 
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PlasmodiumVivax said:
I've written down my answers, can you post them?
Click to expand...

Yes, sorry guys I've been pretty busy and haven't had time to write up answers for the PIPES passage, so here they are:

PIPES Passage Key (Answer letters and explanations in WHITE below)

1. Choice A is best. There are no chiral atoms in PIPES, and moreover there is a large plane of symmetry in the molecule.

2. Choice B is best. Knowledge of the sulfur signal wavenumbers for IR spectra is not needed to answer this question. Likewise, one need not know that the C-N stretch occurs around 1100 cm-1. Unlike single bonds, double bonds do not experience bending, only stretching, so B is correct.

3. Choice B is best. The ring carbons' hydrogens are all identical, resulting in one signal. The two carbons in the identical substituent chains are not identical, representing two additional peaks. The identical acidic hydrogens on the sulfonic acid substituents present the fourth peak.

4. Choice B is best. The observed integration ratio and splitting pattern for the complete spectrum of PIPES would be 8H triplet : 4H triplet : 4H triplet : 2H singlet, which simplifies to 4H triplet : 2H triplet : 2H triplet : 1H singlet. The only answer choice which does not conflate the raw and simplified ratios is B.

5. Choice C is best. There is no aromatic amine group in PIPES, eliminating A. Proximity to an electronegative atom results in shifting downfield, so hydrogens near the tertiary amine in PIPES would be shifted downfield, not up, eliminating B. Hydrogen coupling has no bearing on chemical shift, eliminating D. C is correct; proximity to the sulfonic acid group would result in a downfield shift for adjacent C-H values.

6. Choice D is best. Only Choice D gives a value for EM radiation in the infrared spectrum. Choice A might be chosen for UV-vis spectroscopy, but PIPES lacks conjugation and has few pi electrons to be excited during UV-vis, while IR spectroscopy definitely produces a viable spectrum.
 
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GTLO, I think there was a typo in #4 then.

4. Which integration ratio and splitting pattern would be observed in the 1H-NMR spectrum referenced in Question 3?

A. 2H triplet and 2H singlet
B. 2H triplet and 2H triplet
C. 8H triplet, 2H triplet, and 1H singlet
D. 8H triplet, 4H triplet, and 1H singlet
Click to expand...

Compare choice "B" with your answer key...

EDIT: I guess I see where you were going with that, but choice B wasn't a complete answer for the signals 🙁 I knew it should be 8H triplet, 4H triplet, 4H triplet, 2H singlet... I was super confused how to pick A,B,C, or D though. I wonder if that's a common format for NMR questions?
 
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Entadus said:
GTLO, I think there was a typo in #4 then.



Compare choice "B" with your answer key...

EDIT: I guess I see where you were going with that, but choice B wasn't a complete answer for the signals 🙁 I knew it should be 8H triplet, 4H triplet, 4H triplet, 2H singlet... I was super confused how to pick A,B,C, or D though. I wonder if that's a common format for NMR questions?
Click to expand...

For nmr they do ratios, but I suspect they don't put down incomplete answer choices like that in the science sections. More of a verbal thing 🙂 still, good practice. Key takeaways for me are that I should remember no bending for double bonds, and to corroborate answers with other stems in the passage.
 
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Entadus said:
Today began the 60-day countdown, everybody 😉

I have some pretty ambitious ideas for my practice FL schedule starting in February. Yikes, we're really getting down to business now, eh? Fellas? 😳
Click to expand...

1) I got what you got for the renal passage. Nice job, I hope!

2) here on out I've an exam every 3-5 days, recently compressed thanks to an epic seven day hiatus. Going to pick up tonight. What are you looking at?
 
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Hey guys do you have any suggestions for keeping information fresh? I have realized I am starting to forget some of the info I've studied early on.

Did you have review days where you went top to bottom what you've learned so far? Any nuggets of wisdom please 😀
 
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NuttyEngDude said:
Hey guys do you have any suggestions for keeping information fresh? I have realized I am starting to forget some of the info I've studied early on.

Did you have review days where you went top to bottom what you've learned so far? Any nuggets of wisdom please 😀
Click to expand...

The same thing is happening to me. I plan on just skimming through all of the chapters after I finish content review. Also, doing the last 1/3 of passages should get you back up to speed.
 
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NuttyEngDude said:
Hey guys do you have any suggestions for keeping information fresh? I have realized I am starting to forget some of the info I've studied early on.

Did you have review days where you went top to bottom what you've learned so far? Any nuggets of wisdom please 😀
Click to expand...

This has been happening to me for some time. As soon as I get caught up to my schedule, I'm going to use break days to just kind of skim over a few chapters and maybe re-write some important formulas.
 
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NuttyEngDude said:
Hey guys do you have any suggestions for keeping information fresh? I have realized I am starting to forget some of the info I've studied early on.

Did you have review days where you went top to bottom what you've learned so far? Any nuggets of wisdom please 😀
Click to expand...

If you take notes, then on weekends, you can go through your entire set of notes once so the information will be fresh in your mind when you do passages during the weekdays. This is what I'm doing.
 
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osprey099 said:
If you take notes, then on weekends, you can go through your entire set of notes once so the information will be fresh in your mind when you do passages during the weekdays. This is what I'm doing.
Click to expand...

Also helps if you have outlines of the chapters. It's probably a lot more work than is necessary though :/
 
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How does one explain doing considerably better on PR verbal passages than BR? I've done 1.5 diagnostic verbal exams from the BR and am tanking them. However for PR, I'm getting 5/7-6/7 most of the time.
 
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Also guys, I put a BS passage last night. I haven't seen too many attempt it so I'm thinking to postpone putting up answers/some explanations tomorrow morning instead of tonight. I wanted to make it longer and have some passage based comprehension question but they're hard to write. Also, does anyone have the passages created so far saved anywhere instead of me having to look for them? I want to try them all but haven't had a chance yet. Good luck studying. I'm still trying to catch up and have Nitrogenous compounds today.
 
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Anybody got any feedback on the EK method for the verbal section?

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Anyone know anything about TPR ICC? I just ordered a copy on amazon since I need more verbal practice. Are these passages similar to the ones in their verbal workbook?
 
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osprey099 said:
Anyone know anything about TPR ICC? I just ordered a copy on amazon since I need more verbal practice. Are these passages similar to the ones in their verbal workbook?
Click to expand...

What's ICC?

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osprey099 said:
Anyone know anything about TPR ICC? I just ordered a copy on amazon since I need more verbal practice. Are these passages similar to the ones in their verbal workbook?
Click to expand...

I took the PR course last year. If I recall correctly, some of the ICC passages were more difficult so I wouldn't get too discouraged. They also don't have any explanations, but just answers so you'll have to figure out why your answer was wrong on your own.
 
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Thanks for the suggestions on retaining the info guys.


Albein said:
Also guys, I put a BS passage last night. I haven't seen too many attempt it so I'm thinking to postpone putting up answers/some explanations tomorrow morning instead of tonight. I wanted to make it longer and have some passage based comprehension question but they're hard to write. Also, does anyone have the passages created so far saved anywhere instead of me having to look for them? I want to try them all but haven't had a chance yet. Good luck studying. I'm still trying to catch up and have Nitrogenous compounds today.
Click to expand...

You can always put up the solutions but white it out so it's not completely viewable.

Albein said:
I took the PR course last year. If I recall correctly, some of the ICC passages were more difficult so I wouldn't get too discouraged. They also don't have any explanations, but just answers so you'll have to figure out why your answer was wrong on your own.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. osprey i think this is a good idea for you since you are searching for materials, even without explanations, it's still TPR stuff
 
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I just finished up the TPR course and I agree with what others are saying. Some passages are harder and don't have explanations, but they're good for overall practice. Passages are pretty dull though, which is pretty much like most verbal passages. Good luck!

osprey099 said:
Anyone know anything about TPR ICC? I just ordered a copy on amazon since I need more verbal practice. Are these passages similar to the ones in their verbal workbook?
Click to expand...
 
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See the previous fact here

Today's fact concerns organic compound structure!

This awesomely concise yet detailed picture will serve as today's fact:

1-ketoenol2.jpg
 
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Here is the passage with the answers and explanations in white.

The food that we digest each day is composed of a variety of things. The food we eat can include macromolecules such as starch, cellulose, proteins, and other things. Our body reacts very differently in terms of what hormones to release in response to various foods. There are also disorders that may prevent cooperation of our cells in response to the release of these hormones.
One such disorder is diabetes mellitus, where a person has high blood sugar. Type I diabetes is also called "insulin-dependent diabetes" while Type II diabetes results from insulin resistance. The effects of diabetes, if left untreated, are diabetic ketoacidosis, cardiovascular disease, as well as chronic renal failure.

1)After various carbohydrates are broken down and glucose is the monosaccharide remaining, where would glucose be reabsorbed?
a. blood brain barrier
b. Proximal Convoluted Tube
c. Distal Convoluted Tube
d. Loop of Henle

2) After eating a meal rich in carbohydrates, what would the blood glucose level be compared to the interior of cells and which hormone would be released and by what cells?
a. High blood glucose level; insulin by alpha cells of pancreas
b. Low blood glucose level; glucagon by beta cells of pancreas
c. high blood glucose level; insulin by beta cells of pancreas
d. low blood glucose level; glucagon by alpha cells of pancreas

3. Which of the following malfunctions in Type I diabetes?
a. Insulin receptors on cells
b. Alpha cells not able to produce insulin
c. Beta cells not able to produce insulin
d. none of the above

4. Which of the following peptides/steroids increase blood glucose level?
I. Cortisol
II. Glucagon
III. Glycogen
IV. Insulin

a. II and III only
b. I, II, and III only
c. III only
d. I and II only

5. What is the correct stereochemistry of L- glucose? (figure not provided)
a. 2R 3S 4R 5R
b. 2S 3R 4S 5S
c. 2R 3R 4S 5R
d. 2R 3S 4S 5R

6. Why can't our bodies break down cellulose?
a. We don't have the necessary enzyme to cleave beta 1-4 linkages
b. Our bodies don't feel like it.
c. We don't have the necessary enzyme to cleave alpha 1-2 linkages.
d. We don't have the necessary enzyme to cleave beta 1-2 linkages.

1 B. This is just something you should know. The PCT is where the majority of reabsorption occurs.
2 C. After eating a meal rich in carbs, glucose will be high in the blood after the breakdown of the polysaccharides. As a result, the BETA cells of the pancreas release insulin to increase uptake of glucose.
3 C . In Type I diabetes, the beta cells are unable to produce insulin. In type II diabetes, the receptors are unable to respond to the insulin released.
4 D. The only trick here was to read steroid/peptide. While glycogen does ultimately increase blood glucose level, it is neither a steroid nor a peptide.
5 B. For this you needed to recognize that it was asking about L-glucose and not D- glucose. The stereochemistry of D-glucose is choice A, and since L-glucose is the enantiomer, all of the chiral centers have the opposite stereochemistry which is choice B.
6 A. For this you need to know that cellulose has a beta linkage and that it is a 1-4 linkage.
 
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Good passage Albein
👍
Dang, totally oversaw the L-glucose, I was thinking L- is the naturally occurring isomer like Amino Acids.... D-glucose is, of course, the most prevalent isomer.

Wouldn't have gotten the question right, anyway 😳 Needed to spend more time to get it right.
 
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Entadus said:
Good passage Albein
👍
Dang, totally oversaw the L-glucose, I was thinking L- is the naturally occurring isomer like Amino Acids.... D-glucose is, of course, the most prevalent isomer.

Wouldn't have gotten the question right, anyway 😳 Needed to spend more time to get it right.
Click to expand...

I kept thinking "F Glucose!" But it didnt help.... 😛
 
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