The Official 3/23/13 MCAT Thread

[Redpancreas]

---

Members do not see this ad.

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?

 

[slz1900]

didn't postgame formally but it looks like the fact that it was orgo heavy with a tough micro passage got me. i tend to do worse on weekday practices because i do them after work, but it's still disconcerting. still though, ultimately I'd be happy with a 34 on the real thing. pg tonight.

I scored lower on 5 too (scored 34 - 38 on the others, 32 on 5). Your scores are so high that I wouldn't sweat it, plus, you know you're in a really good place when a 34 is disappointing.

 

[dellian101]

For those scoring over 30 and high 30, how do you approach checking your work? I finish bio with 25 min to spare and on aamc 8 for instance didn't even check that I misread the graphs and that cost me 2 points.

Once when I did check, I changed answers to incorrect ones


What are your strategie

 

[sp808]

For those scoring over 30 and high 30, how do you approach checking your work? I finish bio with 25 min to spare and on aamc 8 for instance didn't even check that I misread the graphs and that cost me 2 points.

Once when I did check, I changed answers to incorrect ones


What are your strategie

I finish bio quickly as well and the key is to go through the logic of your answer multiple times until you are 100% satisfied. You definitely have enough time to do that and you could probably go slower the first time through and be more careful. I find myself with 15-20 min left after slowing my pace and I basically go through every single question, not just the marked ones, and retake the entire section.

 

[Albein]

For those who have taken BR tests, do we have to figure out our score on our own by using a conversion chart? I just finished a test and all I see if what I got right and wrong.

 

[Albein]

I finish bio quickly as well and the key is to go through the logic of your answer multiple times until you are 100% satisfied. You definitely have enough time to do that and you could probably go slower the first time through and be more careful. I find myself with 15-20 min left after slowing my pace and I basically go through every single question, not just the marked ones, and retake the entire section.

I also finish bio with a ridiculous amount of time to spare (usually 30 minutes). Next AAMC exam I take, I'm going to slow the pace down and reason through the answer because I don't think going back will help too much. Your reasoning is still fresh on your mind and I don't think you'd see something that soon to change your mind.

 

[sp808]

I also finish bio with a ridiculous amount of time to spare (usually 30 minutes). Next AAMC exam I take, I'm going to slow the pace down and reason through the answer because I don't think going back will help too much. Your reasoning is still fresh on your mind and I don't think you'd see something that soon to change your mind.

I think doing both is important if you have the time. Going slowly and carefully the first time through is the best, but retaking the test can also allow you to consider multiple perspectives or help you realize that one of the assumptions you made the first time could be wrong.

For those who have taken BR tests, do we have to figure out our score on our own by using a conversion chart? I just finished a test and all I see if what I got right and wrong.

Yep, it's annoying because they don't give you exact scores, but they attach a conversion chart in the email they sent you when your tests were activated.

 

[sp808]

AAMC 8: 14/11/15 = 40

Three more AAMCs to go, plus the physics self-assessment. 8 days left!

 

[pablosohn]

AAMC7:
13/8/12

I AM ABSOLUTELY EXCITED TO SEE THIS!!!
I've been really depressed and sad because I wasn't ever able to break the 32+ barrier. But I did it! If you believe in yourself, you will know how to kill it!!!!!!

 

[Albein]

I think doing both is important if you have the time. Going slowly and carefully the first time through is the best, but retaking the test can also allow you to consider multiple perspectives or help you realize that one of the assumptions you made the first time could be wrong.



Yep, it's annoying because they don't give you exact scores, but they attach a conversion chart in the email they sent you when your tests were activated.

That's true. Retaking it is definitely better than just glancing back at a question or two. And thanks for telling me where to get the conversion chart, never thought to check for attachments.

BR 1- 8/10/10 for 28. I honestly thought this test was harder than any of the 3 AAMC (3-5) were or maybe I'm just not used to their tests idk. Go over it tomorrow and see where I messed up. Hopefully these tests help me fix weaknesses before I take the rest of the AAMC exams.
Does anyone have tips on how long before your exam date you should be done talking AAMC/studying?

 

[Albein]

AAMC7:
13/8/12

I AM ABSOLUTELY EXCITED TO SEE THIS!!!
I've been really depressed and sad because I wasn't ever able to break the 32+ barrier. But I did it! If you believe in yourself, you will know how to kill it!!!!!!

Congrats! Keep it up!!

 

[sp808]

That's true. Retaking it is definitely better than just glancing back at a question or two. And thanks for telling me where to get the conversion chart, never thought to check for attachments.

BR 1- 8/10/10 for 28. I honestly thought this test was harder than any of the 3 AAMC (3-5) were or maybe I'm just not used to their tests idk. Go over it tomorrow and see where I messed up. Hopefully these tests help me fix weaknesses before I take the rest of the AAMC exams.
Does anyone have tips on how long before your exam date you should be done talking AAMC/studying?

BR1 was one of my lower scores, despite being considered an easier test so there's room for improvement and the AAMCs are definitely easier.

Here's an unofficial ranking of the BR test difficulties if you're curious: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=622658&page=21

I would look at it after you take each exam, not before, since its better to take tests without any preconception of difficulty to simulate taking the real exam. But it can provide some reassurance for a particularly difficult exam. That being said, my scores didn't correlate at all with the difficulty (my highest scores were on the most difficult tests and my lowest were on the easier ones).

 

[Captain Sisko]

AAMC 8: 14/11/15 = 40

Three more AAMCs to go, plus the physics self-assessment. 8 days left!

great job!

 

[Albein]

BR1 was one of my lower scores, despite being considered an easier test so there's room for improvement and the AAMCs are definitely easier.

Here's an unofficial ranking of the BR test difficulties if you're curious: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=622658&page=21

I would look at it after you take each exam, not before, since its better to take tests without any preconception of difficulty to simulate taking the real exam. But it can provide some reassurance for a particularly difficult exam. That being said, my scores didn't correlate at all with the difficulty (my highest scores were on the most difficult tests and my lowest were on the easier ones).

Thanks! I'm definitely going to look at it after I take all the exams, just some of the passages made me go wtf. Just hoping to break 30s on these.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

didn't postgame formally but it looks like the fact that it was orgo heavy with a tough micro passage got me. i tend to do worse on weekday practices because i do them after work, but it's still disconcerting. still though, ultimately I'd be happy with a 34 on the real thing. pg tonight.

I scored lower on 5 too (scored 34 - 38 on the others, 32 on 5). Your scores are so high that I wouldn't sweat it, plus, you know you're in a really good place when a 34 is disappointing.

hehe yeah slz nailed it and 5 was rough for me too. The VR section was rough, but glad to see you did pretty good on it anyways. They do say that over a certain score boils down to part luck part topic selection so maybe they hit you where it hurt for BS.

That the secret!!

If only lol, I could get used to that method of studying 🙂




Plan for the day
It's Friday so I'm going to try to hit the gym, get all dressed up and show my mcat books to a nice dinner. Maybe take them to a showing of "TPR test 5", who knows maybe i'll get lucky.......

Oh a serious note, orgo, orgo, more orgo, verbal, a sectional test in PS and then TPR #5 if i'm not too tired after all that lol.

edit: scratch tpr#5, i'm going to do the bio passages from TPR and some TBR bio passages

 

[Chalupa Batman]

Friday Fun fact:
If a bridge was built to go around the entire world and then all at once its supports were removed - would the bridge float?

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Friday Fun fact:
If a bridge was built to go around the entire world and then all at once its supports were removed - would the bridge float?

It may depend on the materials used......but the way bridges are designed, no, because they are designed to distribute stress and if you remove the supports, the stress would not be able to be transferred.

But....you have just reminded me to practice some young's modulus problems. 😛

 

[Captain Sisko]

It may depend on the materials used......but the way bridges are designed, no, because they are designed to distribute stress and if you remove the supports, the stress would not be able to be transferred.

But....you have just reminded me to practice some young's modulus problems. 😛

i think he's asking about solid bodies in orbit. fortunately that is a silly question 🙂

 

[carboxylase]

Yes, the bridge would "float".

Did some verbal post game. The questions I'm missing are like "oh, I didn't think of that when narrowing down answers" or "oh, I didn't attach much significance to that statement so I didn't consider it." That would make sense, because when getting stuck between two answers, the difference actually comes down to a word or two in the passage.

The old advice of reading for the author's intent (which I was doing) will only get you half-way. I think you do have to read these things like a science journal sometimes.

 

[Chalupa Batman]

Theoretically you would expect it to float. but even if it was ideally strong the differences of gravity in different areas of the world (due to differences in density of rock beneath) would make it start to move and also the moon would make it start spinning like a hula hoop

lol fun fact of the day

 

[Albein]

I wish they had a mid April test and not just the 4th and the 26th. I still have 6 BR tests to go through, AAMC 7-11 and the SAP which I'm purchasing tomorrow or Sunday. I don't want to rush through them just to take the test the 4th but I also want to get them all done. Any tips? I'm scheduled for the 4th as of now. I'm also a retaker and first time around didnt go too well so I need to make sure this time around is my best effort. A part of me also thinks I'm trying to put it off... 🙁

 

[NuttyEngDude]

I dont think you have enough time to get all that in by the 4th. You need to remember that you have to review and do additional problems that address your weakspots. Additionally, those tests are draining. Count a day just to the test itself, even if you are reviewing the same day.


Just got killed by two passages on EK101 test 10. ugg lol. VR is such a roller coaster.

 

[Albein]

I dont think you have enough time to get all that in by the 4th. You need to remember that you have to review and do additional problems that address your weakspots. Additionally, those tests are draining. Count a day just to the test itself, even if you are reviewing the same day.


Just got killed by two passages on EK101 test 10. ugg lol. VR is such a roller coaster.

Verbal is the definition of an emotional roller coaster. The only reason I'm being hesitant about it is because I'm worried I may let up a little because ill now have even more time.

 

[carboxylase]

Just got killed by two passages on EK101 test 10. ugg lol.

I just got a 7 in EK101 test 9. When I was taking it, I was thinking about how I knew most of the answers and that the strategy I was trying was working great. Nope, did the worst I have ever done in verbal in my life.

I read the questions first before the passage and I felt I knew the answers as I was moving along. Finished just in time, so I don't think I was moving too fast. Maybe moving too slow even.

VR is such a roller coaster.

Don't roller coasters have drops AND rises? Still waiting for the rise.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Don't roller coasters have drops AND rises? Still waiting for the rise.

A. MCAT authors apparently disagree due to their subscription to the old ways of the pre-judaio-christian genre
B. This supports the author's evidence based theories on and allows more testament to which prep material is the best.
C. Criticality is based on new gregorian principles as set forth by use of the word "moving"
D. That's what she said.





Answer is: D

 

[Albein]

A. MCAT authors apparently disagree due to their subscription to the old ways of the pre-judaio-christian genre
B. This supports the author's evidence based theories on and allows more testament to which prep material is the best.
C. Criticality is based on new gregorian principles as set forth by use of the word "moving"
D. That's what she said.





Answer is: D

D, the answer is definitely "that's what she said" I'm sure the logic to support that answer will somehow convince us of that too.

Another thing is I can't wait for the backlash from the family for changing the date. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I can finish my 6 remaining BR exams by the 4th and then do the SAP and remaining 5 AAMCs with the renaming 20 days I'd have....

 

[carboxylase]

A. MCAT authors apparently disagree due to their subscription to the old ways of the pre-judaio-christian genre
B. This supports the author's evidence based theories on and allows more testament to which prep material is the best.
C. Criticality is based on new gregorian principles as set forth by use of the word "moving"
D. That's what she said.



Answer is: D

More like:

A) That's what she said
B) That's what the female said
C) That's what the girl said
D) Tacoes

 

[ash0515]

More like:

A) That's what she said
B) That's what the female said
C) That's what the girl said
D) Tacoes

Oh man, I just dropped from a 33 to a 30 on AAMC9. I'm super depressed now 🙁

 

[Postictal Raiden]

I dont think you have enough time to get all that in by the 4th. You need to remember that you have to review and do additional problems that address your weakspots. Additionally, those tests are draining. Count a day just to the test itself, even if you are reviewing the same day.


Just got killed by two passages on EK101 test 10. ugg lol. VR is such a roller coaster.

Take EK test 13 and let me know what you think about the steepness of the roller coaster drop. This test is unbelievably hard.

 

[hope2b62a]

Still reviewing physics...why oh why?! :/

 

[PlasmodiumVivax]

Take EK test 13 and let me know what you think about the steepness of the roller coaster drop. This test is unbelievably hard.

+1

I got an average of 10's on all of my EK except for that test where I got an 8 lol.

 

[Captain Sisko]

Ever notice how in aamc verbal none of the fun answers are correct? Kind of bummed about that picasso passage, I was hoping they finally lightened up and said gertrude stein was going to look ugly in the future. but noooo something something incomprehensible...

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Take EK test 13 and let me know what you think about the steepness of the roller coaster drop. This test is unbelievably hard.

+1

I got an average of 10's on all of my EK except for that test where I got an 8 lol.

Oh great! Now I'm afraid. Maybe I should just jump to that one and get it over with.

Ever notice how in aamc verbal none of the fun answers are correct? Kind of bummed about that picasso passage, I was hoping they finally lightened up and said gertrude stein was going to look ugly in the future. but noooo something something incomprehensible...

I picked that one too

 

[Albein]

Ever notice how in aamc verbal none of the fun answers are correct? Kind of bummed about that picasso passage, I was hoping they finally lightened up and said gertrude stein was going to look ugly in the future. but noooo something something incomprehensible...

Haha I remember that. I picked it too.

 

[Chalupa Batman]

one week left!
here some more inspiration 😀

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlD9JYP8u5E

 

[NuttyEngDude]

spent the day doing orgo in the midst of a power outage. so sick of orgo! i'm not even sure i learned anything

going to do some bio just for sanity's sake. hope everyone is kicking butt 👍

 

[carboxylase]

EDIT: Figured it out.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Not kicking butt. Drunk as a skunk.

 

[Captain Sisko]

So after reviewing my test it looks like almost all my wrong answers (with the exception of some orgo nomenclature and a reaction mechanism) from AAMC5 were due to what I would call "reasoning skills" as opposed to a lack of content. Meaning, I either wasn't thinking, wasn't thinking clearly, had some math error, didn't get what they were getting at, or something similar.

I was talking to the fiancee about this and she suggested that in order to keep myself sane I not take my Wednesday exam as planned (AAMC7) and just use the week for some light review and formula memorization after having taken and religiously postgamed AAMC9 tomorrow. Other reasoning was that if I **** the bed on AAMC7 it could seriously freak me out for real thing, so I may want to see how tomorrow goes anyway.

What do you all think about skipping the wednesday AAMC if I do ok on tomorrow's practice? I did all the "newer" exams (8-11 if I do 9 tomorrow), but on the other hand I did already buy it. On the third hand (Hindu deities here) if I mess up on the real exam I'd have AAMC7 fresh for a retake, but on the fourth, as she pointed out, Wednesday's practice test would be practice FL #23... necessary at this point or value not added?

thanks guys. one week to go!

 

[AFVet07]

So after reviewing my test it looks like almost all my wrong answers (with the exception of some orgo nomenclature and a reaction mechanism) from AAMC5 were due to what I would call "reasoning skills" as opposed to a lack of content. Meaning, I either wasn't thinking, wasn't thinking clearly, had some math error, didn't get what they were getting at, or something similar.

I was talking to the fiancee about this and she suggested that in order to keep myself sane I not take my Wednesday exam as planned (AAMC7) and just use the week for some light review and formula memorization after having taken and religiously postgamed AAMC9 tomorrow. Other reasoning was that if I **** the bed on AAMC7 it could seriously freak me out for real thing, so I may want to see how tomorrow goes anyway.

What do you all think about skipping the wednesday AAMC if I do ok on tomorrow's practice? I did all the "newer" exams (8-11 if I do 9 tomorrow), but on the other hand I did already buy it. On the third hand (Hindu deities here) if I mess up on the real exam I'd have AAMC7 fresh for a retake, but on the fourth, as she pointed out, Wednesday's practice test would be practice FL #23... necessary at this point or value not added?

thanks guys. one week to go!

I don't see the point of taking a full length that close to the real thing. I have a few questions though. What are you averaging on the full lengths and are you finishing on time?

 

[NuttyEngDude]

What do you all think about skipping the wednesday AAMC if I do ok on tomorrow's practice? I did all the "newer" exams (8-11 if I do 9 tomorrow), but on the other hand I did already buy it. On the third hand (Hindu deities here) if I mess up on the real exam I'd have AAMC7 fresh for a retake, but on the fourth, as she pointed out, Wednesday's practice test would be practice FL #23... necessary at this point or value not added?

thanks guys. one week to go!

I think you'll be ok to skip, but make sure your practices this week are of good caliber so that you are truly practicing and not just daydreaming or something. hit those weakspots early in the week and finish on your strengths (so you dont lose any easy points whatsoever). If you remember, that test put me in a serious funk as well.

 

[Albein]

So after reviewing my test it looks like almost all my wrong answers (with the exception of some orgo nomenclature and a reaction mechanism) from AAMC5 were due to what I would call "reasoning skills" as opposed to a lack of content. Meaning, I either wasn't thinking, wasn't thinking clearly, had some math error, didn't get what they were getting at, or something similar.

I was talking to the fiancee about this and she suggested that in order to keep myself sane I not take my Wednesday exam as planned (AAMC7) and just use the week for some light review and formula memorization after having taken and religiously postgamed AAMC9 tomorrow. Other reasoning was that if I **** the bed on AAMC7 it could seriously freak me out for real thing, so I may want to see how tomorrow goes anyway.

What do you all think about skipping the wednesday AAMC if I do ok on tomorrow's practice? I did all the "newer" exams (8-11 if I do 9 tomorrow), but on the other hand I did already buy it. On the third hand (Hindu deities here) if I mess up on the real exam I'd have AAMC7 fresh for a retake, but on the fourth, as she pointed out, Wednesday's practice test would be practice FL #23... necessary at this point or value not added?

thanks guys. one week to go!

I think they're all right. A huge part of this test is confidence and you've been killing it from what I see so you shouldn't do anything that may shake your confidence, especially since it's so close to the real thing.



On another note, I tried to change my test date for either the 26/27 and both seats were swiped from me. They both appeared there, but when i pressed the button it said no seats available.

 

[dellian101]

just finished AAMC 11

i LOVED the biol section = the experiment based questions really boosted up my score 🙂 i hope the real mcat is like that!!

 

[NuttyEngDude]

just finished AAMC 11

i LOVED the biol section = the experiment based questions really boosted up my score 🙂 i hope the real mcat is like that!!

👍

 

[dellian101]

👍

how is orgo coming along NED?

 

[PlasmodiumVivax]

Went to the testing center to see how long it'll take me to drive there and to cover some stuff. It went well except for the fact they want me to check in at 7 am, which it takes me around 40 minutes to drive so I have to wake up at 5:30 🙁. Anybody got any tips for sleeping early? Whenever I take my practice tests I wake up around 6

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Take EK test 13 and let me know what you think about the steepness of the roller coaster drop. This test is unbelievably hard.

just took it, it was rough, the roughest I've seen in that book. Glad to have gotten it out of the way 😛

how is orgo coming along NED?

Not good but better

Went to the testing center to see how long it'll take me to drive there and to cover some stuff. It went well except for the fact they want me to check in at 7 am, which it takes me around 40 minutes to drive so I have to wake up at 5:30 🙁. Anybody got any tips for sleeping early? Whenever I take my practice tests I wake up around 6

Start from today.......... stay up late wake up early, should take a day or two.

 

[Entadus]

So after reviewing my test it looks like almost all my wrong answers (with the exception of some orgo nomenclature and a reaction mechanism) from AAMC5 were due to what I would call "reasoning skills" as opposed to a lack of content. Meaning, I either wasn't thinking, wasn't thinking clearly, had some math error, didn't get what they were getting at, or something similar.

I was talking to the fiancee about this and she suggested that in order to keep myself sane I not take my Wednesday exam as planned (AAMC7) and just use the week for some light review and formula memorization after having taken and religiously postgamed AAMC9 tomorrow. Other reasoning was that if I **** the bed on AAMC7 it could seriously freak me out for real thing, so I may want to see how tomorrow goes anyway.

What do you all think about skipping the wednesday AAMC if I do ok on tomorrow's practice? I did all the "newer" exams (8-11 if I do 9 tomorrow), but on the other hand I did already buy it. On the third hand (Hindu deities here) if I mess up on the real exam I'd have AAMC7 fresh for a retake, but on the fourth, as she pointed out, Wednesday's practice test would be practice FL #23... necessary at this point or value not added?

thanks guys. one week to go!

Skip that !sh

just finished AAMC 11

i LOVED the biol section = the experiment based questions really boosted up my score 🙂 i hope the real mcat is like that!!

Let's hope I love it too Starting AAMC 11 presently...

 

[DRGLUTEALCLEFT]

Wow!! I may sound dumb saying this but, I just finished AAMC 11 and I thought it was the most challenging out of all. The I scored 10/9/10 on the respective sections but the biology was waaaayyyy harder than all the other ones. I wouldnt say so much harder than required deep thought and analyzing the data more thoroughly...

Any input or comments on how you felt about the AAMC 11?? Would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Captain Sisko]

Wow!! I may sound dumb saying this but, I just finished AAMC 11 and I thought it was the most challenging out of all. The I scored 10/9/10 on the respective sections but the biology was waaaayyyy harder than all the other ones. I wouldnt say so much harder than required deep thought and analyzing the data more thoroughly...

Any input or comments on how you felt about the AAMC 11?? Would be greatly appreciated!

I also thought 11 was the hardest of all the AAMC's, followed closely by 5. I've taken 3,4,5,6,8,10, and 11 so far.

 

[Entadus]

Just finished AAMC 11, I thought it was hard!! 👎

I was pressed for time on every section and had to mark a lot of Q's. Thankfully my score is right on the money. Not my best, but I'll take it 🙂


AAMC 11

14/14/14 = 42