The Official 4/16/11 MCAT Club!

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Sort by date Sort by votes
Did 4 TPR VR passages timed for 30 min and totally bombed 2 of them. I estimate it's around a score of 7 🙁 wth.

Why is TPR verbal so hard 🙁
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
ChocoMoo said:
Btw, I saw in your other post that you use BR for verbal. Is it any good? It's a little late in the game but I've been thinking about trying it out. I'm almost out of EK 101 and TPR VR passages.
Click to expand...

BR is decent. One thing it helps with is that it has longer passages, forcing you to develop quick reading habits. The questions are much more concrete, though.

I'm thinking about getting EK 101 myself.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Yeah, I'm definitely going to switch over to EK 101 after finishing up my TPRH verbal workbook, for which I am frequently scoring 7-8s.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
msr25 said:
Yeah, I'm definitely going to switch over to EK 101 after finishing up my TPRH verbal workbook, for which I am frequently scoring 7-8s.
Click to expand...

Lol yea the general consensus I've seen is that TPR verbal is pretty hardcore. I'm going to go order the EK 101 now. Hopefully 1 month with EK will be productive.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
The EK passages are actually interesting to read, but the questions are a bit nitpicky IMO. I have done 12 of the 14 practice verbal tests. I think it is really good practice though, 10X better than Kaplan verbal.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Renaissance Man said:
The EK passages are actually interesting to read, but the questions are a bit nitpicky IMO. I have done 12 of the 14 practice verbal tests. I think it is really good practice though, 10X better than Kaplan verbal.
Click to expand...

Yea I have heard that Kaplan verbal is pure garbage :laugh:

I ordered the EK book. I figured it was worth the 40 bucks. Should be getting it in two days.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Renaissance Man said:
The EK passages are actually interesting to read, but the questions are a bit nitpicky IMO. I have done 12 of the 14 practice verbal tests. I think it is really good practice though, 10X better than Kaplan verbal.
Click to expand...

So true. A large part of the reason why I do so much better on EK's passages is because they're actually interesting to read (pimps and their prostitutes, anyone?). I think TPR might be good for getting used to those super mundane and boring topics though. Hopefully on our MCAT, we don't get any obscure psychology/Freudian/deam&sleep stuff. I can't stand to read those!

On another note, I was able to catch up and get all my gchem review done over the weekend. For tonight, I'm just going to go over some ochem reactions and review a couple bio systems. Did three EK passages this morning timed for 21 min and ended up missing 4 questions. One of these days, I'd really like to do a chunk of VR passages and get all the questions right.. 🙄
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I'll be taking the 4/16 test as well. Been in a TPR class since Jan 3.

Giving up my Mardi Gras today to put in a good eight hours! 🙁

Has anyone taken AAMC 9 yet? I've been doing badly on TPR diags, but finally broke a 30 on AAMC 9.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Renaissance Man said:
Steve and Choco you seem to be the most involved on this thread, what are you guys realistically hoping to score on the real deal? Any ideal medical schools or future specialties?
Click to expand...

My target score has been a 35 to make up for my mediocre GPA, but easier said than done. Based on some previous practice tests I think I can pull off a 32 as long as I don't totally eff up on verbal..I swear that section will be the end of me Lol. We still have over a month-ish left though, so I'm just gonna study as much as I can until test day and pray to the MCAT deities when scores are released :laugh:

As for med schools, probably one in california to be close to the fam. Although I'll definitely consider going out of state if need be.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Ugh..did 3 EK passages again, timed for about 23 min. Ended up missing one more than last time. Gonna look over what I did wrong, hopefully I'll do better tomorrow.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
ChocoMoo said:
Ugh..did 3 EK passages again, timed for about 23 min. Ended up missing one more than last time. Gonna look over what I did wrong, hopefully I'll do better tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Dude chill out on the verbal haha. It really sounds like you're on overdrive with it, which can reduce your score to begin with. All I'm doing with verbal at this point is practicing a little every day and trying to make sure that my timing is on par. For me, if I finish the test- which I do about 75% of the time- I do well enough. Maybe try and find that one little thing about your approach- it simplifies things. Of course, it's easier said than done, and I've definitely gone on verbal overdrive several times already 😀.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
SteveJMarist said:
Dude chill out on the verbal haha. It really sounds like you're on overdrive with it, which can reduce your score to begin with. All I'm doing with verbal at this point is practicing a little every day and trying to make sure that my timing is on par. For me, if I finish the test- which I do about 75% of the time- I do well enough. Maybe try and find that one little thing about your approach- it simplifies things. Of course, it's easier said than done, and I've definitely gone on verbal overdrive several times already 😀.
Click to expand...

Definitely agree with this. About two weeks ago, I did an entire EK 101 test, and then later that night did a Kaplan passage and completely bombed it. If you burn out on VR it will affect your score big time.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Damn. One question away from a 9 in the PR verbal book, though I believe doing these passages is helping my timing. I'm going to dive into General and Organic Chem for the rest of this week and perhaps, take AAMC 3 to see where I stand.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
SteveJMarist said:
Dude chill out on the verbal haha. It really sounds like you're on overdrive with it, which can reduce your score to begin with. All I'm doing with verbal at this point is practicing a little every day and trying to make sure that my timing is on par. For me, if I finish the test- which I do about 75% of the time- I do well enough. Maybe try and find that one little thing about your approach- it simplifies things. Of course, it's easier said than done, and I've definitely gone on verbal overdrive several times already 😀.
Click to expand...

What do you mean by the bolded?

Haha, and yeah I definitely freak out about verbal too much. Right now I do about 3 EK passages a day during the weekdays, and do increasing amounts of passages from TPR over the weekend. So this weekend I'll do 4 TPR passages timed, then the next weekend I might kick it up to 5, etc.

I've been super crazy about verbal because I know a decent verbal score is necessary to get a 35, and verbal is one of the harder sections to improve. Ughhh
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Hey everyone! I guess I'll be taking the exam on 16th rather than 9th. Maybe it'll be third time lucky. :xf:To all of the people that are getting beat up by tpr exams, the first few are the harder than the real mcat.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
draa01 said:
To all of the people that are getting beat up by tpr exams, the first few are the harder than the real mcat.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I had figured that since i've jumped 11 points from my first TPR diag (20 on TPR 1 to a 31 on AAMC 9).

Anxious to see if this jump is real. Some of those TPR diags are insane and VERY content heavy.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I am also scheduled to take the exam on 4/16. I am having problem with my verbal timing, I am working on EK 101 and it is helping. it just not where i want to be at. any suggestions are well appreciated.👍
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
InshallahGSug2b said:
I am also scheduled to take the exam on 4/16. I am having problem with my verbal timing, I am working on EK 101 and it is helping. it just not where i want to be at. any suggestions are well appreciated.👍
Click to expand...

How have you been scoring?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
InshallahGSug2b said:
I am also scheduled to take the exam on 4/16. I am having problem with my verbal timing, I am working on EK 101 and it is helping. it just not where i want to be at. any suggestions are well appreciated.👍
Click to expand...

You are on the right track by using EK 101. I think they are great practice. I don't know what particular trouble you are having, but my advice is to go in order, and to read the entire passage first. There will be one or two questions that are straightforward for each passage, some others that require you to glance back at the passage and/or think, and probably a question that will be a "good guess." For those, your best bet is to eliminate the wrong answer choices and go with your gut, IMO. I never leave any blank before I move on, because for me it is too hard to come back and try to remember what I read in the past.

As far as timing goes, before you start put everything away except for a clock. Record when you start the VR practice test. When I first started, I recorded how much time had passed after I had finished roughly half the test, and judging by that, I knew how my pace was. Honestly each VR test has been different, sometimes I finish with 20 minutes to spare, other times I barely get to finish the last question. I hope that helps?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Hello guys! Just found this thread. Am I the only one freaking out?? I did my mcat first kaplan FL and got a 23..I hope to be done with content review next week and just keep reviewing and practicing until test day. I need to get over a 30 in my next practice exams..freaking out!! :'(
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
flakpilot said:
Hello guys! Just found this thread. Am I the only one freaking out?? I did my mcat first kaplan FL and got a 23..I hope to be done with content review next week and just keep reviewing and practicing until test day. I need to get over a 30 in my next practice exams..freaking out!! :'(
Click to expand...

you're not the only one. i wouldn't say i'm "freaking out", but i'm definitely anxious to see the results of these next couple FLs. i think we'll be seeing a big jump after content is over, and we can focus on FL strategy and passages. i'm halfway through EK 101 verbal and i like my progress so far (9,9,10,11). i just hope it stays on the upward climb!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
flakpilot said:
Hello guys! Just found this thread. Am I the only one freaking out?? I did my mcat first kaplan FL and got a 23..I hope to be done with content review next week and just keep reviewing and practicing until test day. I need to get over a 30 in my next practice exams..freaking out!! :'(
Click to expand...

Hey, no worries! As long as you keep practicing and studying, you ought to be fine. Remember: don't take the exam until your full-lengths are at or greater than the score you want.

Things were rough for me for a little while, but now everything's getting better. I finished outlining my content and am now recording my notes so I can listen to them at work. There's a slight disconnect with my friends, I must admit - no one wants to talk about restriction enzymes or thermodynamics! But I'm getting more and more confident every day. Once my finals for this term are over, I'll be doing full-lengths every week. Here's hoping I break 33 before April 1st! That's my goal!

I'm sort of tracking my progress by how many pens and highlighters I run dry. Hahaha! Anyone else have a weird quirk in their studying like that? I can't be the only one! 😉
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I don't know about you guys, but it's been hellish at school this week and pretty unproductive mcat-wise 🙁. I was supposed to take a FL tomorrow, but I decided to push it to Saturday, and spend all of tomorrow reviewing some older concepts instead.

I still feel a bit shaky on ochem, so I'll probably spend a majority of my time on that. I'm glad elimination reactions aren't tested anymore haha.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
ChocoMoo said:
I don't know about you guys, but it's been hellish at school this week and pretty unproductive mcat-wise 🙁. I was supposed to take a FL tomorrow, but I decided to push it to Saturday, and spend all of tomorrow reviewing some older concepts instead.

I still feel a bit shaky on ochem, so I'll probably spend a majority of my time on that. I'm glad elimination reactions aren't tested anymore haha.
Click to expand...

Woah. My thoughts EXACTLY. I'm still going to take AAMC3 tomorrow morning though. I'm really behind on OChem and just going to review some Genetics and Acids/Bases tonight. I'll let you guys know how it goes. By the way, I'm scheduled to finish Content Review by March 20, and still have a LOT more content to review. :scared:
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Is the free TPR online MCAT legit? It is on the first page of their website, but I don't want to have to give them credit card information or what not to get my score afterward (would be a big waste of time). Anyone know anything about it?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Renaissance Man said:
Is the free TPR online MCAT legit? It is on the first page of their website, but I don't want to have to give them credit card information or what not to get my score afterward (would be a big waste of time). Anyone know anything about it?
Click to expand...

All I know is that it is hard, and that it is legit. Not sure if you need to give credit card information, but I doubt it. I never took it and don't plan to. I took 1-7 and I am done with TPR diags (the free one is 9 I believe). Only use this if you are running out of AAMCs.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Feeling a little overwhelmed right now. Had a wake/funeral that encompassed two days this week and had very little time to study (did a few passages and a little content review and that's it). I'm finding it really hard to get back in the groove. The whole dramatic thing really through me off of the MCAT mindset :/
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
SteveJMarist said:
Verbal is definitely a drag.

I just meant find one little thing that sums up what you need to do to get your target score. For me, I aim to just finish on time. That's it really. If I finish on time, I never score below a 9 on TPR diags. I'm hoping that basement score will be higher on AAMCs.
Click to expand...

I thought about what you said, and I think for me at least focus is really key. If I realize mid-passage that I'm not 100% there, I know I'm done for :laugh:

That being said, I took a two day break from verbal to clear my head a little bit, and did the last 3 EK verbal passages from test 3 in 23 min today. I tried as much as possible to force myself to focus on the passage/author/argument/etc. I'm pleased to say I got all the questions right on the first two passages, and missed 2 on the last one. I hope this is some kind of improvement. I actually had an extra minute and a half left on the clock (which NEVER happens for verbal), so I used it to go over some answers I "marked" and caught a stupid mistake I made on a question.

Right now I'm around a 10-11 on EK, and anywhere from 7-9 on TPR. Hoping for an 11 on the real thing 👍
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
SteveJMarist said:
I personally am getting anxious to start AAMCs, but I still need to finish content review (will be completely finished next week).

To those of you talking about the TPR exams: I think it is now pretty much a given that TPR tests are harder, and that you can expect to score higher on AAMCs and even the real thing. If that holds true, I should be in a good position as I have scored in the high 20s, low 30s lately on TPR diags.
Click to expand...


TPR is a confidence killer. That being said doing the practice problems and the FL helps you get a better hold on the material. I've taken the exam twice (27, 32) and the aamc exams seem easier especially in PS and BS. I will also be finishing content next week- its so hard to pay attention to orgo.
Does anyone know anything about the 2 new TPR tests?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Ugh, 22 on AAMC3 (I seriously expected 30 after taking it). I'm so disappointed; going to figure out why my studying hasn't proven to be efficient at all.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Started studying seriously since February and have been scoring well in the Berkeley Physics and Chem books (~10s) and using PR Bio and Science Workbook for Bio. Ended up with a 9 on verbal and 6,7 on the BS and PS, respectively. I'm completely lost in Orgo, but I should recall a lot of information after reviewing the BR books for that. Would 5 weeks suffice for an increase in 10+ pts? I feel like I'm running out of time and I don't really want to postpone.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
msr25 said:
Started studying seriously since February and have been scoring well in the Berkeley Physics and Chem books (~10s) and using PR Bio and Science Workbook for Bio. Ended up with a 9 on verbal and 6,7 on the BS and PS, respectively. I'm completely lost in Orgo, but I should recall a lot of information after reviewing the BR books for that. Would 5 weeks suffice for an increase in 10+ pts? I feel like I'm running out of time and I don't really want to postpone.
Click to expand...

First of all breathe. Sometimes you know the stuff but you stress and that makes you make stupid mistakes. It's just one exam dont't let it get to you. I'm positive you can improve in 5 weeks. BR orgo is too detailed so when reading it go for the bottom line. My advice as an MCAT veteran(taken it two times) practice makes perfect. Do as many practice passages old or new free or from the library from any and all companies (dont trust kaplan verbal though). Once in a while take a breather and do non-MCAT related stuff. Go over the test see why you got the questions wrong. Keep up the moral we're here for you if you need us.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Janieve said:
Hey, no worries! As long as you keep practicing and studying, you ought to be fine. Remember: don't take the exam until your full-lengths are at or greater than the score you want.

Things were rough for me for a little while, but now everything's getting better. I finished outlining my content and am now recording my notes so I can listen to them at work. There's a slight disconnect with my friends, I must admit - no one wants to talk about restriction enzymes or thermodynamics! But I'm getting more and more confident every day. Once my finals for this term are over, I'll be doing full-lengths every week. Here's hoping I break 33 before April 1st! That's my goal!

I'm sort of tracking my progress by how many pens and highlighters I run dry. Hahaha! Anyone else have a weird quirk in their studying like that? I can't be the only one! 😉
Click to expand...

Lol thanks! yeap my goal is to finish reading the books by Tuesday next week, and then just study from the kaplan flashcards and review the important concepts behind each chapter in the review books until test day but most importantly start practicing with mcat like questions kaplan gives you and do at least 2 FL before april 2nd. My goal is to score at least a 30 by then.

I am giving my best and hopefully will be able to reach that 30, but I started looking to see if I could change the date to like April 29 or May 7th: ALL booked. I really don't wanna take the MCAT later cuz I really need to be early in the process. If I couldn't find a seat any of those dates by April 2nd, I think I'd keep studying...hell that's still 2 weeks you can get some improvement in 2 weeks I think if you work hard. I'd rather lose that money I think than to take the MCAT in June and be late (I have a low gpa) and jeopardize my chances. If by April 16 still no improvement over 30 (highly unlikely I hope!) then register again for a later date I guess. I'm just scared but I really really hope I can get into my target score by then. Anyone else thinking about this? Sorry a bunch of test anxiety running in my system lol :scared:

BTW, just out of curiosity..where are you guys taking your test?? Anyone in the Miami area? 🙂
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Should I push my MCAT from 4/5 to 4/25
Replies
9
Views
3K
newkungfukenny
newkungfukenny
M
Should I retake the MCAT?
Replies
5
Views
1K
Dral
Dral
F
MCAT 3rd try 4[emoji239]--> 504 --> 515 (aiming)
Replies
3
Views
2K
florldoc
F
S
Should I retake the MCAT?
Replies
4
Views
3K
babySimba
B
L
Do NOT take the Blueprint MCAT course
Replies
1
Views
5K
ClashRoyaleKing
ClashRoyaleKing
Top