The Official 4/26/13 MCAT Thread

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In lieu of the other threads popping up, I thought it'd be good for those of us taking the test to identify ourselves 👍

I'm not planning on following a rigid study schedule until January, but I think I'm going to watch a single video off of wikipremed daily to lightly review.

Good luck to everyone... we will crush this exam..

 

[Greedo]

Do you think a high MCAT score is worth more than lots of clinical experience?

I know someone who got a 39S and had no clinical experience and they got into a "Top 20" med school, but then I know someone else with a 32P and tons of clinical experience and they got into Harvard... so I think it depends.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

I know someone who got a 39S and had no clinical experience and they got into a "Top 20" med school, but then I know someone else with a 32P and tons of clinical experience and they got into Harvard... so I think it depends.

good to know... so it seems like you need one or the other... :-/ I always feel like there is so much to do... as I am sure everyone on this forum feels the same way

 

[WSHRocks]

Hope everyone is truly embracing this graceful waiting period . I've been trying to put my mind off of it, including backing off from SDN, since every new post (ex. 4/4 posts today) seems to question how I feel about the test and results.

Anyone thinking about MD/PhD?

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

Hope everyone is truly embracing this graceful waiting period . I've been trying to put my mind off of it, including backing off from SDN, since every new post (ex. 4/4 posts today) seems to question how I feel about the test and results.

Anyone thinking about MD/PhD?

Yeah... the 4/4's saying they did totally differently than how they expected makes me a little more anxious.

 

[Sphenoid927]

Yeah... the 4/4's saying they did totally differently than how they expected makes me a little more anxious.

I don't what to think of all that. There are some high scores in that group and I vividly recall the posts immediately after their exam that had most everyone freaking out. So, what does that mean really?

However, the high scores are typical to hear about. Most people that score high are more than eager to tell you all about it, but the 30's and below not so much. Though, anyone scoring completely different than they expected gives me pause. I have no idea how I did and wouldn't even be able to venture a guess. Though, I do fear PS will be my lowest score and I am just hoping it's not too low.

 

[Status Sciaticus]

Yeah... the 4/4's saying they did totally differently than how they expected makes me a little more anxious.

im anxious as well, not because of the 4/4 outcomes but because most of the high scorers
originally estimated lower scores..

..which leads me to be optimistic about my score... but then i dont want to get crushed if I get a lower score than my aamc avg (35)... and then the cycle repeats 🙁

 

[jcopper]

Yea i walked out of the test feeling ok (not great not terrible) and ive progressively gotten less confident in my score since then....

 

[HotHamH2O]

I have 8 years of full-time clinical experience, 4 of them in an ER. Unfortunately I don't think it means a hill of beans to these guys. If you get a 39 on your MCAT you could be a sociopath and get into a top twenty school.

 

[Sphenoid927]

I have 8 years of full-time clinical experience, 4 of them in an ER. Unfortunately I don't think it means a hill of beans to these guys. If you get a 39 on your MCAT you could be a sociopath and get into a top twenty school.

It's sad, but I hear ya on that. I have heard some interesting stories from a physician friend of mine on some of his crazy, unstable, etc med school classmates who should never have gotten in, but did because of some high test scores. Go figure. I keep hearing all this talk about holistic review of medical school applicants, but I am somewhat skeptical because of the sheer load of applications schools receive. If you don't meet their magical cut offs in numbers it does not matter if you're Mother Theresa with decent grades, an "acceptable" MCAT, and experience because they will never even see your whole application. It's too bad, but I do understand why some (most?) schools need some procedure for "weeding out" applicants, but it's hard to justify against a lot of holistic review talk these days as well.

I, too, am worried that I did not do exceptionally well (or even just okay for that matter!) on the MCAT and am worried I may get passed over as a result. However, I also realize that at this point there is nothing I can do because I still have no idea my score! I do hold out hope that no matter my unique and "three dimensional" non-trad application will stand out even if my MCAT does not in the end. ktanner777, it sounds like you also bring a lot to the table and from what I have heard medical schools are getting very interested in people like you and I who have a unique vantage point that is only gained from life experience. Throw in all that clinical experience you have and what I am sure are great grades and the MCAT will just be one part of that ap and if it's not a 35+ I really believe the whole of your application will offset that. It's so hard right now in this awful waiting game and I am struggling with it myself, but try to keep positive. We still don't know how our scores will shake out, but many of us have an excellent shot as it is. The MCAT will just complete the picture, but it won't necessarily be the only thing that matters in the end (school dependent I'm sure, but in general I hope this to be true).

Here's to all of us for having reached this point in our pre-med journey! It's not over til it's over. 3 weeks until scores!!!

 

[PinknGreenMD]

Do you think a high MCAT score is worth more than lots of clinical experience?

Case in point: I know 2 people personally that applies to this situation.

As an example of one of these people, she applied to the school of her choice after studying for the mcat for 4 months ... She took the test and she got a 30. She applied to her top school early (she only applied to one school btw bec that was the ONLY school she wanted to go to). She got rejected. After studying more and taking a prep course over the summer at UMNJ she took the mcat and scored a 33. She applied the next term at her TOP school again lol. Only school btw .. She got accepted. She asked the school the first time she was rejected why, they told her bec of her mcat. So she raised it with the EXACT same stats as before, she didnt do any research or any more shadowing or anything else. the only thing on the app that changed was that mcat score ..

 

[Forkit]

MCAT is more important than extracurricular BY FAR. It's standardized test and speaks facts about how you stand with your competition. it also gives an indication of how you will do in medical school, since there will be a number of important standardized exams to the path of a medical degree. ECs are embellished or BS for nearly every applicant. In most cases, applicants exaggrate the significance of an activity or their role in it, and I'm sure admins have enough experience to smell it a mile away. MCAT score is a number and numbers don't lie or be disputed. You can meet thousands of patients but that won't help you get an MD or DO. What does are standardized exams like MCAT, USMLE, board exams and do forth. Only after those will patient care matter the most. Very similar to college applications.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

MCAT is more important than extracurricular BY FAR. It's standardized test and speaks facts about how you stand with your competition. it also gives an indication of how you will do in medical school, since there will be a number of important standardized exams to the path of a medical degree. ECs are embellished or BS for nearly every applicant. In most cases, applicants exaggrate the significance of an activity or their role in it, and I'm sure admins have enough experience to smell it a mile away. MCAT score is a number and numbers don't lie or be disputed. You can meet thousands of patients but that won't help you get an MD or DO. What does are standardized exams like MCAT, USMLE, board exams and do forth. Only after those will patient care matter the most. Very similar to college applications.

Okay. I guess I better get back on that MCAT studying horse. I need that 34+... good luck to us all.

 

[DeFused]

I think I'm going to have to preemptively start studying as well. I came out of the exam feeling depressed on PS which is frustrating because that is usually my strongest section. I really wanted to be able to apply early too.

Anyone have any tips on how to restart the entire process over? I've gone through the entire S2N schedule and I'm not sure if I want to spend money on other review material. How much studying do you think is necessary for a retake? You guys think a month is a good enough time to review everything?

If I retake at the end of June, I should be able to apply early August. Is that still considered applying early?

 

[MedGrl@2022]

I think I'm going to have to preemptively start studying as well. I came out of the exam feeling depressed on PS which is frustrating because that is usually my strongest section. I really wanted to be able to apply early too.

Anyone have any tips on how to restart the entire process over? I've gone through the entire S2N schedule and I'm not sure if I want to spend money on other review material. How much studying do you think is necessary for a retake? You guys think a month is a good enough time to review everything?

If I retake at the end of June, I should be able to apply early August. Is that still considered applying early?

I second on asking for advice on this.

I am going to start studying heavily on chem and physics and then integrate more orgo and bio. I have the TBR books that I did not use very much last time as I was using EKs home study method with EK 1001 questions. I will probably use TBR to study and use their passage based questions to study. I have done all the AAMC exams. I have access to PR exams and I could buy the TBR CBTs as well. Does anyone have any other recommendations for practice exams?

I was planning to take late July/early August. Is that a bad idea? Should I shoot to take the exam earlier? I really want to be able to get my score up plus I need to fit in time to work on my applications and shadow and volunteer.

Advice is welcome! Thank you! 🙂

 

[Greedo]

I'm planning to take it again too. I think that how soon you retake it depends on if you think your problem was content, or test taking strategy, or nerves. Personally I think my only problem was nerves so I'm registering for a retake on June 20th, which is the earliest possible once we get our scores back (besides May 30th, which I'm NOT doing). But if your problem is content, you might want to take longer than just 3 weeks to study for it again... has anyone reading this thread taken the MCAT twice within a two-month period?

 

[MedGrl@2022]

I'm planning to take it again too. I think that how soon you retake it depends on if you think your problem was content, or test taking strategy, or nerves. Personally I think my only problem was nerves so I'm registering for a retake on June 20th, which is the earliest possible once we get our scores back (besides May 30th, which I'm NOT doing). But if your problem is content, you might want to take longer than just 3 weeks to study for it again... has anyone reading this thread taken the MCAT twice within a two-month period?

I think mine was a combination. PS through me for a loop. I really want more practice. I definitely think I studied and knew the information more or less. I would like to solidify some of my weaknesses definitely. I was scoring high 20's and my high was a ~30 on AAMC 11 (11PS, 9VR, 11BS). I was struggling to finish PS on time thus I definitely want more practice. I know I am capable of a 34+. 12 PS, 10-11VR and 12 BS maybe higher if I continue practicing and studying.

 

[Greedo]

I think mine was a combination. PS through me for a loop. I really want more practice. I definitely think I studied and knew the information more or less. I would like to solidify some of my weaknesses definitely. I was scoring high 20's and my high was a ~30 on AAMC 11 (11PS, 9VR, 11BS). I was struggling to finish PS on time thus I definitely want more practice. I know I am capable of a 34+. 12 PS, 10-11VR and 12 BS maybe higher if I continue practicing and studying.

Are you committed to applying this year? I'd be hesitant to apply this year with a retake after June, and if you just need more time to get your 34+, it might be worth it to apply next round.
But I'm thinking of delaying a year for non-MCAT reasons so that might be influencing my thoughts on the subject.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

Are you committed to applying this year? I'd be hesitant to apply this year with a retake after June, and if you just need more time to get your 34+, it might be worth it to apply next round.
But I'm thinking of delaying a year for non-MCAT reasons so that might be influencing my thoughts on the subject.

I thought about it. I am a non-trad. I am 27 and will be 28. I really just want to start medical school. I know that I could be a stronger applicant next year but I really just want to start as soon as possible. I feel like I should have started 5 years ago, all my classmates are already in their residencies, etc. Is that acceptable?

 

[Greedo]

I kind of know what you mean, I'm non-trad too, 24 going on 25, and my SO is a second-year med student now. I really want to apply these year because I'm only getting older, and I feel like I'm falling behind my SO. But then again it might be better to wait a year because then our med school apps and residency apps would align.
It's also tempting to delay a year to improve my app with more volunteering, etc but if I take that mentality then my app can always be pushed back another year.

Edit: But if you feel ready, then just go for it this year!

 

[MedGrl@2022]

I kind of know what you mean, I'm non-trad too, 24 going on 25, and my SO is a second-year med student now. I really want to apply these year because I'm only getting older, and I feel like I'm falling behind my SO. But then again it might be better to wait a year because then our med school apps and residency apps would align.
It's also tempting to delay a year to improve my app with more volunteering, etc but if I take that mentality then my app can always be pushed back another year.

Edit: But if you feel ready, then just go for it this year!

Yeah. Maybe you should just try. If you don't like the result you can try again next year. You can't win the lottery unless you play... 🙂

 

[DeFused]

I thought about it. I am a non-trad. I am 27 and will be 28. I really just want to start medical school. I know that I could be a stronger applicant next year but I really just want to start as soon as possible. I feel like I should have started 5 years ago, all my classmates are already in their residencies, etc. Is that acceptable?

I am in exactly the same boat as you. I am also a non-trad that is 27 and I am eager to get started as soon as possible. I've seen your stats on some other threads and if you're okay with going to DO school I think you definitely have a shot even with a high 20.

What I was reading in some other threads...some people will still apply with their first MCAT scores and then just update them when they take it the second time. Would this be the best course of action if I am planning on retaking it?

 

[MedGrl@2022]

I am in exactly the same boat as you. I am also a non-trad that is 27 and I am eager to get started as soon as possible. I've seen your stats on some other threads and if you're okay with going to DO school I think you definitely have a shot even with a high 20.

What I was reading in some other threads...some people will still apply with their first MCAT scores and then just update them when they take it the second time. Would this be the best course of action if I am planning on retaking it?

That is what I am planning to do. I think it is best to apply as early as possible then send them your MCAT scores. Will you be applying DO too? Right now I also need more clinical exposure, so I am hoping for the best. So much to do!!!! ahhh!!! 🙂

Best of luck to everyone! We can do this! 🙂

 

[HotHamH2O]

MCAT is more important than extracurricular BY FAR. It's standardized test and speaks facts about how you stand with your competition. it also gives an indication of how you will do in medical school, since there will be a number of important standardized exams to the path of a medical degree. ECs are embellished or BS for nearly every applicant. In most cases, applicants exaggrate the significance of an activity or their role in it, and I'm sure admins have enough experience to smell it a mile away. MCAT score is a number and numbers don't lie or be disputed. You can meet thousands of patients but that won't help you get an MD or DO. What does are standardized exams like MCAT, USMLE, board exams and do forth. Only after those will patient care matter the most. Very similar to college applications.

Despite the fact that everything you said seems to be true, it doesn't make for better doctors. I have worked side by side with 100s of doctors in the past 8 years and I will tell you that the best ones (the ones that the patients enjoy being being cared by, good at their skills, make correct dx, etc) are the ones who had their hand in healthcare prior to being a doctor. I work with a doc who was a nurse for 15 years before attending med school and she is absolutely unbelievable. I think MCAT scores mean jack, but I also understand why med schools use them; I just don't think they should weigh in as much as they do. This is why DO is a real possibility for me because DO schools historically care less about MCAT and much more about the wisdom that comes with life experience. Plus, some of the doctors I respect the most are DOs. Not that I don't work with some very good MDs, but the DOs we have here are just exceptional.

 

[Back 5]

Despite the fact that everything you said seems to be true, it doesn't make for better doctors. I have worked side by side with 100s of doctors in the past 8 years and I will tell you that the best ones (the ones that the patients enjoy being being cared by, good at their skills, make correct dx, etc) are the ones who had their hand in healthcare prior to being a doctor. I work with a doc who was a nurse for 15 years before attending med school and she is absolutely unbelievable. I think MCAT scores mean jack, but I also understand why med schools use them; I just don't think they should weigh in as much as they do. This is why DO is a real possibility for me because DO schools historically care less about MCAT and much more about the wisdom that comes with life experience. Plus, some of the doctors I respect the most are DOs. Not that I don't work with some very good MDs, but the DOs we have here are just exceptional.

I will be applying mainly DO because I am not "Jack's 13 yr old grades" (slight Fight Club reference)...but MD schools seem to think so.

 

[Forkit]

Despite the fact that everything you said seems to be true, it doesn't make for better doctors. I have worked side by side with 100s of doctors in the past 8 years and I will tell you that the best ones (the ones that the patients enjoy being being cared by, good at their skills, make correct dx, etc) are the ones who had their hand in healthcare prior to being a doctor. I work with a doc who was a nurse for 15 years before attending med school and she is absolutely unbelievable. I think MCAT scores mean jack, but I also understand why med schools use them; I just don't think they should weigh in as much as they do. This is why DO is a real possibility for me because DO schools historically care less about MCAT and much more about the wisdom that comes with life experience. Plus, some of the doctors I respect the most are DOs. Not that I don't work with some very good MDs, but the DOs we have here are just exceptional.

I agree the MCAT doesnt make for better doctors. Neither does a bachelors degree. The only real factor that plays into being successful in a career is experience. The same applies for engineering, since most cases engineering degrees are useless and employment and innovation depends almost entirely on experience and creativity. Science and technology is advancing at a rapid place now, but our education system is not catching up despite increased costs of education.

I have no doubt you're gonna be an awesome doctor. If I were an adcom I'd personally rely more on recommendation letters and personal statement than anything else. If someone professional or of esteem can vouch for an applicant's experience, along with something than can show that the applicant has a likeable personality, then he/she should be admitted in my book. GPA and MCATs don't speak of a bunch of factors like economic class, rigor or undergraduate school among others.

You definitely gonna get into DO and many MDs. I don't think any applicant has 8 years of clinical experience among other impressive qualifications. Good luck!!

 

[Status Sciaticus]

I agree the MCAT doesnt make for better doctors. Neither does a bachelors degree. The only real factor that plays into being successful in a career is experience. The same applies for engineering, since most cases engineering degrees are useless and employment and innovation depends almost entirely on experience and creativity. Science and technology is advancing at a rapid place now, but our education system is not catching up despite increased costs of education.

I have no doubt you're gonna be an awesome doctor. If I were an adcom I'd personally rely more on recommendation letters and personal statement than anything else. If someone professional or of esteem can vouch for an applicant's experience, along with something than can show that the applicant has a likeable personality, then he/she should be admitted in my book. GPA and MCATs don't speak of a bunch of factors like economic class, rigor or undergraduate school among others.

You definitely gonna get into DO and many MDs. I don't think any applicant has 8 years of clinical experience among other impressive qualifications. Good luck!!

The problem with this line of thinking is that nothing definitively can predict how well you do in medical school.

The reason there is such an emphasis on the MCAT is because it is indicative of how well you can perform on standardized tests... and you will have many of those in medical school and afterwards as well.. If you cant perform on the MCAT chances are you will have a harder time scoring well on your USMLE/COMLEX compared to someone who scores highly on the MCAT

 

[HotHamH2O]

The problem with this line of thinking is that nothing definitively can predict how well you do in medical school.

The reason there is such an emphasis on the MCAT is because it is indicative of how well you can perform on standardized tests... and you will have many of those in medical school and afterwards as well.. If you cant perform on the MCAT chances are you will have a harder time scoring well on your USMLE/COMLEX compared to someone who scores highly on the MCAT

Which is exactly why I understand why medical schools use them. I still think standardized tests are a terrible blemish in our educational system. Just a reading of literature and a study of craftsmanship prior to modern education will show that apprenticeships and education involving heavy hands on training is far superior to classroom lecture based education. This is part of the reason that I chose medicine. Despite it's 4 years of lecture style education, there is also a great deal of hands on, apprenticeship type training in your 3rd and 4th year and obviously all of residency.

 

[HotHamH2O]

I agree the MCAT doesnt make for better doctors. Neither does a bachelors degree. The only real factor that plays into being successful in a career is experience. The same applies for engineering, since most cases engineering degrees are useless and employment and innovation depends almost entirely on experience and creativity. Science and technology is advancing at a rapid place now, but our education system is not catching up despite increased costs of education.

I have no doubt you're gonna be an awesome doctor. If I were an adcom I'd personally rely more on recommendation letters and personal statement than anything else. If someone professional or of esteem can vouch for an applicant's experience, along with something than can show that the applicant has a likeable personality, then he/she should be admitted in my book. GPA and MCATs don't speak of a bunch of factors like economic class, rigor or undergraduate school among others.

You definitely gonna get into DO and many MDs. I don't think any applicant has 8 years of clinical experience among other impressive qualifications. Good luck!!

It's sad, but I hear ya on that. I have heard some interesting stories from a physician friend of mine on some of his crazy, unstable, etc med school classmates who should never have gotten in, but did because of some high test scores. Go figure. I keep hearing all this talk about holistic review of medical school applicants, but I am somewhat skeptical because of the sheer load of applications schools receive. If you don't meet their magical cut offs in numbers it does not matter if you're Mother Theresa with decent grades, an "acceptable" MCAT, and experience because they will never even see your whole application. It's too bad, but I do understand why some (most?) schools need some procedure for "weeding out" applicants, but it's hard to justify against a lot of holistic review talk these days as well.

I, too, am worried that I did not do exceptionally well (or even just okay for that matter!) on the MCAT and am worried I may get passed over as a result. However, I also realize that at this point there is nothing I can do because I still have no idea my score! I do hold out hope that no matter my unique and "three dimensional" non-trad application will stand out even if my MCAT does not in the end. ktanner777, it sounds like you also bring a lot to the table and from what I have heard medical schools are getting very interested in people like you and I who have a unique vantage point that is only gained from life experience. Throw in all that clinical experience you have and what I am sure are great grades and the MCAT will just be one part of that ap and if it's not a 35+ I really believe the whole of your application will offset that. It's so hard right now in this awful waiting game and I am struggling with it myself, but try to keep positive. We still don't know how our scores will shake out, but many of us have an excellent shot as it is. The MCAT will just complete the picture, but it won't necessarily be the only thing that matters in the end (school dependent I'm sure, but in general I hope this to be true).

Here's to all of us for having reached this point in our pre-med journey! It's not over til it's over. 3 weeks until scores!!!

thanks for the encouragement. I hope we all get into school. I would love for all of you to be my colleagues one day.

 

[Greedo]

Hey guys, I'm looking for advice and no one's responding on the "Official AMCAS questions" thread so I thought I'd ask here. This thread is basically my support group anyways.
I'm trying to put together my personal statement and the AMCAS prompt says to include, if necessary, "Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application."
My question is, my grades are very good except for when I studied abroad. Those grades are much lower. Should I mention this in my personal statement? Or is that already covered in the course work section that shows I was studying abroad?

 

[Roxas]

Hey guys, I'm looking for advice and no one's responding on the "Official AMCAS questions" thread so I thought I'd ask here. This thread is basically my support group anyways.
I'm trying to put together my personal statement and the AMCAS prompt says to include, if necessary, "Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application."
My question is, my grades are very good except for when I studied abroad. Those grades are much lower. Should I mention this in my personal statement? Or is that already covered in the course work section that shows I was studying abroad?

I'm no pro, but my advisor says don't waste valuable PS space addressing weaknesses. This is your chance to tell them who you really are and why you aspire/deserve to be a doctor. If anything, you can have a chance to address that in interviews or possibly secondaries.

 

[Status Sciaticus]

I'm no pro, but my advisor says don't waste valuable PS space addressing weaknesses. This is your chance to tell them who you really are and why you aspire/deserve to be a doctor. If anything, you can have a chance to address that in interviews or possibly secondaries.

Agree with O Grady on this. I had a similar question months ago...

The reason to NOT include it is, a lot of interviewers have a closed application process - that is, they only see your personal statement and maybe the classes you took, not your MCAT or your GPA. So if you sound apologetic in your PS, you've just shown your cards to your interviewer.

Now, on the flipside, there are several open book interviews where they will see your MCAT and GPA..

If that is the case, its just one semester and they will ask you about it in person if they think its important. No need to bring it up if they dont think its worth discussing.

Hope this helps man.

 

[kmp0410]

Anybody have an opinion on the AAMC self assessments?

They are from older tests so I am just wondering if ya'll felt like they were still relevant with the different style of the modern MCAT.

I'm a 5/18er here and am trying to determine if I should shell out the money for them or finish doing my TBR passages. I can't help but feel like the TBR stuff is a bit convoluted at this stage compared to what I've seen on the AAMC's and think I might be better with just doing AAMC stuff with limited time.

 

[Greedo]

Ok thanks! It was going to be pretty awkward to work that into my PS anyways. Muchas gracias for the advice!

 

[Greedo]

Anybody have an opinion on the AAMC self assessments?

They are from older tests so I am just wondering if ya'll felt like they were still relevant with the different style of the modern MCAT.

I'm a 5/18er here and am trying to determine if I should shell out the money for them or finish doing my TBR passages. I can't help but feel like the TBR stuff is a bit convoluted at this stage compared to what I've seen on the AAMC's and think I might be better with just doing AAMC stuff with limited time.

If you've already done AAMC 1R, 2R, and 6R, it's kind of pointless because the questions come from those 3 tests. I'd already done 6R and found that I had already seen about 1/3 of the passages.
But if you haven't seen the questions before, theyr'e really good practice. Since you're taking it for real on 5/18, I think you should stick with AAMC stuff like you said.

 

[kmp0410]

If you've already done AAMC 1R, 2R, and 6R, it's kind of pointless because the questions come from those 3 tests. I'd already done 6R and found that I had already seen about 1/3 of the passages.
But if you haven't seen the questions before, theyr'e really good practice. Since you're taking it for real on 5/18, I think you should stick with AAMC stuff like you said.

I have not, I've only done the AAMC's on the website currently.

Still think these are very similar to the current MCAT? I just hear all the horror stories about how the current MCAT is so different from past AAMC stuff that I don't want to spend the money if its that different.

But then again people are always in an odd state after they take their test. I didn't find AAMC 11 to be that much different than the other ones.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

I have not, I've only done the AAMC's on the website currently.

Still think these are very similar to the current MCAT? I just hear all the horror stories about how the current MCAT is so different from past AAMC stuff that I don't want to spend the money if its that different.

But then again people are always in an odd state after they take their test. I didn't find AAMC 11 to be that much different than the other ones.

Should I retake on 7/25 or 8/2? I think those are my two options right now. Do you think it matters? Is the sooner the better? I am submitting my application the first week of June and indicating that I am retaking. I should have scored in the high 20's, low 30's... I am going for a 34+. I think going over some material and more practice exams will definitely get me up there. I was scoring high 20's/low 30's on my practice AAMC's and I took all of them. I am going to take Princeton Review exams. Should I pay for the TBR practice exams are they good?

Thank you for all your help!

 

[MedGrl@2022]

Should I retake on 7/25 or 8/2? I think those are my two options right now. Do you think it matters? Is the sooner the better? I am submitting my application the first week of June and indicating that I am retaking. I should have scored in the high 20's, low 30's... I am going for a 34+. I think going over some material and more practice exams will definitely get me up there. I was scoring high 20's/low 30's on my practice AAMC's and I took all of them. I am going to take Princeton Review exams. Should I pay for the TBR practice exams are they good?

Thank you for all your help!

Just signed up for 7/25. Hopefully I will get my 34+... a 38 would be awesome! 🙂

Now that I have taken all the self-assessments through AAMC, and AAMC practice exams... what do you all recommend in terms of practice exams?

Thank you! 🙂

 

[HotHamH2O]

In the work/activities section of AMCAS, specifically "artistic endeavors", I am having a bit of difficulty specifying dates and number of hours. I have been playing many different musical instruments for 16+ years and performed 100s of times. I don't have dates, nor do I have a running tally of hours. How do you deal with this?

 

[Status Sciaticus]

In the work/activities section of AMCAS, specifically "artistic endeavors", I am having a bit of difficulty specifying dates and number of hours. I have been playing many different musical instruments for 16+ years and performed 100s of times. I don't have dates, nor do I have a running tally of hours. How do you deal with this?

how many hours do you usually spend a week on it? multiply that by the amount of weeks from start to present.

 

[Albein]

Had a nightmare scores were out: same breakdown as my first time around. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't just looking at previous score and then saw the date matched up to the second testing date. The screen started flashing "Dumb*ss" in red. As if getting rest wasn't hard enough already....

 

[Bearlingual]

Had a nightmare scores were out: same breakdown as my first time around. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't just looking at previous score and then saw the date matched up to the second testing date. The screen started flashing "Dumb*ss" in red. As if getting rest wasn't hard enough already....

I joined just now to comment on this. I have always browsed these forums and noticed many posts about having dreams about MCAT scores. I thought it was interesting and humorous that people actually had nightmares about this. Then it happened to me...

Obviously I took the 4/26, but I didn't have my first dream until last week. I got the email and my girlfriend was staring over my shoulder as I opened it. I was in disbelief. My VR was an 8, but under both the PS and BS sections it read "Scores too low to report." 😱

I can't tell you how happy I was when I woke up and realized it was just a dream. They really shouldnt make us wait so long. I think the Eighth Amendment prohibits acts like these...

 

[CCRNCSC78]

Speaking of dreams...my coworker had a dream about my MCAT results. Said I showed her my results and I was very upset. In the dream she told me she didn't know why I was upset because I "passed" (whatever that means). She said I kept saying in the dream "no you don't understand! My score isn't high enough!" How many of you have other people dreaming about your results? Lol

 

[Roxas]

Speaking of dreams...my coworker had a dream about my MCAT results. Said I showed her my results and I was very upset. In the dream she told me she didn't know why I was upset because I "passed" (whatever that means). She said I kept saying in the dream "no you don't understand! My score isn't high enough!" How many of you have other people dreaming about your results? Lol

You know what they say, if a girl dreams about your MCAT results, marry her 😍

 

[CCRNCSC78]

Yeah that would work if I was a guy lol. 😛

 

[Roxas]

Yeah that would work if I was a guy lol. 😛

Oh.... 😳

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

Everybody having fun chugging through AMCAS?

 

[Status Sciaticus]

Everybody having fun chugging through AMCAS?

all except the part where you need to find the name/email/number for the directors of all your activities.... annoying as hell.

on the bright side, 16 more days 🙂

 

[aspiring20]

all except the part where you need to find the name/email/number for the directors of all your activities.... annoying as hell.

on the bright side, 16 more days 🙂

definitely feel you on this

however, if you cannot provide the contact information for some reason (person left the country, computer record got erased, whatever), you can put yourself down as contact and explain it.

 

[Jos55efina]

I had to read PR physics 3 times before understanding it.

 

[CCRNCSC78]

AMCAS is on my to do list for today. My problem is going to be all my old school transcripts. I think I have like 7 or 8.