The Official 5/23/13 MCAT Thread

[DieTrying93]

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Hi everyone!

I just registered to take the MCAT on May 23, 2013 at 8:00 a.m.! I had to register early because I live in NYC and seats fill up fast!

I'm gonna start with SN2's schedule in a couple of months. I ordered the books (TBR, EK, EK1001, etc) a couple of days ago.

How are you guys gonna study?

Best of luck everyone,

- DT93

 

[DieTrying93]

Anyone?

 

[Roxas]

I'm taking on 4/26, but I'll join your discussion 🙂 I went with TPR, and will start my concentrated studying in about a week, doing an SN2ed type study schedule. I'm also doing their online course from Jan-March, but only really using that as a review of sorts, because hopefully by then I will be pretty far into my content review/practice.

The thing I get worried about most is burning out, since I'll be taking classes next semester (granted its only 12 credits).

 

[DieTrying93]

I'm taking on 4/26, but I'll join your discussion 🙂 I went with TPR, and will start my concentrated studying in about a week, doing an SN2ed type study schedule. I'm also doing their online course from Jan-March, but only really using that as a review of sorts, because hopefully by then I will be pretty far into my content review/practice.

The thing I get worried about most is burning out, since I'll be taking classes next semester (granted its only 12 credits).

Wow, you've got everything worked out! I'll be using SN2's schedule too but with a few modifications. I've started to freak out a little bit because I feel completely unprepared for the MCAT. I'm trying to create a schedule right now, and I don't know where to start!

Next semester, I'm taking 19 credits, but they're easy classes, like public speaking. Like you, I hope I don't burn out either.

I know that the next year and a half will be tough, but hopefully, it'll work out in the end.

What's your dream school, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Roxas]

Wow, you've got everything worked out! I'll be using SN2's schedule too but with a few modifications. I've started to freak out a little bit because I feel completely unprepared for the MCAT. I'm trying to create a schedule right now, and I don't know where to start!

Next semester, I'm taking 19 credits, but they're easy classes, like public speaking. Like you, I hope I don't burn out either.

I know that the next year and a half will be tough, but hopefully, it'll work out in the end.

What's your dream school, if you don't mind me asking?

I'd really like to go to Vanderbilt, Emory, or UT Dallas. Those are my reach schools though, I'd definitely settle for any MD school. I won't really know til I get that mcat score back...haha. How about you?

 

[DieTrying93]

I'd really like to go to Vanderbilt, Emory, or UT Dallas. Those are my reach schools though, I'd definitely settle for any MD school. I won't really know til I get that mcat score back...haha. How about you?

I wish you the best of luck on your MCAT and getting into those schools!
And, I'm the same, if I get into any medical school (except Caribbean), I'm golden. My reach schools are Mt. Sinai, UChicago and Columbia. Realistically speaking, I'll probably end up in one my state schools, like Downstate or Stony Brook.

 

[Roxas]

I wish you the best of luck on your MCAT and getting into those schools!
And, I'm the same, if I get into any medical school (except Caribbean), I'm golden. My reach schools are Mt. Sinai, UChicago and Columbia. Realistically speaking, I'll probably end up in one my state schools, like Downstate or Stony Brook.

Are any of the NY med schools particularly friendly to OOS that aren't from that immediate area? (I'm a utah resident)

I ask because I have seen that some take quite a few OOS, but just wondering if they prefer people from that part of the country, or if I'd have just as good of a shot as anyone else.

 

[DieTrying93]

Are any of the NY med schools particularly friendly to OOS that aren't from that immediate area? (I'm a utah resident)

I ask because I have seen that some take quite a few OOS, but just wondering if they prefer people from that part of the country, or if I'd have just as good of a shot as anyone else.

I'm not the best person to answer this question, but from my understanding, NY's state schools are friendly to OOS applicants, especially Downstate.

 

[DieTrying93]

I'll join in on this thread. I've decided I'm finally going to retake on that test date. I studied lightly over this past summer and was signed up for an August test date, but even though my practice tests told me I was ready I didn't feel like it and cancelled since I'm not applying to medical school until this next cycle anyway.

I'm going to hit the books hard over winter break, do very minimal studying during the spring semester (I'm in an SMP so there's no time), and then study hard for a couple weeks between classes ending and starting to work/moving. I think I'd rather submit my application early than take an extra month to study for an exam that I'm already so sick of. After doing essentially the first year of medical school, it's such a pain to look at physics and gen chem again :/.

As for material, I'm using TBR for gen chem, ochem, and physics, and TPRH for bio and verbal. I used EK to study over the summer and even though people praise their bio book, after taking the MCAT earlier this year I feel like it's lacking. All the facts that you could possibly have to memorize are there, but it just doesn't cover a lot of the experimental concepts that the MCAT likes to test these days.

Happy studying!

Awesome! I'll be using TBR/EK/EK1001. I'll be starting hardcore studying over winter break. Hopefully, I'll be ready to take it by May 23rd. If not, I'll reschedule to June 20th.

 

[Bbutterfly]

I will join this group. As of now, i am aiming for May 18th but that could change depending on how ready I feel. I have not started studying yet, taking 17 credit hours this semester with 14 being hard core and the other 3 just time consuming. With such a load and work and family, i figured it will be wise to focus on finishing this semester strong!
I am trying to buy the books now, and plan on following SN's schedule. i cleared out my class schedule next semester and will be taking only 8 credit hours, shadowing some research work(hopefully) and mcat prep

Best wishes to all!!!

 

[DieTrying93]

Did you guys start studying?

I got my break a week ago, but I can't muster up the discipline/drive to study. Finals shot me down 🙁

 

[aranza]

Did you guys start studying?

I got my break a week ago, but I can't muster up the discipline/drive to study. Finals shot me down 🙁

Same here...I didn't do as well as I wanted on my finals now I don't feel like studying for the MCAT 🙁 But I will start today and hopefully write on 5/23/13 as well 🙂

 

[DieTrying93]

Same here...I didn't do as well as I wanted on my finals now I don't feel like studying for the MCAT 🙁 But I will start today and hopefully write on 5/23/13 as well 🙂

Awesome! Let's motivate each other to study 🙂

 

[i5hina]

Did you guys start studying?

I got my break a week ago, but I can't muster up the discipline/drive to study. Finals shot me down 🙁

Hey everyone, I'm joining this group as well. I'm planning on taking mine on May 23rd. Right now, I'm studying using sn2ed's 4 month plan, but I modified it a lot to fit my schedule (full time night job on a tele unit). Just finished the first chapters and I have a great grasp of the concepts so far. Getting about 78% and above on passages but that should improve with more practice. Verbal is okay, as I'm around the 8 to 10 range but that will improve.

How's your studying going guys?

 

[allcle4r]

What year are you guys in college? I'm a sophomore.

 

[moosetracks]

Wuddup everybody

I will be joining you all in this glorious occasion

 

[DieTrying93]

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! 🙂

 

[Temperature101]

I am in for 5/23...

 

[starfar]

NYC here too 😀

Excited about 5/23, already feeling burnt out from studying though lol

I hit the ground running at the beginning of winter break, but started getting discouraged over how long it was taking me to get through lecture material. I started out doing SN2ed schedule, but have since modified it a bit. Going in, I have a pretty solid verbal diagnostic, but my PS and BS practice scores are abysmal.. Hoping to break the mid 30s!!😱

Love living in manhattan and I would prefer to stay for med school, but I'm applying super broadly..

Do seats in NYC really fill up that fast? I've been monitoring and it seems like they still have a ton of spring dates available

 

[i5hina]

I am in for 5/23...

Same here, I'm taking mine on 05/23/13. I ordered my TBR package and its on the way. I'm not going to take any diagnostics until I'm at least halfway through. I'm dedicating the next 2 or so months to content review and doing passage problems, in addition to working on my timing. So far, my verbal scores aren't bad, started out abysmal a month back and now getting none to one or two wrong per passage. At this point, I'm aiming for triple 11's but my dream score is triple 12's, which I don't think is far fetched by any means.

Happy holidays and happy studying everyone!

 

[Bbutterfly]

Hey there

I have not really started just getting familiar with the books I have , which is really not much for now, an old version of Kaplan, and the EK 1001. I am getting TPR next week. I have hard a hard time getting a descent price for used BR, so as it is I think I am going to start with TPR

After a hard semester, I was ready to take a much needed break. I won't start offficially until January 2nd

I will be modifying the schedule a bit too, because I am working night( Medsurg), and will stil be taking some classes. I5hina, what type of modifications did you do? Looking for suggestions here! Especially if I start without BR!!

I know is sound crazy but my motivation will be to start training for a 10K concurrently, both require discipline and it's going to help keep me in check. I am at work now and hitting the gym on my way home, which means I am hitting the books as well!

Hey everyone, I'm joining this group as well. I'm planning on taking mine on May 23rd. Right now, I'm studying using sn2ed's 4 month plan, but I modified it a lot to fit my schedule (full time night job on a tele unit). Just finished the first chapters and I have a great grasp of the concepts so far. Getting about 78% and above on passages but that should improve with more practice. Verbal is okay, as I'm around the 8 to 10 range but that will improve.

How's your studying going guys?

 

[i5hina]

Hey there

I have not really started just getting familiar with the books I have , which is really not much for now, an old version of Kaplan, and the EK 1001. I am getting TPR next week. I have hard a hard time getting a descent price for used BR, so as it is I think I am going to start with TPR

After a hard semester, I was ready to take a much needed break. I won't start offficially until January 2nd

I will be modifying the schedule a bit too, because I am working night( Medsurg), and will stil be taking some classes. I5hina, what type of modifications did you do? Looking for suggestions here! Especially if I start without BR!!

I know is sound crazy but my motivation will be to start training for a 10K concurrently, both require discipline and it's going to help keep me in check. I am at work now and hitting the gym on my way home, which means I am hitting the books as well!

I gotta say Bbutterfly, it's always good to know that someone else is going through the same thing as you, so you don't feel too alienated. With that being said, I feel your pain with taking classes, working nights and the whole ordeal. It's not easy, and I have tip my hat off to you for sticking with it. You indeed deserve that break. I'm not sure how many credits you're taking but I'm looking at about 7-11 in addition to working full time in addition to prepping for the MCAT.

As I dont know much about TPR, I can't give out much advice, but if you can, I highly suggest trying to get the BR chem, physics, and Orgo. I found out that they help you visualize and understand the content, and most importantly, teach you how to save time on questions. Try eBay, or even Craigslist (beware) but I just bought the new set for about 350 but I think it's worth it. In terms of modifications, I'm aiming for a chapter a week for each topic set but will allow some buffer days till I'm used to it. The most important part seems to be the passages and I'm leaning towards breaking them into fourths. Do the 1st fourth after the lecture, 2nd fourth after the end of the week. 3rd fourth after I'm about halfway done with the book, and the last fourth during FL reviews.

So my plan is read chapter, make notes, do ?'s, review ?'s...and at the end of the week, review chapters again with an emphasis on mastery. My goal isn't to memorize but to know the stuff solidly. Do 2nd ? Set and move on. As for verbal, do a passage or two a day and work down to 6 mins.

But power to you, it's always good to make changes prior to something as crazy like this. Go ahead and train and focus like hell. I'm going to clean my diet, stop tv, video games, and just try to drop about 20 pounds just to keep my body and mind in tip top shape. I'm going to go to the gym, lift weights, and do the whole training thing as well. My motivation is getting my vertical to 40 inches and down to about 6% body fat. I can't do the 10k thing so god bless you but either ways, we both are going to have a hell of a couple of months.

If you need any advice or help, feel free to shoot me a private message. Best of luck with your plans and stay focused.

 

[Bbutterfly]

I gotta say Bbutterfly, it's always good to know that someone else is going through the same thing as you, so you don't feel too alienated. With that being said, I feel your pain with taking classes, working nights and the whole ordeal. It's not easy, and I have tip my hat off to you for sticking with it. You indeed deserve that break. I'm not sure how many credits you're taking but I'm looking at about 7-11 in addition to working full time in addition to prepping for the MCAT.

As I dont know much about TPR, I can't give out much advice, but if you can, I highly suggest trying to get the BR chem, physics, and Orgo. I found out that they help you visualize and understand the content, and most importantly, teach you how to save time on questions. Try eBay, or even Craigslist (beware) but I just bought the new set for about 350 but I think it's worth it. In terms of modifications, I'm aiming for a chapter a week for each topic set but will allow some buffer days till I'm used to it. The most important part seems to be the passages and I'm leaning towards breaking them into fourths. Do the 1st fourth after the lecture, 2nd fourth after the end of the week. 3rd fourth after I'm about halfway done with the book, and the last fourth during FL reviews.

So my plan is read chapter, make notes, do ?'s, review ?'s...and at the end of the week, review chapters again with an emphasis on mastery. My goal isn't to memorize but to know the stuff solidly. Do 2nd ? Set and move on. As for verbal, do a passage or two a day and work down to 6 mins.

But power to you, it's always good to make changes prior to something as crazy like this. Go ahead and train and focus like hell. I'm going to clean my diet, stop tv, video games, and just try to drop about 20 pounds just to keep my body and mind in tip top shape. I'm going to go to the gym, lift weights, and do the whole training thing as well. My motivation is getting my vertical to 40 inches and down to about 6% body fat. I can't do the 10k thing so god bless you but either ways, we both are going to have a hell of a couple of months.

If you need any advice or help, feel free to shoot me a private message. Best of luck with your plans and stay focused.

You are absolutely right! It is somewhat reassuring to see that there are other people out there facing the same challenges

I do have more questions, and may just take you up on that offer to PM you

Happy New Years's everybody!!!

 

[i5hina]

You are absolutely right! It is somewhat reassuring to see that there are other people out there facing the same challenges

I do have more questions, and may just take you up on that offer to PM you

Happy New Years's everybody!!!

By all means, ask away lol..

And Happy New Years to you too and everyone else!!

 

[Temperature101]

Same here, I'm taking mine on 05/23/13. I ordered my TBR package and its on the way. I'm not going to take any diagnostics until I'm at least halfway through. I'm dedicating the next 2 or so months to content review and doing passage problems, in addition to working on my timing. So far, my verbal scores aren't bad, started out abysmal a month back and now getting none to one or two wrong per passage. At this point, I'm aiming for triple 11's but my dream score is triple 12's, which I don't think is far fetched by any means.

Happy holidays and happy studying everyone!

I am using TBR for everything except VR...the books are dense and it's taking me painfully a long time to read every chapter... I dont know if I will be able to get ready by 5/23...I can only spend 22-25 hours/week due to work and other commitments that I have. My weakest subject is VR so far...Hoping to get a 9+ on it...I only need a 27+ score since I am applying to DO only but I am shooting for 30+. Happy new year! Good luck.

 

[Silv]

In for 5/23!

Using the 4mo plan.

 

[LuckBALady]

Hello Everyone,
I'm taking the exam either 5/23 or 5/30 in TN. I'm still weighing the options of extra time to study vs other testers having their scores prior to mine on the 5/30 test day. I'm leaning towards the 5/23 date. I've gathered some study prep materials but not all that I need yet. I hope to start studying NOW, but my job requires extra prep-time and I have kids too. At least my job,allows me to better prepare for the Bio section of the exam. (I abhor physics but hope to find a loving distrust for it at the end of this study period) I hope that we can ALL find time to do our BEST on the MCAT! This will be my second attempt to take the MCAT. I bombed it prior due to lack of testing practice and major test anxiety. I hope to matriculate into an osteopathic school, specifically LMU-DCOM!😍

 

[BrnEyes621]

Hi Everyone!

I'm registered for the 5/23 8am! Starting to build a schedule but keeping a positive mindset 🙂

 

[BrnEyes621]

Anyone here working full time? How are you managing your time?

 

[DNA]

-

 

[starfar]

Hope everyone is doing well! I'm trying to stick to a schedule but finding myself having to rearrange the damn thing continuously because certain concepts just aren't sticking! I feel like I know it like a Jedi while reading it and thinking about it, then come passage time its like 😱
My biggest issue is growing passage anxiety 🙁 and a fear of wasting passages. I have a ton of material and I desperately want to get through it all, but it really is daunting. I can't imagine how you folks are doing it with jobs/school! I have 2 kids, but i'm fortunate that I have a partner that tries to give me as much time as I need to study. So far I've been going in two sessions.. 5 hours during the day then after the kids are sleep i'll try and do 3 or 4 more hours. Physics still sucks, but relearning biology has definitely rekindled my appreciation and total infatuation with the inner workings of the human body 😀

I've been thinking of getting a tutor for physics.. anyone else going that route?

 

[Temperature101]

Probably going to schedule this date. Maybe, maybe not. In all honesty though, the whole MCAT exam is total BS. This would be a second retake for me. Took it two years ago, so a lot has been erased from my brain but hopefully it'll come back to me. Debating if I even want to retake. Retaking sucks!

Agree...

 

[RastaONELOVE]

I am a retaking and tentatively planning for late summer, but my original idea was to aim for May. I am still deciding because I have a family and a part time job, which makes it more difficult to stick to SN2eD's schedule. How's the studying going for all those using this schedule and those HEFTY TBR books?

 

[OlaSho]

Hello Everyone,

I'll join this group too..Planning on writing may 31st though...I am currently using the TPR schedule (I have all their books), but still stuck on Orgo chapter 1-3. I think i'll peak at SN2's schedule to see if it'll be more efficient. Can anyone please inform me of where I can get SN2's schedule?

Also, will this be the official meeting place for this study group? And can we post MCAT questions so we can give-receive help to-from each other? Please do let me know

Thanks 😀

 

[amonriaz]

Hello

I'll be studying with you guys and I'm going to be using the 3 month plan. I'm considering taking a kaplan course.

good luck everyone and let's shoot for 30+

 

[BrnEyes621]

Hi there!

So officially started studying yesterday. I am using both the Kaplan and EK material along with 1001 books. I started with chem and physics, these are my weak points. I seem to understand when I am reading the material. However, when I am going through practice questions I seem lost. Any advice on how to tackle these two subjects? 😕
THANKS

 

[Bbutterfly]

I am in the same boat! I read and understand the concepts so far, since most of it is review anyway. I take notes here and there, do the "in chapter" examples and get them without looking at the solution but when it comes to practice passages...my head spins!

I am using the TPR plus TPRH and EK 1001 plus EK 101 Verbal.

Any tips will be welcome

 

[MamiMD]

Hey guys! Aiming around this time 🙂 I just signed up for tpr online. I go to school full time, work part time and have a family, so the structure is helpful for me. I took my first ek verbal test and got a 10, so I'm feeling hopeful!

 

[The Kraken]

Started sn2 3 month schedule on 1/14, day 3 and its going decent...learning a bunch. The review the next day part is helping me the most by far instead of reviewing right after.
How do you guys review verbal? Re read the whole thing and re answer Q's to see what you answered the day before and then check? I'm not sure what's the best way yet for improvement.

 

[The Kraken]

Hey guys! Aiming around this time 🙂 I just signed up for tpr online. I go to school full time, work part time and have a family, so the structure is helpful for me. I took my first ek verbal test and got a 10, so I'm feeling hopeful!

Verbal is my best so far too but I'm wondering on how you plan to improve. Unless you're happy with 10 but a 12 would be excellent IMO

 

[MamiMD]

I think my main problem is I lack focus. The questions I miss are usually because I didn't read carefully enough. I'm going to work on taking my time more as i finished with seven minutes to spare. I probably have time to read each passage more times

 

[DieTrying93]

Hey, how's studying everybody? 🙂

 

[Chem4Days]

Hey everyone, just signed up for this test date myself. I'll be using the Kaplan course to study, but supplementing with BR books for reading and learning content because the Kaplan texts themselves are god awful (especially physics). Good luck to everyone!

 

[BrnEyes621]

Hey, how's studying everybody? 🙂

Hey! DieTrying93 So far not as productive as I would like! I am not a morning person sot its very hard for me to wake up so early so the day goes by a lot faster! I have been studying for two weeks now and feel like I have not made progress! so scared! 😱

How's your studying going? I hope it's better then mine!!!!

 

[BrnEyes621]

Hey guys! Aiming around this time 🙂 I just signed up for tpr online. I go to school full time, work part time and have a family, so the structure is helpful for me. I took my first ek verbal test and got a 10, so I'm feeling hopeful!

Hey there! Wow it's impressive the challenge you are taking on. Even more of an inspiration! I hope your studying is going well! 🙂

 

[karen1809]

Just register for the test!
I still need to try to fit in studying time in between my school and work 🙁

 

[MagisandCP]

Hi All,

I was hoping I'd be able to register for the May 23rd date in California, but all the seats are filled. I was waiting for my FAP application to be completed, and I couldn't register because the full price of the exam was too steep. If anyone plans to change dates, please let me know. I would love to sit for this test day. Good luck everyone! Lets rock this exam and continue on our way to being physicians!

Thanks!🙂

 

[Temperature101]

I am almost halfway done with content review using TBR for the science sections. I am doing ok in gen chem and organic (70%+) average. Doing poorly in bio and TPRH VR (50%+)... Not doing too good in physics (65%). I am not too concerned about bio since TBR bio is ridiculously hard but I am very concerned about physics and VR. My plan is that when I am halfway done with content review, I am going to spend two weeks just doing practice questions and passages in physics and VR using EK and TPR.

 

[fila246]

Currently on the dreaded day 6 of the Sn2ed schedule. I've been putting off re-reading all day. What I plan on doing is lightly reading to ensure I've retained concepts and using flash-cards for necessary formulas.

 

[balla121]

sup guys, I will be joining you guys on may 23rd for the mcat 😀.

quick study update... doing a modified TBR schedule. Basically done with 1st half of TBR and half way through ek bio books, but I will probably spend 1 whole week to reread all the book1's and finish all the questions. Around when winter break started, I took a diagnostic with kaplan full length 1 and got a 28 which scared the crap out of me... but everything has been good lately. Organic, Physics and chemistry are all very easy due to my engineering background and tutoring/TAing for the subjects. I'm also very happy with my verbal scores... consistently scoring 6/7 on passages from princeton reivew hyperlearning verbal book. But I'm gonna need to spend a lot of time on biology 🙁

materials using: TBR/all EK/all TPR/nova physics/kaplan passages and some other stuff...

happy to be joining you guys and good luck everyone