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]

I saw this on the January study group, and I think it's a really good idea.

How about we list our goals each day as a means of motivating and supporting one another, starting tomorrow?

 

[kat987]

I will be joining as well 🙂 Originally wanted to take it at the end of april but seats were all full. At least I will have more time to study. Plan to spend Feb doing content review. I am using TPR, supplementing with EK. Best of luck with studying everyone!!

I am setting Sunday for review and practicing the topics I went over during the week. Spent 3 hr today on Bio. If only I don't have school work. Have to do HW tom 🙁

 

[BrnEyes621]

Good idea DieTrying93!

I'm having a hard time focusing have been trying to get serious about studying for the last three weeks.

Today: I get home from work at 6pm

Will aim to begin at 7 looking to do 3 verbal passages, 10 questions from EK 1001 Physics and Chem then Review.

 

[BrnEyes621]

Good idea DieTrying93!

I'm having a hard time focusing have been trying to get serious about studying for the last three weeks.

Today: I get home from work at 6pm

Will aim to begin at 7 looking to do 3 verbal passages, 10 questions from EK 1001 Physics and Chem then Review.

 

[On a Mission]

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

Hello I guess nobody replayed. Well I am working Mon-sat I wake up at 5:30 am because work is far and then finish at 4:30 pm. I am also the vice president for the Neuroscience club in school, and planning to take the test this May 18 or 23 !!!!!! So far it has been really tough but in my case it never gets easier only worst. So I Use audio osmosis on the train listen to lectures, on my break at work I do some flash cards may be 15 of them. In the afternoons I always go online and do the questions of the day for like 4 different websites. My deal is that this will be my second time taking it,(did bad below 25 kind of thing) so i must do well, and my plan is to do as many problems as possible and waste less time reading and learning material whenever I dont know a question because of material I can go and learn it. No real schedule. Just try to do as much as you can.

Make a calendar and make one day be only questions, another reading, sundays off do your best is all we can do !!!! I wish everyone the best.

 

[Forkit]

Hello I guess nobody replayed. Well I am working Mon-sat I wake up at 5:30 am because work is far and then finish at 4:30 pm. I am also the vice president for the Neuroscience club in school, and planning to take the test this May 18 or 23 !!!!!! So far it has been really tough but in my case it never gets easier only worst. So I Use audio osmosis on the train listen to lectures, on my break at work I do some flash cards may be 15 of them. In the afternoons I always go online and do the questions of the day for like 4 different websites. My deal is that this will be my second time taking it,(did bad below 25 kind of thing) so i must do well, and my plan is to do as many problems as possible and waste less time reading and learning material whenever I dont know a question because of material I can go and learn it. No real schedule. Just try to do as much as you can.

Make a calendar and make one day be only questions, another reading, sundays off do your best is all we can do !!!! I wish everyone the best.

Good lord man you have it rough...I'm assuming a social life is nonexistent? Your determination is off the charts man, hope everything works out for you, and you get to the med school you wan because you deserve it!

 

[On a Mission]

Good lord man you have it rough...I'm assuming a social life is nonexistent? Your determination is off the charts man, hope everything works out for you, and you get to the med school you wan because you deserve it!

Thank you Forkit,

Means a lot, the support and yes, all i wish and want is to do okay on the MCAT as long I can pull a 30 I have a shoot at med school. All I need is one, and from there work so hard and finally I wont have to work full time because I will be able to get loans and as long as I do well in my STEP test i can be on the race for a good residency. An social life, it really is hard.

Someone once said that the path of become a physician is a long and lonely one. In the process you will lose many friend, but you will keep great ones.

 

[OlaSho]

anyone really reeling themselves into studying? ALSOOOOO,

if anyone will be dropping a TORONTO MCAT SEAT for this date, Please do me a favour and PM me? I wish I had enough money to get the seats when I first saw them open. No fee assistance programs for Canadians. But if you will be dropping the seat, pls PM me any day, any time.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[BrnEyes621]

Hello I guess nobody replayed. Well I am working Mon-sat I wake up at 5:30 am because work is far and then finish at 4:30 pm. I am also the vice president for the Neuroscience club in school, and planning to take the test this May 18 or 23 !!!!!! So far it has been really tough but in my case it never gets easier only worst. So I Use audio osmosis on the train listen to lectures, on my break at work I do some flash cards may be 15 of them. In the afternoons I always go online and do the questions of the day for like 4 different websites. My deal is that this will be my second time taking it,(did bad below 25 kind of thing) so i must do well, and my plan is to do as many problems as possible and waste less time reading and learning material whenever I dont know a question because of material I can go and learn it. No real schedule. Just try to do as much as you can.

Make a calendar and make one day be only questions, another reading, sundays off do your best is all we can do !!!! I wish everyone the best.

Hey thanks for your reply! I was working full time now only working two full days a week , going to school full day Tuesday, and half day Thursday. Making an hour to hour schedule has been working for the past week. It is also my second time taking it and was a little below 25. My plan is also practice, practice, practice. I did not do enough of that last time. Good luck with your studies!

 

[shishka32]

I may be in on 5/23 now – SN2ed 4 month schedule with some modifications.

I think this is the last date that will have scores in time for the first batch of AMCAS apps to be sent (June 28th or something) assuming you are verified with transcripts and all beforehand. I figure I'll be verified before then, get the scores on June 25th, and I'll be ready to go by the 28th. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Best of luck to everyone!

 

[i5hina]

Currently half way through content review. Didn't follow sned2s study plan to the tee but modified it a bit. It's def hard to keep the consistency but I'm hanging in there. My verbal score is improving and I'm down to 1-2 wrong per passage but those TPR passages are tough. As for the rest, I'm doing okay. Still trying to get my timing down to 6-7 mins per passage. Going to take my first diagnostic in about a month and I'll see where I'm at.

 

[starfar]

I had hoped to be done with content review by now and on to more passages and practice tests, but alas.. I'm still plugging away. I have about 2 more sections of each subject left and I'm trying to finish before 24 Feb! Non-science major here and though I took the prereqs, everything with the exception of Orgo feels like I'm learning it for the first time.. So content review is thorough, but taking forrrrevvvver

After content review it'll be practice tests 1x a week and passages, passages, passages until April 23 where I'll step up practice tests to 2-3x a week until test day. I'm a "product junkie" and overpreparer so I made sure to stock up on practice tests.. Hopefully I can get through all of them (9 TBR, 5 TPR, 5 GS, and the 11 proverbial aamc exams) by test day. If not, I'll be set for practice tests if I need to retake (please god no!! 😱)

Aiming for that balanced 40, but to the point where simply breaking 30 would be friggin awesome

 

[i5hina]

I had hoped to be done with content review by now and on to more passages and practice tests, but alas.. I'm still plugging away. I have about 2 more sections of each subject left and I'm trying to finish before 24 Feb! Non-science major here and though I took the prereqs, everything with the exception of Orgo feels like I'm learning it for the first time.. So content review is thorough, but taking forrrrevvvver

After content review it'll be practice tests 1x a week and passages, passages, passages until April 23 where I'll step up practice tests to 2-3x a week until test day. I'm a "product junkie" and overpreparer so I made sure to stock up on practice tests.. Hopefully I can get through all of them (9 TBR, 5 TPR, 5 GS, and the 11 proverbial aamc exams) by test day. If not, I'll be set for practice tests if I need to retake (please god no!! 😱)

Aiming for that balanced 40, but to the point where simply breaking 30 would be friggin awesome

Starfar,


Looks like you've a crap load of content review and for that touche'. However, don't feel the need to rush the content review. I think that you should take your time and at least plan to be doing Full Lengths by the beginning of March. You're on a good track. No need to be scared; just be consistent.

I myself am about halfway through and im not rushing it. I work full time nights on a crazy hospital floor, go to classes during the day, get no sleep, so i personally am not in a rush to finish content review. My goal is to get a good understanding of the content and learn to apply it in a new situation, but also do it in a stressed state. Keep doing what you're doing, you're on the right track. 👍👍👍👍👍

 

[i5hina]

Hey guys,

I've been doing some research and it seems that they're making the Bio section harder and everyone suggests to read scientific journals and what not. Does anyone have any idea of any good (meaning difficult and convoluted) scientific journals sites or articles that i can read to practice for bio? Thanks in advance.

 

[Forkit]

Hey guys,

I've been doing some research and it seems that they're making the Bio section harder and everyone suggests to read scientific journals and what not. Does anyone have any idea of any good (meaning difficult and convoluted) scientific journals sites or articles that i can read to practice for bio? Thanks in advance.

Interested to know as well.

 

[BrnEyes621]

Hi guys!

I was working on the end of section questions of the EK Physics book and came across this one. I think I might be over analyzing this question. The answer is B. How would you guys approach this question?

 

[Forkit]

Hi guys!

I was working on the end of section questions of the EK Physics book and came across this one. I think I might be over analyzing this question. The answer is B. How would you guys approach this question?

F1X1 = F2x2

= m1g(0.2) = m2g (1-0.2)

= m1 (0.2) = m2 (0.8)

= (3) (0.2) = m2 (0.8)

Therefore, m2 = (0.6)/ (0.8) = 0.75

Mass of board = 3- 0.75 = 2.25 kg = 2 kg (rounded up)

 

[BrnEyes621]

F1X1 = F2x2

= m1g(0.2) = m2g (1-0.2)

= m1 (0.2) = m2 (0.8)

= (3) (0.2) = m2 (0.8)

Therefore, m2 = (0.6)/ (0.8) = 0.75

Mass of board = 3- 0.75 = 2.25 kg = 2 kg (rounded up)

Thanks!!!
The explanation EK gave did not make sense to me.

 

[enervate]

F1X1 = F2x2

= m1g(0.2) = m2g (1-0.2)

= m1 (0.2) = m2 (0.8)

= (3) (0.2) = m2 (0.8)

Therefore, m2 = (0.6)/ (0.8) = 0.75

Mass of board = 3- 0.75 = 2.25 kg = 2 kg (rounded up)

I don't think this is the correct way to approach the problem. I'm pretty sure the masses on each side of the board create a downward force at half the distance away from the fulcrum. In that case, the equation would be:

(3 kg * 10 m/s^2)(0.2 m) + (X N)(0.1 m) = (X N)(0.4 m)
=> (30 N)(0.2 m) + (X N)(0.1 m) = (X N)(0.4 m)
=> (30 N)(0.2 m) = (X N)(0.3 m)
=> (30 N)(1/5 m)(10/3 m) = (X N)
=> (20 N) = (X N)
=> (2 kg)(10 m/s^2) = (X N)

...which exactly agrees with the correct answer of 2 kg.

Source: an entire semester of statics engineering. If you want to learn more about the reason why you place the force at that point, look up center of mass.

edit: As a matter of fact, Forkit didn't even consider the force created by the mass of the board on the left side of the fulcrum. That's the first step to intuitively understanding the problem.

Best wishes!

 

[AktionPOTENTIAL]

I don't think this is the correct way to approach the problem. I'm pretty sure the masses on each side of the board create a downward force at half the distance away from the fulcrum. In that case, the equation would be:

(3 kg * 10 m/s^2)(0.2 m) + (X N)(0.1 m) = (X N)(0.4 m)
=> (30 N)(0.2 m) + (X N)(0.1 m) = (X N)(0.4 m)
=> (30 N)(0.2 m) = (X N)(0.3 m)
=> (30 N)(1/5 m)(10/3 m) = (X N)
=> (20 N) = (X N)
=> (2 kg)(10 m/s^2) = (X N)

...which exactly agrees with the correct answer of 2 kg.

Source: an entire semester of statics engineering. If you want to learn more about the reason why you place the force at that point, look up center of mass.

edit: As a matter of fact, Forkit didn't even consider the force created by the mass of the board on the left side of the fulcrum. That's the first step to intuitively understanding the problem.

Best wishes!

👍

 

[BrnEyes621]

I don't think this is the correct way to approach the problem. I'm pretty sure the masses on each side of the board create a downward force at half the distance away from the fulcrum. In that case, the equation would be:

(3 kg * 10 m/s^2)(0.2 m) + (X N)(0.1 m) = (X N)(0.4 m)
=> (30 N)(0.2 m) + (X N)(0.1 m) = (X N)(0.4 m)
=> (30 N)(0.2 m) = (X N)(0.3 m)
=> (30 N)(1/5 m)(10/3 m) = (X N)
=> (20 N) = (X N)
=> (2 kg)(10 m/s^2) = (X N)

...which exactly agrees with the correct answer of 2 kg.

Source: an entire semester of statics engineering. If you want to learn more about the reason why you place the force at that point, look up center of mass.

edit: As a matter of fact, Forkit didn't even consider the force created by the mass of the board on the left side of the fulcrum. That's the first step to intuitively understanding the problem.

Best wishes!

Awesome explanation I was wondering why it was not exactly 2kg I figured rounding worked. Thanks!🙂

 

[xianxTxx]

I took my first mcat in 2012, scored a horrible 24! But there were multiple reasons why I just failed in that. I scored a 8/7/9 when I was averaging 10/11/12. I was devastated and totally given up but then I realized that my average was the average of about 5 FLs and a result of 1 month of total studying! Plus that 1pm time was horrendous decision for me as I freak out about tests and all that time didnt help me calm myself down.

Anyway over to a new chapter. Ill just treat that as my diagnostic. This time around I'm following sdn2 3 month schedule, started 2/16, while supplementing EK bio and tbr ochem with TPR. Im managing this with research and 10 hours of classes. I have finished the first week and following are my scores:

Physics TBR 1st 1/3- 19/22, 86%, 13-15
Chem TbR 1st 1/3- 26/33, 78%,10-12
Ochem TPR science workbook: Discretes (29/37) Passages (20/24) Total 80.3
Biology- TBR 1st 1/3 22/34, 64%, 9-10!!!!! ( :/)
Verbal EK warmup- 8, EK 1- 10

Oh, my target score is 33-35+
And my target med school is either BCM in Houston or Southwestern in Dallas and I'm applying this cycle!!!

 

[ilovebiology]

Hello everyone!

I am taking the 5/23 exam in Southern California! I FINALLY started the Sdn2 3-4 month study plan this past Monday...really struggling in Physics, but looking forward to Bio days! I have taken 2 Kaplan courses over the past couple years and did not get much out of them unfortunately. I have pushed off taking the MCAT twice. This test is a beast and is so intimidating to me, but I am finally treating it as something that I just have to get through to get to my ultimate goal of getting into med school and becoming a physician! I am not using any Kaplan sources...only using BR, EK, and audio osmosis. Glad we're all in this together!

 

[Raymundo1]

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.

I understand what you mean, it can be that way sometimes. What works for me is when i look at the school requirements and the average scores of school i am going to be applying to, i get scared and run to the books.Lol. It works differently but i hope it helps you as well.

 

[phys2med]

I'm also taking the MCAT on 5/23. Truthfully I'm very nervous about this whole test. I have a 3.75 overall, 4.0 science, and I've got 100hrs of shadowing and a couple hundred hours of various volunteering. The MCAT is the last hurdle for me and I think I'm more afraid of the reputation of the MCAT than the test itself.

I've started studying TPR mostly since I'm a nontrad and it's been a while since I've seen any A&P and general chemistry. I'm planning on loosely following the SDN 3 month guide

 

[xianxTxx]

Averaging 70% on verbal?! A 9?! How the am I going to miss less than 10-12 questions! It seems unrealistic! Had to vent!

 

[Like]

Try a different strategy? 😵

 

[DieTrying93]

90 days, guys! Buckle up!

 

[fila246]

Done with the review for the first half of TBR TBR books, I'm going to JUST do all the TBR passages + most of TPRSW before the end of March before spending April on FLs and re-reviewing content.

 

[Raymundo1]

You are flying mate, i am halfway through on biology, almost half through on chemistry, not started on orgo and physics yet. I am guessing i will wait till i finish both chem and biology and then tackle both because i tend to forget formulas very quickly and the nomenclature very quickly (too many rules). How do you guys remember details in biology. i tend to forget them as well after a while especially topics like Central dogma (DNA to RNA to protein) and Cell division. I remember the processes just the minute details.

 

[i5hina]

I thought I was going slow but I guess I'm right there with most of you. I'm officially past the halfway mark with my content review. I finished EK bio 9/9 and it felt iffy with the content, especially the genetics and populations chapter. To cover my end, I got TPR bio and im looking at their stuff on those topics. I have a solid bio background but it never hurts to be solid in bio, especially since its getting harder. I'm 6/10 with TBR Physics, 5/10 with TBR Gen Chem, just about 5/8 with TBR orgo and i have to say that orgo is kicking my butt. I dread reading through the chapters and it just drags, especially in part 2. surprisingly, I'm getting a hang of the verbal. I'm looking at about avg 1-2 wrong every passage and it seems the more you practice, the better you score but the post test prep is crucial. Realistically speaking, I'm going to to start FLs by the end of march. With classes and a full overnight job on a tele floor, it's hard to get sleep or read consistently.

But most of you seem to be on track. Keep it up, and keep the focus. Each day counts.

 

[Raymundo1]

I thought I was going slow but I guess I'm right there with most of you. I'm officially past the halfway mark with my content review. I finished EK bio 9/9 and it felt iffy with the content, especially the genetics and populations chapter. To cover my end, I got TPR bio and im looking at their stuff on those topics. I have a solid bio background but it never hurts to be solid in bio, especially since its getting harder. I'm 6/10 with TBR Physics, 5/10 with TBR Gen Chem, just about 5/8 with TBR orgo and i have to say that orgo is kicking my butt. I dread reading through the chapters and it just drags, especially in part 2. surprisingly, I'm getting a hang of the verbal. I'm looking at about avg 1-2 wrong every passage and it seems the more you practice, the better you score but the post test prep is crucial. Realistically speaking, I'm going to to start FLs by the end of march. With classes and a full overnight job on a tele floor, it's hard to get sleep or read consistently.

But most of you seem to be on track. Keep it up, and keep the focus. Each day counts.

Yeah mate, you seem on track with everyone else. you are also doing a great job with your schedule looking very enormous. But funny enough, i am about to start on Orgo tonight and knock a few chapters off before the end of the week. .

 

[i5hina]

Yeah mate, you seem on track with everyone else. you are also doing a great job with your schedule looking very enormous. But funny enough, i am about to start on Orgo tonight and knock a few chapters off before the end of the week. .

Raymondo Have fun with that Orgo, and let me know how much you love it.

 

[SPTtoMD]

^Holy Giant Avatar, Batman! Or is it just my computer that's resizing it?

Retaking. Got a 30 on the 1/26 exam (10/9/11) and it's OK but not competitive enough or reflective of my abilities.

My target score is 34-36 as that was what I've been getting on the practice tests.

I've exhausted EK so I'll be returning to TPR hyperlearning. I'm also in physical therapy school and shadowing so I'll be trying to balance MCAT days with other days.

 

[shishka32]

^Holy Giant Avatar, Batman! Or is it just my computer that's resizing it?

Retaking. Got a 30 on the 1/26 exam (10/9/11) and it's OK but not competitive enough or reflective of my abilities.

My target score is 34-36 as that was what I've been getting on the practice tests.

I've exhausted EK so I'll be returning to TPR hyperlearning. I'm also in physical therapy school and shadowing so I'll be trying to balance MCAT days with other days.

Was your exam experiment-heavy with BS?

 

[Forkit]

Can't focus on this thread because of i5hina's awesome GIGANTIC ENORMOUS BIG MASSIVE COLOSSAL avatar hahaha. It's an awesome image though, so no complains 😀

 

[SPTtoMD]

Was your exam experiment-heavy with BS?

I really can't reveal anything about the content of the exam. I have a decent handle on the general content, but I know I have to practice harder passages and read more science articles. It's the integration that gives me trouble.

Went to the nearest B&N and got some more study aids (sparse selection they had there...) but I'll be rereading TPR, supplementing with textbooks and Chad's Videos, and reading periodicals like Nature to work on BS and VR.

ETA:
Tomorrow's MCAT goals (March 1):
AAMC Diagnostics for PS
Start reviewing PS (reread TPR and EK, supplement with Chad's videos)

 

[i5hina]

No more huge image. As much as i liked it, i changed it.

Anyone have any idea of science research sites with complicated articles? Just one site would help big time.

 

[Snakes]

A bit behind the curve. Just started studying today. Generally following the 3 month MCAT SN2ed plan (modified obviously, lol). I'm not too sure about the "hat trick" described in the schedule. Anyone tried that already? Thoughts on its use/relevance?

 

[CajunMedic]

Signed up this week after making a 23 on the 26th of JAN (10V/6P/7B). I did a Kaplan course last semester, but never finished the HW or took a practice test due to course load, work, and family requirements. Gonna start with the AAMC self assessments, find my weaknesses, and either use my existing Kaplan study materials or EK.

 

[MagisandCP]

Good luck everyone I had to register for 6/20.

 

[drspacheman]

Hey guys, just signed up for this test date last week. I'm a retaker, got 26 (9ps/8vr/9bs) on 1/24/2013. I haven't started studying again yet, gonna start in a day or two. Hopefully this will be enough time, I feel like I've forgotten everything already!

 

[i5hina]

Hey guys, just signed up for this test date last week. I'm a retaker, got 26 (9ps/8vr/9bs) on 1/24/2013. I haven't started studying again yet, gonna start in a day or two. Hopefully this will be enough time, I feel like I've forgotten everything already!

Welcome drspacheman,

Good to see another person join the thread. Do you have any advice for us first timers? I know you can't give specifics but is there anything we should know for the mcat? Thanks.

 

[drspacheman]

Welcome drspacheman,

Good to see another person join the thread. Do you have any advice for us first timers? I know you can't give specifics but is there anything we should know for the mcat? Thanks.

Thanks 🙂 I would reiterate what most people say on this site that the passages for the real mcat are focused more on analyzing an experiment rather than just straight content. This is best reflected by AAMC's 10 & 11. I'm not sure how to prepare for this, but this time I think I might go and read a few primary articles in order to get used to the writing/presentation of information. I would also suggest trying to simulate a real test taking environment as much as possible so you can learn to control your nerves on test day. I think nerves were one of the major factors leading to my poor score because I remember being very anxious and my score of 26 is lower than my lowest practice score (27-28) and much lower than my average FL's (30-31).

For preparation, I personally thought that reading chapter after chapter on the material was not an effective use of time because I didn't really gain much retainable information from that. I think doing practice questions that test your content knowledge is much better, and I plan on focusing more on practice questions and tests rather than re-reading stuff. One could argue though that you need to go through the process of reading the chapters beforehand to really learn the stuff, but see what's best for you.

Also take all my advice with a grain of salt because I bombed the test 😛

 

[SPTtoMD]

It's advantageous to read periodicals like Nature and any other science, chemistry, or medical journals and read the articles. Afterwards ask yourself what the main idea of the article was and try to connect what you just read to concepts you may have learned from content review.

Also let me just put it out there-- part of me says 30 is good enough and the other part of me says I am perfectly capable of pulling off a 36. I want medicine badly enough to push through the fatigue and relearn everything.

 

[Sydela]

Hello everyone. Signed up for this test on 23rd May too. Its my second time - took it 2 years ago though. Yet to start studying - will probably start in 2 weeks. Great to see everyone so motivated! Goodluck to us all 🙂

 

[i5hina]

Thanks 🙂 I would reiterate what most people say on this site that the passages for the real mcat are focused more on analyzing an experiment rather than just straight content. This is best reflected by AAMC's 10 & 11. I'm not sure how to prepare for this, but this time I think I might go and read a few primary articles in order to get used to the writing/presentation of information. I would also suggest trying to simulate a real test taking environment as much as possible so you can learn to control your nerves on test day. I think nerves were one of the major factors leading to my poor score because I remember being very anxious and my score of 26 is lower than my lowest practice score (27-28) and much lower than my average FL's (30-31).

For preparation, I personally thought that reading chapter after chapter on the material was not an effective use of time because I didn't really gain much retainable information from that. I think doing practice questions that test your content knowledge is much better, and I plan on focusing more on practice questions and tests rather than re-reading stuff. One could argue though that you need to go through the process of reading the chapters beforehand to really learn the stuff, but see what's best for you.

Also take all my advice with a grain of salt because I bombed the test 😛

drspacheman,

Thanks for sharing all that insight. I can't talk for everyone else in the group, but I did find a lot of what you said interesting and useful. It seems the consensus tends to be in favor of 'passage based studying' as opposed to 'content review studying'. After seeing your post and many others, I'm seriously focusing more on passages now.



Sent from my HTC VLE_U using SDN Mobile

 

[i5hina]

It's advantageous to read periodicals like Nature and any other science, chemistry, or medical journals and read the articles. Afterwards ask yourself what the main idea of the article was and try to connect what you just read to concepts you may have learned from content review.

Also let me just put it out there-- part of me says 30 is good enough and the other part of me says I am perfectly capable of pulling off a 36. I want medicine badly enough to push through the fatigue and relearn everything.

SPTtoMD,

Thanks, i will definitely start reading Nature now. And refererring to the MCAT score, Don't listen to the part of you, listen to the other part...the 36 part. Just keep the drive, focus, and will.

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[Sydela]

Definitely agree that aamc 10 & 11 reflected the mcat I took the most (11 especially). I scored a 26L - PS: 11, VR 7 BS 8. The sciences was around my average practice scores. I felt that studying for bio helped me very little - it was mostly application. Practice passages are the way to go. I was scoring an average of 10-11 for verbal. Long story short - ran out of time for verbal. I was happy to take the best guess and move on during the practice exams but couldnt seem to do that on the real thing. Also felt the passages were a little longer. My advice is to try and complete the practice exams with 5 - 10 minutes to spare. You need a time buffer for exam anxiety on the real deal. (at least I did).

 

[clothcut]

Hey guys, I just took AAMC3 after a few days off and got a 8/10/10. How representative is this test compared to the other practice tests/actual exam?