The Official April MCAT 2015 Takers Thread

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emulsifier

emulsifier

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Hey guys,

I've seen some old threads (from 2012, or early 2014) on the MCAT2015.

I am wondering if we can bring resources together here, discussions for those who are planning on taking the new one in or after April.

Has anyone gotten their hands on the new prep material for 2015, and the chance to compare the different companies? I scoured the internet, obviously not much at the moment. But I know someone out there has started, just need to get this info out!

Edit:
Resources mentioned in this thread or elsewhere:

  • Free mini-test: AAMC MCAT 2015 12 sample questions and answer (3 x 4 sections)
  • Next Step guide here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...e-mcat-2015-100-days-to-mcat-success.1101251/
  • TPR 2015 books: They seem to be the same as their previous books. Their bio book has a chapter on biochem.
  • Kaplan 2015 books: removed content that is not tested. Physics section is 400 pages (may be too much for the new MCAT). Very little practice. Whole book on biochem.
  • EK 9th edition books: reformatted the whole book. SDNer reviewer has said that even parts with same illustrations have whole new contents. Got rid of topics that won't be tested. May be too condensed though.
 
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NaomiM said:
I think you're allowed to bring an unopened package of your ear plugs, if you don't want to use the godawful noise cancelling headphones they provide. What I want to know is what the heck are we supposed to do during the lunch break? The temptation to review for the psych/soc section will be so strong.
Click to expand...

Lol for the love of god don't be that person...At that point you either know it or you don't!
 
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Kind of frustrating that if you want to leave the room to eat a snack during a break you have to sign the signature log, show ID, provide fingerprints, and be scanned by a metal detector -- and then do the same thing on the way back into the room. That's got to take up at least 25% of a 10-minute break. And how are we supposed to know when our breaks are up if we're not allowed to have a phone or a watch?
 
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After reading through the examinee booklet, my new MCAT fears are:
a) not getting back from a 10-minute break on time and screwing up my exam
b) running out of time during a 10-minute break and having to do the next section while really hungry and/or desperately needing to pee
c) being bored to tears during a 30-minute lunch break with no phones or books allowed
 
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Took the AAMC sample test today:

Chem/Phys: 69% <Just prepared with TPR so... thankfully I haven't done any old AAMC practice on this yet. I'm going to kick my butt until I get this right. But they said my biggest problem was "structure, function, and reactions of biologically relevant molecules". So as expected, biochem is giving me and everyone else a butt load of problems. I haven't done any formal preparation on biochem however. Turns out, memorizing all the enzymes/pathways/regulations in lectures was pointless for the mcat.
CARS: 92% < Overprepared, lol. This section is by far the easiest.
BIO: 90% <EK prep only. Could raise more if I practice a bit more, but that's the least of my priorities.
Psych: 78% <Khan academy psych only. No sociology background because I thought sociology was going to be easy, but it turns out that it has more ridiculous names than psych... Oh, they did make one mistake for the James-Lange btw. I don't know if anyone caught that.. .
 
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XxThaDoggxX said:
Lol for the love of god don't be that person...At that point you either know it or you don't!
Click to expand...
😉 At little last minute frantic review never hurts! But yeah, at this point, I'm just ready for saturday to be here... So tired of doing reviewing
 
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otterxavier said:
Kind of frustrating that if you want to leave the room to eat a snack during a break you have to sign the signature log, show ID, provide fingerprints, and be scanned by a metal detector -- and then do the same thing on the way back into the room. That's got to take up at least 25% of a 10-minute break. And how are we supposed to know when our breaks are up if we're not allowed to have a phone or a watch?
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yeah it's very intense. I was thrown so off guard with it all that I BARELY made it back from my 10 min break. wasn't expecting to be patted down and all that every time. and you pretty much have to guesstimate the time (they'll likely have a clock at the center)
 
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This is probably a dumb question, but there shouldn't be any problems if we decide to essentially use our full allotted 10 or 30 minutes of each break, correct? Like if I was theoretically one of the last people to finish, proctors wouldn't be eyeing me down waiting for me to finish already, right? I haven't taken previous MCATs before, so I'm not quite sure how that goes.
 
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TheCruelOne said:
This is probably a dumb question, but there shouldn't be any problems if we decide to essentially use our full allotted 10 or 30 minutes of each break, correct? Like if I was theoretically one of the last people to finish, proctors wouldn't be eyeing me down waiting for me to finish already, right? I haven't taken previous MCATs before, so I'm not quite sure how that goes.
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if you're thinking it's gonna be like the SAT it isn't. everyone is in this facility taking different exams. the computer automatically starts the next screen after the break. the proctors are only there to make sure you're you and to set you up. they probs don't know one thing about the mcat or when your breaks are.
 
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TexanProud said:
yeah it's very intense. I was thrown so off guard with it all that I BARELY made it back from my 10 min break. wasn't expecting to be patted down and all that every time. and you pretty much have to guesstimate the time (they'll likely have a clock at the center)
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I hate that.... i had big plans for each break (aka which snack i was going to eat....) Now I'm afraid i won't be able to pee AND eat my snacks. which would be a tragedy.
 
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mlowe1 said:
I hate that.... i had big plans for each break (aka which snack i was going to eat....) Now I'm afraid i won't be able to pee AND eat my snacks. which would be a tragedy.
Click to expand...

it truly sucks because we want to be resting and recuperating during the breaks but you'll be too busy worrying about time. there is literally no down time haha it's just great.
 
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@rachiie01 The guide to questions gave me more trouble than the other two for some reason. For me, the question packs are the easiest, especially bio. That's prob due to the lack of biochem of course. Biochem's a tricky one to get with limited materials
 
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^ working on the official guide questions now. for me, they're markedly more difficult than the question packs (those I seem to be killing but i guess its because biochem isn't included) and I also think more difficult than the sample test.. but I've only finished the bio section so can't say for sure. I'm glad you agree @TexanProud
 
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Okay, I've done the bio question pack (about the same as my guide to questions and sample test, but I like biochem) and I'm working on verbal now.

I'm awful at verbal passages pertaining to art lol. The first three passages on the verbal question pack were art-related and I bombed 2/3. I'm kind of freaking out right now since this is usually my strongest section.

AAMC, I want off of your emotional roller coaster.
 
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So I understand we need to completely know the amino acids, their abbreviations, and category (hydrophilic, polar, charged, etc), but will we need to know the exact structure of each one? There are some obvious differences that are easy to remember, like proline, tryptophan, etc, but it's kind of hard to always differentiate the BCAAs since they're so similar.
In other words, do you guys think they'll show a picture of an AA and ask us to name it (I think that's too straightforward), or ask a question without telling us any abbreviation?
 
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ARBRLA12 said:
So I understand we need to completely know the amino acids, their abbreviations, and category (hydrophilic, polar, charged, etc), but will we need to know the exact structure of each one? There are some obvious differences that are easy to remember, like proline, tryptophan, etc, but it's kind of hard to always differentiate the BCAAs since they're so similar.
In other words, do you guys think they'll show a picture of an AA and ask us to name it (I think that's too straightforward), or ask a question without telling us any abbreviation?
Click to expand...
Doubt it. Know that glycine will be unlikely to disrupt some structure if it replaces a similar (nonpolar) amino acid. I'd say you should remember that proline will disrupt some secondary structures because of it's rigidity

* I honestly believe that if you know the polarity/charge you should be able to narrow down answer choices. If they give you a structure and ask -
"Is this AA: A, I, V, or L?" - they will be going to hell
 
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rachiie01 said:
PS how did you guys do on the question packs vs the sample test/guide to questions? Was there any difference in scoring?
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I did better on the official guide for the b/bc and p/c section then on the sample test, and the best in every section on the question packs. did better in psych on sample test then official guide, verbal in the 90s and the same for the guide, sample, and 80s-90s for packs.

I agree with what's been said about biochem-- I don't have formal coursework in biochem yet so I think that has been the biggest discrepancy between the question packs and the 2015 written stuff-- I feel like I built my confidence with the question packs and did very well but then scored lower on the sample and guide because some of the biochem threw me off.
 
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mlowe1 said:
I hate that.... i had big plans for each break (aka which snack i was going to eat....) Now I'm afraid i won't be able to pee AND eat my snacks. which would be a tragedy.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry to much. I had plenty of time during my breaks. At the testing center where I took the first MCAT you have to sign out and they give you the time as well (and just sign out they didn't wand me or anything). When they gave me a time, I just did 10-2, and thats how much time I had left.
 
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DrHart said:
Doubt it. Know that glycine will be unlikely to disrupt some structure if it replaces a similar (nonpolar) amino acid. I'd say you should remember that proline will disrupt some secondary structures because of it's rigidity

* I honestly believe that if you know the polarity/charge you should be able to narrow down answer choices. If they give you a structure and ask -
"Is this AA: A, I, V, or L?" - they will be going to hell
Click to expand...

iirc there was a question on the official practice test where you had to identify specific AA residues in a drawing of a polypeptide. I don't remember if the option choices made it possible to get it right based on charge/polarity, or if you had to actually recognize the side chains.
 
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otterxavier said:
iirc there was a question on the official practice test where you had to identify specific AA residues in a drawing of a polypeptide. I don't remember if the option choices made it possible to get it right based on charge/polarity, or if you had to actually recognize the side chains.
Click to expand...
Screen Shot 2015-04-14 at 12.37.18 PM.png

What AA is this a derivative of?
Tyrosine
Threonine
Lysine
Tryptophan

Tyrosine and tryptophan both have aromatic R groups
Lysine has a positive R group
Threonine is the only option left, and it's also the only option that has uncharged, polar R group
This is what I mean - like if you know the polarity/charge I don't think it will be too difficult to find the right answer. Dunno if this is what you were thinking of but it was the first example that popped into my mind
 
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rachiie01 said:
PS how did you guys do on the question packs vs the sample test/guide to questions? Was there any difference in scoring?
Click to expand...

In terms of difficulty, it was official guide=sample test > question packs, but in terms of my scores, it was official guide=question packs > sample test. There're a lot more experiment-based passages, which is where I find it tricky. i'm so afraid of passage fatigue by the psych/soc section.

meant4med said:
HAHA I totally was going to go to Target on Thursday and buy some! It also has something to do with the fact that who the heck has time to do laundry the week of the mcat...
Click to expand...

Lol! I've been living in the same five tees, leggings and sneakers this past month! Was just gonna throw another one on for this exam!

ARBRLA12 said:
So I understand we need to completely know the amino acids, their abbreviations, and category (hydrophilic, polar, charged, etc), but will we need to know the exact structure of each one? There are some obvious differences that are easy to remember, like proline, tryptophan, etc, but it's kind of hard to always differentiate the BCAAs since they're so similar.
In other words, do you guys think they'll show a picture of an AA and ask us to name it (I think that's too straightforward), or ask a question without telling us any abbreviation?
Click to expand...

I think we will need to know the basic structures of each. I remember on the sample test, there was a question asking between which two amino acids the enzyme cleaves. even though it was between phenylalanine and proline, id rather not risk it. i doubt they'd ask for us to distinguish between glutamine and asparagine butttt i'd still rather be safe.
 
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You should probably be familiar with the structures because you'll probably get asked a question about the net charge of amino acids at different PH (there was one question on practice test). They may even pull a total BS question where they want you to distinguish between threonine and serine, or glutamic acid and aspartic acid.
Purification methods should also be reviewed...
 
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Did anyone understand how to do Question 9 of the Phys/chem section for the sample test? The question asks "What information about an axon is required to calculate the current associated with an NCV pulse?" I chose potential, resistivity and radius, because the formula R=(pL)/A, but thought it could be potential, resistivity and length just as well. I don't understand the explanation given.
 
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@firefly36 I feel the same about those damn experiment based passages. sometimes I am literally unable to reason through it, it'll be so lost on me. I'm like, listen. give me a hint. that's all I need to get goin here.
 
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Sorry to bother you guys especially since you guys are so busy these days. But, could anyone tell me how similar/different the practice AAMC exam is compared to the older AAMC exams. Did you guys study differently than you would have for the old exam? If you could study differently what would you have done.

I'm kind of studying like it is the old exam + biochem and psych and I'm worried I'm doing it wrong.
 
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firefly36 said:
Did anyone understand how to do Question 9 of the Phys/chem section for the sample test? The question asks "What information about an axon is required to calculate the current associated with an NCV pulse?" I chose potential, resistivity and radius, because the formula R=(pL)/A, but thought it could be potential, resistivity and length just as well. I don't understand the explanation given.
Click to expand...
I got this one right but I agree, I dont understand what the difference is between having radius v. length, since if you have radius you can find area, and thus with either you would have 2/3 variables from the R formula. Anyone else know?
 
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DrHart said:
View attachment 191180
What AA is this a derivative of?
Tyrosine
Threonine
Lysine
Tryptophan

Tyrosine and tryptophan both have aromatic R groups
Lysine has a positive R group
Threonine is the only option left, and it's also the only option that has uncharged, polar R group
This is what I mean - like if you know the polarity/charge I don't think it will be too difficult to find the right answer. Dunno if this is what you were thinking of but it was the first example that popped into my mind
Click to expand...
the threonine side group is right there on the top next to the peptide bond
 
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firefly36 said:
Did anyone understand how to do Question 9 of the Phys/chem section for the sample test? The question asks "What information about an axon is required to calculate the current associated with an NCV pulse?" I chose potential, resistivity and radius, because the formula R=(pL)/A, but thought it could be potential, resistivity and length just as well. I don't understand the explanation given.
Click to expand...
mlowe1 said:
I got this one right but I agree, I dont understand what the difference is between having radius v. length, since if you have radius you can find area, and thus with either you would have 2/3 variables from the R formula. Anyone else know?
Click to expand...

I got this one wrong. Obviously you'll need V. The way I see it, the chart gives you values for resistance per unit length. Because of this, if you know length, you can calculate resistance. Then you plug both V and R into I = V/R to get current. Also, as the graph shows, r doesn't change so A doesn't change either. I agree that this is a really confusing question. Don't know if my explanation makes sense or not >.<

*In other words, given the data table, you only need length to calculate R, even though the conventional equation for R utilizes A/L
 
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someone post their score/time for that amino acid naming game I wanna see if I can beat you chums
 
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Can someone explain question 13 from the chem question pack? I always feel like I'm guessing on these types of questions lol.

You can PM me, i'm not sure if we're allowed to discuss specific questions on here...?
 
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firefly36 said:
Did anyone understand how to do Question 9 of the Phys/chem section for the sample test? The question asks "What information about an axon is required to calculate the current associated with an NCV pulse?" I chose potential, resistivity and radius, because the formula R=(pL)/A, but thought it could be potential, resistivity and length just as well. I don't understand the explanation given.
Click to expand...

Resistivity is resistance per unit length. So... you don't need radius.
 
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rachiie01 said:
Okay, I've done the bio question pack (about the same as my guide to questions and sample test, but I like biochem) and I'm working on verbal now.

I'm awful at verbal passages pertaining to art lol. The first three passages on the verbal question pack were art-related and I bombed 2/3. I'm kind of freaking out right now since this is usually my strongest section.

AAMC, I want off of your emotional roller coaster.
Click to expand...
I've finished with the guide questions and I got about the same percentage correct on all of the sections (except I perceived the guide to be harder, I made a ton of stupid mistakes in the sample). Question packs were much easier.
But, I will say for the CARS question packs, there were definitely a few passages that ruined me. I have noticed different styles with the CARS packs (Old AAMC) vs. the sample and guide questions (New AAMC). I'm with you, this is my strongest section and I did okay on the newer style passages so I'm just hoping that they will remain similar to the sample test.
 
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firefly36 said:
Did anyone understand how to do Question 9 of the Phys/chem section for the sample test? The question asks "What information about an axon is required to calculate the current associated with an NCV pulse?" I chose potential, resistivity and radius, because the formula R=(pL)/A, but thought it could be potential, resistivity and length just as well. I don't understand the explanation given.
Click to expand...

They also give you the axon radius in Table 1. And what Holmwood said. Think the question should have read "what ADDITIONAL information..."
 
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Anyone have a good mnemoic to remember 1 letter abbreviation of amino acids? I know all the properties of AAs as well as the 3 letter abbreviations. But man, 1 letter abbreviations are brutal. For example, Aspartate is D, Lysine is K, Glutamine is E.
 
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mlowe1 said:
But, I will say for the CARS question packs, there were definitely a few passages that ruined me. I have noticed different styles with the CARS packs (Old AAMC) vs. the sample and guide questions (New AAMC). I'm with you, this is my strongest section and I did okay on the newer style passages so I'm just hoping that they will remain similar to the sample test.
Click to expand...

I 100% agree...I'm worried. The CARS for the sample test were insanely easy, the ones on the question packs were a bit more difficult in my opinion...I am praying its more similar to the sample test come test day, but honestly who the hell knows!
 
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umgoblue2008 said:
Anyone have a good mnemoic to remember 1 letter abbreviation of amino acids? I know all the properties of AAs as well as the 3 letter abbreviations. But man, 1 letter abbreviations are brutal. For example, Aspartate is D, Lysine is K, Glutamine is E.
Click to expand...
Only way I've gotten them down is with flash cards and just going through them a bunch. Making myself think/write the structure out, name the 3 letter, the properties, and the 1 letter.
 
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umgoblue2008 said:
Anyone have a good mnemoic to remember 1 letter abbreviation of amino acids? I know all the properties of AAs as well as the 3 letter abbreviations. But man, 1 letter abbreviations are brutal. For example, Aspartate is D, Lysine is K, Glutamine is E.
Click to expand...
N = AsparagiNe
Q = Glutamine (no trick) <-- Q is Gln not Glu
K = Lysine has a Krazzey long side chain
R = the pirate says ARrrrghinine
D = Dude thats a small side chain on Aspartate. AsparDic* Acid sorry mom I'm still 14 at heart
E = GlutamatE <-- don't really have one
 
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