The Official August 22, 2013 MCAT Thread

[Person0715]

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Hey everyone! With just a little less than 2 months to go, I am wondering why this thread hasn't been made yet.

Is anyone else here signed up for the 8/22 MCAT?

I'm following the SN2ed schedule and I can't wait to be done with content review. I'm excited to finally take an AAMC to see if I've been studying correctly these last 2 months.

 

[Person0715]

I took one day for each SAP to take, review, and brush up. So 4 days total. Each SAP took anywhere between 2 to 3 hours.

I am aiming for a 36+. Wish me luck lol.
I'm so anxious to take a practice test just to see what score range I'm currently at.

 

[shrey93]

I felt the same way before i took my first FL, i found myself freaking out a lot and thought it negatively affected me in terms of timing for physical sciences and verbal in terms of making stupid mistakes and spending too much time on hard passages, etc. Hoping for a better performance as i take AAMC 3 tomorrow.

have some faith in your content review, i'm sure with your SA scores you are going to do well!

 

[sunflower18]

I took one day for each SAP to take, review, and brush up. So 4 days total. Each SAP took anywhere between 2 to 3 hours.

I am aiming for a 36+. Wish me luck lol.
I'm so anxious to take a practice test just to see what score range I'm currently at.

Oh wow. I was budgeting for three days for each one so that I could take them and very thoroughly review weak areas and solidify them before moving on. Is that way too much time?

(Edit: although I do work 8-16 hours total during each of those three day windows.)

I feel the same way! I feel like I've studied so much since my last FL and I'm so anxious to find out where I'm at.

 

[Person0715]

Oh wow. I was budgeting for three days for each one so that I could take them and very thoroughly review weak areas and solidify them before moving on. Is that way too much time?

(Edit: although I do work 8-16 hours total during each of those three day windows.)

I feel the same way! I feel like I've studied so much since my last FL and I'm so anxious to find out where I'm at.

I think 2 to 3 days each is a good plan if you will be working on those days

 

[sunflower18]

I think 2 to 3 days each is a good plan if you will be working on those days

Okay, cool. Yeah, I work shifts as a scribe, so I have an 8 hour shift every other day or so. But I do have an almost two week break with no shifts directly before the mcat 🙂

 

[inycepoo]

Oh wow. I was budgeting for three days for each one so that I could take them and very thoroughly review weak areas and solidify them before moving on. Is that way too much time?

(Edit: although I do work 8-16 hours total during each of those three day windows.)

I feel the same way! I feel like I've studied so much since my last FL and I'm so anxious to find out where I'm at.

I feel like 3 days for each SA is a bit much to "waste" 12 total days on just doing them. They're very basic (I'm halfway through the GC right now, on a break, and some of them are math questions you can do in your head), so I'd say max 2 days on each even with work. 1 to do, the next to brush up and review and practice. Hopefully you won't be in the 60% range where you have a lot to review and practice haha...

 

[inycepoo]

I took one day for each SAP to take, review, and brush up. So 4 days total. Each SAP took anywhere between 2 to 3 hours.

I am aiming for a 36+. Wish me luck lol.
I'm so anxious to take a practice test just to see what score range I'm currently at.

d00d you'll be fine! AAMC 3 is cake, though, so I'd watch out. I got a 38 on that 3 weeks ago, but haven't been 36+ since lol.

 

[sunflower18]

I feel like 3 days for each SA is a bit much to "waste" 12 total days on just doing them. They're very basic (I'm halfway through the GC right now, on a break, and some of them are math questions you can do in your head), so I'd say max 2 days on each even with work. 1 to do, the next to brush up and review and practice. Hopefully you won't be in the 60% range where you have a lot to review and practice haha...

That's good to know! Ok! Maybe I'll add in more FLs then 🙂

 

[Person0715]

I started doing passages from TPR hyperlearning science workbook. The passages are really good. They seem to manage to incorporate a few topics into each passage, so I think it's really good practice

 

[sunflower18]

I started doing passages from TPR hyperlearning science workbook. The passages are really good. They seem to manage to incorporate a few topics into each passage, so I think it's really good practice

Yes! I've done almost every single passage in the SWB! well sort of. I plan to finish my last 5 ochem passages in the next hour. I have ~15 left in physics, ~15 left in bio, and ~30 left in physics.

My plan is to have done them all by the time I'm done with the mcat 🙂 they are great practice I think!

 

[inycepoo]

I started doing passages from TPR hyperlearning science workbook. The passages are really good. They seem to manage to incorporate a few topics into each passage, so I think it's really good practice

Ah, TPRH Science Workbook. *nudge nudge* (inside joke guys tehe) 😛

 

[Person0715]

Ah, TPRH Science Workbook. *nudge nudge* (inside joke guys tehe) 😛

Yea, thanks man 😀

@sunflower,

Wow that is quite a lot of passages you've done!

 

[sunflower18]

Yea, thanks man 😀

@sunflower,

Wow that is quite a lot of passages you've done!

I worked a lot in June and didn't study as much as I should, so I've been going gangbusters since July started!! I want a good score so badly.

Are you applying this cycle?

 

[inycepoo]

I worked a lot in June and didn't study as much as I should, so I've been going gangbusters since July started!! I want a good score so badly.

Are you applying this cycle?

I find TPRH SW to be kinda repetitive if you're doing straight passages one by one, though. It's too late as an 8/9er to go back and get all of them done, but sometimes I wonder if I should've stuck with it and did them all haha.

 

[sunflower18]

I find TPRH SW to be kinda repetitive if you're doing straight passages one by one, though. It's too late as an 8/9er to go back and get all of them done, but sometimes I wonder if I should've stuck with it and did them all haha.

Repetition helps to enforce concepts though! Seems to work for me, anyway. I'm sure you'll do fine regardless -- no worries on that front!

 

[inycepoo]

Yea, thanks man 😀

@sunflower,

Wow that is quite a lot of passages you've done!

Nah, bro, I got more to thank you for.

 

[Person0715]

I worked a lot in June and didn't study as much as I should, so I've been going gangbusters since July started!! I want a good score so badly.

Are you applying this cycle?

No, I'm not applying until next cycle. I just wanted to take the MCAT since I have pretty much nothing going on this summer and also before that pesky MCAT 2015

 

[sunflower18]

No, I'm not applying until next cycle. I just wanted to take the MCAT since I have pretty much nothing going on this summer and also before that pesky MCAT 2015

Me too! Except I've been working at the local ED 30 hrs a week all summer.

 

[Person0715]

Me too! Except I've been working at the local ED 30 hrs a week all summer.

Wow, good for you! I'm feeling overwhelmed from just studying for the MCAT. On the bright side, I took a Kaplan FL today and got 13 PS and 12 BS. I don't know how that happened because I got 13 questions wrong in each section... At least Kaplan thinks so highly of me lol.

 

[sunflower18]

Wow, good for you! I'm feeling overwhelmed from just studying for the MCAT. On the bright side, I took a Kaplan FL today and got 13 PS and 12 BS. I don't know how that happened because I got 13 questions wrong in each section... At least Kaplan thinks so highly of me lol.

Great scores!!! Strange curve, but still awesome!

 

[inycepoo]

Wow, good for you! I'm feeling overwhelmed from just studying for the MCAT. On the bright side, I took a Kaplan FL today and got 13 PS and 12 BS. I don't know how that happened because I got 13 questions wrong in each section... At least Kaplan thinks so highly of me lol.

I'd take your raw score (# correct) and compare it to an AAMC scale for a better scaled score. Kaplan had a generous curve because the tests were harder than the real deal, but now they are nowhere near as ridiculous as they once were.

 

[Person0715]

I'd take your raw score (# correct) and compare it to an AAMC scale for a better scaled score. Kaplan had a generous curve because the tests were harder than the real deal, but now they are nowhere near as ridiculous as they once were.

Yea, I know what you mean, but a person can dream, right? I hope Kaplan would try harder to keep up with the test. I mean, their whole approach to verbal and all of their verbal practice need a serious revamping

 

[inycepoo]

Yea, I know what you mean, but a person can dream, right? I hope Kaplan would try harder to keep up with the test. I mean, their whole approach to verbal and all of their verbal practice need a serious revamping

Not only a person, but Person0715 to be exact. 😉

 

[sd227]

took aamc 3 yesterday

ps-13
vr-9
bs-10

I am a little worried about bio and verbal considering this was suppose to be an easy test.

 

[Person0715]

took aamc 3 yesterday

ps-13
vr-9
bs-10

I am a little worried about bio and verbal considering this was suppose to be an easy test.

It might be too early to say. Take one more and see what you get. Make sure really analyze AAMC 3 by going over your thought process and what led you to the wrong answers.

Good luck!

 

[deleted393595]

Count me in...

 

[SB14]

Hey guys,

I'm signed up the for 8/22 test. I'm on the SN2ed schedule and just took my first FL yesterday, AAMC #3 which i got a 37 on(13,11,13). While I know this is one of the easier tests and the real MCAT is gonna be much different, I was wondering how you guys think I should move on from here. Should I do any more content review or should I just do practice tests? I've also been averaging around 75% on all the BR 1/3s?

Thanks!

 

[inycepoo]

Hey guys,

I'm signed up the for 8/22 test. I'm on the SN2ed schedule and just took my first FL yesterday, AAMC #3 which i got a 37 on(13,11,13). While I know this is one of the easier tests and the real MCAT is gonna be much different, I was wondering how you guys think I should move on from here. Should I do any more content review or should I just do practice tests? I've also been averaging around 75% on all the BR 1/3s?

Thanks!

Practice, practice, practice. Old AAMCs test content primarily, so you're good with content already. Do review a bit on what you got wrong, and maybe scattered passages based on those passages, but no more content.

 

[SB14]

Practice, practice, practice. Old AAMCs test content primarily, so you're good with content already. Do review a bit on what you got wrong, and maybe scattered passages based on those passages, but no more content.

Do you think I should do the Self-assesments? and which other practice tests are good other than AAMC. I heard kaplan doesn't give you an accurate representation, is that true?

 

[inycepoo]

Do you think I should do the Self-assesments? and which other practice tests are good other than AAMC. I heard kaplan doesn't give you an accurate representation, is that true?

Do you mean Kaplan books or online course content?

Do the SAs for kicks. It's the only real "content review" that the AAMC offers, so why not.

 

[Person0715]

Just took AAMC 3 and got a 12 PS 9 VR 12 BS. Verbal destroyed me. I was hoping for at least a 10. Do you guys think there is hope for a 36 on the real deal?

 

[inycepoo]

Just took AAMC 3 and got a 12 PS 9 VR 12 BS. Verbal destroyed me. I was hoping for at least a 10. Do you guys think there is hope for a 36 on the real deal?

Just get the science up. VR can be very low-yield.

 

[sunflower18]

I am basically done with content review!!! Fully done in genchem and ochem. Just gotta review optics in physics, and respiratory / reproductive systems in biology. Woohoo! I think I'll study a bit of physics and then do an SA tonight.

 

[sd227]

Just took kaplan 2 today

Ps- 14
Vr-8
Bs-12

I just bombed verbal today. Do all you guys highlight while reading the passages?

 

[sunflower18]

Just took kaplan 2 today

Ps- 14
Vr-8
Bs-12

I just bombed verbal today. Do all you guys highlight while reading the passages?

I do. I don't know that it really helps, but I think it allows me to better remember the placement of ideas and details in paragraphs.

 

[sd227]

You get 12+ on verbal right. Whats your strategy?

I feel really inconsistent with verbal. The ek 101 exams i got 10's. I got a 9 on aamc 3 and kaplan 1. I just feel like i only really well on a passage when i understand it.

 

[Person0715]

You get 12+ on verbal right. Whats your strategy?

I feel really inconsistent with verbal. The ek 101 exams i got 10's. I got a 9 on aamc 3 and kaplan 1. I just feel like i only really well on a passage when i understand it.

I have problems in verbal too, but don't put too much stock in Kaplan's verbal. Their verbal is nothing like the real deal. I scored like an 8 in verbal on one of the Kaplan FLs and a 12 in another.

Have you taken an AAMC yet?

 

[sd227]

Just aamc 3. Planning on taking 4 this thursday or friday.

 

[sunflower18]

You get 12+ on verbal right. Whats your strategy?

I feel really inconsistent with verbal. The ek 101 exams i got 10's. I got a 9 on aamc 3 and kaplan 1. I just feel like i only really well on a passage when i understand it.

If you're talking to me, yes!

My strategy would be to read the passage and imagine yourself explaining it to someone else. What are the main points, what's the best way to lay them out, what details best illustrate the point, what examples might you use to clarify, etc. It forces you to put everything in your own words and to make sure you understand the concepts.

 

[amad01]

AAMC 3 : 12 8 12
Kaplan 4: 13 11 12
AAMC "4R": 13 8 12

Verbal will be the death of me.

I made stupid mistakes in aamc 3... looking back I really only feel ok about 2 of the ones I missed... I feel really used to TBR's style of passages and questions so I think I need adjusting to the AAMC "style" if you know what I mean... I felt AAMC 4 BS section was a lot of just getting info from the passage...

 

[shrey93]

AAMC 3 : 12 8 12
Kaplan 4: 13 11 12
AAMC "4R": 13 8 12

Verbal will be the death of me.

I made stupid mistakes in aamc 3... looking back I really only feel ok about 2 of the ones I missed... I feel really used to TBR's style of passages and questions so I think I need adjusting to the AAMC "style" if you know what I mean... I felt AAMC 4 BS section was a lot of just getting info from the passage...

damn those are really solid scores, coming off using TBR i definitely think it takes some getting used too

it's scary how close this test date is getting, it always felt like it was so far away

 

[amad01]

damn those are really solid scores, coming off using TBR i definitely think it takes some getting used too

it's scary how close this test date is getting, it always felt like it was so far away

I think the biggest thing is while using TBR, you know exactly what you are studying and they even often give a bunch of equations in the passages.... while with AAMC sometimes I am not sure what it is the test writer wants me to figure out... especially with things like momentum and KE conservation and stuff.... 4 weeks

 

[Person0715]

I think the biggest thing is while using TBR, you know exactly what you are studying and they even often give a bunch of equations in the passages.... while with AAMC sometimes I am not sure what it is the test writer wants me to figure out... especially with things like momentum and KE conservation and stuff.... 4 weeks

Just less than a month left! How time flies. I can't wait to be done with all things MCAT

 

[sunflower18]

Hmm. Didn't do so hot on the gen chem SA i dont think. 80%. I'm not really sure how to interpret my percent correct -- like how does that translate into potential scores? Oh well -- I have a month left to hone my weaknesses! And I knew that PS was my weak link. Still disappointed.

 

[sunflower18]

Hmm. Didn't do so hot on the gen chem SA i dont think. 80%. I'm not really sure how to interpret my percent correct -- like how does that translate into potential scores? Oh well -- I have a month left to hone my weaknesses! And I knew that PS was my weak link. Still disappointed.

You know, looking at it, I got high 80s-100 on all but three subsections. I totally bombed those three. But that means that I have a small amount of content that I can focus on, and then i will be set! Woohoo optimism!

 

[Person0715]

You know, looking at it, I got high 80s-100 on all but three subsections. I totally bombed those three. But that means that I have a small amount of content that I can focus on, and then i will be set! Woohoo optimism!

80 in gen chem is not so bad, especially if you scored a 100 on another SAP

 

[tuhtles]

8/22 over here too! 🙂 1 pm test. Good luck to you guys!


I'm currently finishing up SAs. Did physics yesterday and gchem today.
I'm going to take 4-11 AAMC tests plus 3 TPR CTBs I have left within the next <4 weeks.

I think my only problem is getting nervous during the test. My brain literally freezes and I get all shaky.
Do you guys have any testing anxiety? I usually only do for high stake things like standardized testing but not for college exams. sigh

 

[Person0715]

8/22 over here too! 🙂 1 pm test. Good luck to you guys!


I'm currently finishing up SAs. Did physics yesterday and gchem today.
I'm going to take 4-11 AAMC tests plus 3 TPR CTBs I have left within the next <4 weeks.

I think my only problem is getting nervous during the test. My brain literally freezes and I get all shaky.
Do you guys have any testing anxiety? I usually only do for high stake things like standardized testing but not for college exams. sigh

This might be easier said than done, but it might help if you treat each practice test you take as the real deal. Schedule you're practice tests for the same time as your real test. Eat the same snack you plan to bring on test day. If you make test day feel just like another test, it might help keep your anxiety in check.

 

[amad01]

i'm losin my study flame.... somebody motivate me.... I feel like verbal is an impossible game that I can never improve on... and I can only go over everything in EK so many times... I guess I'll watch some will smith videos to get pumped up

 

[tuhtles]

This might be easier said than done, but it might help if you treat each practice test you take as the real deal. Schedule you're practice tests for the same time as your real test. Eat the same snack you plan to bring on test day. If you make test day feel just like another test, it might help keep your anxiety in check.

Thanks for the advice! I've actually been planning to do this with the FLs I have left. I'm going to try to make things as real as possible so I can best condition myself for the actual test. 🙂

i'm losin my study flame.... somebody motivate me.... I feel like verbal is an impossible game that I can never improve on... and I can only go over everything in EK so many times... I guess I'll watch some will smith videos to get pumped up

I feel ya with that verbal part. VR is really a hit or a miss. 🙁 For me, interest in the passages is absolutely huge. So I tend to pick out the ones I'm interested in and do those first. I'm in the process of completing the AAMC SAs right now and I've been noticing that some of bio is very similar to verbal in terms of recalling key facts/points made from the passage. I've also noticed the similarity in some of the question stems such as something like "which of the following would challenge/weaken/ provide least support/ strengthen the following claims based on the passage". I'm going to start treating VR like BS (since I'm way better at BS) and really focus and concentrate hard when I read the passage.

Also, I think confidence is also huge. You can do this!! Go go go