The Official July 12, 2014 MCAT Thread

[HinduHammer]

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2.5 months away, let's get started. Time to study and motivate each other!!

Me so far: Taking Kaplan online. 23 diagnostic (8,12,3). Applying for class entering Fall 2015.

My studying so far has been minimal, though I am halfway through the kaplan online course. I was planning to take June 5 but decided to push it back. After my final exams next week, I will be studying mostly full-time from May 12-July 12. My biggest weakness is bio content and timing - I cannot read the passages fast enough.

What are your stories/plans/goals??

Let's do this!!!

 

[Newlanders]

How did you guys feel about the curve? Anyone knew for a fact they missed a couple of questions?

 

[Laurenxxxx]

I hate reading all of the "never got that low on a certain section" posts. I'm sorry to hear that, everyone. What an awful feeling. Wtf happened with this MCAT!?!?!

This was such a learning experience. It sucked, but as a previous poster said, I surely needed it. I need to accept failure. I cried after reading my score, then about ten minutes later got this scary, determined look in my eye. This is not the end!!!

Maybe I'll see some of you on the future MCAT boards. I was thinking mid-September at first but going to push back to October.

 

[edm2009]

How did you guys feel about the curve? Anyone knew for a fact they missed a couple of questions?

Yeah I know for a fact that I missed at least 4 easy ones on the PS section. 3 of those were discretes as well and really just down to random memorization of facts! Really disappointed especially since one question could technically bump you up a point but I have only myself to blame.

 

[theparty]

Are the percentile ranges large for everyone else? For example, I had a 12 in PS and the range was around 83-94...? Do percentile values correspond to our test date or all test dates?

has to be unique per test, because i took my mine june 13, and got an 11 in PS, and my range was "79.3 - 88.2".

 

[bionerd20]

Test Date: 7/12/2014
FL AAMC Average: 33
Post-test expected score: 29
Actual Score: 35
Comments: Ecstatic! Previous score was 27. Good luck to everyone retaking - I know the feeling.

 

[HinduHammer]

Test Date: 7/12/2014
FL AAMC Average: 29?
Post-test expected score: ?
Actual Score: ( PS / VR / BS) 28 (7/11/10)
Comments: obviously quite concerned about my PS score...never got that low on the practice exams. =/ Undecided about a retake. Pretty disappointed in myself.

I am sorry that you did not get a score that your happy with. I know you have it in you, especially with that 11 in VR. I know that if you do decide to retake and put in the time, you could raise your score at least a few points. That being said, a 28 is still competitive. An AdCom at my state school told me that 28-32 is basically viewed as the same, with under 28 being academic risk, and over 32 being something they raise their eyebrows at. Don't be dissapointed in yourself! You have great ECs and did well in the other sections. Retake or not, I know you will get in somewhere this cycle or next.

 

[Laurenxxxx]

Test Date: 7/12/2014
FL AAMC Average: 33
Post-test expected score: 29
Actual Score: 35
Comments: Ecstatic! Previous score was 27. Good luck to everyone retaking - I know the feeling.

What was your first test date and what did you do differently to improve the second time?

 

[Dr.Wink]

If I were to retake in September, is that too late to apply successfully in this cycle?

Many schools will not take an MCAT score that was taken during September 2014 (i.e. latest acceptable scores are from August tests). Check out he MSAR to verify that your colleges are okay with it. If they aren't, I suggest taking a later test date and utilizing the extra time to really get things down.

 

[Tradewinds]

Thanks Hammer! =) I hope your score is fantastic and that the waiting is tolerable!

 

[bionerd20]

What was your first test date and what did you do differently to improve the second time?

I took it a little over a year ago. This time I used TBR for physics and gen chem, EK and TPR for verbal, and EK for orgo and bio. My scores for each subsection went up - I attribute that to TBR for PS and spending more time practicing verbal. Not sure why my BS went up, because this BS section was definitely tough and I didn't spend much time studying it this time around. Highly recommend TBR though if you struggled with PS. Good luck!

 

[soccerfeet]

I am disappointed in myself. I didn't manage my time on test day and my nerves got the best of me. My practice tests were in the 30's, but PS was always my lowest (8-9). I ended up not finishing the PS section and was flustered for V and BS. It was my first time taking the exam and I was hoping for any advice for when I retake in January. My score is so low it's embarrassing. I have the SN2Ed's materials and I watched all of Chad's videos. I took 4 AAMC exams and only 1/3 of the SN2ed's suggest practice passages. I am a non traditional student with two kids and worked while studying. I cannot afford to take any time off from work to study for my retake. I am retaking Jan. 8 and was considering the Kaplan Course Online or Onsite. Any advice on taking the Kaplan Course or should I just go over SN2ed's plan and finish all the passages? Please help! I feel so lost, but I am not giving up.

I took the in class kaplan course. although it is helpful in the sense that it makes you go through information, i do not think it is worth the time or money and think that you are better of with SDN or examkrackers

 

[Laurenxxxx]

Wow I guess I didn't realize that many schools don't accept MCATs later than sept 1 or sept 18. I guess I won't be ready for this cycle... This blows.

I'm thinking about taking a January date now before the 2015 starts.

 

[TheAnonymous]

I came out of verbal happy with my performance. I looked at my score to get a 7, literally the lowest score I've gotten in any of the practice tests.

may I ask what your AAMC verbal avg was? Particularly the last few AAMCs?

I also got a 7 in verbal and the lowest I got was a 7 on AAMC 10, avg being 8.5.

I feel your pain man.

 

[Fast and Bulbous]

Test Date: 7/12/2014
FL AAMC Average: 29?
Post-test expected score: ?
Actual Score: ( PS / VR / BS) 28 (7/11/10)
Comments: obviously quite concerned about my PS score...never got that low on the practice exams. =/ Undecided about a retake. Pretty disappointed in myself.

I'm in a somewhat similar boat as you except i did better in bio than verbal. that physical science is so evil (7)!! I hope its not true about a 7 being a death sentence. i'm not sure whether to retake as well because the rest of my application is solid.

 

[Bubbles0523]

Wow I guess I didn't realize that many schools don't accept MCATs later than sept 1 or sept 18. I guess I won't be ready for this cycle... This blows.

I'm thinking about taking a January date now before the 2015 starts.

I was talking to a few people today and many of them have said to just apply...I'm not sure what your score was, but since you already have secondaries in, I would just go through with those and see what happens! Who knows...applying to med school is a crap shoot in itself, and you might get lucky and get in with your mcat score! But in terms of retaking...I was also considering a retake in January if I have to. That way I can see how I do this cycle and I can take my time restudying

 

[Bubbles0523]

I came out of verbal happy with my performance. I looked at my score to get a 7, literally the lowest score I've gotten in any of the practice tests.

Same...I came out thinking verbal was easy peezy and ended up with a 7. Lowest score I've gotten on all practice tests

 

[Laurenxxxx]

I was talking to a few people today and many of them have said to just apply...I'm not sure what your score was, but since you already have secondaries in, I would just go through with those and see what happens! Who knows...applying to med school is a crap shoot in itself, and you might get lucky and get in with your mcat score! But in terms of retaking...I was also considering a retake in January if I have to. That way I can see how I do this cycle and I can take my time restudying

Thanks for the advice 🙂 January seems like a much better option than next summer. We won't have to take the 2015 and we can have everything submitted super early in the process since we will have our scores. Double win!

I've already submitted a few secondaries so I'm just going with those. I can't spend any more money on secondaries with a low 20's score. Yeah, that bad lol. It kills me to think about what I've already spent.... But what I've learned is invaluable. I am already getting excited for the next cycle (I know, I need to calm down here). But seriously, I know what I did wrong and what to do next time.

I hope everyone can think the same way. Those of us who were upset, it sucks, it really does. But remember that failing doesn't mean you're a failure. And an important quality is being able to learn from mistakes and setbacks so we don't make them again. I know this probably isn't making anyone feel better and I sound like a cheesy goof, but it's helping me.

 

[wwulf2k13]

It seems like there were a lot of 'flukes' with this exam for the people who posted. Lots of lowest scores, like there was no curve at all.

Does anyone want to comment if these scores match post-test feelings at all?

 

[Bubbles0523]

Thanks for the advice 🙂 January seems like a much better option than next summer. We won't have to take the 2015 and we can have everything submitted super early in the process since we will have our scores. Double win!

I've already submitted a few secondaries so I'm just going with those. I can't spend any more money on secondaries with a low 20's score. Yeah, that bad lol. It kills me to think about what I've already spent.... But what I've learned is invaluable. I am already getting excited for the next cycle (I know, I need to calm down here). But seriously, I know what I did wrong and what to do next time.

I hope everyone can think the same way. Those of us who were upset, it sucks, it really does. But remember that failing doesn't mean you're a failure. And an important quality is being able to learn from mistakes and setbacks so we don't make them again. I know this probably isn't making anyone feel better and I sound like a cheesy goof, but it's helping me.

I'm glad you're being so optimistic! You're absolutely correct! This test in no way defines us...if anything it's just a stepping stone and nothing more. Judging from what everyone has been saying about this particular test, it's obvious that the mcat tests our ability to stay calm and work under pressure rather than our knowledge. It's upsetting to see so many intelligent, hardworking people have to wait until next year to apply simply because of this exam, but I guess that's life! Hopefully everyone that needs to retake gets luckier the second time around

 

[run91]

It seems like there were a lot of 'flukes' with this exam for the people who posted. Lots of lowest scores, like there was no curve at all.

Does anyone want to comment if these scores match post-test feelings at all?

I believe this particular test had a very strange curve. I studied with a friend who took the test this day and her score is wildly different from all of her FL AAMC average which was a 35. She ended up getting less than a 30. I can attest to the fact at how much she studied day and night for 5 months straight. She literally took every single practice test out there: TPR, TBR, GS, AAMC and more. I'm flabbergasted at this test date. I think AAMC effed up pretty bad on the curve or something because I agree with you that a lot of people on here received way lower scores than their averages as compared to other test dates. It is just so sad. Well anyways, good luck to everyone and congrats on those who received the scores they wanted!

 

[Bubbles0523]

It seems like there were a lot of 'flukes' with this exam for the people who posted. Lots of lowest scores, like there was no curve at all.

Does anyone want to comment if these scores match post-test feelings at all?

BS and PS scores were right around my aamc averages...I was actually surprised by my scores in those sections (definitely thought I bombed bio--it was wayyy more experimental than any of the aamc practice exams). I agree that verbal was completely unpredictable. It was the only section I was able to finish on time without having to guess, and the only section where I thought I scored higher than 10. Judging from what others have said, I don't think there was a very generous curve for verbal.

 

[Neurofizz]

This exam was a retake for me.

AAMC Avg: 29
Expected score: 28-30
4/24/2014 MCAT: 24 (7PS/7VR/10BS) - Think I messed up with timing on this exam. Had to guess on too many questions in PS and VR and it showed in my scores.
7/12/2014 MCAT: 31 (10PS/10VR/11BS)- Much happier with this score. Anything over a 30 would have put a smile on my face.

The only thing I did differently between the 2 exams was a LOT more practice problems. I went though pretty much the entire EK 1001 series.

 

[Oh_Gee]

my test day is Sep 12 and i am feeling very nervous after reading all this and the practice scores i've gotten so far
any tips(or ragrets) you guys could give to me? I did ~2 months TBR content review and am planning to do TPRH SW + VW between AAMC and GS FL's until my date.

here are my scores so far
AAMC 3: 10/10/10
AAMC 4: 7/11/10
AAMC 5: 10/11/8

 

[wwulf2k13]

I haven't received my scores yet (7/25 taker), but I would just do practice problems. AAMC, EK, whatever you can get your hands on. However, the sub-30 scores might be indicating that content review is still needed.

 

[mrroboto_]

This was my retake test.

Test Date: 7/02/2013
Kaplan Practice Test range: 30-37
Post-test expected score: bad.
Actual Score: ( PS / VR / BS) 28 (9/10/9)

Test Date: 7/12/2014
AAMC Practice Test range: 31-36
Post-test expected score: low 30s
Actual Score: ( PS / VR / BS) 36 (12/10/14)

Comments: I am shocked with this latest score, but ecstatic nonetheless. For both of these tests, I began each test knowing that I had the potential to score within the 30s. However, the defining difference between the two test sessions was my ability to cool my nerves and anxiety and remain calm. For my first test, I ran into a couple of PS passages that threw off my rhythm and threw me into a anxious, panicked mess. This affected my VR and the BS sections as well. I left the testing center feeling absolutely horrible. For this test a month ago, I nearly threw myself off again with the PS. However, this time I managed to cool off and remain calm. Assuming solid foundation for the sections, it becomes a game of remaining clear headed.

 

[Laurenxxxx]

This was my retake test.

Test Date: 7/02/2013
Kaplan Practice Test range: 30-37
Post-test expected score: bad.
Actual Score: ( PS / VR / BS) 28 (9/10/9)

Test Date: 7/12/2014
AAMC Practice Test range: 31-36
Post-test expected score: low 30s
Actual Score: ( PS / VR / BS) 36 (12/10/14)

Comments: I am shocked with this latest score, but ecstatic nonetheless. For both of these tests, I began each test knowing that I had the potential to score within the 30s. However, the defining difference between the two test sessions was my ability to cool my nerves and anxiety and remain calm. For my first test, I ran into a couple of PS passages that threw off my rhythm and threw me into a anxious, panicked mess. This affected my VR and the BS sections as well. I left the testing center feeling absolutely horrible. For this test a month ago, I nearly threw myself off again with the PS. However, this time I managed to cool off and remain calm. Assuming solid foundation for the sections, it becomes a game of remaining clear headed.

PS is exactly what ruined the rest of the test for me too. But what else did you do differently to study the second time around?

 

[mrroboto_]

PS is exactly what ruined the rest of the test for me too. But what else did you do differently to study the second time around?

So I feel a bit unorthodox/unconventional in my study strategy, because I could never follow SN2ed and other similar plans. I actually kept my studying routine the same. I took like 1.5 months off to study each time. What I did was utilize Kaplan & EK prep books to build my foundation of understanding and then use the EK 1001 books to practice. I would go 3-4 days in a row to study biology or chemistry or physics before rotating to the next. As the test date came closer, I ramped up the practice tests. Sorry, probably not helpful. It comes down to understanding your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to studying and optimizing the right strategy.

 

[Binks]

Hi all.. will be starting studying soon .. taking test in few months.. i see a lot of posts about SN2ed .. What is that? And is it ok I just started self assessment aamc now ? Thinking about taking test sept 18.

 

[Laurenxxxx]

Hi all.. will be starting studying soon .. taking test in few months.. i see a lot of posts about SN2ed .. What is that? And is it ok I just started self assessment aamc now ? Thinking about taking test sept 18.

You'll be taking the test in a few months on September 18?? That's a few weeks away....

 

[mrroboto_]

Hi all.. will be starting studying soon .. taking test in few months.. i see a lot of posts about SN2ed .. What is that? And is it ok I just started self assessment aamc now ? Thinking about taking test sept 18.

SN2ed is a guy who provided a day-by-day schedule to study for the MCAT. It's extremely helpful to those who benefit from structured organization in regards to their studying. I recommend doing a self-assessment test because that will help you gauge how you should allocate your time to get to the score you want.

 

[Binks]

You'll be taking the test in a few months on September 18?? That's a few weeks away....

Yeah.. Well was going to do a few months but then considered September 18. Just started self assessments last week .. Scoring about 10% over average student .. Too early to schedule test for sept 18? Any advice ?

 

[Binks]

SN2ed is a guy who provided a day-by-day schedule to study for the MCAT. It's extremely helpful to those who benefit from structured organization in regards to their studying. I recommend doing a self-assessment test because that will help you gauge how you should allocate your time to get to the score you want.

Ok .. Where do I find this study tool? SN2ed?

 

[mrroboto_]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/breaking-down-the-mcat-a-3-month-mcat-study-schedule.623898/

 

[Laurenxxxx]

Yeah.. Well was going to do a few months but then considered September 18. Just started self assessments last week .. Scoring about 10% over average student .. Too early to schedule test for sept 18? Any advice ?

When are you applying? Are you applying to start school in fall 2015? Then you must take the exam soon. Check to see the latest MCAT in which the schools you are interested in will take. A lot of my schools have a cut-off at September 18th. Any date later than that will not be accepted. If you aren't planning to apply until next summer, I would say do NOT rush to take the MCAT now. You do not want to bomb it and have to take it twice (TRUST me, I'm in that situation now). September 18th is five weeks away, and even though you are scoring above average, that's still not a lot of time to study. And I think that "above average" score means you are compared to other students who are doing a self-assessment before studying, not students who took the exam. Keep that in mind.

But, if you are applying now and must take it in September, 5 weeks is doable to get a "decent" score. I would recommend studying full-time every day until the exam. If you have another commitment such as work or school, studying is going to be really tough.

Take some of the full-length AAMC online exams and see what you are scoring. If you are consistently scoring below 30, you probably aren't ready (unless you don't need a 30+ score, such as if you are applying only to DO schools).

 

[Bubbles0523]

How is everyone's cycle going so far? 🙂

 

[Oh_Gee]

How is everyone's cycle going so far? 🙂

you mean the cycle of forgetting about the test and then waking up in a cold sweat thinking about it?

 

[dnrs]

Decided to apply next year. Good luck everyone who is applying now!

 

[HCMVresearcher]

How is everyone's cycle going so far? 🙂

Two II's so far for me... MSUCHM and Wayne State. Still waiting to hear from the million and a half osteopathic programs I applied to as well

 

[GTWreck1991]

In a tough situation...didn't do so well on this test..retook in Sept..waiting on scores ..which will lead to some of my secondaries being sent in october..which I know..is extremely late..but my first score isn't too competitive for out of state schools (I'm from GA)...nonetheless, got an II from Mercer with this test and waiting on my file to be complete for Medical College of GA (one of my letters is taking a while)..and see if they want to meet with me. Good luck to all!

 

[Bubbles0523]

In a tough situation...didn't do so well on this test..retook in Sept..waiting on scores ..which will lead to some of my secondaries being sent in october..which I know..is extremely late..but my first score isn't too competitive for out of state schools (I'm from GA)...nonetheless, got an II from Mercer with this test and waiting on my file to be complete for Medical College of GA (one of my letters is taking a while)..and see if they want to meet with me. Good luck to all!

Congrats on that interview!! I hope you did well on the Sept test! And while October secondaries may be considered late here on SDN, I'm sure you'll still have a shot at other schools with a good mcat!! 🙂 Keep your head up!

 

[GTWreck1991]

Congrats on that interview!! I hope you did well on the Sept test! And while October secondaries may be considered late here on SDN, I'm sure you'll still have a shot at other schools with a good mcat!! 🙂 Keep your head up!

Thank you! Yes, trying to stay positive throughout this whole mess. Knowing it'll work out in the end! How's the cycle going for you?!

 

[Bubbles0523]

Thank you! Yes, trying to stay positive throughout this whole mess. Knowing it'll work out in the end! How's the cycle going for you?!

No interviews yet! Completed all of my secondaries in August after I got my score (big mistake not pre-writing while waiting for my mcat score...just couldn't get myself to do it not knowing how I did lol) Complete at all schools as of 2 weeks ago, so the real wait begins! I'm hoping to just hear something by Thanksgiving loll😀