**The Official July 2016 MCAT Thread**

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Created.

July 8 exam = August 9 release date

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[Vero Medico]

This is my third time writing the MCAT... I always seem to get 130-132 (or 13-15 on the old MCAT) in the sciences, but get 123-125 (5-8) on CARS...I honestly don't know what to do anymore, any suggestions?

Try Jack westin

https://www.jackwestin.com/

 

[betterfuture]

Anyone start the Q-packs yet? How long should it take to finish all of them?

 

[Hospitalized]

Hey guys,

I'm stuck on this IR spectroscopy question from EK 2 for this molecule attached in the file:
http://www.chemsynthesis.com/molimg/1/big/1/1237.gif

The possible absorption wavenumbers are:
i. 3200-3500
ii. 1700-1750
iii. 1580-1610

I answered choices ii (carbonyl group) and iii (benzene ring), however, the correct choice was only choice ii (only accounted for the carbonyl group). Does anyone know why choice iii would not work?

Thanks!

No idea. That's definitely within the range for an aromatic stretch. The only thought I have is that given the tertiary amine, they also want the N-H bend to be excluded which would occur right around 1600.

 

[Hospitalized]

That's what I thought too, but then I looked up the N-H stretch, and found out that N-H stretch is around 3200 too!

https://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/virttxtjml/spectrpy/Images/propacd2.gif

I'll try looking through the forums for EK tomorrow and try getting back to this. It's driving me crazy. Thank you for the response!

N-H bend, not N-H stretch; different vibration (I don't remember why).

N-H bend according to here

I guess this wouldn't show up in a tertiary compound? Still... I think the aromatic stretches should be there.

 

[Nucleophile1]

Another TPR question

Is it RNA because it is a transcript? Or am I missing something? The answer says that it has to be RNA because it is injected.

 

[theonlytycrane]

@Nucleophile1 The part in the passage that says "The Gsc transcript (generated from cDNA)" tells us that the transcript is mRNA, since it's generated from cDNA. In general, "primary transcript" usually refers to the transcription product, which is RNA.

 

[Nucleophile1]

@Nucleophile1 The part in the passage that says "The Gsc transcript (generated from cDNA)" tells us that the transcript is mRNA, since it's generated from cDNA. In general, "primary transcript" usually refers to the transcription product, which is RNA.

Okay thanks that makes much more sense than TPR's explanation.

 

[kamikama101]

hey everyone had a question about Q= P/R describing flow relation to pressure and resistance. So I understand that Flow is proportional to Pressure and inversely proportional to resistance. However, I thought Pressure and resistance are directly related. My book (EK) says otherwise and that they are inversely related. Any idea why that would make sense because based on equation direct makes more sense..... What do other prep books say?

 

[JillianF9312]

Hi! Anyone have a concrete schedule for the July 22nd exam date? I would like to optimize my time since we only have ~7 weeks to go... and I'm getting nervous! During my spring semester I basically read through the books.. the past couple of weeks I've been using the Kaplan QBank as practice questions and this is definitely helping more than just reviewing content since that seemed to be too passive. If anyone has any schedule that they would share I would honestly appreciate it! Thank you!! Also, I already saw there are other schedules out there, but since we are all on the same timeline I'd prefer if any of you have something so I don't have to spend time modifying the other schedules. I seriously feel like I'm on SDN more than I should be....... since I should be studying right now... Thank you again!!!

 

[Nucleophile1]

Hi! Anyone have a concrete schedule for the July 22nd exam date? I would like to optimize my time since we only have ~7 weeks to go... and I'm getting nervous! During my spring semester I basically read through the books.. the past couple of weeks I've been using the Kaplan QBank as practice questions and this is definitely helping more than just reviewing content since that seemed to be too passive. If anyone has any schedule that they would share I would honestly appreciate it! Thank you!! Also, I already saw there are other schedules out there, but since we are all on the same timeline I'd prefer if any of you have something so I don't have to spend time modifying the other schedules. I seriously feel like I'm on SDN more than I should be....... since I should be studying right now... Thank you again!!!

Have you taken any practice tests yet?

 

[JillianF9312]

No. I've been meeting with the learning specialist for the medical school at my undergrad university and she said it's not necessary yet. In 2 weeks I will take my first test. I took a diagnostic a few months ago during the semester though

 

[Sloppy Toppy]

How did you guys approach studying for the Psych/Soc section? What specific materials, and practice did you do?

Basically as a first time learner of the subjects when I read the material out TPR it felt like pure memorization.

Any tips on this would be appreciated. A bit worried about this section because I self studied it all.

 

[Nucleophile1]

How did you guys approach studying for the Psych/Soc section? What specific materials, and practice did you do?

Basically as a first time learner of the subjects when I read the material out TPR it felt like pure memorization.

Any tips on this would be appreciated. A bit worried about this section because I self studied it all.

I went through the Kaplan Psych/Sociology book and then did all of the psych/sociology questions on mprep.com. They have great questions for psych/sociology. It really helps solidifies all of the terms and theories.

 

[Sloppy Toppy]

I went through the Kaplan Psych/Sociology book and then did all of the psych/sociology questions on mprep.com. They have great questions for psych/sociology. It really helps solidifies all of the terms and theories.

Thanks. Never even heard of that resource lol. Did you do Khan problems? Are they comparable?

 

[redj]

Thanks. Never even heard of that resource lol. Did you do Khan problems? Are they comparable?

Im using tpr stuff myself. A lot is remembering names and theories. Iv been reading a chapter and then doing passages accordingly and iv gotten better. Also the aamc flashcards are pretty good.

 

[Nucleophile1]

Thanks. Never even heard of that resource lol. Did you do Khan problems? Are they comparable?

Yeah I think that site is a great resource specifically for sheer content knowledge. What I do is if I get a question wrong on that site, I put the topic into a Google Document to start compiling a list of topics I need to work on. I have also done some Khan Psych/sociology problems. The Khan problems are passages, whereas mprep seems to help more with content knowledge. If you are weak in content in that section, I would recommend pairing the mprep questions with the tpr book so that you can test yourself as you learn content.

 

[Sloppy Toppy]

Im using tpr stuff myself. A lot is remembering names and theories. Iv been reading a chapter and then doing passages accordingly and iv gotten better. Also the aamc flashcards are pretty good.

Thanks. Which passages though?

Yeah I think that site is a great resource specifically for sheer content knowledge. What I do is if I get a question wrong on that site, I put the topic into a Google Document to start compiling a list of topics I need to work on. I have also done some Khan Psych/sociology problems. The Khan problems are passages, whereas mprep seems to help more with content knowledge. If you are weak in content in that section, I would recommend pairing the mprep questions with the tpr book so that you can test yourself as you learn content.

Got it. Sounds good. Thank you!

 

[redj]

I so the t

Thanks. Which passages though?



Got it. Sounds good. Thank you!

Mostly tpr ones. Ill probably start doing some khan ones too.

 

[bluepeach9]

Is anyone taking the test July 8/9 or even July 22nd planning on applying to MD this cycle? I'm worried if it's too late…but really don't want to waste another year

 

[Nucleophile1]

Is anyone taking the test July 8/9 or even July 22nd planning on applying to MD this cycle? I'm worried if it's too late…but really don't want to waste another year

I'm taking the MCAT July 8th and I am applying this cycle. I've heard varying opinions on whether or not it is too late. However, even if I had taken the MCAT early, I would not be complete until August-ish because my school does committee letter.

I will be submitting my primary application before I take the MCAT so that I can get verified early. I will also be pre-writing secondaries before I even get my MCAT score back so that I will have a quick turn-around time once I get my secondaries.

 

[Nucleophile1]

I was doing the TBR Gases chapter and I came across this question. The answer is D but I think that B and D are both false. To say that gases are never in contact with one another is not true. The explanation even says that gases are in contact sometimes when they collide; they just don't stay in contact with one another. What do y'all think?

 

[WillHash]

1 month to go July 8th testers!! How is everyone feeling? How's your studying coming along?

 

[betterfuture]

I was doing the TBR Gases chapter and I came across this question. The answer is D but I think that B and D are both false. To say that gases are never in contact with one another is not true. The explanation even says that gases are in contact sometimes when they collide; they just don't stay in contact with one another. What do y'all think?

When they say gases are not in contact with each other, they mean they don't exhibit intermolecular forces. Gases behave independently of any other gas in the mixture and they exert their own partial pressure. By process of elimination, D would be the correct answer.

 

[Nucleophile1]

When they say gases are not in contact with each other, they mean they don't exhibit intermolecular forces. Gases behave independently of any other gas in the mixture and they exert their own partial pressure. By process of elimination, D would be the correct answer.

Don't they exhibit intermolecular forces at low temperatures? An ideal gas would not exhibit intermolecular forces, but the question did not specify what kind of gas they were talking about.

 

[theonlytycrane]

@Nucleophile1 you have a good point- but assume the ideal case unless specified. The ideal conditions assume low pressure and high temperature. The ideal gas laws start to break down at high pressures and low temperatures.

 

[WhittyPsyche]

Is anyone taking the test July 8/9 or even July 22nd planning on applying to MD this cycle? I'm worried if it's too late…but really don't want to waste another year

I'm taking the July 22nd. I have everything submitted already, waiting to be verified atm, committee letter gets in August, will prestige secondaries after MCAT, and will be on time by August 21st.

Best decision to push back for me because things were to hectic with my kids still being in school/moving/new job etc. now I'm on a consistent schedule and study about 8 hours a day.

Don't rush. If you need even more time, don't apply this year. Seriously. Do this when the time is right.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[WhittyPsyche]

@Nucleophile1 you have a good point- but assume the ideal case unless specified. The ideal conditions assume low pressure and high temperature. The ideal gas laws start to break down at high pressures and low temperatures.

Agree. Always assume ideal unless specifically specified not to. This is in the Guide. The word "never" is extreme, but clearly not as wrong as the other option.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Nucleophile1]

@Nucleophile1 you have a good point- but assume the ideal case unless specified. The ideal conditions assume low pressure and high temperature. The ideal gas laws start to break down at high pressures and low temperatures.

Agree. Always assume ideal unless specifically specified not to. This is in the Guide. The word "never" is extreme, but clearly not as wrong as the other option.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Thanks y'all!

 

[southernpremed2]

edited

 

[Aspiring-Doctor]

I was that student that never knew why I was failing the CARS section when I would always walk out of the test feeling like I aced that section. I was that student that always thought CARS is something you cannot study for. I was also that student that took the test twice and got a 123 both times. The only thing I did differently when taking the test the third time around was that I practiced with more stringent time conditions and with many passages. I also took the passages and pasted them onto a microsoft doc and zoomed out to 120% and practice with this zoomed setting so that I can stimulate the real mcat testing situation. I did it!!! I finally broke the 123 barrier and got a 127. The reason why I am saying this is I was extremely depressed that my score was 123 for the longest time and taking the test a third time was a lot of pressure, but I still managed to improve so don't lose hope! A bit about me…I took the mcat at the end of sophomore year summer after 3 months of studying and got a 26. I took the new version of the mcat having studied for an additional 3 more months and got a 502 (26 again). The third time I took the test I got a 506 (29) and now I'm getting ready to apply! So don't lose hope or get overwhelmed by the # of posts with 510+ because statistics show that there is only 33% of the population getting that score and much lower percentages for scores that are 520+. Only people who do well post so don't let that bother you. Just keep practicing! Good luck future physicians!!!

 

[GEToutLADYits6AM]

Can anyone explain number 47 on the sociology/psychology section bank? I don't understand the concept of intersectionality. Thanks in advance

 

[SwordOfTheMorning]

Can anyone explain number 47 on the sociology/psychology section bank? I don't understand the concept of intersectionality. Thanks in advance

This is a good definition from Wikipedia:

• The study of overlapping or intersecting social identities and related systems of oppression, domination, or discrimination.
• The theory suggests that—and seeks to examine how—various biological, social and cultural categories such as gender, race, class, ability, sexual orientation, religion, caste, age, nationality and other sectarian axes of identity interact on multiple and often simultaneous levels.

It states we should think of each element or trait of a person as linked with all of the other person's social elements, in order to fully understand that person's identity. Ex: A black, female, Muslim who is discriminated against; this theory would state that you can't just say she's discriminated against solely because of her religion. You would have to look at her intersecting social identities, which all contribute toward her discrimination: her gender, race and religion.

Additionally, for question 47, only answer C "race/ethnicity and social class" gives an answer with two social identities.

 

[PhD_Doc]

Hi everyone,
Doing questions and reviewing the material now. Set to take the test July 22, 2016. When should I start doing the AAMC Q packs? What do you guys suggest? I have a full time job, but I'm leaving the last two weeks for full-time study. Should I leave the Q packs until then?

 

[betterfuture]

Hi everyone,
Doing questions and reviewing the material now. Set to take the test July 22, 2016. When should I start doing the AAMC Q packs? What do you guys suggest? I have a full time job, but I'm leaving the last two weeks for full-time study. Should I leave the Q packs until then?

I'd start them probably right about now. The Q-packs are more content review stuff than the actually stuff the AAMC will test you on. The SB, however, you should focus on more. It's going to be similar to the real deal.

 

[Nucleophile1]

I am stuck on a Berkeley Review question. What do y'all think is the answer?

 

[Hospitalized]

I am stuck on a Berkeley Review question. What do y'all think is the answer?

Just trying to reason this out. I may be entirely wrong.

Well... we know low pKa = high acidity. Similarly, strong acid has a high Ka. It's saying that removing the base will result in shorter acting time. Since the passage refers to pKa and base concentration, my pick would be A: a higher pKa (more acidic) would result in lower [base]. Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems like every answer choice is saying the same thing? @aldol16

 

[Hospitalized]

Anyways, how ya'll feeling? I'm scheduled for July 8.

So far, in order of taking:

[5/21] NS1: 503 (126/124/125/128); 60% correct
[5/27] NS2: 507 (127/128/126/126); 66% correct
[6/1] AAMC unscored: 506-7 (estimated 126/126-7/126/128); 70% correct (64%/73%/63%/81%)
[6/8] NS3: 501 (wtf CARS?) (125/123/126/127); 55% correct
[6/14] NS4: 505 (127/125/125/128); 61% correct

Would like 1-2 more points in every subsection to be really comfortable. Definitely doable with 4 weeks left!

 

[aldol16]

Well... we know low pKa = high acidity. Similarly, strong acid has a high Ka. It's saying that removing the base will result in shorter acting time. Since the passage refers to pKa and base concentration, my pick would be A: a higher pKa (more acidic) would result in lower [base]. Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems like every answer choice is saying the same thing? @aldol16

You're contradicting yourself here. A higher pKa is more basic, not more acidic. So here's what I think it's getting. At the anesthetic can be either protonated or deprotonated at the tertiary amine position. If it's protonated, it's cationic and that's what they're calling the "base." So whether it's cationic or neutral depends on its pKa. If it has a high pKa, it's going to be more basic even at lower pH. If it has a low pKa, it'll become neutral at higher pH.

So A is out because it's saying that the higher the pKa, the lower the base concentration when it should be the opposite. B looks good. C is out because high Ka means that the right side of the dissociation is favored, which means the conjugate acid is favored here (equilibrium in question is B-H ---> B- + H+). D is out because low Ka means the left side is favored, meaning the base (B-H) is present at high concentrations.

 

[Hospitalized]

You're contradicting yourself here. A higher pKa is more basic, not more acidic. So here's what I think it's getting. At the anesthetic can be either protonated or deprotonated at the tertiary amine position. If it's protonated, it's cationic and that's what they're calling the "base." So whether it's cationic or neutral depends on its pKa. If it has a high pKa, it's going to be more basic even at lower pH. If it has a low pKa, it'll become neutral at higher pH.

So A is out because it's saying that the higher the pKa, the lower the base concentration when it should be the opposite. B looks good. C is out because high Ka means that the right side of the dissociation is favored, which means the conjugate acid is favored here (equilibrium in question is B-H ---> B- + H+). D is out because low Ka means the left side is favored, meaning the base (B-H) is present at high concentrations.

Doh. Contradicted myself within 2 sentences. Makes sense now. Thanks!

 

[Nucleophile1]

Just trying to reason this out. I may be entirely wrong.

Well... we know low pKa = high acidity. Similarly, strong acid has a high Ka. It's saying that removing the base will result in shorter acting time. Since the passage refers to pKa and base concentration, my pick would be A: a higher pKa (more acidic) would result in lower [base]. Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems like every answer choice is saying the same thing? @aldol16

You're contradicting yourself here. A higher pKa is more basic, not more acidic. So here's what I think it's getting. At the anesthetic can be either protonated or deprotonated at the tertiary amine position. If it's protonated, it's cationic and that's what they're calling the "base." So whether it's cationic or neutral depends on its pKa. If it has a high pKa, it's going to be more basic even at lower pH. If it has a low pKa, it'll become neutral at higher pH.

So A is out because it's saying that the higher the pKa, the lower the base concentration when it should be the opposite. B looks good. C is out because high Ka means that the right side of the dissociation is favored, which means the conjugate acid is favored here (equilibrium in question is B-H ---> B- + H+). D is out because low Ka means the left side is favored, meaning the base (B-H) is present at high concentrations.

I had the same thought process as @aldol16 but the answer is apparently A. They are saying the protonated cationic form is the acid.

 

[aldol16]

I had the same thought process as @aldol16 but the answer is apparently A. They are saying the protonated cationic form is the acid.

Ah, they're right, I'm wrong. The acid is always the protonated form because the Bronsted-Lowry definition of an acid is a compound that donates a proton. So the higher the pKa, the more the prevalent the protonated form and thus the higher the concentration of acid (and lower the concentration of base). C and D are wrong because the higher the Ka, the more base is present (deprotonated form) and the lower the Ka, the more the acid is present (protonated form).

 

[southernpremed2]

Has anyone done the GS CARS tests or their full lengths? I'm finding their CARS sections to be brutal. Just wanted a second opinion.

 

[medbunny56]

Has anyone done the NS exams yet? Just want to get a feel on how I'm doing in preparation for the July 8th exam (aiming for a 508+)

took Next Step Exam 4 today and got a 503 total (125/126/125/127)

What do you guys think?

 

[BB_USF]

I just got my MCAT score back from the May 14th date and now I am preparing to take the July 9th MCAT! Good luck to everyone. Anyone have any tricks/practice strategies for CARS? I was very happy with every other subsection, but the CARS was brutal.

Thanks guys!!

 

[southernpremed2]

edited

 

[PhD_Doc]

 

[PhD_Doc]

Hi everyone,

I need help with the above question. The answers are:

A) 3500N
B) 1800N
C) 100 N
D) 10 N

Please explain your reasoning behind the answer.

 

[PhD_Doc]

I just figured this out, but it might be good practice for you.

torque=fdsin(theta)
t= 10*10*0.35*sin90
t=35 Nm

35=f*0.020*sin90
f=35/0.02
f=1750 N

Best choice is 1800 N.

 

[SwordOfTheMorning]

Anyways, how ya'll feeling? I'm scheduled for July 8.

So far, in order of taking:

[5/21] NS1: 503 (126/124/125/128); 60% correct
[5/27] NS2: 507 (127/128/126/126); 66% correct
[6/1] AAMC unscored: 506-7 (estimated 126/126-7/126/128); 70% correct (64%/73%/63%/81%)
[6/8] NS3: 501 (wtf CARS?) (125/123/126/127); 55% correct
[6/14] NS4: 505 (127/125/125/128); 61% correct

Would like 1-2 more points in every subsection to be really comfortable. Definitely doable with 4 weeks left!

Which score conversion chart did you use for your AAMC unscored? I've seen a bunch of random ones on here and the one you used makes me slightly more okay with my score.

 

[tavokeri9]

Would anyone be able to check their portal and see if there are seats open for July 9th in the VA area? I'm signed up for June 18, so I can't view that info right now