**The Official July 2016 MCAT Thread**

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Created.

July 8 exam = August 9 release date

 

[Nucleophile1]

I wonder if it is even worth trying to read the convoluted explanation to the convoluted question of the convoluted passage Lmao. I think I might just guess on these questions on the real mcat. Reeferring to the question bank

Which question?

 

[Hospitalized]

Definitely writing down all of the scientific notation and units during the tutorial. I can't believe how many of those gimme questions I miss because of being off by a decimal -_-;

 

[GEToutLADYits6AM]

Question 63 passage 8 (physical science). Btw do you know why question 59 isn't "A" as the correct answer choice. Because isn't B 4 methycytosine. Thanks friend

And why isnt question 61 cation exchange because it has a histidine amino acid attached and why is it affinity chromatography?

 

[Nucleophile1]

Question 63 passage 8 (physical science). Btw do you know why question 59 isn't "A" as the correct answer choice. Because isn't B 4 methycytosine. Thanks friend

And why isnt question 61 cation exchange because it has a histidine amino acid attached and why is it affinity chromatography?

Are you referring to the section bank or the question packs?

 

[medbunny56]

just finished B/B with a 66% overall-I know its not great but I got a 51% the first time I took it on May 3rd so that's progress! 🙂
(honestly did not remember the questions/passages from the first time around since they were so confusing/scary the first time I went through it)

 

[once_upon_a_time]

Lol my scores from the unscored aamc I just took are so unbalanced: 63%/92%/80%/75%
Hopefully after I take the scored test I'll have a better picture on where I stand on each section

 

[Hospitalized]

Lol my scores from the unscored aamc I just took are so unbalanced: 63%/92%/80%/75%
Hopefully after I take the scored test I'll have a better picture on where I stand on each section

Nice work. Roughly 510-514 with that score. (0.7133*77.5 + 451 + 6.44)

 

[once_upon_a_time]

@Hospitalized Thank you! and thanks for the conversion, I was too lazy to look one up lol.
If I can bring up my C/P score to a consistent 127ish, I'll be happy. It has always been my worst section.

 

[Hospitalized]

@Hospitalized Thank you! and thanks for the conversion, I was too lazy to look one up lol.
If I can bring up my C/P score to a consistent 127ish, I'll be happy. It has always been my worst section.

Just about any medical school except for the highest of high-tiers will accept you if you scored what you just did. 😛 (and you could even get into those if your application was otherwise stellar)

 

[once_upon_a_time]

Just about any medical school except for the highest of high-tiers will accept you if you scored what you just did. 😛 (and you could even get into those if your application was otherwise stellar)

Thanks for the vote of confidence!
I always feel lucky or think its a fluke when I see good results lol.

 

[Hospitalized]

Thanks for the vote of confidence!
I always feel lucky or think its a fluke when I see good results lol.

Don't feel lucky! I feel the same way but my scores aren't as good, so there's not as much satisfaction. 😛

 

[bluepeach9]

I need help guys. I was originally planning to take the July 9th test, but I lost a week of prep due to family obligations and now, my whole study plan has been sidetracked. Do you think it is okay to write the July 22 MCAT for this cycle? Applying MD only.

Since I haven't submitted my primary, I feel that either way (July 9 or 22) I will be complete late August because I plan on submitting my primary mid-July around the 15th ish. Then, I will obv pre-write secondaries while waiting for my score.

Last day to sign up for the 9th is Friday! I'm so so confused 🙁

 

[once_upon_a_time]

I need help guys. I was originally planning to take the July 9th test, but I lost a week of prep due to family obligations and now, my whole study plan has been sidetracked. Do you think it is okay to write the July 22 MCAT for this cycle? Applying MD only.

Since I haven't submitted my primary, I feel that either way (July 9 or 22) I will be complete late August because I plan on submitting my primary mid-July around the 15th ish. Then, I will obv pre-write secondaries while waiting for my score.

Last day to sign up for the 9th is Friday! I'm so so confused 🙁

This can be a tricky decision since pushing back the date would mean you won't get your scores until late Aug. I can only speak from experience as a re-applicant this year , that last year when I pushed my exam date back to July 18th it obviously hurt my chances of getting in (especially with the mediocre score I got). That being said you could have stellar stats and a later complete date on your application might not be as detrimental. However, only you know how ready you are for the test and the worst thing you could do is rush into it.
How have you been doing on practice materials and tests so far? you also want to look at how realistically you will improve or be more ready for the test with the additional 12 days.

 

[medbunny56]

Which EK do you guys recommend?? 3 or 4?

I've already taken the aamc scored (501 in early may) and unscored in april so I'm afraid retaking those wont give me a fair assessment of where I stand/whether to cancel

 

[Marine2MD]

I would just focus on knowing the main equations and be really good at converting units for calculations. That's honestly the most high yield based on my reading -- I doubt you'll ever see >10 questions of physics on a single exam.

God I am hoping so. I don't remember much physics from last years attempt but it is kicking my butt this year. Was messing around with KA physics questions and completely blanked on any sort of equation. Stupid friction comparison nonsense.

 

[medprospect22]

what proteins/processes should we know that are constitutively active? according EK4, PPP is, but i;m not sure about any others

I guess lac operon could be considered one as well

 

[GEToutLADYits6AM]

Are you referring to the section bank or the question packs?

Shoot my bad LOL. I am referring to the section bank

 

[theonlytycrane]

Psych/Soc SB Passage 9, Q 71:

Refers to which drugs exacerbate negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
a. Atypical antipsychotics
b. Neuroleptics
c. Hallucinogens
d. Stimulants

I was really torn between A and B because they are both dopamine blockers. I chose B because I wasn't familiar with "atypical" antipsychotics in particular, but does anyone have a better way to differentiate between these two?

Neuroleptics are antipsychotic drugs. These help chill people out, which is in line with negative symptoms. "Atypical" antipsychotics must be something different, which is likely a distractor.

 

[betterfuture]

Could some of you guys put Spoilers for those who haven't taken the SB or other AAMC material? Just gives us a fair warning. Thanks

 

[WhittyPsyche]

I did my first FL, NS 1, this morning and I got instantly startled and into a panic because I had internalized the order of the sections on the test from TPR, which was wrong, and they put the addenda online, and I read it in the correct one in the Official Guide. But for some reason this morning forgot. So as it opened up to C/P I panicked.

Then I took too long getting it together mentally and left 7 questions untouched and randomly guessed on 4 before I ran out of time.

B/B, timed better but ran out of time before going back to my marked questions. CARS and Psych felt comfortable but no extra time.

Scores:

126/127/126/127 506

Need to work on my reading strategy, spent too much time reading to understand EVERYTHING instead of reading to answer questions. Recommendations welcome.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[theonlytycrane]

@WhittyPsyche I find that for C/P and B/B, I need to be quicker to get the overall gist of the passage and refer back based on the questions. Not an entire skim, but more of a brisk overview of the topic mixed with my background knowledge.

Then I have to do a mental reset on CARS and P/S to spend a tad bit more time digging into the passage to understand the ideas presented.

 

[countryapplepie]

I've been on a roll a coaster ride with taking this exam. I was so scared of it and kept on pushing it back now I'm actually angry at it for making it doubt my self worth and can't wait to get this chapter of my life behind me. Even if I don't do as amazing as I hopped getting it out of the way even just for a month will be a success for me. Sorry for the rant today is really the first time I allowed myself to talk about the MCAT

Yo, same. My original test date was May 14.....then I pushed it back 3 more times smdh

 

[WhittyPsyche]

@WhittyPsyche I find that for C/P and B/B, I need to be quicker to get the overall gist of the passage and refer back based on the questions. Not an entire skim, but more of a brisk overview of the topic mixed with my background knowledge.

Then I have to do a mental reset on CARS and P/S to spend a tad bit more time digging into the passage to understand the ideas presented.

This is exactly what I started to realize during the test. Need to break the habit of reading thoroughly on the first go. Still upset that I had 11 questions completely (not to mention whatever I answered and got wrong, reviewing this evening) out in C/P though. I have the section bank, but I think I'll but the Q pack too, just to get more practice timing myself on the passages. All of the TPR in text practice passages were much shorter, and that's the only practice I've done so far.


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[countryapplepie]

Question, does anyone know whether the "free NS 1" is the same as the one that people pay for? I'm just hoping this free FL's purpose isn't just to boost my self confidence or make me feel inclined to purchase all of their tests. lol

 

[southernpremed2]

edited

 

[southernpremed2]

can**

 

[Chelsea FC]

This is exactly what I started to realize during the test. Need to break the habit of reading thoroughly on the first go. Still upset that I had 11 questions completely (not to mention whatever I answered and got wrong, reviewing this evening) out in C/P though. I have the section bank, but I think I'll but the Q pack too, just to get more practice timing myself on the passages. All of the TPR in text practice passages were much shorter, and that's the only practice I've done so far.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

when is ur exam?

 

[theonlytycrane]

correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think we can't share certain info from the SB on this website. I saw it happen on another thread but I'm definitely not sure.

I post questions. I'm not trying to steal AAMC material, I'm just trying to learn and prepare for the test. Others may disagree, but Yolo.

 

[Chelsea FC]

I think you can. If you look in the MCAT Qand A people have been sharing screenshots of questions for years. If its right thats another question but yolo!

 

[southernpremed2]

edited

 

[Nucleophile1]

I just finished the AAMC Scored Test. I thought it was a bit more difficult than the Sample Test.

Sample Test: 66%/92%/73/80% [508-511]
Scored Test: 127/128/126/127 for a total of 508

Now that it is about a week before my test and based on my AAMC scores, I don't think I am going to take anymore practice tests.
Other practice tests scores (in chronological order) TPR FL 1: 501, NS 1/2 Length: 503, Altius 1/2 Length: 510

July 8th/9th test takers: What are y'all going to do in this last week leading up to the test?

 

[once_upon_a_time]

I just finished the AAMC Scored Test. I thought it was a bit more difficult than the Sample Test.

Sample Test: 66%/92%/73/80% [508-511]
Scored Test: 127/128/126/127 for a total of 508

Now that it is about a week before my test and based on my AAMC scores, I don't think I am going to take anymore practice tests.
Other practice tests scores (in chronological order) TPR FL 1: 501, NS 1/2 Length: 503, Altius 1/2 Length: 510

July 8th/9th test takers: What are y'all going to do in this last week leading up to the test?

I've been getting similar scores as you have. I'm planning on finishing my section bank questions by Friday and then take the AAMC scored test on Saturday.
In the final week I think I'll do some light review on concepts that have been bothering me throughout and continue to do 2-3 CARS passages a day. I don't want to really overwhelm myself the week of the exam .

 

[DocPanda]

I just finished the AAMC Scored Test. I thought it was a bit more difficult than the Sample Test.

Sample Test: 66%/92%/73/80% [508-511]
Scored Test: 127/128/126/127 for a total of 508

Now that it is about a week before my test and based on my AAMC scores, I don't think I am going to take anymore practice tests.
Other practice tests scores (in chronological order) TPR FL 1: 501, NS 1/2 Length: 503, Altius 1/2 Length: 510

July 8th/9th test takers: What are y'all going to do in this last week leading up to the test?

Were your scores around the lower 500 range with practice FL? Just wondering because 508 on FL is a pretty solid score 🙂

 

[Nucleophile1]

Were your scores around the lower 500 range with practice FL? Just wondering because 508 on FL is a pretty solid score 🙂

Thanks! I posted all of the practice FL's that I have taken. [TPR FL 1: 501, NS 1/2 Length: 503, Altius 1/2 Length: 510] I got a 494 on the PR demo exam back in April, but that was before I started officially studying. I didn't purchase a set of exams or a prep course, so I relied pretty much on free tests, AAMC stuff, and the TPR tests that come with the purchase of a book. With the exception of CARS, I did all of the Q-Packs before taking the Scored FL.

I used the BR books for Bio and they have enough passages to do 10 90 minute exams each.

 

[DocPanda]

Thanks! I posted all of the practice FL's that I have taken. [TPR FL 1: 501, NS 1/2 Length: 503, Altius 1/2 Length: 510] I got a 494 on the PR demo exam back in April, but that was before I started officially studying. I didn't purchase a set of exams or a prep course, so I relied pretty much on free tests, AAMC stuff, and the TPR tests that come with the purchase of a book. With the exception of CARS, I did all of the Q-Packs before taking the Scored FL.

I used the BR books for Bio and they have enough passages to do 10 90 minute exams each.

That's pretty awesome! I bought the NS 1-4 and did the free Kaplan ones. My scores have been in the lower 500 range on practice FL which kinda makes me hesitant about taking the scored.

 

[Nucleophile1]

That's pretty awesome! I bought the NS 1-4 and did the free Kaplan ones. My scores have been in the lower 500 range on practice FL which kinda makes me hesitant about taking the scored.

Take the Altius 1/2 Length. It's free. I was really surprised when I scored a 510 on it, but it seemed to match up pretty well the AAMC exams. I took the Altius a couple of days before I took the AAMC Unscored FL.

 

[WhittyPsyche]

when is ur exam?

Jul 22nd. Have 3 TPR, AAMC scored and unscored, and 2-4 EK to do between now and then.

That was the first FL, only did two diagnostics to get a feel for the layout etc; NS & GS both 505

To practice more for timing the passages I was going to use the SB and the questions from the official guide (which I think is 30 per section), and the CARS Q pack which I'm halfway through. But think I should get more passages via the other Q packs.

Any advice?


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[Chelsea FC]

Jul 22nd. Have 3 TPR, AAMC scored and unscored, and 2-4 EK to do between now and then.

That was the first FL, only did two diagnostics to get a feel for the layout etc; NS & GS both 505

To practice more for timing the passages I was going to use the SB and the questions from the official guide (which I think is 30 per section), and the CARS Q pack which I'm halfway through. But think I should get more passages via the other Q packs.

Any advice?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

My advice would be to ditch the 3TPR do the EK and AAMC scored and use the extra time to go more thoroughly threw the SB and other AAMC material .

 

[betterfuture]

Jul 22nd. Have 3 TPR, AAMC scored and unscored, and 2-4 EK to do between now and then.

That was the first FL, only did two diagnostics to get a feel for the layout etc; NS & GS both 505

To practice more for timing the passages I was going to use the SB and the questions from the official guide (which I think is 30 per section), and the CARS Q pack which I'm halfway through. But think I should get more passages via the other Q packs.

Any advice?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

TPR are a mess. I would stay away from them unless you just want to do practice questions. So like maybe taking the test untimed, and getting a feel for what to look out for, data interpretation, etc.

 

[Chelsea FC]

TPR are a mess. I would stay away from them unless you just want to do practice questions. So like maybe taking the test untimed, and getting a feel for what to look out for, data interpretation, etc.

I agree with you but they are frustrating in a bad way. If you want to get frustrated in a good way take the SB and if you already did redo them. Use the EK exams for simulating testing conditions but I would stay away from Kaplan and TPR when the test is soo close. But I have had bad experiences with these exams so im biased

 

[betterfuture]

I know. I took them. They tested concepts on there which are no longer on the AAMC list. Plus, halfway through TPR FL 1, the test closed out on me. I called them and they said I was the first one to complain of such a thing since they had updated their interface a year ago and there should not be any problems. Uh, sure.

 

[WhittyPsyche]

The section bank is 100 questions per section right? If so, it would take one day to do a section, 1 day to review a section. So less than 8 days total. -To answer, no I haven't touched them. Was saving them for now purposely. During content review I did the book passages and short tests in TPR and EK.

With 2 EKs and what I listed above my schedule right now basically looks like 1 exam every 3 days, and section bank between them. And nothing (but anki +light reading) the last 3 days before the test.

To give you an idea. I wake up at 5:30, exercise. Study for 5-6 hours, go to work (parttime), relax, study for 4-5 hours.

*Also, according to the spreadsheet those that did TPR all seemed to score much higher on the real thing, and I have 3 so I assumed that was a good thing. Is it harder because of structure or content? I used their prep material so I wonder if I'm already used to the way they write questions.

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Chelsea FC]

The section bank is 100 questions per section right? If so, it would take one day to do a section, 1 day to review a section. So less than 8 days total. -To answer, no I haven't touched them. Was saving them for now purposely. During content review I did the book passages and short tests in TPR and EK.

With 2 EKs and what I listed above my schedule right now basically looks like 1 exam every 3 days, and section bank between them. And nothing (but anki +light reading) the last 3 days before the test.

To give you an idea. I wake up at 5:30, exercise. Study for 5-6 hours, go to work (parttime), relax, study for 4-5 hours.

*Also, according to the spreadsheet those that did TPR all seemed to score much higher on the real thing, and I have 3 so I assumed that was a good thing. Is it harder because of structure or content? I used their prep material so I wonder if I'm already used to the way they write questions.

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Remember that spread sheet is a subset of a subset. Its a subset of the population of people who actually do the exam and even more a subset because normally the people who do well are willing to share their grades.

 

[WhittyPsyche]

Remember that spread sheet is a subset of a subset. Its a subset of the population of people who actually do the exam and even more a subset because normally the people who do well are willing to share their grades.

Right.

But the value for me is seeing how people did on a range of various tests and then the real thing. Not just the absolute value of how many get above. But yes, proceed with extreme caution.

I'll do one TPR first before the others and decide if the swap the TPR with the 3&4 EK, or just have less exams like you said. I have a strong episodic memory so high exposure to many things is better for me than more reviews because when I get something wrong, it sticks lol.

Just over 3 weeks left! Whoot!


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[GEToutLADYits6AM]

Am I the only one who thought the first passage of the biology section to the aamc scored exam was difficult. I feel so dumb 🙁

 

[medbunny56]

Just finished EK 3 with an overall score of 62%
Breakdown (53%/60%/64%/69%)

Anyone know what this correlates to?
I'm aiming for a 508 on the real deal next week

 

[Zaba]

Psych/Soc SB Passage 9, Q 71:

Refers to which drugs exacerbate negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
a. Atypical antipsychotics
b. Neuroleptics
c. Hallucinogens
d. Stimulants

I was really torn between A and B because they are both dopamine blockers. I chose B because I wasn't familiar with "atypical" antipsychotics in particular, but does anyone have a better way to differentiate between these two?

Atypical antipsychotics (aka 2nd generation antipsychotics) are also considered neuroleptic a but in this case since they have distinguished the two the neuroleptic a would representive of the Typical (or first generation antipsychotics)

Typical (or conventional) Antipsychotics are still used today and a very good for severe psychosis, and behavioural problems when the Atypicals don't work as well. However, they also have a lot more side effects that can be quite severe. So therefore they would increase the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Think of them as the "stronger/potent" drugs.

Atypical antipsychotics were developed to decrease the major side effects of the 1st generation meds. There are many out there and work very well. Think of them as the milder/gentler drugs (in comparison lol- they are hardly gentle!)

Although I have found in the clinical setting the 1st generation ones always elicit the best intervention when a patient is having an acute psychotic episode.

Hope that helps!

 

[Zaba]

Anyone do EK 4?
I felt it was rather difficult 🙁

 

[Hospitalized]

Just finished EK 3 with an overall score of 62%
Breakdown (53%/60%/64%/69%)

Anyone know what this correlates to?
I'm aiming for a 508 on the real deal next week

There's no real correlation for EK, but people who score >60% do well on the real thing usually. Take a look at the reddit spreadsheet.

Anyways, could not be more frustrated right now. Feel like I'm not improving on anything despite so much studying and practice exams. EK2 61% (60% but I somehow didn't click 2 radio buttons on 2 easy C/P problems that I got correct in <2 mins without looking at the answer -- I had 10mins left at the end so I'm assuming I would've got these).

[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
[6/17] NS5: 504 (126/125/126/127); 63% correct
C/P SB: 67%
P/S SB: 70%
[6/24] NS6: 504 (125/125/126/128); 60% correct
CARS QPack 1: 60% (50% 1st half, 70% 2nd half)
[6/28] EK1: 63% (61%/62%/58%/73%)
[6/30] EK2: 61% (57%/51%/57%/78%)

 

[medbunny56]

There's no real correlation for EK, but people who score >60% do well on the real thing usually. Take a look at the reddit spreadsheet.

Anyways, could not be more frustrated right now. Feel like I'm not improving on anything despite so much studying and practice exams. EK2 61% (60% but I somehow didn't click 2 radio buttons on 2 easy C/P problems that I got correct in <2 mins without looking at the answer -- I had 10mins left at the end so I'm assuming I would've got these).

[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
[6/17] NS5: 504 (126/125/126/127); 63% correct
C/P SB: 67%
P/S SB: 70%
[6/24] NS6: 504 (125/125/126/128); 60% correct
CARS QPack 1: 60% (50% 1st half, 70% 2nd half)
[6/28] EK1: 63% (61%/62%/58%/73%)
[6/30] EK2: 61% (57%/55%/57%/78%)

we have very similar scores, I think I'm going to try EK 4 on sunday or monday and see if I can go 65%+, if not then ill probably call aamc and cancel my exam (i cant risk low score since its my retake)