The Official June 2015 MCAT Thread

[Abraxas305]

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So we can talk about all things MCAT 2015.
Just registered too!

 

[aspiringdocO]

Lol. So you can pay the MCAT fee twice? Must be nice, Richey McRich. I got the fee reduction, and it was still too much money for me. I'm poor.

Actually, I also applied for FAP. Soo nope, I'm not richey mcrich. Pretty poor also.

 

[the_fella]

Focus on the percentiles. But in any case there's a lot of buzz saying 510 is then new 30. So aim for a 510 and up! Best of luck!!

Well, 500 is supposed to be the midline, so 510 is definitely above average. I'd be thrilled scoring a 510.

 

[the_fella]

Actually, I also applied for FAP. Soo nope, I'm not richey mcrich. Pretty poor also.

You'd think they'd come up with a better acronym than FAP. Makes me smile every time I see it. Sorry I called you Richey McRich. It just irritates me that AAMC says that they encourage financially disadvantaged applicants to apply, but then they go out of their way to make it difficult for us to do so. Then the prep companies gouge us even more.

 

[Alma1989]

Where did you get this information from? I am from Texas and our application date starts may 1st so getting my score July 21 is going to pretty late for me I think.

Dead certain that Texas schools have a separate deadline from AMCAS. Yes, the application opens on June 1st, and verified applications do not START getting reviewed until early July.

 

[aspiringdocO]

You'd think they'd come up with a better acronym than FAP. Makes me smile every time I see it. Sorry I called you Richey McRich. It just irritates me that AAMC says that they encourage financially disadvantaged applicants to apply, but then they go out of their way to make it difficult for us to do so. Then the prep companies gouge us even more.

Yeah it sucks, but I guess its the price we have to pay to achieve our dreams! Focusing on the end goal keeps me going.

 

[Abraxas305]

Yeah, I think percentile-wise, a 510 is supposed to correlate to a 34-35 an a 518 is like a 38-39. I'll take it that around 522 and up is equivalent to a 40 and up lol
Pure conjecture though as the test hasn't been administered yet.

 

[cjcarter]

How are you guys balancing school and studying? I'm only taking 2 classes right now but they're both very time consuming. By the time I'm done with school stuff I'm too exhausted to study for another 4 hours. Any advice?

 

[Abraxas305]

I'm taking 2 classes and working part-time too. I feel each time I have an exam I have to take off MCAT for 2-3 days to focus on getting an A on the exam.

 

[velodork]

When I really start into heavy duty study time I'll also be working PT, taking 2 classes (phys and orgo). Fortunately the two classes are also covered on the exam so I just look at them like bonus study time. It will be a challenge to juggle everything though...

 

[cjcarter]

That's my problem. I have 2 exams this week, wed and fri, so I won't be able to do any MCAT stuff until Friday. Sucks.

 

[cjcarter]

I guess doubling up on the weekends is the only way to get around it.

 

[Dr. Isaac]

Using a combination of my old MCAT books + Kap 528, TPR Psych/Soc/Biology/Biochem and AAMC Question packs/Official Guide.

Practice test wise
1 AAMC Sample FL
5 NS FLs
3 TPR FLs
1 Kaplan FL

Does anybody know if TPR's 8 FLs overlap with the 3 you get from purchasing one of their new MCAT2015 books?

What's NS?

 

[Abraxas305]

When I really start into heavy duty study time I'll also be working PT, taking 2 classes (phys and orgo). Fortunately the two classes are also covered on the exam so I just look at them like bonus study time. It will be a challenge to juggle everything though...

Are you planning to apply this cycle?

 

[velodork]

Are you planning to apply this cycle?

Yep!

 

[aspiringdocO]

What's NS?

Next Step

 

[the_fella]

How are you guys balancing school and studying? I'm only taking 2 classes right now but they're both very time consuming. By the time I'm done with school stuff I'm too exhausted to study for another 4 hours. Any advice?

I'm not a student right now, which, I guess, is good. I graduated with my MA in August.

 

[the_fella]

Next Step

I was going to say Natural Science...

 

[soccergurl1987]

Also registered for June 20. Like everyone else, super nervous because of the new exam. I'm using examkrackers and planning to supplement with practice exams either from NS or PR (as well as the AAMC one of course). I'm also struggling to fit studying in with my work/study schedule, but doing my best. As some of you have said, looks like the only option is probably going to be doubling up on the weekend.

 

[cjcarter]

I'm thinking about purchasing NS CARS and Psych/Soc strategy and practice books. Does anyone have these? If so, how are they? Worth the investment?

 

[Abraxas305]

NS CARS is worth it I have it and it provides a bunch of quality passages. I posted a review about it earlier in a thread. I don't have the Psych/Socio S&P book. Would you mind being guinea pig and buying it so we can get at least one review to gauge the quality of the passages on?

 

[cjcarter]

Yeah I'll probably buy them tomorrow. I'll let you guys know how it is.

 

[the_fella]

Also registered for June 20. Like everyone else, super nervous because of the new exam. I'm using examkrackers and planning to supplement with practice exams either from NS or PR (as well as the AAMC one of course). I'm also struggling to fit studying in with my work/study schedule, but doing my best. As some of you have said, looks like the only option is probably going to be doubling up on the weekend.

I'd also strongly suggest getting the question packs the AAMC offers. They have it for every subject except the so-called social sciences. The whole bundle is $72 and you can access each pack a total of 20 times.

 

[soccergurl1987]

Awesome, will do. I didn't realize they had published anything in addition to the exam and the official guide. Clearly I'm a bit behind 😛

 

[JustinD]

Anyone else taking the June MCAT and applying this summer as well?

How do you guys know what schools to apply to? We won't know our MCAT scores till after our application is submitted.

 

[GCSDOC]

Anyone else taking the June MCAT and applying this summer as well?

How do you guys know what schools to apply to? We won't know our MCAT scores till after our application is submitted.

yep. I'm considering the fact that this first app cycle with the new mcat lacks a reference point for what the mcat really means, therefore, its possible other factors will be weighted more heavily regardless of what the mcat score is.

 

[Sir.SavaLottaLife]

Well, 500 is supposed to be the midline, so 510 is definitely above average. I'd be thrilled scoring a 510.

510 is really like a 31/32 if you break it down. It annoys me to see everyone saying "510 is the new 30" when 508 more directly corresponds to a 30 (10=127, 10 x 3 sections =30. 127 x 4 sections = 508). I feel like if sound bites like this get around to Ad Coms then we, as mcat2015 takers, will be at a slight disadvantage to other mcat takers during this application season. However I do give adcoms the benefit of the doubt that they will break everything down correctly.

 

[GCSDOC]

510 is really like a 31/32 if you break it down. It annoys me to see everyone saying "510 is the new 30" when 508 more directly corresponds to a 30 (10=127, 10 x 3 sections =30. 127 x 4 sections = 508). I feel like if sound bites like this get around to Ad Coms then we, as mcat2015 takers, will be at a slight disadvantage to other mcat takers during this application season. However I do give adcoms the benefit of the doubt that they will break everything down correctly.

aamc specifically says the two exams cannot be compared to eachother b/c different content and skill sets are being tested.

 

[Sir.SavaLottaLife]

aamc specifically says the two exams cannot be compared to eachother b/c different content and skill sets are being tested.

I read the document too, the AAMC also says that the new scoring system was implemented in effort to shift the focus to the middle of the pack, or "the top of the peak" as I believe they put it. But we all know adcoms aren't just going to start accepting lower mcat scores because the aamc told them its cool. Likewise, adcoms will probably be forced to compare the two in order to weed people out, there's not much of an alternative to it.

Also, if I remember correctly, they explicitly say the two shouldn't be compared but then proceed to give guidelines on how to interpret the new scores when it comes down to comparing applicants with old scores, also presenting the importance of how applicants proficiency in new topics being tested (biochem, psyc) will be in medical school.

 

[takeurmeds02]

We won't be early, but we won't be late. My new strategy is to apply to one school, get verified, then submit the rest of the applications when I know my score in July. I also plan to pre-write the secondaries so that I will have a quick turnaround time.

Hey, I'm sure I'm having a "Duh" moment but can you briefly explain your logic and what it means to be verified?

 

[Abraxas305]

AAMC does not accept students, the school does. It's up to them how they will handle the new MCAT scores.

 

[WHODATCHICK]

Hi everyone I have been a long time lurker on SDN and decided to make an account. I will be taking the New MCAT in June and I am very nervous about it.

I have taken the old exam but my scores were not great which is why I back to studying for the new exam.

I hope that we can keep each other motivated through this difficult time. Its always nice to be able to talk to people who truly understand what we go through trying to get in medical school.

I wish you all success in this exam, and I look forward to communicating with you all about study strategies and how everything is going!

 

[steo55]

Does anyone have a good list of textbooks to use for this new exam? I'm stumped...
And I'm really nervous about this date putting us at a disadvantage. My guess is that schools will place our apps on hold until they receive the MCAT scores. Does anyone know for sure?

 

[WHODATCHICK]

Does anyone have a good list of textbooks to use for this new exam? I'm stumped...
And I'm really nervous about this date putting us at a disadvantage. My guess is that schools will place our apps on hold until they receive the MCAT scores. Does anyone know for sure?

I have been using Kaplan's 7books for content. For practice I have TPRH Science and Verbal which I haven't started yet. I just ordered NS CARS strategy and Practice book from Amazon. The book was really cheap and it had great reviews so why not!

I don't think anyone will really know what to expect from the content books that are out as of right now until after everyone takes the exam. Then we will be able to gauge how good the new prep material really is.

 

[velodork]

Does anyone have a good list of textbooks to use for this new exam? I'm stumped...
And I'm really nervous about this date putting us at a disadvantage. My guess is that schools will place our apps on hold until they receive the MCAT scores. Does anyone know for sure?

I'm using EK up until May when I start a Kaplan on site course, then all kaplan + aamc questions until test day.

 

[steo55]

Hi everyone I have been a long time lurker on SDN and decided to make an account. I will be taking the New MCAT in June and I am very nervous about it.

I have taken the old exam but my scores were not great which is why I back to studying for the new exam.

I hope that we can keep each other motivated through this difficult time. Its always nice to be able to talk to people who truly understand what we go through trying to get in medical school.

I wish you all success in this exam, and I look forward to communicating with you all about study strategies and how everything is going!

Hey there! I totally feel your pain and anxiety. I'm in the same boat as you and I felt awful when I saw my score. We just have to stay positive (even though that may seem difficult) and just keep moving forward. Let's destroy this exam so we don't have to take it again! 🙂 Fight to the end! whoohoo!

 

[vrn212]

Does anyone have a a chart for converting raw scores for each section to the new 2015 MCAT score (out of 132)?

 

[aspiringdocO]

Does anyone have a good list of textbooks to use for this new exam? I'm stumped...
And I'm really nervous about this date putting us at a disadvantage. My guess is that schools will place our apps on hold until they receive the MCAT scores. Does anyone know for sure?

Content:
TBR for Bio/Chems/Physics/Ochem + Khan Academy
TPR Psych/Socio
CARS: EK 9th (3 30 minute exams), EK 101 (11 FL), TPRH (42 passages + 4 FL), NS (3 1/2 length, 3 FL), & AAMC online pq (~5 passages), AAMC QP (120 q = ~20 passages)

Strategy & Practice:
Khan Academy passages
TBR practice passages (skip the irrelevant ones)
NS strategy & practice series ($119): 4 FL for each section
AAMC online practice problems
AAMC Question Packs

FL:
AAMC #1 sample test (1)
TPR Fl + mini test (5)
Kaplan diagnostic (1)
NS 5 full-lengths ($149)+ half diagnostic (6)
GS free practice test + FL (6) (available in March-May)
Total: 19 FL

Hope this helps!

 

[aspiringdocO]

Does anyone have a a chart for converting raw scores for each section to the new 2015 MCAT score (out of 132)?

There is a rough outline on pg. 9 comparing the total score to projected percentiles. Ex. 500 ~ 50% (125 x 4). I'm guessing you want to be scoring at least 127 per section to be competitive (127x4= 508 ~ 83%).

 

[cjcarter]

That PDF is super helpful, thanks for posting. The fact that AAMC is telling adcoms to look at new score and percentile if an applicant took both the old MCAT and the 2015 MCAT is great news.

 

[Flashfan]

Hey, I'm sure I'm having a "Duh" moment but can you briefly explain your logic and what it means to be verified?

We all have to submit the primary application to have our information verified. They verify our information with our transcripts, hold the letters, etc. The process takes a while, which is why it is important to apply early. Once everything is in, then they can submit it to the schools.
The strategy to apply to just one school is because you need at least one school listed. If you put a school that you don't care about, or will be applying to no matter what, then if your scores are horrible, you will only have that one bad application out there.

 

[GEToutLADYits6AM]

I don't know whether I should change my test date for may due to the large amount of openings? Would it be worth it to do so and lose another 70 bucks?

 

[GEToutLADYits6AM]

How are you guys balancing school and studying? I'm only taking 2 classes right now but they're both very time consuming. By the time I'm done with school stuff I'm too exhausted to study for another 4 hours. Any advice?

Im taking 21 hours 🙁

 

[cjcarter]

Im taking 21 hours 🙁

That's insane! How are you doing it?

 

[Flashfan]

I just changed. My place is 3 hours away. I may be tempted to hit a relative up for the $70 to change if I get closer, but I am just happy I got my date.

 

[GEToutLADYits6AM]

That's insane! How are you doing it?

I made a mistake lol but my schedule includes biochem and sociology though.

I just changed. My place is 3 hours away. I may be tempted to hit a relative up for the $70 to change if I get closer, but I am just happy I got my date.

To May?

 

[Flashfan]

Yes. So see you all later.

 

[cetrav]

Still debating between June and July--June is ideal because I can get everything in a month earlier.. but I feel like I have already forgotten everything I studied for last Sept MCAT! Plus all this new information, and I haven't taken a soc or pysch class.

 

[Abraxas305]

Hey, does anyone know if we have to finish the AAMC question bundle in one sitting to review the answers? Or can we take it a couple passages at a time?

 

[velodork]

Hey, does anyone know if we have to finish the AAMC question bundle in one sitting to review the answers? Or can we take it a couple passages at a time?

You can take a couple of passages at a time, but each time you start/stop it uses up one of your 20 tries allotted with the purchase.

 

[takeurmeds02]

We all have to submit the primary application to have our information verified. They verify our information with our transcripts, hold the letters, etc. The process takes a while, which is why it is important to apply early. Once everything is in, then they can submit it to the schools.
The strategy to apply to just one school is because you need at least one school listed. If you put a school that you don't care about, or will be applying to no matter what, then if your scores are horrible, you will only have that one bad application out there.

Thanks man