The Official June 2015 MCAT Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Sort by date Sort by votes
MD.Hopeful said:
TPR 1: 511
TPR 2: 508
TPR 3: 511

AAMC : (Taken this weekend, I didn't know any of the amino acids)
-Bio : 83%
- P/S: 80 %
- Psych: 78%
- CARS: 94%
Click to expand...
Those are ridiculously good TPR scores its weird you didnt score higher on the AAMC exam. But that AAMC score is Really great too.
512 with a 4 point margin of error on either side!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
libertyyne said:
Those are ridiculously good TPR scores its weird you didnt score higher on the AAMC exam. But that AAMC score is Really great too.
Click to expand...

Really? I wasn't happy that my TPR scores didn't go up at all. Yeah, those AAMC ones threw me off a bit, that's why I'm saying my expected range is pretty broad
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MD.Hopeful said:
I feel like my score could be anywhere between 500 and 528 depending on the passages I get..
Click to expand...

This lol.

Some passages seem stupid easy while others seem barely comprehensible no matter how many times you read it. Then you keep trying to re-read it, with each read through becoming less and less effective b/c you become increasingly worried about wasting time.

Also, questions usually fall into one of two categories:

1- oh yeah, I can totally understand why they'd ask this, how it relates to the passage, and which mcat concept it's testing specifically

2- what? why would they ask this? seems like a pointless question, and doesn't seem to test any mcat concepts

wanna guess which questions i usually miss?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I'm so mad I decided to take the MCAT again. I thought it would be the same as last year, but they really did change it quite a bit. P/S was my best section last time and it's not at all the same anymore!

I just want to get this thing over with!!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
jd989898 said:
This lol.

Some passages seem stupid easy while others seem barely comprehensible no matter how many times you read it. Then you keep trying to re-read it, with each read through becoming less and less effective b/c you become increasingly worried about wasting time.

Also, questions usually fall into one of two categories:

1- oh yeah, I can totally understand why they'd ask this, how it relates to the passage, and which mcat concept it's testing specifically

2- what? why would they ask this? seems like a pointless question, and doesn't seem to test any mcat concepts

wanna guess which questions i usually miss?
Click to expand...
I know I am not kidding when I say, after you take 20 Tests you develop this instinct for what they are really asking. But you still run into the 2nd category question and are left thinking. WTF did i just read.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MD.Hopeful said:
Really? I wasn't happy that my TPR scores didn't go up at all. Yeah, those AAMC ones threw me off a bit, that's why I'm saying my expected range is pretty broad
Click to expand...

You're set man. TPR is hard. Best I did was 507 and 509.
MOST people on SDN barely break 500. And many people in the upper 490s and lower 500s got 80th-100th percentiles.

The TPR scores are completely arbitrary. Nothing is normalized in terms of difficulty and actual AAMC scores.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
whoareyou said:
Did anyone notice that the EK Exam 2 answer key has a lot of errors? Did they publish a list of errors somewhere on their website so I can match it up??
Click to expand...
Yes I'm reviewing that one right now (took it yesterday). I've noticed several frustrating errors in both their math and their understanding.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
stressingout said:
Do you have a certain strategy for CARS?
Click to expand...

My strategy for CARS is to now waste my time studying for it.

I was told last year that verbal reasoning was the one thing you couldn't really study for, so I never really wasted my time with it. I've been reading a lot in my spare time this past year, which might be why I'm doing alright in that section.

Sorry I know that doesn't help! But I really haven't touched anything CARS related except during FLs.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MD.Hopeful said:
My strategy for CARS is to now waste my time studying for it.

I was told last year that verbal reasoning was the one thing you couldn't really study for, so I never really wasted my time with it. I've been reading a lot in my spare time this past year, which might be why I'm doing alright in that section.

Sorry I know that doesn't help! But I really haven't touched anything CARS related except during FLs.
Click to expand...

I'm jealous because your score is awesome! Don't even worry, you're going to do really well on this!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MD.Hopeful said:
My strategy for CARS is to now waste my time studying for it.

I was told last year that verbal reasoning was the one thing you couldn't really study for, so I never really wasted my time with it. I've been reading a lot in my spare time this past year, which might be why I'm doing alright in that section.

Sorry I know that doesn't help! But I really haven't touched anything CARS related except during FLs.
Click to expand...

TBH anything you do for CARS will in almost no way help your score so close to the exam. Better off spending time on high yield science that can easily get you a point.

The people that gave you that information are dead wrong. Few people have an innate amazing ability at verbal, but it seems like you might!
But, for most people it takes dedication to improve reading speed, learn how they ask questions, learn how to analyze passages through logic of grammar and rhetoric.
I'm not great at CARS. But I've been doing at least 3 passages timed for the past 3 months and I've improved my percentages from 50%'s to 80%s.

The only thing I would do is practice your timing, but you can't really improve your baseline with so little time, so don't even waste it!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
piii said:
TBH anything you do for CARS will in almost no way help your score so close to the exam. Better off spending time on high yield science that can easily get you a point.

The people that gave you that information are dead wrong. Few people have an innate amazing ability at verbal, but it seems like you might!
But, for most people it takes dedication to improve reading speed, learn how they ask questions, learn how to analyze passages through logic of grammar and rhetoric.
I'm not great at CARS. But I've been doing at least 3 passages timed for the past 3 months and I've improved my percentages from 50%'s to 80%s.

The only thing I would do is practice your timing, but you can't really improve your baseline with so little time.
Click to expand...

That's awesome! Yeah, last year I started out with a 10 on verbal in my diagnostic, and ended up with a 10 in verbal in my actual MCAT, and that was after 3 months of doing verbal passages every day.. I wish I could improve, it could be my downfall!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MD.Hopeful said:
This score was a bit of an anomaly, I think it was a bit too easy.. My TPR CARS scores have been closer to 127.
Click to expand...
The TPR passages will be a lot harder than on the real exam. They made CARS easier for the new exams, and a lot of people think the practice test was reflective of the real deal, perhaps slightly longer passages on the real exam.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
piii said:
The TPR passages will be a lot harder than on the real exam. They made CARS easier for the new exams, and a lot of people think the practice test was reflective of the real deal, perhaps slightly longer passages on the real exam.
Click to expand...

That would be amazing, but I'm not putting my hopes up. Expect the worst and you can't be disappointed, right?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Any one else neurotic enough to take sleep aids before practice exams to simulate having to take one to fall asleep the night before?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Ok so whenever you're asked which amino acids stabilize something or facilitate the ligand binding of something, you first try to counter any charges and then just try to pick something of similar structure? (so like hydrophilic with hydrophilic, hydrophobic with hydrophobic, same functional groups together?)

Like on #49 of PS on the AAMC FL. Why would the carboxylic acid from aspartate stabilize Pantothenate any more than the amide group would from asparagine?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I probably shouldn't have done this but I began looking at the content outline. Realized theres a bunch of stuff they have on there that I need to look at; granted none of it is high yield, but still.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KCJ
Upvote 0 Downvote
Yeah CARS improvement was a long process dedication for me, I practiced since January out of the EK 101 book and the TPRH workbook. I'd do a few couple passages and then a test every week during the semester and then a couple passages almost every day after the semester and I showed about a 20% improvement over that time (mainly because I was awful lol).

I made an 85% on the sample test and I took the CARS question packs this week. I did pretty bad on the first one, especially the first half, but I got 80% on the second one today.

I figured I had an adjustment period after being so used to TPR passages. It seems like a lot of answers for the AAMC are like straight paraphrases from the passage, at least comparatively with TPR. I'm glad I saved them for last. I'm hopeful for just a 125 on CARS and I'll be pretty happy with anything more than that because I'm confident that my science scores will be solid.
piii said:
TBH anything you do for CARS will in almost no way help your score so close to the exam. Better off spending time on high yield science that can easily get you a point.

The people that gave you that information are dead wrong. Few people have an innate amazing ability at verbal, but it seems like you might!
But, for most people it takes dedication to improve reading speed, learn how they ask questions, learn how to analyze passages through logic of grammar and rhetoric.
I'm not great at CARS. But I've been doing at least 3 passages timed for the past 3 months and I've improved my percentages from 50%'s to 80%s.

The only thing I would do is practice your timing, but you can't really improve your baseline with so little time, so don't even waste it!
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
jd989898 said:
Ok so whenever you're asked which amino acids stabilize something or facilitate the ligand binding of something, you first try to counter any charges and then just try to pick something of similar structure? (so like hydrophilic with hydrophilic, hydrophobic with hydrophobic, same functional groups together?)

Like on #49 of PS on the AAMC FL. Why would the carboxylic acid from aspartate stabilize Pantothenate any more than the amide group would from asparagine?
Click to expand...

Amide groups are very stable and generally non-reactive.

Regardless, the passage states that"...binding is stabilized by interactions between....a carboxylate group of PANK3"
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
carpediem22 said:
May test taker here, just wanted to pop in to say good luck!

Remember your caffeine! I kid you not I drank 2 cups of coffee and 3 redbulls during the test, one on each break. I swear I'm not an addict, I swear.... :whistle:
Click to expand...
i would, But i have to piss like a race horse everytime i do. Perhaps adult diapers is the way to go.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
I took the MCAT last year and got a 31, and wanted to retake it this year after taking a year of post bac courses since I figured it would improve my score. My top choice school has an average MCAT score of 34-35 for accepted applicants, so I'm hoping for a 35 to compensate for my low undergrad science GPA. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, however, I only had 5 somewhat disruptive weeks to study for the MCAT. I've just been cramming in practice exams this week, so only 2 more days to try to improve my scores. I struggle most with physical sciences, and honestly I didn't study at all for the CARS because I ran out of time (there's not really much in terms of material to learn anyways). I have taken a few TPR practice exams and just took the AAMC sample test. I've been looking on various websites and on SDN threads for a while, but I can't seem to find any conclusive numbers on how to interpret my percent correct scores on the sample test. Can anyone tell me how I'm doing/provide a score range?

TPR 1: 504 (taken day 1, before studying)
TPR 2: 508 (after classes but before reviewing anything)
TPR 3: 513 (some review)

Physical Sciences: 48/59 - 81%
CARS: 48/53 - 91%
Biological Sciences: 54/59 - 92%
Psychology: 51/59 - 86%

Since my TPR scores are inconsistent based on where I was in terms of review while taking them, I'm not sure if I have a trend yet. the 513 score is from yesterday, and the AAMC sample test from today. Are they about the same? I have not gotten through all the material in the books but due to work/lab expectations, I can't reschedule for July. Any pointers when I only have 2 days left before the exam?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Jody+Tinkles said:
I took the MCAT last year and got a 31, and wanted to retake it this year after taking a year of post bac courses since I figured it would improve my score. My top choice school has an average MCAT score of 34-35 for accepted applicants, so I'm hoping for a 35 to compensate for my low undergrad science GPA. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, however, I only had 5 somewhat disruptive weeks to study for the MCAT. I've just been cramming in practice exams this week, so only 2 more days to try to improve my scores. I struggle most with physical sciences, and honestly I didn't study at all for the CARS because I ran out of time (there's not really much in terms of material to learn anyways). I have taken a few TPR practice exams and just took the AAMC sample test. I've been looking on various websites and on SDN threads for a while, but I can't seem to find any conclusive numbers on how to interpret my percent correct scores on the sample test. Can anyone tell me how I'm doing/provide a score range?

TPR 1: 504 (taken day 1, before studying)
TPR 2: 508 (after classes but before reviewing anything)
TPR 3: 513 (some review)

Physical Sciences: 48/59 - 81%
CARS: 48/53 - 91%
Biological Sciences: 54/59 - 92%
Psychology: 51/59 - 86%

Since my TPR scores are inconsistent based on where I was in terms of review while taking them, I'm not sure if I have a trend yet. the 513 score is from yesterday, and the AAMC sample test from today. Are they about the same? I have not gotten through all the material in the books but due to work/lab expectations, I can't reschedule for July. Any pointers when I only have 2 days left before the exam?
Click to expand...


From what I've been hearing, getting a 513 on a TPR puts you in a great spot! I would just go over what you got wrong in the P/S section on the AAMC and see if there a trend as to what you're lacking in. I got a 31 last year too, so hopefully we both improve!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Jody+Tinkles said:
I took the MCAT last year and got a 31, and wanted to retake it this year after taking a year of post bac courses since I figured it would improve my score. My top choice school has an average MCAT score of 34-35 for accepted applicants, so I'm hoping for a 35 to compensate for my low undergrad science GPA. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, however, I only had 5 somewhat disruptive weeks to study for the MCAT. I've just been cramming in practice exams this week, so only 2 more days to try to improve my scores. I struggle most with physical sciences, and honestly I didn't study at all for the CARS because I ran out of time (there's not really much in terms of material to learn anyways). I have taken a few TPR practice exams and just took the AAMC sample test. I've been looking on various websites and on SDN threads for a while, but I can't seem to find any conclusive numbers on how to interpret my percent correct scores on the sample test. Can anyone tell me how I'm doing/provide a score range?

TPR 1: 504 (taken day 1, before studying)
TPR 2: 508 (after classes but before reviewing anything)
TPR 3: 513 (some review)

Physical Sciences: 48/59 - 81%
CARS: 48/53 - 91%
Biological Sciences: 54/59 - 92%
Psychology: 51/59 - 86%

Since my TPR scores are inconsistent based on where I was in terms of review while taking them, I'm not sure if I have a trend yet. the 513 score is from yesterday, and the AAMC sample test from today. Are they about the same? I have not gotten through all the material in the books but due to work/lab expectations, I can't reschedule for July. Any pointers when I only have 2 days left before the exam?
Click to expand...
That 513 on the TPR is baller. Also those AAMC practice test scores are also great. I would guestimate that to be 514+-4 based on the highly methodologically suspect scale i have proposed.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
mikil100 said:
That's really impressive even for a retake. When did you take it the first time?
Click to expand...

Jody+Tinkles said:
I took the MCAT last year and got a 31, and wanted to retake it this year after taking a year of post bac courses since I figured it would improve my score. My top choice school has an average MCAT score of 34-35 for accepted applicants, so I'm hoping for a 35 to compensate for my low undergrad science GPA. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, however, I only had 5 somewhat disruptive weeks to study for the MCAT. I've just been cramming in practice exams this week, so only 2 more days to try to improve my scores. I struggle most with physical sciences, and honestly I didn't study at all for the CARS because I ran out of time (there's not really much in terms of material to learn anyways). I have taken a few TPR practice exams and just took the AAMC sample test. I've been looking on various websites and on SDN threads for a while, but I can't seem to find any conclusive numbers on how to interpret my percent correct scores on the sample test. Can anyone tell me how I'm doing/provide a score range?

TPR 1: 504 (taken day 1, before studying)
TPR 2: 508 (after classes but before reviewing anything)
TPR 3: 513 (some review)

Physical Sciences: 48/59 - 81%
CARS: 48/53 - 91%
Biological Sciences: 54/59 - 92%
Psychology: 51/59 - 86%

Since my TPR scores are inconsistent based on where I was in terms of review while taking them, I'm not sure if I have a trend yet. the 513 score is from yesterday, and the AAMC sample test from today. Are they about the same? I have not gotten through all the material in the books but due to work/lab expectations, I can't reschedule for July. Any pointers when I only have 2 days left before the exam?
Click to expand...

yeah you're scores are monstrous. Just don't freak out on test day and you'll do great.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Not sure if I'm hallucinating, but #43 on the bio aamc fl.. why is treatment with physiological saline = pinealectomy and pineal extract treatment = normal pineal function? I thought they were normal golden hamsters with functioning pineal glands to begin with.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
does anyone understand where they got the equation from for Q9 in bio section for aamc guide questions? was it somehow interpreted from graph or passage data? what am i missing ):
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Jody+Tinkles said:
I took the MCAT last year and got a 31, and wanted to retake it this year after taking a year of post bac courses since I figured it would improve my score. My top choice school has an average MCAT score of 34-35 for accepted applicants, so I'm hoping for a 35 to compensate for my low undergrad science GPA. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, however, I only had 5 somewhat disruptive weeks to study for the MCAT. I've just been cramming in practice exams this week, so only 2 more days to try to improve my scores. I struggle most with physical sciences, and honestly I didn't study at all for the CARS because I ran out of time (there's not really much in terms of material to learn anyways). I have taken a few TPR practice exams and just took the AAMC sample test. I've been looking on various websites and on SDN threads for a while, but I can't seem to find any conclusive numbers on how to interpret my percent correct scores on the sample test. Can anyone tell me how I'm doing/provide a score range?

TPR 1: 504 (taken day 1, before studying)
TPR 2: 508 (after classes but before reviewing anything)
TPR 3: 513 (some review)

Physical Sciences: 48/59 - 81%
CARS: 48/53 - 91%
Biological Sciences: 54/59 - 92%
Psychology: 51/59 - 86%

Since my TPR scores are inconsistent based on where I was in terms of review while taking them, I'm not sure if I have a trend yet. the 513 score is from yesterday, and the AAMC sample test from today. Are they about the same? I have not gotten through all the material in the books but due to work/lab expectations, I can't reschedule for July. Any pointers when I only have 2 days left before the exam?
Click to expand...

Are those TPR course test scores? or TPR review test scores? I always get confused when people refer to TPR 1-3.

Either way those are solid scores! (thumbs up)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I'm officially buggin out.

I averaged a 79% on my AAMC FL and low 70 %'s on my EK, but I have no idea how that is going to translate on the real thing. I tried checking the other thread, and the only comparable scores to mine ended up with 74-87 %ile.

I was really hoping to hit 85th percentile at the MINIMUM, so I am feeling a bit discouraged. damn.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
drrao88 said:
I'm officially buggin out.

I averaged a 79% on my AAMC FL and low 70 %'s on my EK, but I have no idea how that is going to translate on the real thing. I tried checking the other thread, and the only comparable scores to mine ended up with 74-87 %ile.

I was really hoping to hit 85th percentile at the MINIMUM, so I am feeling a bit discouraged. damn.
Click to expand...
Comparing yourself to others won't help you. Don't go down that road, just be confident and it'll all work out!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
jd989898 said:
Not sure if I'm hallucinating, but #43 on the bio aamc fl.. why is treatment with physiological saline = pinealectomy and pineal extract treatment = normal pineal function? I thought they were normal golden hamsters with functioning pineal glands to begin with.
Click to expand...

I think it's because if you add extract it's like having your pineal gland in tact and producing the appropriate hormones. While saline would not be any hormones and thus represent having no pineal gland. I got this wrong the first time I took the exam. Hope that helps!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
So who else thought Kaplan had a sheer volume of terms to just memorize when in reality I feel like you need to understand the whole picture and not the small nitty gritty details. Like I feel the passages would have the intricate details but we should know the big picture?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
MCAT on june 27th too late
Replies
0
Views
1K
premed2341
P
M
Is a June 27th MCAT late for TMDSAS?
Replies
4
Views
2K
wysdoc
wysdoc
S
Should I retake the MCAT?
Replies
4
Views
3K
babySimba
B
M
TMDSAS Application Timeline- Is a June 15th MCAT too late?
Replies
1
Views
3K
wysdoc
wysdoc
RamblingPremed
HELP! Can't improve my MCAT score and test is in June!
Replies
3
Views
2K
deleted1141024
D
Top