The Official June 21, 2012 MCAT thread

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Adele358

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I see alot of people make this thread for their MCAT date. I was unable to find one for this date so I took the liberty to make one. Please share what you have found works or does not work for you?
 
Working through the mountain of weaknesses I have accumulated, gonna role the dice and hope all the topics I am good at turn out to be on the testttt! lol!



I don't even remember which are my "weaknesses" anymore... feels like it's EVERYTHING! AHHH I'm so overwhelmed!

I hope I get all my favorite topics and questions and almost ZERO Orgo =)

:xf:
 
I don't even remember which are my "weaknesses" anymore... feels like it's EVERYTHING! AHHH I'm so overwhelmed!

I hope I get all my favorite topics and questions and almost ZERO Orgo =)

:xf:

I hope we get tons of orgo 😉.

And no VR on the US government.
 
I don't even remember which are my "weaknesses" anymore... feels like it's EVERYTHING! AHHH I'm so overwhelmed!

I hope I get all my favorite topics and questions and almost ZERO Orgo =)

:xf:


same here....I really am hating the orgo in biology because it's ruining biology for me and biology is supposed to be my strength

I took two exam today and made a 6 on both bio sections and I have been depressed since then :scared: I have no idea what's going on

I am praying for a miracle here
 
9 and 9. Got a 4 on verbal. I don't know why, but my verbal has been going downhill lately, even lower than my diagnostic.

I think I've been burning out because of all the hardcore studying I've been doing these last couple weeks (I mean...it definitely showed today). I talked to some people who told me that they were incredibly burned out when they took their last practice test before the real deal and were 10 points higher on the real exam (compared to their last practice one)

Needless to say, I'm taking it easy so I can mentally recover from all the studying.

I just would really appreciate some guidance on verbal 🙁


10 points higher???
 
I hope we get tons of orgo 😉.

And no VR on the US government.


Haha.... maybe YOUR mcat can have orgo but I would prefer mine without 😛
But I do concur with the no US government VR passages. Funny... when I was in high school, I went through this phase where I wanted to be a historian but now it's the historical passages that seriously trip me up. There's too much data involved! I do better in humanities and natural sciences heeh

Also did anyone realize this ongoing trend with AAMC verbal? There is ALWAYS a passage about school and a passage about evolution. I wonder if there's a trend on questions in those passages too.....

same here....I really am hating the orgo in biology because it's ruining biology for me and biology is supposed to be my strength

I took two exam today and made a 6 on both bio sections and I have been depressed since then :scared: I have no idea what's going on


Awww *hugs* I totally feel you. Biology was supposed to be my strength too but the Orgo is seriously messing me up.

And for your BS scores on the two exams you took today... I'm just going to be very honest... What were you thinking taking TWO exams today to begin with? You need to relax and not exert yourself. You really need to space it out! There's no point in taking practice tests if you aren't reviewing in between. You are obviously REALLY burnt-out and your score is reflecting that. Instead... take the rest of tonight off and tomorrow study Orgo for the majority of the day, review some physics, chem, and bio and take another test - your last test - on Tuesday. Then review and take a break Wednesday. You won't see results by just taking one test right after the other. You'll see results if you take a test and review for a day and let your mind recuperate for another day. So please... go and sleep or watch a movie. You need a break and watch in your next test, your scores will reflect your knowledge properly =)
 
Haha.... maybe YOUR mcat can have orgo but I would prefer mine without 😛
But I do concur with the no US government VR passages. Funny... when I was in high school, I went through this phase where I wanted to be a historian but now it's the historical passages that seriously trip me up. There's too much data involved! I do better in humanities and natural sciences heeh

Also did anyone realize this ongoing trend with AAMC verbal? There is ALWAYS a passage about school and a passage about evolution. I wonder if there's a trend on questions in those passages too.....




Awww *hugs* I totally feel you. Biology was supposed to be my strength too but the Orgo is seriously messing me up.

And for your BS scores on the two exams you took today... I'm just going to be very honest... What were you thinking taking TWO exams today to begin with? You need to relax and not exert yourself. You really need to space it out! There's no point in taking practice tests if you aren't reviewing in between. You are obviously REALLY burnt-out and your score is reflecting that. Instead... take the rest of tonight off and tomorrow study Orgo for the majority of the day, review some physics, chem, and bio and take another test - your last test - on Tuesday. Then review and take a break Wednesday. You won't see results by just taking one test right after the other. You'll see results if you take a test and review for a day and let your mind recuperate for another day. So please... go and sleep or watch a movie. You need a break and watch in your next test, your scores will reflect your knowledge properly =)


I think what I will do is review tomorrow and take my last exam on Tuesday and I will make it exam 9 instead of 11 this way I feel a little better (the only two I have left)............I took two exams right after each other because I did bad on the first and I wanted to see whether it was the exam or I was just out of it....I like the biology passages on 8 and 10 especially the Ebola passage I just bombed the orgo passages and there was a lot of orgo on these exams
 
I got 9/11/11 on AAMC 10. That one was a toughie! If I got that score on the actual MCAT though, I'd still be satisfied haha.
 
I am really scared about this test.. 🙁 I don't even have the option to void.

Don't worry, just stay calm. You have spent still this time studying, all the knowledge is in your head somewhere, just focus, do your best and let fate handle the rest.

After the 21st you will be free!

I'm already looking ahead for what ima do after the test.

I already have a vacation planned for the weekend gonna hit up Napa wineries, get wasted, go to Alcatraz, get wasted, hit up Monterey bay, get wasted.... Gonna be a fun week.

Sent from my Galaxy S2 via tapatalk
 
Feeling burned out!! I don't want to study anymore after taking AAMC 11 yesterday. I've been reviewing AAMC 11 all day. I think I'm just going to be reviewing my weaknesses , formula sheets, flashcards, and do a few passages here and there.
 
Don't worry, just stay calm. You have spent still this time studying, all the knowledge is in your head somewhere, just focus, do your best and let fate handle the rest.

After the 21st you will be free!

I'm already looking ahead for what ima do after the test.

I already have a vacation planned for the weekend gonna hit up Napa wineries, get wasted, go to Alcatraz, get wasted, hit up Monterey bay, get wasted.... Gonna be a fun week.

Sent from my Galaxy S2 via tapatalk

I especially like the getting wasted part
 
My liver is going to explode the weekend after this.

Although it could regenerate most of itself because the liver is cool like that.

Lol we are so dorky, even when drinking we think science. Oh man my alcohol dehydrogenase is gonna be working overtime.

Not usually a big drinker, but i have graduation, birthday, and (end of) MCAT to celebrate, so might as well get messed up.
 
Yeah I'm definitely going to go hard on the drinks this weekend... Facilitate the forgetting process of all this science.
 
Where is everyone taking their exam?

Also, I was wondering if someone could explain sound. I feel like I understand it, and I am alright with the math, but I keep missing questions on the AAMC's based on sound. I am good with the math, understand the Doppler Effect, and I know that it's a longitudinal wave... What else is there to get?
 
Where is everyone taking their exam?

Also, I was wondering if someone could explain sound. I feel like I understand it, and I am alright with the math, but I keep missing questions on the AAMC's based on sound. I am good with the math, understand the Doppler Effect, and I know that it's a longitudinal wave... What else is there to get?

Well what else do you want to know lol
 
lol I wish I could start drinking like you guys right after the MCAT, sadly I jump right back into work.

5 days a week from 11PM to 7AM lol...

Everyone take a shot for me when your out 😛
 
Where is everyone taking their exam?

Also, I was wondering if someone could explain sound. I feel like I understand it, and I am alright with the math, but I keep missing questions on the AAMC's based on sound. I am good with the math, understand the Doppler Effect, and I know that it's a longitudinal wave... What else is there to get?
Id say understand the harmonics and how to put in "n" for the lamnba and freq equations. know how medium effects and frequency is constant. amplitude wavelength and all the definitional ****e.


.. does anyone know under what circumstance do we add probabilities for genetics stuff?

multiply when all situations have to occur together. add when?
 
Id say understand the harmonics and how to put in "n" for the lamnba and freq equations. know how medium effects and frequency is constant. amplitude wavelength and all the definitional ****e.


.. does anyone know under what circumstance do we add probabilities for genetics stuff?

multiply when all situations have to occur together. add when?


Are you referring to this type of question? (I'm making it up on the spot so be nice)


This bro (AaBBCcddEe) Mates with this Chick AAbbCCDdEE. What is the propability that their deformed baby is AABbCcddEe, assuming independent assortment?

For this question you would look at each one separatly first.
Aa X AA = Aa, Aa, AA, AA
BB x bb = Bb, Bb, Bb, Bb
Cc X CC = Cc, Cc, CC, CC
dd x Dd = Dd, Dd, dd, dd
Ee x EE = Ee, Ee, EE, EE

Then you look at the kid. AA, Bb, Cc, dd, Ee. And look for the probability of each one individually above.

AA would be 1/2
Bb would be 1/1
Cc would be 1/2
dd would be 1/2
and Ee would be 1/2

THEN you multiple the probabilities because they are independent.
1/2 * 1/1 * 1/2 * 1/2 * 1/2 = 1/16

1/16 chance that the baby is AaBbCcddEe

There was a very SIMILAR question on like 1 or 2 AAMC tests so this is a concept you should know.

😀

Edit: Just saw the other half of your question:

FOR ADDITION stuff...

Rule of addition is that the probability of an event that can occur in two or more independent ways is the sum of the separate probabilities of the different ways. For example:

Question:
In a Mendelian cross between pea plants that are heterozygous for flower color (Pp), what is the probability of the offspring being a heterozygote?

Answer:
There are two ways in which a heterozygote may be produced: the dominant allele (P) may be in the egg and the recessive allele (p) in the sperm, or the dominant allele may be in the sperm and the recessive in the egg. Consequently, the probability that the offspring will be heterozygous is the sum of the probabilities of those two possible ways:
Probability that the dominant allele will be in the egg with the recessive in the sperm is 1/2 X 1/2 = 1/4.
Probability that the dominant allele will be in the sperm and the recessive in the egg is 1/2 X 1/2 = 1/4.
Therefore, the probability that a heterozygous offspring will be produced is 1/4 + 1/4 = 1/2.

Addition is easy when you look at it this way and mcat will probably test the multiplication part.
 
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Do you guys write down a main idea for each verbal passage you read? If so, could someone ease PM me the main ideas for the great 10 verbal passages pleeeease?



Sent from my Nexus S 4G
 
Can't believe we're taking the exam in 3 days. How's everyone doing so far?
I've taken a new approach where I try to act constantly happy and excited about this test. I'm really feeling like this though -> :scared:
It's pretty much guaranteed that I'll be an alcoholic after Thursday.
 
Are you referring to this type of question? (I'm making it up on the spot so be nice)


This bro (AaBBCcddEe) Mates with this Chick AAbbCCDdEE. What is the propability that their deformed baby is AABbCcddEe, assuming independent assortment?

For this question you would look at each one separatly first.
Aa X AA = Aa, Aa, AA, AA
BB x bb = Bb, Bb, Bb, Bb
Cc X CC = Cc, Cc, CC, CC
dd x Dd = Dd, Dd, dd, dd
Ee x EE = Ee, Ee, EE, EE

Then you look at the kid. AA, Bb, Cc, dd, Ee. And look for the probability of each one individually above.

AA would be 1/2
Bb would be 1/1
Cc would be 1/2
dd would be 1/2
and Ee would be 1/2

THEN you multiple the probabilities because they are independent.
1/2 * 1/1 * 1/2 * 1/2 * 1/2 = 1/16

1/16 chance that the baby is AaBbCcddEe

There was a very SIMILAR question on like 1 or 2 AAMC tests so this is a concept you should know.

😀

Edit: Just saw the other half of your question:

FOR ADDITION stuff...

Rule of addition is that the probability of an event that can occur in two or more independent ways is the sum of the separate probabilities of the different ways. For example:

Question:
In a Mendelian cross between pea plants that are heterozygous for flower color (Pp), what is the probability of the offspring being a heterozygote?

Answer:
There are two ways in which a heterozygote may be produced: the dominant allele (P) may be in the egg and the recessive allele (p) in the sperm, or the dominant allele may be in the sperm and the recessive in the egg. Consequently, the probability that the offspring will be heterozygous is the sum of the probabilities of those two possible ways:
Probability that the dominant allele will be in the egg with the recessive in the sperm is 1/2 X 1/2 = 1/4.
Probability that the dominant allele will be in the sperm and the recessive in the egg is 1/2 X 1/2 = 1/4.
Therefore, the probability that a heterozygous offspring will be produced is 1/4 + 1/4 = 1/2.

Addition is easy when you look at it this way and mcat will probably test the multiplication part.
Thanks! Totally get it now.
 
Id say understand the harmonics and how to put in "n" for the lamnba and freq equations. know how medium effects and frequency is constant. amplitude wavelength and all the definitional ****e.


.. does anyone know under what circumstance do we add probabilities for genetics stuff?

multiply when all situations have to occur together. add when?

Thanks! I guess I do have trouble memorizing the standing wave equations for strings, open, and closed pipes. Does anyone have any mnemonics or tips to help with this?

As far as the probabilities, I am pretty sure that adding would be rare. I mean, if they ask you the proportion of the population that is homozygous dominant and heterozygous, you would have to add the p^2 and 2pq, but other than that example, it's usually multiplication. And if I am wrong, someone please correct me, haha.
 
Can't believe we're taking the exam in 3 days. How's everyone doing so far?

I know, it's crazy! It's nerve-wracking, but I've just been so excited to be done since last week that it's practically all I can think about. I already know what I'm doing this entire weekend and I've had my plans for July since a couple of months ago (I volunteer at a camp so I had to commit to set weeks early on). It works out that my camp sessions will go up to the 22nd of July so I'll be too busy having fun and being exhausted that I probably won't have time to worry about the days leading up to the release of scores. I just hope I come home to good news.

How are you doing? 🙂

EDIT: Took out the "shameless" part since, while it might be shameless for me 😛, I don't represent the entire organization: Look up Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times! This is my third year with them and It's quite possibly one of the best things I jumped into without knowing anyone--or just one of the best things I've ever done, period. It's in CA but people interview and volunteer from all over. 👍
 
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Thanks! I guess I do have trouble memorizing the standing wave equations for strings, open, and closed pipes. Does anyone have any mnemonics or tips to help with this?

As far as the probabilities, I am pretty sure that adding would be rare. I mean, if they ask you the proportion of the population that is homozygous dominant and heterozygous, you would have to add the p^2 and 2pq, but other than that example, it's usually multiplication. And if I am wrong, someone please correct me, haha.


I just remember that when both ends are open or both ends are closed then lamda is equal to 2L/n and n is the number of nodes (both ends are in the same state)..........there isn't really a mnemonic but the way I remember it is both ends are in the same state then the number is 2 because they are two ends and they are in the same state

but when only one end is open and the other end is closed then lamda is equal to 4L/n
¸
 
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I thought I wasn't going to feel nervous for this test, but now I am starting to feel nauseous because it's just 3 days away.
 
Id say understand the harmonics and how to put in "n" for the lamnba and freq equations. know how medium effects and frequency is constant. amplitude wavelength and all the definitional ****e.


.. does anyone know under what circumstance do we add probabilities for genetics stuff?

multiply when all situations have to occur together. add when?


okay here is how it works
you only use the p2+2pq+q2 when you have equilibrium which means q+p=1 and equilibrium occurs only under 5 conditions : 1-large population 2-no mutation 3- no genetic drift , etc...

as for the multiplication rule and addition rules, you add the probabilities when it's either or(they do not occur together) .... and you multiply the probability when both occur together
for example: if they ask what's the probability that the plant will be tall or white , that's when you add the probability.............but when they ask what's the probability that the plant will be tall and white, you multiply the probability

I hope this makes sense
 
Can't believe we're taking the exam in 3 days. How's everyone doing so far?

AHH! Don't remind me. My mom keeps saying "In 3 days you will be free! Aren't you excited?"

And I'm just like this :scared:

This me:
- Today: finish re-reading TPR Bio, then reread notes I took on TBR physics/chem/orgo. Re-read the chapters I feel iffy about - like Fluids, Circuits, Solution Chemistry, Themodynamics, Oxygen-containing compounds.
- Tomorrow AAMC 11 at 2 p.m., then review the test, go to sleep early.
- Wednesday - review slightly until 5 p.m. then relax - watch movie maybe?

I hope all the reviewing I'm going to be doing today doesn't burn me out....

I'm just really nervous because I haven't gotten above a 30 yet... I just hope I pull up my highest scores on all 3 sections or more :xf:
PS range = 8-10; 10 mode
VS range = 7-10; 9 mode
BS range = 7-10; 9 mode

How is everyone doing their final reviews?
 
AHH! Don't remind me. My mom keeps saying "In 3 days you will be free! Aren't you excited?"

And I'm just like this :scared:

This me:
- Today: finish re-reading TPR Bio, then reread notes I took on TBR physics/chem/orgo. Re-read the chapters I feel iffy about - like Fluids, Circuits, Solution Chemistry, Themodynamics, Oxygen-containing compounds.
- Tomorrow AAMC 11 at 2 p.m., then review the test, go to sleep early.
- Wednesday - review slightly until 5 p.m. then relax - watch movie maybe?

I hope all the reviewing I'm going to be doing today doesn't burn me out....

I'm just really nervous because I haven't gotten above a 30 yet... I just hope I pull up my highest scores on all 3 sections or more :xf:
PS range = 8-10; 10 mode
VS range = 7-10; 9 mode
BS range = 7-10; 9 mode

How is everyone doing their final reviews?


-Bio and Physics review today
-aamc 9 and verbal tomorrow
-formula sheet on wednesday and will probably stop studying at 8 and just go get ice cream or something lol
 
Today: Review all Ochem and biology flashcards and notes.
Tomorrow: Review GChem and Physics flashcards. Do AAMC 8 PS section and review.
Wednesday: Review formula sheets and hormones. Relax in the evening.
 
-Bio and Physics review today
-aamc 9 and verbal tomorrow
-formula sheet on wednesday and will probably stop studying at 8 and just go get ice cream or something lol

Yay for ice cream!

Today: Review all Ochem and biology flashcards and notes.
Tomorrow: Review GChem and Physics flashcards. Do AAMC 8 PS section and review.
Wednesday: Review formula sheets and hormones. Relax in the evening.

My friend gave me her Biology flashcards.... too bad I can't read a word that she wrote or else I'd probably be doing your approach haha
 
Today: Take brief notes on some physics and gchem topics I'm still iffy on, and skim bio.
Tomorrow: Go over PS and BS of all AAMCs (or at least of the most recent, depending on my motivation). Maybe do a writing sample?
Wednesday: Drive to the testing center, get tired under the sun at the wild animal park, run errands, review my post-game notebook, and listen to relaxing instrumental music before bed (lyrics get stuck in my head way too easily).
Thursday: Pray to Allah, Yahweh, and the Great Singularity that all goes smoothly for all of us. :luck:

Ooh yeah, and ice cream sounds good, too. :highfive:
 
AHH! Don't remind me. My mom keeps saying "In 3 days you will be free! Aren't you excited?"

And I'm just like this :scared:

This me:
- Today: finish re-reading TPR Bio, then reread notes I took on TBR physics/chem/orgo. Re-read the chapters I feel iffy about - like Fluids, Circuits, Solution Chemistry, Themodynamics, Oxygen-containing compounds.
- Tomorrow AAMC 11 at 2 p.m., then review the test, go to sleep early.
- Wednesday - review slightly until 5 p.m. then relax - watch movie maybe?

I hope all the reviewing I'm going to be doing today doesn't burn me out....

I'm just really nervous because I haven't gotten above a 30 yet... I just hope I pull up my highest scores on all 3 sections or more :xf:
PS range = 8-10; 10 mode
VS range = 7-10; 9 mode
BS range = 7-10; 9 mode

How is everyone doing their final reviews?

AAMC 10 today (finished PS and VR), followed by EK101.
AAMC 11 tomorrow followed by EK101.

EK101 Wednesday and maybe a review of meiosis.
 
Today: Take brief notes on some physics and gchem topics I'm still iffy on, and skim bio.
Tomorrow: Go over PS and BS of all AAMCs (or at least of the most recent, depending on my motivation). Maybe do a writing sample?
Wednesday: Drive to the testing center, get tired under the sun at the wild animal park, run errands, review my post-game notebook, and listen to relaxing instrumental music before bed (lyrics get stuck in my head way too easily).
Thursday: Pray to Allah, Yahweh, and the Great Singularity that all goes smoothly for all of us. :luck:

Ooh yeah, and ice cream sounds good, too. :highfive:

Writing sample! ZOMG I totally forgot about that section.... Maybe I'll read the economist tomorrow night and Wednesday for some fresh ideas to incorporate. Last time, I took the MCAT all I talked about was Apple (because I used to work for them) and technology whether the prompt mentioned it or not... It got me a Q but I don't think I can pull it off again, haha.

I love those high-fiving smilies!

AAMC 10 today (finished PS and VR), followed by EK101.
AAMC 11 tomorrow followed by EK101.

EK101 Wednesday and maybe a review of meiosis.

Good luck on those! :luck:
 
Last time I wrote i had all these historical and political situations pretty much committed to memory. None of which I could even remotely apply to the two prompts.
One I ended up comparing Harvard and my own University of Toronto. The other was pretty much a comparison of Rise Against and the Beatles. Worked out well for me at least. :laugh:

Writing sample! ZOMG I totally forgot about that section.... Maybe I'll read the economist tomorrow night and Wednesday for some fresh ideas to incorporate. Last time, I took the MCAT all I talked about was Apple (because I used to work for them) and technology whether the prompt mentioned it or not... It got me a Q but I don't think I can pull it off again, haha.

I love those high-fiving smilies!



Good luck on those! :luck:
 
Anyone else's desk look like this? lol

27db42fcb97611e180c9123138016265_7.jpg
 
I used electronic flashcards using a software called "ANKI"
it saved me a lot of time


Eh I tried that, it doesnt work well for stuff where you have to draw. Like mirrors and electric fields. Plus the notecards have been done for a while. I'm making equation sheets basically and then making sure I understand the concept behind the equations and not just the equation itself.

What I should be doing is improving my VR section... But I can't fit 3 years of reading things I don't like or care about in 3 days haha!
 
I just remember that when both ends are open or both ends are closed then lamda is equal to 2L/n and n is the number of nodes (both ends are in the same state)..........there isn't really a mnemonic but the way I remember it is both ends are in the same state then the number is 2 because they are two ends and they are in the same state

but when only one end is open and the other end is closed then lamda is equal to 4L/n
¸

Dude! That is brilliant, I am sure to remember it now. Talk about a clutch save, thanks!!
 
It seems like a lot of folks are studying on Wednesday. That seems really strange to me, as I hear from almost everyone that resting the day before is absolutely essential. I can barely focus now, being so burnt out. Today I am going to do one EK VR passage, and one tomorrow. That, some audio osmosis while I watch SC2, and maybe some flashcards here and there...
 
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