The Official May 11th, 2013 MCAT Thread:

[Mehd School]

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Just signed up for this test this morning. I wanted to take on 4/27, but alas that didn't work out.

I've been studying for about three weeks now. Who else is taking the test on the 11th?

-edited title

 

[Trayshawn]

I want to but finals are right around this time. Won't that bother you?

 

[Mehd School]

I want to but finals are right around this time. Won't that bother you?

This is actually the Saturday before my finals. I have an extremely light load this semester(on purpose), so it shouldn't bother me. You make a good point, though. This might be a ghost-town of a day.

 

[Mehd School]

Big study day today. Wrapping up my Physics studying, especially fluids/solids and optics. Moving into gen chem review for my block starting tomorrow. I feel like physics needs more work. I haven't done any circuits/magnetism yet, as that comes later next month (in kaplan course) Gen chem is a strong suit for me (sans electrochem), so maybe I'll find time over the next two weeks to dive deeper into physics. I'm starting from an 8 PS diagnostic score before studying, so hopefully I can kick that up into double digits over the next two weeks. At any rate, I'm just glad I finally have my mcat spot reserved.

Putting in around 6 hours today. Considering I bought an xbox yesterday, it's going to be challenging.

 

[aspiring20]

Big study day today. Wrapping up my Physics studying, especially fluids/solids and optics. Moving into gen chem review for my block starting tomorrow. I feel like physics needs more work. I haven't done any circuits/magnetism yet, as that comes later next month (in kaplan course) Gen chem is a strong suit for me (sans electrochem), so maybe I'll find time over the next two weeks to dive deeper into physics. I'm starting from an 8 PS diagnostic score before studying, so hopefully I can kick that up into double digits over the next two weeks. At any rate, I'm just glad I finally have my mcat spot reserved.

Putting in around 6 hours today. Considering I bought an xbox yesterday, it's going to be challenging.

pretty late into the game...or was that a replacement of a previous console that broke?

 

[Mehd School]

pretty late into the game...or was that a replacement of a previous console that broke?

I had one like 5 years ago. I missed some of the exclusives. Big forza fan, played halo a little bit over christmas break, and it made me miss the xbox. Also, the nerd is coming out in me here, but I saw that Banjo Kazooie (N64 days) was able to be bought on the xbox store...and that pushed me over the edge. I'm a streaky gamer. I'll play 15 hours this week, and 3 hours over the next month. But...the new slim will get me by for a couple years. I'm not going to throw a paycheck at the new xbox or ps4 anytime soon.

I forgot how awesome of a system the xbox is. I've used my ps3 for the past couple years. 👍

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I'm considering moving my test day from April 4th to May 11th too. But I'm kinda worried about being a little bit late. I've got 8 weeks left, and unfortunately only gotten minimal studying in over the winter (<,<). That being said, I only really need to study Physics and Chemistry.

 

[advair250]

I'll be taking the May 11th test date as well, need to start kicking it into gear, but have classes and work to occupy as well..

What study regiments is everyone using? I'm using a mix of BR, TPR.

 

[kad690775]

Retaking on this day, got a 26Q back in July, looking for a 30+ this time. Started watching Chads videos to prepare.

 

[deleted92121]

I'm scheduled for the 1300 start time in Pittsburgh.

Using Chad's Videos and doing the quizzes with them. Spend roughly 8 hours a week doing them. Also in a physiology and physics course now so that helps.

Scheduled myself one week working on TPRH science workbook and question review followed by one week of practice tests with question review. I should be good to go I think.

 

[Mehd School]

Glad to see some more people pop in here.


I'll be half way through my gen chem content review after tonight's class. I feel like I have gen chem down pat. Organic will come back easy, and I already know a good chunk of Bio (bio major). But I certainly didn't put the effort I should have into my physics block. There are some things I really need to hit hard again. Once I get those weaknesses taken care of, there shouldn't be a whole lot of gaps in my content anymore. Hope that translates into points! 👍

 

[Mehd School]

Spending my morning reviewing my physics block. Some things need a little more attention payed to them (eg. optics, logs, decay...)

Getting into a new habit of waking up every morning at 7am. This may sound like something easy, but my class schedule over the years has allowed me to wake up at like 10am or later for years. My first (and only) class today is at 12:30. Anyway, this is giving me about an extra 4 hours of study per week.

Last note of the day: I feel like I'm spending too much relative time on content and not enough on practice problems. Hope I can shift the equilibrium (get it?) on this a little bit over the next couple weeks.

 

[stirfried]

Sweet I'm signed up for this date as well. I watched chads for genchem/physics and orgo. Currently I'm enrolled in a Kaplan class, so I am supplementing that material by re-watching chad's vids and also reading through EK bio and verbal. Anyone else taking a Kaplan course? I am pretty disappointed in it....I love all the online practice problems they give you, but the review books are pretty weak, and the classroom sessions seem like a waste of time....I'm going to stick with it though.

 

[Mehd School]

Anyone else taking a Kaplan course? I am pretty disappointed in it....I love all the online practice problems they give you, but the review books are pretty weak, and the classroom sessions seem like a waste of time....I'm going to stick with it though.

I scored >27 on a practice test, so I was able to enroll in the Kaplan Advance course. My section is pretty top notch, imo. It can be kind of hit or miss to be honest. I had an instructor in the past that I really didn't care for. The guy I have now is priceless, though.

And regarding the books. I have all TBR books, the EK set, and Kaplan's books. Kaplan's books get a lot of flack around here, and I used to be one adding to that. I'm using Kaplan's books exclusively this time around, and I've got to say, they're pretty ok on a second glance. I've read all of the TBR books (sans the 2nd bio book) and all of the EK books, and I feel that Kaplan presents the very same material in a very similar way. I don't think any particular book set will make or break you, though. I didn't care for TBR, but others swear by it. I liked EK, but others swear there are holes in the books.

Just go with what you're comfortable with. I'm very comfortable with Kaplan's books now that I've gotten used to them. They certainly lack the practice material of TBR, but that's where the online material come in (which I think is on par or even a little better than TBR material).

 

[Mehd School]

Any-who, I've decided to make Friday my dedicated day off from study. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are my heavy hitting days (>5 hours each), so I'm going to start using Fridays to recharge my battery and regain focus/motivation. As it stands, I haven't taken an "official" day off in over a month. This has led to me taking some pseudo days off, like only studying 1 hour on a Tuesday when I should have studied 4.

Other than that, things are going well. Feeling somewhat good about my content progress. Hopefully my first round of FL's won't squash this vibe.

 

[Mehd School]

How are my 5/11 guys doing?

Ended up taking two days off to refocus. I was kind of getting sloppy and going through the motions. Reading this morning has obviously gone much better, and I feel productive again. It's good to get a refresh now and again.

Hard to believe that after Sunday, I'll be 50% finished with my content review. 100% finished with with PS.

I still feel I need to spend more time on practice problems, though.

 

[deleted526486]

How are my 5/11 guys doing?

Ended up taking two days off to refocus. I was kind of getting sloppy and going through the motions. Reading this morning has obviously gone much better, and I feel productive again. It's good to get a refresh now and again.

Hard to believe that after Sunday, I'll be 50% finished with my content review. 100% finished with with PS.

I still feel I need to spend more time on practice problems, though.

I just signed up for this test date. I've been toying around with the 4/26 or 4/27 dates, but I think the extra 2 weeks will only help my sanity and my score 😛

I'm jealous that you're so close to being done with content review. What books are you using? I'm using BR and I'm about 35% of the way there. I really need to just buckle down and study. The content review is taking forever, though, because I learn and remember things a LOT better when I write them down, which is slowing me down tremendously.

 

[novafan3000]

are you guys gonna wait until the scores post to submit amcas? I figure since its so close it'd kind of be silly not to

 

[deleted92121]

I'm doing okay with Chem and Biology.

Physics on the other hand has been painful, even some of the basic kinematics. I have such hard time conceptually. But I switched gears and am now trying Nova Physics. I think it is doing a good job cementing the basics. I think it will help in the long run.

 

[Mehd School]

I just signed up for this test date. I've been toying around with the 4/26 or 4/27 dates, but I think the extra 2 weeks will only help my sanity and my score 😛

I'm jealous that you're so close to being done with content review. What books are you using? I'm using BR and I'm about 35% of the way there. I really need to just buckle down and study. The content review is taking forever, though, because I learn and remember things a LOT better when I write them down, which is slowing me down tremendously.

I'm taking a Kaplan course and using their books. Tbr wasn't for me. My class has gone in blocks, and we finish one subject at a time. I finished physics first, and will finish gen chem on Wednesday. Then 3 classes of orgo and 4 of bio and I'm done with content review!

At first I was doubtful about the block approach, but I really like it now.

 

[Mehd School]

are you guys gonna wait until the scores post to submit amcas? I figure since its so close it'd kind of be silly not to

Ill be submitting mine the day it opens. I took a gap year, so ill be damned if I don't complete my app this cycle. Honestly if my score necessitates a retake, ill just hit it again in July or something.

And I'm applying DO as well. With my GPA where it is, I should get DO II's as long as I score in the 26 range, about 8-9 points lower than my goal. I think if I took the test tomorrow I'd get a 26.

 

[Mehd School]

Yesterday was the three month out mark. 😎

It seems so far away, but really it isn't. These next 90 days will fly by. Going to try to step up intensity of study a little bit. I've gotten a little lackadaisical since the weekend.

Time to buckle down and master some content!

 

[ThunderBear]

5/11. A day that will live in infamy. It seems so far out but I know that it isn't... To be specific it's exactly 87 days from today.

 

[Mehd School]

5/11. A day that will live in infamy. It seems so far out but I know that it isn't... To be specific it's exactly 87 days from today.

I bet when may 10th rolls around, we'll all feel like february was two weeks ago.

With that said, just finished reading the electrochemistry section. I feel like this content could be a course among itself.

I never understood it, though, and always got blown up on it during FL's so getting it this time around will be very high yield for me. 👍

I'm going to start making a master list of equations to understand. Notice I didn't say memorize there. Knowing the units and some derivations, I feel, can be very useful if you forget the equation. Say for example that you forget the ideal gas law (you shouldn't), if you nose around the units of the answer choices, and you can derive the formula from them, you've just got the question correct. I think this is also an awesome way to double check your work, let alone giving you a deeper understanding of why and how the relationships work.

I feel that the PS section is the most crushable, for sure.

 

[Trayshawn]

Ahh!! Im trying to decide between this date or 04/27.
The extra two weeks Id get for 05/11 could do wonders. BUT this would be RIGHT before finals!

decisions decisions....

anyway, yea understanding PS is the way to go. Once all those concepts become intuitive, there is little to no need to remember formulas. You could do a good bit of EK1001 kinematics questions, for example, without remembering the formulas that go along with it. (although, you still should lol. i tend to use them as a last case resort).

 

[Mehd School]

Ahh!! Im trying to decide between this date or 04/27.
The extra two weeks Id get for 05/11 could do wonders. BUT this would be RIGHT before finals!

decisions decisions....

anyway, yea understanding PS is the way to go. Once all those concepts become intuitive, there is little to no need to remember formulas. You could do a good bit of EK1001 kinematics questions, for example, without remembering the formulas that go along with it. (although, you still should lol. i tend to use them as a last case resort).

I would suggest taking the 4/27 date if you're applying next cycle. You'll have your score back before you submit your app that way. If you take 5/11, you'll get your score a week and a half after the earliest submit date. Not that big of a deal though, unless you bomb it or something.

 

[mspeedwagon]

I could have sworn there was another official thread that I posted to a while back. I'm hoping to stay on track for this date (aiming for a 33, started with a Kaplan diagnostic of 23). I'm ok with physics, and very good at g-chem and verbal. Unfortunately it has been a decade since basic bio (took in spring 2002) and a few years for o-chem (about 3 yrs). That is showing on my diagnostic tests.

I have the TPR, EK and Kaplan books (and am in the Kaplan Anywhere class). I've concluded the books are all about the same (EK 1001 is really nice is you are weak in subject and I'll be working through o-chem and bio). I'll be taking it a bit easy this week (midterm for class), but looking forward to having the MCAT behind me and applying (an acceptance shortly after my 30th bday in Sep. will be welcome!).

I'm thankful that I got the O-chem edge course for free so I can brush up on my skills. Just need to find the time to get it all done. Praying that I won't need to push this back!

 

[deleted526486]

May 11 seems so far off when I think about how long I'm going to be putting in 6-8 hours/day, but it also feels so close when I think about how much I still have to do! 😛

I'm still struggling to finish 1 chapter/day, but I'm really trying to force myself. It's been 3-4 years since I've taken all the classes, so it takes me quite some time to actually remember and relearn everything.

How's everyone else doing?

 

[mspeedwagon]

I hear you on the struggle. May 11th will be here before we know it. The only question is "Are we ready?" And, I'm hoping that the answer for all of us is "yes." I'm hoping not to need to put in another month or two of study.

I've had 2 Kaplan classes thus far (Physics I, and G-Chem I) and have verbal tomorrow and am behind on the homework. Will head to the library and do some physics and verbal tonight. Next week will be g-chem and o-chem (I have a midterm for my class on Thurs) so the MCAT stuff beyond verbal and physics is going to have to wait till Friday.

May 11 seems so far off when I think about how long I'm going to be putting in 6-8 hours/day, but it also feels so close when I think about how much I still have to do! 😛

I'm still struggling to finish 1 chapter/day, but I'm really trying to force myself. It's been 3-4 years since I've taken all the classes, so it takes me quite some time to actually remember and relearn everything.

How's everyone else doing?

 

[jemstone]

I'm registered for this date. I really dislike that it's a 1pm administration. This a retake for me and when I took it before it was at 8am. Any thoughts on what to do the morning of while we're waiting around anxiously for 1pm?

 

[Forkit]

I'm registered for this date. I really dislike that it's a 1pm administration. This a retake for me and when I took it before it was at 8am. Any thoughts on what to do the morning of while we're waiting around anxiously for 1pm?

Some students would LOVE to take your spot.....after exams are a gift from the gods. Just chill out and sleep in. Eat a good breakfast, meditate, and take some time to harness some confidence and positivity around the test. Don't be anxious, because that is a performance killer. You have to remain calm, unwavered, and focused once you start taking the test.

 

[jemstone]

It amazes me how so many people on sdn have to give unnecessarily rude responses before giving advice. I just wanted some input for how to pass the time. I am grateful for the May 11th date as I tried to get an earlier date and couldn't.

 

[deleted526486]

It amazes me how so many people on sdn have to give unnecessarily rude responses before giving advice. I just wanted some input for how to pass the time. I am grateful for the May 11th date as I tried to get an earlier date and couldn't.

I don't think Forkit was intentionally being rude. I think he was just trying to convince you that afternoon exams can have their benefits too. Instead of focusing on the negatives of an afternoon exam (waiting), focus on the positives (no need to set an alarm, no rushing to get ready, etc.).

Before the exam I'll probably wake up a little later than usual (~8 AM), go on a relaxing run, get a good lunch around 11:30 and make it to my testing place with a satisfied belly, ready to work.

 

[Mehd School]

It amazes me how so many people on sdn have to give unnecessarily rude responses before giving advice. I just wanted some input for how to pass the time. I am grateful for the May 11th date as I tried to get an earlier date and couldn't.

His response wasnt rude at all. Mellow out.

Well, I started off strong but have definitely fell off track the past week. Going to use tomorrow and Monday to get back on the horse. My mind has been somewhere else, but I need to remember where my priorities are!

 

[mspeedwagon]

Get back on track and focus. In less than 90 days amazing things can happen. I'm rooting for you. We started with the same diagnostic score and our target scores are close to each other (as are our overall GPAs).

You can do it, we can all do it. IMPOSSIBLE is nothing. We're going to rock it on May 11th.

Now, back to studying for my midterm.

His response wasnt rude at all. Mellow out.

Well, I started off strong but have definitely fell off track the past week. Going to use tomorrow and Monday to get back on the horse. My mind has been somewhere else, but I need to remember where my priorities are!

 

[Mehd School]

Get back on track and focus. In less than 90 days amazing things can happen. I'm rooting for you. We started with the same diagnostic score and our target scores are close to each other (as are our overall GPAs).

You can do it, we can all do it. IMPOSSIBLE is nothing. We're going to rock it on May 11th.

Now, back to studying for my midterm.

Very powerful words, man. Thank you for that. And good luck on your midterm!

I am back on track. 😎

Hitting up Gen Chem for 6 hours today (mondays are big study days for me)

I finish my gen chem block tomorrow, and start my O-Chem block on wednesday. Going to destroy O-Chem.

How's everyone else doing?

 

[ven2083]

Also signed up for May 11th....good luck to everybody!

 

[Mehd School]

Also signed up for May 11th....good luck to everybody!

Welcome to the madhouse. Good luck. 😎

 

[ChineseKid]

Signed up too
About 30% into the review

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ven2083]

Same here. So what is everyone's take on remembering all the physics formula as they build up? I've noticed that you can deduce an answer by looking to see if the units make sense (this only works sometimes tho).

 

[Mehd School]

Same here. So what is everyone's take on remembering all the physics formula as they build up? I've noticed that you can deduce an answer by looking to see if the units make sense (this only works sometimes tho).

I'm going to begin sometime this week creating a Physical Science formula sheet. These exist, but I'm going to attempt to explain each and every variable as well as the units of each. I'd like to explain the derivations while I'm at it.

This is going to take a while. But by doing it I'll probably get a deeper understanding of the physical relationships as well as help others.

I've found that quite often you have to know a formula down pat even if there isn't math involved. There are numerous relationship questions up for grabs. Ie, what happens to the Volume of an ideal gas when moles of the gas and temperature is increased, but pressure is held constant. Obviously, this is quite a simple example but other equations and relationships aren't so simple. I'll keep you guys updated with this and will probably need your help/critiquing.

 

[Mehd School]

So I had my first Ochem class last night, and wow. I hadn't realized how much Orgo 1 material I have forgotten/never learned. My orgo 1 teacher was pretty lax, so I pulled a B in there without extreme content knowledge. Orgo 2 on the other hand ... was taught by a freaking drill instructor. I know that crap 100%

Going to be a little more work than anticipated, but I look forward to it. I'm actually enjoying learning this stuff all over again. I've had a very good week studying. If I hit my 6 hour goal saturday, that will put me over 25 hours studying for the week. Can't wait for this to pay off!

 

[Mehd School]

How's everybody doing? I'm aiming to finish content review entirely by 3/20, earlier if possible. I definitely need to review physics again...I haven't looked at it in a while.

11 weeks out as of yesterday!

 

[mspeedwagon]

I fell off the bandwagon b/c of my chemistry midterm, which didn't seem to go all that well (I didn't get it back). That said, a B+ or higher will not really impact my GPA.

I'm planning to catch-up this week and do Bio Unit 1, O-Chem Unit 1 and Physics Unit 2 and that should put me back on track. It doesn't help that work is sending me on a trip to Vegas this week. Just where I don't want to go when studying for the MCAT.

 

[nlemme10]

Signed up for may 11 scored a 23 on diagnostic. Looking to get a 35 . Is anyone else struggling with verbal this stuff sucks!

 

[Mehd School]

Signed up for may 11 scored a 23 on diagnostic. Looking to get a 35 . Is anyone else struggling with verbal this stuff sucks!

I'm only starting to get heavy into verbal today. I would like to point out that we have the exact same diagnostic and goal scores though. 😎

 

[mspeedwagon]

I'm in diagnostic of 23 club. I think there are a few of us in this thread. Though, I'll live with a 33 on the test (I know you two are aiming for a 35+).

I would like to point out that we have the exact same diagnostic and goal scores though. 😎

 

[Mehd School]

I'm in diagnostic of 23 club. I think there are a few of us in this thread. Though, I'll live with a 33 on the test (I know you two are aiming for a 35+).

In all honesty, the highest score I'll retake is a 29. While I won't be very pleased with a 30, I don't think it will prevent me from matriculating. If I don't get in next cycle with a 30 (MD or DO), though, you bet your ass I'm retaking.

 

[berriesandcream]

Hey guys! Wanted the May 23, all full 🙁 SO May 11th it is!


Got a 23 exactly two years ago, so here we go!


currently working through content slowly but surely!👍

 

[nlemme10]

Whats the consensus on here, is a 23 on a diagnostic a good start. The majority of people i know scored less than 20 on their diagnostic