The Official May 18, 2013 MCAT Thread

[aspiring20]

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I know this is still seven months away, but please share your strategies, goals, materials, etc. here! I'll post mine up very soon, and I greatly appreciate any suggestions/tips. Best of luck to us all!

 

[Roxas]

I'm taking in April, but all these threads are pretty quiet so I'll share my plans, ect. Starting late Nov. I'm starting my hardcore studying of around 25-30 hrs a week. I have all the TPR/TPRH material, plus EK 1001 series. I'll be doing a modified SN2ed schedule spread out over 5 months with TPR material for content/passages, so we'll see how it goes 🙂

My goals are
35+: Ecstatic!!!
31: The more realistic goal.

 

[gr222403]

I haven't started studying yet but I am signed up for this date. I plan to use TPRH set I got second hand and supplement with EK 1001 questions. Also do the majority of the AAMCs (maybe not 5,6) and do 7,8,9,10,1. I also plan to do the AAMC self assessment package. This is all preliminary of course because I didn't start yet. Good luck!

 

[aspiring20]

i will take a prep class in the spring leading up to the exam in may...i am strongly considering the princeton review, since i've been hearing pretty good things about it

what do u guys recommend?

and also...what's the difference between the princeton review and the princeton review hyperlearning? is the hyperlearning the super good science work books that you only get if u enroll in their prep classes?

thanks

 

[Roxas]

and also...what's the difference between the princeton review and the princeton review hyperlearning? is the hyperlearning the super good science work books that you only get if u enroll in their prep classes?

thanks

Yes. I'm not sure how it used to be, but now whichever TPR course type you choose (classroom/online) you get their content review books along with the verbal and science workbooks.

 

[dennis-brodmann]

The VR was my downfall this past August, so I've been reading random articles from
the following:
The Economist
The New Yorker
The Atlantic
Boston Review
The Wilson Quarterly
ART TIMES Online

I try to squeeze in discretes here and there. I'd like to finish my EK1001 Physics
and do a lot of the bio discretes from TPRH SW before January.
Another thing is I'm going to read some scientific journal articles that were recommended here on SDN. Analysis of data was a skill I didn't feel confident in when I took my MCAT science sections, so I'm going to work on that.

Come January, I plan on finishing the TPRH Verbal Workbook and TPRH SW passages.
There are some other books I've got, like TBR Gen Chem, that I'll use too.
I'm going to do less content review for the sciences this time and try to work more passages and spend MUCH more time on the VR.

It'd make my life to score in the mid-30's this May 🙄

Tips for anyone who hasn't taken the MCAT before:
Don't stress out! I did on the VR and it hurt me in the end, so just stay confident and defend your reasoning for EVERY questions!

GOOD LUCK other 05/18ers!

 

[aspiring20]

does the princeton review prep course include in its package all the officially released AAMC exams as well?

i know the kaplan course includes all those plus its own full-lengths

if princeton review doesn include the AAMCs, i am going to have to buy them on my own, which i dont want to do

 

[Roxas]

does the princeton review prep course include in its package all the officially released AAMC exams as well?

i know the kaplan course includes all those plus its own full-lengths

if princeton review doesn include the AAMCs, i am going to have to buy them on my own, which i dont want to do

Yes it comes with all the AAMCs, and a good number of their company's own tests, not sure how many....

 

[Shinobiz11]

Just signed up; good luck to y'all.

I'm shooting for at least a 30; I applying pod so I don't need an amazing score, but when I was pre-med I was aiming for 30+ so I'll stick with that goal. I'm not going to start officially studying until 2013; I'm so busy right now with classes I don't have time, I might start after the semester ends though.

I've been doing the question a day website for a while now; basically just learning how to answer the questions and how to make a wise-guess. I'm going to start reading for VR later though, we'll see how that goes. Practice tests are going to be my primary way of studying. My biggest problem with standardized tests is time management, so I am definitely working on that. A friend is giving me some extra KAPLAN books he was mistakenly given lol.

 

[MD Odyssey]

You may find this helpful:

http://medschoolodyssey.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/thoughts-on-preparing-for-the-mcat/

Best of luck!

 

[Docility]

I'm in. 🙂

I'll post my goals, strategies, and materials as soon as the fall semester is over!

EDIT:

Goal: Don't bomb it. 😛 I should have a more specific goal after taking my first FL.

Strategies: I'm doing SN2ed's 4-month study plan and watching Chad's videos.

Materials: I'm using all of the required materials plus TBR Verbal and TPRH Science Workbook. I've also decided to use TPR Bio instead of EK Bio as I prefer the extra level of detail the former has to offer. 👍

 

[Shinobiz11]

Downloaded NPR and BBC apps to my phone; read the news articles in my spare time. Once I get done with this semester, I'm going to check out Isaac Asimov novels, iRobot, Foundation series, and other things to keep me reading. Any other suggestions for reading?

 

[gr222403]

Anyone start studying yet?

 

[Shinobiz11]

Anyone start studying yet?

I think I'm going to crack open the MCAT book tomorrow, possibly do a practice test. I've been putting it off lol, have to get in the game.

 

[gr222403]

Yeah I decided to put off studying until early january, I wanted to enjoy my christmas break.

 

[Shinobiz11]

I haven't done anything....maybe I'll take that practice test tomorrow...lol....

Edit: Nope...maybe tomorrow....

Edit 2: Nope....

 

[aspiring20]

i've been studying for around a month and half. i am starting the TPR online course in early februray, which will lead up to may 18th.

my goal, before the start of TPR online, is to finish most of the content reviews. when the course starts, i'll be able to really focus on the passages and strategies. i am out out of college now, but i have a 30 hr/wk commitment to something else in addition to volunteering. i am aiming for 30 hours (at least) of MCATing a week on top of everything...pretty tough stuff.

 

[shishka32]

I'll be in on this date most likely. Modified SN2ed schedule. Good luck to all!

 

[Shinobiz11]

Starting the initial practice exam 3 in 13 minutes, will update after.

Edit: So i basically just blew thru it. 17 composite, 7/6/4. 90% of the orgo questions i got were from 2nd semester stuff that I haven't learned yet. The PS was a lot of stuff I haven't reviewed in a long time. What I've learned: don't change your first answer...I got a ton wrong doing this (especially on VR). But this is fine, I got a decent example of the test and how it works. Now I have motivation to improve this God-awful score.

 

[gr222403]

Good luck!

 

[tferguson5125]

^^^Also got a 17 on AAMC 3! Need to review Gen Chem/Orgo content. A lot of simple mistakes in Verbal!

 

[fila246]

In! Eying this date (amongst other May dates). I'm beginning studying tomorrow by going through all of Chad's videos daily before February 1st and reading the Physiology chapters of TPRH Bio. Afterwards, I'm going to begin the Sn2ed schedule. I took AAMC 3 practice test before I took Orgo2/Phys 2 last August and got 6/9/7..needs work, but that's what these next few months are for. Good luck, everyone!

 

[devinvo]

I'm taking the exam on this date also! I'm taking the kaplan course, as well as doing the SN2ED 4 month plan. I just took the diagnostic exam and scored a 19 (7,4,7) Ehh. I start kaplan on tuesday. Anyhow goal is for a 35, anything above a thirty, I will be happy! Good luck everyone!

 

[Shinobiz11]

I decided to cancel my date. I won't have enough time to prepare if I take it in May. Sucks I only got $135 refunded. Good luck to y'all!

Sent from my LG-MS770 using SDN Mobile

 

[gr222403]

That sucks! I need to get in gear and start studying more effectively before the semester gets crazy. Good luck with whatever date you chose!

 

[AEW0529864]

I'm registered for this date. I will finish all of the material review in my Kaplan books next week, then go through my PR "Cracking the MCAT book" after that. I plan to finish the PR book then take my 1st practice text at the beginning of February, then focus on completing practice passages/questions from there on out. For the last 2 months before the real test I plan to take a practice test (almost) every weekend. Right now, I'm also completing a verbal passage each day and covering 10 of my Barron's flashcards a day.

Does anyone have any other ideas of what I could do? I'm hoping to get lower-mid 30s.

Also, what do you think of the EC 1001 books?

 

[Shjanzey]

I take in 05/18. I am going through TBR books, and I just found several 1001 EK at my local half-price bookstore. I have taken the MCAT before so I have changed my approach from getting through the prep books as fast as possible, to carefully discovering why I am missing certain problems.

I don't have any deficient knowledge, but I am missing "easy" questions because I didn't take the time find out why I was missing certain things. If you have to tell yourself it was a "silly" mistake, then you might be making the same mistake I did 😀

 

[icevermin]

Also retaking. May 18 is my tentative date, still have to buy TBR but I believe I have everything else for S2ned method.

 

[Shjanzey]

Also retaking. May 18 is my tentative date, still have to buy TBR but I believe I have everything else for S2ned method.

Don't wait too long. Those guys took forever to send me mine. I would suggest doing next day air, or you will be waiting for a while. Oh and 2 days after you order, give them a call so they know you are waiting.

 

[icevermin]

How long did it take for yours to ship? I will probably order tomorrow in that case...

 

[Shjanzey]

I remember it was tough getting my order in, but once they got it, it seemed to go more quickly. It has been such a long time that I don't know why they were so slow, but that they were...and I was annoyed.

 

[Shjanzey]

I am checking in with my fellow May 18 test takers. How is your studying going? I am already feeling short on time >< Here's to hoping we can get through our content review in time to spend some quality time taking practice tests 😀

 

[AEW0529864]

Don't feel short on time- I do sometimes, but then I look at my calendar and feel much better! I've been keeping a fairly detailed schedule and sticking to it very seriously. Also, if I wake up an hour earlier than I need to for class, I can finish ~2 lessons in my Kaplan books- maybe you could try that!

I'll be done with content review Feb 1st and plan to take my first practice test Feb 2nd- fingers crossed that my score doesn't stress me out too much!

Good Luck!

 

[Gabrielle413]

Hey guys!

I was wondering if there was anyone else out there who is out of school and hasn't taken these subjects is forever..

Also, how many hours per day/week are you guys planning on studying?

Thanks!

 

[aspiring20]

Hey guys!

I was wondering if there was anyone else out there who is out of school and hasn't taken these subjects is forever..

Also, how many hours per day/week are you guys planning on studying?

Thanks!

40 hrs/wk for the next 4 months. this is in addition to 30 hrs/wk of another commitment + regular community service.

 

[Gabrielle413]

40 hrs/wk for the next 4 months. this is in addition to 30 hrs/wk of another commitment + regular community service.

Wow! That's amazing! I'm planning on studying the same amount, but I have very little other commitments..

Did you take the diagnostic yet? What score are you aiming for?

 

[aspiring20]

Wow! That's amazing! I'm planning on studying the same amount, but I have very little other commitments..

Did you take the diagnostic yet? What score are you aiming for?

people are going to flame me for this...but I really want to get as close to 40 as I can.

 

[Shjanzey]

people are going to flame me for this...but I really want to get as close to 40 as I can.

We all want that, nobody will flame you for having a goal.

I am trying to study as much as possible. All day on weekends, and every second possible after my 40+ hr/week job. I wish I would finish my review by Feb. 1...I will be lucky to be 1/4 done by then.

Right now I just want to take it one chapter at a time, and not stress about how short I feel on time 😉

 

[AEW0529864]

We all want that, nobody will flame you for having a goal.

I am trying to study as much as possible. All day on weekends, and every second possible after my 40+ hr/week job. I wish I would finish my review by Feb. 1...I will be lucky to be 1/4 done by then.

Right now I just want to take it one chapter at a time, and not stress about how short I feel on time 😉

Kudos to all of you working so much! I can't imagine doing that. Don't worry about matching up to anybody else's schedule (I feel like 1/2 the people on SDN are embellishing a bit anyways)- you've gotta do what works for you. Best of luck!

 

[aspiring20]

my primary passage source will be from the princeton review course (including the hyperlearning books). are those passages good/representative of the real deal?

i've heard the TPR is known for more difficult passages than the real deal (both SAT and MCAT). can anyone confirm this?

 

[Gabrielle413]

We all want that, nobody will flame you for having a goal.

I am trying to study as much as possible. All day on weekends, and every second possible after my 40+ hr/week job. I wish I would finish my review by Feb. 1...I will be lucky to be 1/4 done by then.

Right now I just want to take it one chapter at a time, and not stress about how short I feel on time 😉

I'm in the same position as far as pacing, but my mcat instructor told me that this is not only okay, but actually preferred. Take your time so you can learn the material better. It's more important to understand the material than to get through it like its a race!

 

[briamonto]

i am strongly considering the princeton review, since i've been hearing pretty good things about it

 

[aspiring20]

i am strongly considering the princeton review, since i've been hearing pretty good things about it

i already signed up for their online course and received their books. their science content review books are very good, and i am impressed so far.

the only downer is that their verbal workbook only comes with 4 verbal exams (28 passages), a lot fewer than i expected.

 

[berriesandcream]

I plan on starting SN2ed's 3-month plan tomorrow (Monday)! This seems to be a good and hopping date, still need to register. 3.5 months, here we go?

I took my first MCAT May 21, 2011, and it kicked my ass. soooo May 18, 2013 shall be different?😡

 

[AEW0529864]

Has anybody done the official MCAT assessment from the AAMC? Or is anybody planning on doing it? I'm trying to decide if the cost is worth it.

 

[halie14]

This is my tentative date for taking the MCAT. My studying starts Monday, good luck to everyone!!

 

[Docility]

Has anybody done the official MCAT assessment from the AAMC? Or is anybody planning on doing it? I'm trying to decide if the cost is worth it.

I'm planning on doing it right after content review. 👍

 

[gr222403]

I also plan to do the self assessments after content review. It seems to be what most people suggest to do on SDN.

 

[Helixkam]

hey guys, im also registered for this day and have been studying moderately for a month or two but started hardcore studying about a week ago. I got bio and verbal down pretty good as they are strong areas for me but really really need to review Phy and Chem. I am using TBR and the EK1001 books to follow the schedule here on SD and may take the Exam Crackers Live prep course if it seems worth it. Im aiming for mid 30's. I know its a pretty high goal but i really need the score. Ive been doing good on practice for bio and verbal getting 12 and 13's but not so hot on chem and phy around 6-7.

 

[UTsksk]

i already signed up for their online course and received their books. their science content review books are very good, and i am impressed so far.

the only downer is that their verbal workbook only comes with 4 verbal exams (28 passages), a lot fewer than i expected.

How do you like their verbal strat? I took the online course and will go through it again for this date, but their strategy didn't sit well with me. Of course it depends on each person's preference.