The Official May 22, 2015 MCAT Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
F

fenderboi930

New Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2011
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Members do not see this ad.
I think many of you will agree that today is a great day to officially prepare for the May 22nd MCAT!!!

I was against the April 2015 MCAT because a typical 3 month schedule doesn't seem to work for
students and/or working test takers. With a little over 4 months of preparation we can go in with confidence!
It's all new and really scary--so let's kick MCAT butt together!!

I was also wondering, wouldn't many professional MCAT test takers and tutors want to take the MCAT 2015 as soon
as possible (April MCAT) so they can better they're material or teaching? Wouldn't that just destroy the curve?
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
gymrat1993 said:
How evil would it be if someone were to post on here they got their scores before Friday just to make all of us go check in horror, and there's nothing there
Click to expand...

Don't give anyone any ideas!!! Lol. That's my worst fear. Is that due to all the technical issues my test will have been lost in cyberspace and never have gotten graded.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
flyer04 said:
Don't give anyone any ideas!!! Lol. That's my worst fear. Is that due to all the technical issues my test will have been lost in cyberspace and never have gotten graded.
Click to expand...
Haha my scores getting lost in cyber space definitely crossed my mind as well
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
"• Third, in setting the score scales for the new exam, one goal is to re-center the distributions and spread out scores across the entire range of possible scores. Average scores for most of the current test sections have drifted up over time. The new score scales will re-center the distributions and correct the “bunching” at the upper ends of the scales. This means that the distributions of test takers’ scores will look more like normal distributions."

From their new scoring guide. This is what I'm most worried about. How are they going to compare this test to previous ones? Apparently it will be harder to score higher on this one, and since they're actively pushing more people into the middle of the bell curve, a lot more people who took the new test are going to look "average" than those who took the old test.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
xc_stallion92 said:
"• Third, in setting the score scales for the new exam, one goal is to re-center the distributions and spread out scores across the entire range of possible scores. Average scores for most of the current test sections have drifted up over time. The new score scales will re-center the distributions and correct the “bunching” at the upper ends of the scales. This means that the distributions of test takers’ scores will look more like normal distributions."

From their new scoring guide. This is what I'm most worried about. How are they going to compare this test to previous ones? Apparently it will be harder to score higher on this one, and since they're actively pushing more people into the middle of the bell curve, a lot more people who took the new test are going to look "average" than those who took the old test.
Click to expand...

For this cycle, they will only use percentiles; the numeric scores mean little to nothing with such a small sample. So AAMC's attempt to normalize scores may not have much of an effect since that won't change percentiles at all.

Next year, with more 2015 scores, maybe the numeric score will matter more.

In terms of comparing with the 2014 scores, again, they will use percentiles. I also know one school that is comparing 2015 test-takers and 2014 test-takers separately by using two piles; this means that 2015 test-takers will be compared with 2015, and 2014 with 2014. That is a very large school with one of the largest number of applications though, so they can probably afford to have two applicant pools. I'm not sure that this method will be employed by schools with fewer applicants (e.g. schools at the bottom or the top of the list).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Thanks god I work all night tomorrow. Though I probably won't sleep after :/

I don't think I will retake unless I get below 70% composite. Ill go down to 50% for verbal baring a 70% composite. I'd be happy applying DO if i'm not up to par for MD MCAT wise.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
carpediem22 said:
For this cycle, they will only use percentiles; the numeric scores mean little to nothing with such a small sample. So AAMC's attempt to normalize scores may not have much of an effect since that won't change percentiles at all.

Next year, with more 2015 scores, maybe the numeric score will matter more.

In terms of comparing with the 2014 scores, again, they will use percentiles. I also know one school that is comparing 2015 test-takers and 2014 test-takers separately by using two piles; this means that 2015 test-takers will be compared with 2015, and 2014 with 2014. That is a very large school with one of the largest number of applications though, so they can probably afford to have two applicant pools. I'm not sure that this method will be employed by schools with fewer applicants (e.g. schools at the bottom or the top of the list).
Click to expand...


So that would make lower scores (to a point) more competitive? Since fewer people will have higher scores? I think its a good thing. I feel like so much weighs on the MCAT that it almost over-shadows four years of academics, EC's, good LOR's, and a good PS. Especially since any number of reasons could cause a lower MCAT score (e.g., abnormally cold test center, inability to sleep the night before for various reasons, having to work many hours to pay bills, etc.). The difference between a 28 and a 31 seems huge, even though its probably in a reasonable margin of error.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Hi! For everyone that killed / thought the psych/sociology section was easy, what materials did you use to study? I'm using Kaplan right now, but I've heard bad things about Kaplan for that section. Please let me know, I'd really appreciate the help!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Yoncé said:
Hi! For everyone that killed / thought the psych/sociology section was easy, what materials did you use to study? I'm using Kaplan right now, but I've heard bad things about Kaplan for that section. Please let me know, I'd really appreciate the help!
Click to expand...
I used kaplan and felt prepared for that section
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Yoncé said:
Hi! For everyone that killed / thought the psych/sociology section was easy, what materials did you use to study? I'm using Kaplan right now, but I've heard bad things about Kaplan for that section. Please let me know, I'd really appreciate the help!
Click to expand...

I thought it was easy (no score yet though). However, I double major in psych and biochemistry. I also had an AMAZING sociology teacher fall semester, so all the sociology definitions were cake.

I used TPR, and it was alright. It didn't cover everything though. However, I suspect the Kaplan probably doesn't either. You could look at the official AAMC guide for any definitions/concepts that you didn't come across in your studies.

Also, be prepared to answer questions about social science experiments/graphs that require pure critical reasoning and no memorization. Although that is true of most sections.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Yoncé said:
Hi! For everyone that killed / thought the psych/sociology section was easy, what materials did you use to study? I'm using Kaplan right now, but I've heard bad things about Kaplan for that section. Please let me know, I'd really appreciate the help!
Click to expand...

Kaplan was definitely not enough. Khan academy was pretty good for it. Regardless, there will always be some question that you won't know so don't panic when you see it on the test.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Hey, guys. I don't know if any of you are using TMDSAS, but what kind of stuff would you put for extracurricular/leisure activities? So far I have put down extreme sports (i.e. canyoning, skydiving, etc) and P.R.I.D.E. Would you think that this would be a good place to describe your study abroad program?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
HelpMe212 said:
Kaplan was definitely not enough. Khan academy was pretty good for it. Regardless, there will always be some question that you won't know so don't panic when you see it on the test.
Click to expand...

Yes x 1,000.

Every freaking time I get a notification from this thread I'm convinced it's of the "scores are out!!!" variety.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Ugh, I have a quick rant about LORs.

So I started to apply last cycle but withdrew my application once I realized I was so not ready to apply. By this time last year I was lucky enough to have all four LORs in the hands of AMCAS, so I just sent my letter writers an email graciously thanking them for their time, but to hold on to those letters for another year, etc.

Six-ish weeks ago I jotted off a new round of emails letting them know I'm applying fo' real this time so if they could please resend the letters, here's my resume so you can do a brief update, sent a reminder email two weeks ago, and only ONE of them has sent me their letter, much less replied to my emails. I'm frustrated because the letters have already been written...BUT I'M NOT SEEING THEM. And they wouldn't be withholding letters because they don't think I'm a good candidate since they already submitted their letters before, right??
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
mcatjelly said:
Ugh, I have a quick rant about LORs.

So I started to apply last cycle but withdrew my application once I realized I was so not ready to apply. By this time last year I was lucky enough to have all four LORs in the hands of AMCAS, so I just sent my letter writers an email graciously thanking them for their time, but to hold on to those letters for another year, etc.

Six-ish weeks ago I jotted off a new round of emails letting them know I'm applying fo' real this time so if they could please resend the letters, here's my resume so you can do a brief update, sent a reminder email two weeks ago, and only ONE of them has sent me their letter, much less replied to my emails. I'm frustrated because the letters have already been written...BUT I'M NOT SEEING THEM. And they wouldn't be withholding letters because they don't think I'm a good candidate since they already submitted their letters before, right??
Click to expand...

Your writers are sending them to you? Aren't you just supposed to have them send the letters to AMCAS?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I sent them the outline of what I would like to have in a letter. Worked well. 4/6 are done.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I told authors June 30th mostly because I still need to get a committee letter. I wish I would not have gone through the pre med committee. Seems to always delay things
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
xc_stallion92 said:
Your writers are sending them to you? Aren't you just supposed to have them send the letters to AMCAS?
Click to expand...

Yeah, they're being sent to Interfolio. I'm less worried about having them in NOW and more worried about the fact that I haven't received a response in six weeks.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
A professor of mine told me for an entire semester (asked him multiple times if he was writing it, always got a yes) that he would write one. A few weeks ago he stopped answering emails. If I have to go through this again, I'm getting many backups just in case...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Finally finished MD/PhD essay. Only one more to go. And finish activities. When do you guys think everything has to be in in order for it to be sent out in the first wave?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Lark27 said:
I told authors June 30th mostly because I still need to get a committee letter. I wish I would not have gone through the pre med committee. Seems to always delay things
Click to expand...

Ah, that sucks. I don't even know if the school I went to has one or not.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I'll be in lab, probably mess up everything bc I'll be so distracted...I really hope it comes out in the morning and not like a minute before 5pm
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Looking at the April thread because I love to torture myself, so ready to just see the percentiles. This is torture. I already plan to call in sick to my internship because I am so do not want to be up and panicking since 6 a.m.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Yoncé said:
Hi! For everyone that killed / thought the psych/sociology section was easy, what materials did you use to study? I'm using Kaplan right now, but I've heard bad things about Kaplan for that section. Please let me know, I'd really appreciate the help!
Click to expand...

I used TPR and I felt extremely prepared. I think it was my best section.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
hopeS.O. said:
Hey, guys. I don't know if any of you are using TMDSAS, but what kind of stuff would you put for extracurricular/leisure activities? So far I have put down extreme sports (i.e. canyoning, skydiving, etc) and P.R.I.D.E. Would you think that this would be a good place to describe your study abroad program?
Click to expand...


I'm using TMDSAS and I think I'm going to put stuff like that down. I play classical saxophone, so I think I'll put it in there. You know how they suggest we place activities in two of the sections if they apply to more than one? I'm wondering if we should change the description to fit the category or keep it the same. :/
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
FOR EVERYONE WONDERING WHAT TIME PRELIM PERCENTILES WILL BE RELEASED:

Follow @AAMC_MCAT on Twitter and look for a tweet from them on Friday. They've been replying to people saying to look out for a tweet from them - it's probably the earliest you'll hear of them being posted. For April test takers, they tweeted at 9:13 a.m. saying their reports were available, so it's possible to have them around that time as well.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
hornstudent said:
FOR EVERYONE WONDERING WHAT TIME PRELIM PERCENTILES WILL BE RELEASED:

Follow @AAMC_MCAT on Twitter and look for a tweet from them on Friday. They've been replying to people saying to look out for a tweet from them - it's probably the earliest you'll hear of them being posted. For April test takers, they tweeted at 9:13 a.m. saying their reports were available, so it's possible to have them around that time as well.
Click to expand...

I'm working until 2am Thursday, so hopefully they'll be there when I wake up wanting to vomit.

Well, that's assuming that I will be able to sleep anyways.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Just finished drafting a 4500 character PS. I really like it 😀

Although the surgeon I'm buddies with has not replied to my request for a letter, which is a pain. Fortunately I have 3 professors on my side, though.

Scores on the 12th, application submitted on the 15th, back to France on the 16th.

Is it a good time to freak out?
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Ulgarmoose said:
Just finished drafting a 4500 character PS. I really like it 😀

Although the surgeon I'm buddies with has not replied to my request for a letter, which is a pain. Fortunately I have 3 professors on my side, though.

Scores on the 12th, application submitted on the 15th, back to France on the 16th.

Is it a good time to freak out?
Click to expand...

I've heard that medical schools aren't that impressed by physician letters IF all you did was shadow them. This obviously doesn't apply for people you actively worked with / learned from (research, volunteering, etc.). Someone who edited my essay who is in a top med school administration also straight up told me not to talk much about shadowing in my PS because it's not impressive (i.e. I didn't do anything) and everyone shadows.

hornstudent said:
FOR EVERYONE WONDERING WHAT TIME PRELIM PERCENTILES WILL BE RELEASED:

Follow @AAMC_MCAT on Twitter and look for a tweet from them on Friday. They've been replying to people saying to look out for a tweet from them - it's probably the earliest you'll hear of them being posted. For April test takers, they tweeted at 9:13 a.m. saying their reports were available, so it's possible to have them around that time as well.
Click to expand...

WHY is AAMC relying on Twitter. I hate twitter. I don't have twitter. I don't want one of the most important announcements for my career -- my professional career -- to come from Twitter. Whatever happened to the more conventional communication sources like, ya know, email?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Same, I'm working all day. I can't decide if it would be better or worse to check at work. On the one hand, if I do badly, I'll have to hold my sh** together and maybe by the time I get home, I'll have had time to process it without freaking out. On the other hand, who knows if I can hold my sh** together?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
carpediem22 said:
Same, I'm working all day. I can't decide if it would be better or worse to check at work. On the one hand, if I do badly, I'll have to hold my sh** together and maybe by the time I get home, I'll have had time to process it without freaking out. On the other hand, who knows if I can hold my sh** together?
Click to expand...

I know for sure that if I know it's posted, I won't be able to not look. But yeah maybe the desire to not break down in front of my colleagues will prevent me from being too upset about it.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
hornstudent said:
I'm using TMDSAS and I think I'm going to put stuff like that down. I play classical saxophone, so I think I'll put it in there. You know how they suggest we place activities in two of the sections if they apply to more than one? I'm wondering if we should change the description to fit the category or keep it the same. :/
Click to expand...
I've been keeping it the same because I've been focusing on describing what I do. I think the one place where this might be different would be leadership maybe?
Also, I'm going to repeat my question, would you describe study abroad here?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
"The WAY_YAY_TING is the hardest part"...that old song is stuck in my head.
Seriously, I think if I have to take this again I will break down. If I have to do it again, I may just take it next year and then join the Peace Corp for a couple of years or apply for a Fullbright.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Should I retake the MCAT?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Dral
Dral
M
Is May 3rd MCAT too late for 2025-2026 cycle?
Replies
7
Views
6K
Goro
Goro
S
Should I retake the MCAT?
Replies
4
Views
4K
babySimba
B
L
Do NOT take the Blueprint MCAT course
Replies
1
Views
5K
ClashRoyaleKing
ClashRoyaleKing
russeast9374
Taking the MCAT before finishing all prereqs?
Replies
2
Views
2K
russeast9374
russeast9374
Top