*The Official MCAT January 2018 Thread*

[mariposas905]

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Hey guys! Now that the new test dates are out, I figured I'd start a thread for all the January 2018 test-takers prepping for (and most definitely, slaying) this beast! 😉 This is a retake for me, but I'm aiming high! Who else is taking it in January?

I'm sure that sharing insights and support on SDN will make this journey all the more worth it. I have a feeling 2018 is off to a great start! Good luck everyone and may the odds be ever in our favor.

 

[Jennawitz]

I read somewhere that this is the new format and that it will be like this on test day. I'm definitely not a fan.

I think the new format is just like the blue set-up instead of the old purple one? I can't imagine why they'd take away passage numbers... ugh

 

[prairiemusic]

Thanks guys! Looks like tomorrow it is. Honestly, I just didn't want to take up early tomorrow. 🙁

If you're really not feeling it tomorrow don't do it lol do you have classes this week?

 

[deleted600623]

Somebody on Reddit said they contacted the AAMC, and they said that it is an error in FL3 and the real MCAT will have passage numbers. But I've also heard conflicting statements that said that there will be no passage numbers starting this year.

Honestly it makes zero sense to remove the passage/question numbers. There is no advantage to gain from a test taking perspective to have the passage numbers and question numbers available. And any reason to remove them is simply petty. I expect to see them on Saturday.

 

[WMMCDNLD1]

Just finished reviewing c/p from FL 2. VERY frustrated... I missed 10 questions total and 8 of those were just really dumb mistakes. All calculation errors. Like I fudged up 1/20+1/60......

 

[deleted600623]

Thanks guys! Looks like tomorrow it is. Honestly, I just didn't want to take up early tomorrow. 🙁

Try to get yourself in the right mindset today for the test tomorrow. Maybe watch some motivational videos or something to get you ready mentally. You’re almost done with this step!

 

[delman0322]

Any recommendations for someone looking for just practice questions to help continue my understanding of the material? I saw Sterling had new 2018 books and maybe someone here used them? Looks like they are passage based and test on the subjects being studied. Also any other recommendations for studying the passage based questions? I got the bundle prep from AAMC and have the Kaplan 7 subject

 

[prairiemusic]

The section banks are supposed to be harder than the real thing, right? Or like, represent the hardest the questions will get? C/P just destroyed me...

 

[deleted600623]

Any recommendations for someone looking for just practice questions to help continue my understanding of the material? I saw Sterling had new 2018 books and maybe someone here used them? Looks like they are passage based and test on the subjects being studied. Also any other recommendations for studying the passage based questions? I got the bundle prep from AAMC and have the Kaplan 7 subject

When are you taking your test? Save the AAMC stuff until after content review. Next Step's strategy and practice books are really good. They're just practice sections but have very detailed answers to help understand how to think through passages and questions. Use Kaplan for content review and then supplement AAMC with Next step.

 

[WMMCDNLD1]

The section banks are supposed to be harder than the real thing, right? Or like, represent the hardest the questions will get? C/P just destroyed me...

Yeah that seems to the general consensus. from what I have read 70-80% is a solid score. I just hate how I was expected to memorizes low yield equations the c/p SB, like electric field strength. I now have an equation sheet I copy once a day with every equation I could find.

 

[delman0322]

When are you taking your test? Save the AAMC stuff until after content review. Next Step's strategy and practice books are really good. They're just practice sections but have very detailed answers to help understand how to think through passages and questions. Use Kaplan for content review and then supplement AAMC with Next step.

Taking the text in June. I have finished Harlan for everything but physics and biochem because those are my worst sections.

 

[delman0322]

Yeah that seems to the general consensus. from what I have read 70-80% is a solid score. I just hate how I was expected to memorizes low yield equations the c/p SB, like electric field strength. I now have an equation sheet I copy once a day with every equation I could find.

Do you have a paper that had every single equation you need memorized for the mcat?

 

[BBBallIsLife]

ugh so frustrating. FL1 score went down from FL2, dont know how to spend my last few days now b/c everything seems so overwhelming now.

 

[Gilakend]

Retaking 1/20. Took FL2 yesterday. Reviewing today and trying to finish last few questions on B/B SB. Then relax and FL3 tomorrow (new, I took FL2 before). Really excited/nervous to see how FL3 goes. My scores on SB and FL2 are higher than last time and while I didn't really remember them, you never know how accurate it is the second time around. Looks like we'll find out tomorrow!

 

[Gilakend]

Also if anyone has a better equation sheet than this MCAT Physics Equations Sheet | Gold Standard MCAT Prep let a cat know

 

[WMMCDNLD1]

ugh so frustrating. FL1 score went down from FL2, dont know how to spend my last few days now b/c everything seems so overwhelming now.

You need to make sure you are rested. Most of us are in the exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome (at least I am lol). Of course you need to keep studying but make sure to get good sleep, exercise, stay hydrated and eat well. When you sit down to take the test you don't want to feel strung out from caffeine and cortisol.

 

[Gilakend]

Thanks guys! Looks like tomorrow it is. Honestly, I just didn't want to take up early tomorrow. 🙁

I'm also doing my last FL tomorrow, so if you are having a rough time, remember I'm suffering with you.

 

[MoDiddy]

Took FL2 132/125/132/131.... 520. I choked on cars and will be heavily focusing on cars until the real test 25th. I scored 78% on cars pack 1 and 82% on pack 2. 81% on sample 90% on OG. Been scoring 127 on third party FL's. I think my timing is the main issue and hopefully I'll see the improvement on FL1. You guys think I can get in the 127 to 128? Pretty upset about this

 

[Jennawitz]

Took FL2 132/125/132/131.... 520. I choked on cars and will be heavily focusing on cars until the real test 25th. I scored 78% on cars pack 1 and 82% on pack 2. 81% on sample 90% on OG. Been scoring 127 on third party FL's. I think my timing is the main issue and hopefully I'll see the improvement on FL1. You guys think I can get in the 127 to 128? Pretty upset about this

I don't think anyone with a 520 practice score should be feeling helpless haha you'll be fine

 

[SiakTiDoc]

What's your current approach like?

For CARS?
For the most part, I have been speed reading each paragraph trying to extract the main idea/highlighting some key points (usually a sentence at the most or some terms/names) to serve as an anchor for each paragraph, and I felt pretty good with this section as there wasn't a single passage that I didn't understand....

With that in mind I think my approach for the questions is the problem?
When I was going through Q-bank 1 and my EK set I had a tendency to pick those "feel good" answers that are for the post part directly from the text, but doesn't necessarily answer the questions completely, which pushed me to start picking more "implied" answers that aren't necessarily backed up/weakly backed up

 

[Gilakend]

Took FL2 132/125/132/131.... 520. I choked on cars and will be heavily focusing on cars until the real test 25th. I scored 78% on cars pack 1 and 82% on pack 2. 81% on sample 90% on OG. Been scoring 127 on third party FL's. I think my timing is the main issue and hopefully I'll see the improvement on FL1. You guys think I can get in the 127 to 128? Pretty upset about this

If it is strictly a timing issue I think it's definitely possible. If you don't have time to fully digest a passage you're going to do bad no matter what. When going from bad timing --> good timing (good timing also meaning you aren't rushing through, but just more efficient) you will almost always see a score increase.

Honestly the best advice I got for timing was "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." spending 4 minutes reading a passage won't kill my time. Having to go back and reference the passage every question because I rushed through it in 2.5-3 minutes because those are good "benchmarks" will/did.

 

[MoDiddy]

If it is strictly a timing issue I think it's definitely possible. If you don't have time to fully digest a passage you're going to do bad no matter what. When going from bad timing --> good timing (good timing also meaning you aren't rushing through, but just more efficient) you will almost always see a score increase.

Honestly the best advice I got for timing was "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." spending 4 minutes reading a passage won't kill my time. Having to go back and reference the passage every question because I rushed through it in 2.5-3 minutes because those are good "benchmarks" will/did.

Thanks for your advice! The problem with me was that I would read the passage and then do the questions but then go back and reread areas of the passage and it was just killing my time and I got a lot wrong towards the end because I was in such a rush. I will try to minimize the amount of times I look back at the passage because honestly I don't think it helps that much but it's a bad habit when I become nervous.

 

[Gilakend]

Thanks for your advice! The problem with me was that I would read the passage and then do the questions but then go back and reread areas of the passage and it was just killing my time and I got a lot wrong towards the end because I was in such a rush. I will try to minimize the amount of times I look back at the passage because honestly I don't think it helps that much but it's a bad habit when I become nervous.

I try to not look back if I don't need to and I try to not check the clock too often. Sometimes going back in the passage can hurt you because sometimes they use similar phrases in the answer choices as "tricks" and it can make it look more desirable to you. Whereas almost every question can be answered form having an overall understanding of the passage from a good first read.

 

[Sheiko]

Thanks for your advice! The problem with me was that I would read the passage and then do the questions but then go back and reread areas of the passage and it was just killing my time and I got a lot wrong towards the end because I was in such a rush. I will try to minimize the amount of times I look back at the passage because honestly I don't think it helps that much but it's a bad habit when I become nervous.

I used to have the same problem, and found that trying to summarize each paragraph after reading with one sentence was helpful. You could try doing this when you review the CARS section you just took. Read the passage, then write a one-sentence summary for each paragraph. If you do this enough it becomes second nature, and you might find that you don't need to reference the passage so often to answer a question. It worked for me.

 

[LebronManning]

I used to have the same problem, and found that trying to summarize each paragraph after reading with one sentence was helpful. You could try doing this when you review the CARS section you just took. Read the passage, then write a one-sentence summary for each paragraph. If you do this enough it becomes second nature, and you might find that you don't need to reference the passage so often to answer a question. It worked for me.

So you actually write down like a one liner of every paragraph on scratch paper vs. just saying it to yourself in your head? Gonna try that during FL 2 tomorrow. Worried that it might take more time but hopefully it actually helps timing by decreasing time spent looking back at passage which is a killer.

 

[MoDiddy]

I used to have the same problem, and found that trying to summarize each paragraph after reading with one sentence was helpful. You could try doing this when you review the CARS section you just took. Read the passage, then write a one-sentence summary for each paragraph. If you do this enough it becomes second nature, and you might find that you don't need to reference the passage so often to answer a question. It worked for me.

Thanks man, will do!

 

[MoDiddy]

I try to not look back if I don't need to and I try to not check the clock too often. Sometimes going back in the passage can hurt you because sometimes they use similar phrases in the answer choices as "tricks" and it can make it look more desirable to you. Whereas almost every question can be answered form having an overall understanding of the passage from a good first read.

Exactly, I find that when I go back a lot the details are overwhelming and inhibit me from seeing the overall picture, even when I fully understand the passage. Hopefully I can improve and will make sure implement this technique. Thanks again

 

[Sheiko]

So you actually write down like a one liner of every paragraph on scratch paper vs. just saying it to yourself in your head? Gonna try that during FL 2 tomorrow. Worried that it might take more time but hopefully it actually helps timing by decreasing time spent looking back at passage which is a killer.

Sorry if I wasn't clear, I don't write a summary during test-in fact I don't think I've ever used scratch paper during CARS, I just read the passage. When I am reviewing CARS passages, the first thing I do is re-read the passage and make a one line summary of each paragraph. Eventually, this becomes second nature and you will automatically do it as you read.

I also find it helps to read the first sentence of every paragraph before reading the passage through, which gives you an idea of what the main idea of the passage is. I think it helps you to focus on details when you already know what the gist of the passage is about. The link below is the strategy I've been using, but it takes a lot of practice to make these things second nature. Frankly I don't know if there is enough time left to implement any of this

Testing Solutions' 30 Day Guide to MCAT CARS Success

 

[LolMedSchool666]

Anyone else having trouble accessing the Kaplan site? I'm trying to do a bunch of practice right now, but can't seem to even open to login page. I can't get to any page on their website other than their home page right now.

 

[WMMCDNLD1]

Anyone else having trouble accessing the Kaplan site? I'm trying to do a bunch of practice right now, but can't seem to even open to login page. I can't get to any page on their website other than their home page right now.

Im not having issues but im only using the Kaplan site to access my AAMC materials.

 

[LolMedSchool666]

Im not having issues but im only using the Kaplan site to access my AAMC materials.

I have tried on 3 different computers and on different wifi networks. I'm not sure what's going on, but when I click "login" the page will load 1/3 of the way and nothing will happen. Also my account doesn't expire until 1/30 so that shouldn't be the issue.

 

[SiakTiDoc]

To those who took FL #3 already...
can anyone explain the difference between a hydrolyase and a lyase and when you would selectively use either?

 

[CAFFEINE!]

To those who took FL #3 already...
can anyone explain the difference between a hydrolyase and a lyase and when you would selectively use either?

Both are types of enzymes that function to cleave a covalent bond. The only "difference" between the two is that hydrolyses cleave a bond by adding the components of water (H and OH) across the bond, while lyases use other means to break a bond.

 

[SiakTiDoc]

Thanks for answering the PMs @CAFFEINE! 👍

 

[FutureDoctor06]

If you're really not feeling it tomorrow don't do it lol do you have classes this week?

I do but I really don't because of online classes. I spent all day today catching up on online classes.

Try to get yourself in the right mindset today for the test tomorrow. Maybe watch some motivational videos or something to get you ready mentally. You’re almost done with this step!

Very true. I'm just going to take it Tuesday morning. I'll probably spend tomorrow doing medium review, take the last FL and then review that while reviewing past AAMC stuff and just FULL SEND friday.

 

[FutureDoctor06]

I'm also doing my last FL tomorrow, so if you are having a rough time, remember I'm suffering with you.

Sorry buddy. Tuesday it is for me. 😳

 

[BTC0821]

The section banks are supposed to be harder than the real thing, right? Or like, represent the hardest the questions will get? C/P just destroyed me...

I'm averaging a 510 on the AAMC full lengths but got an average of 55% across the section banks. They're brutal, but important to review so that you can understand the thought process they're asking for in them. If you're doing well on their FLs, I wouldn't be terribly concerned as the SB isn't the majority of the exam

 

[prairiemusic]

I'm averaging a 510 on the AAMC full lengths but got an average of 55% across the section banks. They're brutal, but important to review so that you can understand the thought process they're asking for in them. If you're doing well on their FLs, I wouldn't be terribly concerned as the SB isn't the majority of the exam

Oh thank God. I think I'm getting a better sense of what they're asking for but it's still rough lol going to finish them today and then take FL2 on Wednesday.

 

[BTC0821]

Anybody else feeling the burnout? I have it scheduled to read my notes on the few days I scheduled off with a total break day before my test on Friday but am having serious difficulty in focusing on reading right now.

 

[WMMCDNLD1]

Anybody else feeling the burnout? I have it scheduled to read my notes on the few days I scheduled off with a total break day before my test on Friday but am having serious difficulty in focusing on reading right now.

yes, Im very burned out. I honestly wish I was taking it sooner.

 

[Master Thinker]

Anybody else feeling the burnout? I have it scheduled to read my notes on the few days I scheduled off with a total break day before my test on Friday but am having serious difficulty in focusing on reading right now.

+1 Just want to get it over with lol

 

[smileyfacegirl27]

Hey all! I'm not sure if anyone has brought this up yet, but I recently took AAMC FL 3 and noticed that two of my CARS passages were the EXACT same (questions and everything) from the CARS Q Packs. Personally, I found this super frustrating because it means that my CARS subsection is inflated because I had already done the Q packs and reviewed them, so not only did I already know those answers, but I went through those passages faster meaning that I had extra time to review the rest of CARS 🙁 Plus when I pay for two separate resources from the AAMC, I would expect that they would be different and not repeated passages?

Anyhow, I'm super excited to get this thing over with on Saturday 🙂 Good luck to all!

 

[FutureDoctor06]

+1 Just want to get it over with lol

+2 over here. Since last FL I have been doing almost nothing. T-5 days.

 

[MoDiddy]

Hey all! I'm not sure if anyone has brought this up yet, but I recently took AAMC FL 3 and noticed that two of my CARS passages were the EXACT same (questions and everything) from the CARS Q Packs. Personally, I found this super frustrating because it means that my CARS subsection is inflated because I had already done the Q packs and reviewed them, so not only did I already know those answers, but I went through those passages faster meaning that I had extra time to review the rest of CARS 🙁 Plus when I pay for two separate resources from the AAMC, I would expect that they would be different and not repeated passages?

Anyhow, I'm super excited to get this thing over with on Saturday 🙂 Good luck to all!

Really? Which ones?

 

[prairiemusic]

+2 over here. Since last FL I have been doing almost nothing. T-5 days.

+3 I'm making stupid mistakes on this section bank and I'm thinking of taking the rest of the day off, but classes start tomorrow :/ Maybe I'll take a video game break and then see how I feel.

 

[LXJ34]

Hey all! I'm not sure if anyone has brought this up yet, but I recently took AAMC FL 3 and noticed that two of my CARS passages were the EXACT same (questions and everything) from the CARS Q Packs. Personally, I found this super frustrating because it means that my CARS subsection is inflated because I had already done the Q packs and reviewed them, so not only did I already know those answers, but I went through those passages faster meaning that I had extra time to review the rest of CARS 🙁 Plus when I pay for two separate resources from the AAMC, I would expect that they would be different and not repeated passages?

Anyhow, I'm super excited to get this thing over with on Saturday 🙂 Good luck to all!

Really? Which ones?

RT^^^^^^^^^^^



Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[BBBallIsLife]

Anybody else feeling the burnout? I have it scheduled to read my notes on the few days I scheduled off with a total break day before my test on Friday but am having serious difficulty in focusing on reading right now.

+4. this bloody test has taken too many years off my life (probably more than an alcoholic beverage night will ever do to me....maybe lol). I'm done with this piece of crap too man

 

[WMMCDNLD1]

When are yalls exam dates?

 

[prairiemusic]

When are yalls exam dates?

1/19 squad

 

[Gilakend]

Whelp, just finished FL3 pretty upset. I crashed P/S but I haven't been studying it at all because it was notoriously my best section this time around. Looks like it's time to hit those Anki cards before test day! Good news is C/P and CARS were good. Need to hit some main points in bio too and I think I'll feel ready.

 

[MoDiddy]

When are yalls exam dates?

1/25