*The Official MCAT January 2018 Thread*

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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.
 
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CAFFEINE! said:
Where are you making mistakes on your AAMC exams? If you are missing questions because you have gaps in your knowledge because you haven't done enough content review, then you can probably benefit from pushing back your exam. However, if you are missing questions because of your test-taking strategies, then more study time probably won't make much of a difference. Also, consider the benefit of being able to take the MCAT after ~1 month of winter break, rather than in the middle of a college semester where you're busy with classes.
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I think the only reason I can score 125/126 in C/P is because of test taking strategies. My content and calculation skills are very weak. For B/B, it's kind of both...most of the questions I get wrong are due to reasoning rather than pure content, however I'm not able to reason it out because I don't have a better grasp of the content. For example, a lot of the questions I get wrong in that section are about DNA/mRNA and how mutations and such will affect things.
 
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BBBallIsLife said:
You still have time to study, so don't think about pushing it back yet until the very last day to cancel the test (make a schedule and stick to it, with XX day as a FL and the final determining factor!). Personally, I think pushing it over and over again is unnecessary especially the amount of times you've done it, I feel bad that you keep doing that! Besides, your current scores are not bad. Additionally, if you make your schedule, you should utilize the entirety of each and every day, more likely you can find new strategies and keep improving your score. Hope this helps
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Thanks for the encouragement! Yeah, I definitely think I've become kind of paranoid of actually taking the exam after putting so much mental energy into it. I like your advice...I think it's time to just do it and do the best I can because I'll probably never feel completely ready. If I end up with a score like the sample and FL1, I'll accept it and call it a day. But in these last 3 weeks I'll try to bring it up as much as I can!
 
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wildcherry said:
Thanks for the encouragement! Yeah, I definitely think I've become kind of paranoid of actually taking the exam after putting so much mental energy into it. I like your advice...I think it's time to just do it and do the best I can because I'll probably never feel completely ready. If I end up with a score like the sample and FL1, I'll accept it and call it a day. But in these last 3 weeks I'll try to bring it up as much as I can!
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Having a positive attitude is probably one of the hardest things I've had to maintain throughout my whole study process. Long story short, I was supposed to take my test in August so I studied throughout the summer, but pushed it off due to lack of high scores, which was very frustrating. So I get where you are coming from to a slightly lesser degree. However, after consulting with trustworthy and reliable sources, I have concluded its time to not push it off any longer no matter what, have faith, and go for it! I do not regret having this mentality
 
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BBBallIsLife said:
Having a positive attitude is probably one of the hardest things I've had to maintain throughout my whole study process. Long story short, I was supposed to take my test in August so I studied throughout the summer, but pushed it off due to lack of high scores, which was very frustrating. So I get where you are coming from to a slightly lesser degree. However, after consulting with trustworthy and reliable sources, I have concluded its time to not push it off any longer no matter what, have faith, and go for it! I do not regret having this mentality
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Definitely! It's so important not to get emotionally attached to this test. It's really just a test and not a measure of your self-worth. You just do the best you can and hopefully it'll be enough to get the job done.
 
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Gonzalo de Montalvo said:
501 AAMC FL 1: 126/123/128/124

CARS kinda blows but at least P/S is something to work with. Wanted a 508. Testing 1/19 and the last 2 weeks up until the test I'll be in spring semester... I have like 8 days of legitimate studying, hopefully still can during syllabus week too though.

I know it's not the usual, but even though I kinda anticipated having to retake this summer when I can study more, I'm still going to take on the 19th to get the experience.

Good luck everybody!
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Are you sure you want to do that? I don't know what your prep has been like - have you gone through all the AAMC CARS passages? All the KA P/S videos? From what I've seen, the vast majority of schools average your MCAT scores. The saying is that "MCAT scores, like herpes, are forever". Averaging with something in the 501 range would bring you way down from any improvement you would make in the summer. I don't mean to be harsh but if I were you I would reschedule now while we still can.
 
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prairiemusic said:
I was planning 3-2-1 because there's no data yet for how reliable 3 is as a predictor, but I'm also considering 3-1-2. What was your reasoning?
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Same reason as you for starting with 3. But I've heard the 2 is slightly easier than 1 but this is purely anecdotal. I've also heard CARS 1 is decently difficult so my reasoning was why not try for that confidence boost before the exam?
 
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wildcherry said:
Hey all, hope everyone's studying is going well!

I just took AAMC FL 1 and got 511 (125/130/127/129). I got the same total score on the Sample 2 weeks ago. I'm conflicted because I'm happy with these scores considering I never scored above 504 on 3rd party tests, but at the same time C/P is what's keeping me from that 515+ range. I hated it in undergrad (straight Cs) and I hate studying for it now compared to the other sections. I have no choice but to fully devote myself to that section for the next 3 weeks (Jan 20). ANY advice on C/P is greatly appreciated!

For CARS I'm going to do some QP passages daily in the morning and for P/S I'll go over terms nightly. Most of my time I'll spend on C/P, doing the SB, QP, reviewing the FLs, and doing a TBR Phase 3 set each day for it. Again, any advice on how to boost that score would be awesome. As for B/B, I want to bring my scores up for it but I'm not sure how. I've already gone through the SB and QP and I don't have time to do more passages for it because C/P needs more work.

Thanks again and good luck to everyone.
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What score converter did u use for the sample?
 
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prairiemusic said:
Are you sure you want to do that? I don't know what your prep has been like - have you gone through all the AAMC CARS passages? All the KA P/S videos? From what I've seen, the vast majority of schools average your MCAT scores. The saying is that "MCAT scores, like herpes, are forever". Averaging with something in the 501 range would bring you way down from any improvement you would make in the summer. I don't mean to be harsh but if I were you I would reschedule now while we still can.
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Thanks for the advice, I see what you mean. I think there is enough time for me to come up from where I'm at right now to at least be close to what I want, time is just a little tight for comfort. I just have to be a pressure player here. And being honest with myself there is a lot of practice I have yet to do for CARS and psych/soc, so I'll for sure do CARS AAMC passages and I'll look at khan like you said!
 
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Gonzalo de Montalvo said:
Thanks for the advice, I see what you mean. I think there is enough time for me to come up from where I'm at right now to at least be close to what I want, time is just a little tight for comfort. I just have to be a pressure player here. And being honest with myself there is a lot of practice I have yet to do for CARS and psych/soc, so I'll for sure do CARS AAMC passages and I'll look at khan like you said!
Click to expand...

What's your goal?
 
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FutureDoctor06 said:
Same reason as you for starting with 3. But I've heard the 2 is slightly easier than 1 but this is purely anecdotal. I've also heard CARS 1 is decently difficult so my reasoning was why not try for that confidence boost before the exam?
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Sounds good to me, I'll do that order too haha
 
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Has anyone gotten any experience with the Altius exams?
I just took an FL yesterday
and got a 504, (uneven) and I'm getting quite nervous with test day coming up!
 
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SiakTiDoc said:
Has anyone gotten any experience with the Altius exams?
I just took an FL yesterday
and got a 504, (uneven) and I'm getting quite nervous with test day coming up!
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I did their free HL and it's definitely deflated, I've heard their FLs are similar but good if you struggle with interpreting data. Also heard that their CARS is not representative at all. If you're testing in January I'd suggest doing an AAMC FL ASAP just so you have a realistic idea of where your score is and what you need to work on before test day. What was your score breakdown?
 
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Sheiko said:
Just finished AAMC #1, got 131/128/132/129 for a total of 520. Pretty happy with myself. Just need to work on CARS and P/S a bit. Still have the second CARS Q Pack left, hopefully it can raise my score a bit.
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Jeeeeez... good stuff! Keep going cause you're almost there.
prairiemusic said:
All the cool kids are doing 3-1-2 😎
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About to do 3 sometime this week to see where I stand. Super nervous!
 
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prairiemusic said:
I did their free HL and it's definitely deflated, I've heard their FLs are similar but good if you struggle with interpreting data. Also heard that their CARS is not representative at all. If you're testing in January I'd suggest doing an AAMC FL ASAP just so you have a realistic idea of where your score is and what you need to work on before test day. What was your score breakdown?
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Well that makes me feel a bit better since the CARS section was the worse for me. I don't even know anymore since I felt pretty good after finishing that section too 🙁
I got:
128, 123, 127, 126

Also, Still need to brush up on those PSY/SOC terms. :panda:
 
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LebronManning said:
Which did you find to be more accurate? Reddit or the one you linked?
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Well I can't really say until I take the real thing, but considering that these tools use self-reported data to predict your score I'd imagine they all over predict. In any case, it really doesn't make a difference int he end. Just study hard and learn from the practice exams.
 
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Sheiko said:
Just finished AAMC #1, got 131/128/132/129 for a total of 520. Pretty happy with myself. Just need to work on CARS and P/S a bit. Still have the second CARS Q Pack left, hopefully it can raise my score a bit.
Click to expand...
Yesssssss man!!! Good work.
 
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Just took Next Step FL 1. Got a 508 (127/127/126/128).

Not too upset...My goal is a 510 so I think I'm on the right track with a few weeks left. Gonna start Q packs tomorrow, then AAMC sample on 1/3, then SBs, then FLs. My score breakdown trends are pretty weird though.

Here's my history:
NextStep HL diagnostic on 11/14 : 508 (125/127/128/128)
Altius HL diagnostic on 12/22 : 500 (124/125/126/125)
Kaplan FL 1 on 12/24: 504 (124/127/126/127)

Gonna focus on doing directed content review through AAMC Q Packs and memorizing stuff on the Kaplan quick sheets.
 
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LebronManning said:
Just took Next Step FL 1. Got a 508 (127/127/126/128).

Not too upset...My goal is a 510 so I think I'm on the right track with a few weeks left. Gonna start Q packs tomorrow, then AAMC sample on 1/3, then SBs, then FLs. My score breakdown trends are pretty weird though.

Here's my history:
NextStep HL diagnostic on 11/14 : 508 (125/127/128/128)
Altius HL diagnostic on 12/22 : 500 (124/125/126/125)
Kaplan FL 1 on 12/24: 504 (124/127/126/127)

Gonna focus on doing directed content review through AAMC Q Packs and memorizing stuff on the Kaplan quick sheets.
Click to expand...
Looks like you are right there man. Just gotta keep grinding away. I would say the score trends are just due to the half-lengths being variable.

On a side note, here I am trying to study tonight and all i hear is LOUD fireworks going off in my neighborhood.
 
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FutureDoctor06 said:
Looks like you are right there man. Just gotta keep grinding away. I would say the score trends are just due to the half-lengths being variable.

On a side note, here I am trying to study tonight and all i hear is LOUD fireworks going off in my neighborhood.
Click to expand...

You study this late??? I call it a night at 10 every night and I called it even earlier today with the holiday. At least if you can focus through this you'll be able to focus through any distractions on the real thing, right? 😉
 
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prairiemusic said:
You study this late??? I call it a night at 10 every night and I called it even earlier today with the holiday. At least if you can focus through this you'll be able to focus through any distractions on the real thing, right? 😉
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West coast time tho. It didn't matter cause I called it a night and went out to hang with friends.
 
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Sheiko said:
You haven't taken any of the scored AAMC tests yet have you? We've been getting similar scores on the NS exams so I'm curious to see how it goes for you
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Thanks bro. Taking this week I'll keep you updated. Shooting for 518
 
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How did y'all feel about the AAMC question packs? With 3 weeks left is it worth it for content review? Just think maybe I should start with it before I tackle the SBs and FLs. I know its not representative at all but is it good to intersperse with content review to test yourself on concepts?
 
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LebronManning said:
How did y'all feel about the AAMC question packs? With 3 weeks left is it worth it for content review? Just think maybe I should start with it before I tackle the SBs and FLs. I know its not representative at all but is it good to intersperse with content review to test yourself on concepts?
Click to expand...

I felt like they were good practice and in a way you are going to be doing content review as you do them. As you will get a feel for topics you are confident in (aka move on and allocate time in other things) and topics that are shaky with and need a book/content revisit.
Good Luck!
When's your test day?
 
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SiakTiDoc said:
I felt like they were good practice and in a way you are going to be doing content review as you do them. As you will get a feel for topics you are confident in (aka move on and allocate time in other things) and topics that are shaky with and need a book/content revisit.
Good Luck!
When's your test day?
Click to expand...

Thanks man! Jan 20th.
 
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LebronManning said:
How did y'all feel about the AAMC question packs? With 3 weeks left is it worth it for content review? Just think maybe I should start with it before I tackle the SBs and FLs. I know its not representative at all but is it good to intersperse with content review to test yourself on concepts?
Click to expand...
You should definitely try to work through all the material the AAMC puts out, question packs included.
 
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should I do the AAMC flash cards? I totally forgot I had them, I had previously made my own, and Its gonna be hard to work them in my schedule but I probably can!
 
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BBBallIsLife said:
should I do the AAMC flash cards? I totally forgot I had them, I had previously made my own, and Its gonna be hard to work them in my schedule but I probably can!
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My general rule of thumb is, if you make notes.... use your notes.
If you already have flash cards I would use those, usually when you make them there a bit more geared to how you process the info and are more helpful in remembering it (well that's how my notes are anyway). If anything maybe just skim through them to compare yours and theirs.
 
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So the general consensus here is 3 --> 1/2? for FL? I'm going to take my first scored FL next weekend to determine if I should reschedule or not...
 
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Was talking to a guy who used to tutor for the old MCAT. Time is a concern for me on the science passages.

Regarding the Science Sections (C/P and B/B), he said a good strategy on that one was to seriously try to answer the questions first by scanning to that specific part of the passage rather than read the entire passage and then move to questions. I think the consensus for the new MCAT is that you should definitely read passages first before attempting questions since they are supposedly more critical thinking based. I question this somewhat because it seems even now at least a few questions from the passages can be mostly answered with content and/or a brief dissection of the passage. Now this could be because I haven't taken a AAMC FL yet, but it sure seemed that way on Kaplan and Next Step exams.

How carefully do y'all try to understand the passage before moving on to the question? Just an overview or as much detail as possible quickly?
 
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LebronManning said:
Was talking to a guy who used to tutor for the old MCAT. Time is a concern for me on the science passages.

Regarding the Science Sections (C/P and B/B), he said a good strategy on that one was to seriously try to answer the questions first by scanning to that specific part of the passage rather than read the entire passage and then move to questions. I think the consensus for the new MCAT is that you should definitely read passages first before attempting questions since they are supposedly more critical thinking based. I question this somewhat because it seems even now at least a few questions from the passages can be mostly answered with content and/or a brief dissection of the passage. Now this could be because I haven't taken a AAMC FL yet, but it sure seemed that way on Kaplan and Next Step exams.

How carefully do y'all try to understand the passage before moving on to the question? Just an overview or as much detail as possible quickly?
Click to expand...

I read the passage, but not too in depth, just to get an idea of what is going on. If I don't understand something 100%, I don't worry about it unless I see a question on it later. From there, I go to the questions, and pick the portions that they refer to in the passage and read those over more carefully before making a decision. I do this in B/B too - where I feel like it's helped me, however, I'm weaker in C/P so who knows.
 
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Hey friends! hope everyone is studying well.

Just took a FL, 506 on NS 5 127, 125, 127, 127 per section...thought I did horrible but hey, thats my best score so far whoop! even better than my AAMC sample test some how. Not disappointed but still need to make progress, esp. in CARS -_-

keep working hard everyone.
 
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