519. I'm in shock. I can post more later if anyone is interested in my practice etc... I truly wish you all the best!!!! WOOO!!!
Ok. Initial euphoria has subsided a little.
My score breakdown was 130/129/130/130.
I studied primarily using Kaplan and KA materials, I took exclusively kaplan, NS, and AAMC tests. I studied during a full course load semester (I do not recommend this) but managed to get in approximately 300 total hours. On average I studied about 4 hours a day, where some days I would do 1-2 hours, some 3-4, and others 7-8 when taking FLs, with a day off each week. Block out your study time if you are trying to prepare with other things on your plate. Otherwise, study like it is a job if it is your only responsibility. I went through content in tandem (Ch 1 orgo, gen chem, phys, etc... move onto Ch 2). I took about 2 months for content, which was not quite enough to get through it all due to my full course load.
Practice Test Scores and Dates
k diag- 497 1/1/16
ns diag- 507 2/23/16
k fl 1- 500 2/29/16
k fl 2- 505 4/3/16
k fl 3- 506 4/6/16
k fl 4- 505 4/10/16
k fl 5- 507 4/16/16
ns fl 1- 513 4/20/16
ns fl 3- 508 4/24/16
unscored- 83%,91%,92%,87% 5/1/16
ns fl 4- 509 5/6/16
scored- 520 5/16/16
- guide questions (73%, 86%, 76%, 90%)
- section bank bb (75%)
- section bank cp (84%)
- section bank ps (73%)
- qpack 1 CARS (80%)
- qpack 2 CARS (77%)
If I could do it again --->
I could have condensed this down to 4 months or less, I think it ended up being around 5 months of studying. I was burnt out towards the end and I lost some content from the beginning. I think 6-8 tests would have sufficed as opposed to the 10 I took, in exchange for more direct CARS and C/P practice and content review, although those are personal adjustments these are the type of things you have to think about.
I barely got through the section banks. It would have helped to give them more time, perhaps go through them twice. Make it through all your content books for the best shot to achieve the highest scores, but not at the cost of test/problem practice (this is the hard part, what I failed at). I certainly had content deficiencies due to a failure to complete my gen chem/org chem review books. Be smart with your studying, play to your strengths. I wasted valuable time reviewing neuro/physio concepts I already knew well enough. KA materials were excellent for P/S and some bio stuff too. If you have the time, watch all of them.
I cannot emphasize enough the necessity to diversify testing companies. I think I could have done better if I had seen EK or TPR material, and I certainly would have done worse had I not seen NS. The test is about preparing for applying a massive foundation of content to a problems/topics you have never seen before, and the best way to prepare for stuff you essentially can't prepare for is to diversify the materials/lines of thinking you are presented with. Take a practice test from every company you can.
I think another fundamental oft overlooked aspect of prep is psychological fortitude prior to and during the test. Sleeping the night before, and not being overly stressed during the test is critical for performing to the best of your abilities. I almost melted down during C/P,
thought about voiding, and I am sure it affected my performance on CARS. Trust and believe in yourself, and know what you are capable of. There are many ways to do this, find what works for you. I reminded myself constantly of how far I had come, but I that was not quite enough for me. As many before me have said, this test does not define your life, your value, or who you are. It is an opportunity to take your life where you want to go, nothing more and nothing less.
Best of luck to you future test takers.
