The Official November 7, 2014 MCAT Thread

[M.D.orbust]

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Hey all! I am signed up for this date. 8:00 a.m. Yikes!!! I am aiming hard to make 40+ my reality so hence me making this thread so early. A former lab- mate and current medical student had a ton of MCAT prep stuff she gave to me. So I have the Examcrackers set, Hyperlearning set, regular Princeton Review, audio osmosis, and practice MCAT tests from a variety of sources I also do the MCAT questions a day through email and on my phone (to help with super quick recall). I am officially studying legitimately now. Currently starting with Examcrackers. I'd love to hear from you all doing the same. Let's do this!!!

 

[anon5759]

Also, one of my worst content topics is Genetics and I have an idiotic question - can an autosomal dominant/recessive mutation of a gene be heritable? If someone can elucidate the process of transfer of gene mutations from parent to progeny, I would very much appreciate it.

Mutations in germ cells are what cause heritable diseases. Mutations in somatic cells (non germ cells), do not!

 

[anon5759]

@TheEngineeringNerd I still don't understand why you are squaring the terms. Is there an intensity equation that I don't know? The only one I remember is the decibel level equation dB = 10 log (I/1 x 10^-12). I don't know any equation that has distance dependence for intensity level.

I believe intensity is proportional to 1/r^2

 

[ianj253]

I was planning on taking 10 on Wednesday, but am now wondering if I should take the 2015 test instead. I read some of the October thread and some suggested the physics section resembled the 2015 test. What do you guys think?

 

[anon5759]

I was planning on taking 10 on Wednesday, but am now wondering if I should take the 2015 test instead. I read some of the October thread and some suggested the physics section resembled the 2015 test. What do you guys think?

I took the first section of the 2015 test--- it required specific knowledge of biochemistry, and had a lot of random things on it. I didn't think the physics/gen chem was very conceptual, it was just odd how everything was integrated. I didn't do too well on it (78% correct) and I usually score 12s on PS.

 

[texan2414]

Mutations in germ cells are what cause heritable diseases. Mutations in somatic cells (non germ cells), do not!

I did a bio passage in Official MCAT guide and it was describing a disorder of an enzyme that leads to a failure of catabolism of a certain glycolipid. The mutation that renders the enzyme ineffective is on chromosome 1 so that tells you it is autosomal. Also, the recessive phenotype is disease causing.

Now I am having difficulty connecting the genetic component of this disease. The enzyme that is affected is located in lysosome of macrophage cell from a spleen. Now how can a mutation in this macrophage pass down to the next generation? How does it become heritable? Aaaargh I really hate genetics!!!

 

[lazyindy]

@TheEngineeringNerd pretty much nailed it.

Intensity is Power/Area which is W/m2. You can use the fact that the intensity is 2W/m2 at a distance of 2 meters to determine the magnitude of Power per meter: 2W/m2 x (2m)^2 = 8W

so now at 100m the intensity will be: 8W/(100m)^2 or 8x10^-4

hope this helps @texan2414

 

[ianj253]

I took the first section of the 2015 test--- it required specific knowledge of biochemistry, and had a lot of random things on it. I didn't think the physics/gen chem was very conceptual, it was just odd how everything was integrated. I didn't do too well on it (78% correct) and I usually score 12s on PS.

Thanks for the insight. I just read how conceptual everyone said the last few test were, so I was hoping that was what the new one was like.

 

[texan2414]

Thanks alot with the intensity question - I did NOT know I = 1/r^2 equation. But now I do 🙂

 

[anon5759]

I did a bio passage in Official MCAT guide and it was describing a disorder of an enzyme that leads to a failure of catabolism of a certain glycolipid. The mutation that renders the enzyme ineffective is on chromosome 1 so that tells you it is autosomal. Also, the recessive phenotype is disease causing.

Now I am having difficulty connecting the genetic component of this disease. The enzyme that is affected is located in lysosome of macrophage cell from a spleen. Now how can a mutation in this macrophage pass down to the next generation? How does it become heritable? Aaaargh I really hate genetics!!!

The mutation codes for a nonfunctional protein. When you inherit two of these recessive alleles, the DNA for these recessive alleles is transcribed (in the nucleus) and translated in the cytosol. The specific protein you are talking about will then get transported to the lysosome. But, since you inherited two recessive alleles, it will be nonfunctional. Let's say you only inherit one recessive allele--then you would be heterozygous at this locus, and would have the functional enzyme.

 

[anon5759]

Thanks for the insight. I just read how conceptual everyone said the last few test were, so I was hoping that was what the new one was like.

I hear ya. I'm really trying to figure out how to train my mind to pinpoint underlying concepts when I take practice tests

 

[texan2414]

I took the first section of the 2015 test--- it required specific knowledge of biochemistry, and had a lot of random things on it. I didn't think the physics/gen chem was very conceptual, it was just odd how everything was integrated. I didn't do too well on it (78% correct) and I usually score 12s on PS.

Do NOT make the mistake of equating your percentage to a scaled score.
There are NO 2015 scaled scores. For all you know, your 78% could be 90th percentile or better!!!! But I agree with you, the 2015 PS is dominated by bio/biochem. I purchased the 2015 official guide questions and I had to actually double-triple check whether I was in the biological section or the physical and chemical foundations section. But I didn't find it to be that bad honestly. The new exam is heavy on passage-based deduction in lieu of physical/chemical concepts (atomic force microscopy expt comes to mind), but its not all too undoable.

 

[texan2414]

The mutation codes for a nonfunctional protein. When you inherit two of these recessive alleles, the DNA for these recessive alleles is transcribed (in the nucleus) and translated in the cytosol. The specific protein you are talking about will then get transported to the lysosome. But, since you inherited two recessive alleles, it will be nonfunctional. Let's say you only inherit one allele--then you would be heterozygous at this locus, and would have the functional enzyme.

I freaking love you!!!!
I think I just had a brainfart......... I totally forgot that DNA content is transferred from the parents to progeny.

 

[texan2414]

Also one little side-question from genetics.
When speaking of the wild-type copy of a protein/gene, what exactly does it mean? I know that WT refers to one prevalent in nature, but does it also incorporate that WT is both the prevalent AND the functional copy of the protein/gene?

Thanks a lot!

 

[anon5759]

Also one little side-question from genetics.
When speaking of the wild-type copy of a protein/gene, what exactly does it mean? I know that WT refers to one prevalent in nature, but does it also incorporate that WT is both the prevalent AND the functional copy of the protein/gene?

Thanks a lot!

usually WT = functional copy of protein/gene. That doesn't necessarily always mean it is the most prevalent (let's say in a population where maybe the nonfunctional protein confers some other advantage that is more evolutionarily helpful)

 

[texan2414]

usually WT = functional copy of protein/gene. That doesn't necessarily always mean it is the most prevalent (let's say in a population where maybe the nonfunctional protein confers some other advantage that is more evolutionarily helpful)

Thanks for the correction!

 

[lazyindy]

Also one little side-question from genetics.
When speaking of the wild-type copy of a protein/gene, what exactly does it mean? I know that WT refers to one prevalent in nature, but does it also incorporate that WT is both the prevalent AND the functional copy of the protein/gene?

Thanks a lot!

yes

 

[sps27]

Question: If the absolute sound intensity from firing a rifle is 2.0 W/m^2 at a distance of 2 m from the rifle, what will be the absolute sound intensity at a distance of 100 m from the rifle?
A) 2 x 10^-4 W/m2
B) 8 x 10^-4 W/m2
C) 4 x 10^-2 W/m2
D) 2.8 x 10^-1 W/m2

I got down to A and B, but can't work around to get the correct answer. Anyone wanna take a crack at this?

I1/I2 = r2^2 / r1^2. Just plug in the nos.....

 

[BigEinstein]

Thanks alot with the intensity question - I did NOT know I = 1/r^2 equation. But now I do 🙂

It is not really equally to 1/r^2 per se but I is inversely proportional to area and AREA is pi r^2.

 

[baxt1412]

wow you guys went crazy on this thread after i finished my FL lol. i was like wait what page am i on???

how's everybody doing? i'm feeling great guys and i really hope you are too. mindset is the most important the closer we get. if you're feeling down, i wouldn't suggest taking any tests. err on the side of doing a little less rather than doing too much this late. burn out this late could be catastrophic.

 

[Visible Ghost]

That is because it was your first test I guess.

It could be, but I compared the tests. Test 3 has complex graphs. I just don't know. Maybe Im so used to the tricks that the easy stufd

Question: If the absolute sound intensity from firing a rifle is 2.0 W/m^2 at a distance of 2 m from the rifle, what will be the absolute sound intensity at a distance of 100 m from the rifle?
A) 2 x 10^-4 W/m2
B) 8 x 10^-4 W/m2
C) 4 x 10^-2 W/m2
D) 2.8 x 10^-1 W/m2

I got down to A and B, but can't work around to get the correct answer. Anyone wanna take a crack at this?

I got B. You have to use the Intensity ~ 1/(4Pi R^2) . Is that the answer.

Sound moves in all directions and the equation uses the area of a sphere which is 4 xPix R^2

 

[Visible Ghost]

It is not really equally to 1/r^2 per se but I is inversely proportional to area and AREA is pi r^2.

Just to add I think it is 4 pi r^2 (the area of a sphere)
Can someone confirm?

 

[Visible Ghost]

I was planning on taking 10 on Wednesday, but am now wondering if I should take the 2015 test instead. I read some of the October thread and some suggested the physics section resembled the 2015 test. What do you guys think?

Lets just say i feel sympathetic to anyone who has to take the NEW MCAT test

 

[Nextasy81]

You are correct. The intensity is inversely proportional to the surface area of a sphere, which is 4*pi*r^2.

 

[ciestar]

Im seriously starting to worry that my practice test scores aren't high enough. My average is a 29ish, i DON'T want a 29.

 

[anon5759]

Im seriously starting to worry that my practice test scores aren't high enough. My average is a 29ish, i DON'T want a 29.

Are you taking any more tests?

 

[baxt1412]

Im seriously starting to worry that my practice test scores aren't high enough. My average is a 29ish, i DON'T want a 29.

miracles don't typically happen. meaning most people aren't going to score higher than their practice scores. however a point or two is maybe possible, but still unlikely.

definitely don't take it if you aren't ready.
what has the trend been in your FL practices?

 

[Carbon090]

So update:

I did FL 10 and 11 and got 11/8/12 and 10/7/10 consecutively. I'm pretty bummed by this outcome. I did 10 full of life and wasn't burned out. Just did 11 (two days later) and definitely didn't feel as sharp. I made some terrible silly mistakes in the verbal section of 10. I was one point away from a 13 in bio in 10.

In terms of 11 I still need to review but I'm feeling pretty bummed about this, did worse in PS since AAMC 3 :/ normally averaging an 11 on PS.

Feeling kind of meh guys, all I want is a 30 or above and here I feel I've wasted all of this time in effort for a mediocre score (or at least that's what it feels like). What in the world am I doing wrong?

 

[baxt1412]

So update:

I did FL 10 and 11 and got 11/8/12 and 10/7/10 consecutively. I'm pretty bummed by this outcome. I did 10 full of life and wasn't burned out. Just did 11 (two days later) and definitely didn't feel as sharp. I made some terrible silly mistakes in the verbal section of 10. I was one point away from a 13 in bio in 10.

In terms of 11 I still need to review but I'm feeling pretty bummed about this, did worse in PS since AAMC 3 :/ normally averaging an 11 on PS.

Feeling kind of meh guys, all I want is a 30 or above and here I feel I've wasted all of this time in effort for a mediocre score (or at least that's what it feels like). What in the world am I doing wrong?

in terms of your prep, idk. but in terms of what you are doing wrong RIGHT NOW is getting this stressed. i would suggest only light studying until the test. flashcards, etc. nothing too in depth.

u gotta get happy

 

[ciestar]

Are you taking any more tests?

Taking 11 tomorrow.

 

[ciestar]

miracles don't typically happen. meaning most people aren't going to score higher than their practice scores. however a point or two is maybe possible, but still unlikely.

definitely don't take it if you aren't ready.
what has the trend been in your FL practices?

Wow. Thats totally encouraging.

My FL practices are holding very steady. I like 31s apparently.

But it seems to be either i take it friday or take the 2015 test which im not doing. So mediocre 29 here i come.

 

[baxt1412]

Wow. Thats totally encouraging.

My FL practices are holding very steady. I like 31s apparently.

But it seems to be either i take it friday or take the 2015 test which im not doing. So mediocre 29 here i come.

just trying to be realistic. sorry if it came off as harsh to you. some people try to tell themselves that they will score 5+ points higher than their average "because they feel really good", etc. just not very likely.

 

[ciestar]

miracles don't typically happen. meaning most people aren't going to score higher than their practice scores. however a point or two is maybe possible, but still unlikely.

definitely don't take it if you aren't ready.
what has the trend been in your FL practices?

So update:

I did FL 10 and 11 and got 11/8/12 and 10/7/10 consecutively. I'm pretty bummed by this outcome. I did 10 full of life and wasn't burned out. Just did 11 (two days later) and definitely didn't feel as sharp. I made some terrible silly mistakes in the verbal section of 10. I was one point away from a 13 in bio in 10.

In terms of 11 I still need to review but I'm feeling pretty bummed about this, did worse in PS since AAMC 3 :/ normally averaging an 11 on PS.

Feeling kind of meh guys, all I want is a 30 or above and here I feel I've wasted all of this time in effort for a mediocre score (or at least that's what it feels like). What in the world am I doing wrong?

Glad im not the only one feeling this way! One more FL to go then the real deal. I feel like im starting to drag though. Im exhausted.

 

[ciestar]

miracles don't typically happen. meaning most people aren't going to score higher than their practice scores. however a point or two is maybe possible, but still unlikely.

definitely don't take it if you aren't ready.
what has the trend been in your FL practices?

just trying to be realistic. sorry if it came off as harsh to you. some people try to tell themselves that they will score 5+ points higher than their average "because they feel really good", etc. just not very likely.

It would be unrealistic for me to be expecting a 35. I already know that. But i dont think a 32 is.

 

[anon5759]

@ciestar I think if you believe in yourself and stay sharp, you are quite capable!!

 

[ciestar]

@ciestar I think if you believe in yourself and stay sharp, you are quite capable!!

Right now all i want to do is sleep.

 

[Carbon090]

in terms of your prep, idk. but in terms of what you are doing wrong RIGHT NOW is getting this stressed. i would suggest only light studying until the test. flashcards, etc. nothing too in depth.

u gotta get happy

I'm realizing that. Quickly glanced through the sections and already caught some very inexcusable silly mistakes. I'm going to review the exam, review notes, and calling it over until the exam on Friday.

Going to work on my psych and hope to the gods that it's enough for me to do well.
My PS sections were always constant at 11
My verbal sections fluctuated from 10s-6s. It seemed the better mood and less burned out I was, the better I did.
Verbal fluctuated from a 13-8, same conclusion from my observation above.

I hope I still have a shot at a 30.

 

[sps27]

In AAMC 10 question #43, about a charged particle equidistant btwn two anode wires, the ans says, there is a possibility of both anodes detecting it? Are they talking quantum superposition here.....like electrons being in two places at the same time, esp., in small pockets of space and time......


Ok......I think I get it. The single particle confused me. A single particle can produce an ionization trail of many electrons which can be detected by several surrounding anodes......dah! what was I thinking......:-(....

 

[baxt1412]

In AAMC 10 question #43, about a charged particle equidistant btwn two anode wires, the ans says, there is a possibility of both anodes detecting it? Are they talking quantum superposition here.....like electrons being in two places at the same time, esp., in small pockets of space and time......


Ok......I think I get it. The single particle confused me. A single particle can produce an ionization trail of many electrons which can be detected by several surrounding anodes......dah! what was I thinking......:-(....

so i thought that passage murdered me, and i'm post-gaming right now and i got 5/6 correct. i'm baffled. it was so dense IMO


the way i reasoned number 43 was sort of the following:
1) let's assume each wire is 1cm away from each other
2) if each wire can read 0.5 cm on each side, nothing could pass through without being registered
3) if something traveled through at exactly 0.5cm between two wires, both would pick up the signal

that's how i reasoned it and got to answer choice D

 

[sps27]

@baxt1412 - good job bro. Yes that passage was dense and like u I had 1 error there. 9 total errors and 6 of those could have been avoided......if I paid attention.....and did not rummage through the section.....

 

[baxt1412]

derp it is so hard not to read into VR passages. something that makes perfectly good sense can easily be an incorrect answer if it was never mentioned in the passage or not a clear inference could have been made. i think when I take FL 11 tomorrow, on VR I may say "is this answer IN the passage?" unless it is asking me to infer/extrapolate.

it seems silly, but that gets me quite a bit.. answers that make sense but just simply weren't mentioned so therefore cannot be the right answer.

 

[texan2414]

Just finished AAMC 11 - man it's a punishment exam. Most calculations I have ever seen on PS.
Anyways breakdown: 12 PS / 8 VR / 11 BS - for a total of 31.

The VR is a shocker. Was NOT expecting to do this bad. I was rattled by some passages in the beginning and barely had time for last passage and its probably the reason why my score suffered. Timing got the best of me in the latter half of VR 🙁
The BS is experimental heavy and also required quick thinking and judgments. However, it is the VR that's bumming me the most because nearly all the prior AAMCs I have taken, I have made solid 10s.

I've kinda realized not to become obssessed with my VR performance today. There is sometimes an unavoidable margin of error in your performance. And sometimes, it really is dependent upon your subjective sensitivity to particular humanities/natural science topics. Looking back at AAMC 11 VR, I performed WORST on the science sections and usually, this category bodes the highest performance by me. Apparently, not today

We are almost at the finish line!!! To those above saying that a 29 is mediocre............Reconsider your judgment. A 29 is like 75th percentile. I don't know why you would demonize yourself for scoring in the top quarter of all testers.

I have the 2015 practice MCAT to finish and AAMC 9 VR and BS sections. Not sure if I can accomplish all that by test day but we'll see.

All the best taking FLs today and tomorrow!

 

[baxt1412]

Just finished AAMC 11 - man it's a punishment exam. Most calculations I have ever seen on PS.
Anyways breakdown: 12 PS / 8 VR / 11 BS - for a total of 31.

The VR is a shocker. Was NOT expecting to do this bad. I was rattled by some passages in the beginning and barely had time for last passage and its probably the reason why my score suffered. Timing got the best of me in the latter half of VR 🙁
The BS is experimental heavy and also required quick thinking and judgments. However, it is the VR that's bumming me the most because nearly all the prior AAMCs I have taken, I have made solid 10s.

I've kinda realized not to become obssessed with my VR performance today. There is sometimes an unavoidable margin of error in your performance. And sometimes, it really is dependent upon your subjective sensitivity to particular humanities/natural science topics. Looking back at AAMC 11 VR, I performed WORST on the science sections and usually, this category bodes the highest performance by me. Apparently, not today

We are almost at the finish line!!! To those above saying that a 29 is mediocre............Reconsider your judgment. A 29 is like 75th percentile. I don't know why you would demonize yourself for scoring in the top quarter of all testers.

I have the 2015 practice MCAT to finish and AAMC 9 VR and BS sections. Not sure if I can accomplish all that by test day but we'll see.

All the best taking FLs today and tomorrow!

making me not want to take 11 lol. i don't want to get too down because i'm feeling good with how i just finished 10... hmmm...

 

[anon5759]

I feel like no one is taking the nov 7 exam....seems like everyone postponed to 12/6

 

[texan2414]

I feel like no one is taking the nov 7 exam....seems like everyone postponed to 12/6

Only the brave ones show up here.

 

[Carbon090]

As incredibly disappointed I am in my recent score. I'm going to hope it's a fluke due to burnout and stress. My AAMC 10 score was most similar to 7 (and I was very optimistic and felt good going into them) so I'm going to review over this exam, gently review my notes, and induce the most positive energy into myself and relax. I feel, hopeful and convinced, that my performance on test day will be the best yet with the acceptance and knowing that this will be the last time I have to do the MCAT, and that all of my concentration will be bent on bending this sucker over. I know I can do this, no doubts.

This is going to be my last post here until after this test. To everyone one of you, I wish you the best of luck, you are all going to do fantastic, we all will. Cheers everyone and stay positive 🙂

 

[athlete1003]

Hey guys, I'll be taking it with you on Nov 7th!!
Just wanted to say I just got a 8 on AAMC 10's verbal (all right, I kiiiind of got lazy on this section, but dang, an 8?). Although...I've never broken a 10 on any of the AAMC verbal sections, so getting a little freaked out for test day. 🙁 How do people do so well in verbal?!

 

[baxt1412]

Hey guys, I'll be taking it with you on Nov 7th!!
Just wanted to say I just got a 8 on AAMC 10's verbal (all right, I kiiiind of got lazy on this section, but dang, an 8?). Although...I've never broken a 10 on any of the AAMC verbal sections, so getting a little freaked out for test day. 🙁 How do people do so well in verbal?!

lots of practice and getting a good set of passages. i got a 7 and have been getting 9s and 10s on my other VR, so don't sweat it.

 

[lazyindy]

Hey guys, I'll be taking it with you on Nov 7th!!
Just wanted to say I just got a 8 on AAMC 10's verbal (all right, I kiiiind of got lazy on this section, but dang, an 8?). Although...I've never broken a 10 on any of the AAMC verbal sections, so getting a little freaked out for test day. 🙁 How do people do so well in verbal?!

Hey welcome aboard 🙂

Do you feel timing is an issue with your verbal or not understanding the passages? Throughout my practice I've noticed that question stems are extremely important because although an attractive choice might be very similar to the author's thesis, if it does not answer the question being asked, then it is wrong. Almost 80% of the time the correct answer will be the least wrong statement. So POE skills def help in that regard.

 

[baxt1412]

Hey welcome aboard 🙂

Do you feel timing is an issue with your verbal or not understanding the passages? Throughout my practice I've noticed that question stems are extremely important because although an attractive choice might be very similar to the author's thesis, if it does not answer the question being asked, then it is wrong. Almost 80% of the time the correct answer will be the least wrong statement. So POE skills def help in that regard.

agreed, it may be completely true in real life and according to the passage, but if it doesn't directly answer the question, it is incorrect.

 

[athlete1003]

lots of practice and getting a good set of passages. i got a 7 and have been getting 9s and 10s on my other VR, so don't sweat it.

thank's for the encouragment 🙂 I've been getting 9's and 10's too.

Hey welcome aboard 🙂

Do you feel timing is an issue with your verbal or not understanding the passages? Throughout my practice I've noticed that question stems are extremely important because although an attractive choice might be very similar to the author's thesis, if it does not answer the question being asked, then it is wrong. Almost 80% of the time the correct answer will be the least wrong statement. So POE skills def help in that regard.

You know, to be honest, I'm not sure. USUALLY for me it's just understanding the passages...Sometimes I'll be short on time, but that hasn't been the case lately. I know you're not supposed to look at the clock, but if I'm not understanding the passage, I could spend like 10+ minutes on one lol. So I look at the clock to try and not spend more than 8 minutes on a passage. If I'm having a tough time on a passage, I just choose my best guess and move on to the next question. I got 9's on AAMCs 3 and 4. 10s on AAMC 5,7,8,9. Now I take AAMC 10 and get an 8?

On AAMC 10, I was actually relieved because the passages were easy to understand or read. However, with 10, I definitely felt like the answer choices were much tougher to narrow down than they were on the other AAMCs. Idk. Even though I just took it, it's all a blur now. 🙁