The Official October 21, 2014 MCAT Thread

[DoctorInASaree]

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Hi!

As of today, we are less than three months away from writing one of the most important exams in our lives.

What are your studying strategies? How are you feeling about the MCAT?

We're all in this together, so let's get this discussion started!

And remember, October 21st, save the date!

 

[BigEinstein]

Well my boyfriend dumped me 3 weeks before the exam. I stopped eating for a while, got really stressed and on edge about everything. I took the exam, froze and started crying. I thought I composed myself for the other sections but I guess not. I am trying to keep my spirits up. I know I am smart enough to score well, I have been taking gold standard exams and scoring 29s consecutively (which are supposed to be an underestimate). I am just hoping that if I can do well on Dec 6.with a 30+ they will overlook my 22

Wow sorry. All the best on your next one.

 

[popopopop]

Guys, if you want a seat, now is the time. In the last hour I saw Arizona, South Carolina, another Guam, New York, and TWO Texas spots. I got one of them for Jan 23rd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Nano166]

Test Date: 10/21/2014
Time: 8:00 am
FL AAMC Average: 33.5ish
10 & 11 AAMC Average:32.5 (30 & 35 respectively)
Immediate Post-Test Expected Score: 30+
Day-Of Score Release expected Score: 25+
Actual Score (PS/V/BS): 35 (13/9/13)

I am lost for words. This exam is a retake from an August exam where I scored a 30 (12/7/11). After receiving that score I felt so defeated and upset. I lost a lot of my drive. As a result, this academic semester has been quite challenging for me, as it became much harder to find the motivation to study as diligently as before.

The day I got my score I knew I needed to retake it; not for the 30, but rather for the 7 in verbal. I immediately looked for test dates with available seats near my area, but I could not find any in the US. I literally spent 30 minutes refreshing different test dates for open seats, and finally to my amaze I found an available seat at a location 30 minutes away from my school. My studying in between the test dates was not very consistent, as I was struggling to do 20+ hours of research a week, volunteer, and study for midterms. My studying basically came down to intensely reviewing 1 week before my exam. I also did a practice test to make sure my science scores did not fall, which they didn't. Furthermore, I exercised (about 4 times a week), something I did not do when studying for my first exam.

The biggest difference between my first exam and my retake exam was that I felt very comfortable and confident. I didn't feel nervous at all. This mentality stemmed from me not caring anymore, and accepting the reality that I may not become a doctor anymore. Additionally, I felt like the exam focused on topics I was strong at, and verbal felt much easier. The score I ended up getting just goes to show how important it is to be calm, confident and relaxed during your exam. It also demonstrates how large of a factor the topics that show up on your exam are; anyone can score 3-5 points above their average if their exam is tailored toward their strengths.

To all those who received scores below their averages and are overall disappointed with what they got, know that I was in that position and do not lose hope, because if I had I would not have retaken the exam and received the score I received today. Have faith.

Also check for available seats the day scores are released for other test dates!

 

[Liegh5]

I am sorry to hear all the things you went through.
You are more than 4 points below your average practice scores. I heared that an improvement of more than 4 points is looked upon favorably. You may get a question about it on the interview, but your reasons are genuine hardship.
So don't worry, you will do great!

yeah ... someone close to me was dying as well. Forgot to add that in there. He had Shy drager syndrome. hopefully I can pull it together in two weeks. Thanks for the support

 

[Liegh5]

Wow sorry. All the best on your next one.

thank you

 

[Liegh5]

I'm sorry to hear that 🙁 . Hopefully this time around you'll be able to get closer or even better to your average. I'm taking it on Dec 6 as well so goodluck to you!

thank you! Good luck to you. We got this!

 

[4-cyclohexene]

Hey everyone! So I took the August 21 MCAT and got a 31. I really didn't want to do a retake because I was relatively happy with that score, but had already dropped the money and decided I would do it. I didn't study very much between the two exams, because I spent the majority of the time focusing on school and ECs, but this time around I got a 35. I just want to let you all know that this beast of a test can be cracked. Do NOT be discouraged if you worked your butt of and got a score you are unhappy with. Just taking this test a second time, and being exponentially calmer and feeling more ready for what is about to come your way is a HUGE advantage. I know it was for me! I wish you all luck in your journey to med school and I know all of us will get in and will achieve our goals. There's no way a group of hardworking, motivated, and passionate students like us won't be able to conquer the world someday! 😀

Breakdown 8/21/14
VR:10
PS:11
BS:10
Composite: 31

Breakdown 10/21/14
VR:9
PS:12
BS:14
Composite: 35

 

[4-cyclohexene]

Test Date: 10/21/2014
Time: 8:00 am
FL AAMC Average: 33.5ish
10 & 11 AAMC Average:32.5 (30 & 35 respectively)
Immediate Post-Test Expected Score: 30+
Day-Of Score Release expected Score: 25+
Actual Score (PS/V/BS): 35 (13/9/13)

I am lost for words. This exam is a retake from an August exam where I scored a 30 (12/7/11). After receiving that score I felt so defeated and upset. I lost a lot of my drive. As a result, this academic semester has been quite challenging for me, as it became much harder to find the motivation to study as diligently as before.

The day I got my score I knew I needed to retake it; not for the 30, but rather for the 7 in verbal. I immediately looked for test dates with available seats near my area, but I could not find any in the US. I literally spent 30 minutes refreshing different test dates for open seats, and finally to my amaze I found an available seat at a location 30 minutes away from my school. My studying in between the test dates was not very consistent, as I was struggling to do 20+ hours of research, volunteer, and study for midterms. My studying basically came down to intensely reviewing 1 week before my exam. I also did a practice test to make sure my science scores did not fall, which they didn't. FuI exercised (about 4 times a week), something I did not do when studying for my first exam.

The biggest difference between my first exam and my retake exam was that I felt very comfortable and confident. I didn't feel nervous at all. This mentality stemmed from me not caring anymore, and accepting the reality that I may not become a doctor anymore. Additionally, I felt like the exam focused on topics I was strong at, and verbal felt much easier. The score I ended up getting just goes to show how important it is to be calm, confident and relaxed during your exam. It also demonstrates how large of a factor the topics that show up on your exam are; anyone can score 3-5 points above their average if their exam is tailored toward their strengths.

To all those who received scores below there averages and are overall disappointed with what they got, know that I was in that position and do not lose hope, because if I had I would not have retaken the exam and received the score I received today. Have faith.

Also check for available seats the day scores are released for other test dates!

I was in the SAME exact boat as you Nano166! The feeling of knowing that the MCAT isn't as terrifying or scary as everyone makes it out to be the second time around is just such a good mentality to have while taking a test like that. For me the bio section felt easier this time around. I completely agree with everything you've said, and a HUGE congratulations on your score. I know firsthand how good it feels to see that kinda score pop up on your computer screen! 😀 good luck with all your future endeavors!

 

[JMMTB]

Test Date: 10/21/2014
Time: 8:00 AM
FL AAMC Average: 38
10 & 11 AAMC Average: 38
Immediate Post-Test Expected Score: 36-37
Day-Of Score Release expected Score: 32-34
Actual Score (PS/V/BS): 36 (11/11/14)

I'm super happy with VR and BS. That PS though. PS was my strong section I never got that low, even on GS tests. I don't have a lot of EC's so was hoping to score a little higher to boost my application but I guess I'll need to scramble to get a lot of EC's that are meaningful.

 

[Lanoserol]

Test Date: 10/21/2014
Time: 8:00 am
10 & 11 AAMC Average:24
Post-Test Expected Score: I had no idea.
Actual Score (PS/V/BS): 29 (12/6/11)

I don't know what to say at this point. My PS was a surprise. I guessed on a whole passage and ran out of time on another one. Biology was as expected while verbal is a disappointment. I wasn't really surprise for the verbal since my highest score was an 8 and was averaging a 7 on the FLs. I guess my faith in God concerning this exam worked because I scored above my FL's average even though I made a 30 on one of them. What should I do at this point?

 

[tmatern7]

Questions for you guys/gals. I was scoring averaging above a 35 on the AAMC FL exams (high of 39), but I got a 31 (11PS/9V/11BS). I am currently registered for the December 6th test date, and I feel like I still know all my science ish. I have also practiced verbal quite a bit over the last month with a dramatic improvement. Would you retake if you were me? My FL scores are below for you to look at. Also, this was my first time taking the exam...

FL #3
34 (13PS/9V/12BS)
FL #4
35 (13PS/10V/12BS)
FL #5
35 (13PS/9V/13BS)
FL #7
33 (12PS/9V/12BS)
FL #8
39 (14PS/11V/14BS)
FL #9
36 (14PS/9V/13BS)
FL #10
35 (12PS/9V/14BS)
FL #11
36 (13PS/9V/14BS)

And congrats to all you who achieved stellar scores!

 

[kab372]

I bombed the MCAT

If anyone has any seats in the future (even the one next week) please let me know

Totally bombed it. Im completely discouraged from becoming a doctor. I worked so hard just to get a lower score than the score I got on my first Kaplan practice Test. And that was low

Maybe I shouldnt rely on Kaplan

Some words of support are GREATLY appreciated people

 

[Kayce]

I bombed the MCAT

If anyone has any seats in the future (even the one next week) please let me know

Totally bombed it. Im completely discouraged from becoming a doctor. I worked so hard just to get a lower score than the score I got on my first Kaplan practice Test. And that was low

Maybe I shouldnt rely on Kaplan

Some words of support are GREATLY appreciated people

I feel the same way.

 

[azor ahai]

I bombed the MCAT

If anyone has any seats in the future (even the one next week) please let me know

Totally bombed it. Im completely discouraged from becoming a doctor. I worked so hard just to get a lower score than the score I got on my first Kaplan practice Test. And that was low

Maybe I shouldnt rely on Kaplan

Some words of support are GREATLY appreciated people

Take it again (you may have to take the new 2015 one) and just study your ass off. One test shouldn't get in the way of your life's dream. Think about what you've been doing right, what you've been doing wrong, and learn from it.

I am obsessive about making sure I know all of my content before I 'waste' a practice exam or passage, but it's lead to me being chronically low on time time so I am starting timed passages ASAP (tomorrow).

Look over how you've studied and gone about this test. It's all valuable. It sounds trite but every failure is a brick in your palace. I also personally would abstain from coming to SDN too often. Pre-meds are extremely neurotic by nature, and you don't want to have so much emotionally invested in a test. I have very few pre-med friends, and I consider that a blessing at least for my psychological well-being.

Take this Thanksgiving break to gain perspective and I suppose gratitude for how far you've made it (even if it isn't where you wanted it to be). Enjoy the fine taste of food and mere existence.

We're all gonna make it.

 

[kab372]

Take it again (you may have to take the new 2015 one) and just study your ass off. One test shouldn't get in the way of your life's dream. Think about what you've been doing right, what you've been doing wrong, and learn from it.

I am obsessive about making sure I know all of my content before I 'waste' a practice exam or passage, but it's lead to me being chronically low on time time so I am starting timed passages ASAP (tomorrow).

Look over how you've studied and gone about this test. It's all valuable. It sounds trite but every failure is a brick in your palace. I also personally would abstain from coming to SDN too often. Pre-meds are extremely neurotic by nature, and you don't want to have so much emotionally invested in a test. I have very few pre-med friends, and I consider that a blessing at least for my psychological well-being.

Take this Thanksgiving break to gain perspective and I suppose gratitude for how far you've made it (even if it isn't where you wanted it to be). Enjoy the fine taste of food and mere existence.

We're all gonna make it.

Its funny that you say that you have very few pre-med friends. A majority of the reason that I am on sdn is because my premed friend (notice that I said friend and not friendS) recommended it because most of the people who I live an work with are not stimulating at all.

For me personally-I know that I am not a dramatic person but when you work hard and NOTHING comes out it..it is a real downer. even though I dont know what my future holds I do know for sure that I STILL want to be an M.D. (or D.O. at this point idgaf) so i need to keep walking forward.

Thank you for your eloquent words. I truly appreciate it all !

 

[psf73]

I've been a lurker here for a while but wanted to thank all you for your comments about the exam (especially after that ridiculous physics sections) and motivation! My goal had been a 35 from the start. After my initial round of content review (two months) I scored a 27 on a Kaplan Practice. For another month I focused on the AAMC exams. I went from a 31 on AAMC 3 to a 36 on AAMC 9 and 34s on both 10 & 11. My weakness was always verbal and strength always physics..however after the actual exam I felt good about verbal and horrible about physics. I guess the curve corrected for that:

Test Date: 10/21/14
Time: 8:00 am
FL AAMC Average: 34
10 & 11 AAMC Average: 34
Immediate Post-Test Expected Score: 30-35
Day-Of Score Release expected Score: 33 (11/11/11)
Actual Score (PS/V/BS): 35 (12/11/12)

Thankful for the balanced score and the ability to achieve my goal.

Best to everybody else. I truly believe those who work harder to overcome adversity and surpass road-blocks along the way come out the other end stronger and will become better, more empathetic physicians (and human beings).

Anybody interested in super cheap verbal practice sets and EK 1001, feel free to contact me.

 

[Dr. K Puffs]

Test Date: 10/21/2014
Time: 8:00 am
FL AAMC Average: ~33
10 & 11 AAMC Average: 33 (31 & 35)
Immediate Post-Test Expected Score: 30?
Day-Of Score Release expected Score: 28 (especially after seeing early score posts while in lecture)
Actual Score (PS/V/BS): 32 (10/11/11)

Hey guys, this is my first time posting. I've been following this thread since exam day but haven't really felt a need to post until now. This exam was a retake for me; I took the August 21st exam like @4-cyclohexene (yo!) and ended up with a 29 (12/6/11). Just like many of you may be feeling now, it seemed as if I had failed. What was most discouraging was the thought of having to take it again (6...). Honestly, though, it's really not impossible. As so many have said, pre-med students are neurotic to a fault and won't stand for failure. I found an exam date for less than a month ahead and just rebooted my study mode (although to a lesser degree because of classes).

My main reason for posting is to encourage those that may feel defeated as I did a month ago. Now I know this 3 point jump isn't necessarily a "tables turned success story," but I'm still relatively proud of my improvement in the verbal reasoning section, which is what I focused on, and I think it will reflect at least decently on my application next cycle. To be honest, I agree with you all about that brutal physical section and had already accepted that I would probably end up taking the 2015 MCAT because of it. But I guess pleasant surprises do come now and then, and hard work does pay off! If you know your weakness, destroy it before your next attempt while maintaining the rest and you'll be fine.

On another note, I wanted to mention that I agree with @Nano166 about how going into the exam less anxious might make a difference. Just the fact that I had already gone through it once with all the stress and ridiculously intimidating security measures helped me feel much more at ease the second time around. Admittedly, though, I did care a little less...which I think is natural. I definitely wouldn't recommend going towards a retake with an apathetic attitude though. Also, there are certain things you can come to expect for round 2 after going through round 1. For instance, I recall a couple verbal passages on my first exam being unnaturally long, which threw me off. This time I sort of expected it and didn't let it stop me or slow me down...cruised right through 'em. I also had no idea experimentals existed, which definitely helped comfort me for this exam's physical sciences section to say the least.

Anyway, congrats to all who did well on this exam or are at least comfortable with their scores, especially re-takers! To those of you dreading retaking (even the 2015), this was simply an obstacle in your path. Obstacles are meant to be observed and then overcome (mad cliché). Learn from your experience and keep at it, you WILL see results. Best of luck to everyone in all future endeavors! I hope this helps at least one person...
Awkward emoji for good measure:

 

[4-cyclohexene]

Congratulations Dr. K Puffs! That's a great score! I'm so glad we both decided to retake! It was a tough decision to make, especially when I was so fed up with the MCAT at that point, but I'm so glad it worked out! Good luck with everything 😀

 

[Dr. K Puffs]

Congratulations Dr. K Puffs! That's a great score! I'm so glad we both decided to retake! It was a tough decision to make, especially when I was so fed up with the MCAT at that point, but I'm so glad it worked out! Good luck with everything 😀

Thanks, you too! I totally understand what you mean. Killer improvement though!

 

[Oh_Gee]

I bombed the MCAT

If anyone has any seats in the future (even the one next week) please let me know

Totally bombed it. Im completely discouraged from becoming a doctor. I worked so hard just to get a lower score than the score I got on my first Kaplan practice Test. And that was low

Maybe I shouldnt rely on Kaplan

Some words of support are GREATLY appreciated people

think about why you want to pursue medicine in the first place and decide if retaking is worth the goal

 

[Oh_Gee]

This post is *exactly* what just happened to me. I scored WAY worse than any of my practice tests, and a complete FOUR POINTS less than my AAMC average. I never scored below a 31 on any AAMC test.

My AAMC average was 33, actual MCAT score = 29 (8/11/10)



I have literally no idea what to do right now. Ha. It will probably be a week or two before I can think clearly about this. I have never thought more seriously about throwing in the motherf*cking towel on the idea of becoming a physician, hahaa. Wow. I did not see this coming.

totes lurking on this thread because i'm bored.
anyway, don't let it get you down. I also got 29 (10/9/10) on my test date. i'm with you, pal

 

[choa06]

Test Date: 10/21/2014
Time: 8:00 am
10 & 11 AAMC Average:24
Post-Test Expected Score: I had no idea.
Actual Score (PS/V/BS): 29 (12/6/11)

I don't know what to say at this point. My PS was a surprise. I guessed on a whole passage and ran out of time on another one. Biology was as expected while verbal is a disappointment. I wasn't really surprise for the verbal since my highest score was an 8 and was averaging a 7 on the FLs. I guess my faith in God concerning this exam worked because I scored above my FL's average even though I made a 30 on one of them. What should I do at this point?

It depends on whether you want to go MD or DO. For MD, you HAVE to retake it. Sometimes, adcoms are forgiving if you are not a native english speaker, but I'm pretty sure it's super rare. You have more flexibility if you want to go DO. Certain schools (i.e. KCUMB, PCOM) screen out any subsection <7, but many schools are more lenient.

 

[Doctor_Faith07]

Take it again (you may have to take the new 2015 one) and just study your ass off. One test shouldn't get in the way of your life's dream. Think about what you've been doing right, what you've been doing wrong, and learn from it.

I am obsessive about making sure I know all of my content before I 'waste' a practice exam or passage, but it's lead to me being chronically low on time time so I am starting timed passages ASAP (tomorrow).

Look over how you've studied and gone about this test. It's all valuable. It sounds trite but every failure is a brick in your palace. I also personally would abstain from coming to SDN too often. Pre-meds are extremely neurotic by nature, and you don't want to have so much emotionally invested in a test. I have very few pre-med friends, and I consider that a blessing at least for my psychological well-being.

Take this Thanksgiving break to gain perspective and I suppose gratitude for how far you've made it (even if it isn't where you wanted it to be). Enjoy the fine taste of food and mere existence.

We're all gonna make it.

Your post really encouraged me! God bless you!

 

[bunnyg]

First MCAT attempt:

Test Date: 10/21/2014
Time: 8:00 am
FL AAMC Average: ~34
10 & 11 AAMC Average: 32
Immediate Post-Test Expected Score: 25-28 (I guessed on like half the PS section!)
Day-Of Score Release expected Score: 25-28
Actual Score (PS/V/BS): 34 (12/11/11)

I am one happy camper!

 

[ForeverHumbled]

Whats up everyone!

Been following all you guys since day one for this Oct 21st test - decided I would post for some encouragement for those who are retaking.
@kab372 @Kayce @Lanoserol @syarra @Liegh5 @HCHopeful @Doctor_Faith07 @Jubiaba @lumberjack89 @Herewego5 @BactiDoc

This test was my retake and a successful one at that. I just want to tell all of you that YOU CAN DO IT!
HARD WORK PAYS OFF! Remind yourself how much you want this and why you chose medicine.

Over and over and over I would fail verbal reasoning practice tests with 4's 5's and 6's.
Rarely getting 7's or even a heaven-given 8.

But I didn't give up.

I took the Aug 7th test and received a 28 with a breakdown of PS 12 - V 5 - BS 11
I was devastated.

But I sucked it up. I reminded myself of why I got myself into all of this. I reminded myself all the patients I would help one day. They were depending on me. They needed me to keep studying. Keep practicing. Keep thinking of them.

So I started practicing verbal every single day. 2 weeks before my Oct 21st exam, I took a verbal practice test everyday for 10 days in a row out of EK 101.

And believe it or not my last score out of those tests was a 4. But I didn't let it waiver my determination.

I told myself I was just going to go into that Oct 21st test and do my damn best that I could possibly do.

And here were my results: 32 (10/8/14)

The verbal heavens were opened. And shortly after I received a secondary from UCSF.

So for all of you out there who are retaking - just wanted to give you guys some encouragement.
You can do this.

 

[Liegh5]

Whats up everyone!

Been following all you guys since day one for this Oct 21st test - decided I would post for some encouragement for those who are retaking.

This test was my retake and a successful one at that. I just want to tell all of you that YOU CAN DO IT!
HARD WORK PAYS OFF! Remind yourself how much you want this and why you chose medicine.

Over and over and over I would fail verbal reasoning practice tests with 4's 5's and 6's.
Rarely getting 7's or even a heaven-given 8.

But I didn't give up.

I took the Sept 7th test and received a 28 with a breakdown of PS 12 - V 5 - BS 11
I was devastated.

But I sucked it up. I reminded myself of why I got myself into all of this. I reminded myself all the patients I would help one day. They were depending on me. They needed me to keep studying. Keep practicing. Keep thinking of them.

So I started practicing verbal every single day. 2 weeks before my Oct 21st exam, I took a verbal practice test everyday for 10 days in a row out of EK 101.

And believe it or not my last score out of those tests was a 4. But I didn't let it waiver my determination.

I told myself I was just going to go into that Oct 21st test and do my damn best that I could possibly do.

And here were my results: 32 (10/8/14)

The verbal heavens were opened. And shortly after I received a secondary from UCSF.

So for all of you out there who are retaking - just wanted to give you guys some encouragement.
You can do this.

Wow. That's amazing. So happy for you .... I hope to be you next month!!! lol. That's awesome that you improved so much in such a short amount of time on top of it all! Did you go into it with more confidence the second time?

 

[Lanoserol]

Whats up everyone!

Been following all you guys since day one for this Oct 21st test - decided I would post for some encouragement for those who are retaking.
@kab372 @Kayce @Lanoserol @syarra @Liegh5 @HCHopeful @Doctor_Faith07 @Jubiaba @lumberjack89 @Herewego5 @BactiDoc

This test was my retake and a successful one at that. I just want to tell all of you that YOU CAN DO IT!
HARD WORK PAYS OFF! Remind yourself how much you want this and why you chose medicine.

Over and over and over I would fail verbal reasoning practice tests with 4's 5's and 6's.
Rarely getting 7's or even a heaven-given 8.

But I didn't give up.

I took the Sept 7th test and received a 28 with a breakdown of PS 12 - V 5 - BS 11
I was devastated.

But I sucked it up. I reminded myself of why I got myself into all of this. I reminded myself all the patients I would help one day. They were depending on me. They needed me to keep studying. Keep practicing. Keep thinking of them.

So I started practicing verbal every single day. 2 weeks before my Oct 21st exam, I took a verbal practice test everyday for 10 days in a row out of EK 101.

And believe it or not my last score out of those tests was a 4. But I didn't let it waiver my determination.

I told myself I was just going to go into that Oct 21st test and do my damn best that I could possibly do.

And here were my results: 32 (10/8/14)

The verbal heavens were opened. And shortly after I received a secondary from UCSF.

So for all of you out there who are retaking - just wanted to give you guys some encouragement.
You can do this.

Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[ForeverHumbled]

Wow. That's amazing. So happy for you .... I hope to be you next month!!! lol. That's awesome that you improved so much in such a short amount of time on top of it all! Did you go into it with more confidence the second time?

My second time I wasn't so much confident as I was absolutely determined to do well. Confidence was next to nothing after my verbal practice score of a 4 right before my test. But I was so determined that I think it spiked my focus during the verbal section of the test. So keep at it and you will be in my shoes next month!

For anyone looking for improvement with their bio - I listened to EK's audio osmosis bio section and Chad's videos on coursesaver which shot up my bio score from an 11 to a 14. I highly recommend those resources.

 

[HCHopeful]

Just got done taking a baseline Gold Standard test (GS #1). I have heard bad things about their verbal, so I'm taking it with a grain of salt, but low and behold, I scored my practice test AAMC average.

GS #1: 31 [12/8/11]

This is after a month of no studying at all. Considering my verbal is generally no less than a 10, I'm happy to still be retaining knowledge.

Off to learn more and hopefully get better.

Good luck everyone.

 

[tmatern7]

Just got done taking a baseline Gold Standard test (GS #1). I have heard bad things about their verbal, so I'm taking it with a grain of salt, but low and behold, I scored my practice test AAMC average.

GS #1: 31 [12/8/11]

This is after a month of no studying at all. Considering my verbal is generally no less than a 10, I'm happy to still be retaining knowledge.

Off to learn more and hopefully get better.

Good luck everyone.

Very nice! Must feel nice to know you are still pretty solid on your materials. When are you planing on retaking? Also, did you find that the sections other than verbal represented the actual MCAT fairly well? I am looking for another practice test set to use since I have done all of the AAMC FL exams.

 

[HCHopeful]

Very nice! Must feel nice to know you are still pretty solid on your materials. When are you planing on retaking? Also, did you find that the sections other than verbal represented the actual MCAT fairly well? I am looking for another practice test set to use since I have done all of the AAMC FL exams.

As most would say, GS tends to be more calculation-oriented, which plays to my strengths. That's in PS anyway. I felt that the difficulty was much the same as AAMC, maybe a bit harder.

I found the BS to be pretty representative. It was a good mix of content/extracting questions.

I have used Kaplan, AAMC, and now GS. I like GS more than Kaplan simply because Kaplan's PS is way too difficult and has much too lenient a scale.

Go to www.mcat-prep.com and you can use GS #1 for free! If you like it, then the other tests are $25. I plan on using a Berkeley test next, so I'll decide which I want to use after that!

 

[Liegh5]

As most would say, GS tends to be more calculation-oriented, which plays to my strengths. That's in PS anyway. I felt that the difficulty was much the same as AAMC, maybe a bit harder.

I found the BS to be pretty representative. It was a good mix of content/extracting questions.

I have used Kaplan, AAMC, and now GS. I like GS more than Kaplan simply because Kaplan's PS is way too difficult and has much too lenient a scale.

Go to www.mcat-prep.com and you can use GS #1 for free! If you like it, then the other tests are $25. I plan on using a Berkeley test next, so I'll decide which I want to use after that!

See I think Kaplan will help me more. I think i need to experience the shock of difficulty ... that's what killed me on the MCAT. I became a deer in headlights. You are lucky to have that Jan date. Pretty nervous about Dec 6. A week and a half to go

 

[HCHopeful]

See I think Kaplan will help me more. I think i need to experience the shock of difficulty ... that's what killed me on the MCAT. I became a deer in headlights. You are lucky to have that Jan date. Pretty nervous about Dec 6. A week and a half to go

By all means, try Kaplan! It is very difficult, though. I think I got a 38/52 and it was a 12 on their scale. I would try them if you are worried about the difficulty of AAMC though! Good luck in December!

 

[Liegh5]

By all means, try Kaplan! It is very difficult, though. I think I got a 38/52 and it was a 12 on their scale. I would try them if you are worried about the difficulty of AAMC though! Good luck in December!

any suggestion on which kaplan exams to do? I have time for like 3

 

[HCHopeful]

I don't know to be honest. I only had the option of two because of getting those two free online versions from the book you can buy.

 

[tmatern7]

We

As most would say, GS tends to be more calculation-oriented, which plays to my strengths. That's in PS anyway. I felt that the difficulty was much the same as AAMC, maybe a bit harder.

I found the BS to be pretty representative. It was a good mix of content/extracting questions.

I have used Kaplan, AAMC, and now GS. I like GS more than Kaplan simply because Kaplan's PS is way too difficult and has much too lenient a scale.

Go to www.mcat-prep.com and you can use GS #1 for free! If you like it, then the other tests are $25. I plan on using a Berkeley test next, so I'll decide which I want to use after that!

Well good to know... My main weakness has been verbal, so I think that I might stick with something else.

Another option to look at is to see if you can find any of the old AAMC FL "R tests" that might be floating around out there. I know that the written MCAT was a tid-bit longer, but I am sure that the questions that would be found on the practice tests would be of a similar standard to those found on the current practice exams. But I don't know, just a thought.

 

[lumberjack89]

Hahahaaa I just registered for a January 8th seat in Mississippi because that's the closest I could find in the last 24 hours - I'll have to fly though!

Ah well, this is it; there's no way I'm studying for the 2015 MCAT when I'm this fresh on the material and that score was such a massive fluke compared to all my others. I don't care if it takes a plane, a rental car, a hotel room, and a couple days of travel, I'm TAKING the 2014 MCAT. Hopefully between now and then I can find a closer seat, but no lie it feels a lot better at least knowing I *have* one, so that it's at least technically/physically/chronologically possible this disaster could end up being ok in the end...
😛

 

[Traumweber]

any suggestion on which kaplan exams to do? I have time for like 3

KAPLAN 1-5 is helpful because they have very little overlapping content. Don't look at scaled scores. If you get more than 80 pct in each section you are good to go.
I would still use aamc for verbal assesment.

 

[Liegh5]

KAPLAN 1-5 is helpful because they have very little overlapping content. Don't look at scaled scores. If you get more than 80 pct in each section you are good to go.
I would still use aamc for verbal assesment.

what about the later exams? 9-11. And wow 80% is pretty high isn't it? Isn't the content much harder as well? Yeah I dont have any more verbal to do. I have two EK1001 sets left but thats it. I redid an AAMC verbal from like 3.5 months ago. Scored a 12 but that's probably not reliable....

 

[Traumweber]

what about the later exams? 9-11. And wow 80% is pretty high isn't it? Isn't the content much harder as well? Yeah I dont have any more verbal to do. I have two EK1001 sets left but thats it. I redid an AAMC verbal from like 3.5 months ago. Scored a 12 but that's probably not reliable....

I scored a 75% atleast on all sections in Kaplan 1-5, and that was excellent for PS, but so so for Verbal and BS. This was reflected on the real exam on Oct 25th. PS was ok (13) while I struggled on the others (VR 10, BS 11) a little.
Taking Kap 1-5 will definitely expose holes in your content prep.
I took Kaplan 6 and 7... they were tougher, but the scaled scores are way too lenient. Didn't take any others from Kaplan.

 

[Liegh5]

I scored a 75% atleast on all sections in Kaplan 1-5, and that was excellent for PS, but so so for Verbal and BS. This was reflected on the real exam on Oct 25th. PS was ok (13) while I struggled on the others (VR 10, BS 11) a little.
Taking Kap 1-5 will definitely expose holes in your content prep.
I took Kaplan 6 and 7... they were tougher, but the scaled scores are way too lenient. Didn't take any others from Kaplan.

do you think that the scaled scores for the earlier ones are at all able to predict. I am scoring 29s continuously on GS. But they say it is a slight underestimate so I am not too sure where I am at. I was averaging a 30 before I bombed the exam

 

[Liegh5]

Here are all my practice test scores:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...014-mcat-thread.1074576/page-10#post-15829739
I don't know what to say regarding scaled scores. I guess if you had looked at my AAMC averages, they are not close to what I got...I guess the scaling on the exams we took were possibly similar to the kaplan ones.

nice scores! but wait .. are you retaking ?

 

[Liegh5]

I would cry for a 30. Keep your 34. I just hope this 22 does not haunt me .... 8 points below my average. Talk about unreal

i am happy with my 34! should I retake? I don't know... waiting for people to respond to my "what are my chances?" post.
I would've liked a 36, but I guess my horrible exam day experience shaved off a little... that is ok I guess.

 

[Traumweber]

I would cry for a 30. Keep your 34. I just hope this 22 does not haunt me .... 8 points below my average. Talk about unreal

If you score a 30+ on the retake, I am pretty sure the 22 will be forgotten.
All the best!

 

[faith hopelove]

Whats up everyone!

Been following all you guys since day one for this Oct 21st test - decided I would post for some encouragement for those who are retaking.
@kab372 @Kayce @Lanoserol @syarra @Liegh5 @HCHopeful @Doctor_Faith07 @Jubiaba @lumberjack89 @Herewego5 @BactiDoc

This test was my retake and a successful one at that. I just want to tell all of you that YOU CAN DO IT!
HARD WORK PAYS OFF! Remind yourself how much you want this and why you chose medicine.

Over and over and over I would fail verbal reasoning practice tests with 4's 5's and 6's.
Rarely getting 7's or even a heaven-given 8.

But I didn't give up.

I took the Aug 7th test and received a 28 with a breakdown of PS 12 - V 5 - BS 11
I was devastated.

But I sucked it up. I reminded myself of why I got myself into all of this. I reminded myself all the patients I would help one day. They were depending on me. They needed me to keep studying. Keep practicing. Keep thinking of them.

So I started practicing verbal every single day. 2 weeks before my Oct 21st exam, I took a verbal practice test everyday for 10 days in a row out of EK 101.

And believe it or not my last score out of those tests was a 4. But I didn't let it waiver my determination.

I told myself I was just going to go into that Oct 21st test and do my damn best that I could possibly do.

And here were my results: 32 (10/8/14)

The verbal heavens were opened. And shortly after I received a secondary from UCSF.

So for all of you out there who are retaking - just wanted to give you guys some encouragement.
You can do this.

Can I ask what you did differently that helped you boost up your verbal score? I know for a lot of people this section is hard to improve in (ESL or not).

 

[Kayce]

@Liegh5 Don't worry.. I scored 13 points less on the real MCAT than my average AAMC practice exams...


ANYONE HAVE SUGGESTIONS..of what I can do?

Thanks! <3

 

[Nano166]

I was in the SAME exact boat as you Nano166! The feeling of knowing that the MCAT isn't as terrifying or scary as everyone makes it out to be the second time around is just such a good mentality to have while taking a test like that. For me the bio section felt easier this time around. I completely agree with everything you've said, and a HUGE congratulations on your score. I know firsthand how good it feels to see that kinda score pop up on your computer screen! 😀 good luck with all your future endeavors!

Wow what are the odds, we took the exact same exam on both occasions haha! Anyways it makes me happy to see that you managed to pull through! Congratulations on making a huge step toward becoming a physician! Best of luck to you too.

 

[The Boatox]

I would cry for a 30. Keep your 34. I just hope this 22 does not haunt me .... 8 points below my average. Talk about unreal

Believe me my friend, on my first attempt I scored a similar score (21) that was well below my average. I retook the MCAT on November 7th, hoping a 30+ would overlook that.

 

[Liegh5]

Believe me my friend, on my first attempt I scored a similar score (21) that was well below my average. I retook the MCAT on November 7th, hoping a 30+ would overlook that.

Why did you score so low first time?

 

[The Boatox]

Why did you score so low first time?

I had abnormal stomach pains, not sure what caused it to be honest.