Tips to raise BS?

[deleted444768]

I'm doing okay on PS and VR, but my weakest section is definitely BS. Any tips on how to improve quick?

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[fas376]

I'm doing okay on PS and VR, but my weakest section is definitely BS. Any tips on how to improve quick?

Well, it depends on a number of things...
When is your test?
Are you doing poorly in OChem, Bio, or both?
Have you covered all the material?

Come on bro, you can't expect us to give you tips without knowing where you stand

 

[deleted444768]

Well, it depends on a number of things...
When is your test?
Are you doing poorly in OChem, Bio, or both?
Have you covered all the material?

Come on bro, you can't expect us to give you tips without knowing where you stand

Test is in 3 weeks. I'm definitely better in orgo than bio. And yeah, I've covered everything (EK Bio).

 

[nwmedapplicant]

Test is in 3 weeks. I'm definitely better in orgo than bio. And yeah, I've covered everything (EK Bio).

Since you've already covered everything in EK once. Maybe skimming this site as it mirrors the study guidelines for the MCAT listed by the AAMC:

http://mcat-review.org/biology.php


This site has been amazing for me organizing content for review (making sure you cover all bases).

If you're comfortable with all the review and it's simply testing performance: maybe purchasing some of the discrete tests from one of the many prep course sites would help?

gl in three weeks!!👍

 

[MedPR]

Test is in 3 weeks. I'm definitely better in orgo than bio. And yeah, I've covered everything (EK Bio).

Figure out what part of bio you are weak in. Here's a short list of broad topics.

Cell Bio
Genetics
Microbes
Endocrine
Kidney
Digestive
Neuro
Cardio
Respiratory
Skeletal

Then go from there. A lot of the physio is better to understand but memorization will work for the MCAT.

 

[slwnstdy]

I was able to raise my BS score 4 points from my first AAMC practice test to my last.

Bio (not orgo) was my weakest subject since it has been 5+ years since I took it.
For me the EK was not nearly enough.

I used Khan academy extensively, I watched every single one of his biology videos (taking notes--pausing--re-watching) and about half of his health care videos. I referred back to my Human Physiology textbook. I also filled out the AAMC Biology Outline with all of my own notes. I also used the website listed above. Finally, I found another good video resource online youtube videos by "bozeman biology" AP/IB biology review.

I took the 3/24 test--so I can't say whether this method got me the score you or I would want.

However, I saw significant improvement in my practice scores and felt confident about my efforts in the BS section.

Good luck!

 

[MMPman]

I'm doing okay on PS and VR, but my weakest section is definitely BS. Any tips on how to improve quick?

I jumped from a 6 (AAMC #3) on my diagnostic to a 13 on the BS section of my real test. I used just about every source out there. My best advice is to approach the BS section similarly to the VR section. The actual exam was much more dependent on test taking abilities rather than biological knowledge.

In my opinion, the best books for practice problems are The Berkeley Reviews. Their chapter reviews for BS are way too long, but their practice problems, though not necessarily similar to the AAMCs, are very good practice for combining knowledge with test taking skills.

No offense to the above poster suggesting Kahn Academy, but the best way, in my opinion, to improve quickly is to do lots of practice problems. It allows for review and practicing test questions at the same time.

Good Luck!

 

[deleted444768]

Yeah I was thinking of doing a bunch of TBR passages on the days I'm not taking a FL. I'm being optimistic and hoping that sharpening my test-taking skills will raise the score.

 

[DirkFor3]

Bio is just one of those weird sections because no matter what you do, there's always going to be something that you've never seen before. With about 3 weeks left, I'd just suggest running through whatever bio book you have one more time and seeing what happens

 

[slwnstdy]

No offense taken 👍

I think it really depends on your learning style.
It worked for me--but I know it doesn't work for everyone!

Again good luck to the OP--find what works best for you!

I jumped from a 6 (AAMC #3) on my diagnostic to a 13 on the BS section of my real test. I used just about every source out there. My best advice is to approach the BS section similarly to the VR section. The actual exam was much more dependent on test taking abilities rather than biological knowledge.

In my opinion, the best books for practice problems are The Berkeley Reviews. Their chapter reviews for BS are way too long, but their practice problems, though not necessarily similar to the AAMCs, are very good practice for combining knowledge with test taking skills.

No offense to the above poster suggesting Kahn Academy, but the best way, in my opinion, to improve quickly is to do lots of practice problems. It allows for review and practicing test questions at the same time.

Good Luck!

 

[deleted444768]

Are TBR bio passages regarded as hard?

 

[rjosh33]

Are TBR bio passages regarded as hard?

Yes. Though some I'd regard as evil.

 

[Swagster]

I thought one or two per chapter were crazy hard, but the rest were pretty on par with my MCAT.

The thing I'd recommend beyond just doing passages is to read journals. Learn to figure out what's going on in research experiments.

 

[MedPR]

Are TBR bio passages regarded as hard?

They can be very hard if you have little to no background knowledge. Probably all of them are hard if all you know is EK bio.

If you have decent background knowledge, the TBR passages aren't terrible, but they are still harder than AAMCs imo.