what the *$#@ should I do?

[Littlet]

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So I am a reapplicant, who applied last round with a 3.9 Gpa and a 22Q Mcat (6,8,8) and received no interviews, big mistake. I have been self studying for the Mcat and have been scoring 26-29 range on the AAMC's. I got my score back yesterday and I received a 24Q, (9,6,9). Which is perplexing because I was scoring in the 9, and 10's on verbal. So I've exhausted all of my AAMC tests, and am wondering what I should use to prepare for the third retake this summer, I am planning on actually using Kaplan or Princeton Review online course supplemented with some Berkeley Review books. I am not interested in DO or Europe/Caribbean yet because I know I can do well on this exam, I just haven't had the opportunity to give it my full focus yet. Any ideas on how I should prepare and approach the exam for this time? Thanks for any help

 

[tkim]

stick to one prep program, apply broadly. taking the sept MCAT already puts you late for early apps.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

Take a course, it has helped several friends, they increased scores by 6-10pts depending on the person...

 

[Littlet]

Thanks for the replies, but Im not sure which course to take. I've been looking at Princeton Review and Kaplan reviews for the past hour but still not sure which to take.. any better than the other, or equal?

 

[MedBound1]

I thought examkrackers stuff was great. They have books, classes, and audio tapes for your car 🙂 My advice would be to make sure that when you are taking full length tests, you are taking them in a 'test-like' scenario... aka all-at-once with the same designated breaks you would have on the real thing (I know it is absolutely horrible spending your saturday or some other day doing this, but it really helps on the real thing). Be aware that scoring 1-3 points below your AAMC practice tests is pretty much the norm for everyone.

 

[Lederhosen]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=11205875&postcount=909

I used this guys method on studying for the mcat and I brought my score from a 26 up to a 33.

 

[alerk323]

I thought examkrackers stuff was great. They have books, classes, and audio tapes for your car 🙂 My advice would be to make sure that when you are taking full length tests, you are taking them in a 'test-like' scenario... aka all-at-once with the same designated breaks you would have on the real thing (I know it is absolutely horrible spending your saturday or some other day doing this, but it really helps on the real thing). Be aware that scoring 1-3 points below your AAMC practice tests is pretty much the norm for everyone.

I found that between myself and those I've talked to that if you take the practice tests under the same testing environments, you score around your average.

Small N though of course

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

I concur, I took all the practice tests I had (4) as if they were real. First test was the freebie and I took it cold, no studying at all, 22. High was a 29, real test 26.

Now granted, I only studied for 5wks, while taking other classes, and I really just did lots of practice problems, not really working on content... SO, do better than me with your studying and bring your score up!

 

[Littlet]

Thanks for the input guys. The thing is Im out of practice tests, and I want to get in the 30+ range. Im thinking that I could benefit from a course, and take their practice tests as well (seeing that Im out) and perhaps go from there. I was too stubborn to take a course the first two times, and I was taking classes and working part time. My logic is that this round taking a class, having already graduated, I can put my full focus on this beast of an exam.

 

[biolife35]

I am actually taking the Kaplan on Demand course and have to say it's pretty good. They explain well and if you follow it to the T, I'm positive it will help. The only downsides is the price (kind of high for me but I've heard from others that it is good compared to other programs) and the speed of the videos. The instructor goes rather fast but since we're going to med school might as well get used to it huh?

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

This is where med school apps favor the rich. Is 2k-2.5k worth your med school app? I think for most of us it would be in this situation... I know for me it would have been an immediate option if I needed it...

 

[Littlet]

Yeah I'm pretty much between Kaplan and Princeton Review, and kinda leaning towards Princeton because I've used Kaplan books last time, and I want to try something new.

Yeah it def has been a pricy experience so far, but I'm willing to dish out the 2k at this point..

 

[Keepitclassy]

I'd go with Princeton, they have the iPad rebate too if you spend enough money with them.

Make sure you knock this one out of the park, taking the MCAT 3x is frowned upon by some schools, but it's a must in your scenario since a 6 in the verbal will get you auto-screened from most schools.

Get your head in the game, and don't take it until you know you're absolutely ready. Best of luck.

 

[dragonfly99]

I took a live Princeton Review course, back in they day before we had iPADs and we had real books. I can say that it helped me a lot. They also made us show up on Saturdays to take practice exams in an authentic-type environment. It is worth the money if you want to get in to med school.

 

[Littlet]

just signed up with Princeton Review 🙂 How bad do you think an August MCAT will affect me? I have a 3.88 GPA, and plan on submitting my AMCAS asap in June.