When should I start hell ?

[Columbia09]

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So my Sophomore year ended about 3 weeks ago and now I'm home for the summer. This summer consists of me shadowing, taking physics 1 & 2, and volunteering at a rehab center and hospital. I wonder if I should add something else here, studying for the MCATs, I plan on taking them next August but I'm contemplating going to barnes and nobles and buying one of those books. I'm not that great of a standardize test taker, only got a 21 on my ACTs, so I need a lot of time to study. I'm aiming for D.O and podiatry school with a few M.D schools in mind so maybe my goal is mid to high 20s. I have a 3.86 GPA so when should I start studying? What books do you guys recommend?

 

[gettheleadout]

After you have a better attitude about it?

But really, going into MCAT prep with a negative mindset will only make it more unpleasant.

When you say "next August" do you mean August 2013? If so you would want to begin prep around right now. Also, the only prep books you'll find at B&N (likely only Kaplan and Barron's if your B&N is like mine) will suck compared to what else is available. See the Breaking Down the MCAT thread stickied in this forum for a list of good materials. I also wouldn't recommend studying for the MCAT, especially if you feel you'll be at a disadvantage performance-wise compared to the average test-taker, with the schedule you have (even if you're only shooting for a DO and pod-competitive score).

As a side note, it's "MCAT," singular.

 

[mcgst9]

So my Sophomore year ended about 3 weeks ago and now I'm home for the summer. This summer consists of me shadowing, taking physics 1 & 2, and volunteering at a rehab center and hospital. I wonder if I should add something else here, studying for the MCATs, I plan on taking them next August but I'm contemplating going to barnes and nobles and buying one of those books. I'm not that great of a standardize test taker, only got a 21 on my ACTs, so I need a lot of time to study. I'm aiming for D.O and podiatry school with a few M.D schools in mind so maybe my goal is mid to high 20s. I have a 3.86 GPA so when should I start studying? What books do you guys recommend?

If you are taking it August 2014, then wait until the next two semesters is over before starting to study. Even that is ample amount of time if you don't have school.

If you are taking it this August, start studying in the next week or so. Go on Amazon and order TPR and EK books. Those are the ones I have personally had benefit from. You can easily get through each one of the EK books in a day, a day and a half tops. TPR is about 1100 pages or something, and is easy to read through as well. I would recommend reading through these materials twice before taking practice exams, then look for the mistakes that you make. I personally make stupid mistakes such as not reading the axis of graphs and looking at it the wrong way, but I know the material.


As for your attitude? Don't listen to the guy above me, nobody enjoys the MCAT and nobody enjoys studying for it. It's work, and it will never be anything but work. But make sure you take pride in your work.

 

[Columbia09]

It is August 2014

 

[mcgst9]

It is August 2014

I would not start studying yet then. If you waited til next may to start, that would still probably be ample time.

But I do recommend TPR and EK.

 

[Columbia09]

I looked on amazon. The EK complete set is from 2007 meaning it still has that taken out writing section. I didn't see a more up to date one.

 

[brood910]

Dont listen to ppl who say 3 months is "ample" because it depends on YOU..
If you are not doing anything else while studying for it, it should be ample unless you lack basics, but like I said, know your own capability.

 

[mcgst9]

I looked on amazon. The EK complete set is from 2007 meaning it still has that taken out writing section. I didn't see a more up to date one.

http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-...1368900777&sr=8-8&keywords=exam+krackers+mcat

http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-...1368900777&sr=8-9&keywords=exam+krackers+mcat

http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-...368900777&sr=8-13&keywords=exam+krackers+mcat

http://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-...1368900777&sr=8-4&keywords=exam+krackers+mcat

I used those books, with the exception of the biology one.

Dont listen to ppl who say 3 months is "ample" because it depends on YOU..
If you are not doing anything else while studying for it, it should be ample unless you lack basics, but like I said, know your own capability.

The reason I said it should be ample time is because the EK books are a mere 100-120 pages long including in chapter questions.

It's really not a whole lot of material. But as you said, if they are busy 24/7, then it may be a little bit difficult. I imagine most people who study for the MCAT aren't busy in the summer though.

 

[gettheleadout]

As for your attitude? Don't listen to the guy above me, nobody enjoys the MCAT and nobody enjoys studying for it. It's work, and it will never be anything but work. But make sure you take pride in your work.

🙄

My advice goes for everything in life; attitude at the outset of any endeavor will shape your experience. Further, I actually enjoy the studying (I like the material, I like feeling productive, I like succeeding and seeing my own progress, etc.), so that was easy to disprove.

 

[TexasSurgeon]

So my Sophomore year ended about 3 weeks ago and now I'm home for the summer. This summer consists of me shadowing, taking physics 1 & 2, and volunteering at a rehab center and hospital. I wonder if I should add something else here, studying for the MCATs, I plan on taking them next August but I'm contemplating going to barnes and nobles and buying one of those books. I'm not that great of a standardize test taker, only got a 21 on my ACTs, so I need a lot of time to study. I'm aiming for D.O and podiatry school with a few M.D schools in mind so maybe my goal is mid to high 20s. I have a 3.86 GPA so when should I start studying? What books do you guys recommend?

So you're going to be taking physics 1&2 while doing all this stuff, and you want to see if you should add something else?! Maybe you should start studying right now ahead of time before classes start for summer. Summer physics is a lot of studying and concepts that need to be put together. Honestly, maybe even cut a bit down? Do well in school, and the rest will follow 🙂

 

[valkener]

Apply broadly for both MD and DO schools. Don't just pick "a few". See my sig for book recommendations if you like.

 

[Columbia09]

I'm worried now because the MCAT won't be scored until 30 days after I take it. Which means I won't get a score until September and my primary app won't be sent out until then. That will be a late application correct ?

 

[gettheleadout]

I'm worried now because the MCAT won't be scored until 30 days after I take it. Which means I won't get a score until September and my primary app won't be sent out until then. That will be a late application correct ?

Very much so.

 

[Columbia09]

So now I'm at a crossroad. Is it better to have a higher score and apply late, or is it better to have a lower score and apply early ? Any advice on when U should take it ?

 

[Mehd School]

🙄

My advice goes for everything in life; attitude at the outset of any endeavor will shape your experience. Further, I actually enjoy the studying (I like the material, I like feeling productive, I like succeeding and seeing my own progress, etc.), so that was easy to disprove.

Agreed 100%. OP, this stuff is peanuts compared to the standardized exams we'll have in medical school. You barely passed Step 1? Too bad, can't retake.

If you go in this with the attitude you have you're going to feel like it is kicking your ass. I actually enjoy studying for it (somewhat) and am doing well and it still kicks my ass some days. Go at it with confidence and a willingness to buckle down or it may be the reason you end up an accountant. The MCAT is not out to get you.

So now I'm at a crossroad. Is it better to have a higher score and apply late, or is it better to have a lower score and apply early ? Any advice on when U should take it ?

Considering you're planning so far ahead, why can't you take it in May 2014 or June? Will your pre-req's be finished by then?

 

[Columbia09]

Agreed 100%. OP, this stuff is peanuts compared to the standardized exams we'll have in medical school. You barely passed Step 1? Too bad, can't retake.

If you go in this with the attitude you have you're going to feel like it is kicking your ass. I actually enjoy studying for it (somewhat) and am doing well and it still kicks my ass some days. Go at it with confidence and a willingness to buckle down or it may be the reason you end up an accountant. The MCAT is not out to get you.



Considering you're planning so far ahead, why can't you take it in May 2014 or June? Will your pre-req's be finished by then?

They will be done this summer

 

[dsoz]

Take it earlier.

I started studying at Christmas break, worked a full time job and took a four credit class at the same time. I took the test in March at spring break. That was enough time for me because my life has been immersed in most of the material (except for the O chem).

If you start your study now on the subjects that you have already passed (bio, gen chem, O chem?) it will help keep some of the ideas fresh in your head. Then in the fall, after you take physics, you can continue to review it too. Then as you keep taking classes, use your spare time to look at MCAT stuff.

Take the exam in May or June at the latest the year you plan on applying. But only if your practice exams are a couple of points higher than your desired score.

Go into it hoping for a 30, but be happy with a 27 if you want to attend DO schools. For MD, hope for a 33, but be happy with a 30.

dsoz

 

[Mehd School]

Also, the only prep books you'll find at B&N (likely only Kaplan and Barron's if your B&N is like mine) will suck compared to what else is available.

My local B&N has princeton books as well as Kaplan and Barron's. I can't comment on TPR as I've never really used them but I do think that they're different books than one gets buy purchasing the class.

 

[EyesOfTheWorld]

For someone who is planning to take the MCAT in May 2014, when is a good time to start studying considering I will have classes in the spring 2014 semester? I'll try to schedule a light load so I can dedicate a lot of time to MCAT studying. Would 3-4 months be ample time while still putting work in for Junior level courses or should I try to study for longer?

Sorry to hijack the thread, my situation seemed relevant and the info will be good for OP if he/she decides to take the MCAT in May 2014 as well! 🙂

 

[Mehd School]

For someone who is planning to take the MCAT in May 2014, when is a good time to start studying considering I will have classes in the spring 2014 semester? I'll try to schedule a light load so I can dedicate a lot of time to MCAT studying. Would 3-4 months be ample time while still putting work in for Junior level courses or should I try to study for longer?

Sorry to hijack the thread, my situation seemed relevant and the info will be good for OP if he/she decides to take the MCAT in May 2014 as well! 🙂

First off, make sure you have completed at the very least all of your prerequisites before starting to prep. I took various upper level Biology and Chemistry courses that have been significant aid in mcat prep. I can't imagine taking the test with only the bare minimum pre-req's, as I'm only scoring 30's with my deep background. Many people have pulled it off, though.

Secondly, this semester I did exactly what you plan to do. I advise you to start studying as soon as your Christmas break begins. Yes, that seems very early, and it is. I took an extremely light load and even with that over the course of Jan - May I lost a cumulative 4+ weeks where the MCAT simply had to take the back seat to school. I lost 1.5 weeks due to finals ... which ended last week. I take the MCAT in 10 days. I don't recommend this.

I also got a semester GPA of 3.6 (4 A's and 1 C), which is very low considering my recent grades and how easy my classes were. You need to plan way ahead if you're going to be prepping while taking classes. Don't underestimate it.

Lastly, make a schedule and make the necessary adjustments for the first 2 weeks or so, then stick to it.

 

[EyesOfTheWorld]

That's incredibly helpful! Thanks so much for the advice. 🙂 I wish you luck on the MCAT, but you wont need it as it sounds like you know what you're doing and you've prepared well.