Who else studied on their own and did well without taking a class?

[JRmed41]

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I heavily debated whether to take a class or not, but in the end I decided I never really learned a lot from lectures in school and would probably just do better on my own (plus the cost is huge). In the end I was fairly happy with my score with the exception of a lame writing score and a slightly lower ps.

PS - 8
V - 11
BS - 12

31 N

How did other people who studied on their own do?

 

[smuwillobrien]

I heavily debated whether to take a class or not, but in the end I decided I never really learned a lot from lectures in school and would probably just do better on my own (plus the cost is huge). In the end I was fairly happy with my score with the exception of a lame writing score and a slightly lower ps.

PS - 8
V - 11
BS - 12

31 N

How did other people who studied on their own do?

If you want to know exactly how I studied check my post history for 'My MCAT Story'. I studied completely on my own - with only ExamKrackers, Audio Osmosis, and AAMC by my side.

PS - 13
VR - 11
BS - 12

36Q

I'm more than happy about how it turned out, and I'm glad I didn't waste what time I did have to study in a classroom being bored - I hate going at other people's pace. I think it's best to do a once over of the material, find weaknesses, work on them, and practice.

To each their own. =]

 

[solitude]

I used EK Comprehensive Review, EK101Verbal, and Kaplan and AAMC practice tests and scored 40S. If you have a lot of motivation, prep courses are worthless.

I heavily debated whether to take a class or not, but in the end I decided I never really learned a lot from lectures in school and would probably just do better on my own (plus the cost is huge). In the end I was fairly happy with my score with the exception of a lame writing score and a slightly lower ps.

PS - 8
V - 11
BS - 12

31 N

How did other people who studied on their own do?

 

[Quix]

32T (11 PS, 11 VR, 10 BS)

I just bought the Kaplan books (Comprehensive Review, BS/PS Flashcards, and Practice Exams) and thoroughly abused Panera's free coffee refill policy.

EDIT: Added the scoring breakdown.

 

[kdburton]

I heavily debated whether to take a class or not, but in the end I decided I never really learned a lot from lectures in school and would probably just do better on my own (plus the cost is huge). In the end I was fairly happy with my score with the exception of a lame writing score and a slightly lower ps.

PS - 8
V - 11
BS - 12

31 N

How did other people who studied on their own do?

I used the EK complete package, audio osmosis, EK Verbal 101, and all of the AAMC practice exams and got PS14, VR9, BS9, N (32N). I'm exremely happy with the PS and VR, but my BS score was the lower than any of my practice scores (usually at least 10-11), so I wish I could have pulle that off on the real deal.

 

[viper2fast505]

I was too poor to take any classes, what do they cost like 2 grand or something. I did it all on my own and i am very happy with my score. Now maybe Kaplan will hire me to teach those classes I couldnt take

 

[physiologyguy]

PS - 13
V - 9
BS - 12

34R

Used exclusively EK prep and AAMC practive exams.

Last 5 practices averages about 34. Had one 29 the week before the exam (AAMC 8 - a ballbuster), and a high of 37. Glad not to blow it on the real thing!

 

[hp540]

39Q

Used only Kaplan's comphrehensive review as a guide to what I should study
AAMC exams as a test of my knowledge.

Plus, I dont think i could afford a course (and I've talked to way too many people who told me they're not worth it)

 

[juventusman31]

37Q.

I used Kaplan Premier, Kaplan 45 and TP 2004. AAMC exams 3-8. I also read thru my genetics and biochem textbooks. All in all, I studied from late May to mid Aug.

Had I taken the exam during the school year, I probably would have taken a review class (plunking down so much money would force me to study), but I was able to provide enough drive/motivation to study over the summer (if only I left a little bit of motivation for the school year...)

 

[theunremarkable]

I studied for about 1.5 months on my own because I couldnt afford an MCAT prep course. I was also taking Physics I while studying so that helped. . I got a 30N. I didnt care too much about writing as you can tell.

 

[mprover]

I studied for 3 weeks for about 6-8 hours a day. Used kaplan practice tests , aamc tests, and kaplan books ( although I liked the pr books better, I had to work with what I had) . Got pretty drunk the thursday before the test, wasnt a good idea , but whatevs. Ended up with a 33 P/V/B 12,11,10

 

[DrCurious]

32R 8 hrs a day for 1.5 months.

 

[Trismegistus4]

Kids, don't try this at home.

I used the Examkrackers books. I started out back in May, with the intention of following their recommended protocol: read the chapter through once; read it again while taking notes, highlighting, and doing the in-chapter questions; take the end-of-chapter exam; and read the chapter through a third time. I planned to do one lecture per day, leaving me with plenty of time closer to the exam to review and fill in my knowledge from textbooks. I also planned to look up each of the listed MCAT topics from the guide on the AAMC website in my textbooks and read about them., which is something that was recommended to me as being very important since AAMC changes the test content all the time and no prep company is perfect. I also bought Examkrackers' 101 Passages in Verbal Reasoning.

I didn't get very far, though. I procrastinated like crazy, and with probably about 2 weeks left to exam time, had done only about half the lectures. I gave up on Examkrackers' advice, and just started rushing through the lectures while making flashcards, doing the in-chapter questions, doing the end-of-chapter exam, and then moving right on. I never got around to reading my textbooks at all. Sometime on Tuesday or Wednesday before the exam, I finished, leaving me time to take the Examkracker's practice test that comes with the books, and 2 AAMC practice tests. (Yes, I took one on Friday, which is universally not recommended.) I never touched the 101 Passages in Verbal Reasoning, nor did I ever practice writing samples, nor did I ever look at the other 3 AAMC practice tests I bought. I did listen to Audo Osmosis while driving and riding the train, but I didn't get all the way through its organic lectures and there were a few bad tracks on the physics and bio CDs (I had copies), so I didn't listen to the whole thing.

My scores: 14V, 13P, 13B, writing S. 40S.

Moral of the story: do as I say, not as I do. I am certain that the plan I originally intended to follow would work very well for many people; I'm also certain that what I actually did would not work at all for anyone, except George in the episode of Seinfeld where he discovers that doing the exact opposite of what seems right makes things go great for him, which is how I feel after my MCAT experience.

 

[deleted102545]

I did Examkrackers Physics, Orgo, and Chem books (bought Bio and Verbal but didn't touch them...what a waste of money), AudioOsmosis, and all AAMC practice tests. All of it in under 10 weeks. I went from 28 to 34. It is possible guys, just keep your head down and power through.

 

[smuwillobrien]

Kids, don't try this at home.

I used the Examkrackers books. I started out back in May, with the intention of following their recommended protocol: read the chapter through once; read it again while taking notes, highlighting, and doing the in-chapter questions; take the end-of-chapter exam; and read the chapter through a third time. I planned to do one lecture per day, leaving me with plenty of time closer to the exam to review and fill in my knowledge from textbooks. I also planned to look up each of the listed MCAT topics from the guide on the AAMC website in my textbooks and read about them., which is something that was recommended to me as being very important since AAMC changes the test content all the time and no prep company is perfect. I also bought Examkrackers' 101 Passages in Verbal Reasoning.

I didn't get very far, though. I procrastinated like crazy, and with probably about 2 weeks left to exam time, had done only about half the lectures. I gave up on Examkrackers' advice, and just started rushing through the lectures while making flashcards, doing the in-chapter questions, doing the end-of-chapter exam, and then moving right on. I never got around to reading my textbooks at all. Sometime on Tuesday or Wednesday before the exam, I finished, leaving me time to take the Examkracker's practice test that comes with the books, and 2 AAMC practice tests. (Yes, I took one on Friday, which is universally not recommended.) I never touched the 101 Passages in Verbal Reasoning, nor did I ever practice writing samples, nor did I ever look at the other 3 AAMC practice tests I bought. I did listen to Audo Osmosis while driving and riding the train, but I didn't get all the way through its organic lectures and there were a few bad tracks on the physics and bio CDs (I had copies), so I didn't listen to the whole thing.

My scores: 14V, 13P, 13B, writing S. 40S.

Moral of the story: do as I say, not as I do. I am certain that the plan I originally intended to follow would work very well for many people; I'm also certain that what I actually did would not work at all for anyone, except George in the episode of Seinfeld where he discovers that doing the exact opposite of what seems right makes things go great for him, which is how I feel after my MCAT experience.

Hi. I'm George. I'm unemployed and I live with my parents.

I love that episode.

 

[choklad]

I started studying in May mostly during weekends for around 3-4 hours. I didn't have any MCAT-specific materials with me, so I relied on textbooks, esp since my memory on Orgo and Physics was very hazy. It was quite a trial and error, really, since not all books were appropriate. Around June I started Audio Osmosis, listening to them during commute. 2 weeks before the exam, I got my hands on a Kaplan book, but I didn't finish it in time. I only started the AAMC tests in my last week of studying, didn't even have time to review them carefully. This might be why I didn't get a better score.

I don't think prep classes are necessary, unless you have a couple grand to spare. The most important thing is to have discipline in your self-study!

 

[87138]

I used the EK complete package, audio osmosis, EK Verbal 101, and all of the AAMC practice exams

I used exactly the same resources.

VR: 10
PS: 13
BS: 10
WS: Q


33Q



slightly disappointed with my BS, although after all the weird genetics stuff on My form, I'll takea 10 I guess.

 

[DrBowtie]

I did. If you can make a study plan and stick to it, you should do well. I was great at making the plan, but wasn't very good at sticking to it, but it turned out well in the end.

Know yourself well enough to know if you can study independantly.

 

[gujuDoc]

Nutmeg who posts on the subforum got a 40 on it when he took it a few years ago without any course or much studying. Don't try this at home, but he studied like less then a few days before the test, or is that few hours before the test.

But he was a chem engineer and molecular bio major at a good school in California. So that tells you something about the kind of preparation he had in school for the MCAT.

Anastasis who got a 41Q used the EK material and AAMC tests. Maybe they can come in here and disclose what they did.

 

[JBob330]

I scored a 32R.

I used Kaplan books and the AMCAS practice tests. I could not afford the time or the money for a prep course.

 

[H and D]

For me it was a matter of finances, I simply did not have the $ to take a class. Plus I am pretty well organized and motivated so I wasn't too concerned about staying on task.
I followed the EK's 10 week study plan almost to the letter and tried extremely hard not to get behind (side note, start this plan 12 weeks before the test so you have more time for a final review). I listed to AO every time I was in the car. I also supplemented with NOVA's MCAT subject reviews (the physics one is really good) and the KAPLAN review book.
Here is my breakdown:
11PS
10V
12BS
33Q

My verbal scores had been higher on my practice tests but I can live with a 10.

 

[xylem29]

Yep - self study and did well.

 

[Foolins]

39 S
There was no way i'd ever pay that much money for a course, considering that i'd still have to go home and study myself.
I used the Gold standard book, the examkrackers 101 verbal passages, and the AAMC exams.
Also, when i didn't understand something on the AAMC topic list, i'd google it, or look in one of my basic first year science books.

 

[lmno]

I spent a little over a month studying using kaplan books and aamc tests. I was pretty happy with the results that yielded:

33Q 13P, 11V, 9B

Also, I never practiced the writing and actually read through some examples for the first time during the lunch break the day of the test (that was stupid), but what I expected to be a J or L turned out to be a Q.

 

[xcgirl]

I used exactly the same resources.

VR: 10
PS: 13
BS: 10
WS: Q


33Q



slightly disappointed with my BS, although after all the weird genetics stuff on My form, I'll takea 10 I guess.

Hmm...*joins the club*. I also used EK books, 1001 series, aamc tests, and AO. I couldn't get a copy of 1001 bio book and I blame that for my disappointing BS score [started with a 28, got up to a high of 36, studied from late may --> test]
P 12, V 13, W Q, B 10

 

[Anastasis]

If you're motivated to study on your own and you're good at sticking to a schedule, it's completely possible to do well studying on your own.

If you're only so-so at either, then it might be worth dishing out the cash for the class.

 

[gujuDoc]

Kids, don't try this at home.

I used the Examkrackers books. I started out back in May, with the intention of following their recommended protocol: read the chapter through once; read it again while taking notes, highlighting, and doing the in-chapter questions; take the end-of-chapter exam; and read the chapter through a third time. I planned to do one lecture per day, leaving me with plenty of time closer to the exam to review and fill in my knowledge from textbooks. I also planned to look up each of the listed MCAT topics from the guide on the AAMC website in my textbooks and read about them., which is something that was recommended to me as being very important since AAMC changes the test content all the time and no prep company is perfect. I also bought Examkrackers' 101 Passages in Verbal Reasoning.

I didn't get very far, though. I procrastinated like crazy, and with probably about 2 weeks left to exam time, had done only about half the lectures. I gave up on Examkrackers' advice, and just started rushing through the lectures while making flashcards, doing the in-chapter questions, doing the end-of-chapter exam, and then moving right on. I never got around to reading my textbooks at all. Sometime on Tuesday or Wednesday before the exam, I finished, leaving me time to take the Examkracker's practice test that comes with the books, and 2 AAMC practice tests. (Yes, I took one on Friday, which is universally not recommended.) I never touched the 101 Passages in Verbal Reasoning, nor did I ever practice writing samples, nor did I ever look at the other 3 AAMC practice tests I bought. I did listen to Audo Osmosis while driving and riding the train, but I didn't get all the way through its organic lectures and there were a few bad tracks on the physics and bio CDs (I had copies), so I didn't listen to the whole thing.

My scores: 14V, 13P, 13B, writing S. 40S.

Moral of the story: do as I say, not as I do. I am certain that the plan I originally intended to follow would work very well for many people; I'm also certain that what I actually did would not work at all for anyone, except George in the episode of Seinfeld where he discovers that doing the exact opposite of what seems right makes things go great for him, which is how I feel after my MCAT experience.

Ha Trimegistus,

You should talk with Severus. She went to the same college as you did for your undergrad. Now she works at UPenn. That's coincidence for you. 🙂

 

[socal78]

i was too poor to take a class, plus i was taking ochemII over the summer. I think if i didn't go to summer session and party it up every weekend i would of done better. i used exam crackers and took some practice tests. Im happy with my score, but will take the test again if i don't get in this cycle.

11vr 10bs 10ps

 

[Igor4sugry]

11VR 12PS 11BS ->34

Kaplan Science Review 2005: $23.50 (Amazon)
4 AAMC Practice exams: $120.00
Total: $143.50

I studied by reviewing all the required science material 3 times.
Started end of May, ended week before MCAT

 

[Trismegistus4]

Ha Trimegistus,

You should talk with Severus. She went to the same college as you did for your undergrad. Now she works at UPenn. That's coincidence for you. 🙂

Severus and I have already run into each other on here. Want another coincidence? I now work at CHOP, which is just next door to Penn. I wonder if I've seen her on the street and don't even know it? 🙂

 

[gujuDoc]

Severus and I have already run into each other on here. Want another coincidence? I now work at CHOP, which is just next door to Penn. I wonder if I've seen her on the street and don't even know it? 🙂

Good luck man!! I'm sure you and her are going to kick butt this cycle.

 

[ssquared]

As someone who paid for and took the Kaplan class, I say DON'T pay for it. It's a waste of time and money. I gave up on the Kaplan books towards the end at studied from EK instead. I think that had I just started out with EK in the beginning I would have done much better. My score isn't terrible (31R) but I think it would have been higher had I not wasted so much time sitting in Kaplan classes (3 hrs per class x 3 times per week = a whole lotta time watching the kids in my class ask inane questions). Buy EK and some AAMC exams and you'll be fine. This is especially true because you never know who will end up in your prep classes, and if you're like me, you'll end up in a class with a bunch of people who haven't taken orgo, physics, or upper level bio and needed their hand held the whole way.

Oh, and those Kaplan full-lengths just destroyed my self-esteem. My last full-length before the actual thing was a 25, whereas on AAMC 8 I got something more like a 30. So there ya go.

 

[xylem29]

As someone who paid for and took the Kaplan class, I say DON'T pay for it. It's a waste of time and money. I gave up on the Kaplan books towards the end at studied from EK instead. I think that had I just started out with EK in the beginning I would have done much better. My score isn't terrible (31R) but I think it would have been higher had I not wasted so much time sitting in Kaplan classes (3 hrs per class x 3 times per week = a whole lotta time watching the kids in my class ask inane questions). Buy EK and some AAMC exams and you'll be fine. This is especially true because you never know who will end up in your prep classes, and if you're like me, you'll end up in a class with a bunch of people who haven't taken orgo, physics, or upper level bio and needed their hand held the whole way.

Oh, and those Kaplan full-lengths just destroyed my self-esteem. My last full-length before the actual thing was a 25, whereas on AAMC 8 I got something more like a 30. So there ya go.

Oh damn, so I will def have to know my stuff then if I become a teacher for kaplan.......

 

[liquid_krystale]

about 3 months of procrastination....then 2 hours a day studying average 3 days a week till test date. I used old Princeton books because I heard from a friend they were better...and I have to say the questions they asked were definitely more in depth than Kaplan.
I got a 35P (11BS 13PS 11VR P-W), which I'm more than happy with seeing as how I'm quite undisciplined. =)