I was wondering if you guys took MCAT's. How was your experience like studying for it and actually doing the Test it self? And was it really tough and challenging?
2006-08-25 15:00:18 · 5 answers · asked by jay z 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Also mention any prep courses you took and if they were any helpful and possibly if you could mention briefly how they work for you or not. lol
2006-08-25 15:19:20 · update #1
I didn't find the questions difficult. I found the time frame challenging. Being dislexic, I read fairly slowly.
If you study the concepts of physics, a good amount of first and second year biology, and are good at writing a convincing essay you will have no trouble.
The essays are usually on current affairs style topics that are controversial - like support or refute the statement:
"The war effort in ________ is doomed to failure because of a lack of popular support."
or something about abortion or other touchy subjects.
Good luck, and be sure to study body systems.
2006-08-25 15:13:16 · answer #1 · answered by Loulabelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i believe i had a kaplan mcat book but i did not take any prep courses. if you can keep yourself on a good schedule studying and you understand the material, you should be fine to study on your own. start really really early (like the year before), study everything, take as many practice tests as you can, then analyze the areas you need work on and go over them again.
timed full length practice tests are really important to get a feel for the tests. test prep practice tests (Kaplan, etc) give you really good explanations of answers which help you work on your weak points but the AAMC R series will be best simulated experience because they are actually the old official tests. talk to other premeds at your school, and you'll probably be able to find somebody who has pdf copies they don't mind sharing, or you can go in on buying them with a couple other people to split the cost.
part of studying is memorizing, part of it is analysis. the mcat tests your knowledge and your ability to think critically to link concepts and ideas. that gets really hard by the 6th or 7th hour. therefor the test is very tough even if you are well prepared.
i had a harder time studying for it than taking the test. keeping myself on schedule was really difficult for me. showing up for the test and not panicing so that i could focus and do my best was far easier...even when they line you up and fingerprint you like you're going to prison. it will be mentally exhausting though. there's short breaks between each of the sections. i used them to stretch out whether i thought i needed it or not (don't pull anything) then ended with a little quiet meditation to recenter myself so i could get right back into the next section without wasting time. during the half hour lunch i needed to both move and relax. luckily i could take off down the block to my apartment and blast some music. i don't recommend leaving though. blast music sitting in the parking lot or bring an mp3 player instead
2006-08-26 00:08:53 · answer #2 · answered by corin_li 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took the Kaplan prep course, which was a waste of money. The test was really challenging, but the biggest issue is learning the test format (including time constraints). The best practice is taking practice tests untimed and than timed.
If you want to refresh on basic science concepts, just get some review books. I just threw a bunch out. Wish this was posted awhile ago.
2006-08-25 22:16:13 · answer #3 · answered by Chris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i took the princeton review private tutoring. i dont regret spending the money,1700. it was well worth it. it teaches you HOW to take the test. first the questions are like nothing you have ever seen and you have never taken a test that long. you need such stratagies. I was sick over half the time (between jan and april)and couldnt study and got a 31. my cousin took the course(which i think is better) and got a 33. If i hadnt been sick and had had the course i would have gotten the 35 i was shooting for. trust me it is your future and its not like it is that much money compared to med school go princeton review. I cant even explain how excellent the course is. If you have any questions dont hesitate to contact me. I know a very excellent way to make medical school better than FREE, i can get you paid to go. GOOD LUCK
2006-09-02 08:43:31 · answer #4 · answered by doc2be 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your local book store and buy Kaplan prep book. They cost about 80 bucks. MCAT covers phyiscs I and II, Gen Chem I and II, Organic Chem I and II, Biology, and Microbiology. Also covers reading and writing.
You need a lot of time to prep for this test. It took me about 2 years to prep...
Good luck!
2006-08-26 00:03:22 · answer #5 · answered by Peter 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋