jameslynton
08-08-2006, 11:57 AM
Things to do between now and the August 19 MCAT test
Please don’t PM for advice – It is all here.
Call this your last minute rush to get ready for the MCAT
First, how many simulation tests have you done????
You can still get a good four or five in between now and the test date.
Please use the old tests:
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/practicetests.htm
Second, work on your basic skills – the number one skill tested is reading and comprehension – you still have time to speed up before the test you also can improve your comprehension. There are tons of nice speeding reading books and software available to up you words per minute and comprehension. Do speed reading drills daily at least 10 to 30 minutes – these will increase your score because you can cover and understand more material come test day. Some of the questions can be a page and a half
on the test - and this happened last year on my test - the problem statement was different from the write up and was one paragraph out of 22. I think it was like 4 or 5 from the end. However, you had to read the whole thing to see the shift and get the correct questions.
Third, Review basic organic chemistry, biological principles daily along with physics and chemistry principles. All the stuff you learned in the intro classes. Know how to do your moles calculations, figure solutions, F=MA friction, ballistics and basic chemistry and physics equations. Review them work problems. Some people don’t believe it but several of the questions last year involved calculating moles for a molecule – don’t blow the easy stuff.
Fourth, read some hard books like “Gone with the wind” daily for a few pages. Read several pages for speed. Then question yourself on what you just read. Be critical in your reading - not a mindless drone!!!!
Fifth, if you are not doing one to two to timed practice test sections on at least a verbal and science daily – this is only about two to three hours a day. You will not be prepared!!! Testing prepares you for the real test by working that muscle between your ears...
Always do a verbal with a science a day between now and the tests.
REMENBER - The Verbal test is the best predictor of Medical school success!!! They will throw several hard as rocks passages at you!!!
SO - Do tons of verbal questions – learn the methods of what scores the questions correctly – read the answers first – then read the passage looking for the answers – But realize you will have to bridge some of the answers. Get fast - in my test room last year less than 10% finished reading the verbal and most people told me they guessed at about 25% of the questions.
Lastly, on the day before – take it easy – do some physical activity. Get you drinks and food ready.
On test day - Don’t be put off by the Kaplan students with their flash cards. Or the BMOC swagger about talking how they are going to kill the exam. Last year several of these type left my exam room on the first test in tears and did not return. Last year the Kaplan students with their flashcards were reviewing organic molecules before the Bio test. Guess what? Not a one of those molecules showed up on the exam. However, basic organic and biological principles did.
Some Be Sures
1. to exercise daily
2. Eat good food with protein daily
3. Sleep well each night
4. Don’t stress over this test
5. Stay focused as you read and prep for the test
6. Read for recreation - don't watch TV - work your brain.
7. stay relaxed - be confident
8. Timed test daily for an hour to and hour and half
Please don’t PM for advice – It is all here.
Call this your last minute rush to get ready for the MCAT
First, how many simulation tests have you done????
You can still get a good four or five in between now and the test date.
Please use the old tests:
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/practicetests.htm
Second, work on your basic skills – the number one skill tested is reading and comprehension – you still have time to speed up before the test you also can improve your comprehension. There are tons of nice speeding reading books and software available to up you words per minute and comprehension. Do speed reading drills daily at least 10 to 30 minutes – these will increase your score because you can cover and understand more material come test day. Some of the questions can be a page and a half
on the test - and this happened last year on my test - the problem statement was different from the write up and was one paragraph out of 22. I think it was like 4 or 5 from the end. However, you had to read the whole thing to see the shift and get the correct questions.
Third, Review basic organic chemistry, biological principles daily along with physics and chemistry principles. All the stuff you learned in the intro classes. Know how to do your moles calculations, figure solutions, F=MA friction, ballistics and basic chemistry and physics equations. Review them work problems. Some people don’t believe it but several of the questions last year involved calculating moles for a molecule – don’t blow the easy stuff.
Fourth, read some hard books like “Gone with the wind” daily for a few pages. Read several pages for speed. Then question yourself on what you just read. Be critical in your reading - not a mindless drone!!!!
Fifth, if you are not doing one to two to timed practice test sections on at least a verbal and science daily – this is only about two to three hours a day. You will not be prepared!!! Testing prepares you for the real test by working that muscle between your ears...
Always do a verbal with a science a day between now and the tests.
REMENBER - The Verbal test is the best predictor of Medical school success!!! They will throw several hard as rocks passages at you!!!
SO - Do tons of verbal questions – learn the methods of what scores the questions correctly – read the answers first – then read the passage looking for the answers – But realize you will have to bridge some of the answers. Get fast - in my test room last year less than 10% finished reading the verbal and most people told me they guessed at about 25% of the questions.
Lastly, on the day before – take it easy – do some physical activity. Get you drinks and food ready.
On test day - Don’t be put off by the Kaplan students with their flash cards. Or the BMOC swagger about talking how they are going to kill the exam. Last year several of these type left my exam room on the first test in tears and did not return. Last year the Kaplan students with their flashcards were reviewing organic molecules before the Bio test. Guess what? Not a one of those molecules showed up on the exam. However, basic organic and biological principles did.
Some Be Sures
1. to exercise daily
2. Eat good food with protein daily
3. Sleep well each night
4. Don’t stress over this test
5. Stay focused as you read and prep for the test
6. Read for recreation - don't watch TV - work your brain.
7. stay relaxed - be confident
8. Timed test daily for an hour to and hour and half