How do I improve my MCAT score the second time around?

Posted by Robyn Zangla on Dec 13, 2012 in MCAT CHAT | Comments Off

I just got my score back for the MCAT, and it’s much lower than I expected. I was shocked to have done so poorly. I’ve decided to retake it to improve my chances. Any tips for preparing for the second time around so that I don’t get blindsided again?

John D.

Hi John,

It is great that you want to improve your chances.  Before I try to offer you new tips for the second time around, it would be important to know what you did the first time around.  For example, did you take more than 10 practice tests spaced out over time?  What did you do for content review and what techniques/methods have you studied?

As you probably know, practice, practice, practice (and analysis) is key. What I will say is that structuring your time (setting days/times every week that you will devote solely to MCAT prep and specific subject prep in need of improvement) is essential (and also a  reason why so many students like The Princeton Review’s Hyperlearning program). So re-evaluate your previous study habits and test prep approach first so you can make a plan to adjust it for the improvement you are looking for. Then, focus in on the areas where you may be able to gain the most points of improvement and re-study that content/methods.  Many students make plans to study for the MCAT but end up falling short when executing on the prep plans because they either lack the discipline, materials/resources, coaching/guidance, and/or methodology that they need to succeed.  Our students take up to 19 full length practice exams during their content, strategy and method review, so they are not blindsided.

You may also need to see if you need one or more of those areas to reach your goal,  so if you have found that studying on your own just didn’t cut it the first time around, you may want to look into a formal prep course/assistance like The Princeton Review’s Hyperlearning program as it can provide the discipline, motivation, strategy and content review necessary to score higher – take a look at some of the program details here.

You may also want to check out our MCAT Diagnostic Exams,  which are designed to assess your strengths and weaknesses in a particular MCAT subject.  This free package includes one free Diagnostic Exam in each subject. Each individual Diagnostic Exam contains enough questions to test your science content knowledge or your ability to work with different Verbal question types.  The Verbal Diagnostic Exam also includes a Reading Comprehension test. MCAT Diagnostic Exams are content comprehensive.  This might help you understand your strengths and weaknesses so that you can focus your prep on the areas where you need the most improvement. Click here for details.

Note that as a member of PreMedFAQ, you will also receive a $100 discount on the program. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to me directly.

Robyn Zangla
Test Prep Specialist
The Princeton Review
RZangla at Review.com

Should I study for the MCAT before I’ve finished my premed classes?

Posted by Robyn Zangla on Jul 3, 2012 in MCAT CHAT | Comments Off

Is there any benefit to studying for the MCAT before I’ve taken all the classes for it?

-Megan A.

First of all, you only need an introductory level of knowledge of physics, general chemistry, biology, and organic chemistry for the MCAT. Some passages may describe upper-division topics, but correctly answering the questions will not require upper–division knowledge.

By knocking off most of your prerequisite coursework in your first two years (basically 1 year of bio, g-chem, o-chem and at least the first semester/quarter of physics completed), this will give you the academic foundation necessary to prep for the MCAT.

To avoid frustration you should complete these courses before you take an MCAT prep course.   Our Hyperlearning MCAT programs re-teach the material in a way that applies to the MCAT. We have had students who have taken our program with some of their classes concurrently, but it is best to avoid spending so much time reviewing because you don’t know the material.

The benefit may actually surround your admissions strategy and your schedule.   Maybe your class load, research or work commitments and extra curricular activities are more flexible now to allow for 300+ hours of class time and homework.  If yes, then you have the necessary time available to prep for the MCAT.   If your schedule will be more hectic later on, then it may be more difficult to do well. Preparing for the MCAT should take top priority when you decide to do it.

Ty to find the ideal time for you (based on course completion, schedule, timing, etc).  We offer different prep options that range from an intensive three month program just before the test (4-5 days per week) to a more spaced out six month program (2 times per week). It really depends on personal choice, learning style, and time availability. It seems most people do best by having the last class within 2 weeks of their test date.

As for Med School application timelines, students who take the MCAT in January, April or May will have scores back in time to submit a complete application in the opening days. Since most medical schools work on a rolling admissions basis, the sooner you can submit a complete application, the better chances you have, all else being equal. Delaying your MCAT can (at some medical schools) dramatically reduce your chances for an interview or acceptance. So if you have completed the necessary coursework and you have time to dedicate to preparing in your schedule, then you are ready to prep for the MCAT.

If you are interested in taking an MCAT prep course with The Princeton Review, you can view the different options here. Don’t forget that you can receive up to $100 off your course by using the promo code SHARE100.

You also may want to check out our new FREE MCAT Diagnostics Exams – designed to assess your strengths and weaknesses in a particular MCAT subject.  This free package includes one free Diagnostic Exam in each subject. Each individual Diagnostic Exam contains enough questions to test your science content knowledge or your ability to work with different Verbal question types.  The Verbal Diagnostic Exam also includes a Reading Comprehension test. MCAT Diagnostic Exams are content comprehensive.

Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions.

Robyn Zangla
Test Prep Specialist
The Princeton Review
RZangla at Review.com

Is July too late to take the MCAT?

Posted by Robyn Zangla on May 30, 2012 in MCAT CHAT | 0 comments

Is July 7th too late to be taking the MCAT? I would’ve taken it earlier but it was really the only week this summer that would work. I’m planning on submitting my medical school application as soon as I get my scores… I just want to make sure the schools will be seeing my application in time for it to be competitive.

-Jon

It seems as though you don’t have much of a choice. That being said, it is only too late if the school you are applying to says it is too late. So what do they say?  If you had to take the MCAT earlier and did poorly as a result, then it does you no good anyway.  All I can say is make July 7th count.  Ideally you should plan to still submit your application in June before your exam (without your scores)—then once your scores are available they will be uploaded to your application and then to the medical schools you designate. But you may not want to halt your MCAT prep to do this (if it will truly affect you), so do what works best for you.  If you planned accordingly, then hopefully you thought of this and had this accounted for.

Robyn Zangla
Test Prep Specialist
The Princeton Review
RZangla at Review.com

Should I Take a Study Break Before the MCAT?

Posted by Robyn Zangla on May 30, 2012 in MCAT CHAT | Comments Off

Some people say you shouldn’t study for the MCAT two or three days leading up to the test in order to clear your mind and relax. I’m worried I’ll be off my rhythm if do. Any thoughts?

-Kristine

The key to your question are the words “some people.”  You need to do what works for you and whatever makes you comfortable—you know yourself best.  But hopefully by this time you are fully prepared to take the MCAT and you’re not scrambling around.  Yes, your MCAT “studying” should be finished (as you should have the content down), but I know a lot of students that still work passages up until test day in order to keep fresh (and keep the anxiety subsided).

Robyn Zangla
Test Prep Specialist
The Princeton Review
RZangla at Review.com

MCAT prep: getting ready for the writing section

Posted by Robyn Zangla on May 24, 2012 in MCAT CHAT | 0 comments

What should I do if I encounter a prompt on the MCAT writing section I don’t understand or am not familiar with? Even though the MCAT is just around the corner for me, I haven’t spent much time preparing for the writing section yet, and I’m wondering if I should. If so, what are some basic things I can do to prepare?

-Harish

As with anything testing related, if you want to be prepared you will need to practice and practice as well as understand what you need to do to earn a good score.  If you are well prepared for the other sections and you know how to prep for them, then you should follow the same guidelines for the writing section.

First you should read and learn about the Writing section.  Basically, you must develop essays based on broad statements, or “prompts,” (in areas such as political science, history, art and ethics). The good news is that little outside knowledge of the topic is needed, and other factors are more important in getting a good score (ability to formulate and communicate an argument and convey complex ideas + essay organization).  So if you happen to come across something out of your scope, you still can craft an essay because you will understand the rules for any good MCAT essay. Clearly state your purpose; offer detailed supporting evidence for your main point; and unify your ideas in a coherent manner. The topic is less important as long as you can do those things.   Just make sure you satisfy the specific dictates of the MCAT essay though (in a nutshell, interpret the statement/prompt, offer a concrete example opposite of the implied statement and one that supports it, and attempt to create a synthesis between the two – create a rule).

For practice, visit AAMC as they have sample items/topics (i.e. The object of education should be to teach skills, not values).  I would practice with each one (not necessarily writing full essays but at least organizing your thoughts.  You should work on coming up with good examples and how to relate them to the overall theme of the prompt (practice making a synthesis/rule).  I am sure with your MCAT prep you have examples also in your book – do those as well.  You should attempt at least 30-40 essays prompts either writing in full and or attempting to outline the components of them.  Princeton Review students probably do twice as many but due to your time constraints, you unfortunately will not have that luxury.

Make sure you use specific examples – don’t worry about a well-known example if you don’t have one as long as it ties it everything  in and provides a more vivid picture.

You can always hire a tutor through The Princeton Review to come in and help if you need some of our methodology and don’t trust yourself.  Just call 800.2Review and an advisor can help you.

If you are interested in reading some  articles about the MCAT and/or applying to med school, please click here: http://www.princetonreview.com/medical-school-advice.aspx

Good luck!

Robyn Zangla
Test Prep Specialist
The Princeton Review
RZangla at Review.com