First off, I apologize if this topic has been rehashed in previous threads.
I am planning on retaking the MCAT because I got a 19 on the old exam. I’m trying to avoid going to the Caribbean, because it’s financially difficult for me to leave my wife and 2 daughters.
Since the new MCAT has been out for a little over a year now, I’m hoping I can get some feedback from students that have used various 3rd party MCAT prep materials. My experience with using Kaplan and Examkrackers yielded an average of 30 in the 12 practice exams I took, but I ended up with a 19 in the actual.
After reading several posts regarding experiences with some resources, for example, QBank, Khan Academy, and AAMC, what has been the most useful resource from your perspective? I understand this is very subjective, but that individual perspective can help guide my efforts to sort through the prep material to help hone in on a successful strategy for myself.
I start a post-bac program at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ in the fall, so I’m hoping to complete the MCAT this year so I can have it part of my resume when I apply for a seat in 2017.
******An important note: Granted, it’s only 2 opinions, but I spoke with 2 professors at Midwestern University (i.e. Biochemistry, Anatomy) and they discouraged the 3rd party materials available. They said that the best method of prep is completing all the premed courses. They did not support the use of Kaplan, Examkrackers, etc to exam prep. I realize it’s also in their best interest that they approach the exam from a stronger academic approach, but they did not feel the MCAT was a good predictor for medical school success. I agree, there is much evidence for that, but that’s not my debate.
I just want to get ready to take the MCAT this year, and don’t have time to sit through all the pre-reqs courses again.
Therefore, I’m leaning on using the AAMC prep bundle available on the AAMC site.
I would appreciate any feedback, especially those that have successfully completed the exam, or have completed an extensive portion of MCAT study.
So, after all that, the simple question is,…
‘What exam prep material/course would you recommend in contrast to AAMC Prep bundle?’
Thank you and Mahalo!
The problem with only using the courses to prepare is that the courses give you the academics, but no help on HOW to actually take the exam. I think that’s where a lot of people go wrong. There are strategies involved, and simply knowing the output of ATP from the citric acid cycle won’t help you. If you were averaging 30 in practice and you scored a 19, I would guess some test taking strategy/stamina/nerves were involved along the way.
Also, the pre-reqs usually go above and beyond what you need in some courses for the MCAT. I don’t know why you’d sit through pre-reqs again for 1-2 years when a prep class will get you there in 12 weeks. My only exception to this is biochem. If you haven’t taken it, do so. Much of the bio and chem sections were focused on biochem. You shouldn’t take the new exam without it.
I used EK primarily. They weren’t fully prepared for the new exam. The bio systems book was a behemoth, for instance. Systems isn’t a huge part of the new exam. The psych book left out a lot. They put out errata on the website forums and I don’t know if they’ve actually updated the books since last year (I would guess not.)
Friends used Kaplan. They go into a LOT of detail that you don’t need but that can make you more prepared just in case. I felt they were more stressed because the practice exams were so hard.
I also used Khan Academy, specifically the MCAT videos created in partnership with the AAMC. I thought those were pretty good, if you can actively watch them and take notes on them. Plus there is some free prep involved with practice passages.
Having received a 19 - I would strongly suggest looking at ANY prep course. I highly recommend Next Step Test Prep - they focus on retakers and are a 1-on-1 tutoring company.
The advice your professors gave is misleading. Yes, the MCAT does a poor job at predicting medical school success - but who cares? You need to do well on it to GET IN to medical school. Yes, your courses will prepare you the best for the MCAT, but the MCAT is not a test of content. It’s a critical thinking test - and you need to take practice tests for that. Having a tutor help you through the practice tests will help you the most.
Check out https://medicalschoolhq.net/nextstep to save some money on the prep.
You can look at https://medicalschoolhq.net/mcat-prep for more MCAT Prep info