I posted this in another discussion in response to somebody, but thought it may be better as its own thread so others who have or haven’t taken it can comment, etc. these are my views about the test and the studying I did in preparation. If others have other products they recommend, please let us all know!
I took the Kaplan online, live session review (~$2500), includes the full book set, flash cards and associated app, access to their MCAT channel for content review, a bank of more than 1000 questions that allows you to make your own custom quizzes, and ~dozen practice tests. Classes were helpful for strategy, but do not cover content review. I think they might have another course that goes over more content review. They recommend to study a minimum of four hours per day, in addition to what was needed for class. I personally studied anywhere from 4-6 hrs per day during the course, and afterwards probably 6 hours a day in the lead up to the test. I also used Benchprep in the last couple of weeks for content review. I highly recommend it!! Even though it tests like the old MCAT, it was great for content review, I wish I started or found it earlier. It uses various games etc. and competition, which works well for me, in addition to testing and quizzes and content review. It is totally worth the cash! I also used various MCAT iPad and iPhone apps for flash cards and formulas, including the flash cards that came with the Kaplan course, which are rather basic. I have an extra set of books completely untouched for MCAT 2015., and flash cards. Since you asked first, I am happy to send them to you. PM me your address.
Chem/Phys was the most difficult for me since I haven’t taken either of those courses since 1994-1995, and while you need to understand both in the research I do, it’s high level understanding that’s needed, not deep, specific knowledge (I.e. I don’t need to know what Tollen’s reagent does, but do need to understand the effect of Redox reactions). I studied like mad in this area, and we will see how the scores come out. You need the classic formulas and understanding of the concepts behind these, nothing esoteric, ideal gas, linear motion with constant acceleration, work, etc. On the Chem side, know your structures and understand redox, acid/base, thermodynamics and equilibrium.
Bio/Biochemistry: make sure you understand reaction kinetics, the basics of amino acid chemistry, molecular biology basics and cell signaling relationships. On the Bio side, know all your organs hormones, etc. My background is in cell signaling, and a large number of the passages were on pathways I have either published or worked on in the past.
Behavioral Sci was tough to study for, not my favorite subject. But the Kaplan book does a good job reviewing and that helped quite a bit.
Take LOTS of practice tests!! I took 8 in total, in addition to answering tons of questions in QBank, section tests on weak areas, etc. it helps with timing and use of the strategies which are important.
My take is that the Kaplan course, like I’m sure a number of the courses out there, make you feel like you don’t know anything and have to know all the material including the more esoteric items. And while I am still waiting for my scores, the test is more focused on the general knowledge you should already have, not the more esoteric pieces. But the intensity of these courses is helpful such that the easier pieces become more automatic, and less difficult for you to recall during the test.
The biggest difference with the new MCAT and the way UG is taught is that it expects you to be able to synthesize the information between Bio/Biochemistry/Chem/Phys. There are ten passages in each of these sections and that is exactly what they do. Unless there has been some sudden shift that I am unaware of in undergraduate education since teaching my last course in 2007, there is no class that focus on the synthesis of information between the disciplines. The closest you get is maybe Biochemistry. This I think will be the hardest for most pre-med students, and those who are coming out of a post-bac program with no prior life sciences research experience. Those coming out of the industry, research, etc. in the life sciences I think have a great advantage on the new MCAT, because it is in your post-grad work that you learn the application and synthesis of the didactic knowledge base that is undergraduate education, in the U.S. anyway. Let me know if you have any other questions. I will also repost this in the MCAT discussion, which is likely more relevant.
JMuraski,
Thanks for this. Could you comment on calculations on the new MCAT? It’s been 20+ years since I’ve handled calculations without a calculator. I do additions and subtractions without issue, but I’m really bad at long division. Could you tell us your experience with the new MCAT and any mental math that would be required? Thanks.
The mental math was simple multiplication, division, and logarithm for pH and pKa. No long division, or complex equations. It’s all estimation as well. And though I studied trig functions like mad, not a single one on my test at least.
At least on the old version, the answers to calculation type questions were spread far enough apart that a number “close” to the right answer would get you there. Definitely didn’t need to work intermediate steps out to the thousandths place to get to the approximate number (if I recall correctly).
It’s the same now Kenny. Estimation is all that’s really needed to get close enough to choose the correct answer.
Good to know. Thanks guys.
There were some basic equations you were supposed to have memorized (mostly in physics). Some of the passages I had included some pretty intense equations or equation series. No real math on those though, just how well you can quickly understand/use stuff you’ve never seen before. Very intimidating at first.
Hi John,
I appreciate your detailed post on how you went about preparing for the MCAT and what type of things to expect on the test itself. I am currently trying to decide which of the MCAT study guides to go with. I get the sense that it might also best to invest in more than one, as some of the reviews suggest that PR does a better job with one topic while Kaplan may handle a different topic much better etc.
Any thoughts suggestions on this? Why did you ultimately go with Kaplan for instance. I will say that I am more of a book guy - at least at the start of this I plan on studying from the guides with flashcards (physical and/or apps). Over the past several months I have been updating my reference library but I want to get more specific with Exam prep material soon.
I should also tell you that I have a background in the Life Sciences but it was a while ago, BSc (Biology/Biochem) 1995 and MSc (Genetics) 1999. So my aptitude is in these areas. I also have a M.Arch (2004) and I am a practicing Architect - which really means that I am very much the type of person who likes to think systems, integration and the overlap of different disciplines. So, I must admit I am liking your take on the new MCAT for sure.
Any thoughts / suggestions on this would be helpful.
Regards,
Vince
I’m not up to speed on the 2015 test, so this may be a bit dated:
AAMC doesn’t hide what is tested on the MCAT. Prep companies know exactly what you’re supposed to know. I’m sure some teach certain areas better than others, and some may even stress certain areas over others (the whole “high yield” thing). Where I think they make their money is teaching testing strategies. Flash cards and whatnot are definitely helpful, but MCAT prep cannot be on subject matter alone. Practice tests and MCAT-style questions are HUGE in the final stages of prep regardless of your style of learning. I would go with the prep company that offers you extra materials that best suit your learning style and ones that offer the most realistic test prep versus just content prep. I personally did a self-paced Kaplan program. The content was pretty good, but where they really made their money was the strategies for useful shortcuts and the simulated testing products.
Hi Kennymac,
Thanks for this and your thoughts on considering strategy and familiarity with the types of question as being equally important with the MCAT. I will look into the self-paced programs in conjunction with other materials. Very helpful suggestions.
Thanks.
Hi Vince,
I agree with Kennymac. Strategies are almost more important than content. Kaplan does a good job teaching the strategies, with equally good review of the content, whether that’s live, online, or self study. I went with Kapaln because they are the go to company for MCAT and USMLE prep. There was never a question in my mind which company or vendor to go with. They have tons of resources and even one on one assistance. I felt that they had resources and instructors for all of the topics and weren’t best in any particular area.
Study books are provided as part of the course fee. If you want to get ahead of the game start reviewing content in the different areas and drilling flash cards. The course doesn’t deeply review content, at least the one I took. It was more strategy and some content review.
Hope that helps!
Hi John and Kennymac,
Thanks for the follow-up - makes total sense. I was gifted the PR set of MCAT study guide so I am starting there but I will look at Kaplan as well. I have done enough tests in my life to appreciate that often strategy outweighs actual knowledge (sounds weird as I type this but it is true). Having said this, I am not downplaying the prep part - rather I am acknowledging your positions on this.
Regards,
Vince
PS: Just curious where are you both now with this whole process?
I applied 2 years ago, deferred, and am an M1. I have no actual experience with the new test.