Christina

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Christinas MCAT Fun
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WHEN?

• April 2006
• The winter semester of my 4th year
• I had all the prereqs
• However.. It was 2 years since I had organic or
  physics and 3 years since gen chem

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PREPARATION

• KAPLAN (good idea)
• February-April (one month after other classes
  began)
• Attended around 3 times a week for 3 hours
  minimum
• Spent every free second I had . Which wasnt
  enough

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OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Took 4 courses (12 credits) Analytical Chem and
  lab, Immunology, Urban Planning (TOO MUCH!)
• President of AMSA (formerly APMS)- includes
  events, volunteer and many other obligations that
  take up a tremendous amount of time

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OVERALL EXPERIENCE

• BAD!
• I was not prepared even though I worked
  constantly
• Brought down my GPA
• Realize that there is only so much you can do
  with the time you are given give yourself the
  most time possible

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THINGS TO IMPROVE ON

• Allow the most time possible to have the best
  outcome possible,
• Learn, dont just write or memorize
• Dont think its okay to have a full day of class
  and then go to an MCAT class for the rest of the
  evening

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HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD YOU PUT IN?

• For the MCAT expect to spend about 2 hours
  minimum daily and more time on weekends
• To be on top of your MCAT prep class only expect
  to spend about 3 hours per class meeting in the
  beginning and later about 5 as material gets
  harder

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PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!

• Make your own notes from the notes Kaplan gives
  you, and review those.
• Memorize the formulas as you go along and
  associate them with the questions and passages
• Subject tests
• Flash cards 3 piles
• Practice MCATS dont only do the 5 Kaplan gives
  you (AAMC ALSO!)

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• Dont learn anything new within the last 2 weeks
  of the class
• Spend that time taking practice full length MCATS
  only
• Review your notes daily by section and really
  memorize your formulas and any flashcards that
  are troublesome
• Improve timing as you go along, dont worry about
  timing in the beginning, as you become more
  familiar with the material you will go faster

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ATTACKING PROBLEMS

• Map them out
• When doing physics and chem, think about what
  basic principles they are expanding on
• Cut through the BS.. Always go back to basics
• When doing verbal you need to read the passage
  for the why.. Not just the what

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• Just remember one important thing
• YOU KNOW THE MATERIAL AND YOU KNOW THE ANSWER
• They cannot and will not test you on something
  you have never seen.. They just disguise it
• When taking the real test just stay calm.

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GENERAL TIPS

• Give yourself the fairest chance - dont take on
  the MCAT until you have had the basic classes
• Chem 1220, Orgo 1 and 2, Physics 1 and 2, BIO
  1500, 1510, Cell Bio, Microbio, Biochem,
  Genetics, and Physiology or AP
• If you have time, take a critical thinking class
• Make time for yourselfSeriously, you will need
  it

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ITS ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE

• The MCAT is not that bad. Honestly
• Just give yourself a fair chance. Do everything
  you can and be confident...
• YOU CAN DO IT

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GOOD LUCK!!