Hi Sabrina! I've been watching you prepare for the MCAT while I was preparing for the GRE. You were such a huge inspiration with your dedication. I ended up getting exactly a 310 (the score my dream program at NYU asks for)! I improved by 9 points from my first practice test. (I've only taken the real thing once.) I still have to wait for my essay scores (which I'm confident about) but I'm so freaking happy! We're the same year in college and I can't tell you how much it meant to me to see someone so dedicated and planning ahead. Thanks! :)
Could you share tips on preparing/studying for the GRE? I'm a junior in college (speech pathology/audiology major) and I just wanted to get a head start because I know the test can be tough! Thanks in advance!
zingybee25 Of course! I definitely wasted time and money on some resources I wish I never bought. My top two vital resources were the ETS GRE book and Magoosh. (Heads up, this is gonna be long.) I couldn't afford a Kaplan class so I bought the book and I regret it. I should have bought the ETS GRE book first since they make the test but I thought Kaplan would give me more study skills since they're known for test prep. I found Kaplan's questions easier that the ETS ones, and had to play catch up with the harder questions. I bought the 2016 Kaplan book and I'm pretty sure 2017 is in stores now so idk if they updated it but the ETS book is life lol. Since I couldn't afford a regular class I bought the Magoosh service for like $120 (and sometimes it's on sale for $99.) They have all videos on every topic that serve as their "classes" with practice problems, quizzes and practice tests. They were the closest to the GRE besides the ETS book. (After you take your first test, they predict your score, with how well you perform on their tests and problems and they predicted mine exactly right!) They have all types of schedules that cover each topic and I followed them loosely for a few months. They also answered my questions in so much detail and always the same day or the day after. Then I made my own schedule of the things I struggled with the most in math and verbal and went hard on that stuff for like a month. Also, I used the Magoosh flashcard app that was soooo helpful. I did the common words first and I saw a bunch of those on the test. Also in the final two months, because I really wanted my verabal score to be high, I bought the ETS Verbal book with a ton of verbal practice problems and sets with the answers and explanations. (It really helped boost my score. There's also an ETS math only book but I didn't get it. Each are around $20.) I would say most people need at a bare minimum of 3 months. But if your able to buy Magoosh and the ETS book (around $45) then you might be able to go quicker. If your budget is limited, I'd recommend going for the ETS book since they make the test. I tried to study for at least 2 hours every night. ( I was interning full-time all summer.) I took practice tests on the weekends and studied the flashcard app on my commute to work. I started studying in Dec of last year and just took it last Friday. So I guess, that's around 8-9 months but I knew I needed extra time because I was studying while in school and working. But I definitely kicked it into high gear over the summer. P.S. A helpful hint: Don't schedule your test until you get a grasp of how much you need to study or how far away you are from your target score. I had to pay $50 to reschedule it for a later date but it was worth it b/c if not, I would've paid another $205 to retake it. P.P.S. Sorry this is so long, but you never know what might help. Good luck! :)
She mentioned in one of her MCAT videos that she did 4 hours in the morning and then take a break in the afternoon and start again in the evening and do 4 hours again.
Also, I'd recommend simulating test day conditions as closely as possible when taking practice exams. I studied in a fairly distracting environment, and the average of my 6 Kaplan tests + 2 AAMC practice tests was 10 points lower than how I scored on the actual exam... I think a good investment would be in high quality in-ear ear plugs and one of those large ear protectors. When you can't hear anything and you're in the zonem it's a whole different ball game haha
Hi Sabrina! I'm so glad I've come across your channel :) you're such an inspiration and kind of a role model for me at the moment as I'm currently studying for admission exams to med school. Sometimes it's so tough I lose faith in all of that and then I watch your videos about studying for MCATs and having got your results and it warms my heart and motivates me to keep on doing what I'm doing :) thanks so much! you're awesome!!! xoxo from Poland:)
Thanks for sharing your insight and tips! I totally agree with how important the AAMC question banks are. Best of luck on your current journey through medicine!
Thank you for your videos ! they give me so much hope. I did so poorly on my first MCAT and I thought I wasnt good enough. I'm going to try to use your techniques and practice even harder. thank you for everything :) I love your personality!!!!
Hi! Could you do a video on how you take your notes? I saw that you took a lot of notes while studying for the mcat. Also, how do you take notes in class? Do you rewrite them at home, what method do you use? I think it would be interesting and really helpful to make a vid about that :) by the way, ur awesome, your tips already helped me LOTS ;)
I'm using princeton myself, do you feel like the practice tests were helpful and mirrored the actual mcat besides the AAMC tests? thank you for your inspiration!
anyone know which one of the exam company practice exams are the most similar to the actual mcat? if makes sense, of course, that aamc's exams are most similar, but there are so few of those.. trying to decide which other practice exams to spend my dwindling money supply on.. D:
Did you create a study schedule before you started? If so can you comment with a link to it on Google Docs? I'm having a hard time coming up with an every-day schedule that utilizes all of the resources you mentioned as well as some others I want to use like Next Step practice exams. I love these videos and the detail you've put into them by the way!
I have a question... is mcat a test you take to see what you've learned in school? or is it a test where you have to teach and learn for yourself on all of the subjects?
Thanks for this video! .. Im going to take different type of test, but it doesn't matter... Im happy you did it that well and wishing you a lot of luck studying med school :) hard work pays off
I'm always so excited to watch your videos! Your videos give me so much motivation :D I'm gonna take my SAT subject tests, I have biology, chemistry and math level 2, on Oct 1. I'm super nervous!
Hey Sabrina, did you do the practice exams even when you first started with content review? Or did you start practice exams after you were done with content review? Thanks! :)
When did you take your mcat and submit your primary application? I'm thinking of taking mine July 7th, and then applying for my primary as soon as the cycle opens (June 1) and then in august automatically send in my mcat score? Is this too late to apply for med school?
Hey all! We created a mcat study group for those studying for their mcat exam (and those just starting out). We want it to be a place where people can ask questions and get resposes from those who have completed their test! facebook.com/groups/mcatbros
I can't believe you read all the books in two weeks! WTF I didn't even finish all books in 8 months (4-8) hours a day. I read everything in detail omfg and didn't do nearly as good as you
Hey Sabrina! So I want to ask your opinion on a pretty personal matter. I'm a sophmore in college and I want to go to med school after I graduate. I know you have to have a high GPA but sadly mine isn't anywhere near good (trust me it's pretty bad). I've always been an excellent student but in my 2nd semester I had to go through personal problems which arose health problems(I have chronic migraines and it's a 24/7 thing). I lived in hospitals attached to IV's. I'm not going to get into what happened because it is personal but it basically turned my whole life upside down. I've wanted to study in US for as long as I can remember and wanted to be a doctor for equally as long. I will do everything in my power from here on out to increase my GPA but it can only get so high... I want to ask you if you think it's too late. Will med schools reject me because my 2nd semester essentially destroyed my cumulative GPA? Will I not be able to get into med school even if I get a great MCAT score and increase my GPA? I'm just asking for your opinion because you've been on this path before and know how it works. I appreciate any advice you can give me. :)
@alara.... -"I want to ask you if you think it's too late." It's never too late...it might just make it harder but its still very possible. -Will med schools reject me because my 2nd semester essentially destroyed my cumulative GPA? Some of the top-tier schools might reject you...however, most schools will look at your most recent work (last 30-60 units) -Will I not be able to get into med school even if I get a great MCAT score and increase my GPA? A great MCAT score will take you so far. You need to demonstrate a great upward trend and a strong desire to help people. Make sure all of your E.C.'s are strong...strong research and community service etc. Question for you: Are you currently an undergraduate in the US?
Hey Sabrina. I love your videos. You seem like a really chill person & I had a couple questions for you. I'm starting blog of my journey through my premed courses & I was wondering if you had any advice for starting it? & advice for getting through my bachelors? I'm finishing up my degree kind of late (I'm 23) & it's seriously taking a toll on my nerves and my marriage lol so I've been reaching out to others that have gotten their bachelors degree with med school as their end goal. Your advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks :)
Hi Sabrina, I have a question about your MCAT schedule and I emailed you through my school email. I don't know if you ever check your yahoo e-mail but if you could please check and reply..I would really really appreciate it
Your hard work and persistence inspires me
Same
also where can i get the examkrackers 1001 pdf's?
Hi Sabrina! I've been watching you prepare for the MCAT while I was preparing for the GRE. You were such a huge inspiration with your dedication. I ended up getting exactly a 310 (the score my dream program at NYU asks for)! I improved by 9 points from my first practice test. (I've only taken the real thing once.) I still have to wait for my essay scores (which I'm confident about) but I'm so freaking happy! We're the same year in college and I can't tell you how much it meant to me to see someone so dedicated and planning ahead. Thanks! :)
Could you share tips on preparing/studying for the GRE? I'm a junior in college (speech pathology/audiology major) and I just wanted to get a head start because I know the test can be tough! Thanks in advance!
zingybee25 Of course! I definitely wasted time and money on some resources I wish I never bought. My top two vital resources were the ETS GRE book and Magoosh. (Heads up, this is gonna be long.)
I couldn't afford a Kaplan class so I bought the book and I regret it. I should have bought the ETS GRE book first since they make the test but I thought Kaplan would give me more study skills since they're known for test prep. I found Kaplan's questions easier that the ETS ones, and had to play catch up with the harder questions. I bought the 2016 Kaplan book and I'm pretty sure 2017 is in stores now so idk if they updated it but the ETS book is life lol.
Since I couldn't afford a regular class I bought the Magoosh service for like $120 (and sometimes it's on sale for $99.) They have all videos on every topic that serve as their "classes" with practice problems, quizzes and practice tests. They were the closest to the GRE besides the ETS book. (After you take your first test, they predict your score, with how well you perform on their tests and problems and they predicted mine exactly right!) They have all types of schedules that cover each topic and I followed them loosely for a few months. They also answered my questions in so much detail and always the same day or the day after.
Then I made my own schedule of the things I struggled with the most in math and verbal and went hard on that stuff for like a month.
Also, I used the Magoosh flashcard app that was soooo helpful. I did the common words first and I saw a bunch of those on the test.
Also in the final two months, because I really wanted my verabal score to be high, I bought the ETS Verbal book with a ton of verbal practice problems and sets with the answers and explanations. (It really helped boost my score. There's also an ETS math only book but I didn't get it. Each are around $20.)
I would say most people need at a bare minimum of 3 months. But if your able to buy Magoosh and the ETS book (around $45) then you might be able to go quicker. If your budget is limited, I'd recommend going for the ETS book since they make the test.
I tried to study for at least 2 hours every night. ( I was interning full-time all summer.) I took practice tests on the weekends and studied the flashcard app on my commute to work. I started studying in Dec of last year and just took it last Friday. So I guess, that's around 8-9 months but I knew I needed extra time because I was studying while in school and working. But I definitely kicked it into high gear over the summer.
P.S. A helpful hint: Don't schedule your test until you get a grasp of how much you need to study or how far away you are from your target score. I had to pay $50 to reschedule it for a later date but it was worth it b/c if not, I would've paid another $205 to retake it.
P.P.S. Sorry this is so long, but you never know what might help. Good luck! :)
Thank you so much!!
How did you finish those books in 2 weeks while taking notes...
very good question
That’s my wuestion
I know right lol
8 hours a day
Waaaah, I hope i don't decide that I need to take the MCAT again. I can't wait to get my score back to find out
Congrats you!!! You’re in Med school now so I’m sure you did amazing!:))))
A tip : watch movies at flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching all kinds of movies lately.
@Ben Kashton Yup, I have been using flixzone} for since december myself :D
@Ben Kashton yea, I have been using flixzone} for years myself :D
You mentioned you studied for 8 hours. How did you sit and study for so long? How did you focus? Did you disable facebook and or hide your phone away?
She mentioned in one of her MCAT videos that she did 4 hours in the morning and then take a break in the afternoon and start again in the evening and do 4 hours again.
You inspire me so much. I watch these all the time because I have to take my ACT and I have a hard time sitting down and studying. I love you!
Where can I find the pdf for the Princeton practice passage questions??
yes I want to no too!
know*
Brandon A Library Genesis
How do i get the practice passage problems? 6:40
where did you get the pdf practice passages?
same!
I also need them. If she can give us the exact title of the workbooks, that would suffice.
same
Same
.
Also, I'd recommend simulating test day conditions as closely as possible when taking practice exams. I studied in a fairly distracting environment, and the average of my 6 Kaplan tests + 2 AAMC practice tests was 10 points lower than how I scored on the actual exam...
I think a good investment would be in high quality in-ear ear plugs and one of those large ear protectors. When you can't hear anything and you're in the zonem it's a whole different ball game haha
can you share your pdf of practice questions??
Hi Sabrina! I'm so glad I've come across your channel :) you're such an inspiration and kind of a role model for me at the moment as I'm currently studying for admission exams to med school. Sometimes it's so tough I lose faith in all of that and then I watch your videos about studying for MCATs and having got your results and it warms my heart and motivates me to keep on doing what I'm doing :) thanks so much! you're awesome!!!
xoxo from Poland:)
how do you make sure you don't forget the early stuff you studied?
arielartista omg I have this problem too!
arielartista You have to do practice every single day, with a full length every week.
Thanks for sharing your insight and tips! I totally agree with how important the AAMC question banks are. Best of luck on your current journey through medicine!
Thank you so much! I'm taking in on August 18 for the second time. Best of luck in your journey!
Milagros I Rivera Cora same here. What changes are you making this time around? Thanks
Thank you for your videos ! they give me so much hope. I did so poorly on my first MCAT and I thought I wasnt good enough. I'm going to try to use your techniques and practice even harder. thank you for everything :) I love your personality!!!!
How come u finish all these books in two weeks!!!!!:()
How did you tackle the Psych/Soc questions? Its so hard trying to figure out which terms will show up on the AAMC test.
Where can I get these passages?
Good luck with everything! xx
Did your TPR books come with summary sheets? I didn't receive any with mine.
when you're not taking the MCAT but you love sabrina and her motivation so you watch anyway
Hi! Could you do a video on how you take your notes? I saw that you took a lot of notes while studying for the mcat. Also, how do you take notes in class? Do you rewrite them at home, what method do you use? I think it would be interesting and really helpful to make a vid about that :) by the way, ur awesome, your tips already helped me LOTS ;)
Thank you for sharing your experiences on improving on the MCAT. I appreciate your tips and advice and will use it now as I study for it.
how did you balance studying and taking semester class? How many hours did you study during a school day of classes
Where did you get the practice ones that you showed that were like 700 questions each?
Super helpful video, thanks a bunch!
Quick question, what do you think about summer mcat programs? Kaplan is hosting one in my city over the summer
I'm using princeton myself, do you feel like the practice tests were helpful and mirrored the actual mcat besides the AAMC tests?
thank you for your inspiration!
did you do A&P? And can you say it is helpful to take A&P before taking the MCAT?
hey can you make a video about how u take notes in class or make your own please
How much did you spend on the princeton review books? Did you just buy the books or did you buy a "self-study" plan on the princeton review website?
anyone know which one of the exam company practice exams are the most similar to the actual mcat? if makes sense, of course, that aamc's exams are most similar, but there are so few of those.. trying to decide which other practice exams to spend my dwindling money supply on.. D:
Arthur Cross-Najafi where can I get these free exams?
Did you have to memorize any equations? For Chemistry and Physics? What do you suggest?
Did you practice pacing yourself (min per question) from the very beginning or at some point later on?
did you review notes from your high school classes? like the prereqs biology, genetics, biochem, physics, etc. ?
When you took practice tests, did you take the full test or did you take a section test?
Hey girl! What resources did you use for CARS and how did you practice for it?
I will be taking my MCAT in 20224. May God help us.
Were the EK 1001 passages for the old MCAT? Did is still help?
Did you create a study schedule before you started? If so can you comment with a link to it on Google Docs? I'm having a hard time coming up with an every-day schedule that utilizes all of the resources you mentioned as well as some others I want to use like Next Step practice exams. I love these videos and the detail you've put into them by the way!
i have q guys should i take the SAT exam if i wanna go to medical school ? + i'm not American
I have a question... is mcat a test you take to see what you've learned in school? or is it a test where you have to teach and learn for yourself on all of the subjects?
pinkpink439 you've already taken them in undergrad
Typically youve taken the classes but there may be more material you'll have to learn on your own
Why do I even watch your pre-med vids, I'm in nursing school XD
+Sarah Meg yay I'm not alone! 😂
Same here, and I'm in engineering..
because she is hot and amusing to look at
😊 Guess What, Nursing Students! : IT IS ALL THE SAME SUBJECT! 😊
Thanks for this video! .. Im going to take different type of test, but it doesn't matter... Im happy you did it that well and wishing you a lot of luck studying med school :) hard work pays off
I'm always so excited to watch your videos! Your videos give me so much motivation :D I'm gonna take my SAT subject tests, I have biology, chemistry and math level 2, on Oct 1. I'm super nervous!
How much in depth did you memorize the cycles
Hey sabs! Have you ever tried Kaplan? I'm trying to debate between choosing a book set
How were your princeton practice test scores if you don't mind me asking.
Very inspirational!! How did you prepare for CARS and how did you do in that section?
Did the Princeton review sheet come with the set of books?
Did you take a day off or a week of before the exam?
AH YOU ARE SO INSPIRATIONAL! I hope to be just like you one day 💟 hardworking, dedicated, and working with a purpose!
when did you take the MCAT? Junior year or senior year
Is the physics section based on trig or calc?
can u send those pdf u mentioned in d video?
does she ever say her score? I may have missed it
She got a 509!!
Guys i need help
I got admission in med college on paying
Should I study or should i wait and give another exam
Hey Sabrina, did you do the practice exams even when you first started with content review? Or did you start practice exams after you were done with content review? Thanks! :)
Is there a physics component on the mcat also is it necessary to take physics in high school/ university?
AnnaaDaniellee yes to both of those questions
xFabLuLux is it necessary to take it in high school or can you get away with just taking it in university
AnnaaDaniellee I took it in both, but for the MCAT, university physics is most relevant. It is more in depth than high school physics
xFabLuLux thanks so much!
That's insane, you did all 7 of those books, including the practice passages, and took notes on all of them, in only 2 WEEKS?!
I'm reading mine right now and I just have no clue how the heck that is possible
TheLegitest She said 2 months
At 3:00 she says "What I did for the first 2 weeks or so was go through every single one one of these books"
same here (one year later)
!!! how was the mcat for you?
When did you take your mcat and submit your primary application? I'm thinking of taking mine July 7th, and then applying for my primary as soon as the cycle opens (June 1) and then in august automatically send in my mcat score? Is this too late to apply for med school?
How did you end up doing?
9:23 Do you even lift?
Hey all! We created a mcat study group for those studying for their mcat exam (and those just starting out). We want it to be a place where people can ask questions and get resposes from those who have completed their test! facebook.com/groups/mcatbros
10 points is huge! Congrats.
Congratulations! Very inspiring!
I can't believe you read all the books in two weeks! WTF I didn't even finish all books in 8 months (4-8) hours a day. I read everything in detail omfg and didn't do nearly as good as you
I want to start studying now for the MCATS. Not even in an undergraduate I want to take yet. 😂 So it would be prepping for 5 plus years for it.
What school is she attending ?
congrats on your MCAT score! :)
Thank you for always sharing your experiences, I appreciate the insight
Hey Sabrina!
So I want to ask your opinion on a pretty personal matter. I'm a sophmore in college and I want to go to med school after I graduate. I know you have to have a high GPA but sadly mine isn't anywhere near good (trust me it's pretty bad). I've always been an excellent student but in my 2nd semester I had to go through personal problems which arose health problems(I have chronic migraines and it's a 24/7 thing). I lived in hospitals attached to IV's. I'm not going to get into what happened because it is personal but it basically turned my whole life upside down. I've wanted to study in US for as long as I can remember and wanted to be a doctor for equally as long. I will do everything in my power from here on out to increase my GPA but it can only get so high... I want to ask you if you think it's too late. Will med schools reject me because my 2nd semester essentially destroyed my cumulative GPA? Will I not be able to get into med school even if I get a great MCAT score and increase my GPA? I'm just asking for your opinion because you've been on this path before and know how it works. I appreciate any advice you can give me. :)
@alara....
-"I want to ask you if you think it's too late."
It's never too late...it might just make it harder but its still very possible.
-Will med schools reject me because my 2nd semester essentially destroyed my cumulative GPA?
Some of the top-tier schools might reject you...however, most schools will look at your most recent work (last 30-60 units)
-Will I not be able to get into med school even if I get a great MCAT score and increase my GPA?
A great MCAT score will take you so far. You need to demonstrate a great upward trend and a strong desire to help people. Make sure all of your E.C.'s are strong...strong research and community service etc.
Question for you: Are you currently an undergraduate in the US?
VERY TIRED AND VERY TRIED.
Thank you SO much.
I love you sab you are so helpful and inspiring
Thanks you so much =] I'll see you in medschool one day!
I feel so proud of you
Anyone else getting this in their recommend like less than a week before their score comes out
Thank you so much it’s really helpful!!!!
Your advice is awesome!
Khan Academy videos are amazing!
Such a helpful video thank you ☺️
How long did you study for the MCAT? is 100 days enough ? How many hours a day would you rec if I do 100 a day
Hey Sabrina. I love your videos. You seem like a really chill person & I had a couple questions for you. I'm starting blog of my journey through my premed courses & I was wondering if you had any advice for starting it? & advice for getting through my bachelors? I'm finishing up my degree kind of late (I'm 23) & it's seriously taking a toll on my nerves and my marriage lol so I've been reaching out to others that have gotten their bachelors degree with med school as their end goal. Your advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks :)
Did you split the 8 hours throughout the day or did you sit and study for 8 hours?
What was your score?
Thanks super helpful!
do you want give me your book?
i love medical students find MCAT
thanks this really helped me :)
What scores you get?
We have created notes on all the khan academy videos. They can be found by messaging @mcatbros on instagram
Hi Sabrina, I have a question about your MCAT schedule and I emailed you through my school email. I don't know if you ever check your yahoo e-mail but if you could please check and reply..I would really really appreciate it
You are inspirational :)
new subbie.. love ur videos!
Super Ken Mask MD
All this just to make at least 500k annually, waste of time.
How the hell did you read those thick ass books in 2 weeks? Lol
Damnnn you are the most gorgeous thing I’ve seeen today
You are so inspiring, and you're the same age as me...damn