How I Increased My MCAT Score By 17 Points | My MCAT Study Strategy
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- In this video I breakdown my 3 MCAT scores and how I improved my MCAT score by 17 points!
I hope you're able to learn something and improve your score like mine.
This is encouraging, I will be taking the MCAT again for the 4th time, my last three attempt made me realize that I didn't fully grasp the content that I thought I would and how to approach the exam properly. This time around I got myself a private tutor and will be taking it next year. I need to make serious changes.
I’m glad you got help that was a game changer for me too! I can already sense a mindset change in you keep going with consistent and disciplined practice!
@@reuben799 Thanks man!
u got this bro, kill that shit
How has the journey been ?
How did it go? I’ve taken it 4 times and do well on practice tests then bomb the official one. I need to study and retake jt this year but it’s so hard to start studying again for the 5th time
Hi! did you finish all of your AAMC material? I'm talking about all the QPacks and the 4 FLs exams. I'm currently going through it and it's pretty much like the real thing so I'm not sure about buying a prep course (my school offered the TPR prep course for free).
Hey! I did not go through all of the AAMC material. I did do all of the practice exams multiple times but I barely got through the Qbanks. If you can get a course for free TAKE IT! No harm in trying and at the very least you come away with one piece of info that can help you answer a few questions.
This video was incredibly helpful! How many hours did it take you to review your practice exams in that one day? Also, did you complete all the blueprint modules by the time you started taking the practice exams?
Same questions are have
I have the same questions
Question. Did you feel like you didn’t know what you were doing when you got those lower scores ?
I honestly felt fine about the exam. Like to a solid 505 level at least but obviously I scored lower. Not sure what went wrong. Blame myself here or just maybe a fluked exam ?
In my lower scores there were some significant gaps in terms of content, strategy, and testing stamina. in my third exam I addressed them all and saw a score increase. So yes there was a general idk what I'm doing feeling.
Don't "Blame" yourself but you have to take responsibility for your preparation. If your work isn't yielding the results you want to see then that's a sign more needs to be done. And don't project your score based on feelings your practice exam scores will show you exactly where you are. Keep working hard, try some new strategies, and get help its only up from here!
I hope this helps.
Please give my your CARS tips. I keep seeing on reddit that the MCAT is nothing like the practice test.
What seemed to have worked for me indirectly was pleasure reading. I became a much more efficient reader and could grasp concepts faster and remember what I read in the CARS passages.
@@reuben799 I will try that because I love reading I’m just trying to maintain a 125 in the section since my test is soo close. How did you stay alert during boring passages?
@@TaylorDanae13 I think keeping your mind active while in the passages is a good way to trick yourself. Make sure you’re asking yourself “what things might they ask” highlight what you think is important. Being intentional. And honestly practice. Maybe you should consider taking a practice exam every 2 or three days to build stamina through the section.
You mentioned Blueprint gave you a schedule. Was that the schedule that advised you to take a full-length exam every 3 days?
No the blueprint schedule had the exams every other week or so I think. I felt I needed that for myself based on my practice exam scores and previous exam experience
@@reuben799 Got it, appreciate that.
Hii Reuben at what age did u join your med school???
Hi Reuben! Just watched this video and really made me realize I need a switch to my studying approach. I was wondering, which blueprint MCAT prep did you use, the self-paced or live course version?
This is the video I needed to see! I’m taking the exam for the 3rd time too, and I agree that practice is key!!
May I ask which Blueprint plan you did?
You’re going to crush it!!
I did the online course as opposed to the live online course. Also I just looked and they’re doing a sale on 9 month access so check it out if interested.
@@reuben799 thank you! I’ll check it out. Also, congrats on your amazing score & best wishes on your journey!
Where can I buy this online blueprint MCAT? I don't know where to buy it from?
@@reuben799hi.
Going to do online Bulueprint course. But want to maximize learning.
Did you use additional resources like p/s 300 page document with Khan videos?
Not a pleasure reader- so Jack Weston’s daily CARS passages have been highly recommended. What do you think?
Also- do you incorporate UWorld for practice
Thank you!!
How of often did you use Anki decks?
Currently studying using blueprint and working through content gaps... I really needed to watch this. Thank you!!
The sweater says it all! God is so good, God bless you!!!
not doing so hot on my practice exams, but this is motivation bro
You got it! Remain confident and consistent!
Practice! Practice! Practice! Thanks
This video was really helpful and incredibly encouraging! Thank you so much for sharing your journey, and wishing you all the very best! ❤
Thanks you so much! I love seeing that my journey can encourage others
Thank you so much!!! Going in to take for the third time and it feels unreal bc I studied so hard 2nd time but obv score doesn’t reflect what I need. So helpful thank u🙏🏽🙏🏽
You got this! Delayed but not denied
How did you improve your score? I’m working on taking studying for the 5th time. 🙄🙄
where tf was this vid when I started my prep??? You just got a sub from the south my guy🙌🏻
Took it 2nd time today (9/9/23) & know that I’m taking it yet again in the spring, unless god guided my guesses😅
First exam really exposed the holes in how I prepped with content. But I didn’t focus as hard on practice, bc I attributed my scores to a lack of content knowledge.
********Practice can’t be emphasized enough**********
High yield Content review is important but holy shit get as much exposure to as many questions as you can.
Also bro appreciate the authenticity. I’ve had to filter through so many “525 scoring” TFKs that started an MCAT tutoring LLC to just repeat what a prep book says with a pretty face. You on it 🤙🏻
Just God! Love it
Great content bro, appreciate you man! Wishing you the best homie
This gives me much needed hope. I am returning to finish my last semester of my masters on Monday and I will be taking the blueprint MCAT course but I was unsure if it would help as many students in the prior year at my masters said it was hard to juggle with classes. This will be my 3rd time taking it. I'm nervous but truly want to do great so I can apply this upcoming cycle. You were able to jump up fast. Realistically while juggling two classes, do you think I could jump up from January until my test in April? (They said we should take it in May instead... but I don't know if I would want to do that).
Have you been struggling with MCAT exam, if it your first attempt or more than once, if you're too busy you can schedule a study. Get to Mrs Margaret for MCAT assistance, I'm so happy I finally passed my exams thanks to her. she's got a phenomenal qbank that guides you okay.
+132......
3615......
2951......)
That's her whtspp
This is awesome & so encouraging! Praying for your success!
I feel like discipline comes when you find a method that works for you. When you can wake up and somewhat enjoy the process. MCAT studying is never fun, but you have to find ways to start making it more bearable. For me, that was doing uworld questions and taking notes and watching videos as needed when i didn't understand something and then doing more questions in that area.
Hi which course in Blueprint did you take? Live online, 515+, 1 month intensive, etc...?
Hey Reuben! Thanks for sharing. I am in your exact same shoe right now and I test on September 10. I want to know if you think I can get away with purchasing all 10 Blueprint practice exams only and not the entire course. I will apply your same strategy. Do you think I can use free Khan Academy and UA-cam videos to supplement for the Blueprint modules for review of each practice on day 3? Let me know ASAP. Thanks so so much!
Hey! I think that definitely can work out for you! The practice is the best thing you can do this close to the exam. On the flip side a month is a good enough time to see progress you just have to stay disciplined and consistent.
Make sure you’re doing THOROUGH review of what you miss. Potentially you can make an Anki card for every missed question/topic and use that to study and keep track of your progress. If you have any questions feel free to DM me on Instagram @musiq_sprung
@@reuben799 Much thanks! Gonna purchase right now! Just followed you on Insta! I'll keep you posted on how it works out! Take care!!!
@@dc-tt3qd how did the test go???
@@shanarobinson7672 495
This is super encouraging to watch, thank you for this video !
Do you think the scores were deflated on BP - in comparison AAMC?
In general I think the BP were a little harder so in a way my scores were deflated.
Genuine question, how did you review the whole exam in a day? I feel like I'm constantly taking notes and it takes me a day per section to review.
You're correct it takes way too long to do a thorough review of the exam and I was pressed on time. I mainly focused on what subjects/topics I did poorly on and took note of those, while also looking out for moments I read things wrong etc. Then I watched modules the next day on the subjects. So I didn't really take notes in my review of the exam which helped me go through it faster. I also would spend the entire day doing this.
i just want to say thank you so much for these videos. Im in my third year of bachelors in biology and i want to apply to med school once i graduate. Your videos have been so inspiring and hopeful for me as someone whos very insecure about their capabilities of getting into med school. Thank you so much. Anything is possibke when you put your mind to it.
Exactly! Keep grinding and you will get there! Just focus on you and your journey don’t compare to others!
Wow. You’re video was seriously motivating. I’m just beginning my studying journey and everything you said helped me so much. I started using blue print and I like it so far, but it’s the free version, did you pay for the full blue print membership? What was your opinion?
Yes I paid for the full course. I highly recommend especially if you’re struggling with content. I was able to fill a lot of the gaps in my understanding. Plus the plethora of other resources like tutors, and practice exams. Very much so worth it imo.
First off, congratulations on achieving this accomplishment. This video is right on time for me! I’m currently prepping for the MCAT & using blue print! With Blue Print did you do strictly modules for content review? Or did you use both the books and modules ?
Thanks! Strictly used the modules personally, but if you’re someone that likes reading the textbook for clarity by all means do so. I found the modules were enough for me though. Just reinforce with practice
@@reuben799 One last question, for the psych/soc, did you do those modules as well or you has another technique to get through that?
@@ivrieljaniell5170 yes I did do those modules but I found Anki worked much better for me since this section is largely memorization of terms. I focused a lot on understating high yield terms that kept showing up in my practice exams.
@@reuben799 Was it the MileDown anki?
@@ivrieljaniell5170 yes but I also made my own based off what I felt was high yield. Which was really only a few terms tbh.
Haha why am I watching this. I did my MCAT months ago and thankfully did well enough the first time that I don’t need to go at it again. I guess it just feels so nice to watch these MCAT videos without having that anxiety and stress about my own test pressing down on me. Good luck to everybody watching this video that has yet to compete their test. I know at the moment it feels terrible and that time passes so slowly but it’s all about pushing through and enduring the process. You will get through it and one day you will be looking back at the experience with pride about your effort just like me.
Yay. I’m in a course as well. I hope I’m on the right track.
When you put the work in, you get the results just stay confident!
How much is the blue print course ???
It's a bit pricey. I don't remember how much I paid but was over $1000. It was worth every penny tho. but make sure you assess for yourself.
Video starts at 4:48
Thanks for the great tips!
Hi, thanks for this. I noticed CARS was not your weakest section. What strategy did you use on this section?
I never actually studied specifically for CARS. What I think indirectly helped was the fact I started pleasure reading more consistently which allowed me to read faster with better understanding. I’m short, practice passages and read more frequently for pleasure. I hope that helps!
@@reuben799 I noticed this for me too. I’d do better on that section when I was also reading for fun on the side
@@fieldhockeykid34 yay glad to see it’s not just me and that can actually help ppl!
Thisssss is the content I was looking for!!
How many practice tests did you take total?
Can you share how you reviewed your practice exams? Thanks for all your help!!
I hope he replies this
That's crazy that you could do an exam every three days 😯 I have only really the time for one every week
Good job dude
Hope to get the same results!
I was fortunate to have the time. One exam a week is still good and should help you see better results! Just be intentional and disciplined with your time. You can supplement by doing practice questions during a lunch break and/or listening to MCAT podcasts on your commute. Get creative
Thank you for sharing this video! Extremely encouraging!
This is so encouraging! Thank you so much for this Ruben!
Thank you for this, honestly !!
You’re very welcome!
How many exams would you say you took? Also great video
In total I probably took 10+ exams also retaking the same exams multiple times.
How long did you study for
Let's go!
This is so helpful!
Which blueprint course did you take? There's live and on demand ?
I didn’t go to live classes so I’ll assume the on demand. I don’t remember the exact name of the option I chose
Did you retake the aamc exams?
Yes Since there were only a few and they are closest to the real thing.
@@reuben799 Did you use the blueprint full length or just AAMC?
@@pleiades7817 I used them both. AAMC are closest to the real thing so I retook those. The blueprint exams are harder than the real thing so that helped build confidence
Way to go king!!!
Very helpful bossman.. thank you
Nice video
Great job man!
Thanks bro appreciate the love! 🙏🏾
For the Blueprint course diagnostic, do you recommend taking it timed or untimed?
If it’s full length take it timed if it’s not full length it doesn’t really matter.
Great video 😊😊
ahh this helped so much!! you were so calm and honestly just had really good vibes -- good luck on your journey and congrats!! thank you for helping us out ☺
Thank youu!
What was your daily study schedule? Did you work?
During this time I was actually completing a Master’s so I was mostly in the lab doing research. So I had a lot of flexibility since I could plan out my experiments.
Usually I would be in the lab in the morning and do practice exams/study in the afternoon. This was good because my actual exam time was for the afternoon anyway so my body could get used to that.
Weekends however I might take it in the morning to get it out the way.
Sorry I can’t give you much of a set hourly schedule since I had lots of time. If you’re struggling with time I’d suggest scheduling it in (spreading it out if you have to) and setting learning goals so your time isn’t wasted.
Thank you! So in your lab sounds like you were basically working part time hours?
How long did your course last for?
I had access to the resources for 12 months but I only used it for about 2-3
Congratulations on your future journey!❤️
Thank you so much!
Which blueprint course did you take ? I know they offer like 3 different options
This is so inspiration!! Can you share your activities section and app highlights
I have been thinking of sharing more of my application! I get on that
I like this. I clicked because it felt real. I frankly don't believe all these videos claiming to have 528 scores.
Can you share with us the types of foods you ate during the practice exams, etc? Thanks
Honestly I rarely ate during practice exams and when I did I just cooked a quick breakfast since I was at home. I mostly focused on stamina and trying to build endurance throughout so I’d just take short breaks to stretch and use the restroom before diving back in. On my actual exam day I forgot to bring food and thugged it out with just water. Food is very subjective. Maybe bring your favorite snack/lunch to help out with test stress.
@@reuben799 tyvm!!!
I graduated from college a few years ago and I have forgotten a lot of the material (I was pre med). Do you think taking blueprint will help me? Or how do you recommend I go about this? I appreciate your video. It was super motivating 🥹