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Interview with student who took the old and new MCAT

July 29, 2015 By Leah4sci 6 Comments

Here’s a short interview from a student who took the old MCAT, didn’t like the score, and tested again in 2015. This interview reflects the student’s personal opinion and should only be taken as such.

Which practice tests did you use to prepare for the new MCAT?
I took the AAMC sample test, 3 Next-Step exams (get 10% discount here), a few Princeton Practice exams. I also worked through the AAMC packets.

Which one would you say was closest to the real MCAT?
The AAMC sample test was definitely the closest. I felt the real MCAT was longer and a little bit harder, though.

Which practice test was the next best?
I would say that the Next Step was next best- but their CARS (verbal) was a little bit on the longer side compared to the AAMC sample test. But so was the real MCAT

Looking back, what do you wish you would’ve done differently now that you’ve actually seen the exam?
Be stronger in my bio.

How did you study bio, and where do you feel you should’ve been stronger?
I feel like there were some things I understood but not well enough that I could recall it on the test. Like knowing where the reactions and pathways occur and where the enzymes are from.

What was your best resource in preparing for this MCAT?
I took the old MCAT and reused my old books for chemistry. I used Princeton to learn the new material then used Examkracker books (referral link) for a review. For the sciences, especially biochemistry, I only took your biochem bootcamp.

I had the books but felt that it was not adequate for the test. The day I took your course, I realized that I wasn’t ready for the biochem. I postponed my exam for a month and learned all I could from the Biochem Bootcamp. I owe all my biochem knowledge to you!

What advice would you give to students about to test?

Really focus on biochem and get strong in chemistry. Know formulas and understand how they connect with the other topics. With the old MCAT, if you got a chemistry passage, it was only a chemistry passage. This time it’s integrated. It’s chemistry that has to do with physics and they’ll throw in maybe psychology.

I wish someone would have told me to calm my nerves. It’s just a test, and you can’t be attached to the outcome. When you do, things go wrong. You can always retake it. You need to be present in the moment and do the best that you can.

Just go in confident.

I definitely went into it much more confident than when I took the old MCAT in January 2015. I came out of that test destroyed.

What did you do leading up to your exam that helped calm your nerves?
I did a lot of guided meditation to ease anxiety. When I took the test in January there were moments during studying for the MCAT when I would find myself really anxious. I would just take a five minute break. I watched the motivational video you shared on Facebook and it gave me the push that I needed to get back into studying.

Here's the video mentioned:


What do you think made the biggest difference between your prep for the old vs. new MCAT?
The Study Hall Facebook group really helped- knowing that I wasn’t alone, that I had other students to rely on when I had a question. Last time I studied by myself. In the study hall, you would ask, “What’s your goal for this week?” And that was good to keep me on track.

Everybody in the study hall is super helpful and really nice. They responded to my questions. I was especially amazed and happy when I saw a question I had asked in the group pop up on my real MCAT. I’m so glad I asked about that. (MCAT Study Hall details)

Filed Under: MCAT Exam Feedback Tagged With: mcat 2015, mcat feedback

Comments

  1. Melinda says

    October 10, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    I just watched this video and it really helped me to motivate. I’m in my last pre-med semester and am so anxious about taking the MCAT. It was nice to get some ideas about how to study. I have the EK books and I’ve been trying to figure out how to incorporate them with Leah’s tips and tutoring. I think I’m starting to get a plan together and feel a bit more confident!

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      October 19, 2016 at 12:45 pm

      I’m glad to hear you are feeling more confident! If you think I can help more, feel free to contact me about a strategy session: https://leah4sci.com/strategy/

      Reply
  2. Ernest says

    July 30, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    Thanks to both of you. I mean Leah and the student.

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      December 22, 2015 at 1:36 pm

      You’re very welcome Ernest

      Reply
  3. Lauranna says

    July 29, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    Thank you both for taking the time to do the interview, and thank you Leah for posting the interview while assisting all of us future test-takers with your awesome vids, notes, study-guides, tips and tricks for the MCAT!! (I appreciate when Leah posts comments from prior test-takers since it eases my anxiety … I don’t generally test well, and when I do, I take forever then change my answers. I have to be prepared for the MCAT, I am learning new study habits from Leah and I must work on my confidence too so that I don’t fall back into my old habits of changing right answers to wrong!)

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      August 1, 2015 at 11:58 am

      Thank you Lauranna!
      One of the best ways to improve your test-taking ability is to take regular practice tests. If you find that you are a poor tester make sure you take a weekly full length for at least 8 weeks in a row before your actual exam. This way your MCAT will feel like just another full length practice test. The familiarity and confidence will calm you down and help you excel.

      Reply

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