Changes made - studied 2-3 hrs at a time not 8hrs - studies at gym, comfortable places - less stress - not telling everyone that you are doing MCAT= less pressure Study methods - flash cards with conversions and equations and memorised/ understood them - encode info by saying it out loud then write it down. Use Acronyms. Take time to understand not just know. - make study guide with equations and constants. - practice. Take it in location outside of house. - make sure u know ur shit 😆
Im ashamed to admit how many times I've watched your MCAT series... But they bring me so much motivation and inspiration. I take my 2nd test in April. Thank you so much for helping me. Pray for me.
Recently I stumbled upon your medical school videos, and honestly my immediate thought was that there was no way you struggled on your MCAT. I’ve been TORN apart because I just got my score back and the same thing happened to me! I was so down on myself and felt completely inadequate as I scheduled my second exam. It really helped me to hear your honesty about retaking it. Just wanted to thank you
This is literally what I needed to hear. Love you girl you are an inspiration for me to not give up! Also gave me some awesome tips, I will make sure to apply them starting today!
I know how it feels like to get a score that's below ones standards as a premed. It happened to me this semester on my 3rd test me of Ochem 2 class. I was so disappointed as that was my worse exam score ever. But on 4th and fifth exams I killed it. I know this does not compare to not getting the score you expected on MCAT; but my point is that the bad times are gonna come and pass, but ultimately we'll have to overcome them and grow stronger. I personally will be taking my MCAT this summer. On what you said about telling everyone that you are taking the Mcat, I'm guilty of that haha. But mostly to let my friends and family know that I'll be spending most of my time studying and they should give me the support and space I need to focus on my study. Between I have really learned a lot from your videos. Thanks!!!
Hey Joachin, First off, thanks for watching my videos! I'm happy that you were able to take away tips from my experiences. Second, I appreciate the words of wisdom. Bad times definitely happen and not doing well on the MCAT the first or maybe even second time around won't be the first or last of my failures. As long as I'm able to learn from my mistakes and move forward with a positive attitude, I'm happy. That's fine that you told everyone! It's an exciting time! Just don't let the pressure of everyone rooting for you affect your performance. You can do this! You got this. I wish you the best of luck with the remainder of your studies and of course, if you have any questions or need help, reach out! Take care! Let me know how your exam goes!
Just found your channel I'm taking a Kaplan course... I honestly am aiming for like a 505. I'm a non-trad applicant and the schoolI'm applying to (in Canada) luckily only considers the MCAT as a hoop (as long as you have above a 503, it's OK - the weigh more heavily on GPA/extra curricular etc.) I'm so nervoussss
Oh wow! Is that the only school you intend to apply to? Don't limit yourself. Shoot for the stars and land on the moon. Goodluck in your preparation! Let me know if you have any questions!
It's quite a bit different in Canada than it is in the US. We only have 17 medical schools in the whole country and you have a WAY better chance at getting into the one/ones in your home province.
Thanks so much for making this video! The honest insight is really helpful. Regardless of how the exam goes it looks like you have your game together. Though I hope and pray you do well! The video actually really is helpful, so thank you. Keep it great! (and watch out for squirrels!)
Hi there, Of course! I'm really happy that it helps you. That's why I continue to share. If it helps at least one person, then yay!! Thank you for hoping/praying for me. Life will turn out as it should. Until then, I've been working on my personal statement and learning more about the application process for the MD and DO schools...and holy crud....WHOLE OTHER WORLD OF STRESS. I have so much to do from now until June 1st lol. Thanks again! *tries to catch squirrels for pets* Take care!
Rachel Southard it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I don’t believe I did magnificent, but hopefully it was enough. I did do some power poses though ! 😂
Congrats on your new score! Did you work while studying? How long of a time did you dedicate to studying for this exam? Like you, I tanked the first exam and will be retaking it this summer. Thank you!
Thank you Lauren! I did work while studying. For the second shot at the MCAT, I studied 2-3 hours a day during the week, then 4-5 hours on the weekend. Don't even stress! Most people do, then the second round, you're golden because you know what you expect :) Let me know if I can help you in anyway. Take care and good luck!
I know you said you did practice exams and questions but did you do any AAMC full lengths? Or AAMC materials? Sending positive thoughts your way! Hope you did well this time!
Wichaya Nampror hi! My last month before the exam, I took only AAMC practice exams. Prior to that, I was taking kaplan exams. The main difference is the quality of explanations to answers. The AAMC has AWFUL incomplete explanations to answers, so it’s not useful really. But the language between the exams is pretty different. I find AAMC exams easier than Kaplan. Thank you so much! I appreciate you 🙂 Goodluck if you’re currently studying for the exam!
Hey Rachel! I am just watching this now because I'm planning on taking the MCAT soon but I am still in my undergrad. I was wondering if you did all of this during your undergrad or after you already graduated (gap year/etc)
Thanks for the honest tips, I am about to start studying for the MCAT but have no idea how/what to start with, should I just get a Kaplan(or your suggestion) book set and start on page one? any tips appreciated!
I originally purchased just the books and started working at those, then I bought the actual course (they sent me ANOTHER set of books even though I had already bought some separately). I honestly suggest a course, whether it be exam krackers, princeton review, or kaplan. They really teach you HOW to take the exam, which is a huge part of it that you really can't learn on your own. I am a great test taker, but the MCAT is something that everyone isn't prepared for. They also narrow down the material that makes up majority of the exam, so it helps that it's all right there in front of you instead of you trying to figure out on your own what may or may not show up on the test. Hope that gives you an idea of where to start! Let me know if you have any other questions. :) Happy to help.
@@RachelSouthard Hi Rachel, I truly admire your positive attitude! I will have to take the MCAT again as well, and I purchased the Kaplan book. I am curious, what course did you get? the self paced one, or the one with the actual lectures? Also, how would you study the books? I feel like they are so dense, that it takes me a day just to read a couple of chapters LOL. Let me know what your thoughts are :) Thanks!
Would you still recommend the Kaplan course that you took? They seem very beneficial but I am skeptical since it is so expensive, but obviously worth the price if it helps!
Hi! Do you now something about this book which is called "MCAT behavioral sciences review"? To be honest, I study at the Russian National Medical university that is why I don't know about this book. I'd love to know from you about this book 😊
So did you use Kaplan again? Like you just went through the books again? with of course the use of AAMC practice exams. Great channel! Like a quick list of what you used would be great.....PLEASE!
I did do Kaplan again. I was able to take the course again for free because I wasn't satisfied with my score. HOWEVER! I barely used the actual course. I briefly went through the books, but only to find my trouble areas and to get more information on them. I mainly took the Kaplan course again to have access to their online question bank and practice tests. I did a zillion Q-bank questions (where you design mini-quizzes based on what you want to focus on) and I did many more practice exams (Kaplan ones, then AAMC ones closer to test day). I also made more flashcards with theories, equations, common conversions, SI units, etc. I made sure I knew ALL of them by test day. I hope that helps you guide your studies!
Amy Tran thank you! And I glad I can help. I only took anatomy and physiology at a CC, but that’s not really a prereq for med schools, just more of a recommended course. Other than that, I took everything at a university. 🙂
Rachel Southard did you take notes while you read or did you mainly focus on reading the material and making note cards? Taking notes takes a lot of time so I was thinking of only highlighting and marking up the Kaplan books, and making flashcards. Especially since the end chapters have a review outline at the end
Hi there! I'm sorry for such an untimely response. I did take light notes and made flashcards. Writing things out definitely helps with your retention. Also, when you write out material and paraphrase it, it aids in the learning process :) In my opinion anyways. It is more time consuming (and definitely hurts your hand after a while), but it's worth it!
The second time, I studied about 2-3 hours during the weekday, and 4-5 hours on the weekend.These study sessions were completely dedicated to practice questions and practice tests! :)
Changes made
- studied 2-3 hrs at a time not 8hrs
- studies at gym, comfortable places
- less stress
- not telling everyone that you are doing MCAT= less pressure
Study methods
- flash cards with conversions and equations and memorised/ understood them
- encode info by saying it out loud then write it down. Use Acronyms. Take time to understand not just know.
- make study guide with equations and constants.
- practice. Take it in location outside of house.
- make sure u know ur shit 😆
Im ashamed to admit how many times I've watched your MCAT series... But they bring me so much motivation and inspiration. I take my 2nd test in April. Thank you so much for helping me. Pray for me.
HOWD IT GO
Recently I stumbled upon your medical school videos, and honestly my immediate thought was that there was no way you struggled on your MCAT. I’ve been TORN apart because I just got my score back and the same thing happened to me! I was so down on myself and felt completely inadequate as I scheduled my second exam. It really helped me to hear your honesty about retaking it. Just wanted to thank you
This is literally what I needed to hear. Love you girl you are an inspiration for me to not give up! Also gave me some awesome tips, I will make sure to apply them starting today!
I know how it feels like to get a score that's below ones standards as a premed. It happened to me this semester on my 3rd test me of Ochem 2 class. I was so disappointed as that was my worse exam score ever. But on 4th and fifth exams I killed it. I know this does not compare to not getting the score you expected on MCAT; but my point is that the bad times are gonna come and pass, but ultimately we'll have to overcome them and grow stronger. I personally will be taking my MCAT this summer. On what you said about telling everyone that you are taking the Mcat, I'm guilty of that haha. But mostly to let my friends and family know that I'll be spending most of my time studying and they should give me the support and space I need to focus on my study. Between I have really learned a lot from your videos. Thanks!!!
Hey Joachin,
First off, thanks for watching my videos! I'm happy that you were able to take away tips from my experiences.
Second, I appreciate the words of wisdom. Bad times definitely happen and not doing well on the MCAT the first or maybe even second time around won't be the first or last of my failures. As long as I'm able to learn from my mistakes and move forward with a positive attitude, I'm happy.
That's fine that you told everyone! It's an exciting time! Just don't let the pressure of everyone rooting for you affect your performance. You can do this! You got this. I wish you the best of luck with the remainder of your studies and of course, if you have any questions or need help, reach out!
Take care! Let me know how your exam goes!
This is so cool to see how far you have come. Gives me so much motivation
i am LITERALLY writing down everything that she is saying. (I am still only in high school.😅) I love your chanel! Super useful
Just found your channel I'm taking a Kaplan course... I honestly am aiming for like a 505. I'm a non-trad applicant and the schoolI'm applying to (in Canada) luckily only considers the MCAT as a hoop (as long as you have above a 503, it's OK - the weigh more heavily on GPA/extra curricular etc.) I'm so nervoussss
Oh wow! Is that the only school you intend to apply to? Don't limit yourself. Shoot for the stars and land on the moon. Goodluck in your preparation! Let me know if you have any questions!
It's quite a bit different in Canada than it is in the US. We only have 17 medical schools in the whole country and you have a WAY better chance at getting into the one/ones in your home province.
Evie Clair OMG. that’s incredibly stressful sounding! Goodluck though! You got this🙂
Thanks so much for making this video! The honest insight is really helpful. Regardless of how the exam goes it looks like you have your game together. Though I hope and pray you do well!
The video actually really is helpful, so thank you. Keep it great! (and watch out for squirrels!)
Hi there,
Of course! I'm really happy that it helps you. That's why I continue to share. If it helps at least one person, then yay!! Thank you for hoping/praying for me. Life will turn out as it should. Until then, I've been working on my personal statement and learning more about the application process for the MD and DO schools...and holy crud....WHOLE OTHER WORLD OF STRESS. I have so much to do from now until June 1st lol.
Thanks again! *tries to catch squirrels for pets*
Take care!
I take the mcat tomorrow and I’m already seeing where I went wrong 😂 thanks for this video though
NO! Have confidence! The way you prepared is specific to you and your needs! Whatever i did might not work for you. You got this, friend!!
Wow thanks for answering! I will let you know 🤗
JNaye Masters rooting for you! 🤘
HOW DID IT GO?!?!?!
Rachel Southard it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I don’t believe I did magnificent, but hopefully it was enough. I did do some power poses though ! 😂
Congrats on your new score! Did you work while studying? How long of a time did you dedicate to studying for this exam? Like you, I tanked the first exam and will be retaking it this summer. Thank you!
Thank you Lauren! I did work while studying. For the second shot at the MCAT, I studied 2-3 hours a day during the week, then 4-5 hours on the weekend.
Don't even stress! Most people do, then the second round, you're golden because you know what you expect :)
Let me know if I can help you in anyway. Take care and good luck!
hope you did well this time
Thank you! me too.
I know you said you did practice exams and questions but did you do any AAMC full lengths? Or AAMC materials? Sending positive thoughts your way! Hope you did well this time!
Wichaya Nampror hi! My last month before the exam, I took only AAMC practice exams. Prior to that, I was taking kaplan exams. The main difference is the quality of explanations to answers. The AAMC has AWFUL incomplete explanations to answers, so it’s not useful really. But the language between the exams is pretty different. I find AAMC exams easier than Kaplan.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you 🙂
Goodluck if you’re currently studying for the exam!
What did u end up scoring on the AAMC fl's if u don't mind sharing?
Hey Rachel! I am just watching this now because I'm planning on taking the MCAT soon but I am still in my undergrad. I was wondering if you did all of this during your undergrad or after you already graduated (gap year/etc)
Thanks for the honest tips, I am about to start studying for the MCAT but have no idea how/what to start with, should I just get a Kaplan(or your suggestion) book set and start on page one? any tips appreciated!
I originally purchased just the books and started working at those, then I bought the actual course (they sent me ANOTHER set of books even though I had already bought some separately). I honestly suggest a course, whether it be exam krackers, princeton review, or kaplan. They really teach you HOW to take the exam, which is a huge part of it that you really can't learn on your own. I am a great test taker, but the MCAT is something that everyone isn't prepared for. They also narrow down the material that makes up majority of the exam, so it helps that it's all right there in front of you instead of you trying to figure out on your own what may or may not show up on the test. Hope that gives you an idea of where to start! Let me know if you have any other questions. :) Happy to help.
@@RachelSouthard Hi Rachel, I truly admire your positive attitude! I will have to take the MCAT again as well, and I purchased the Kaplan book. I am curious, what course did you get? the self paced one, or the one with the actual lectures? Also, how would you study the books? I feel like they are so dense, that it takes me a day just to read a couple of chapters LOL. Let me know what your thoughts are :) Thanks!
Clara! I'm so sorry that I never saw this. But i'm happy you got my attention on facebook
Would you still recommend the Kaplan course that you took? They seem very beneficial but I am skeptical since it is so expensive, but obviously worth the price if it helps!
Grace Johnson I do recommend Kaplan! It is expensive, but it’s investing in your future. It’ll pay off 🙂
Hello Rachel, you never mentioned how long you spent studying for each exam. How long?
Hi! Do you now something about this book which is called "MCAT behavioral sciences review"? To be honest, I study at the Russian National Medical university that is why I don't know about this book. I'd love to know from you about this book 😊
So did you use Kaplan again? Like you just went through the books again? with of course the use of AAMC practice exams.
Great channel!
Like a quick list of what you used would be great.....PLEASE!
I did do Kaplan again. I was able to take the course again for free because I wasn't satisfied with my score. HOWEVER! I barely used the actual course. I briefly went through the books, but only to find my trouble areas and to get more information on them. I mainly took the Kaplan course again to have access to their online question bank and practice tests. I did a zillion Q-bank questions (where you design mini-quizzes based on what you want to focus on) and I did many more practice exams (Kaplan ones, then AAMC ones closer to test day). I also made more flashcards with theories, equations, common conversions, SI units, etc. I made sure I knew ALL of them by test day.
I hope that helps you guide your studies!
Wow thank you! and good luck on everything!! Lastly.. did you take any preq's at a CC?
Amy Tran thank you! And I glad I can help.
I only took anatomy and physiology at a CC, but that’s not really a prereq for med schools, just more of a recommended course. Other than that, I took everything at a university. 🙂
Rachel Southard did you take notes while you read or did you mainly focus on reading the material and making note cards? Taking notes takes a lot of time so I was thinking of only highlighting and marking up the Kaplan books, and making flashcards. Especially since the end chapters have a review outline at the end
Hi there! I'm sorry for such an untimely response. I did take light notes and made flashcards. Writing things out definitely helps with your retention. Also, when you write out material and paraphrase it, it aids in the learning process :) In my opinion anyways. It is more time consuming (and definitely hurts your hand after a while), but it's worth it!
Hey Rachel, any advice for studying for the physics section?
How much time did you spend studying (in months or whatever)? Thank you !!
What was your OG MCAT score?
How long did you study for the second time?
The second time, I studied about 2-3 hours during the weekday, and 4-5 hours on the weekend.These study sessions were completely dedicated to practice questions and practice tests! :)
Hi! For the second time, I studied around 2-3 hours during the weekday, 4-5 on the weekends. And i had an extra 3 months to study! :)
Rachel Southard Thank you so much.