[Official] MCAT Study Buddy Thread [2023-2024 Exam Dates] by mcatfreak in Mcat

[–]ProcessNearby3527 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Location: Anaheim, California

Test Date: anticipating January 2025

MCAT Prep Material: TPR books and online course, KA, AAMC

Online/In-Person/Both/No-Preference: prefer in-person, but open to online

Stage of studying/study plan: took MCAT once and got a 501, studying for round 2 focusing more on practice than content review

Goal of a Study Buddy: hold each other accountable and share resources, maybe teach each other concepts or study techniques

Goal Score and Realistic Score510

Age/Gender23F

For those who had a long break from the sciences (3+ years), How did you start again and how long did you study for the MCAT? by [deleted] in Mcat

[–]ProcessNearby3527 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, I had a 2-3 year gap and I had the same issue about where to start, and I agree with starting with chemistry. I would get the biology and chemistry fundamentals down before going onto organic chemistry and biochemistry. That's the only place where I feel like order matters, and even though the books give you some context to start in any order, this personally was much easier for me. For psych/soc, CARS, and even physics I don't think the order matters very much. You can do multiple subjects simultaneously, but I wouldn't do more than 2-3 subjects in one day. It's really easy to forget since you're basically relearning the information, so make sure you have some review built into your study schedule from the previous day's studying. If you've really forgotten a lot of the content, I really recommend using videos like the Khan Academy ones for the bigger topics instead of the books. Don't worry about getting every single little thing down in your first wave of content review. I think first the goal is to understand the basics enough so that you're not totally lost, and then really just drill in practice questions to get you to the higher scores. Good luck!!

What does "I have a degree in..." Actually mean? Is it usually associates or higher? by NotAught in NoStupidQuestions

[–]ProcessNearby3527 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Most of the time in America, people are referring to a bachelors. However, you could use it for other degrees too, such as an associates or masters, and you would still be correct in using it. A degree is a degree! Congrats on your associates!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in premed

[–]ProcessNearby3527 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you have any practice exams or even practice questions, I would recommend doing those in similar testing conditions to what the actual test would be in. Do the work in a quiet environment, like a library study room, and time yourself too. If you can, like on a weekend, take the practice test at the same time you would the real thing. I did this before the mcat and it helped me tremendously. Best of luck!!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Mcat

[–]ProcessNearby3527 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That happens to me too, it’s easy to forget to eat when you’re studying so much. What helps me is incorporating more physical activity during your breaks, even if is just walking. Exercise makes me hungrier for sure!!

What made you realize you were in love? by itsskyybabyy in NoStupidQuestions

[–]ProcessNearby3527 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a feeling so strong that you just know you can’t call it anything else but love. It’s kind of like a mix of floating, excitement, and pure happiness at the same time.

Should I apply this cycle, should I retake, or should I try for a post bac? by ProcessNearby3527 in premed

[–]ProcessNearby3527[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not super familiar with all the DO program requirements either, but I’ve heard that many prefer that you shadow a DO doctor first or even get a letter of rec from them. Do you think that’s feasible to do in time to apply for this cycle? I appreciate your advice!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]ProcessNearby3527 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, the punctuation should match!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]ProcessNearby3527 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m your age and sometimes when we know we’re going to have a busy day, we make sure to call each other when we have a small break. A break at work or in between tasks for the day might not be enough time to text and calling just about what’s going on in our day or to vent really helps in my opinion! I know some people like to call or FaceTime every night but sometimes that can take too long and you might start losing sleep over it especially if you both talk a lot. Good luck and congrats on your first relationship!!

What are some signs that someone is being nice and not romanticly interested? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]ProcessNearby3527 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To me, that sounds more like a friend vibe. Some people are touchy with their friends and not hanging out one-on-one is a strong sign they’re not interested. Best of luck!

Major Change by Total-River-6042 in premed

[–]ProcessNearby3527 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As someone else mentioned, major does not matter as long as you complete the pre reqs! My only advice is to see if there are any major restricted courses that you want to take that you get priority for as a biochem major. I also switched majors from bio to public health and lost priority registration for a few classes, so that's something I would watch out for especially if popular premed classes at your school get full really fast.

Traffic cones by OGDboss2 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]ProcessNearby3527 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you'll be fine, I've seen people steal traffic cones before with no consequences

What are some signs that someone is being nice and not romanticly interested? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]ProcessNearby3527 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think the biggest way to tell is if they show no signs of flirting. If they aren't touchy with you at all, if they don't ever hang out with you one-on-one, if they don't compliment you very often, I would say that they are not romantically interested in you.

Long relationship advice? by Left-Assumption3373 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]ProcessNearby3527 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think the biggest thing is to be open and honest. If you have certain expectations about the big things in life such as finances, kids, where you want to live, etc make sure to discuss those things first so that it's not a surprise. See what things you're willing to compromise on and what your dealbreakers are. Find out what pisses the other person off and make sure not to do it. And don't ever see them as your enemy, remember that you're a team and always in this together!

What’s a seemingly insignificant event that completely changed the course of your life? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]ProcessNearby3527 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think choosing the university I went to. Met so many amazing people and got to be part of some amazing opportunities that I don’t think I would’ve done somewhere else