In the past, I took an MCAT test prep course, believing it would help me get an amazing MCAT score. Dropping $2000 was one of the hardest things I ever did, but I thought it would be worth it when I became a doctor... Let me just say, I wish I could get that money back. I learned as much as anyone would learn in a college class- all you learn is that you have to study more by yourself. This is terrible for a lazy, procrastinating, hopeless human being such as myself. I took this course and all I could do was do the readings- 1 practice test completed, and a few quizzes here and there. Yipee, $2000 dollars down the drain.
So, I have done countless hours of research about how to study, what to study, where to study. I've learned some valuable lessons:
1. Student doctor network is your best friend. I am in love with this site, it has amazing people on it and they are completely honest about medical school - most of my learning has come from here.
2. DO NOT DROP $2000 ON AN MCAT COURSE. Unless you need someone to tell you when to do what, then it'll just be an expensive alarm clock. Use that money for books and paying for food/ rent/ life! When you are a graduate or a college student, you'll learn that money will go by fast and you'll need it.
3. Take some of that money and join a gym. Exercise is good for the body and mind, seriously, it is.
4. Figure out what books are right for you to study:
Examkrackers 1001 series
Examkrackers review books
The Princeton Review Hyperlearning books
The Berkeley Review books
I am in the process of buying these books, so I will let you know my personal thoughts about them! They are insanely expensive - but I've figured out student doctor network (SDN) is your friend with "for sale" ads, ebay, amazon.com, and craigslist.org all have decent prices if you search enough.
5. Do volunteer work at a hospital/ related health environment.
This is a must, I did not start until after I graduated college. It was a huge reason why I didn't apply to medical school earlier- lack of experience! I need a LOT more hours, but I'm working on it.
6. Get recommendations!!! NOW NOW NOW
I sent recommendations to my college health professions office, as well as, interfolio.com. I've come to realize how helpful interfolio has become. I use to be so sick of asking professors and employers for recommendations for different things, now I don't. I just use the website because they have them ready whenever I need them. It's a great time saving tool when I need to apply to something and I need recommendations fast.
7. Study somewhere far away from your home.
Ok, some people are good at studying at home and for them I say kudos! But every single time I've tried to study at home, I end up wasting time and figuring out ways of not studying. I think I've cleaned my room 20 times this month. My apartment is not a safe haven, it is a trap of never-ending time consumption.
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