My MCAT prep

There is a thread over on the Student Doctor Network that asks those who achieved 30+ on the MCAT to post how they prepared as advice to others getting ready for the exam.  The typical student, upon reading through the thread, would have to feel like a moron.  It seems that at least half of the people who post there have 35+ MCAT scores.  To the new pre-med or anyone new to SDN, this is an inaccurate perception.  First, the people most likely to post their scores are those who scored the highest.  The thread, therefore, selects for that top 1% of MCAT takers, and there are plenty of people who, while they scored above a 30, are disappointed with some aspect of their performance and thus choose not to talk about their score. 

Second, there is at least some portion of the population, and I can't even guess at the actual percentage, who feel better about themselves when they lie about their accomplishments.  While I would be surprised if a majority of the super-high scores were not genuine, there is certainly some number of immature individuals who make up fake, highly-impressive statistics about themselves and post them online.  It is pretty pathetic, but spend a little time in a few internet forums and you will see evidence of this.  Don't let the seemingly high scores of others intimidate you, though, since most of those who are accepted to medical school do not have those incredibly high MCAT scores.

I chose not to post to the thread not because of any inadequacy in my score, but because sharing my preparation would not help anyone.  My studying for the MCAT, both times I took it, was non-existent.  The first time was in 2008 as I was finishing the pre-reqs I was taking as a post-bachelor student.  I glanced through an old MCAT prep book (published before the MCAT was computer-based) for a total of 2 hours or so.  I basically read through the genetics section of the book (since I didn't take genetics) and took a few practice problems.  I didn't buy any MCAT sample tests, nor did I take advantage of any free ones.  This was stupid on my part.  My MCAT the first time was 32R with 12bs 9ps 11v.  If I had gone through a thorough review of every subject, or even taken all of the available practice tests, I could have increased my score at least a point or two in each section.

The second time I took the test I was equally foolish about it.  My decision to actually apply to medical school was made in early 2011, which put me in an awkward spot.  I checked with the schools I can commute to and not all would accept scores from 2008 for 2012 matriculation.  This meant I could take the MCAT immediately and apply this cycle, or give myself lots of prep time and put off applying until the 2012-2013 cycle.  I chose the former, so I registered for the March MCAT and took it without any real prep.  I was taking two courses, Calc III and P-Chem at the time, I was working full time, and our son was still in the NICU.  I was convinced, however, that the P-Chem course would make up for my biggest deficiency the last time I took the MCAT, in physical science, and I ended up with a 32Q on the MCAT, with 11bs 10ps 11v.  I was happy that the score was more balanced, but again, if I had actually prepared, I would have been able to do much better. 

It remains to be seen whether my choice to rush into the application season was a waste based on whether I am admitted this cycle.  I have no real expectation to get in this time, but the low chance was still worth applying in my opinion, and I thankfully did not bomb the MCAT which would greatly reduce my likelihood of being accepted anywhere.