Recent Discussions

Here, you'll see the recent posts from all of the categories to which you have access in this sub-community. Use the filters to sort them by activity type.

If offered the choice, would you do your interviews in person or virtually? 👀
I feel like we’ve all become pros at the "business on the top, pajamas on the bottom" look over the last few years. But there's something about a handshake and actually being in the room that hits different. If you had the choice between interviewing from the comfort of your own space (with your notes taped behind the…
Can a "most meaningful experience" be strictly anticipated? Need advice.
Hi everyone! The title says it all - next year, I will be completing a fellowship in community health. I intend to spend about 2900-3000 hours in this program. Through relationship-based community service in health centers, schools, independent living homes, and other locations, this programs looks to uplift community…
📅 April 19th 7PM: MCAT Practice Test Masterclass & New Resource Reveal
Is your MCAT prep hitting a plateau? 📉 It’s a common hurdle: you take practice tests, but your score stays the same. The secret isn't just taking more tests—it's knowing how to properly review the ones you've already taken! Kaplan is hosting a free Masterclass this Sunday to show you how to do exactly that.✅ What we’re…
Interview Recovery Tips
You're in an interview and you just totally forgot the question mid-sentence. Do you: A) Ask them to repeat it, or B) Just keep talking and hope for the best? Has this happened to you? Let us know in the comments and share what you did to recover.
Hi! Is there anyone in the Northern NJ area looking for a study buddy?
Hi! My name is Allie and I recently moved back to New Jersey after graduating last May. I am looking for a friend to study together and have an accountability partner during this process. Let me know if you are interested!
🎥 Ask an Admissions Consultant: Full Event Replay & Top Q&A
We had such an incredible time last night at our Ask an Admissions Consultant event. A huge thank you to Maria Lofftus @mlofftus for joining us and sharing her "behind-the-curtain" perspective from her 20 years as a Dean of Admissions. If you couldn't make it live, don't worry! I’ve got the full recording ready for you…
What Actually Counts as a Red Flag on Your Application? Expert Advice
What counts as a 'red flag' on your application? We reached out to a Kaplan admissions consultant (who is also a Doctor) to get the real scoop. She broke down exactly what you should address, what you can save for the interview, and why you should stop worrying about those slightly less-than-perfect grades. Check out her…
GPA Question Medical School
Hello, so I'm one of the individuals that had gone through my first year in undergraduate during 2020 which was during COVID and due to personal circumstances my grade for that year had placed me at a very bad place in the University. After going to the military and coming back in person from a 2 year leave of absence, the…
International Student Medical School Questions
Hi I'm currently an international student who is studying undergraduate here in the US, and I intend on applying to medical schools here in the US and internationally as well. For starters, I've realized that getting a job opportunity in my region is incredibly difficult as international students have to undergo a CPT…
What non-science job skill is a secret weapon for med school?
We spend so much time thinking about lab hours and shadowing that we forget how much other jobs actually prepare us for medicine. Whether you were a barista, a server, or a tutor, you’ve developed skills that some straight-A students lack. What is one ‘non-science’ job skill you’ve gained that you think is actually a…
Five ways to build your interview presence📝
The "interview season" shouldn't be the first time you practice your interpersonal skills. Like any clinical procedure, interviewing is a muscle that requires reps. Here are five ways to build your interview presence while you’re still in the trenches of your pre-med years. 1. The "Patient-First" Narrative: Reframe Your…
What’s a small habit that’s making a big difference in your prep?
Let's talk about those small shifts in your routine that keep the momentum going. From time blocking to morning rituals—what’s a small habit that’s making a big difference in your prep? Let us know in the comments!
Applicant Application Timeline for the upcoming application cycle 2026/2027
To maximize your chances of being admitted to medical school through the rolling admissions process, aim to submit your AMCAS, AACOMAS, or TMDSAS application as soon as that primary application service opens for submission in May. Below is our recommended timeline designed to help you submit early, ensuring high quality…
Mastering the Med School App Event Recording + FAQ Highlights
Missed our admissions event yesterday? No worries! Check out the recording here! Catch the first round of highlights below and make sure to grab your spot for a free 30-minute advisory session! FREE ADVISING SESSION We kicked things off with an FAQ session featuring Alyssa Cole Mixon, DO, MBA, a Kaplan Medical School…
📅 Don't Miss the March 22: Applying to Med School in 2026 - Everything You Need to Know
Wanted to be sure everyone knew the Kaplan team is hosting a free webinar: Applying to Med School in 2026: Everything You Need to Know Sunday, March 22 5:00 - 6:30 PM ET There's nothing quite like the medical school admissions process. Let our Kaplan expert admissions consultants guide you through the quirks of personal…
Pre-Med Check-In: Don’t Let Your Clinical Hours Fall Through the Cracks!
While you’re deep in the MCAT books, don't lose track of the incredible volunteer and clinical hours you’re logging right now. When did you last hit 'Save' on your resume? 👀 Share your favorite way to track your shadowing and volunteer hours in the comments below!📝
What is the PREview exam and should I take it?
Hey everyone! Just when you thought you had your testing schedule figured out with the MCAT, you might have noticed another acronym popping up: the AAMC PREview® exam. 🤔 If you’re scratching your head, wondering if you actually need to worry about this, here is the rundown. The PREview® exam is a professional readiness…
When you need to reset after a rough practice test, what’s your go-to stress relief?
Is there a harder pill to swallow than a CARS passage that made no sense? Probably not. 💀 What’s your post-practice test 'reset' button? Are we hitting the gym, the fridge, or the nap button? 💤
Medical School Acceptance Timelines (2025-2026): What to Expect After March 15
Hi, my name is Maria Lofftus, a Medical School Admissions Consultant here at Kaplan. First, take a moment to look back at where you were last year. You’ve accomplished so much since then—be proud of your progress! As we move into the next phase of the cycle, here is what you need to know about the upcoming AMCAS deadlines…
🛑 Stop Saying You "Helped" in the Lab: How to Level Up Your Pre-Med Resume📝
The difference between a "good" medical school application and a "great" one often comes down to one thing: Impact. Admissions committees know you volunteered. They know you shadowed. What they want to know is your level of engagement. If your resume is filled with phrases like "helped with," "assisted in," or "was…
Introduction
Hi my name is Simran and would like to connect to the aspirants, please feel free to message me and connect via forum, I am planning to give exam in Sep and I have a finance background. Anyone in the same boat as me ?
Missed yesterday's live? Watch the recording HERE!🎥
Thank you to all of you who joined us last night for our MCAT Deep Dive FAQ & AMA session with @Ae-Ri! If you missed it, or would like to rewatch, here is the full recording below. If you have additional questions that weren't answered, add them to the comments!
🛑 Stop guessing, start planning: Live MCAT Deep Dive Today
The road to med school is paved with questions: How early should I start? How do I tackle CARS? How do I actually stay sane during prep? If you’re looking for clarity, join us tonight for a focused session designed to clear the fog. The Details When: Today, Feb 25th @ 6 :00 PM ET Host: Expert MCAT Instructor, @Ae-Ri…
How I prepared for the MCAT
The Strategy: Choosing a Focused Window I dedicated the summer before my senior year to MCAT prep. While many students test in the spring, I knew I needed a focused window where the MCAT was my only priority. The takeaway? Understand your own study habits and choose a schedule you can actually commit to. Overcoming Mental…
Why is Leadership Experience Important for Medical School Applications?
Why do medical schools look for leadership experience on your medical school application? Because leadership ability is vital to success as a physician. Doctors serve as leaders in a variety of capacities, including guiding patients, directing hospital or clinic healthcare teams, managing medical practices, teaching…
The Path to Acid/Base Mastery
Acid/base chemistry is the "hidden backbone" of the MCAT, and where many pre-meds hit a wall. While it formally lives in the General Chemistry category, its reputation as a high-yield topic stems from how it bridges the gap between simple math and complex human physiology. Whether you are calculating the pH of a solution…
How to Show Authenticity in Your Medical School Application (Part 1)
Applying to med school is about more than just a high GPA. While academic requirements get you through the door, admissions committees prioritize authenticity. They want to see applicants who possess deep self-awareness and a clear vision for their future in medicine. The key to a standout application is self-reflection.…
Study Partner
Hello, I am looking for a study partner for the MCAT
What kind of clinical experience is needed for a successful medical school application?
Hi, my name is Maria Lofftus, and I am a Kaplan Medical School Admissions Consultant. What kind of clinical experience is needed for a successful medical school application is a question that many applicants have. While significant shadowing hours are a fantastic foundation, it is important to understand how medical school…
The MCAT Prep Playbook: Share Your Advice📝📣
If you could give advice to someone just starting MCAT prep, what would be your top tip? Maybe it’s a specific strategy you used, a mindset shift that lowered your anxiety, or a scheduling hack that prevented burnout. Share your wisdom below to help a fellow future doctor start their prep right! 😊✨
If you could Thanos-snap one MCAT section out of existence, which one is disappearing? 🫰✨
Everyone has a… least favorite section of the MCAT. If you were the head of the AAMC for a day, and you had to delete one MCAT section forever. Which one goes first? 🗑️ Let us know in the comments! Related Articles: What’s Tested on the MCAT? (2026) Breaking down the MCAT: Psych Soc Breaking down the MCAT: Bio Biochem…
MD vs. PhD: 5 Practical Tips for Pre-Med Clarity
The transition from researcher to clinician is rarely a straight line. Many students find themselves at a crossroads: PhD or MD? While research offers the thrill of scientific discovery, medicine provides the human narrative behind the data. Bridging Research and Clinical Care My path began in the lab, driven by the…
Second Semester Check In!
What’s the biggest challenge of juggling MCAT prep with a new semester?
Keeping the Momentum: Your 4 Step Blueprint
The "New Year, New Me" energy is great, but the real challenge isn't starting—it's sustaining. After a grueling first semester of Organic Chemistry, Biology, or Physics, it’s easy to feel the "mid-year slump" creeping in. But the secret to a competitive GPA isn't working harder in January; it’s working smarter by building…
MCAT Prep Advice
Take it back to the start of your MCAT prep. ⏪ If you could go back and give your 'Day 1' self one piece of advice, what would it be? Drop your best tip for the newcomers below!
Why Your MCAT Test Date Matters
Choosing an MCAT date isn't just about when you’ll be "ready" to take the exam—it’s a strategic move that dictates the entire rhythm of your medical school application. Because most medical schools operate on rolling admissions, your score is the "key" that unlocks the door. The date you choose impacts: Verification Speed:…
📣Roll Call! Let us know where you're from and when you're testing!
Let’s find your study squad! Whether you're just starting content review or you're in the home stretch, drop a comment below with: 📍 Where are you from? (State/University) 🗓️ When is your MCAT test date? (Month/Year) Pro-tip: Scroll through the replies—if you see someone with your same test date or location, say hi and…
MCAT New Year Resolutions
Happy New Year, future doctors! Let’s be real: While everyone else is resolving to hit the gym, we know you're resolving to finally master the Kidney Tubules and the Bohr Effect. 🫠 If your 2026 mood board is just a giant photo of a 520+ score, this list is for you. Here are 5 non-negotiable resolutions for every pre-med…
How I Prepared for the MCAT
About Me Alison Ross Undergraduate Institution: University of Pittsburgh Major: Molecular Biology Minors: Chemistry, Bioengineering Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine MCAT Score: 518 Time Spent Preparing The short answer, 5 months, but in reality, this doesn't tell the full story. The start to my MCAT prep…
MCAT prep
Hi everyone, I've been studying for the mcat since the beginning of October and have barely seen any improvement, and I am taking the exam in April, is this normal?
I'm testing in January, what should I be focusing on in December?
You’ve spent the semester preparing, and now the holidays are here... with family, travel, and disrupted routines. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many January testers face the same challenge of staying consistent during December. The good news? Most of the heavy lifting is behind you. December is the time to refine…
Your 2025 Kaplan Pre-Med Community WRAPPED!
Thank you for making this year a great one, Pre-Med Community! Check out your 2025 Pre Med Community Wrapped and be sure to drop your Spotify Wrapped in the comments below.
Check out this study playlist!
Finding the right music to study to can make a huge difference, especially during holiday breaks. We came across this great study playlist and wanted to share it with you. Check it out and drop your go-to study songs or playlist in the comments!
How to prep over the MCAT over the Thanksgiving holiday
If you’ve got time off on your calendar coming up for Thanksgiving, you may want to capitalize on the break to ramp up your MCAT studying. But the break is also a time for celebration, rest, and family. And if you’re a student who just had a busy week of midterms right before the break, you also want some time to…
FREE Webinar: How to Ace the 2026 Medical School Application Cycle
Medical school admissions are a maze, but you don't need to get lost! Our expert admissions consultants are hosting a session to demystify the entire process—from crafting a standout personal statement to acing your interview. Join our expert consultants this Sunday for: Everything You Need to Know for 2026 Admissions.…
MCAT Physics Formulas You Can't Forget (Downloadable Formula PDF!)
Essential Physics Equations for the MCAT: While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the physics equations that are fair game on the MCAT, this is a starting point. It can be overwhelming if you treat the list of equations as a bunch of formulas and variables to cram into your brain, so starting with a condensed list of…
Breaking down the MCAT: Chem Phys
When someone asks me about the most important or high-yield topic to focus on for the chem/phys section, my answer often surprises them – it’s periodic trends! Although this isn’t a topic that is often directly tested – we don’t see too many questions asking about balanced equations or oxidation numbers – periodic trends…
Breaking down the MCAT: Psych Soc
The Psych/Soc portion of the MCAT can often feel very daunting, like it’s this giant hurdle built of (often unfamiliar) terms and theories that can only be overcome through memorization. As a result, a lot of students turn to flashcards as a study tool but then become overwhelmed when their flashcard decks continue to…
How to score a 520+ on the MCAT - Free 520+ Sample Class!
According to the 59 medical school admissions officers our Kaplan team spoke with in 2024, 39% said a low MCAT score is “the biggest application deal-breaker” in the primary application, followed by a low GPA and then a lack of clinical experience. In the table below, we list the average MCAT scores for some of the top…
Breaking down the MCAT: CARS
The CARS section of the MCAT might seem out of place compared to the rest of the exam, but it's actually trying to test a similar thing as the rest of the exam! It just does so in a totally different context. Contrary to what many testers think, CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) is not a reading comprehension…
Breaking down the MCAT: Bio Biochem
The Bio-Biochem section, like most of the MCAT, doesn't test students in the same way as most university coursework. As such, to succeed on the MCAT you will likely need to approach it differently from previous exams. The MCAT is not only testing if you know the facts about biology, chemistry, biochemistry in biological…
Ask an expert: How do I know if med school is for me?
How do I know if med school is for me?Deciding whether to go to medical school can be a tough choice. There are so many different ways to contribute to the medical field and patient care — from research and nursing to serving as a technologist, EMT, CNA, CRNA, or APP (medicine loves its abbreviations)! So how do you know…
Balancing Prep and College: The Essential Practice for Future Physicians
Preparing for the MCAT while managing college life is no small feat, but as future physicians, it’s crucial to remember that balance is necessary. We can’t put our lives on hold each time we do something hard. Think of this as a great opportunity to practice a skill you will 100% need in the future. With that being said,…
🔍Ask An Expert: How to analyze your scores and determine if you need to retest!
So you've gotten your MCAT scores back, and they're not as high as you wanted. And you need to decide: retest or not? To help inform that decision, analyze 2 sets of factors: 1) the quantitative: how the scores compare to your most recent practice scores; and 2) the qualitative: conditions during and before your official…
The Final Push: Encouragement For The Last MCAT Testing Cycle of The Year
Hey everyone, Just wanted to give a huge shoutout to everyone grinding for their MCAT in this last month of the testing cycle! 🧠💪 If you’re feeling the burnout right now, you are definitely not alone. It’s tough when you’re hitting up against a deadline, particularly this one. Having to juggle other commitments, including…
What do I select as my end date?
I currently plan to take the MCAT in April of 2026, but when I input this into my study schedule, it is giving me 5 hours a day instead of 5 hours a week, and my study schedule ends in December. I am confused if the system is messed up or how to make it cooperate with what I entered.
How do you balance MCAT prep with classes, work, and everything else? [Share your tips]
We know it’s a lot, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you’re juggling a job, research, a full course load, or just trying to stay sane, we’d love to hear what’s actually helping you stay on track right now. 💡 What’s working for you? 📅 A strict schedule? 🎧 Study playlists? 🤝 Accountability buddies? 🍕Built-in…
Testing this month? Advice from an MCAT Instructor
If you’re testing soon, you probably have lots of questions, like “What’s the best thing to focus on?” or “How do I know if I’m ready?”, or even “Why did I ever want to put myself through this?!”. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about your test, but having a plan for this last month can…
🎥 Med School 101 Recording
Missed Med School 101 or want to rewatch?👀 You can catch the recording of our live "Med School 101" event right here!⬅️ After you've watched it, hop over to our POST EVENT DISCUSSION to ask questions and share your thoughts. Your feedback is super valuable and helps us make these events as beneficial as possible for you!😊…
💬Post Event Discussion: Med School 101 Q&A and Panel Event
📆Today at 6PM ET, we’ll be hosting our LIVE Med School 101 Q&A and Panel event, where our expert panelists will share advice on med school and answer your questions! Be sure to come back to this post after the event and let us know how you liked it, and add any additional questions you may have. Our team and fellow…
📆 SAVE THE DATE: Med School 101 - Live Q&A Panel Event✨
Did you just start med school? Or are you a pre-med student with questions about how to get there and succeed in medical school? Here's your chance to get all of your questions answered LIVE by former and current med students and Kaplan MCAT Prep Faculty! Join us on August 26th from 6-7 PM ET for our Med School 101 LIVE…
8 Pre-Med Habits That Will Help You Shine in Medical School ✨ PART 2
Last week, I shared 4 pre-med habits that will help you stand out in med school (click here in case you missed it!), and as promised, here is part 2! 5. Build relationships. Medicine is a team sport. From classmates to mentors to patients, your success depends on your ability to connect, collaborate, and communicate. Take…
🗳️Testing this month?
August is here, which means we're in the final months of the MCAT cycle! Vote and let us know when you're testing! If you're looking for a study plan or tips, be sure to check out these helpful posts: Is your test date quickly approaching? ⏰ Here's how to make the most of the time you have left! Are You Taking The MCAT…
8 Pre-Med Habits That Will Help You Shine in Medical School ✨ PART 1
Most people planning to apply to medical school are already excellent students – highly motivated, hard-working, persistent through obstacles. But what helps you really stand out – and prepares you to thrive once you’re there? In this post, I’ll chat about some of the habits I built that served me well leading up to,…
🗳️MCAT Scores Are Out!: How'd you do? Let us know in our poll and read on what to do next!
Did you get your scores back? Here's what to do next! Scores are out! We recognize the mix of emotions you may be experiencing: nerves, excitement, and relief. Regardless of your score, reaching this moment is an accomplishment in itself. 🗳️Participate in Our Anonymous MCAT Experience Poll! Vote below and let us know how…
AAMC Portal not working?
Hi guys I'm trying to take a practice AAMC full length but when I try to access my AAMC materials from the links on my Kaplan schedule it says that I'm not allowed to access it. Has anyone else had this problem or know how to fix it? My test is in a week so I'm lowkey panicking.
Are You Taking The MCAT Tomorrow? Here's What to Do.
The big day is tomorrow, and here is a checklist of items to ensure the testing day goes smoothly. Be equipped with: An MCAT®-Accepted ID Comfortable clothing, especially clothing that you have worn for your mock exams: sweats, long-sleeved tshirt, hoodie. No jewelry or watches. Nothing in your pockets. Food and drinks…
Medical School Interview Prep - Your Guide To Success!
Medical schools will invite you for an interview if after reviewing your application, they find you to be a promising candidate for their class. Interviews enable schools to: ● get to know you better ● assess how you think, express yourself, and relate to others ● probe the depth of your interest in medicine and their…
📹Pre-Med 101: Doctors and Med Students Share What They'd Do Differently
⏪Rewind to our Pre-Med 101 event! In this Q&A clip, Rohit MD, Madison MD, and Mohamad reflect on their pre-med years, sharing insights on what they would have done differently. Watch the video below!
Beyond the Primary: Mastering Medical School Secondary Applications📝
So you've hit 'submit' on your primary medical school application. What's next on your journey to a white coat? Enter the secondary applications. Once you’ve submitted your primary application to medical school, the next step is completing secondary applications for the schools you’ve applied to. Some will forward…
🗳️POLL & Study Guide: How Far Out Are You From Test Day? VOTE & View The Recommended Study Guide!
Key Areas of Focus: A Step-by-Step Prep Schedule and Guide For Those One, Two, and Three Months Out From Test Day. 🗳️VOTE IN OUR POLL NOW, then read this: The ideal study timeline for the MCAT varies for each individual, based on their academic background, available study hours, and target scores. For those testing in one,…
List of Hormones
Could someone give me a list regarding hormones, to memorize? -What gland secretes them -The hormone itself -Function of the hormone
Post Event Discussion: Pre-Med 101 Q&A and Panel Event
📆Today at 6PM ET, we’ll be hosting our LIVE Pre-Med 101 Q&A and Panel event, where our expert panelists will share advice on the pre-med journey and answer your questions. 📢If you haven't registered yet, you can do so here. ✅ Unable to attend live? Be sure to register anyway to access the recording, which will be available…
Pre-Med Undergraduate Journey - Year 4 (advice from a rising MS1)
By your fourth year of undergrad, you’ll have to decide whether or not you will be taking a gap year. Meaning, this is the most variable year. If you haven’t yet decided, there are several factors to consider, including level of experience, GPA/test scores, time management, and finances. Without taking a gap year, you have…
Pre-Med Journey Advice: Setting Yourself Up for Success! (Thinking Ahead)
For most people getting ready to apply for medical school, the MCAT is the biggest obstacle to overcome. It requires a significant investment of your precious time, especially if you are still completing school courses at the same time. Ideally, you want to have your MCAT score available when primary applications are…
📆 “Pre-Med 101” - Live Panel & Q&A Event!
📢 Pre-Med Live Event: Journey to Med School! 🚀 Join us for an exclusive online panel hosted by me, Madison Heebner, MD, MEd, and cohosted by my fellow Kaplan MCAT Faculty members Rohit Gupta, MD, and Mohammad Rashad! We'll reveal the most important parts of premed and how to crush it on your journey towards med school.…
How do I improve at reading MCAT science passages?
I loathe doing MCAT science passages because my mind often blanks out and wanders when I work on them. This occurs more when working on chem/phys and bio/biochem passages. Nevertheless, I still power through them and plan to do more. My preferred method of analyzing passages is outlining. I use highlighting more than…
❓Ask an Expert How to Summer Smarter: Application Season, Acceptance, & Transitioning
Hello, fellow pre-med students! Application season is afoot, so I’m sure many of you are wondering how to make the most of this summer. For those who are preparing to submit the application soon, remember to include the activities you plan to do until admission on your application. Medical schools understand that future…
When reviewing quizzes and full-lengths, what should I do with the questions I ran out of time on?
Should I use post-phrasing on those questions? Should I interrogate the passages belonging to those questions? Should I skip those questions? Thank you so much!
☀️How to Summer Smarter 😎 Part 4- Enjoy your summer! But if you do have to study...
This will likely be the countdown to one of the last few summer vacations you will ever have; life as a graduate student and as a working adult is rough. Spend time with friends; go on a vacation, if you can afford it; enjoy life. But if you do have to study, don't buy anything just yet; get a copy of First Aid, Guyton &…
Chemistry Concept Confusion
Can anyone give me advice on how to remember the difference in function between the galvanic cell and the electrolytic cell?
Pre-Med Journey Advice: What Do You Hope to Contribute?
One of the most transformative questions you can ask yourself early in your pre-med journey is: "What do I hope to contribute to medicine?" This can even be the start of thinking about your personal statement! It digs deeper into your motivations and identifying where you need to grow in years 3 and 4 of undergrad and…
Pre-Med Undergraduate Journey - Year 1 (advice from a rising MS1)
Entering college is exciting! For many of us, it is the first time we are relatively independent, and we can pursue our interests. Some of us already plan to pursue medicine, others are undecided. It can be overwhelming for many, so where do we begin? First and foremost, get acclimated to college! Give yourself a solid…
☀️How to Summer Smarter 😎 Part 3- Preparing for Med School: Be flexible with how you study
Tip #3: Be flexible with how you study. When taking notes on lectures was no longer working for me, I decided that I needed another form of studying. I'd sworn to myself at the beginning of medical school that I would never use Anki because I couldn't stand the thought of pressing the spacebar 500 times a day, but…
☀️How to Summer Smarter 😎 Part 2: Preparing for Med School: First Few Weeks
Hello Pre-Meds! I’m Baasit Jamal, a Kaplan MCAT Faculty member, and this is part 2 of my tips for making the most of your final summer before medical school. Look out for parts 3 and 4 coming later this week, and if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Tip #2: Mental Prep You might think…
In case you missed it! - Clinical vs Research
In case you missed it - check out this Ask Me Anything discussion with Admissions Consultant Maria Lofftus, @mlofftus ,on Clinical vs Research experience. Have additional questions for our admissions consultants? Leave them in the comments below!
Beyond the Textbook: My Donor Journey with NMDP
For those of you in our community who are curious about the medical field or just interested in making a profound difference, I wanted to share my journey as a donor with the National Marrow Donor Program. The entire process, from initial registration to the actual donation, was incredibly well-supported and streamlined by…
✨Pre-Med Community Spotlight✨: Jason B. Ingerick - Journey From a 497 to a 526!🎉
Community Spotlight: Jason B. Ingerick Hello Pre-Med community! We're excited to feature Kaplan MCAT Prep alumnus and community member, Jason B. Ingerick, who recently achieved an impressive MCAT score of 526 after starting with a diagnostic score of 497 and aiming for 520. We interviewed @Jason_Ingerick to learn about his…
Med School Timeline and Advice
Hello, I would like some advice on how to proceed with my Pre-Med journey. I'm currently a junior going into my senior year of college, but I'm starting to do more research on what I need to do to get into medical school, and I'm realizing that I'm really behind and at a disadvantage due to the grades I've received in my…
☀️How To Summer Smarter: Your Last Summer Before Med School🩺 - with MCAT Instructor Baasit J.
Hi Pre-Meds! We're kicking off our "How To Summer Smarter" Series with our very own MCAT Tutor and Instructor, Baasit Jamal. In the coming weeks, we will share his top four tips for things to do during the summer before med school. Baasit will also provide some general advice based on his personal experience. Make sure to…
Progress
Hello MCAT Teachers, I wanted a tip from you ensure that I am progressing. I just did the 5E spaced repitition (the thermodynamics passage in the content refresher phase). I got 1/6. I am confident in my knowledge of equilbrium and enthalpy but didn't seem to solve the questions right I got 1/6 with two of the questions…
Is D's explanation that is in the bottom left corner wrong?
Shouldn't the Delta G for the forward rxn be negative and the delta G for the reverse rxn be positive? Thanks!
In Case You Missed It:🚨Ask a Med Student Anything "What do you wish you knew before applying to MS?
Happy Monday, pre-med community! In case you missed it, here's one of our most viewed "Ask A Med Student Anything" posts by @Madison. Let us know what you think and share your questions in the comments! Bonus: 9 ways to boost your med school application!
Expert Q&A: Is it too much to study as well as prepare to apply to med school all at once?
During our last AMA with experts @lilyharrington and Rohit Gupta, MD, a community member asked, "Would it be overburdened to study as well as prepare to apply to med school, for example, personal statements, recommendation, letters, applications, etc.?" Here's what MCAT Tutor and Instructor, @lilyharrington, had to say:…
My MCAT Prep Journey - Kaplan Alumni and Kaplan MCAT Teacher, Mayank M✨
Hello everyone! My name is Mayank Nihalani, and I’m a Virtual MCAT Tutor with Kaplan. I joined the Kaplan team after completing the 515+ course, where I had the opportunity to work closely with my coach, (and Kaplan Community All-Star) @Ae-Ri! My test prep journey involved in-depth content review and study strategies that…
Q&A How many practice exams should one take within the 4-month study period?
LH: "Take as many practice exams as you can effectively review. There's no set target number or minimum, but don't take so many that you can't thoroughly review them between each one. Conversely, don't take so few that you're risking inadequate preparation. If you're working full-time and can dedicate every other Saturday…
Expert Q&A: What are the most important/commonly tested physics equations?
What are the most important/commonly tested physics equations? RG: "That's a hard question to answer briefly, as there are many physics equations. However, the MCAT tends to test more basic or fundamental physics equations. Think of kinematics, basic electricity and magnetism equations, and fluid dynamics equations, often…
Expert Q&A: What are the medium/low-yield topics that are the most important?
What are the medium/low-yield topics that are the most important? RG: "That's a great question. You'll likely always feel like you're learning new material for this exam. I remember the week of my own MCAT, I was still reviewing content and encountering unfamiliar topics, which was stressful. It's normal to feel like you…
ICEBREAKER POST! - Welcome😊✨
Welcome once again to our MCAT Community! Let's get things started by sharing a little about ourselves. 🤗 In the comments, share a boring fact about yourself and when you're planning on taking the MCAT.
New Member Welcome🎉
✨Welcome to our growing Pre-Med Success Community!✨ We are thrilled to have you as a member of the Pre-Med Success Community Forum. As you prepare for your MCAT, you'll have a built-in support network to help you along the way. Our community is made up of fellow MCAT students, MCAT experts, and various medical…