<p>I'm going to be taking the MCAT next Mayish (I'm a Sophomore now). I always see BDM say on this forum that two months before the test should be plenty of preparation time. Does this include the Kaplan course? If I took it right before I have to take the exam (where it would finish about 10 days before time), should that be fine? I mean, does the course just teach you how to take the test or actually refresh your memory about Bio, Chem, etc? Because if it doesn't really reteach you the concepts you need to know for the MCAT, I would also need to save time to do that myself. Anyone know?</p>
<p>I'm a former Kaplan instructor.</p>
<p>The class, assuming they haven't changed too much, is set up into three units of 6 lessons each. Within each unit there's a lesson in physics, gen chem, verbal/writing sample, organic, bio and a strategy session. Time is spent on the concepts within each subject that are likely to be tested, as well as key points, tricks, mnemonics, and pearls to remember key topics. However the idea is to REVIEW the topics not learn them new. The test strategies are integrated within all the lesson plans (and a good instructor will consistently bring them up), but the strategy sessions are specifically used to introduce new methods. </p>
<p>My biggest advice is think of a Kaplan course as you would sports practice - the instructors are your coaches. Allow yourself to be coached. So often I'd teach strategies that have been proven to work, and kids would ditch them less than half way through the course because they didn't feel comfortable using them, not realizing that they had to practice with them a lot in order for them to work. If you're spending that much money for a course, why would you not use the information being given to you?</p>
<p>Okay thanks..and another quick question. I don't think there is, but I just want to make sure there's no biochemistry on the MCATs. I'm about to drop my biochem minor because I don't really deem it necessary anymore to have one and it doesn't really fit into my schedule.</p>
<p>I think I answered my question by reading a little bit online about material on the MCATs..but if whatever biochem is on the exam can be reinforced by my classes, would it be necessary to take both biochem I and II?</p>