(Part 2) Top products from r/Mcat

Book stacking is an okay alternative.

Keep in mind that investing to prevent neck issues early will be more cost-effective (my PCP's words, not mine) than taking care of your issues later on. We're going to be studying for a long time through med-school and onward, so it would probably be worthwhile to purchase a laptop stand and take care of yourself now.

I could recommend the following laptop stands, I have them both and they're pretty reasonably priced:

1. Portable Laptop stand (I like this guy because it's really portable, so it's convenient to take on-the-go to the library/cafes)
   
   
2. AmazonBasics Laptop Stand (this guy is great for home use, can be used for books as well)
   
   At any rate, whatever you end up doing I hope your neck pain resolves!

http://www.amazon.com/p-value-Stories-Actually-Understand-Statistics/dp/0321629302

Very good book that summarizes complex statistical ideas in an easy-to-understand manner. It doesn't show you the complex calculations... it tells you how to interpret statistical results in an intuitive manner. And perhaps more importantly, it highlights common statistical errors/fallacies/etc.

But, I don't think there is going to be much statistics on the MCAT. They aren't going to give you a bunch of data, ask you to pick the right log conversion to mold the data into a natural distribution, and then pick the right test to highlight statistical significance. But without understanding p-values intuitively, I think you are missing something when you attempt to read/digest many scholarly papers. Not to mention, it's good to be comfortable with the material.

Without self control/willpower you'll just fall right back into the trap. Everything suggested above or below can potentially work, but they are all simple barriers that can be broken. Your mind will always think or something else to do with your time.

Suggestion - Imagine yourself in your 90s, not having put through the effort to become a doctor - the one thing you clearly dream of being. Imagine this every time you give yourself an excuse to do something other than study for the test. Think of this as many times as it takes until you're ready for step 2.

Step 2 - Move forward with more studying. If that doesn't work, rinse and repeat until you're studying again. Do this every time you feel a cue to procrastinate.

All credit goes to https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Courage-Creativity-Willpower-Inspire/dp/0812983041/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487552784&sr=8-1&keywords=the+tools+stutz

I don't know of any, but if you need help with eye strain, I recommend getting a pair of computer glasses. I personally use these https://www.amazon.com/Gunnar-Optiks-PPK-00101-Advanced-Compatibility/dp/B004FN1AES/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1466296372&sr=8-21&keywords=gunnar+glasses

Same here. I had to make a tough decision to pick between the two. I decided Examcrackers would fit my study plan better.

The top comment on Amazon and this thread pushed me towards EK.

Reasons I liked EK: the conciseness (I'm working a full time job while studying for the MCAT), the 10 week Home Study schedule, the way they teach "MCAT think" as neur_onymous mentioned, and apparently their practice passages for each chapter are very similar to the types of passages you get on AAMC's only official practice test. There's about 20 in text questions along with 3 passages for each chapter to make the concepts stick.

Because EK isn't as comprehensive as other books, I plan on using all the Khan Academy videos as I work through the EK books plus TBR's Biology II book for extra Biochem. study/practice.

I know you specifically mentioned over the ear headphones, but I have a pair of [Shure SE215s] (Shure SE215-K Sound Isolating Earphones with Single Dynamic MicroDriver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PNZFZ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_x3oCzbCHDDFWZ) and the noise isolation on them is amazing.

Here it is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0997778253/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER (17/17 people who reviewed it gave it 5 stars.)
I like it because it focuses on all the high-yield concepts like electromagnetism, fluids, circuits, and optics.

That info is ALSO in the official guide book, but there is more to it than on that one link. I am talking about:

https://www.amazon.com/Official-Guide-Mcat-Exam-Mcat2015/dp/1577541332

And you can find the outline of what is on the test online of course (https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/whats-mcat-exam/), but I like to have something in my hands with which I don't have to worry about internet. The guide also has practice passages and questions, but if you don't want the book the AAMC has the practice passages online for purchase.

Has anyone used the McGraw hill FL tests? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1259859622/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I figured 3 tests for $30 was a good deal. They don't have any score conversions, just a raw score

+1 on this suggestion. Mountains Beyond Mountains is a book by Tracy Kidder about Dr. Farmer. It's a really good read.

Are you referring to https://www.amazon.com/MCAT-Psychology-Sociology-Review-Princeton/dp/1101920602/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Is just TPR and KA notes a good idea or is Kaplan a good supplement.


I'm using TBR for all other review but some people just use Kaplan for content and score 520+.....

Are you talking about this book?

Because this is just a strategy guide. There are passages, yes, but it is not a CARS workbook with 70+ passages.

https://www.amazon.com/Critical-Analysis-Reasoning-Skills-Review/dp/0804125031

I have the newer one it has like MRI scans on the cover but they are similar I think.

Isn't this the book you are referring to?

https://www.amazon.com/MCAT-Elite-2nd-Strategies-Preparation/dp/1101920610/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i1?_encoding=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=1101920610&pd_rd_r=C4RQQZKXZWHWWJ0AMVY1&pd_rd_w=S1bGK&pd_rd_wg=9Iwx7&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=KMVZDZMTRCGHKE4AAXJX&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=781f4767-b4d4-466b-8c26-2639359664eb&pf_rd_i=desktop

PS: I am not affiliated with TPR by any means.

So I should use this one then right?:
https://www.amazon.com/Kaplan-Complete-7-Book-Subject-Review/dp/1618656449

And not this one?:
https://www.amazon.com/MCAT-Complete-7-Book-Subject-Review/dp/1506205593/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Buy it used. https://www.amazon.com/Examkrackers-1001-Questions-Organic-Chemistry/dp/1893858197/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474486130&sr=8-1&keywords=exam+krackers+1001+organic+chemistry

3 from the boxed set. 4 from this

Go to the used section. They are literally one cent (plus $3.99 for shipping)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/037542797X/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all