Is Khan Academy adequate for MCAT prep?

I love Khan Academy!

The most "pro-MCAT prep" argument for Khan Academy is that Sal often uses  example problems that don't require a calculator. The problems you work on the MCAT won't require a calculator (at least until 2015--take it before then if you can), and so Sal's problems are more like what you will encounter on the actual test then class exams or textbook practice sets.

The biggest con for Khan is that it is not MCAT-specific. That means you will be spending a lot of time getting information that you do not need. Don't get me wrong, the material covered on the MCAT is pretty darn vast. You willneed a broad exposure, but Khan Academy may not be the best place to get it if you are short on time. If you do have the time to watch the series on chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology videos, then go for it. The reality is, however, most of us don't have that time.

I recommend getting a program that is geared for MCAT prep like ExamKrackers. (I checked their books out for free from my public library.) Work through their books. You will undoubtedly come to a section that maybe isn't written in a way you understand (or that you didn't get the first time through in your prereq class). That is the perfect time to check out what Sal has to offer. By taking this approach, you will focus on much more high-yield material that you are more likely to encounter on the actual exam.

Bottom line: Getting high-yield concepts down pat needs to be your greatest priority. Khan Academy can help you learn the concepts, but it will not identify which concepts are of greatest relevance to the MCAT.

Less than 10 Weeks til MCAT

How ominous is it to take the MCAT on Friday the 13th? As I prep for the April MCAT, I find myself looking for excuses to push my test date back until May. My biggest concern is whether or not I'll have enough time to prepare, but if superstition gives me an "out," then I just might take it.

In all seriousness, I'm worried about having the fortitude to bring my scores up. I took CBT 3 (the free, official practice MCAT) and bombed it. I scored an 8 on Physical Sciences and felt surprisingly OK about it. After all, I know I stink at physics and I'm not so fond of chemistry. But scoring another 8 on the Biological Sciences was a real blow. I did not expect that. I fared better on Verbal, scoring a 10. Still, this was lower than what I had on previous Exam Krackers verbal practice. (And, by the way, why does it seem that people are so reticent to share their scores? Too afraid to be human and admit when you score less than 30?)

With a starting point of 26, I guess I've only got room for improvement.