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.

Didn't get in this time around?

Did you apply to medical school and only receive a few "unfortunately we are unable to..." letters?

It's bound to happen. There are simply too many well-qualified medical school applicants out there for everyone to find a seat. If you made it to an interview, chances are, you're well-qualified. Instead of beating yourself up or driving yourself crazy over what you should have done differently, you might want to take a Freakonomics time-out. Here's a great little (so, so sad) post to put things in perspective for you!

By the way, if you weren't a well-qualified applicant, there truly are things you can do to boost your odds of admission on your second try. Areas to review:

1. Your GPA. If your GPA is <3.5 and you are almost done with your bachelor's degree, you probably will not be able to make it move significantly. You might want to consider a master's degree program in medical sciences. Lots of schools offer these. 
2. Your MCAT score. What did you do to prep? In all honesty, do you think you can do better?
3. Your personal statement. Too many people forget that it is personal, meaning, don't just say the same thing all applicants say. (Some common cliches to avoid: I just love helping people; I find the human body fascinating; I've always wanted to do this; my science courses challenged and inspired me.)
4. The types of extracurricular activities you listed. Some schools are looking for specific activities such as research, volunteer work, and clinical experience. Find out what your schools are looking for and exceed their expectations. Volunteering in a hospital for a few four-hour shifts a month can take care of two of these requirements.
5. The way you wrote about those activities. Don't bother to list anything if all you are going to do is LIST them. As succinctly as possible, share how this experience has prepared you for a career in medicine. With 15 extracurriculars that you can write about, you certainly are not expected to give in-depth details for all of them, but don't waste this chance to convince them that you are just what they are looking for.

Calm Before the Storm

I'm finally in my much anticipated "light" semester. As I plowed through full-time classes last year (spring, summer, and fall), I had my eye on this semester in which I'd lighten my course load and get ready for the MCAT. Yeah.

Here's my problem: I've lightened my load. Ok, ok, taking fewer classes really isn't a problem. I actually like that. I get to eat dinner with my kids more often instead of running off to classes directly after work. Last weekend I even took my crew on an impromtu vacation into the mountains. That was terrific!

It's the second half of my plan that has become a problem--the "get ready for the MCAT" portion of the plan seems to be faltering a little. I want to get ready for the MCAT. I know I need to get ready for the MCAT. I just really like being a bit chill right now. It's been a pretty intense 12 months, and I know that right now I am just experiencing the calm before the storm. I must say, I'm not sure I'm ready for the rough weather.

After the intense studying comes actually taking the MCAT. Right now, I'm looking at April or May. Come May 1, the AMCAS application is open, and the rush begins. I'll have a month to get my personal transcripts entered (and as an oldie-but-goodie, I've got quite a few transcripts to deal with) as well as all of the other gems included in the application. My goal is to submit as early as possible. Since many secondaries are already floating around, I'll be working on those all summer (even before I hear back from schools). Sounds like a whirl-wind to me. I suppose that I'll have all of my applications neatly wrapped up by September, but then the hard part comes...the wait!

Yep. I'm enjoying my break.