"So, how did you study for the MCAT verbal?" asked Dr. Peck
"I did a bunch of MCAT practice passages using the Princeton Review books, Examkrackers, and other MCAT verbal review books," I responded.
"How did that work out for ya?"
"Not so well."
The verbal section of the MCAT has always been my weakness on the exam. No matter what I did, I could not perform at a consistently high level. I didn't attempt to enroll in any MCAT prep class because I just thought it was never worth the cost. Many of my friends had also advised me against taking it because they did not find it very helpful. I took all the AAMC practice tests and did absolutely abysmal on them (the verbal sections at least), but I always gave myself more credit than the "practice exams" gave me credit for. I foolishly thought I could do well on the exam when the time came because I was sure the "stress of test day" would magically make me focus, but, it didn't. As a result, I was left humbled and humiliated when I got my scores a month later.
Then, before I began to explain myself, Dr. Peck interrupted and said, "the MCAT verbal passages are designed to confuse test-takers". Then he went on to say, "Every MCAT verbal passage is EXACTLY the same." I looked at him with confusion, and in case I didn't hear him the first 10 times, he said it about 10 more times. I felt awkward sitting there listening to him say this because I partially didn't believe him. Surely, if the passages were exactly the same, I would have scored a perfect 15 on the section! With such strong conviction, Dr. Peck stated this until I had to concede my position. I felt like I was in the famous scene of Good Will Hunting when Dr. Sean Maguire tells Will, "It's not your fault." I'm sure he knew I wouldn't truly understand it until I learned more about the structure of the MCAT passages because he told me that I would get it... eventually.
- Eugene Choi, Student
- Eugene Choi, Student
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