I paused when you asked the first question on how to simplify. I read the passage and when I saw the structures my mind just went to "whats the difference in structure between glutamate and GABA?" from there I noticed it was a carboxyl group so i figured it'd be decarboxylase. Thanks for these videos btw, super helpful :)
Great question! Typically you just have to make sure the question is boiled down to the basic science and/or the passage information that is trying to be tested. If it’s as reduced as possible, then you did your job! There’s no “right” simplification but there definitely is a wrong one. If you’re just rewording it and using synonyms, that’s NOT simplifying. But if you digest the question into its basic components (science, passage info, strategy, etc) then you did your job even if you miss the question! Also, it’s important to note that this is a skill you will keep getting better at so there’s always room for improvement even for us
Oh man, that’s close! The best way to get good at simplifying the question stem is practice, so while I’d say yes, you can improve in 9 days, it really depends on your current ability and how much it’s impacting your score. Going from 0 to 100 in 9 days is unlikely, but going from 50 to 60 probably can be done - if that makes sense. Good luck!
So you're telling me, if I just have basic knowledge in science and in reading that I can do well on this test just by being logical??? It feels like memorizing a bunch of specific info on flashcards is pointless when you present the test to me like this. Is it better to just recall key concepts?
@@Nick-rv9ek I think it's because the note under the figure says that - indicates omission of that gene, so Ascl1 being lowest when not present means it's the one that has the greatest effect
The figure is super confusing! Unless you read the note that explains each minus in front of the gene means it was absent in the cell colony you would totally think it meant it was the only gene expressed in the cell colony (the minus signs look like tick marks!)
I am an engineer from a different country but the same time took the prerequisites in the USA trying to retake but still struggling with the strategy eventhough Ihave the basic science down
Hey, I'm not sure if it's just a me thing but the audio for the video is cut out, the only thing I can hear is the music and I can't hear maggie speak.
When Step one rolls around do you think you guys can do a video about that and whether it incorporated the same idea of simplifying the question stem and using passages ?
John here! I've ~vaguely~ started studying for Step 1 and not all of these MCAT strats apply (Step doesn't use passages), but the same idea of Simplifying the Question Stem is something I've used on every medical school board and it seems to be useful in my Step Prep
@@InformingFutureDoctors I honestly couldnt agree more, Im convinced that this is the way to approach the mcat. Do you have any other videos explaining how to use this tactic?
I love this video and how you simplify it, but tbh it feels like being able to simplify wordy questions as easy as you do requires someone to be as smart as a 100% percentile scorer like yourself :/
That's what it feels like before practice! I didn't start as a 100th percentile scorer and John didn't start as a 90th. We were both sub 500 and had to practice these skills so you can do it too!
Thank you guys for making these videos, I’m currently 4 days out from my mcat I’ve been watching these for a while and they’ve really helped me feel less anxious 🫶
Underrated. I hope more people see this! Thank you!
Thanks for the comment! Tell your friends, we’ll be here making more videos for ya :-)
I paused when you asked the first question on how to simplify. I read the passage and when I saw the structures my mind just went to "whats the difference in structure between glutamate and GABA?" from there I noticed it was a carboxyl group so i figured it'd be decarboxylase. Thanks for these videos btw, super helpful :)
Nailed it!
Amazing video. Thank you so much for making and sharing it.
I’m SO glad you found it helpful!!
Fantastic. Wish to have more videos like this
So glad you liked it, we’ll be putting out plenty more! :-)
Y’all are such a blessing, thank you so much ❤️❤️😭
can you please do another example? this was very helpful but i think i might need to see one more!
I love these videos, they become reminders to not be hasty
Thank you for this video! It's very informative!
my left ear really enjoyed this
@@willhenderson845 right ear vid coming soon🙏🏼
Thank you Maggie! Now that I try to simplify the question, how do I know that I simplified it correctly ? Do I just see if I get the answer correct?
Great question! Typically you just have to make sure the question is boiled down to the basic science and/or the passage information that is trying to be tested. If it’s as reduced as possible, then you did your job! There’s no “right” simplification but there definitely is a wrong one. If you’re just rewording it and using synonyms, that’s NOT simplifying. But if you digest the question into its basic components (science, passage info, strategy, etc) then you did your job even if you miss the question! Also, it’s important to note that this is a skill you will keep getting better at so there’s always room for improvement even for us
Does any of your former students offer tutoring? You guys are amazing!!!
Is there a playlist associated with the bio/biochem section of the official guide?
No, unfortunately we don't have permission to do the paid resources due to copyright laws... yet...
im testing in 9 days and have trouble understanding the question stem, do you think one can get good at this in that time? super helpful channel!!
Oh man, that’s close! The best way to get good at simplifying the question stem is practice, so while I’d say yes, you can improve in 9 days, it really depends on your current ability and how much it’s impacting your score. Going from 0 to 100 in 9 days is unlikely, but going from 50 to 60 probably can be done - if that makes sense. Good luck!
@@InformingFutureDoctors unlikely means there's still a chance ;) , thanks!
So you're telling me, if I just have basic knowledge in science and in reading that I can do well on this test just by being logical??? It feels like memorizing a bunch of specific info on flashcards is pointless when you present the test to me like this. Is it better to just recall key concepts?
wait, why if you remove that gene and the bar graph is the lowest, is that increasing the efficiency?
I was thinking it would be Olig2- why is it the lowest one and not the highest?
RIGHT THAT MADE NO SENSE
@@Nick-rv9ek I think it's because the note under the figure says that - indicates omission of that gene, so Ascl1 being lowest when not present means it's the one that has the greatest effect
The figure is super confusing! Unless you read the note that explains each minus in front of the gene means it was absent in the cell colony you would totally think it meant it was the only gene expressed in the cell colony (the minus signs look like tick marks!)
I am an engineer from a different country but the same time took the prerequisites in the USA
trying to retake but still struggling with the strategy eventhough Ihave the basic science down
How can I sign up for tutoring?
Due to the demands of medical school John and I no longer offer tutoring
Hey, I'm not sure if it's just a me thing but the audio for the video is cut out, the only thing I can hear is the music and I can't hear maggie speak.
@@karanbassi6656 hmm I haven’t heard this from anyone else, maybe try a different browser or incognito mode?
@InformingFutureDoctors yup that did the trick! Weird tho cause I was on chrome and ive never had that happen before 🤔
When Step one rolls around do you think you guys can do a video about that and whether it incorporated the same idea of simplifying the question stem and using passages ?
John here! I've ~vaguely~ started studying for Step 1 and not all of these MCAT strats apply (Step doesn't use passages), but the same idea of Simplifying the Question Stem is something I've used on every medical school board and it seems to be useful in my Step Prep
I feel like if i learn how to do this, I wouldnt need anything more for mcat prep.
In my opinion this is the biggest thing you can do to make the MCAT doable
@@InformingFutureDoctors I honestly couldnt agree more, Im convinced that this is the way to approach the mcat. Do you have any other videos explaining how to use this tactic?
@@Matari01 check out our passage breakdowns. It gives you practice and we go through this exercise out loud for 90% of the questions.
Did she go to UAB?! Omg, I go to UAB!? Or maybe UAB med school? so cool.
Kari Shoals
Kohler Unions
Maggie take my mcat for me?? please thank you hahaha
100 percentile is crazy
Clark Nancy Thomas Steven Lee Richard
Wow video
Thanks for watching!!
great video. But my left ear...
Yep, having some audio issues but they should be resolved from here on out!
I never realized I would have a crush with an mcat tutor until now
I liked you eyes 😂
Robinson David Anderson Sarah Thompson David
I love this video and how you simplify it, but tbh it feels like being able to simplify wordy questions as easy as you do requires someone to be as smart as a 100% percentile scorer like yourself :/
That's what it feels like before practice! I didn't start as a 100th percentile scorer and John didn't start as a 90th. We were both sub 500 and had to practice these skills so you can do it too!
Lee Nancy Hall Frank Walker David
Thank you guys for making these videos, I’m currently 4 days out from my mcat I’ve been watching these for a while and they’ve really helped me feel less anxious 🫶
56045 Josefina Oval