Why You Should Use Gold Standard Practice Exams

I recently wrote a blog post about the GS practice MCATs. I think that they are the best ones out there other than the AAMC ones. I would be happy to answer any questions about them on here or on the blog. Pleas let me know what you think.

Follow this link for the entire article

im comparing my scores to yours..I usually got a 10 on bio with a few exams that were hiccups and i got 8s on ps with a few 9s.

Do you think GS was easier or harder then the real deal?

Originally Posted by ColeSmalls

im comparing my scores to yours..I usually got a 10 on bio with a few exams that were hiccups and i got 8s on ps with a few 9s.

Do you think GS was easier or harder then the real deal?

GS was harder IMO. Although I thought that the real MCAT was harder than any of the AAMC tests. Who knows what will come up during your test though, your scores on GS sound good!

I could never break a 10 on GS PS though -_-

Originally Posted by ColeSmalls

I could never break a 10 on GS PS though -_-

I think if your AAMC PS scores are in your desired range, you are probably OK. If not, then I recommend more content review.

The problem with GS PS is that it is very math/calculation intensive. I don't think I can finish a PS section on time. Well, so far I took GS1, GS7, & GS10... just the PS sections. I think it they are good practice to hone your skills in quick math. Though their passages are pretty easy, short, and to the point compared to AAMC's PS. AAMC PS, especially 8 had a passage that was just like a verbal passage.

Originally Posted by Ultimeaciax

The problem with GS PS is that it is very math/calculation intensive. I don't think I can finish a PS section on time. Well, so far I took GS1, GS7, & GS10... just the PS sections. I think it they are good practice to hone your skills in quick math. Though their passages are pretty easy, short, and to the point compared to AAMC's PS. AAMC PS, especially 8 had a passage that was just like a verbal passage.

I agree, I was a basic Chemistry tutor for 2 years prior to the MCAT and I only scored better than a 10 three times on the PS section. Then again, I scored an 11 on the real MCAT so who knows. I was just thankful that GS had my recall of equations and math concepts down pat.

Take a few AAMC tests first during your MCAT prep, switch to GS for awhile and then finish with the AAMCs...I almost guarantee that you will see an increased score.

I have 3 free CBTs (1-3) that I got when I purchased the book 2-3 years ago. Compared to the actual tests (because I know AAMC is changing it frequently), do you think the GS test closely resembles the real thing. Also, GS claims that they revised the VR section. Did you take any CBTs with the revised VR section and how did that compare to the real thing?

Originally Posted by aspiringdoc09

I have 3 free CBTs (1-3) that I got when I purchased the book 2-3 years ago. Compared to the actual tests (because I know AAMC is changing it frequently), do you think the GS test closely resembles the real thing. Also, GS claims that they revised the VR section. Did you take any CBTs with the revised VR section and how did that compare to the real thing?

I haven't taken the "revised verbal reasoning" as I took these well over a year ago. However, I didn't have a problem with the VR when I took the old version. In general, I think that the GS tests are a bit harder and probably a bit more math based than the real deal. However I thought they mimicked the real deal closer than Kaplan or EK.

For me (and from what I have heard from others) you can probably expect on average 3-4 points lower on GS than on the actual MCAT. This isn't a rule but definitely something to keep in mind.

Originally Posted by Renaissance Man

I haven't taken the "revised verbal reasoning" as I took these well over a year ago. However, I didn't have a problem with the VR when I took the old version. In general, I think that the GS tests are a bit harder and probably a bit more math based than the real deal. However I thought they mimicked the real deal closer than Kaplan or EK.

For me (and from what I have heard from others) you can probably expect on average 3-4 points lower on GS than on the actual MCAT. This isn't a rule but definitely something to keep in mind.

Thanks. Also, does the test increase in difficulty similar to the AAMCs or it depends?

Originally Posted by aspiringdoc09

Thanks. Also, does the test increase in difficulty similar to the AAMCs or it depends?

I didn't think that the AAMCs increased in difficulty...but no there is no rank or order to the difficulties with GS (see my scores from the first 8 exams on the blog post).

I took GS-1 yesterday. I didn't take it in the most ideal conditons (little noisy) at my school's library. I got 7/8/9 (PS/VR/BS) breakdown. A few of those physics passages I didn't really have any ideal about, especially the 1st about bernoulli's application to a plane's wing. VR was so-so. I tend change from correct to incorrect answers; it's a bad habit. I skipped the writing portion, and I began losing focus on the BS section (tired after work). I also didn't answer the last 2 questions because I ran out of time. Also, I could not recall a lot of the orgo facts for the reaction, so I definitely will keep hitting the books there. Overall, I can do better, but I see that I should kick it up a few notches. I would like to get close to a 35 on the real thing, but so far I'm not there and my test date is May 12. I plan to take GS-2 Wednesday and possible AAMC 5 Friday/Saturday. I still have time to reschedule my exam, I think, if I need more time for practice. I'm balancing work too, so I will see how it goes this week.

Initially, I made 25 on AAMC 3 early last year w/o studying. I did EK and TPRH these last 6 months and I scored 22 on AAMC 4 (last Thursday), which I kept switching correct answers, and VR killed me. I jumped to a 24 on GS-1, so I guess I am progressing. I will take small accomplishments. I need to study more efficiently too.

Originally Posted by aspiringdoc09

I took GS-1 yesterday. I didn't take it in the most ideal conditons (little noisy) at my school's library. I got 7/8/9 (PS/VR/BS) breakdown. A few of those physics passages I didn't really have any ideal about, especially the 1st about bernoulli's application to a plane's wing. VR was so-so. I tend change from correct to incorrect answers; it's a bad habit. I skipped the writing portion, and I began losing focus on the BS section (tired after work). I also didn't answer the last 2 questions because I ran out of time. Also, I could not recall a lot of the orgo facts for the reaction, so I definitely will keep hitting the books there. Overall, I can do better, but I see that I should kick it up a few notches. I would like to get close to a 35 on the real thing, but so far I'm not there and my test date is May 12. I plan to take GS-2 Wednesday and possible AAMC 5 Friday/Saturday. I still have time to reschedule my exam, I think, if I need more time for practice. I'm balancing work too, so I will see how it goes this week.

Initially, I made 25 on AAMC 3 early last year w/o studying. I did EK and TPRH these last 6 months and I scored 22 on AAMC 4 (last Thursday), which I kept switching correct answers, and VR killed me. I jumped to a 24 on GS-1, so I guess I am progressing. I will take small accomplishments. I need to study more efficiently too.

I am working on a set of posts trying to help pre-meds with Verbal Reasoning, maybe you will find it helpful.

Originally Posted by Renaissance Man

I am working on a set of posts trying to help pre-meds with Verbal Reasoning, maybe you will find it helpful.

I'm postponing my test date because I received the same score on AAMC 8. I did better on the GS verbal section but I keep getting 5s on the AAMC. I will look over your post. Thanks.

Originally Posted by aspiringdoc09

I'm postponing my test date because I received the same score on AAMC 8. I did better on the GS verbal section but I keep getting 5s on the AAMC. I will look over your post. Thanks.

I don't know if anyone is interested in this thread anymore, but doing well on Verbal Reasoning is easy. See if this method works for you.

Originally Posted by Renaissance Man

I don't know if anyone is interested in this thread anymore, but doing well on Verbal Reasoning is easy. See if this method works for you.

Unless you've actually tested your method out on real people other than yourself you shouldn't try and promote your method as easier. Yeah it may have worked OK for you but snake oil seems to cure my sore back too

Originally Posted by dmf2682

Unless you've actually tested your method out on real people other than yourself you shouldn't try and promote your method as easier. Yeah it may have worked OK for you but snake oil seems to cure my sore back too

Never said my method was easier than any other method. I said: "doing well on Verbal Reasoning is easy." Which it can be. I have also privately tutored 3 separate students for the MCAT who all saw gains in VR scores using my suggestions.

I make no guarantees, and if you read the post I say to use what works for you. However, I would say that it worked better than "OK" for me.

arrogant. good luck in med school

Originally Posted by dmf2682

arrogant. good luck in med school

I'll be just fine in medical school

Never thought I would run into trouble on here for promoting something that worked for me. Honestly just trying to help out people with MCAT stuff. Sorry, if it offended you.

I firmly believe that GS is a waste of money. DO NOT waste money on their practice tests. The biological and physical science sections are OK. I say they are OK because they are very specific on content, going into much greater detail then what is usually on the MCAT. This can help you gain a greater understanding of the material, yet, it is absolutely horrible at replicating the feel of a practice test.

The absolute WORST part of GS it their verbal sections. HOLY S***. Their passages aren't bad. They closely mimic the type found on actual MCATs, but wait until you get to the questions. They are often ambiguous, and have multiple correct answers showing. Upon reading their explanations you will be no closer at understanding why the came up with the answer they did compared to the other ones. Want proof? Buy an AAMC test, take the verbal, and before you view your score, reflect on how much more "clean" the AAMC test feel. Originally I was buying GS tests because they were cheaper, but I recently decided to splurge on a couple AAMC ones to see if their was a difference. I learned that I had wasted time thinking I was saving money.

So far after 3 practice tests done from both sites, my average scores by section are:
GS: 9, 7, 9
AAMC (Actual past tests): 11, 11, 13

Sure you could argue my view point is baised because I completed the AAMC tests after studying for a longer period of time, but I firmly believe that the feel of both tests are entirely different.

All our GS Verbal Reasoning passages, questions and explanations were changed over the last 10 months.

Originally Posted by Wiscobadger13

Originally I was buying GS tests because they were cheaper, but I recently decided to splurge on a couple AAMC ones to see if their was a difference. I learned that I had wasted time thinking I was saving money.
.

I don't think anyone was recommending not using the AAMC practice tests...I simply believe that Gold Standard is the second best option, and clearly ahead of Kaplan and EK.

In your opinion, from GS 1 to 10 which one is the hardest to easiest? Do you mind ranking them for me, please? I took GS-3 and got a 9 in PS and a 9 in VR. I am going to take Bio after ten mins and I wanted to make sure my scores were not a fluke.


Thanks,

Dermocrat.

Originally Posted by dermocrat88

In your opinion, from GS 1 to 10 which one is the hardest to easiest? Do you mind ranking them for me, please? I took GS-3 and got a 9 in PS and a 9 in VR. I am going to take Bio after ten mins and I wanted to make sure my scores were not a fluke.


Thanks,

Dermocrat.

Sorry, haven't check this thread in awhile. I would recommend taking GS 1 and then going in numerical order from there. Check out my post to see my average scores but they were not so different that I remember individual tests.

Originally Posted by Wiscobadger13

The absolute WORST part of GS it their verbal sections. HOLY S***. Their passages aren't bad. They closely mimic the type found on actual MCATs, but wait until you get to the questions. They are often ambiguous, and have multiple correct answers showing. Upon reading their explanations you will be no closer at understanding why the came up with the answer they did compared to the other ones. Want proof? Buy an AAMC test, take the verbal, and before you view your score, reflect on how much more "clean" the AAMC test feel. Originally I was buying GS tests because they were cheaper, but I recently decided to splurge on a couple AAMC ones to see if their was a difference. I learned that I had wasted time thinking I was saving money.

So far after 3 practice tests done from both sites, my average scores by section are:
GS: 9, 7, 9
AAMC (Actual past tests): 11, 11, 13

Sure you could argue my view point is baised because I completed the AAMC tests after studying for a longer period of time, but I firmly believe that the feel of both tests are entirely different.

Did anyone try the updated vr section? I tried a couple tests and found the above to be mostly true. The passages will be OK but the questions will often be vague, or have multiple correct answers. It's really freaking me out that my verbal is so low compared to OK science scores. Just looking for someone to say if they found updated gs verbal to be sketchy so I can get a good feel for how I'm doing 3 months out.

I just wanted to say that I'm so glad that I found this because my weakest area is physics specifically in the math/calculations area and I was trying to find something that would hopefully help me out in that area and give me more practice so I'm glad that I found out about GS I've always heard about it but never looked into it. I'm definitely going to use them as practice exams now.