AAMC FL2 vs Section Bank?

[bears1992]

I just finished AAMC FL2 last week and got a 506 (128/125/126/127). I've heard that FL 2 is the best indicator of your real MCAT score however, I just finished the entire section bank this evening and have been hitting around 50-55% for each section. Is the actual MCAT similar to the FLs or Section Bank?

Biochem is certainly my weak spot and I am noticing that the section banks are heavy on biochem while the FLs are not (especially in the C/P section). I am applying DO so I would be content with a 506, but I am wondering if I need to push my date back since my section bank scores are atrocious. Is the AAMC FL2 still an accurate indicator even with a terrible section bank score?

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[fldoctorgirl]

Section Bank represents the hardest types of passages/questions on the MCAT. Scoring in the upper 60's is generally considered good.

Each MCAT is different. Sometimes, people report their test was loaded with SB-like passages/questions. Sometimes, people feel their test was much easier. No way to tell you what to expect, honestly. But, if you're shooting for DO, I think you should be okay with your current level of performance. I would take the test when you planned, rather than push back.

 

[bears1992]

Section Bank represents the hardest types of passages/questions on the MCAT. Scoring in the upper 60's is generally considered good.

Each MCAT is different. Sometimes, people report their test was loaded with SB-like passages/questions. Sometimes, people feel their test was much easier. No way to tell you what to expect, honestly. But, if you're shooting for DO, I think you should be okay with your current level of performance. I would take the test when you planned, rather than push back.

Thanks! I took both AAMC practice tests and thought they were doable (especially the c/p) but hit the section banks and was confused on which one the MCAT represents.

 

[kwu]

The section bank is considered the hardest AAMC material for the MCAT. It has one of the hardest passages that you will see on the MCAT. You shouldn't be discouraged if you score low on it. However, you should review your mistakes and try to work on your weaknesses. You never know what you will encounter on the real test!.

 

[Govols22]

I recently took the MCAT June 1st and I thought that the real deal I took was much harder than the the practice AAMC ,and the section bank passages consisted of a good portion of the exam, with passages arguably more ridiculous than some section bank passages. But if you happen to get a "hard" mcat, just keep composure and know that the scores will be scaled and by keeping your composure you will be at an advantage toward the students who get overly anxious due to the unforeseen difficulty.

 

[Govols22]

The section bank isn't indicative of your real score because the reality is that the section bank is primarily biochem for both C/P and B/B. I scored ~75% right for both on the section bank, but I'm not certain how I will do on the real thing because my exam I took had less than the normal amount of biochem, which was disappointing because I was strong in biochem.

 

[Anon899]

Thanks! I took both AAMC practice tests and thought they were doable (especially the c/p) but hit the section banks and was confused on which one the MCAT represents.

We have similar stats, how’d you end up doing if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[BTC0821]

I just finished AAMC FL2 last week and got a 506 (128/125/126/127). I've heard that FL 2 is the best indicator of your real MCAT score however, I just finished the entire section bank this evening and have been hitting around 50-55% for each section. Is the actual MCAT similar to the FLs or Section Bank?

Biochem is certainly my weak spot and I am noticing that the section banks are heavy on biochem while the FLs are not (especially in the C/P section). I am applying DO so I would be content with a 506, but I am wondering if I need to push my date back since my section bank scores are atrocious. Is the AAMC FL2 still an accurate indicator even with a terrible section bank score?

Also interested in this as I scored around the same on section bank. FWIW, I got a 510 on the AAMC sample and a 511 on AAMC 3; so my hopes are that their FLs are still predictive of ones final score. I would imagine they are, not just of optimism, but also because since the scores are scaled, even if you get a really difficult exam, you are unlikely to be the only one who does poorly as others have mentioned.

 

[Master Thinker]

The SB problems represent the hardest few questions you will come across on the real exam. Many of them will be trial questions that you have to do but won't be scored