Best time for practice tests?

[snwdevl10]

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Hey all, when during an MCAT prep would you recommend taking practice tests? I'll be roughly following the EK 10 week home study plan, and they recommend taking FL AAMC tests every other week or so while going through the course. I have been thinking it might be better to bump up the studying schedule a bit (EK gives a one week break I could skip) and save most of the practice tests for the final couple weeks before the actual date. I understand taking them as I go would give me a chance to see my weaknesses, but taking them after finishing the review would allow me to focus more on getting comfortable with the format/timing rather than worrying about missing questions I haven't reviewed for. Thoughts? Thanks! 👍

 

[nadaba]

This is why I liked having Kaplan's exams. I could do them throughout my studying and not feel like I was wasting AAMCs.

Maybe you can save AAMC 7-10 for the final couple of weeks, and take one AAMC per week until then? That way, the last few AAMC tests can help you with timing, etc., and you're still able to see your weaknesses with AAMC 3-6.

 

[SN2ed]

The majority, if not all, of your practice tests should be used within the last phase of your schedule. Typically the final phase of studying would be in the last month.

 

[ru4real1666]

Completely agree. I would say take practice tests the last 3-4 weeks of MCAT prep which should consist ONLY of the following

1) taking practice tests

2) reviewing practice tests

3) going over weaknesses/quick content review

 

[snwdevl10]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll plan on taking the majority of them in the final few weeks of prep.