Big disadvantage to using paper FLs?

[SisterDisco08]

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I have paper versions of all the FLs, and I was wondering how big of a disadvantage it is to use those instead of paying for the computer ones? i know we get one computer FL free from AAMC, but I was wondering if I should purchase more....or if the paper versions would be sufficient?

 

[DareGreatly]

Probably not too big of a disadvantage. I would take the free aamc CBT around the time of your actual exam to get your bearings of the way the test is laid out on the computer though. keep in mind that the free CBT is a little different content-wise than the current mcat (most say it's a bit easier).

 

[NickNaylor]

I would use paper exams for content review but not as practice exams. Half the purpose of taking practice exams is to practice taking the test. You don't get that experience with the paper tests.

 

[Juice Loosener]

If you want some empirical evidence to why you shouldn't use the printed FLs as real practice tests, it's because you read print faster than a computer screen. So that can definitely mess up your timing.

 

[SN2ed]

People can also run into problems adjusting their test taking strategy from paper to CBT.

 

[SephirothXR]

If you have them on your computer as pdfs (but not as CBTs) then take them on the computer to simulate it. Your eyes will get tired naturally (though I'd imagine you could have a little adrenaline (or epinephrine to be MCAT-worthy =P ) to keep you focused no matter how tired you get during the real thing). You don't have to take them like that but it'll be close to the real thing.