Day before test day: Rest or AAMC FL?

[Govols13]

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I took AAMC #3 as a diagnostic, so I have the rest of the AAMC FL's to work with. The difference would be taking another 6 tests vs another 7 tests.

After taking 6 practice tests, would it just be better to take an off day before the actual test? Or should I take advantage of all the AAMC FL's?

If I cut one out, should I just not take AAMC #4? The newer ones are more similar to the actual test, correct?

 

[SN2ed]

Just rest and recharge the day before.

 

[Synapsis]

Kind of the "obvious" idea is to rest. But I think it depends. Some people have strong stamina and really want it. They can take a FL the day before. A friend of mine did and got a 40. If it's likely that a FL will weaken your confidence and/or tire you out then it probably isn't a good idea. But it's not written in stone that you will do better if you don't take it the day before.

Whatever works for you.

 

[kmp0410]

I would definitely rest. Taking a test also means reviewing it. Don't want to risk burn out.

But yes. Just cut out aamc 4 or another early one.

 

[snowflakes]

I was in the same situation (either take a FL the day before the actual MCAT, or skip one), and what I did was split one of the FL exams up into 3 parts, so for the first 3 days, I did 1.3 full length exams. I just felt more comfortable having seen all of the released AAMC questions before my MCAT. For me personally, taking a FL the day before my exam would have been overkill, I think. I noticed that for the first few practice tests, I made mainly conceptual/comprehension errors, whereas for the later ones I took, I made a lot more careless errors just because of testing fatigue. So I think the day off is really important just to give your mind a break. I still did last minute content review the day before, though, just no practice questions.

 

[kanakari]

Just rest and recharge the day before.

I was curious as to why the 3 month MCAT guide calendar was just recently updated and the break day before the test was removed?