Do I Have a False Sense of Security??

[cfive22]

I took the MCAT on 9/2/11 and scored a 30R(9/9/12) which was on par with my AAMC average. I decided to retake. I had used TPR to study before so this time around, I used TBR. My TBR CBT scores ranged from 27-33. I am retaking AAMC exams 7 - 11 and am scoring really well (AAMC 7 - 15/11/14, 8 - 14/11/12, 9 - 13/12/13). I had barely gone over my mistakes the first time around and often miss the same questions or new questions. I addition, most PS passages seem completely foreign to me, most likely because I was not very strong in PS my first time around. Do I have a false sense of security to think that I can score a 34/35+ on the real deal which is next week? Any help would really really be appreciated.

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[Jamie561]

The real MCAT is somewhat more challenging than the AAMCs. The BS is much more analytical and the VR passages are longer on the real thing.

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[BerkReviewTeach]

I took the MCAT on 9/2/11 and scored a 30R(9/9/12) which was on par with my AAMC average. I decided to retake. I had used TPR to study before so this time around, I used TBR. My TBR CBT scores ranged from 27-33. I am retaking AAMC exams 7 - 11 and am scoring really well (AAMC 7 - 15/11/14, 8 - 14/11/12, 9 - 13/12/13). I had barely gone over my mistakes the first time around and often miss the same questions or new questions. I addition, most PS passages seem completely foreign to me, most likely because I was not very strong in PS my first time around. Do I have a false sense of security to think that I can score a 34/35+ on the real deal which is next week? Any help would really really be appreciated.

Did you use those same AAMC exams the first time you studied? If so, then you might be remembering parts of the exams and the scores are a little inflated. If not, then those are valid scores, because they're based on a data set of real test takers.

It's true that the latest MCATs have been different from the AAMC practice exams, but sans a complete freeze up on the real deal, I'd say you're looking very strong and ready to improve. Those PS and BS scores are consistent enough that you should feel pretty confident.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

I took the MCAT on 9/2/11 and scored a 30R(9/9/12) which was on par with my AAMC average. I decided to retake. I had used TPR to study before so this time around, I used TBR. My TBR CBT scores ranged from 27-33. I am retaking AAMC exams 7 - 11 and am scoring really well (AAMC 7 - 15/11/14, 8 - 14/11/12, 9 - 13/12/13). I had barely gone over my mistakes the first time around and often miss the same questions or new questions. I addition, most PS passages seem completely foreign to me, most likely because I was not very strong in PS my first time around. Do I have a false sense of security to think that I can score a 34/35+ on the real deal which is next week? Any help would really really be appreciated.

Good to go...I will take your latest AAMC minus 8.

 

[JustMeditate]

The real MCAT is somewhat more challenging than the AAMCs.

I disagree. I recently took an MCAT, and thought that the AAMC exams prepared me for the real thing really well. But then, you've taken a "real" MCAT, so you can judge that for yourself.

Given your scores, I think you can confidently pursue a 34/35+. But be careful not to become overconfident. Make sure you continue to study rigorously for the exam, and on exam day, don't let that over confidence affect how you "play the game," so to speak. Take the MCAT the same way you've been taking practice tests, and by that, I mean with the same attitude. If you've been slightly nervous during practices, and using that adrenaline, don't take your real exam thinking, "No need to be nervous; I am a shoe in for a high score." Trust me, your attitude can make a difference.

 

[411309]

On my real deal VR was easier, PS was prob on par with aamc for the later ones, and BS was tougher. My two cents.

 

[cfive22]

Did you use those same AAMC exams the first time you studied? If so, then you might be remembering parts of the exams and the scores are a little inflated. If not, then those are valid scores, because they're based on a data set of real test takers.

It's true that the latest MCATs have been different from the AAMC practice exams, but sans a complete freeze up on the real deal, I'd say you're looking very strong and ready to improve. Those PS and BS scores are consistent enough that you should feel pretty confident.

Thank you for all the responses. Yes I have taken the exams before and scored on average between 29-31 the first time on these tests (7 - 11/9/10, 8 - 10/10/11, 9 - 10/9/10). I was reading threads in which SN2 and others told retakers that retaking AAMC tests gave individuals a false sense of security so I freaked out while I was in bed last night...I'm usually not one to make threads about myself like this but I was extremely distraught.

 

[zherussianbear]

But stay freaked out up until you start the test.

 

[slwnstdy]

Thank you for all the responses. Yes I have taken the exams before and scored on average between 29-31 the first time on these tests (7 - 11/9/10, 8 - 10/10/11, 9 - 10/9/10). I was reading threads in which SN2 and others told retakers that retaking AAMC tests gave individuals a false sense of security so I freaked out while I was in bed last night...I'm usually not one to make threads about myself like this but I was extremely distraught.

Try not to read the threads right before your exam!!
I stayed off any MCAT related discussions for about 2 weeks before the exam.

Good luck with your re-take!

 

[cfive22]

Try not to read the threads right before your exam!!
I stayed off any MCAT related discussions for about 2 weeks before the exam.

Good luck with your re-take!

Agreed! I can't help but try to predict my score by comparing myself to others who were in a similar situation, but of course, this is not possible and I'm just grasping at threads.

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

Agreed! I can't help but try to predict my score by comparing myself to others who were in a similar situation, but of course, this is not possible and I'm just grasping at threads.

Your jump in scores is so good though, that even if you take away a point in each section for whatever extra questions you got right because you subconsciously remembered them, you're still at your target of 34-36.

I agree with the previous posters that you're definitely ready and the best way to reduce the chances you'll freak out is to take a vacation from SDN.

 

[chemhead123]

SDN Vacation..good idea, seriously I am going to do that too.