How does AAMC #3 compare to the MCAT?

[Memorex814]

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Hi everyone,

I got a 32 on AAMC #3, which I used as my diagnostic. I was really excited about this initially, but then I saw that SN2 posted this list of most relevant to least relevant practice tests:

1. AAMC #7-11
2. BR #1-7
3. Kaplan #1-6
4. AAMC #3-5
5. TPR
6. Kaplan #7-10/GS

Now I'm not sure if I should take my diagnostic score as an actual indicator.

My sincerest apologies to SN2 if I am not understanding your advice correctly. 😳 I took this from the 3-month study post which had this list of the top priority tests to take.

Some background about me:
I studied for and scored in the 99th percentile on the PCAT, but since have had a change of heart and would really like to go into medicine. I still know my bio and chem pretty well as a result of my PCAT studying last summer, but I am really weak in physics, since I took it 3 years ago and it was not covered on the PCAT. I am a chemistry/molecular biology double major. I am also a senior so I would ideally like to apply this fall!

My questions are:
-Is the AAMC #3 an accurate diagnostic test? (sorry again SN2 if I am misinterpreting your post).
-Should I study for the MCAT this summer and apply this round? I will have to start from scratch in terms of physics review, but chem/bio will just be a light review for me. I was planning on taking the test early-mid July.
-Has anyone else had experience in switching from pharmacy to medicine?

Thanks for your input! 🙂

 

[Tots]

My questions are:
-Is the AAMC #3 an accurate diagnostic test? (sorry again SN2 if I am misinterpreting your post).

AAMC #3 was the AAMC test farthest away from my real score. There was an 8 point difference between AAMC#3 and my real MCAT. I did not think #3 was that similar to the real thing but I doubt 32 is a bad place to start.

 

[typicalindian]

Think puppies versus flesh eating bacteria from outer space

 

[EnginrTheFuture]

Think puppies versus flesh eating bacteria from outer space

I actually laughed out loud.

I would consider applying next cycle unless you can really hound on the studying in May. Applying early is important and rushing the MCAT is always a risky move.

Good luck with everything. Congrats on the first diagnostic though, it's always a great thing to do well! I found most people (myself included) think 3 is much much easier than 4-9 (finished 9 today) so just be cautious going forward.

 

[Memorex814]

Thanks guys, I had a feeling that it couldn't have been that simple . I'm so sorry gods of MCAT, and I promise to never underestimate you ever again.

That being said, is 6 weeks a decent amount of studying time? I'm about to go check the 30+ thread right....now.

 

[hyperbole]

Just my two cents, but my AAMC 3 results were identical to my actual ones, down to the subject distribution. I think it does depend a bit on what your strengths and weaknesses are, as well as how well the topics on AAMC 3 match up to those you're faced with on test day. In any case, 32 sounds like an excellent starting point. 🙂

 

[folktale]

All AAMCs compared to MCAT is like a bunch of kitties versus a rabid werewolf.

 

[kryptonian]

After taking the MCAT today, I feel like all the AAMCs (with slight exception AAMC 11) are jokes. AAMC 11 is the closest to the real one but it's still very very far away in terms of twisting and back-stabbing level.

 

[Amba]

I agree with what everyone has said already. For what it's worth, I also got a 32 on #3 and bottomed at a 34 on the rest of the AAMCs. #3 isn't super accurate but it does help you get used to the timing, plus the verbal is decent compared to the other AAMCs and real thing. Good luck with the rest of the practice tests 👍

 

[yellowfish]

I wouldn't let any single practice exam predict your score on the MCAT - but your average over all of them will probably not fall too far from what you score on the real thing. AAMC 3, as other posters have said, was the farthest from my actual score and seemed softer than the others. It was also the first one I took, though.

 

[Cinclus]

My score on AAMC 3 was only one point off from my score on the real deal, making it the most similar out of the three practice exams I took. I really think any significant score variation among practice tests depends on the mix of topics that show up on each test. You may luck out and get topics you're good at, or it may be the opposite. The goal is, of course, to not have any glaring weaknesses. Take more practice tests to make sure you aren't experiencing any huge variation in scores due to lack of mastery of certain topics.