Kaplan ----> AAMC - What to take away?

[TJewd]

I am taking the 1/31 test..

On my last 2 Kaplan FL's (2 & 3):
PS: 10
VR: 9
BS: 7
Total: 26

Then today AAMC #8
PS: 10
VR: 11
BS: 8
Total: 29

The AAMC seemed much easier than the Kaplans that I took, much shorter PS passages etc.

I am aiming for at least a 32 does this seem conceivable based on these scores and continued practicing and studying for the next few weeks?

Are the AAMC tests generally thought of as easier? And does easier equate to more accurate?

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[futuredoctor10]

Are the AAMC tests generally thought of as easier? And does easier equate to more accurate?

I thought Kaplan tests had more difficult passages than the AAMC, but a nicer curve, so consequently their overall grading/feel were easier to me.

AAMCs, to score as high on, was more difficult for me. But it varies person to person obviously.

I would say AAMC is a more accurate score predictor. But, over the summer I noticed alot of posters in the July/August threads whose real MCAT score were somewhere between their AAMC and Kaplan scores.

 

[junkct]

I am taking the 1/31 test..

On my last 2 Kaplan FL's (2 & 3):
PS: 10
VR: 9
BS: 7
Total: 26

Then today AAMC #8
PS: 10
VR: 11
BS: 8
Total: 29

The AAMC seemed much easier than the Kaplans that I took, much shorter PS passages etc.

I am aiming for at least a 32 does this seem conceivable based on these scores and continued practicing and studying for the next few weeks?

Are the AAMC tests generally thought of as easier? And does easier equate to more accurate?

AAMCs tend to be more accurate (especially VR), so I'd say it's better that you got a higher score on that one. Were any of those flukes? Or is that the kind of score you usually get? If you're usually getting something around there, then it's very conceivable to increase to 32 within a month (~1 point increase in each section... maybe more in bio)

 

[RySerr21]

The AAMC tests are considered the gold standard for accuracy in predicting real scores. That being said, you should take more than 1 AAMC. You should take as many as you can and take the most recent ones if possible (7-10). The AAMC tests will give you a range that you are most likely to fall in.

Kaplan is good just to test your knowledge, get familiar with the test, format, etc but the score should not really be used to predict your score.

My advice: take as many more AAMC tests as you can. If you havent consistently reached your goal, then reschedule?

 

[TJewd]

I plan on taking at least 1 Kaplan and 1 AAMC per week before the test in addition to reviewing.

So of the AAMC's 7-10 are the best? I will make sure to take those then, thanks

 

[JaggerPlate]

The biggest problem with the Kaplan tests are the hugeee inflated curve (which doesn't seem to be your problem OP). I pushed my MCAT back because I took all Kaplan forever and my first AAMC dropped 9 points from my Kaplan AVERAGE .

 

[RySerr21]

I plan on taking at least 1 Kaplan and 1 AAMC per week before the test in addition to reviewing.

So of the AAMC's 7-10 are the best? I will make sure to take those then, thanks

Sounds like you have a good plan. If you can, take ALL of the AAMC tests (3-10). 3 is the one that is free, so you should for take that one. If you are short on money or time, then 3 and 7-10 are your best bet, but if you have the money and have it well planned out like you do, thers no reason you shouldnt take all of the AAMC!

 

[futuredoctor10]

Just curious I took all the AAMC exams (3-10) for my first MCAT this past summer.

Now for the retake I was going to take 1-3 AAMC exams [which I would have taken previously] and the rest Kaplan FL exams that I have not taken before. [I only took Kaplan 1-5 for my first MCAT so I have 6-11 of Kaplan which would be like brand new exams]

The situation is different. I think taking AAMCs again might not be an accurate score indicator as I have taken them before. What do you all think?

 

[TJewd]

My most recent Kaplan (#4) I actually brought my scores up a bit

10 PS
9 VR
9 BS

still have some improving to do though

 

[officedepot]

I am taking the 1/31 test..

On my last 2 Kaplan FL's (2 & 3):
PS: 10
VR: 9
BS: 7
Total: 26

Then today AAMC #8
PS: 10
VR: 11
BS: 8
Total: 29

The AAMC seemed much easier than the Kaplans that I took, much shorter PS passages etc.

I am aiming for at least a 32 does this seem conceivable based on these scores and continued practicing and studying for the next few weeks?

Are the AAMC tests generally thought of as easier? And does easier equate to more accurate?

Here's the thing... Kaplan tests are harder. That is why they are curved. AAMC ones are easier and not curved hardly at all. However, your scores should be nearly identical. Kaplan has done a lot of work in preparing their tests. They are harder because they are suppossed to make you better.

I wouldn't expect a 32 if you never get one on a practice test. Maybe you should reschedule your MCAT. But really you need to study BIO a lot more. That is clearly your weakpoint. Just use Kaplan's website and review books for more questions and practice.

 

[TJewd]

Update:

Kaplan Full Length 5

PS: 10
VR: 10
BS: 11
Total: 31

High Score!!!

 

[emno]

I heared that KPLAN tests are difficult then the actual tests. so a 31 in KPLAN should get you more in actual mcat exam.