Large gap between AAMC 3 and AAMC 4 scores?

[metalgirl14]

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Hi everyone,

I was originally planning on taking the January 30th MCAT so I've been studying since October (using TBR). When I took AAMC 3, I got a 28 (which is slightly lower than my goal but I figured that I could improve that with a month of studying). I just took AAMC 4 though and scored significantly lower (<25). I don't know if this was a fluke incident but I'm very discouraged and I'm don't really know what actions I should take now. Do you think I should still try to take the test in January or would it be better to move my test date back some? 😕

I also don't want to take another AAMC test at the moment, in case I have to move my test date back. I do have the TPR diagnostic tests still so I could definitely take a few more of those... What would everyone here recommend?

 

[Vihsadas]

When in January is your test? It's really hard to tell whether your 25 was a fluke or not, but with those AAMCs, I would unfortunately have to bet there are some gaps in your content knowledge, and your test familiarity. It's possible, if you really put your mind and effort to it, that you'll be able to raise that score by 4-6 points in a month, but it might be nice to give yourself a little bit of extra time so that you don't feel so pressured. Just removing that pressure a bit might be enough to help you study more effectively. Also, make sure to review AAMC 3 and 4 and see what kinds of problems you were missing and what types of errors you were making. i.e. was it an error of not knowing, or was it an error in how you did the problem?

 

[NickNaylor]

Also, the opinion of many seems to be that AAMC 3 is easier than the real MCAT. Most recommend AAMC 7-10 as the most predictive.

 

[StarryNights]

Yea, I agree that it is really hard to tell if your score on AAMC 4 was a fluke or not because you've only taken 2 tests. I know it sucks to contemplate pushing back the test considering you've been studying since October and can see that finish line on the 30th. However, there is no real benefit to you taking it at the end of this month vs March 27th since you'll still be early for application cycle. I think you should take a few TPR diagnostics and see what kind of score you get with those, then take one more AAMC (if you push it back you still have 5 of them left and the later ones are most indicative anyway so you can spare one more). At least then you'll be in a better position to decide. Do it once and do it right, take the MCAT when you're ready. But whatever you decide, keep your confidence up.

 

[J ROD]

I would take a couple of more practice tests before I decided to reschedule the MCAT....

 

[metalgirl14]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I'll just take a couple of TPR diags and one more AAMC then decide. I would like to get about a 32/33 so I'm thinking I'll probably have to review a little more before I take the test. It's times like these that wish there was a February MCAT.

 

[SN2ed]

If your tests are fluctuating, it is due to the different topics on the various tests. In other words, you have some glaring weaknesses that when targeted, nail you, badly. You have to find out what those weaknesses are because they are evident by your scores. Do NOT dismiss any wrong answer as a "stupid mistake." You made that error for a reason. Go over your tests again.