MCAT retake -- evaluating repeat AAMC practice scores

[ScientiaPotenti]

Hi All,

I'm re-taking on May 23rd after under-performing last summer. (was getting 31-34's on AAMC exams but got a 28 on actual test)

Since I've re-read the EK books and began the process of preparing to re-take the test I have re-taken one AAMC practice exam (#7). My score was a 11-10-12, which is the territory I'd like to end up on the real thing, but I'm reluctant to trust that score as an indicator since I've taken that exam already (even though it was 1 year ago).

I'm wondering if it makes sense to continue re-taking the AAMC practice tests, given that I have already taken all of them once. If so, how might in interpret those scores as indicators for perfomance on the real thing? Also, I have access to kaplan but dislike their exams, as the AAMC exams seemed to feel very close to the real thing.

Any insight into re-taking strategies given I'm 3 weeks out at this point would be great.

Thanks!
-B

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[nabilesmail]

I would retake them and keep building up content, do the aamc self assessments, do the mcat guide by aamc, and focus on other variables such as good schedule (taking fl at your mcat time) + breakfasts, routines, sleep etc.

 

[Guero]

I would retake them and keep building up content, do the aamc self assessments, do the mcat guide by aamc, and focus on other variables such as good schedule (taking fl at your mcat time) + breakfasts, routines, sleep etc.

Great post, I fully agree.

Also, if you retake and still miss questions, it's obvious that you need to focus on those and will be great review. I found the practice tests the most helpful and most predictive of my actual score. However, I wouldn't put much stake in their predictive value now since you'll have test-retest bias. But it's definitely worthwhile.

Good luck!

 

[eggs13]

I was in a similar situation. I took it the first time and scored a 28 in May 2011, after scoring low-mid 30's on my AAMC practice tests. Many people advise against retaking these tests because it will skew your scores. I ended up retaking all of them because I honestly remembered NOTHING about any of the tests a year later when I was preparing. I would say definitely take them! The second time around I was scoring 32-36 and ended up with a 35 on the real thing!

Good Luck!!

 

[Testosterone]

I took the test 2 years ago, averaged 32 on the AAMC and got a 32. This year I retook using the AAMC as part of some of the practice material, remembered nothing from any of the tests, averaged 38 and got a 38.

 

[Heplayer92]

Is the general consensus that after 1 year+, re-taking old AAMCs are okey? =P

I'm re-taking as well. Averaged a 32ish last year and ended up with a 30.

This year, took AAMC3 = 29 and AAMC4 = 35. A bit hesitant to trust the 35, as it's the highest practice score I've ever gotten. However, although some of the material topics seemed "familiar," there was no way that I remembered any of the answers, or even remembered where to find the answers to some of the problems.

Is it worthwhile to keep doing these or shall I switch to some other practice test materials? Thanks!