Paper-Based MCAT: How to Utilize Effectively?

[aspiringdoc09]

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I have a friend who just gave me copies of AAMC and Kaplan paper-based tests. I was wondering if anyone has ideas on how to utilize these with the CBTs? I realize that the MCAT is a CBT and still plan to purchase them, but how can I make the best out of using these paper-based ones to gain the most practice?

At first, I thought, "yeah, I don't need to purchase", but then I said, I need to practice using CBTs based on the current test. Next, I thought I could buy AAMC CBTs and take them first and maybe use the paper ones for practicing speed. I will definitely use the Kaplan's for speed and before using the AAMCs, but I'm not sure what to do with the AAMCs. Do any of you have any ideas on how I can use these test after taking the CBTs? A lot of people say don't repeat taken test because of false sense of accomplishment (SN2eds)

Thanks for your comments.

 

[Forkit]

Are the paper based AAMC tests identical to the CBT version? Just curious..

 

[aspiringdoc09]

Are the paper based AAMC tests identical to the CBT version? Just curious..

Yes. They are the paper-based versions of the AAMC CBTs that you purchase. I looked at AAMC 3 paper and it was similar to the CBT I took. Also, on AAMC 4 paper it shows 52 questions for PS section, which is similar to CBT. Someone purchased the CBTs and I think they give you the option or use to give option to save it as pdf.

 

[MedPR]

If they are the same, I don't know why this thread would exist? All of the books and 99% of the material you use to study is in paper form. Just take the practice tests as you would a CBT.

 

[aspiringdoc09]

Bump

Does anyone else have any other suggestions who have successfully completed the MCAT? Thanks.

 

[notbobtrustme]

If they are the same, I don't know why this thread would exist? All of the books and 99% of the material you use to study is in paper form. Just take the practice tests as you would a CBT.

The paper based ones are the longer tests, with 12 passages instead of the current 7 or 8.

I used the paper-based exams and simply timed them according to the instructions (eg 100 minutes for PS/BS, 85 for VR). The extra passages are great practice, although the paper-based exams felt more forgiving because you could miss a bunch of questions and still score pretty high whereas the CBTs has a much less forgiving curve, IMO.

 

[paul411]

I highly recommend doing the extra passages on the old paper based AAMCs as practice; they are excellent practice problems.

I did some of the earlier (3R-6R) paper based AAMCs in lieu of the corresponding CBT version because the longer paper based tests are great for building up test taking endurance. For the other paper based AAMCs (7R-11R), I used the extra passages as standalone practice.

 

[NickNaylor]

More practice is always good, but I wouldn't necessarily count on them for score prediction since they don't represent the genuine MCAT format.

 

[aspiringdoc09]

These aren't the longer tests. They are exactly the same as the current versions but paper-based. I am missing AAMC 11 though and have the AAMC 6 test, which they discontinued. I guess I will use AAMCs 3-9 and purchase 10 and 11 online since they are the most recent. I can add in a few BR FL before AAMC 10/11 to get the real CBT experience.

Thanks everyone for your replies!

 

[aspiringdoc09]

More practice is always good, but I wouldn't necessarily count on them for score prediction since they don't represent the genuine MCAT format.

Also, NickNaylor, I am a fan of Scrubs and every time I read your posts I imagine Dr. Cox's voice saying it in a negative connotation to JD. LOL!

 

[Mount Sinai]

In addition to what has been said, i recently received some pdf versions of FLs, namely TBR and TPR. Unfortunately, I had to format my computer. Does anyone know where to get them...