Practice Test: Depends on Time of Day you Take It?

[alex_shimp]

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Hi, what do you guys think, does it depend much on the time of day you take the test, I understand that its best to simulate test date as close as possible. But since I work full time, I can't do much unless I take them on the weekends. I don't think taking 2 tests on the same weekend is a great idea. So What I wanted to do is spread them out...... I.e. I can do one Friday and another Sunday... but the Friday I cant start doing it till 2p.m.

Also, do you guys think it has a huge effect on taking the test in 2 days... I.e. doing PS/VR one day and WS/BS second day?

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

Hi, what do you guys think, does it depend much on the time of day you take the test, I understand that its best to simulate test date as close as possible. But since I work full time, I can't do much unless I take them on the weekends. I don't think taking 2 tests on the same weekend is a great idea. So What I wanted to do is spread them out...... I.e. I can do one Friday and another Sunday... but the Friday I cant start doing it till 2p.m.

Also, do you guys think it has a huge effect on taking the test in 2 days... I.e. doing PS/VR one day and WS/BS second day?

I use both of those techniques to squeeze more practice tests into my schedule. I think the benefits of doing more practice problems outweigh the fact that you are not doing them under strict test conditions. I am doing the AAMC tests on Saturdays, trying to duplicate actual test conditions as much as possible (schedule, I actually do the writing sample, etc.) and I think you should do some of the tests under strict conditions to prepare yourself for test day, but I think spreading others out over a couple of days is just fine (my scores haven't been significantly different with one way vs. the other.)

As far as the times, I don't think it really matters much. It sounds like you will probably be taking your tests later than you would on actual MCAT day, which, in theory would mean that you are more tired than you will actually be on the actual MCAT day, but, in practice, I don't think you'll see much of a difference.

IMHO: Do as many practice problems in as close to real MCAT conditions as possible, but we are always constrained by our schedules and other responsibilites. I'm devoting as much time as I can and doing as much practice as I can, and that's really all I can do.

Good Luck,

Jota