Practice Tests, a throw away?

[Kussemek]

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So I know that we are supposed to be taking practice tests and sections to prepare for the MCAT, but part of me thinks that for those of us who are just starting the study process, taking a practice test is a waste. I for one need ALOT of review since I was not a science major. I feel like if I take a practice test and it asks quetions about topics not yet covered in review...than I am just asking for a poor score. It wouldnt be a true reflection on how I really understand the material. Anyone else feel the same or have any words of wisdom?

 

[KosmoKramer]

Yes it is true you need to review and you won't do as well at first. However, it is not a throw away. The MCAT is primarily passage based. Every question says, according to this passage..., except for the few so called free standing questions. I think practice exams are important, even in the beginning in order to get used to the drill of going for 8 hours and to practice your verbal reasoning on ALL sections. My MCAT VERBAL teacher hadn't taken a college class for over 10 years, and he got perfect on verbal and 8's (the national average) on both science sections because he was so good with pulling information from the passages. This is why I don't think its a waste. It is frustrating yes, but a waste, no.

 

[meatwad]

edited

 

[nishi]

I think you should take one now just so you know the format. I took one last summer during a pre-med summer program and was suprised at how many questions I could answer just from reading the passage (like the other poster said, a lot of the biological and gen chem questions you can answer correctly with good reading comp skills and the ability to read a graph). I think knowing the format and question style will help you when you study (for example, you will know that you don't need to memorize every last detail per se to do well). I do see your point though that it is almost a waste of a practice exam if there is material you have not covered. For me, I'm planning on waiting until I finish my review books before I start taking practice exams. And in the meantime I'm doing general problems to make sure I'm understanding what I've read. Try to get the the TRP hyperlearning review book-- its great and has many practice problems in the lectures.

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

The great majority of information that you need to answer questions correctly is located in the passages. Learning to extract this info is just as important as building a solid science background. Plus, you can actually learn from taking the tests because a good practice test explains the answer to every question that you get wrong.

 

[Kussemek]

I think you should take one now just so you know the format. I took one last summer during a pre-med summer program and was suprised at how many questions I could answer just from reading the passage (like the other poster said, a lot of the biological and gen chem questions you can answer correctly with good reading comp skills and the ability to read a graph). I think knowing the format and question style will help you when you study (for example, you will know that you don't need to memorize every last detail per se to do well). I do see your point though that it is almost a waste of a practice exam if there is material you have not covered. For me, I'm planning on waiting until I finish my review books before I start taking practice exams. And in the meantime I'm doing general problems to make sure I'm understanding what I've read. Try to get the the TRP hyperlearning review book-- its great and has many practice problems in the lectures.

I should have clarified, I am currently enrolled in the PR and am using their hyperlearning books, which are helpful🙂 I took my frist diag score and did horribly, I am actually really embarrased at how I did...but this weekend I will attempt the bio and phys sci sections. Of AAMC 3r.