Practice Tests...On paper or on computer?

[MJB]

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I'm just wondering what the general practice of folks here has been...Is it better to take these practice exams online or on paper?

 

[pseudoknot]

Online if you will take the CBT, on paper if you're taking the paper test.

 

[DrBowtie]

I would go with online since you can print it off online and take it paper and pencil anyway. The only disadvantage is that you have to transfer your bubbles to the online scoring grid for you to get a score. The online is also better b/c it will give you a breakdown of ? types you missed and such.

 

[blee]

I bought all of the AAMC tests in the online format, but I took them all on paper. This was really the best way to do it, IMO; I got to take a paper test like the real thing, then plug in my answers later to get my score. The site does a good job of breaking down your responses, as mentioned above.

Of course, if you're planning to take the CBT test, you might just want to skip the printing part and take the test entirely online.

 

[MJB]

Brett...that's why I'm liking the free trial of the online version, due to all the "automatic" stuff...but odds are, I would be taking the paper version for the real deal....just wondering if that would adversely affect me.

 

[DrBowtie]

Just print it out...the only difference is that you would take extra time bubbling in the answers. If your really concerned, I think the big kaplan book has an answer sheet you can use if you really want to.

Edit: Oh yeah, if you want to add extra accuracy, staple down the left edge and find a circle dot label to act as the "tricky" seal.

 

[codliveroil]

Just print it out...the only difference is that you would take extra time bubbling in the answers. If your really concerned, I think the big kaplan book has an answer sheet you can use if you really want to.

Edit: Oh yeah, if you want to add extra accuracy, staple down the left edge and find a circle dot label to act as the "tricky" seal.

The actual MCAT bubbling sheets (answer sheets) are available here:

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/practicetests.htm

Look for "Practice Test Answer Documents"
(on the right side of the webpage, bottom of the screen)

Nothing can mimic the MCAT seal. You need a scalpel to peel that s*** off. I almost tore out my first Verbal passage. And that one was good reading too.

 

[RedBullJunkie]

I would go with online since you can print it off online and take it paper and pencil anyway. Just my opinion ...

 

[crazymedgirl]

Hey everyone,

I'm resurrecting this old thread for some new opinions now that the MCAT is being administered solely in the CBT version.

What are people's thoughts on practicing on paper versus on the computer? I've heard some say that it's better studying-wise to do it on paper (not sure why). Obviously it's necessary to take at least a few on the computer before the actual test to get familiar with it though...

Anyone?

And what about the old "R" format tests on paper? Are those helpful in terms of studying anymore?

All input appreciated!

 

[SN2ed]

Wow. Now this is an old thread.

When people on here refer to the paper tests, they're usually talking about old version that's much longer.

There are a few benefits to using the old tests:

1. Builds endurance because the test is longer
2. More practice questions equals more practice
3. You might have new topics as well since there used to be more passages. I could be wrong on this because the present AAMC CBTs do heavily truncate some passages. In other words, there may be the same number of passages as the old tests, but fewer questions. I don't have access anymore so I can't check.

Nevertheless, it is vital for everyone to take at least 5 CBTs.