Question about the difference between practice exams and the actual exam

[Saturnine]

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This question is for those who've taken the MCAT. How similar is the material on the practice exams (AAMC) to the actual exam? For example, I've noticed several recurring questions on the practice exams asking about IR spectroscopy frequencies. Should I expect to see such a question on the real exam? Did you find most of the science topics on the actual MCAT to considerably differ from those on the practice exams?

 

[OSUdoc08]

This question is for those who've taken the MCAT. How similar is the material on the practice exams (AAMC) to the actual exam? For example, I've noticed several recurring questions on the practice exams asking about IR spectroscopy frequencies. Should I expect to see such a question on the real exam? Did you find most of the science topics on the actual MCAT to considerably differ from those on the practice exams?

The AAMC practice exams are composed of old actual exams. Therefore, they are the same.

Keep in mind that changes to the MCAT, such as the addition of more genetics with the removal of ochem a few years ago should be kept in mind.

 

[OwnageMobile]

This is a good question.
to add to it...
Did you find the actual test any harder/easier?
Did you accurately guess how well you did on it?

-nage

 

[Saturnine]

I understand the practice exams are previously administered MCATs. Thus, I'll clarify my question. Did those who've taken the MCAT find the high frequency of topics on the practice AAMC exams -- such as IR spectroscopy frequencies of carbonyls and hydroxyls -- correspond with their actual MCAT?

 

[LabMonster]

I understand the practice exams are previously administered MCATs. Thus, I'll clarify my question. Did those who've taken the MCAT find the high frequency of topics on the practice AAMC exams -- such as IR spectroscopy frequencies of carbonyls and hydroxyls -- correspond with their actual MCAT?

Yep - If you notice a trend, eg, the photoelectric effect, acetal chemistry, voltaic cells, blah blah, then there is a good chance you'll see it on the MCAT.

I took mine in 1999, so there was more Organic Chem, and the reduction is definitely noticeable, but you still need to know it.

Yep, expect an IR question, maybe H 13C NMR as well. I think there were 2-3 IR questions on the 99 Aug exam... Alcohol was definitely there.

 

[diosa428]

For IR, just memorize that an alcohol is ~3500 and a carbonyl is ~1600-1700. I don't think they'll ask you much else.

 

[kalix]

For IR, just memorize that an alcohol is ~3500 and a carbonyl is ~1600-1700. I don't think they'll ask you much else.

👍

 

[OwnageMobile]

Bump.

come on experienced ones- please give your imput!

 

[manfood.com]

I hope tehy give me a ps like 5r, lol. or even a verbal like that. it would be sooo nice.....

 

[MoosePilot]

The real thing has always seemed like a practice test with a bit more stress to me. I can't tell the difference.

 

[Chachie2682]

Bump.

come on experienced ones- please give your imput!

I took it last April and did the kaplan classes. I remember that when I took the kaplan practice exams the verbal passages range for a half a page to one column and an half and may just one with 2 columns. The actual mcat hit me hard in verbal, almost all the passages were very long. But I didn't freak out, I just tried to maximize my time and points, got through about 9 passages or so and ended up doing fine.
I remember every topic i had was something I saw before on the practice exams and books. Organic for my exam was really really really easy; but there wasn't alot on there. Maybe only two passages. I remember having alot of genetics--cross matches mostly. There were a few "experimental" type passages. I think on the how exams there might have been about 8-9 of those, some in the physical involving chemistry labs and some in biology involving popluation growths or antibiotics.
I remember that the majority of the discrete questions were easy, so don't stress those, actually look forward to them, gives your mind a little break.
Oh yeah, I think I will forever remember my first question as I broke open the seal and began the MCAT..."Which one of these is a nonmetal" That being the question, kind of calm my nerves a little.
Good luck to all, hope this helped a little.

 

[OwnageMobile]

thanx Chachie, good stuff 👍