Retake AAMC Practice Tests?

[Jessiemmc]

Hi everyone,

I took the MCAT in August and I used the AAMC practice tests to prepare. I am retaking the MCAT this April, but I am wondering if using the AAMC practice tests are really going to help me since I used them for August. I don't know how much I am going to remember for the tests, but I am sure I will remember quite a few answers. So I am scared that the scores I get won't be so accurate. I'm taking 6R tomorrow. Is anyone else having this problem and if so what practice tests are you using?

Thanks

 

[MeMyselfI]

I've been wondering the exact same thing. BUMP.

 

[gujuDoc]

I plan on redoing the tests because I know that I dont' remember the answers off the top of my head. That usually happens to me even though I may have reviewed the test. Especially if it has been like months since I took a particular practice test. However, I also have a few that I have never taken that are not AAMC like this A-D book from TPR and TPR's 4961, plus the other tests in their possession that I have taken but will retake for extra practice.

 

[Chrysanthemum]

Yes, definitely retake them.

 

[Jessiemmc]

Yes, definitely retake them.

Well, I took 6R yesterday and received a 31 which is higher than the first time I took it this summer. I didn't feel like I remembered any of the answers, but passages looked familar to me. How accurate do you think this score is for me?

 

[gujuDoc]

Well, I took 6R yesterday and received a 31 which is higher than the first time I took it this summer. I didn't feel like I remembered any of the answers, but passages looked familar to me. How accurate do you think this score is for me?

I think the best aamc tests are the following: Test 4R
Test 7

Because those two were most similar to my real test in that they are very much more conceptual than all math on the physical sciences. Test 7 was an actual MCAT a few years ago from my understanding too, a bit harder than my real deal but none the less a good indicator. See if you are getting a 30 range or 28-29 range on all of the aamc tests and then take maybe one exam kracker's or Princeton review tests for fun and see how you do. If you are doing well consistently then it should give you a good indication of where you stand.

 

[junebuguf]

I have the AAMC tests and also some EK tests, but I really want to wait until after I have finished all of my primary reviewing before taking any of them. I dont see the value in taking tests that you are not fully prepared for. Wouldnt it better to get the review out of the way and then take all the AAMC and TPR exams?

In the meantime, I'm itching to take an AAMC test. My EK 30 minute scores have been 11ish so far (and they say they remove all the easy questions, for whatever thats worth), and I really wan to test myself on an AAMC exam to see where I stand but I fear I may burn through them since there are only 4 (not counting 3r).

 

[Jessiemmc]

I think the best aamc tests are the following: Test 4R
Test 7

Because those two were most similar to my real test in that they are very much more conceptual than all math on the physical sciences. Test 7 was an actual MCAT a few years ago from my understanding too, a bit harder than my real deal but none the less a good indicator. See if you are getting a 30 range or 28-29 range on all of the aamc tests and then take maybe one exam kracker's or Princeton review tests for fun and see how you do. If you are doing well consistently then it should give you a good indication of where you stand.

But what about the fact that I've already taken 3R-6R and 7 in the summer? Has anyone had the experience where they have retaken them to practice for the MCAT a second time?? I'm wondering this because I want to know if the score I'm getting is a good estimate of what I will get or if these scores are higher than they would be because I might subconsiously remeber the passages? Any input on this is GREATLY appreciated!

 

[liverotcod]

In my opinion, you cannot trust the results of a practice exam you have already taken. They may be useful for review, but not for evaluation.

Even though some time has passed, you now have a certain familiarity with the questions you got wrong before (and therefore studied hardest).

I would expect a 3-5 point increase in the second taking of a practice exam. A little arbitrary, I suppose, but probably reasonable.

 

[gujuDoc]

In my opinion, you cannot trust the results of a practice exam you have already taken. They may be useful for review, but not for evaluation.

Even though some time has passed, you now have a certain familiarity with the questions you got wrong before (and therefore studied hardest).

I would expect a 3-5 point increase in the second taking of a practice exam. A little arbitrary, I suppose, but probably reasonable.

I suppose that is some truth, unless you are like me and totally forgot all the questions because it was over 8 months ago that you took that practice test.

However, I do agree to some extent that finding other practice tests and material not used before is a good idea such as Exam Kracker's tests, extra Princeton Review tests though severely harder, and also Kaplan tests.

 

[virilep]

I say work on other stuff now, then in like march take them again. and make sure u know why u got each one of them wrong. you will remember stuff, but thats ok as long as u know how u got the answer

 

[Jessiemmc]

Thanks for your replies!

 

[EkLiLiaN]

I have the AAMC tests and also some EK tests, but I really want to wait until after I have finished all of my primary reviewing before taking any of them. I dont see the value in taking tests that you are not fully prepared for. Wouldnt it better to get the review out of the way and then take all the AAMC and TPR exams?

In the meantime, I'm itching to take an AAMC test. My EK 30 minute scores have been 11ish so far (and they say they remove all the easy questions, for whatever thats worth), and I really wan to test myself on an AAMC exam to see where I stand but I fear I may burn through them since there are only 4 (not counting 3r).

I totally agree with you. I think you should review your material enough before taking the test. But I have realized that I learn more from my mistakes on exams. I could read all the books but if am not questioned and asked to think really deeply about them, how do I evaluate my understanding. I'd say, you should review as much as you can but in the course of reviewing, you should also test yourself to see your progress.

Best wishes

 

[musiclink213]

I have the AAMC tests and also some EK tests, but I really want to wait until after I have finished all of my primary reviewing before taking any of them. I dont see the value in taking tests that you are not fully prepared for. Wouldnt it better to get the review out of the way and then take all the AAMC and TPR exams?

In the meantime, I'm itching to take an AAMC test. My EK 30 minute scores have been 11ish so far (and they say they remove all the easy questions, for whatever thats worth), and I really wan to test myself on an AAMC exam to see where I stand but I fear I may burn through them since there are only 4 (not counting 3r).

the only thing you might need to watch out for is that when you take the aamc ones, ideally, you're timing yourself under simulated testing conditions. that's a helleva long time to sit and think. i was exhausted after 4 hours of a kaplan diagnostic. the 30 minute scores, those are coming from the in class tests they have at the back of the book? because if so, those are also broken down by topic. the real mcat is going to have a mix and might ask more of one subject than another. also, if you are taking the in class exams, then you take them more or less right after you've just finished the lecture, so the material is still fresh in your mind.

just my $.02, but i wouldn't really use those 30 minute scores for anything really. because you're not sitting for a long time with all the pressure on, and you're not feeling your butt go numb after sitting in the same uncomfortable chair for hours on end.

i took 3R a while back and even though it is easier than the other aamc tests, i was still losing focus at the end of the sections because i just don't have that stamina yet. so i wouldn't worry about burning through them just yet. when you hold that stack of 75 pages in your hand (43 if you print double sided) you will be anything but itching to burn through them.