Taking AAMC FL Twice?

[Govols22]

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So I took the AAMC FL 1 last summer and got a 505. I took the MCAT hoping my score might be better on the real thing (unfortunately it didn't, I got a 500). Since then I have taken ~8 practice tests total between the examkracker/Kaplan/next step practice tests and have scored between a 502-507.

I'm planning on taking the MCAT again June 1st and I wanted to get a feel for where I am right now so I decided to take the AAMC FL 1 again today, and I got a 513. FWIW I slightly remember the passages, but I had no idea what the correct answers were, as it has been ~1 year since I last took that FL. I would normally be ecstatic of my improvement, but a part of me feels uneasy since I have taken the exam. Would you guys recommend retaking a FL you have already taken even though an entire year has passed?

 

[AnotherLawyer]

Doing material twice can be useful. I definitely recommend going through the SB twice if you have time. But it sounds like what you're really asking is whether your performance on FL1 round 2 has predictive value. The answer is no. FL2 will be a much predictor of your actual performance.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

So I took the AAMC FL 1 last summer and got a 505. I took the MCAT hoping my score might be better on the real thing (unfortunately it didn't, I got a 500). Since then I have taken ~8 practice tests total between the examkracker/Kaplan/next step practice tests and have scored between a 502-507.

I'm planning on taking the MCAT again June 1st and I wanted to get a feel for where I am right now so I decided to take the AAMC FL 1 again today, and I got a 513. FWIW I slightly remember the passages, but I had no idea what the correct answers were, as it has been ~1 year since I last took that FL. I would normally be ecstatic of my improvement, but a part of me feels uneasy since I have taken the exam. Would you guys recommend retaking a FL you have already taken even though an entire year has passed?

Hey, I've been in your position before. Unfortunately, you're going to have to take the AAMC FL 1 Score retake with a grain of salt. While I completely understand you don't remember the exact answers and you may only remember "hey its a passage about ___ topic oh yeah!" so it shouldn't theoretically impact your score, there are some other factors. Probably the biggest is confidence. You're now more confident: you've taken 8 other FL's, so that boosts your confidence, and this is your second time on the same test, so that adds a bonus, it is "brand new and scary." However, you can't minimize your score to mean nothing either, that's just self-defeating. I'd subtract 4 points and place you at a solid 509. Which, btw, is incredible. Congratulations!

For other reasons, AAMC FL 1 score should be discounted: There's another (more recent = better) FL out there! FL 2 is going to be your best predictor, regardless of if you took AAMC FL 1 one time, or a thousand times. The MCAT is changing dramatically every single year, look back at the official guide to the test (the 120 question item) and how easy it was, compared to Section Bank. Given this rapid change in test style and difficulty, FL 2 is your best predictor. Take it and ace it! Best of luck mate =).

 

[CJhooper123]

I'm in a pretty similar situation as you... took AAMC FL1 and 2 before my Jan test and scored 508/507. Unfortunately hit 504 on the real deal (w/ a gruesome 122 in CARS). I felt that I under performed grossly and signed up for the May 19th test. Will probably retake AAMC FL1 and FL2, but its important to take tests that you haven't taken before at this point.

The MCAT is all about how you react to new material and reasoning through it.