The Official 4/27/13 MCAT Thread

[brood910]

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This might be considered a bit early, but full-time college students need to prepare ahead of time, especially when they are doing a research and volunteering, which requires them to spend at least 30-40 hours per week...

Let's share plans, strategies, schedules, and so on to help each other to crack this exam.

 

[gettheleadout]

You seem to be defending yourself as if someone accused you of "entitlement" and not "arrogance". I don't think you've given off an impression of entitlement, just one of arrogance. I don't really know how much clearer to make my statements and perhaps I'm not doing a very good job at expressing myself. All I can say is that you seem to be struggling with the fact that this is not capable of being deduced to subjective analysis. People's emotions are high in the matter of mcat and getting into medical school in general. Everyone here is emotionally invested in their grades, mcat, and ec's. The whole of people's futures are on the line and when you are dealing with something like that you have to be aware of it. You come on and start questioning people's different experiences (which seem to be in agreement with many others of the same date of that experience) and you are going to get some backlash, especially when you yourself have yet to tread the waters of that experience. People do not like being told they are mistaken in their analysis of a situation when that analyzer has yet to walk a mile in their shoes. This is just something life teaches. I tell you this because I've been you. I've been the guy not considering how my statements might rub people wrongly despite my best intentions. You might think I'm being an *******, but I'm trying to help. This is the last I will comment on this. I sure everyone else is sick of my verbose posts.

I don't think you're being rude anymore, I appreciate you trying to articulate this to me. I can understand that this issue is emotionally charged, but I still feel that this is preventing people from 1) reading what I say clearly before reacting and 2) responding with clear consideration of what I say instead of jumping to conclusions about my qualification to say it (which again, I've already explained is not a legitimate criticism of my argument).

Should I refrain from presenting my thoughts simply because there is risk that others who are emotionally invested in their position on an issue might react badly to that position being challenged, even if I do so with civility? Maybe. I'd say it's a legitimate opinion to say the answer to that is yes, but I disagree.

Regarding the meaning of arrogance, I've posted the definition below, and I'm afraid I still don't see how I've met this. All I ask is critical consideration of what I say instead of ad hominem attacks on my character, right to speak, etc... I don't believe that is a request grand enough to accuse me of inflated self-importance. I recognize that my words have no more right to be considered that anyone else's.

Saying "I find it laughable that you actually pretend to call me arrogant and judgmental" is pretty arrogant. Just saying. I think the mod power got to you.

arrogant |ˈarəgənt|
adjective
having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities:

Nope. Doesn't fit. Finding your hypocrisy funny says nothing of my own self-worth.

Further what does being a mod have to do with any of this? So I contribute to the maintenance of the forums, so what? I've never ever lorded that over anyone, because it's not something meant for that purpose. Remove the mod badge and I'm still a user that's been here a long while, given and received much helpful advice, and gained what I hope is a positive reputation on SDN.

 

[gettheleadout]

*anchorman*

This is literally me right now:

 

[HotHamH2O]

This is literally me right now:

Funny you should mention this...I had a post mcat nightmare that involved this exact scene.

 

[GomerPyle]

Well, if anybody wants to know my opinion about the similarity/differences between AAMC Fl's and the actual MCAT, here it is - the questions on the real MCAT, which I have taken twice, had very different passages/questions that contained new information in which none of us have ever seen before and required us to apply our prep knowledge to solve these problems. It is very application based, and in my opinion none of the AAMC full lengths had much of these types of problems, especially to the extent of the real MCAT.

 

[ratmd]

I'm not saying that you are misjudging your individual experience, CV, but the fact that milski has totally opposite feelings about his test's comparison to the AAMC FL's shows that it's not fair to say that the current test is unequivocally different from the FL's. I'm sure to some test takers it feels that way, but it doesn't to everyone, and it makes sense (and appears to be the case) that people who found it the hardest felt it was the most different.

"people who found it the hardest thought it was the most different." You've just alienated and insulted people who found the test different than their practice AAMC's. This is Arrogant coming from someone who's never taken a real MCAT, let alone this particular test that this forum is about...

 

[ratmd]

I too found this test much different than the practice AAMC's. Using GTLO's logic I also found it hard, and following this logic, will get a poor score.

 

[gettheleadout]

"people who found it the hardest thought it was the most different." You've just alienated and insulted people who found the test different than their practice AAMC's. This is Arrogant coming from someone who's never taken a real MCAT, let alone this particular test that this forum is about...

What in particular about that is alienating or insulting? Read what people have posted; posts describing the difference in the test highlight the allegedly convoluted nature of the questions/passages and the inclusion of obscure materials. If you want to argue that this is not connotative of difficulty, be my guest, but that'll be one heck of an endeavor.

Also I believe you still misunderstand the definition of arrogant. What I have said is simply a description of the trend seen in test taker feedback, and one that I argue is accurate. You can read the relevant posts for yourself.

Although I must have found the test extremely difficult and achieved a poor score based on GTLO's inexperienced observations, I too found this test much different than the practice AAMC's. I took a real MCAT before that seemed very similar, too similar, to the practice AAMC's.

1) If you'll refer to my statement you quoted, you'll see that I began with the qualifiers "it makes sense that" and "it appears to be the case" when making a statement about the perceived difference vs difficulty. Nothing about my statement is absolute, as making such a claim would be to make the same mistake I'm arguing against: that of sweeping judgment without evidence.

2) I said nothing about the scores these individuals receive. Again you misread and/or misquote me in a repeated attempt to fabricate an attack.

I also see you've given up any attempt at responding to my rebuttals, so I assume you are fully aware of your own judgmental nature in this discussion.

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

What in particular about that is alienating or insulting? Read what people have posted; posts describing the difference in the test highlight the allegedly convoluted nature of the questions/passages and the inclusion of obscure materials. If you want to argue that this is not connotative of difficulty, be my guest, but that'll be one heck of an endeavor.

Also I believe you still misunderstand the definition of arrogant. What I have said is simply a description of the trend seen in test taker feedback, and one that I argue is accurate. You can read the relevant posts for yourself.


1) If you'll refer to my statement you quoted, you'll see that I began with the qualifiers "it makes sense that" and "it appears to be the case" when making a statement about the perceived difference vs difficulty. Nothing about my statement is absolute, as making such a claim would be to make the same mistake I'm arguing against: that of sweeping judgment without evidence.

2) I said nothing about the scores these individuals receive. Again you misread and/or misquote me in a repeated attempt to fabricate an attack.

I also see you've given up any attempt at responding to my rebuttals, so I assume you are fully aware of your own judgmental nature in this discussion.

Just a suggestion, but maybe it would come off better if you replied to these people in private messages rather than in the same forum? It would definitely lower the thread's anxiety level, and people probably would respond in a nicer way (the whole psychology of needing to defend your position in front of others).

 

[gettheleadout]

Just a suggestion, but maybe it would come off better if you replied to these people in private messages rather than in the same forum? It would definitely lower the thread's anxiety level, and people probably would respond in a nicer way (the whole psychology of needing to defend your position in front of others).

Good suggestion. I think I've said enough in my defense that anyone who reads over the conversation will understand my position and reasoning.

My apologies to the tenants of this thread for the post-test-date discussion becoming consumed by the back and forth that has ensued.

I truly wish everyone the best of luck with their scores, and hope the waiting period is occupied by more entertaining things that MCAT worries.

 

[mcloaf]

I too found this test much different than the practice AAMC's. Using GTLO's logic I also found it hard, and following this logic, will get a poor score.

If you're gonna go full troll, at least be amusing.

 

[ratmd]

Unsurprisingly, it only ever appears that the SDNer's most unsatisfied with their perceived prep are the harshest in judging the usefulness of materials without any sort of actual data to back up sweeping claims.

I'm not trolling. I really got the impression that Patrick Star was patronizing people who found this MCAT different from prep material. He's commenting so frequently you thought' he'd have actually taken the test. If you look at the comments on this forum I'm clearly not the only one who felt this way... but now it's time to get app writing put together and move on from the exam. June 4th is coming up fast. Good luck everyone, I'm through debating.

 

[Temperature101]

I'm not trolling. I really got the impression that Patrick Star was patronizing people who found this MCAT different from prep material. He's commenting so frequently you thought' he'd have actually taken the test. If you look at the comments on this forum I'm clearly not the only one who felt this way... but now it's time to get app writing put together and move on from the exam. June 4th is coming up fast. Good luck everyone, I'm through debating.

One thing that was said in this thread that is definitely on point (I think it was said by ktanner777) is that: 'You can smell arrogance from a mile'. And from my experience working with healthcare professionals, when you are arrogant, you are probably the only one who does not think so.

 

[I liek to sing]

Well, if anybody wants to know my opinion about the similarity/differences between AAMC Fl's and the actual MCAT, here it is - the questions on the real MCAT, which I have taken twice, had very different passages/questions that contained new information in which none of us have ever seen before and required us to apply our prep knowledge to solve these problems. It is very application based, and in my opinion none of the AAMC full lengths had much of these types of problems, especially to the extent of the real MCAT.

I care about your opinion!
I agree with your observation about the AAMC/MCAT disparity. I only took one AAMC exam (#8), but it seemed way more direct than the actual MCAT.

 

[circulus vitios]

Just realized I got another question wrong.

 

[Moxess]

IMO, people who are freaking out over the real MCAT being different than the AAMC full lengthss need to realize that those tests are from 2007. Think of all the prep books, new editions and whatnot, that have come out since then. It's not like the prep companies have inside access to AAMC (I think), so where do you think they get the information that "such and such is high-yield, definitely know this, they always ask about this"? Those kinds of questions and passages on the AAMC full-lengths seem easier and familiar because the prep books ask a lot of those same questions, and so some of the unpredictability is lost.

In 2007, when those were actual MCATs, the people taking them didn't have the prep material we have now, so saying they were easier might not be entirely accurate. And I know that people will say that certain things are inherently tougher now, like the experiment-based BS section, but remember that that's not true for everyone. I personally find it much easier to find answers that were already given to you in the passage than remembering 1 billion bio facts.


Also, are the AAMC's supposed to be a perfect indicator of the real MCAT? It feels a bit entitled to me, to scream about how that practice stuff is worthless because it's not exactly like the MCAT. Are all your professors expected to give you practice exams? Why expect this for the MCAT?
HOWEVER, if the AAMC actually advertises that it is exactly the kinds of stuff you will see on game day, I take this back and say that is their fault for false advertising.

 

[circulus vitios]

Also, are the AAMC's supposed to be a perfect indicator of the real MCAT? It feels a bit entitled to me, to scream about how that practice stuff is worthless because it's not exactly like the MCAT. Are all your professors expected to give you practice exams? Why expect this for the MCAT?
HOWEVER, if the AAMC actually advertises that it is exactly the kinds of stuff you will see on game day, I take this back and say that is their fault for false advertising.

ENTITLED?! LOL. I paid $35 each for those mother****ers and they're absolutely WORTHLESS.

 

[I liek to sing]

IMO, people who are freaking out over the real MCAT being different than the AAMC full lengthss need to realize that those tests are from 2007. Think of all the prep books, new editions and whatnot, that have come out since then. It's not like the prep companies have inside access to AAMC (I think), so where do you think they get the information that "such and such is high-yield, definitely know this, they always ask about this"? Those kinds of questions and passages on the AAMC full-lengths seem easier and familiar because the prep books ask a lot of those same questions, and so some of the unpredictability is lost.

In 2007, when those were actual MCATs, the people taking them didn't have the prep material we have now, so saying they were easier might not be entirely accurate. And I know that people will say that certain things are inherently tougher now, like the experiment-based BS section, but remember that that's not true for everyone. I personally find it much easier to find answers that were already given to you in the passage than remembering 1 billion bio facts.


Also, are the AAMC's supposed to be a perfect indicator of the real MCAT? It feels a bit entitled to me, to scream about how that practice stuff is worthless because it's not exactly like the MCAT. Are all your professors expected to give you practice exams? Why expect this for the MCAT?
HOWEVER, if the AAMC actually advertises that it is exactly the kinds of stuff you will see on game day, I take this back and say that is their fault for false advertising.

And think of the 2015 test-takers, for whom AAMCs will be totally obsolete...
It's an evolving test, and AAMC is obviously not trying to pull one over on us - adjustments need to be made to improve the quality of the exam. I benefited greatly from having full-lengths available, and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to practice with MCAT-like tests instead of being completely blindsided. Better than just using flashcards.

For retakers who want to practice with a harder test, I thought the Kaplan FLs were great. Not so sure about the curving, but they helped me get used to the difficulty.

 

[Moxess]

ENTITLED?! LOL. I paid $35 each for those mother****ers and they're absolutely WORTHLESS.

You didn't think it was worthwhile to get accustomed to the kind of pacing you'll need as well as the general gist of the test (format, timing, using the Mark button and stuff)?
You thought these were worth less than the practice passage sets in BR or EK books?

 

[circulus vitios]

You didn't think it was worthwhile to get accustomed to the kind of pacing you'll need as well as the general gist of the test (format, timing, using the Mark button and stuff)?
You thought these were worth less than the practice passage sets in BR or EK books?

I went from having 10-15 minutes left on each section in the AAMC FLs to having 5-10 minutes left on each section on the real test. The timing was worthless. If I wanted to get used to the interface, I could have done just fine with the free AAMC #3.

Yes, they were worth much less than the passages in TBR and TPR-H. MUCH LESS.

 

[johnnyscans]

Just realized I got another question wrong.

Stop doing this to yourself. Remember, you have NO clue what questions are experimental. It could be one, or two or all of the questions you got incorrect. We aren't privileged to that information, so there's no point in torturing yourself. You prepped as best you could and your score will be commensurate with that.

You didn't think it was worthwhile to get accustomed to the kind of pacing you'll need as well as the general gist of the test (format, timing, using the Mark button and stuff)?
You thought these were worth less than the practice passage sets in BR or EK books?

TBR, being an avid reader and taking upper level science electives did more for me than the AAMC FLs. #11 is the only one that's indicative of the current MCAT.

Good suggestion. I think I've said enough in my defense that anyone who reads over the conversation will understand my position and reasoning.

My apologies to the tenants of this thread for the post-test-date discussion becoming consumed by the back and forth that has ensued.

I truly wish everyone the best of luck with their scores, and hope the waiting period is occupied by more entertaining things that MCAT worries.

Like Game of Thrones?

 

[WSHRocks]

Like Game of Thrones?

Like Game of Thrones, indeed!

 

[johnnyscans]

Like Game of Thrones, indeed!

Hope you're a reader, not a sweet summer child.

 

[HotHamH2O]

ENTITLED?! LOL. I paid $35 each for those mother****ers and they're absolutely WORTHLESS.

Actually lol'd. I completely agree though.

 

[circulus vitios]

 

[HotHamH2O]

Amazing.

 

[annabelle17]

Do you guys have any suggestions on what to get people who write recommendations for you? What is a typical thank you gift?

Also, anyone reading any good books they recommend? We're all waiting for the scores and I'm spending this time catching up on some entertaining reading.

 

[Lactobacillus]

Do you guys have any suggestions on what to get people who write recommendations for you? What is a typical thank you gift?

Also, anyone reading any good books they recommend? We're all waiting for the scores and I'm spending this time catching up on some entertaining reading.

A 'thank you' letter is most appropriate.

 

[polyatomic]

You didn't think it was worthwhile to get accustomed to the kind of pacing you'll need as well as the general gist of the test (format, timing, using the Mark button and stuff)?
You thought these were worth less than the practice passage sets in BR or EK books?

No matter what, AAMC material is always best to practice on. You should buy all of them - if anything they get you into the right mindset. Seeing the similar question/passage formatting and the language used makes you familiar with the test.

Yes the "real" test is different from the old ones - but that should always be expected. And you can prep for this by reading science articles for the BS/PS sections and reading news articles for verbal.

I wouldn't disregard the AAMC tests at all. If you look through the forums, the majority of people get a test score close to their AAMC average.

 

[johnnyscans]

No matter what, AAMC material is always best to practice on. You should buy all of them - if anything they get you into the right mindset. Seeing the similar question/passage formatting and the language used makes you familiar with the test.

Yes the "real" test is different from the old ones - but that should always be expected. And you can prep for this by reading science articles for the BS/PS sections and reading news articles for verbal.

I wouldn't disregard the AAMC tests at all. If you look through the forums, the majority of people get a test score close to their AAMC average.

Has that statistic held true with the most recent examinations? I've been getting the feeling that there has been much more deviation from individual's AAMC mean +/- 1 SD, which seemed to be the norm.

 

[Moxess]

Has that statistic held true with the most recent examinations? I've been getting the feeling that there has been much more deviation from individual's AAMC mean +/- 1 SD, which seemed to be the norm.

There's probably not enough data available, at least to us, for the recent tests yet. Even the results people post on SDN aren't representative enough to draw an overall conclusion.

 

[johnnyscans]

There's probably not enough data available, at least to us, for the recent tests yet. Even the results people post on SDN aren't representative enough to draw an overall conclusion.

I figured that would be the case. Our n is too small to make any confident statements.

 

[Status Sciaticus]

LOL we sound like wannabe statisticians...

I would argue that the test is more indicative of your test taking ability more than content knowledge provided your scores are consistently within +/- 2 points of each other.

As such, the new MCAT shouldn't be any different. Atleast I hope not.🙁

 

[wiloghby]

Let's stay on topic here and freak out about how awful our scores are going to be. Is there anyone else here who thought PS was a breeze after the test and has since realized they got some stuff wrong? Or maybe a better question... is there anyone who took the test and thought PS was pretty straightforward and now that time has gone by they are even more confident that they got all the questions right?

I was in the middle of tutoring someone yesterday and I got this weird flash of an MCAT passage in my head that I forgot all about and my brain went right to one of the questions and immediately I realized that I did it wrong. I was tutoring in a totally different subject and have no idea where it came from. Maybe my subconscious was pissed at me on test day and picked a wrong answer on purpose and chose that moment during tutoring to rub it in?

 

[milski]

Let's stay on topic here and freak out about how awful our scores are going to be. Is there anyone else here who thought PS was a breeze after the test and has since realized they got some stuff wrong? Or maybe a better question... is there anyone who took the test and thought PS was pretty straightforward and now that time has gone by they are even more confident that they got all the questions right?

I've had a few PS questions about which I had some doubts - I've checked the ones that I remember and it turns out that I choose wisely during the exam. The physics parts were very straightforward but that does not mean that I have not made any of my silly mistakes, misreading 'increase' for 'decrease' or skipping a 'not' in the question or something annoying like that. There is a question from BS which I just cannot make myself to check though - it won't change my score and it's extremely unlikely that I'll ever care about that particular topic.

I was in the middle of tutoring someone yesterday and I got this weird flash of an MCAT passage in my head that I forgot all about and my brain went right to one of the questions and immediately I realized that I did it wrong. I was tutoring in a totally different subject and have no idea where it came from. Maybe my subconscious was pissed at me on test day and picked a wrong answer on purpose and chose that moment during tutoring to rub it in?

It's interesting, I did not remember a lot of the passages after I was done with the exam, but as time passes, I remember more and more about the exam. And just like you said - the memories come at completely random moments.

 

[deleted480308]

Do you guys have any suggestions on what to get people who write recommendations for you? What is a typical thank you gift?

Also, anyone reading any good books they recommend? We're all waiting for the scores and I'm spending this time catching up on some entertaining reading.

It's annoying that there is no status indicator before your scores post. Maybe something like, "calm down psycho, you didn't void...come back in a few weeks"

 

[stlrams22]

I went from having 10-15 minutes left on each section in the AAMC FLs to having 5-10 minutes left on each section on the real test. The timing was worthless. If I wanted to get used to the interface, I could have done just fine with the free AAMC #3.

Yes, they were worth much less than the passages in TBR and TPR-H. MUCH LESS.

Agree, I found 7 AAMC CBT practices tests in pdf form for $50. I think it is unethical for a test company to sell ANY materials towards their own test. I can't afford to pay $35 for each practice test and very happy I didn't since they resembled nothing towards the actual MCAT. The formatting of the test was not an issue, never seen it before test day and did not cause any problems, actually its pretty simple. Read question, refer to passage (sometimes), select answer. Go to next problem. At the end of page, select "NEXT"

 

[Moxess]

Agree, I found 7 AAMC CBT practices tests in pdf form for $50. I think it is unethical for a test company to sell ANY materials towards their own test. I can't afford to pay $35 for each practice test and very happy I didn't since they resembled nothing towards the actual MCAT. The formatting of the test was not an issue, never seen it before test day and did not cause any problems, actually its pretty simple. Read question, refer to passage (sometimes), select answer. Go to next problem. At the end of page, select "NEXT"

Did other prep resources resemble the actual MCAT? If not, aren't those worthless too according to this logic? Or is it that you thought the AAMC FLs were supposed to be close to the real thing?

 

[wiloghby]

The real MCAT isn't actually that "different" from the AAMC FLs. A couple of discretes were of a new format, but besides that the biggest "difference" between the AAMC FL and the actual MCAT is not the test but the test taker! The nerves and the stress of the exam actually counting makes a lot of people inadvertantly spend longer on each question for fear of getting something wrong "when it counts".

I don't think the passages in VR are any longer, for example, which is a common complaint. I just think the screen resolution is crappy on their computers so you have to scroll more.

Beyond that, keep in mind the MCAT is supposed to throw at you lots of questions you've never seen before. You are supposed to figure out the answer to those questions using your knowledge of the items on the content outline and your critical thinking skills. The AAMC FLs are supposed to familiarize you with the test and allow you to practice test-taking strategies and make sure that you can demonstrate that knowledge + critical thinking skills in the format necessary.

If you're expecting 50% of your MCAT to have questions that are just reworded AAMC FL questions or topics, it's not going to happen.

 

[Lactobacillus]

The real MCAT isn't actually that "different" from the AAMC FLs. A couple of discretes were of a new format, but besides that the biggest "difference" between the AAMC FL and the actual MCAT is not the test but the test taker! The nerves and the stress of the exam actually counting makes a lot of people inadvertantly spend longer on each question for fear of getting something wrong "when it counts".

I don't think the passages in VR are any longer, for example, which is a common complaint. I just think the screen resolution is crappy on their computers so you have to scroll more.

Beyond that, keep in mind the MCAT is supposed to throw at you lots of questions you've never seen before. You are supposed to figure out the answer to those questions using your knowledge of the items on the content outline and your critical thinking skills. The AAMC FLs are supposed to familiarize you with the test and allow you to practice test-taking strategies and make sure that you can demonstrate that knowledge + critical thinking skills in the format necessary.

If you're expecting 50% of your MCAT to have questions that are just reworded AAMC FL questions or topics, it's not going to happen.

👍

 

[Sphenoid927]

If you're expecting 50% of your MCAT to have questions that are just reworded AAMC FL questions or topics, it's not going to happen.

Your post is thoughtful and on point in some ways. However, I think that most of us did not expect that our real MCAT would just be reworded AAMC FL questions in any amount. I think most of us are smarter than that. We realize it will be a tough test that will test our limits, our knowledge, our abilities under pressure, and everything else that goes with a timed standardized test that takes usually months to prepare for. So, I will reiterate something I posted awhile back in this forum and something that others have said as well. The MCAT is not an entirely objective experience. If we all keep going back on forth trying to tell everyone what the MCAT is or is not we are engaging in a futile exercise. At the end of the day, it is the individual experience that matters in shaping the opinion of the test. I don't think there is any definitive way for any of us not on the inside at the AAMC to "prove" that the MCAT is or is not like the AAMC FLs. The "feel" of the test may be very different to one tester than to another even if they have the same test, so can we all stop fighting this and trying to convince each other that our points are right and just agree to disagree on this? Let's just respect the experiences of others and understand that the nuances of this highly stressful test will be interpreted very individually. There is no right answer here. I think a lot of those expressing feelings that the real thing was not like AAMC Fls in their opinion are just speaking the truth of their experience. Just as those who don't agree are speaking on their experience. It also may be helpful to others who have not tested yet to hear about these experiences. However, for us to keep going back and forth saying "I'm right, the MCAT is like this...." and others saying, "No, I'm right. It's like this..." is just getting out of hand. Not one of us has any authority beyond having taking the test and can't we all agree that that experience is highly individual and leave it at that? It's helpful to voice our experiences and opinions so I don't think we should stop that, but maybe we should stop trying to one up each other on who is right or who is wrong. We all are! 🙂

 

[Meredith92]

Your post is thoughtful and on point in some ways. However, I think that most of us did not expect that our real MCAT would just be reworded AAMC FL questions in any amount. I think most of us are smarter than that. We realize it will be a tough test that will test our limits, our knowledge, our abilities under pressure, and everything else that goes with a timed standardized test that takes usually months to prepare for. So, I will reiterate something I posted awhile back in this forum and something that others have said as well. The MCAT is not an entirely objective experience. If we all keep going back on forth trying to tell everyone what the MCAT is or is not we are engaging in a futile exercise. At the end of the day, it is the individual experience that matters in shaping the opinion of the test. I don't think there is any definitive way for any of us not on the inside at the AAMC to "prove" that the MCAT is or is not like the AAMC FLs. The "feel" of the test may be very different to one tester than to another even if they have the same test, so can we all stop fighting this and trying to convince each other that our points are right and just agree to disagree on this? Let's just respect the experiences of others and understand that the nuances of this highly stressful test will be interpreted very individually. There is no right answer here. I think a lot of those expressing feelings that the real thing was not like AAMC Fls in their opinion are just speaking the truth of their experience. Just as those who don't agree are speaking on their experience. It also may be helpful to others who have not tested yet to hear about these experiences. However, for us to keep going back and forth saying "I'm right, the MCAT is like this...." and others saying, "No, I'm right. It's like this..." is just getting out of hand. Not one of us has any authority beyond having taking the test and can't we all agree that that experience is highly individual and leave it at that? It's helpful to voice our experiences and opinions so I don't think we should stop that, but maybe we should stop trying to one up each other on who is right or who is wrong. We all are! 🙂

Truth.

 

[wiloghby]

Your post is thoughtful and on point in some ways. However, I think that most of us did not expect that our real MCAT would just be reworded AAMC FL questions in any amount

Yes, I was exaggerating to make a point and I don't really believe anyone here actually expected that half the exam would be ripped from the practice tests. After all, the practice tests are not even that similar to each other in terms of content! Which gets to my main point: What does it mean to say that the practice tests are not like the real thing?? My argument is that the real MCAT is the same test as the full length practice tests in the only ways that it can be -- the format, timing, and question styles.

The real MCAT seemed no more different from an AAMC FL than AAMC #8 seemed from AAMC #11 in terms of the content. As in, all 3 tests are pretty different from each other and we all knew they would be going into it. I believe the only reason it feels different enough to surprise us afterward is that the test taker feels different on test day (as in my past post).

There is no question that the stress effect is powerful and it certainly caught me off guard. But I also don't think it's fair (as some have claimed) to say that AAMC FLs are a waste of time or misleading.

Finally, my posts reflect my opinion (as all forum posts do their authors') even if it is stated as a fact. I often omit phrases like "in my opinion" or "I believe" because teachers ingrained it in my brain a million years ago. I only wanted to offer food for thought and won't even attempt "profound universal truths" like some of the more experienced posters can. Opinions only. Sorry.

I should add that the main reason I posted the post to which you replied in the first place was to move the conversation away from "why did the practice exams betray mee?????" exactly because as you say, there is no right answer and I felt that the practice materials were getting an overly bad rap. So I figured I would share my opinion. I was in no way attempting to "one up" anyone, but only wished to offer an alternative hypothesis to explain why the exam caught many of us, myself included, off guard.

 

[Sphenoid927]

Yes, I was exaggerating to make a point and I don't really believe anyone here actually expected that half the exam would be ripped from the practice tests. After all, the practice tests are not even that similar to each other in terms of content! Which gets to my main point: What does it mean to say that the practice tests are not like the real thing?? My argument is that the real MCAT is the same test as the full length practice tests in the only ways that it can be -- the format, timing, and question styles.

The real MCAT seemed no more different from an AAMC FL than AAMC #8 seemed from AAMC #11 in terms of the content. As in, all 3 tests are pretty different from each other and we all knew they would be going into it. I believe the only reason it feels different enough to surprise us afterward is that the test taker feels different on test day (as in my past post).

There is no question that the stress effect is powerful and it certainly caught me off guard. But I also don't think it's fair (as some have claimed) to say that AAMC FLs are a waste of time or misleading.

Finally, my posts reflect my opinion (as all forum posts do their authors') even if it is stated as a fact. I often omit phrases like "in my opinion" or "I believe" because teachers ingrained it in my brain a million years ago. I only wanted to offer food for thought and won't even attempt "profound universal truths" like some of the more experienced posters can. Opinions only. Sorry.

I should add that the main reason I posted the post to which you replied in the first place was to move the conversation away from "why did the practice exams betray mee?????" exactly because as you say, there is no right answer and I felt that the practice materials were getting an overly bad rap. So I figured I would share my opinion. I was in no way attempting to "one up" anyone, but only wished to offer an alternative hypothesis to explain why the exam caught many of us, myself included, off guard.

Sure. Let's just all stop arguing already and defending our opinions and posts and getting mad at each other. I was trying to be rather diplomatic in my post to avoid an angry offended reply and I apologize if I offended anyone or made you feel you had to defend yourself. Exactly the opposite of what I was hoping to convey, but the internet gives no ability to convey tone properly and I don't like bold letters and caps to "yell" at people. I had the best intentions to steer everyone away from ragging on each other and I did not necessarily mean that you were ragging on anyone, just making a general comment. Stress is high around here! Sorry if I offended. Totally understand that you were expressing an opinion and I thought I made that clear, too. Well, so be it! Can't please everyone. Have a great day everyone. Let's just try to get along and understand we all feel a lot of pressure right now and hopefully no major stepping on toes will result because of it. It's not worth it. I have the best intentions toward all of us and I would hope that others feel the same about their fellow pre-meds. This is a rough road after all.

 

[wiloghby]

Sure. Let's just all stop arguing already and defending our opinions and posts and getting mad at each other. I was trying to be rather diplomatic in my post to avoid an angry offended reply and I apologize if I offended anyone or made you feel you had to defend yourself. Exactly the opposite of what I was hoping to convey, but the internet gives no ability to convey tone properly and I don't like bold letters and caps to "yell" at people. I had the best intentions to steer everyone away from ragging on each other and I did not necessarily mean that you were ragging on anyone, just making a general comment. Stress is high around here! Sorry if I offended. Totally understand that you were expressing an opinion and I thought I made that clear, too. Well, so be it! Can't please everyone. Have a great day everyone. Let's just try to get along and understand we all feel a lot of pressure right now and hopefully no major stepping on toes will result because of it. It's not worth it. I have the best intentions toward all of us and I would hope that others feel the same about their fellow pre-meds. This is a rough road after all.

At no point did I ever feel mad or upset, though I am sorry if my take on the test made you upset. I thought my tone conveyed that I wasn't really upset just seeking a discussion but I can see how it would be hard to tell on the internet. I am maybe sometimes too rational. The bold part of my response was to clearly indicate that I was agreeing with your main point, not to yell or be aggressive. I apologize if you got that impression... I tried to keep a polite tone throughout... Sorry if I made you upset.

I saw a bunch of people voicing one possible explanation and I decided to write about another that I thought was interesting. It is really and truly not more personal or involved than that. I don't even keep track of who has been writing what. Onward and upward.

 

[stlrams22]

Did other prep resources resemble the actual MCAT? If not, aren't those worthless too according to this logic? Or is it that you thought the AAMC FLs were supposed to be close to the real thing?

The AAMC CBT tests are supposed to be the closest to resemblng the actual style of questions and passages. I was reviewing AAMC CBT #9 and thinking about the test I took. I am still convinced the practice tests are not a good indication of the questions asked on the real test because the practice tests contain way to many easy straight forward questions. I didn't use other resources, but would expect other prep resources may be geared more towards assessing content knowledge than the style of actual MCAT questions.

 

[stlrams22]

Sure. Let's just all stop arguing already and defending our opinions and posts and getting mad at each other. I was trying to be rather diplomatic in my post to avoid an angry offended reply and I apologize if I offended anyone or made you feel you had to defend yourself. Exactly the opposite of what I was hoping to convey, but the internet gives no ability to convey tone properly and I don't like bold letters and caps to "yell" at people. I had the best intentions to steer everyone away from ragging on each other and I did not necessarily mean that you were ragging on anyone, just making a general comment. Stress is high around here! Sorry if I offended. Totally understand that you were expressing an opinion and I thought I made that clear, too. Well, so be it! Can't please everyone. Have a great day everyone. Let's just try to get along and understand we all feel a lot of pressure right now and hopefully no major stepping on toes will result because of it. It's not worth it. I have the best intentions toward all of us and I would hope that others feel the same about their fellow pre-meds. This is a rough road after all.

👍👍

 

[Sphenoid927]

At no point did I ever feel mad or upset, though I am sorry if my take on the test made you upset. I thought my tone conveyed that I wasn't really upset just seeking a discussion but I can see how it would be hard to tell on the internet. I am maybe sometimes too rational. The bold part of my response was to clearly indicate that I was agreeing with your main point, not to yell or be aggressive. I apologize if you got that impression... I tried to keep a polite tone throughout... Sorry if I made you upset.

I saw a bunch of people voicing one possible explanation and I decided to write about another that I thought was interesting. It is really and truly not more personal or involved than that. I don't even keep track of who has been writing what. Onward and upward.

It's cool. Totally not upset by the way.

 

[wiloghby]

It's cool. Totally not upset by the way.

Glad to hear it! Now, let's celebrate together in....26.....days.😱 Time is moving SO slowly!!!

 

[perpetuallylazy]

Let's stay on topic here and freak out about how awful our scores are going to be. Is there anyone else here who thought PS was a breeze after the test and has since realized they got some stuff wrong? Or maybe a better question... is there anyone who took the test and thought PS was pretty straightforward and now that time has gone by they are even more confident that they got all the questions right?

I was in the middle of tutoring someone yesterday and I got this weird flash of an MCAT passage in my head that I forgot all about and my brain went right to one of the questions and immediately I realized that I did it wrong. I was tutoring in a totally different subject and have no idea where it came from. Maybe my subconscious was pissed at me on test day and picked a wrong answer on purpose and chose that moment during tutoring to rub it in?

I was nervous and if affected my concentration during PS - couldn't focus for 10 minutes because I was freaking out

Then I got myself together, moved forward and was flying through the test - answers were easily coming to mind, calculations done without doubts. I even went back to the passages that tripped me up and thought, "What the hell was wrong with me, this is kind of easy".

All that being said, I still felt crappy after the test thinking that I fell for traps / miscalculated since I was moving through it so quickly 😕

I guess my point is that if I hadn't have been so nervous I probably would have gone through it and felt like you did - I thought it was fairly simple and didn't require a great deal of guessing (as simple as the MCAT could be of course).

I think the longer we spend waiting for scores the more we're going to pick apart our performance. You probably did well, good luck to you!
🙂

 

[Narmerguy]

The real MCAT isn't actually that "different" from the AAMC FLs. A couple of discretes were of a new format, but besides that the biggest "difference" between the AAMC FL and the actual MCAT is not the test but the test taker! The nerves and the stress of the exam actually counting makes a lot of people inadvertantly spend longer on each question for fear of getting something wrong "when it counts".

I don't think the passages in VR are any longer, for example, which is a common complaint. I just think the screen resolution is crappy on their computers so you have to scroll more.

Beyond that, keep in mind the MCAT is supposed to throw at you lots of questions you've never seen before. You are supposed to figure out the answer to those questions using your knowledge of the items on the content outline and your critical thinking skills. The AAMC FLs are supposed to familiarize you with the test and allow you to practice test-taking strategies and make sure that you can demonstrate that knowledge + critical thinking skills in the format necessary.

If you're expecting 50% of your MCAT to have questions that are just reworded AAMC FL questions or topics, it's not going to happen.

From my discussions with people, it seems that many of us found the test different for completely different reasons, lending a lot of credit to GTLO's observation. Rather than attacking him personally, why not actually address what was a perfectly reasonable analysis? I didn't think the verbal was particularly long (though I was surprised to find that I was running out of time at the end). However, that's one of the common complaints about the recent tests. I felt that the PS section was calculation heavy, while others have said they used a similar level of calculation. I thought the BS section was incredibly different, and even unlike the AAMC 11. Others think #11 is a good representation of the new BS section.

In the end, this probably boils down to expectation. Each of us built a particular expectation of what the MCAT would be like when we took the FLs. For some, that expectation was consistent with the real test. For others, that expectation was inconsistent with the real test. All I can do is give my personal interpretation. As someone who studied in great detail for the MCAT such that I was missing two or three questions per section, the real thing seemed certainly different. I actually thought that I had bombed the test because I couldn't believe that I had such an uncertain, negative feeling about so many passages and questions. I ended up doing better than any of my practice tests, which was a surprise. But I strongly believe the real test is significantly different than the FLs, and I'm concerned that these tests are offered for profit by the very company that also makes the real tests.