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TPR vs AAMC FL Results
- Thread starter Ging7452
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For most people, the AAMC FLs are the most predictive ones.
What was your score breakdown?
And when you reviewed answers afterwards, did you understand why the right answers were right?
What was your score breakdown?
And when you reviewed answers afterwards, did you understand why the right answers were right?
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Thanks for your reply! The breakdowns vary so much, but usually chem is my lowest.
On TPR exams:
Chem/Phys fluctuates from 121-122 always, never goes higher
CARS: 121-126 (with 126 being closer to the more recent exams)
Bio/Biochem: 121-124
Psych Soc:122-126
The highest scores are generally not my most recent attempts. I've gone from 121 to 125 down to 123 to 120- no pattern or linear improvement at all.
The two AAMC tests were
Test 1--> Chem: 121, CARS: 125, Bio 122, Psych: 124, Total: 492
Test 2--> Chem:124, CARS 124, Bio: 124, Psych: 123 Total: 495
These scores are surprising because chem is usually my weakest. Also using other AAMC material, for example the CARS Q-pack 1, which has been unanimously agreed upon is rather hard I got 74% of the questions correct and the bio and chem packs were in the 60%. Even the AAMC Section bank for biochem I score in the 40% range, I know that's nothing to boast about but considering how hard those are considered, I am surprised to not even be breaking the average on the AAMC FL's. After every test I sit down and go over the answers and yes, when reviewing them the correct answer does make sense and is usually my second choice answer I would have put or I kick myself and think "omg you knew that, why did you put this answer?" My timing fluctuates also based off how hard the passages are, but only in chem and sometimes bio. In CARS I usually finish right on the dot with a few minutes to spare to check I answered all the questions. Yesterday I took another practice test a TPR one and my score decreased to 492 which is the same score I started with months ago. The breakdown was C/P 121, CARS 126, Bio 122 Psych 123 and the psych section I had an extra 12 minutes at the end to go back and check answers.
Again, thanks!
On TPR exams:
Chem/Phys fluctuates from 121-122 always, never goes higher
CARS: 121-126 (with 126 being closer to the more recent exams)
Bio/Biochem: 121-124
Psych Soc:122-126
The highest scores are generally not my most recent attempts. I've gone from 121 to 125 down to 123 to 120- no pattern or linear improvement at all.
The two AAMC tests were
Test 1--> Chem: 121, CARS: 125, Bio 122, Psych: 124, Total: 492
Test 2--> Chem:124, CARS 124, Bio: 124, Psych: 123 Total: 495
These scores are surprising because chem is usually my weakest. Also using other AAMC material, for example the CARS Q-pack 1, which has been unanimously agreed upon is rather hard I got 74% of the questions correct and the bio and chem packs were in the 60%. Even the AAMC Section bank for biochem I score in the 40% range, I know that's nothing to boast about but considering how hard those are considered, I am surprised to not even be breaking the average on the AAMC FL's. After every test I sit down and go over the answers and yes, when reviewing them the correct answer does make sense and is usually my second choice answer I would have put or I kick myself and think "omg you knew that, why did you put this answer?" My timing fluctuates also based off how hard the passages are, but only in chem and sometimes bio. In CARS I usually finish right on the dot with a few minutes to spare to check I answered all the questions. Yesterday I took another practice test a TPR one and my score decreased to 492 which is the same score I started with months ago. The breakdown was C/P 121, CARS 126, Bio 122 Psych 123 and the psych section I had an extra 12 minutes at the end to go back and check answers.
Again, thanks!
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Your CARS score is highest, which suggest it's your content that's weakest. Do you study with the AAMC's "What's on the MCAT?" pages open? It will make sure you don't miss anything and don't waste time on stuff you don't need to know.
As far as application goes, how do you tend to do on multiple choice tests in general? Do you underperform on them vs. short answers and essays?
As far as application goes, how do you tend to do on multiple choice tests in general? Do you underperform on them vs. short answers and essays?
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When I first started studying, I immediately recognized that my issue was content review, especially in the sciences so I for the last few months I have only focused on content review (and taking practice test here and there.) After months of review, memorizing hormones, body systems, bonding, periodic table trends, isomer classification etc, I was very hopeful. I was going into this next practice test with LOADS more information and preparation I thought, but there was no score improvement. I have been using Princeton Self paced materials. I read cover to cover of the biochem, bio, and chem books while taking notes, then watched the course videos and did practice passages. For physics, I watched the videos only and did practice passages and for psych I honestly have only looked up definitions of terms while reviewing my test answers and relied on my psych courses from undergrad. CARS I have done no prep aside from practice questions and implementing the kaplan method and reading of questions before reading the passage and strict timing. I mention this because as far as focusing content, I think Princeton has done a decent job at not going into unnecessary detail or focusing on topics that are not necessary. I have not utilized "What's on the MCAT?" to be honest I just looked it up when I read your response but it seems to overlap with what my focuses have been.
Generally, I do well on both multiple choice tests and short answers/essays but if I had to pick one I would say essays usually went more in my favor because I would get partial credit and at least be able to demonstrate understanding of some concepts. My undergrad mainly consisted of essays and short answer exams.
Generally, I do well on both multiple choice tests and short answers/essays but if I had to pick one I would say essays usually went more in my favor because I would get partial credit and at least be able to demonstrate understanding of some concepts. My undergrad mainly consisted of essays and short answer exams.
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Based on what you've said, I can't identify a big problem with how you're studying. I do recommend going through "What's on the MCAT?" point-by-point, but you may find you've covered most of the points already.
The fact that you understand the "right" answers when you read the explanations is a good sign.
Something you could do to differentiate between content gaps and reasoning gaps is to take the Section Bank closed book, then later take it open book. If you score much higher when you take it open book, that suggests content is your main problem.
The fact that you understand the "right" answers when you read the explanations is a good sign.
Something you could do to differentiate between content gaps and reasoning gaps is to take the Section Bank closed book, then later take it open book. If you score much higher when you take it open book, that suggests content is your main problem.
