Varying difficulty of practice tests

[HereWeGo21]

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Hey guys,
I've been taking mostly Kaplan practice tests. They're incredibly hard, especially in the physical sciences. The topics are on crazy magnetic/electrical inventions or complex chemical reactions I've never seen or heard of. Working at a brisk-yet-comfortable pace, I'll usually have 1 or 2 passages entirely uncompleted by the time time's out.

I've taken a few Barron's tests, too, though, and they're SO much easier. I finish physical sciences comfortably, with time to spare. This isn't to say that there aren't any tough problems or nasty tricks, but it doesn't even compare to Kaplan.

Note that the Barron's book is pretty new, but the Kaplan's tests are about 10 years old I think.

Which test sounds more like the actual MCAT to you guys? Has the MCAT gotten easier in recent years, or do Kaplan and Barron's just teach different styles?

Thanks guys

 

[Qester]

Do the free test on AAMC and you will be able to tell, I haven't done Kaplan myself

 

[QrtrLifeCrisis]

Kaplan FL are harder than AAMC FL, but the curve is much more lenient. Do as many Kaplan FL as you can for content review, but then switch to the AAMC a couple of weeks before your exam date.

 

[coolio93]

I took all of the kaplan tests, tpr exams, and aamc as well as some of the examkrackers. Tpr was hardest followed by kaplan then aamc then EK. However the curve for kaplan is alot more lenient and does not accurately reflect your real score. They are really good practice though and I suggest you do all the kaplan exams and keep the aamc ones for last. After your done with the kaplans, aamc will feel really easy. I'm taking my mcat this Thursday....wish me luck!

 

[MedOldAge]

I took all of the kaplan tests, tpr exams, and aamc as well as some of the examkrackers. Tpr was hardest followed by kaplan then aamc then EK. However the curve for kaplan is alot more lenient and does not accurately reflect your real score. They are really good practice though and I suggest you do all the kaplan exams and keep the aamc ones for last. After your done with the kaplans, aamc will feel really easy. I'm taking my mcat this Thursday....wish me luck!

Best Wishes to You! Come Back With 35+ 👍👍

 

[coolio93]

Best Wishes to You! Come Back With 35+ 👍👍

Thanks 🙂

 

[khrisskhoras]

I'd be wary of kaplan for verbal though. The questions they ask test skills that the AAMC wont and it will lead to poor results on the AAMC FLs. Take the kaplan tests for PS and BS, skip the verbals.

 

[coolio93]

I'd be wary of kaplan for verbal though. The questions they ask test skills that the AAMC wont and it will lead to poor results on the AAMC FLs. Take the kaplan tests for PS and BS, skip the verbals.

Your right...however I still think that OP should take the entire FL tests just like he/she is taking the real MCAT. I think its important for building stamina to concentrate for such a long time at once. After the test is over though, I would disregard kaplans explanations about the verbal section and just focus on the sciences.

 

[HereWeGo21]

khrisskhoras, what makes you say that about the Kaplan VR sections? I think the questions are pretty good preparation. I also love Kaplan because the solutions explanations are extremely in-depth and clear, as opposed to Barron's which are awful.

coolio93, good luck! I'm also taking it this Thursday 🙂