what to do when you psych yourself out and suck

[acromonkey]

How accurate are the AAMC tests as far as giving you an idea about your real MCAT score?? I haven't been doing as well as I'd want to on the real exam, but when I go over each test, I don't even know what I was thinking when I chose some of the answers (because the right answers seem so obvious and clear when I'm not pressed for time, stressed to get answers right, and psyching myself out). Are results from the AAMC usually accurate?

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[acromonkey]

for example...I've been getting between 8-10 in the PS and BS sections but 4-6 on VR (I can't understand this at all!). I'm supposed to take the MCAT next Friday....

 

[GreenRabbit]

In my opinion the AAMC are the most accurate of any practice exam, and honestly if you're pressed for time now you'll probably feel an even greater crunch during the real thing. I don't want to make you feel bad, but I don't think you're ready, and it's better to void than get a mid-low-20 score.

 

[acromonkey]

Idk how to get ready anymore. When I review the tests I feel like I know that information, I just don't know what I'm thinking when I'm taking the test.

 

[dsoz]

How accurate are the AAMC tests as far as giving you an idea about your real MCAT score?? I haven't been doing as well as I'd want to on the real exam, but when I go over each test, I don't even know what I was thinking when I chose some of the answers (because the right answers seem so obvious and clear when I'm not pressed for time, stressed to get answers right, and psyching myself out). Are results from the AAMC usually accurate?

I don't know about anyone else, but I was scoring mid to high 30 on the practice AAMC exams (between 34 and 38) I took numbers 8, 9, 10, and 11. I also took a Kaplan paper practice exam (on a Saturday) where I scored a 36. On the real thing I choked and got a 31R.

I am not complaining, because a 31 is good enough for me to move forward (exactly the average at the state school where I live). It is just not so high that I get arrogant and cocky. I was hoping for a 34 or higher to set off the other flaws that I have in my resume (3.50 GPA, being non-traditional, etc.)

I guess if you feel time pressure, then you have not practiced enough.

dsoz

 

[Barcu]

Delay the test.

The AAMC tests are a great indicator of the real thing. Many people get a similar score, and a good amount of people get a few points lower because of the pressure of the actual test.

You should not take the MCAT until you feel you are ready. If you are unsatisfied with your AAMC scores, there is a good chance you will be unsatisfied with your real thing. A 4-6 on Verbal is not going to get you many looks.

 

[acromonkey]

I have considered delaying, but with other things happening between my original test date and the next available test date, I have so many things going on that will prevent me from getting to concentrate on studying. I am moving, family obligations, etc. So I'm not sure what to do.

 

[Barcu]

You may want to consider a prep course or some other resources to help you improve your verbal. I think it's the toughest section to improve. You need to find another way to tackle that section. Just doing verbal passages doesn't do much if you don't have strategies to approach them.

 

[mauberley]

I don't know about anyone else, but I was scoring mid to high 30 on the practice AAMC exams (between 34 and 38) I took numbers 8, 9, 10, and 11. I also took a Kaplan paper practice exam (on a Saturday) where I scored a 36. On the real thing I choked and got a 31R.

I am not complaining, because a 31 is good enough for me to move forward (exactly the average at the state school where I live). It is just not so high that I get arrogant and cocky. I was hoping for a 34 or higher to set off the other flaws that I have in my resume (3.50 GPA, being non-traditional, etc.)

This is similar to my experience.

 

[Barcu]

I have considered delaying, but with other things happening between my original test date and the next available test date, I have so many things going on that will prevent me from getting to concentrate on studying. I am moving, family obligations, etc. So I'm not sure what to do.

Understandable. The problem is that getting a 4-6 on verbal will not cut it. You will have to retake it if you do.

You have two options: first, take the test and hope for the best. You will likely have to take it again and explain away your bad test. Schools will see all scores, so you can't hide it. If you do considerably better the second time, schools may be more likely to just dismiss it as bad prep, but it could still be an issue. Or option two, delay the test and get a good score the first time, which may be stressful and may require you to take a year off (if you plan to apply this year). It sucks, but it the long run, that might be a better option for your long term success.

 

[PressPforPi]

How accurate are the AAMC tests as far as giving you an idea about your real MCAT score?? I haven't been doing as well as I'd want to on the real exam, but when I go over each test, I don't even know what I was thinking when I chose some of the answers (because the right answers seem so obvious and clear when I'm not pressed for time, stressed to get answers right, and psyching myself out). Are results from the AAMC usually accurate?

Most people score several points lower on the actual thing. Are you scoring 4-6 in VR on the AAMC tests?

 

[acromonkey]

Yes. several of the times I was distracted when taking the test. The library is unusually loud. It seems that I just can't concentrate when it comes time for the verbal. I zone out and I can't stop it.

 

[acromonkey]

I've taken the test before (2 years ago) with not even close to the amount of studying I have done this time around. I got a 24 on the real thing when I took it two years ago. I have prepped SIGNIFICANTLY more this time, and I feel as if I know the material. That seems to be my biggest problem right now.

 

[IDoIt4Love]

Take this from someone who delayed the MCAT like 4 or 5 times before I gave up and just took it -- you will never feel 100% ready. Now take the tips below from someone whose MCAT finally turned out way better than she hoped, and got her a job as an MCAT instructor 🙂

1) If you're not at least scoring in your target range on AAMC practice tests, you definitely are NOT ready, and need to address your anxieties with the timer at that bottom of your screen. It may be too late to reschedule your currently assigned date, so just walk in there, take your test for practice's sake, and void it when you're done. Don't worry; it won't show up on your record (and even if it did there are 100 reasons people void their exams that have nothing to do with level of preparation).

It sounds like you know your stuff but just need a change in mindset. Try refusing to look at the timer any more than twice during each section. When I started taking practice exams, I kept looking at the timer after each passage and it really got to me. Once I got in the habit of only allowing myself to look 1-2x per section, I almost forgot it was there, and it made it much less stressful.

Also, are you taking your homeworks timed? If not, I highly suggest it. Try taking self-made sections (~7 passages + 15 stand-alones to equal 52 questions total, timed for a total of 70 minutes, I think it was) and timing yourself as you go. Once you master doing individual sections timed, you can build up to doing entire tests timed. Obviously, it's too late to really benefit from that for next week's exam, but this will help in the future.

Finally, do not sign up for the next possible exam date available. You may not be able to make your improvements in time for that, and the pressure of that will not help you. Try signing up for the July dates if they are still available, giving yourself enough time to work on this and bring your practice test scores up to snuff. If you are allowed to cancel next week's date now to do so, I would strongly suggest that, before the July seats fill up.

Hope this helped! Hang in there.

 

[Signe]

As was said before, it sounds like your issue is strategy--not content. Only knowing the material won't get you very far, you need to learn how to take the test. Verbal is section where this is most true (considering you can't prep for content). You can't just practice over and over again and expect to get better. You have to learn two things: 1) how you think/what assumptions you make 2) what ideal thought processes will help you get the correct answer faster. The strategies offered in the MCAT forum can help you figure out the best way to think about the test (look at the 30+ study habits thread). All that said, definitely defer your test.

 

[Monocles]

Verbal is also my worst section, so right now I'm debating on trying my best to improve PS and BS and leaving verbal as it is, or figuring out last minute strategies that work. I've recently stumbled into this thread, which may help you.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=803769

 

[phnerd1105]

If you don't have to fully focus if you delay your test, you might want to consider taking a year off (if you are applying this year). It will give you lots of time to work on verbal. As for me, I was scoring 11's on AAMC verbals, and ended up getting a 7 on the real thing. Don't ask me how it happened, I still don't know. I'm just gonna keep practicing and hope it improves.

 

[gettheleadout]

Most people score several points lower on the actual thing. Are you scoring 4-6 in VR on the AAMC tests?

The bold word is the one I take issue with here.

 

[acromonkey]

Verbal is also my worst section, so right now I'm debating on trying my best to improve PS and BS and leaving verbal as it is, or figuring out last minute strategies that work. I've recently stumbled into this thread, which may help you.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=803769

Thanks! Good luck to you!

 

[acromonkey]

If you don't have to fully focus if you delay your test, you might want to consider taking a year off (if you are applying this year). It will give you lots of time to work on verbal. As for me, I was scoring 11's on AAMC verbals, and ended up getting a 7 on the real thing. Don't ask me how it happened, I still don't know. I'm just gonna keep practicing and hope it improves.

I am in my year off now...well it's not really a year off as I am working on my master's degree and working in a research lab full time. I don't want to have to put off applying to medical school another year. In previous advice, someone mentioned to sign up for a July date, but I've been told several times over that getting my results in August is too late to apply for the 2012 cycle.

Good luck to you! I hope you can score better and apply!