Which practice tests to use as a retaker that used the AAMCs

[UniqueUsername]

I took the MCAT this summer and didn't do as well as I had hoped to do. I'm planning on retaking at the end of next summer. The score that I got this summer is definitely respectable, but I want to score better. I only want to retake next summer if my practice scores are at least 3/4 points higher than I scored this time (if they aren't then I can end up not retaking). I took all of the AAMCs this summer, so which practice tests should I use to judge whether I have actually improved or not? Would I really remember that much from the AAMCs after a full year?

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[MedPR]

Tbr

 

[Waggles]

I would recommend TBR but take your results with a grain of salt. I was in the same situation as you and took all 7 TBR full lengths between my first and second MCAT. I think the exams have waaaaaay to much ochem (3-4 passages consistently), very little passages dealing with experiments (as seen on the real MCAT), and a VR section that is unrealistic. Also the website to take the tests can be super slow and annoying. I averaged around a 27 (range of 23-31) on the TBR and scored a 31 on the real deal (first time was a 28 with AAMC averages around 28).


With all of that said, I think they are the best way to practice timed conditions if you've used up all of the AAMCs. Best of luck and shoot me a pm if you have more questions or want more commentary.

 

[UniqueUsername]

I would recommend TBR but take your results with a grain of salt. I was in the same situation as you and took all 7 TBR full lengths between my first and second MCAT. I think the exams have waaaaaay to much ochem (3-4 passages consistently), very little passages dealing with experiments (as seen on the real MCAT), and a VR section that is unrealistic. Also the website to take the tests can be super slow and annoying. I averaged around a 27 (range of 23-31) on the TBR and scored a 31 on the real deal (first time was a 28 with AAMC averages around 28).


With all of that said, I think they are the best way to practice timed conditions if you've used up all of the AAMCs. Best of luck and shoot me a pm if you have more questions or want more commentary.

Thanks for your response! I forgot to mention that I have taken the first 3 TBR tests. I'm not sure as though I would consider them accurate score-wise. Like you said, I felt that verbal was completely unrealistic and bio was too easy due to the extra organic.

Would Gold Standard tests be good to use just to judge where I am next summer?

 

[Roxas]

How are TPR's tests?

 

[Waggles]

Having taken the Gold Standard practice tests, I would say they are far worse than the TBR. Honestly, I don't think they're worth purchasing unless money isn't an issue. I bought all 10 and ended up doing about 3 of them because the same subjects/similar questions would pop up on every exam. There is a subforum where people discuss the gold standard exams that you may want to check out.

With that said, I increased my score 3 points by doing passages from the TPRH science workbook. I think those are realistically challenging. I have no knowledge about the TPR or kaplan full lengths but those could be an option for you.

 

[UniqueUsername]

Having taken the Gold Standard practice tests, I would say they are far worse than the TBR. Honestly, I don't think they're worth purchasing unless money isn't an issue. I bought all 10 and ended up doing about 3 of them because the same subjects/similar questions would pop up on every exam. There is a subforum where people discuss the gold standard exams that you may want to check out.

With that said, I increased my score 3 points by doing passages from the TPRH science workbook. I think those are realistically challenging. I have no knowledge about the TPR or kaplan full lengths but those could be an option for you.

Thank you. I'll definitely check it out.

 

[UniqueUsername]

My biggest issue is not which practice tests are the best, but how I should judge whether or not I should retake. I do not need to retake, but I want to study again and see if I feel I would score 3/4 points higher. Has anyone been in this situation? How did you know you were ready for a retake if you had taken all of the AAMCs before?