exam score!!!!!!!

[fola866]

i took one of the tests and i got physics-7, verbal-8 and bio-10. my exam is on aug 20th and im really not satisfied with these scores and im panicking. do u have any tips for me as to how i can improve my scores in a week. i had been practicing with the old mcat full length exams but i divided the sections.( i took either verbal and bio or the other two together. i neva took the full 8hrs, is this going to be detrimental to me....

[samnpdd8521]

I understand what you're going through, I take the exam on the same day.....and dont feel too satisfied, but let me give you the advice that was given to me. There's really no way you cant master a section/subject/top in a week, its just too overwhelming!!! but one thing is, you cant make sure that your strongest points are still strong. Lets say physical sciences is your weakest, just make sure that all your other parts of the test are outstanding!! I mean, I know you have strong points...just make sure that they are really strong. and as for the weaksection, just do your best, dont stress before the test because its not worth it. I know that medical schools look at the scores for each section idividually but, I think they'll understand that it was a hard section for you especially if you do well on all the other sections....and remember confidence, and positivity goes a long way!! Good luck!!

[admin]

If your aim is a 30 on the real test, you can do it. I'm sure you have seen the thread where students compare their GS scores to their AAMC scores. Generally there is an improvement when going from GS to the AAMC exams so you can have some measure of confidence.

You may want to read some specific advice here: www.mcat-prep.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=927

[hardingsru6241]

I'm in a similar boat to you all only i'm at the end of my last week and not doing as well as some of you. I'm taking the exam this Tuesday and need a bit of advice. The best I've done so far in any and all sections is an 8, so I'm well grounded in that sense (not poor in one section and exceptionally strong in another). But, I'm not near my target score (low 30s). Can I rely on my hopefully doing better on an AAMC exam because all my practice has been with the GS exams? Is retaking the MCAT exam later even an option for me since i've already sent out applications for the 2008 year?

As far as my next two days prior to the exam, I plan to spend tomorrow doing a practice test (should it be AAMC or another GS?) and then Monday reviewing my gold notes. What do you think is best for me to do now?

Thanks ahead for any advice.

[wallstng1442]

Hey everyone, I don't think you guys should get discouraged by these scores. The best I've done on any single GS test is 27. However, I've taken AAMC exams 3-9 and my scores range from 32-36. The GS tests are quite a bit more difficult than the official AAMC exams.

Fola-you should be taking the official practice tests under the same conditions as the real thing. I think taking them one section at a time is detrimental.

Hardingsru6241-the last MCAT most schools will consider for the upcoming year is the last one in September. I would go ahead and take the exam this Tuesday. You never know how you'll do unless you take the thing! And, if you luck out and get passages with subjects you're strong in, you'll get a great score. Also, for your last practice, take an official AAMC test. I've heard that #8-10 are pretty good indicators.

[admin]

I agree with wallstng1442's advice. If I were you hardingsru6241, I would review my gold notes tomorrow morning and do the complete AAMC test 10. Remember: most questions are easier that they may seem and they will be based on basic info. Attack that exam and let us know how it goes!

Extra pointer: some students enter the test center, go through the preliminaries, sit at their computer and before starting their test, they write down all the PS equations they memorized onto their scratch paper (no time wasted). Now don't get me wrong, the majority of PS questions do not involve calculations. However, there are many relations that confuse students (ie, velocity of fluids in motion, doppler, current/power, etc), and even if the question appears theoretical, a simple glance at a basic equation often reveals the answers.

I'm sure you've already seen that we put up an equation list for physics and a mechanism chart for orgo.

Good luck!

[hardingsru6241]

Hi all- Thanks SO much for the advice, but I'm a bit confused...do you mean #8-10 GS that I have on mcat-prep.com? Or, where can I access a # 8-10 AAMC, maybe e-mcat.com? At that site I only have #3 (the free sample).

[admin]

wallstng1442 was referring to the validity of AAMC tests 8-10, which is true, but given your timeline, you really only have time for #10. It costs about $35 at www.e-mcat.com. Good luck.

[mdachilles]

Is there a major difference in the difficulty level of AAMC #10 and the free one AAMC #3? My test is Thursday and I was considering taking the AAMC #3 on Tuesday. Would it be a lot more beneficial to take the #10 instead of #3? Thanks!

[admin]

If your schedule permits, if I were you, I would do AAMC test #3 tomorrow morning and then AAMC test #10 on Tuesday afternoon (other option: do both tests beginning at the same time that you are scheduled to do the real MCAT on Thursday).

I would say that if you ask 100 students, 2/3 will say that test #10 is more accurate than test #3 in terms of reflecting the latest MCAT CBT. The other 1/3 say that it does not matter. Why risk it? Test 3 is free and 10 costs $35. As long as you have time to pour over both tests after your done and review your gold notes on Wednesday then you will be in an optimal position for Thursday. Good luck.

[fola866]

thanks 4 d great advice !!!!