mcat practice tests

[admin]

Sounds like a great plan. Keep AAMC 10 for last (most students find 8, 9 and 10 are the AAMC practice tests which are most similar to the real thing).

Pace yourself: usually 1-3 practice tests (full length MCAT CBTs) per week is reasonable. Try to avoid doing more than 3 per week since you might out pace their usefulness (your score may stagnate).

Remember: it's not a race to see you many practice tests you do, but rather, you want to practice, learn from your mistakes/guesses, build your understanding/MCAT strategy then practice again. It's the only way that your score will improve over time. Be patient because it can be like the stock market: some ups and downs but over time, your score should rise if your preparing properly.

Sorry if I'm repeating myself, but I do want to underline the importance of high density (no fluff) personal Gold Notes. Those are notes (1-2 pages, no longer) that you take after completing each practice test. With each test, the notes should be shorter until you have no more than 15 pages in the days before the real thing. Their called Gold Notes because that will be your most precious review tool in the days leading up to the real MCAT.

Your Gold Notes should not include PV =nRT since you should know that already! But if you have done a few tests, by now, you should have noticed a derivation of the Ideal Gas Equation which includes density (they love that question for some reason!) which you would include if it was something new for you. Pour over guesses or mistakes for any pearls that you've learned. Your Gold Notes will make sure you don't repeat the same mistake. Review your Notes before you take any new test.

Good luck!

PS after you've done some more tests, share the joy! Go to the GS vs AAMC thread to add your experiences which can be helpful.

[admin]

Ideally, you would do both (practice does not necessarily make perfect but perfect practice will improve your scores!). But if you have no choice then certainly go with the AAMC tests.