On Screen Highlighter
Similar to the real MCAT, the Gold Standard (GS) Practice Tests allow you to use an on screen highlighter to highlight text in a passage (PC and Mac; IE, Firefox, Safari).
To highlight, place your cursor where you would like the highlight to begin and hold your left mouse button down as you drag your mouse across the text. To remove the highlight, simply click on it once.
Strikeout Feature
If you are unsure of an answer, eliminate the alternatives that you know to be incorrect by clicking on an answer choice to STRIKEOUT a wrong answer and select an answer from the remaining alternatives.
Click on that answer choice a second time if you wish to remove the Strikeout. This is also a feature of our GS practice tests since it simulates the real MCAT.
Marking and Reviewing answers
If you are still unsure of an answer, just like in the real MCAT, you can mark the question to review it later if time permits. To mark a question, click on the Mark button at the bottom right of your computer screen. To unmark, click on the Marked button.
Marked and unanswered questions will be obvious to you when you click on Review. Thus you will have the chance to go back to those questions if you have time remaining.
Options After Your Practice Test Ends
When you "End Test," you are presented with three options: (1) "Show my score" provides instant raw and scaled scores (using a Bell curve similar in concept to the real exam); (2) "Back to CBT" which allows you to move on to the next exam section; and (3) Answers/explanations where you will find detailed explanations including a Discussion Thread, Background Information, Video and Difficulty Level.
Explanations and Discussions
When you review your test, you will see the correct option for the question as well as your answers, strikeouts and even your highlights are saved. Each question comes with detailed explanations as well as a direct link to a thread for further discussion in our Forum. Discussions usually involve other candidates; our staff often provides free advice.
For all science questions, we have done background cross-referencing which usually includes both text and video (instant access available). A Difficulty Level icon is present to give you an idea as to how the other candidates performed on that question.
Each Exam Attempt Saved in History
Every time you click End Test, your submission is recorded in your personal History section. On the History page, you can click on any score to be taken to the Explanations and Discussions for that exam. You can do practice tests as often as you want during your access period.
In History, you can click on Diagnosis and receive an analysis of your strengths and weaknesses. Click on Prescription and we will provide you with an integrated study plan to rectify your errors.