MCAT Practice Tests FAQ
How are the AAMC's MCAT Practice Tests different from other practice
test materials that are commercially available?
The practice tests offered by the AAMC are the only tests that are comprised
of actual MCAT items. In fact, they are actually retired forms of the
test that were previously administered in "live" MCAT administrations.
The scores you receive on MCAT Practice Tests are based upon the live
performance of the items. If you take MCAT Practice Tests under the required
standardized testing conditions, it will provide the best estimate of
what your likely MCAT scores would be, given your level of preparation
at the time you take the practice test.
What are the differences between the practice tests and the real MCAT
tests?
There are some minor differences between the practice
MCAT tests and the real MCAT. The following features can be used on the
online practice MCAT tests but are not available on the real test: Search,
Notes, Pause, Solutions, and Self-Diagnosis. Item Numbering differs as
well. A description of these features is available in the online practice
tests after the end of the tutorial, but before the start of the test
questions.
How should I adjust the practice test settings in order to most closely
replicate the real MCAT test?
For a test experience most similar to the real
MCAT, select the following options:
- Timing - On
- Deliver the Questions - Sequential
- Self Diagnosis - Off
- Solutions - Do Not Show
- Difficulty - All
- Deliver the Following - Entire Test
You can change these settings to use the practice test as a study tool.
Are the Practice Tests as hard as the
real MCAT exam?
They are real MCAT exams! The items comprising these tests were pulled from
the same item pool that is used to create the current MCAT. Any perceived
differences in difficulty between these MCAT Practice Tests reflects normally
occurring variations across tests. Any perceived differences in difficulty
between these MCAT Practice Tests reflects normally occurring variations
across tests. It's important to note that the conditions under which you
take the practice tests may be simulated but not perfectly matched-your
level of preparation, anxiety, how you feel that the testing environment
on test day may influence your scores. So differences between your practice
test scores and real scores are not common.
Do
commercial review companies use MCAT Practice Tests?
Many commercial review companies purchase MCAT Practice Tests from the
AAMC and administer them as part of their course, or otherwise make them
available for their students. Be aware that there are also many "MCAT-like"
tests also in circulation. The AAMC logo and copyright statements identify
authentic MCAT Practice Tests.
Should I purchase paper or Web versions?
This is a question only you can answer as there are personal preferences
for paper vs. Web, and vice versa. However, the Web versions have more
features, including the ability to customize your item selection by content
area, skill or item difficulty. They also provides automated scoring,
integrated Solutions, and diagnostic reports that may help you target
your studies. Further, we highly recommend that you become familiar with
the format and features of the "live" test—the only way to
do this is to practice online.
Can I print the tests from the Web version?
Yes, MCAT Practice Online provides you with the ability to print the
tests. You can elect to print the test, and later enter your responses
into MCAT Practice Online's "score paper test" feature. This will enable
you to receive the benefits of automated scoring, integrated solutions
and the diagnostic feedback—along with all the other features. Please
keep in mind that when you print the test, the test is copyrighted by
the AAMC and may not be distributed to anyone else.
Can I print the Solutions from the Web
version?
No. The Solutions are an integrated feature of MCAT Practice Online and
cannot be printed. However, you have the option of reviewing Solutions
when the items are initially presented (turn on/off), or from the "review"
feature, you can quickly return to any items to review the Solution. You
can also return to only the items you "marked" or answered incorrectly.
How old are the MCAT Practice Tests, and which
one is best?
The current offerings of MCAT Practice Tests were administered as "live"
forms in the mid-1990s through 2000. The dates they were administered,
however, is really not important. Each test is representative of the current
MCAT. Because they are all authentic MCAT exams, they are all good examples
of MCAT exams.
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