MCAT Practice Tests FAQ

Preparing for the MCAT Includes detailed information about the test sections. 2008 MCAT Essentials (PDF, 24 pages) Required reading for all MCAT exam registrants. Provides information about registration, preparation, and administration.

How are the AAMC's MCAT Practice Tests different from other practice test materials that are commercially available?
What are the differences between the practice tests and the real MCAT tests?
How should I adjust the practice test settings in order to most closely replicate the real MCAT test?
Are the Practice Tests as hard as the real MCAT?
What are the differences between the paper and Web versions?
Do commercial review companies use MCAT Practice Tests?
Should I purchase paper or Web versions?
Can I print the tests from the Web version?
Can I print the Solutions from the Web version?
How old are the MCAT Practice Tests, and which one is best?

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?

They are real MCATs! The items comprising these tests were pulled from the same item pool that is used to create the current MCAT. Additionally, they have been updated to reflect the content and format changes new for 2003. Any perceived differences in difficulty between these MCAT Practice Tests reflects normally occurring variations in test forms across administrations. Like "live" administrations, these differences are statistically accounted for in the scoring.

What are the differences between the paper and Web versions?

From a content perspective, there are none. Both use the same test items and Solutions. MCAT Practice Online allows you to print individual tests, but not Solutions. Detailed solutions can be reviewed online. MCAT Practice Online has additional features including automated scoring, integrated solutions that can be turned on/off, diagnostic reports, an active discussion board, and other features. If you're uncertain about the Web format, try MCAT Practice Test 3R, which is available at no charge.

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. It also provides automated scoring, integrated Solutions, and diagnostic reports that may help you target your studies.

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. If you primary interest is printing the test, you might want to consider purchasing the paper format, which offers better print quality of graphics.

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. If you feel the need for a separate Solutions booklet, you should consider purchasing the paper format.

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, updated with the 2003 changes and revised scoring tables. Because they are all authentic MCATs, they are all good examples of MCATs.

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