Now I’m curious about AAMC 9! I will find out soon enough. Nice to hear you got things squared away for Thur-Sat. Your plan sounds a lot like mine. Clear out the house by Thursday! It’s not a minor thing by the way. I love my daughter more than anything, but I need my space those days before the MCAT. Her and I seem to have to battle over bedtime every night and then there is the ordeal of getting ready in the morning and it can get stressful on top of everything else. The mood swings of a 4 1/2 year old and a 36 old premed is pretty comical sometimes, actually, but in the middle of it, it can get wild, too! It is parenthood so, of course, we learn how to manage with the ups and downs as every family does. However, if I can avoid these little battles over the few days prior to the MCAT then that is no minor thing at all! I think giving yourself the space where or when it is most important is crucial, dnelsen! Good for you.
Sounds like you are holding strong on your scores and that is fantastic, too! The small details? I hear you there. I am in the middle of writing an orgo lab report right now and I’m calculating moles, limiting reagents, yields, etc with ease and rapidity and yet on the dang practice tests, I’m flustered and screw up on these little things that, like you said, are basically “gimme” questions. Then, I will go over a test and find I get some really whacked out question correct and I just don’t get it. Drives me insane.
My almost four year old has been particularly feisty this week as well! I have nothing but respect for balancing being a mother and parent. I am exceedingly lucky to have a very understanding spouse who has taken up the slack of the last few months. Despite a few rough spots during my post-bacc (Second child born 3 days before finals?!), we’ve done pretty well. The next 8 years should prove challenging and I am grateful to have the support of all our families.
Taking AAMC 10 tomorrow! I’m sort of dreading AAMC10/11 based on the horror stories I’ve heard about them. However, if I do well on them that will be a huge confidence boost as it apparently correlates well to the current exam.
As an aside, I expressed interest in and was nominated for a linkage program that is offered through post-bacc program. If all goes well, I’ll actually be started school in early August and skipping the application cycle. It’s a long shot but besides having to do a few essays, it doesn’t involve a lot of extra effort on my part so why not? Of course in order to do the linkage, you need 10’s in all categories and I believe a 32 overall.
With my hubby’s illness and my 6 year’s spring tantrums, things got pretty derailed for me for my MCAT studying. I have time to fit in two more FL AAMC tests. If I had to choose two, what would the recommendations for those selections?
Thanks!
Deb
Hi, Deb! Sorry to hear about your recent derailment! Just based on what I’ve heard, I think AAMC 10 and 11 would be the ones to take only because they are assumed to be closest to the real thing. However, that being said, it may not be the best idea to only take AAMC 10 and 11. If you have not thus far had any exposure to any practice tests, I would not start with 10 or 11. I’ve taken about 8 or 9 practice tests thus far. I still have AAMC 9, 10, and 11, and even after all the tests I’ve taken I fear I won’t be “ready” for 10 and 11, but it must be done. If I’m not up for those two then I may as well postpone! I think it’s just nerves for me, though, and not feeling like I’m missing big chunks of concepts.
I know that it’s so time consuming to take practice tests, but the more you can do the better in my opinion. All the content review in the world just doesn’t compare to getting exposed to MCAT style questions, getting the timing and mental stamina down, and just honing your strategies. So, I would highly recommend that you aim for at least five practice tests and work your way up to AAMC 10 and 11. I would say doing AAMC 3-5 and 7-11 is something a lot of people do and generally in that order. I understand how hard it is to find time for everything, but without knowing where you are at test-wise, it is hard to really know how ready you are to test. When is your test date again? Don’t be afraid to postpone if you need more time to prep! I wish you the best!
- dnelsen Said:
As an aside, I expressed interest in and was nominated for a linkage program that is offered through post-bacc program. If all goes well, I'll actually be started school in early August and skipping the application cycle. It's a long shot but besides having to do a few essays, it doesn't involve a lot of extra effort on my part so why not? Of course in order to do the linkage, you need 10's in all categories and I believe a 32 overall.
Awesome! Good luck!!I took the free AAMC test in January and a free Kaplan exam in February. My struggle was not so much the content, but how they asked the questions and taking the information I did know and being able to insert it. I wasn’t unhappy with my scores, but I want them more balanced and I wanted to not lose my cool when I was thinking through the questions.
To that end, I’ve been using the Examkrackers 1001 books (all the subjects) and it has helped me find what the question is really asking, especially with the biology which for some reason really got me.
I’m just ready to cap it off that studying with a couple of exams. I take the MCAT’s next Friday so I think two is about reasonable to fit into that timeframe around my work schedule. If I need to retake, I will. I just came to the realization that life happens and will continue to do so and if I keep postponing, I may not give myself any kind of decent shot at the application process for this year.
Deb
Okay, Deb! In that case, then, perhaps an AAMC in the middle, maybe 7 or 8 and then AAMC 10 or 11. I think AAMC 3 is the free one online and the Kaplan one that is free may be one of those that is exceptionally tough because they want you to feel vulnerable and sign up for their course! So, don’t fret too much over what that score was.
You hit the nail on the head that it (often) isn’t about content on the MCAT, per se, but applying what you know in the way they want you to. I had an evolution question on one practice test that I could make an argument for any one of the answers being correct given the situation in the passage. I must have reread that question and the answers a million times and I still could not choose the answer that felt best (in the end what I chose was not right!). It was really frustrating because every single answer seemed plausible and every single answer made an important and truthful point about evolution so it really threw me. So, I would highly recommend for you to take those two practice tests and if you can only fit those two in, so be it! Sounds like you have a good, easy going attitude about it. It is hard to say which two are the “best” to take, but I would aim to take 10 or 11 for sure, but maybe not both. You may want to get your feet wet with a lower numbered test first.
Good luck and keep us updated! I will be waiting with bated breath 
to get your opinion of the test (sans revealing details, of course) as I will be testing the very next day on Sat 4/27 at 1pm! Are you the first one of us to test? I haven’t heard anything from any of us posters indicating that anyone has taken the test already this spring. I hope I am not missing something either. I feel like I’ve been living in a cave. I cannot wait to have a real life again once this semester is over!
Thanks for the advice! I will most definitely head that route. I didn’t think the Kaplan test was too bad so I suppose that alone is a good sign. I really liked their advice and that helped me focus, too. And free is always good!
It’s amazing how easygoing a Type A personality can get with a life-threatening illness in the family to provide some perspective. I’m naturally a worrywart so this is all kind of new to me. I’m sure I’m easier to live with, though!
I’m so ready to be done this semester! Unfortunately, my “chaser” after the MCAT is a physics II final exam (theory of relativity, anyone?) After that, I can breathe as I assemble my applications.
Deb
Just finished AAMC10(12/11/13) and I have to say it wasn’t THAT crazy. I struggled with physical sciences right down the last 20 seconds but verbal and bio seemed fine. I need to nail down some of the more obscure phsyics equations it appears. I honestly have been neglecting my equation flash-carding and it has come back to bite me!
Bio passages were a blast to do as well. Not surprisingly the rapidity with which I finish a passage correlates well to how much I enjoy the subject matter.
The one shocking thing was the curve. Verbal curve was bananas. 4 wrong and you get an 11! I think I had my highest percentage correct on this test but score was lower than others.
Nice score again, dnelsen. I was going to take AAMC 10 today, but I’m still just exhausted from this past week so I’m saving it for tomorrow hoping my sleep is good tonight. I will spend this afternoon scoping out the test center and then working on one of the two ochem lab reports due next week, then AAMC 10 on Sunday afternoon. It’s just crazy trying to juggle a full science course load, the MCAT, parenthood, et. al. I’m keeping my head above water, but it’s a lot to take on no doubt. Practice for med school, though, I know. I’m sure my MCAT practice scores could be stronger if I had decided to do a lighter semester or take off from school, but it wasn’t going to happen. So, so be it! I think I’ll do fine considering. My grades are holding out nicely so at least I won’t see some big drop in my semester gpa or anything and I think that is very telling as for how much I can actually handle and that I can do well also!
dnelsen, when are you taking AAMC11? You are on the SN2ed plan, right? So, I assume you are taking 11 on Monday. I will be curious what you think of that! Oh, and I hear you on the curves. I, too, had maybe 4-5 wrong on a VR and it was an 11 or 12 and I was kind of ticked off about that! I am over even trying to figure out the scoring and the curves because it makes no sense. Perhaps it does, but I have no energy left trying to figure that out, too! Best of luck on 11! I think I’ll be taking that on Tuesday now that I’m pushing off 10 until Sunday, but that’s fine. I just want all the practice tests done no later than Wednesday.
Yep I am doing a slightly modified version of the SN2ed plan (basically spreading the longer days into 2 days due to my other obligations). It has worked out decently for me although I guess we’ll see how it goes for real soon enough!
Taking AAMC11 tomorrow. In looking at the AAMC website, it looks like AAMC11 was released to the public in 2010. AAMC10 was released I think in 2006 so 11 would appear to be a closer analog to the current MCAT. This is of course speculation but it would seem to be a reasonable assumption.
Since my family will be away for that time, I’ve already lined up some post MCAT drinking buddies!
I am sure everyone is tired of hearing about my practice test journey but it’s been cathartic for me to talk through!
AAMC11 went a lot better then expected. I have to say that some of the graphs and figures in the biology section where very very confusing and I spent a long time on two particular passages just starting at the graphs (if you have done this one you will know what I speak of). I was good about not changing answers and I suspect that helped verbal. Or maybe I got lucky. Either way I’m happy end my FLs on a ridiculously strong note (12/13/13).
Anyway, I’m done except for some light review for the next few days. I had a bad cold saturday and sunday doubtless caused by a suppressed immune system due to stress (caused by cortisol as I found out).
See everyone on the other side of this insanity.
Great score, dnelsen! Wow. You are just banging out solidly high practice test scores. Relax and just enjoy the rest of the week. It sounds like you are heading into the MCAT on a very solid foundation.
I did AAMC 10 yesterday but could not finish due to an interruption so I had to pause it after VR! Not ideal, but oh well. So is life. So, I have to finish up BS tonight on that one. PS wasn’t too bad, though. It was more calculation heavy, though. The calculations weren’t bad but time consuming. I nearly ran out of time on that section as a result. There was one passage in PS in particular that gave me a hard time, but otherwise it did not seem too bad. VR is anyone’s guess as always! Guess I will find out how I did soon enough once I can finish BS. It stinks to have had to pause it because it is so much better to go through the whole thing at once to really get a feel of your test endurance. I’ve taken plenty tests thus far, though, so I have an idea of my endurance level at this point.
I will take AAMC 11 tomorrow. Hate to back to back it, but I am only doing BS tonight from 10 and I really want to have my tests done by Tuesday night.
I’m in a bit of denial that I am actually on the last days before the real thing. Good denial, though. I am so busy with school work and everything else that it’s easy to sort of “ignore” the fact that my MCAT is Saturday and just treat it like any other crazy week. It’ll hit me on Friday when I get out of school and will be home alone that night as planned. Kind of wish my test was at 8am Saturday and not 1pm so I could just dive right in and not have the morning to potentially freak out. Oh well.
Can’t wait to hear how all of you Friday 4/26 testers feel after you’re done! No one on OPM seems to have tested this spring yet so those of us testing this Friday and Saturday are the first ones!
Best of luck to all of us! Keep on preppin’ May (and later) MCATer’s! 
Well, I finished up AAMC 10 and I’m peeved. I got 3 wrong (yes, only 3) on VR and I got a 12!?!!? So, dnelsen, you got 4 wrong and it was an 11. I got 3 wrong and it was a 12. So, I guess 2 wrong is a 13 and 1 wrong is a 14. That is one harsh curve! Madness, I say!
AAMC 10 overall wasn’t too horrible. I reached my goal score overall so I’m pleased, but I still don’t love my PS score. I keep missing really little things and it’s driving me bonkers. However, seeing the composite and the VR percentage gave me a smile for sure. So, while I could have done better on BS (mostly orgo stuff that I haven’t reviewed and haven’t had in class recently to really have fresh in the head), I’m feeling more prepared. In fact, I only got 2 wrong on all of Biology so my major issues with BS were clearly orgo. I do well in orgo in class, but I guess I just haven’t focused on it much for MCAT. Oh well. However, the test itself just wasn’t that crazy which makes me feel like I have a bit of an idea now what to expect. Let’s see what 11 looks like, but I have made my peace with this test and what will be will be.
I am fighting a cold as it were, too. dnelsen, it is the stress. I have been taking all kinds of supplements (more than normal anyway) over the last several weeks to purposely keep anything away, but sure enough the sore throat set in Sunday night and I still have it and I have that headachy cold thing going on. I’m loading up on some zinc and other stuff and hope to get some good rest the remainder of the week. Hopefully, it will pass or at least just not be too awful.
In classes I got good news. I was far above the average on my 2nd physics exam and thus far am getting an A. Now I just have to do well on the final to keep it! Other classes are going well also so I feel I’m sort of ending my premed journey (somewhat anyway-still have to finish up my BS in Bio) on a strong note. I’ve earned nothing less than an A- (only one and in sociology) since I went back to school 3.5 years ago and have a 4.0 sgpa and taking a look back at my whole journey gives me pride. Let’s all take a look at own places in our OPM journey and be proud of ourselves for where we are whether you are just starting, are already accepted, or are applying this summer. The courage to go down this path should alone be a source of pride for all of us OPM’s.
They actually have the curve posted for all the practice exams. It’s on the left navigation of the site under “Understanding Scores”. I guess it’s not that helpful but it is kind of interesting to see the breakpoints for each exam and how they compare within sections and between different exams.
I just looked back at AAMC11 and it turns out there were only about 9 organic questions! Just 1 passage and handful of discretes. Be interesting to see if I get one or two passages on my exam (or none?).
Warning: Unproductive whinging and doubt below!
I made the mistake of talking to friends who took the March 23rd exam and received their scores. I didn’t get exact numbers but they were unhappy. Of course everyone is different but I considered them to be equals in terms of ability so…yeah I am a little freaked out. I know my practice scores of good but come test day it’s more a crap shoot and guarantee. It reminds me of the financial disclosure statement “past performance does not guarantee future results”. Although, at this point, the die is cast and I can’t do anything but my best and that is what I am focusing on.
Blessings to everyone who will be taking the MCAT this weekend!
Thank you, Kitty!
@dnelsen, I have thought about looking into the scores breakdowns on the AAMCs but yeah, not exactly sure how helpful it really is as you say. In the end, I guess all that matters is what you scored!
I agree that it will be very interesting to see how many orgo questions are on the real thing. I have purposefully spent very little time reviewing ochem. I am hoping the recent stuff in class and the major stuff I recall will help with anything ochem that I may see. Because my BS score would have been very high on AAMC10 had I not messed up some ochem stuff, I have also decided to pull out the Kaplan ochem flashcards for some additional review, but I’m not spending loads of time on it. Just reminding myself of some basics really. Rumors are that ochem on the exams this year has been slim to none, though.
No need to freak out, but I certainly get it! It’s funny because there will be what seems like a ton of people getting less than their average on the real thing and then a bunch that get over their average, too. Seems like super high scorers on practice tests (37 & up) mostly are not scoring as high on the real thing. However, from what I can tell these test takers are still getting good scores, just not the super high ones expected. Then there are those who have averaged around 30 or a little over but get 34-36 on the real thing. So, it seems from what I can tell it is all over the map and there are some, of course, who score within what was expected or far, far below. I will say, though, it appears that many test takers this year seem to feel the test prep materials are less indicative of the real thing these days than in years past. Kinda makes me wonder how many experimentals are on each test. However, only overall scores over the testing season will really tell. It will be interesting to see if there is any data after this years MCAT on how score distributions compare to other years. But, hey, if I were you, dnelsen, I would not worry! You have solid scores that will get you a good, solid score on the real thing. I’m sure of it! A little anxiety is okay, too, just don’t let it get to you! I should talk, but I have calmed down a lot over this dang test in the past week.
Deb, if you’re out there, I hope Friday goes well for you. Be sure to check in with us if you’re up to it Friday night and let us know your general thoughts and feelings. Wishing you well.
Best of luck everyone!
I’m getting worried here. My regular class load has really limited my MCAT study time this semester (although all the classes I’m taking have MCAT relevance). The upside is that once the semester is over in about 2 weeks, I’ll have 6 solid weeks to focus on MCAT prep, including a 2-week review course.
Best of luck to those taking it this weekend!
You’re welcome Shannon!
Thanks! I’m in the “just doing my coursework and trying to not get stressed” mode. I took AAMC 8 and wasn’t that happy with my score till I realized a) I was exhausted and b) I hadn’t eaten. I realized that my scores plummet when I don’t take care of myself. I just can’t think and made stupid errors. So, yesterday I took a 3 hour nap and I made sure to have snacks and water available for my test tomorrow. Good luck everyone! No use worrying about it now–just go do it!
Deb