AAMC MCAT Score: How to Use Practice Exams to Improve
If you’re studying for the MCAT, chances are you’ve heard about the AAMC Full-Length (FL) practice exams. These tests are the gold standard for MCAT prep because they are created by the same organization that administers the real MCAT. When you sit down to take one of these exams, you’re getting a simulation that is as close to the real thing as possible. But what does your score on these exams really mean, and how can you use it to guide your MCAT study plan? In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make sense of your AAMC FL score, how to use it to identify areas where you need to improve, and how to structure your study plan to maximize your score.
Understanding Your AAMC FL Score
First things first, let’s break down what your AAMC Full-Length (FL) score represents. The AAMC FL exams are designed to mirror the structure and difficulty level of the actual MCAT, which means your score on these exams is a solid indicator of your readiness for the real test. Your score is given as a numerical value in each section of the exam (Chem/Phys, CARS, Bio/Biochem, and Psych/Soc), and then an overall score is calculated.
The key here is that your AAMC FL score is a predictive measure of how you might perform on test day. In general, if you’re scoring within a certain range on the AAMC FL exams, you’re likely to score similarly on the actual MCAT. However, your AAMC FL score is not set in stone. It is a snapshot of where you stand at that moment in time and can fluctuate based on how well you prepare and how effectively you use your practice exams.
What Does a Good AAMC FL Score Look Like?
The AAMC Full-Length exams typically follow the same scoring scale as the actual MCAT. So, to give you some perspective:
- A score of 510–514 generally translates to an MCAT score in the range of 510–515.
- A score of 515–520 means you’re looking at an MCAT score closer to 515–520.
- Scores above 520 typically indicate that you’re on track for a competitive score, especially if you’re aiming for top-tier medical schools.
The important thing to understand here is that you want your AAMC FL score to be within striking distance of your target MCAT score. If your AAMC FL score is lower than you’d like it to be, it’s time to analyze the score report and figure out where you need to improve. Nationally, the average MCAT score for all applicants to U.S. MD-granting medical schools is around 506.3, while matriculants (those who actually get in) average 511.7. Competitive schools tend to have even higher averages. For example, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has an average accepted MCAT score near 524, while other programs, such as Ponce Health Sciences University, have average accepted scores closer to 501.
Setting a AAMC MCAT Target Score
Instead of aiming for the bare minimum, it’s wise to set a target score that’s a few points above the average for your desired schools. Why? Because competition is fierce, and a cushion of a few extra points can give you an edge. Here’s how to determine your goal:
- Research Your Dream Schools – Look at the average MCAT scores for accepted students at the medical schools on your list. A good resource for this is the AAMC’s Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) database.
- Aim Above the Median – If your dream school’s median MCAT score is 515, setting a personal goal of 518–520 will make you a stronger applicant and help offset any weaknesses in other areas.
- Consider Your Application as a Whole – Your MCAT score is just one piece of the puzzle. If your GPA is slightly lower than average, a higher MCAT score can help balance your application.
Factors such as test anxiety and variations in the exam can cause your score to be lower than your practice test averages, so setting a goal slightly above your target can also provide a safe margin.
Using Your AAMC FL and Other MCAT Practice Test Scores to Identify Knowledge Gaps
Once you’ve completed a few practice MCAT exams, it’s time to dig into the score breakdown. This is where the real work begins. Your AAMC FL score report will give you detailed information about your performance, breaking down your score by content areas and question types. Here’s how you can use that data to identify areas where you need to focus your efforts:
Step 1: Review Your Overall Score and Section Scores
The first thing to do is look at your overall score. If your score is in the target range for your dream medical school, great! But if you’re falling short, take a closer look at the section breakdown. Pay attention to which section(s) are dragging down your overall score. This is often the first clue that something in your study plan needs to change.
Step 2: Analyze Content Area Performance
After you’ve identified which section(s) you struggled with, take a look at the content areas within each section. For example, if you scored poorly in the Chem/Phys section, check to see if it was due to biochemistry, physics, or general chemistry. The AAMC FL exam will break down your performance by content category, so you can see exactly which topics you need to focus on.
Step 3: Identify Question Type Weaknesses
Another critical aspect of the AAMC FL score breakdown is the categorization of questions by type. You may have struggled more with passage-based questions than with discrete questions. If this is the case, it could signal that you need to practice more with reading comprehension and analysis, or it could point to difficulties with certain question formats.
Step 4: Track Your Progress
As you take more AAMC FL exams and other practice tests, track your performance over time. You should be looking for patterns in your weaknesses. If the same content areas continue to drag your scores down, you’ll know exactly what to focus on in your next study sessions.
How to Use Your AAMC FL Score to Build Your Study Plan
Once you’ve identified your weak areas, it’s time to develop a study plan that targets those gaps. It’s best to start with a ready-made study plan and edit it based on your score report. Use this 3-month MCAT study plan or 1-month MCAT study plan to get you started. Here’s how to use your practice exam scores to modify your study plan:
Target Weak Content Areas
If your score breakdown shows that you’re consistently underperforming in bio/biochem, then it’s time to dedicate more time to that content. Whether it’s through textbooks, online resources, or Anki flashcards, prioritize the topics that are holding you back. You might need to focus on some high-yield concepts that you’ve neglected or revisit foundational topics to ensure you’re solid on the basics.
Strengthen Your Test-Taking Strategy
In addition to reviewing content, use your practice test scores to evaluate your test-taking strategy. Were there any questions you struggled with because you misread the prompt? Did you run out of time during a particular section? Use this data to tweak your pacing and question-answering strategies. Time management is critical on the MCAT, and sometimes it’s less about the content and more about how you handle the pressure of the clock.
Focus on High-Yield Topics
Your FL score will help you identify which topics are most likely to appear on the MCAT. If you consistently miss questions related to enzyme kinetics or neurotransmitters, for example, you can use this as a cue to focus more on those areas. Remember, the MCAT tests high-yield topics, so don’t get bogged down by obscure details. Focus your efforts on the subjects that will make the biggest impact on your score.
Study Tips for Improving Your Practice Test Scores
Tip #1: Take More Full-Length Practice Tests
While this may sound counterintuitive, taking more practice tests is key to improving your AAMC FL score, and ultimately your MCAT score. The more familiar you are with the structure and pacing of the test, the less likely you are to get flustered on test day. You’ll want to make sure to take AAMC FL exams when you’re closer to your test date—these exams are the most representative of the actual MCAT, and they’ll give you an accurate snapshot of your readiness. I’d recommend using Blueprint Prep’s full-length practice exams up until that point, as they are the second most representative and have excellent score-breakdown information.
Tip #2: Review Your Mistakes Thoroughly
When you review your AAMC FL exams, don’t just look at the questions you got wrong—look at the ones you got right as well. If you answered a question correctly, ask yourself why the other answer choices were wrong. This helps you strengthen your understanding and avoid similar mistakes in the future. Pay special attention to your wrong answers and figure out whether the mistake was due to a lack of knowledge, poor test-taking strategy, or time pressure. Use this information to modify your study schedule to target your weaknesses.
Tip #3: Incorporate Active Recall and Spaced Repetition
Active recall and spaced repetition are two of the most effective study techniques for long-term retention. Use Anki or other spaced-repetition tools to help you memorize key concepts. Make sure you’re actively engaging with the material and not just passively reviewing notes. This will help you retain the information better and avoid wasting time on concepts you’ve already mastered.
Tip #4: Build Your CARS Skills
The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section trips up a lot of students, especially those who are stronger in the sciences. To improve your CARS score, you need to practice reading comprehension and logical reasoning. The more you practice, the more you’ll get used to the passage structure and the types of questions that appear. If you’re consistently scoring low in CARS, try incorporating reading non-scientific materials (e.g., opinion articles, literature) into your daily routine.
The Benefits of Working with an MCAT Tutor or Online Tutoring Service
If you’re feeling stuck after reviewing your AAMC FL scores and making adjustments to your study plan, it might be time to consider working with an MCAT tutor or using an online tutoring service. Here’s how a tutor can help you improve:
Personalized Study Plan
A tutor can help you craft a study plan tailored to your needs. They can analyze your AAMC FL score with you and pinpoint exactly where you need help. Whether it’s improving your test-taking strategy or revisiting specific content areas, a tutor can give you that extra edge.
Expert Guidance
Sometimes, it’s hard to know whether you’re on the right track. A tutor with MCAT expertise can give you professional insight into your performance and provide tips that you won’t get from textbooks or online resources.
Accountability and Motivation
Studying for the MCAT can feel like a solo journey, but a tutor provides much-needed accountability and motivation. With regular check-ins and progress tracking, they can help you stay on track to achieve your target score. Schedule your complimentary consultation to learn more about how Elite Medical Prep can help you succeed!
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