So, you have decided to go to med school — that’s fantastic! However, there is one little obstacle you have to overcome — the MCAT.
The MCAT is, by no means, impossible to ace, but it does require serious preparation. After all, this exam tests your knowledge of multiple disciplines and lasts over seven hours!
Of course, getting a good score on this test requires more than just cramming. The best way to prepare for it is to do as many practice tests as possible. That way, you will know what to expect when the exam day arrives, and you’ll be ready for it. What’s more, doing practice tests will improve your stamina, concentration, and confidence.
With that in mind, take a look at some of the best MCAT practice tests that will certainly help you pass the exam with flying colors.
1. The Princeton Review MCAT
If you’re in need of a book that covers all aspects of the MCAT and provides some practical tests, look no further. The Princeton Review MCAT, now in its third edition, is one of the best MCAT practice tests you can come across. This comprehensive guidebook will give you access to four online MCAT tests that will help you brush up your skills and teach you what to expect on the exam day.
What makes this book so amazing is that it is a 2-in-1 resource. Besides practice tests, it covers all the topics that you can find on the test, including chemistry, psychology, biology, biochemistry, sociology, physics, and math. To make things even better, each chapter ends with a series of critical thinking tasks that will help you ace the Critical Analysis and Reasoning part.
Another great thing about this book is that it analyses all types of MCAT questions. You will learn different techniques and methods that will help you do the test much easier. In addition, the book includes a comprehensive index and a “cheat sheet” guide to make the revision of diagrams, formulas, and charts simpler.
2. The Berkeley Review MCAT
With The Berkeley Review, you will have a lot of test prep options. This MCAT prep program offers separate practice books for each part of the exam. So, you can buy only the books that cover your weakest areas or just go for the whole set.
If you prefer taking practice tests online, this prep program has you covered. The online tests aren’t sold individually. However, you can buy its computer-based MCAT tests in sets of three or four.
The Berkeley Review prides itself on being one of the few test preparation programs that focus solely on the MCAT. Thus, it comes as no surprise that it makes some of the best MCAT practice tests. In fact, it is known for creating some of the most realistic ones. Once you have covered these, you will know the exam inside out, and no question will surprise you.
3. Examkrackers MCAT Series
Are you looking for something a bit more challenging? Examkrackers offer the best MCAT practice tests for those who are aiming at above-average results. These tests are a bit more difficult than those provided by other test prep programs. If you go for this option, once your exam day comes, the whole test will seem quite easy. Not even the hardest questions will scare or confuse you.
Each Examkrackers MCAT test is purchased individually, and you will have six months’ worth of access to it. While doing the practice test, you will be able to check the answers as you go. This feature is incredibly useful, especially for beginners.
Besides the practice mode, there is a simulation test, as well. The simulation mimics real exam conditions, timing, and scoring. Therefore, you will be completely aware of your skills and weaknesses before you take the official test.
4. MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review by Kaplan
Kaplan’s MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review is a fantastic all-in-one resource for anyone who wants to ace the MCAT. The books cover all parts of the exam and introduce helpful strategies to teach you the best way to approach each type of question.
There is also a full-color summary of the most important information that’s incredibly useful for revision and visualization of charts and tables. Another fantastic thing about this book is that it highlights the content that is most likely to be tested so that you know which areas to focus on.
Of course, just studying is not enough to pass the MCAT, which is why this book comes with three full-length MCAT practice tests. These online tests will provide you with realistic practice, as well as with various instruction videos, quizzes, and examples.
Once you buy this book set, you will have access to online practice tests for a whole year.
5. 7 Full-Length Practice Tests for the MCAT by MCAT-prep.com
If you’re looking for the best MCAT practice tests while on a tight budget, 7 Full-Length Practice Tests for the MCAT might be the best option for you. There are over 1600 questions, which is quite enough for most MCAT candidates. What’s more, all questions and answers are thoroughly explained so that you can easily understand your mistakes and learn how to improve your score.
This book includes five full-length MCAT simulation tests, which is more than what most test prep books offer. But that’s not all! After you buy it, you will receive your personal PIN and gain access to two additional practice tests. The online platform also includes interactive discussion boards and multimedia background information.
Unfortunately, these tests don’t include old questions from the real MCAT. Still, they are realistic enough to provide you with more than enough practice at a reasonable price.
6. MCAT Official Prep Practice Exams by AAMC
Do you think that you have started preparing for the MCAT a bit too late? Do you feel like there’s not enough time to cover all the resources before the exam? Well, in that case, you should opt for the official MCAT practice materials made by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) — the very people who write the questions for the exam.
MCAT Official Prep Practice Exams by AAMCinclude questions that are almost identical to those that you will find on your test. Basically, they are the closest you can get to the real deal.
Each test has 230 questions, both independent and passage-based. What’s more, you will be able to use options that the real test includes, such as strikethrough and highlighting.
In the end, you will receive a scaled score and your percentile rank for each section. Thus, you will know what areas you need to focus on more.
7. Next Step MCAT Full-Length Practice Exams
MCAT has undergone several changes in the last decade, and it’s not easy for test prep programs to keep up with all the new material. Luckily, Next Step is there for you. This company is known for adapting its tests regularly and keeping them as similar as possible to the real exam questions.
While Next Step MCAT Full-Length Practice Exams include all MCAT sections, they are incredibly important for those struggling with the Psychology section. The company pays special attention to this area, and you will find all sorts of difficult and trick questions in their practice tests. Thus, you will know what to expect — and you’ll be prepared for the worst.
You can buy Next Step MCAT practice tests in bundles of four, six, or ten. Based on the bundle you go for, you may also gain access to various quizzes, additional questions, performance breakdown, and a diagnostic test.
8. Sterling Test Prep MCAT Practice Tests: Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Are Chemistry and Physics giving you a headache? If so, the Sterling Test Prep MCAT Practice Tests will save you a lot of time and effort. The book includes four MCAT Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems practice tests, as well as all the details and strategies you might need to ace this part of the exam.
Each test consists of 59 questions with detailed answer explanations. In addition, once you buy this book, you will have a discount on all other Sterling MCAT prep materials. So, if you feel like you’ve got all exam parts covered except for the science part, these may be the best MCAT practice tests for you.
The Bottom Line
The MCAT probably seems scary to you right now. Still, with good preparation and the best MCAT practice tests, you are likely to achieve the desired results.
Bear in mind that your choice of a practice test should be based on your current knowledge and skills. If you think you’ll do well in certain sections but struggle with others, maybe your best option is a prep test book that covers only your weak spots. On the other hand, if you need to prepare multiple sections, go for one of the all-in-one tests.
Whichever practice test you go for, the most important thing is to study regularly and believe in yourself. Once you cover these tests and become confident in your skills, the MCAT will probably seem like a piece of cake.