Before you run to the store to buy MCAT test prep books or software, check out the free materials that are available online. You'll still need to buy a good MCAT preparation book, but you can start your studies online to determine your strengths and weaknesses.
All of the authentic free MCAT practice problems offered online by the AAMC come from one real MCAT used in the past (MCAT Practice Test 3R). So don't be surprised if you see the same questions in multiple places. Get a free start here and then decide whether to pay extra to gain online access to additional full-length practice MCATs.
1. Official Advice About Preparing for the MCAT
Kick off your MCAT preparation by reading this advice from the makers of the MCAT. It explains how to prepare for each section of the MCAT, including how to diagnose your current abilities, tips for better performance in certain areas, and a recommendation to begin studying at least 3 months before taking the MCAT.2. MCAT Practice Online
After reading up on the MCAT, practice and discover your weaknesses through this efficient online service offered by the makers of the MCAT. Simply register for free and log in to gain access to a computerized version of MCAT Practice Test 3R. You can take this authentic MCAT under test conditions or answer only one section at a time. Features include the ability to pause and re-start testing, solutions for all questions, and a detailed diagnostic report of your performance. If this service works for you, you may want to purchase access to more practice tests online. There are 3 others available for $35 each.3. Outline of Topics to Review for Each MCAT Section
In the MCAT Student Manual, the AAMC has outlined all of the topics that you will encounter on each subject tested by the MCAT: Biology, Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Physics, and Verbal Reasoning. You can print these outlines and check off each topic you've reviewed to keep track of your preparation before test time.4. Description of Each MCAT Section
The MCAT Student Manual also includes thorough descriptions of each MCAT section in terms of its overall focus and the question types used to assess your knowledge. Follow the links to learn about the Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Writing Sample sections.5.
The practice problems found in the MCAT Student Manual are all taken from MCAT Practice Test 3R. So if you're planning to use MCAT Practice Online (www.e-mcat.com) as a diagnostic test, you may want to take the full test first to get an accurate self-diagnosis before practicing with these problems.- Practice Problems: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences
- Answer Key: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences