I’m prepping for the MCAT and trying to choose practice tests. I’ve heard mixed reviews about Kaplan tests—some say they’re tougher than the actual MCAT, while others say they’re on par.
Has anyone here used Kaplan for MCAT prep? Do you think Kaplan’s practice tests are harder than the real thing, and if so, did it help or hurt your performance on the test?
Great question! Many MCAT test-takers find Kaplan’s practice tests harder than the actual MCAT, particularly regarding passages and certain question types. Kaplan often designs their questions to be more complex to prepare students for the most challenging scenarios on test day. This can be beneficial because it helps build endurance and critical thinking skills, making you more prepared for various questions.
In practice, many students report that after taking Kaplan’s more demanding tests, the real MCAT feels more manageable. That said, balancing your study with a mix of resources is essential. Kaplan’s materials are helpful, but consider using AAMC practice exams, as they’re made by the MCAT’s creators and are known to reflect the exam’s difficulty closely. Good luck with your studies!