Princeton Review MCAT Practice Tests

Princeton Review offers 16 full-length MCAT practice exams, making it one of the most extensive practice test collections available.

However, these tests are known for being significantly harder than the actual MCAT. Is that a good thing for your prep? Let's find out.

Summary Table

Princeton Review MCAT Practice Tests Overview

Princeton Review's MCAT practice tests are designed to thoroughly challenge you and expose any content gaps in your preparation.

Princeton Review Practice Tests Review

Accuracy & Score Predictivity

Princeton Review practice tests are significantly harder than the actual MCAT. In fact, they may be even more difficult than Kaplan's notoriously challenging exams.

Students consistently report scoring 8-12 points higher on the real MCAT compared to their Princeton Review practice scores. This means these exams are not highly predictive of your actual score.

Instead, use these tests as a tool to:

• Familiarize yourself with the MCAT format
• Build test-taking stamina
• Identify content knowledge gaps
• Practice timing and pacing

Material Tested

Princeton Review tests are heavily content-based, more so than what you'll encounter on the actual MCAT. The tests require significant direct recall of specific facts and details at a higher rate than the real exam.

CARS Section Note: The CARS section is Princeton Review's weakest area. Many students report that this section differs significantly from what they encountered on the actual exam. If CARS is a priority, supplement with other resources.

Experimental Passages

Princeton Review's passages tend to be more technical, complex, and advanced than what you'll see on the actual MCAT.

While the real MCAT relies heavily on reading and analyzing passage information, Princeton Review passages are more content-heavy and require more active recall. The passages can also be longer and wordier than typical AAMC passages.

The upside: These challenging passages help you practice timing and build stamina for reading difficult material, making the real MCAT feel easier by comparison.

Discrete Questions

Similar to the passages, Princeton Review's discrete questions test extraneous details and complicated concepts that you may not encounter on the real exam.

These content-heavy questions serve as an excellent gauge of how well you've mastered your content review material. Use them to identify and address knowledge gaps.

Answer Explanations

Princeton Review provides decent answer explanations for each question. However, there's one notable limitation: they typically only explain why the correct answer is right, without addressing why the other choices are wrong.

This is less comprehensive than competitors like Blueprint, who explain all answer choices in detail.

Online Interface

Princeton Review's online interface is functional but not the best available. Some students report:

• Occasional glitches
• Setup can require some technical know-how
• Interface doesn't perfectly mirror the real MCAT

If practicing with a realistic interface is important to you, consider supplementing with other resources.

Princeton Review Practice Tests Pros & Cons

Who Are Princeton Review Practice Tests Best For?

Princeton Review MCAT practice tests are ideal for:

• Students who want extensive practice (16 tests)
• Those who need rigorous content review
• Test-takers who want to build stamina with harder material
• Students already enrolled in Princeton Review courses
• Anyone who wants to be over-prepared on content

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

Consider other options if you:

• Want highly score-predictive tests
• Need realistic CARS practice
• Prefer a clean, AAMC-like interface
• Want detailed explanations for all answer choices
• Are looking for standalone practice test purchases

Verdict

Princeton Review offers the most extensive collection of MCAT practice tests with 16 full-length exams. However, these tests are best used as a content review tool rather than a score predictor.

For the most accurate score predictions, use AAMC official materials or Blueprint tests closer to your exam date. But for comprehensive content drilling and stamina building, Princeton Review's 16 tests provide unmatched volume.

Princeton Review Practice Tests FAQs

How Many Practice Tests Does Princeton Review Offer?

Princeton Review offers 16 full-length MCAT practice exams, the most of any major test prep company.

Are Princeton Review MCAT Tests Harder Than The Real Exam?

Yes, significantly. Students typically score 8-12 points higher on the actual MCAT compared to Princeton Review practice tests.

Can I Buy Princeton Review Practice Tests Separately?

Princeton Review practice tests are primarily available as part of their course packages, which start at $1,999 for online access.

Does Princeton Review Offer A Free MCAT Practice Test?

Yes, Princeton Review offers a free MCAT practice test that you can take to sample their format and difficulty level.

How Does Princeton Review Compare To Blueprint For Practice Tests?

Blueprint tests are more score-predictive (only 3-6 points deflated) and have better answer explanations. Princeton Review offers more tests (16 vs 4-15) but with less accuracy to the actual exam.