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MCAT 2013-14

MCAT 2013-14. Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center. Samantha & Teresa. What is the MCAT?. Medical College Admission Test Administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Standardized, computerized multiple-choice exam used to screen medical school applicants

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MCAT 2013-14

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  1. MCAT 2013-14

    Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center Samantha & Teresa
  2. What is the MCAT? Medical College Admission Test Administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Standardized, computerized multiple-choice exam used to screen medical school applicants Tests students' knowledge of basic scientific concepts, critical reasoning, and problem solving
  3. Why take the MCAT? Identifies students who will most likely be "successful" in the first two years of medical school Determines a student's areas of strength and weakness Used by medical school admission committees along with transcripts, applications, personal statement, and resume to assess applicants
  4. MCAT 2015 Revision Addition of social and behavioral sciences section Inclusion of biochemistry and statistics Revised to assess students on skill-based learning of core competencies For students who plan to enter medical school in 2016 and beyond MCAT 2015 Presentation March 12th 5:30 pm, QLC 412
  5. Agenda Breakdown of the MCAT Preparation for the MCAT Study strategies Sample questions MCAT Logistics Registering for the MCAT Test Day Follow up Common Rumors and Q&A
  6. Breakdown of the Current MCAT Physical Sciences Verbal Reasoning Biological Sciences Trial Section These sections will test: Fundamental principles in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Analytical reading skills No more Writing Sample!
  7. Physical Sciences Tests problem-solving ability and general knowledge in chemistry and physics 52 questions: 7 passage-based 4-7 questions per set 13 independent questions Recommended Courses: Math 140 & 215 or 241, Chemistry 161/L & 162/L, Physics 151/L & 152/L
  8. Verbal Reasoning Tests ability to understand, evaluate and apply information found in passages. Content is based on humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. 40 questions: 7 passages (~600 words/passage) 5-7 questions per passage *Usually the lowest score in Hawaii, and the most difficult to change Recommended Courses: English, English Literature, Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences that require reading and analysis
  9. Biological Sciences Tests problem-solving ability and knowledge in organic chemistry and biology. 52 questions: 7 passage-based sets of questions 4-7 questions per set 13 independent questions Recommended Courses: Math 140 & 215 or 241, Biology 171/L & 172/L, Chemistry 272/L & 273/L
  10. Trial Section (NEW!) VOLUNTARY! Owing to the change in 2015, this section will help build the next version of the MCAT. Last Section 45 minutes 32 new questions biochemistry, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology $30 Amazon.com Gift Card emailed 3-4 weeks after Will get feedback on results
  11. Preparation for the MCAT Individual study: Test prep books, practice exams Pros Flexible, tailored to student's needs Inexpensive Cons Easy to procrastinate & fall behind Difficult to structure Knowledge of instructor (self)
  12. Preparation for the MCAT Group Study: Groups of 2 or more Pros: Gain support, encouragement, feedback from peers Cons: Difficult to coordinate and manage Easy to fall behind with group meetings Difficult to maintain focus
  13. Preparation for the MCAT Commercial Test Prep: Classroom in-person course, online course Pros: Led by trained instructor Structured Online or in-person Cons: Expensive Designed for general population, not personalized
  14. How to Study Individually 1. Set a study schedule -Study 9-12 months in advance -1 hr/day 2. PRACTICE! -Start with untimed tests and learn to do problems correctly 3. Use timer to develop a sense of time and increase speed 4. Take the full length practice test regularly -Builds endurance!
  15. How to Take a Commercial Prep Show up Do the work Take advantage of opportunities Course alone will not get you where you want to be Still must study on your own Study what you need to
  16. Knowledge Based vs. Skills Based Facts Equations Rules Theories: Biological Sciences Physical Sciences Critical Thinking Problem Solving Building connections Reading Comprehension: Verbal Reasoning Biological Sciences Physical Sciences
  17. Tips! Study early! Build stamina! Take frequent practice tests Answer every question No penalty for guessing Use process of elimination Prepare for the Verbal Section One course load less 10-12 hr/week Scores are usually 3-5 points below what you can achieve on the practice test Prepare for the day Do your best the first time Every program evaluates MCAT scores differently
  18. Sample Questions Physical Sciences: General Chemistry Among the halogens F2, Cl2, Br2, I2, an increase in which of the following types of intermolecular forces causes an increase in boiling point going down the group? A) dipole-dipole forces B) ion-dipole forces C) ion-induced dipole forces D) London dispersion forces *Gathered from The Offical Guide to the MCAT Exam, 2009 Edition
  19. Sample Questions Correct Answer: D Among the halogens considered, the boiling point increases going down the group because of an increase in London dispersion forces, which are caused by momentary electron cloud distortions. Difficulty level: Medium (55%)
  20. Sample Questions Physical Sciences: Physics A rock is dropped from a cliff that is 100 m above ground level. How long does it take the rock to reach the ground? (Use g = 10 m/s2) A) 4.5 s B) 10 s C) 14 s D) 20 s
  21. Sample Questions Correct Answer: A You are told the rock falls from a 100 m height to the ground under the influence of a 10 m/s2 acceleration. Since the rock starts at rest, evaluating the distance equation: d=v0t+1/2at2 t=√2d/a = √2(100 m)/(10 m/s2) t=4.5 s Difficulty level: Easy (75%)
  22. Sample Questions Verbal Reasoning Content Category: Social Sciences
  23. Sample Questions Verbal Reasoning Suppose that a particular group of people uses metaphors that reference mechanical objects to describe living creatures. Based on the reasoning in the passage, these people would most likely believe that: A) mechanical objects are in some sense alive B) living creatures are in some sense mechanical C) mechanical metaphors are a neutral way of referring to living creatures D) the idea of the mechanical depends on a conception of the animate
  24. Sample Questions Correct Answer: B The second paragraph states, "As for things in the mineral realm, anatomical metaphors, such as foothills and headlands,...make them all seem familiar and personal. Indeed, language tricks people into believing that...[inanimate things] are all in some sense alive." Thus, if people were to refer to living creatures using mechanical metaphors, then they would most likely be tricked into believing that living creatures are in some sense mechanical. Difficulty level: Hard (40%)
  25. Sample Questions Biological Sciences: Biology During the respiratory cycle, contraction of the diaphragm causes: A) exhalation B) elevation of the ribs C) the intrapleural pressure to increase D) the intra-alveolar pressure to decrease
  26. Sample Questions Correct Answer: D Contraction of the respiratory diaphragm causes it to move downward, thus increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This causes a decrease in the intrapleural pressure. Expansion of the thoracic cavity causes the lungs to expand, which causes the intra-alveolar pressure to decrease below atmospheric pressure & draw air into the lungs. Difficulty: Hard (30%)
  27. Sample Questions Biological Sciences: Organic Chemistry Which of the following carboxylic acids will have the lowest pKa? A) 2-methylbutyric acid B) 3-chlorobutyric acid C) 2-ethylbutyric acid D) 3-bromobutyric acid
  28. Sample Questions Correct Answer: B A substituent has an inductive effect on the acidity of the carboxyl group. An electron withdrawing substituent reduces electron density of the carboxyl group and increases the acidity. A more electron withdrawing substituent reduces the electron density of the carboxyl group further; thus, the hydrogen becomes even more acidic. The closer the substituent is to the carboxyl group, the stronger the inductive effect. Difficulty level: Medium (55%)
  29. MCAT Logistics Fee Assistance Program MCAT Registration & Testing Centers Preparing for the Day Test Day Scoring Void/Retakes
  30. Fee Assistance Program For students who are unable to take MCAT without financial assistance Reduced MCAT registration fee ($270 $100) Free MSAR online access Waiver for all AMCAS fees (up to 14 schools) Does not include waiver for individual schools
  31. Am I Eligible for FAP? Based on US Dept. of Health & Human Services poverty guidelines, applicants with 2012 total family income at or below three times the federal poverty level for their family size in their state are eligible Ex) Family of 4 in Hawaii: $26,510 $26,510 x 3 = $79,530 (must be at or below)
  32. How to Apply to the FAP Start early! Apply far in advance of MCAT date and AMCAS application submission Currently open for 2013 calendar year Must wait for FAP decision before paying MCAT or AMCAS fees to receive fee assistance (No refunds!)
  33. Timeline
  34. Registering for the MCAT Register online at www.aamc.org Test dates offered from January to September Offered in the morning (AM), afternoon (PM), or both (Double Day) Registration Fees Regular: $270 Late registration: $75 additional fee Date reschedule: $90 additional fee
  35. When Should You Take it? Available: from January 24th to September 12th Some schools do not accept September dates! January test dates are only for upcoming cycle Best before the end of June
  36. MCAT 2013 Schedule
  37. MCAT Oahu Testing Centers Educational Testing Services (ETS) University of Hawaii at Manoa 2600 Campus Road QLCSS 307 Honolulu, HI 96822 Prometric Test Center 1130 N Nimitz Highway Suite B297 Honolulu, HI 96817
  38. Prep for the Day 1. Test site: -Parking situation -Location of exam -Room Conditions 2. Mental Health: -Relax, review- do not study -Eat a good breakfast
  39. Test Day Breakfast! Whole grain carbs balanced by protein Arrive early At least 30 min prior Security measures/photo taken/fingerprints What to bring? Where to store it?
  40. Items Permitted In On Break: Food, water, and medication In Test Room: Current Photo ID Earplugs Center Provided: Paper and Pencil Locker Key
  41. What Not to Bring? Cell Phone Electronic Device Holding or touching an electronic device is a violation of MCAT policies Notes or Study Materials If you need to access food, water or medicine remove the items from the bag you have brought as the bag must remain in the locker at all time.
  42. Sample MCAT Interface
  43. Scoring Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning and Biological Sciences Scored from 1 (lowest) to 15 (highest) Raw scores are converted to a scale that considers the level of difficulty of the test questions to minimize variability in test scores No penalty for guessing Total Score is the sum of the three scores Trial Section will not be scored
  44. To void or not to void? I wish to have my MCAT exam scored I wish to VOID my MCAT exam
  45. Things to Consider Is this an accurate representation of where you are now? How far are you in regards to the application cycle? If I retake this test will I have enough time to prepare and do better? Can I afford to retake this test? How will the schools look at multiple scores?
  46. When should I retake the MCAT? AAMC recommends that you should retake the test if: 1. Discrepancy between GPA and MCAT scores 2. Inadequate coursework preparation 3. Misunderstood directions 4. Admission committee member recommended it.
  47. Score Availability Scores automatically sent to schools a student applies to through AMCAS Available to view scores online through Testing History (THx) Score Reporting System about 30-35 days after test date Found on www.aamc.org Used to release scores to non-AMCAS schools Able to print official MCAT score reports
  48. Hawaii's MCAT Scores 2012 Application Year Applied Matriculated
  49. UH Manoa 2012 Stats
  50. MCAT Rumors Getting a certain score guarantees getting in You don't need to prepare much if you've done well in your pre-med courses The MCAT tests science skills, so you don't have to worry about the verbal section Studying hard for a few weeks is enough to do well on the exam Medical schools will take your highest score
  51. Upcoming Workshops Pre-Med Panel on Admissions and Life as a Med StudentThursday, February 21st 5:30-7:00 PM CC 308Graduate School and the GRE Tuesday, March 5th 5:30-7:00 PM QLC 412
  52. Upcoming Workshops Financing Your Graduate Education Thursday, March 7th 5:30-7:00 PM QLC 412 MCAT 2015 – Look What’s Coming! Tuesday, March 12th 5:30-7:00 PM QLC 412
  53. Upcoming Workshops Multiple Mini Interviews – The New Format! Thursday, March 14th 5:30-7:00 PM QLC 412
  54. Contact Us! Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center (PAC) University of Hawaii at Manoa Queen Lili'uokalani Center for Student Services, Rm 101 Phone: (808) 956-4045 Email: uhpac@hawaii.edu Website: http://manoa.hawaii.edu/pac Walk-ins welcome!
  55. Resources Presentation includes information from: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website (www.aamc.org) The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam, 2009 Edition
  56. Mahalo! Any questions/comments?
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