Presentation Transcript

1. Mastering the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

   PAC Peer Advisors: Tiffany & Katharine
2. What is the MCAT? Medical College Admissions Test Administered by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Required for: Allopathic Medicine Osteopathic Medicine Podiatric Medicine Some veterinary schools Some physician’s assistant programs
3. Why Take the MCAT? The MCAT indicates whether you can complete the curriculum High correlation between MCAT and passing the USMLE Standardized: Way to assess students on the same level
4. Revised MCAT Coming in 2015! MCAT 2015 major changes: No writing sample Behavioral and social sciences principles PSY 100, SOC 100 Research Methods and Statistics included PSY 212 and statistics course Biochemistry included BIOC 241 or upper division biochemistry course This workshop focuses on the current MCAT, and next year we will have one focusing on MCAT 2015.
5. Tonight’s Agenda Anatomy of the MCAT Preparation for the MCAT Sample Test Tipsand Q&A
6. Anatomy of the MCAT *Computer Based Test --reading speed --navigation --note taking --typing speed --Online calculator
7. 4 Sections 1. Verbal Reasoning 2. Physical Sciences 3. Writing Sample 4. Biological Sciences
8. 1. Verbal Reasoning What it tests: Your ability to understand, evaluate, and apply the information and arguments presented. You learn this skill in almost all classes that require reading and analysis: English, English literature, and courses in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. 60 minutes 40 multiple-choice questions 7 passages from Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences (~600 words) followed by 5-7 questions each
9. TIP: The Verbal Reasoning Section Often the lowest scoring section for Hawai`i Best indicator of how you will do in the program Prep: Read a lot of books, practice questions
10. 2. Physical Sciences What it Tests: General Chemistry: Chemistry 161/L & Chemistry 162/L Physics: Physics 151/L + Physics 152/L Analytical reasoning & data interpretation Math 140 (Math 215 or 241 may help) 70 minutes 52 multiple-choice questions 7 passages followed by 4-8 questions 13 independent questions
11. 3. Writing Sample What it Tests: The ability to develop and synthesize central ideas and concepts, and to present ideas cohesively and logically. Preparatory courses: Composition and Writing Intensives Two prompts from topics such as: Opinions Philosophy Policy 30 minutes/prompt Scored for: Structure and clarity, content and quality of ideas, use of the English language
12. TIP: The Writing Section Pace yourself! 1. Plan how you will organize your essay (5 min) 2. Write the essay (20 min) 3. Last minute check for grammar and spelling (5 min) Don’t get creative! Use a template! Practice!!!
13. 4. Biological Sciences What it Tests: Introductory Biology: Biology 171/L & Biology 172/L Organic Chemistry: Chemistry 272/L & Chemistry 273/L Analytical reasoning & data interpretation Math 140 (Math 215 or 241 may help) 70 minutes 52 multiple-choice questions 7 passages followed by 4-8 questions each 13 independent questions.
14. Scoring 5 scores: Physical Sciences: 1-15 Biological Sciences: 1-15 Verbal Reasoning: 1-15 Writing Sample: J-T Composite Score: 3-45 and J-T Average Score: ~24 total, ~O Competitive Score: ~30 total, ~P
15. TIP: Answer Every Question! No penalty for guessing! Use the process of elimination!
16. TIP: Important to do well on the MCAT the 1st time! Programs evaluate multiple MCATS differently May take the… highest MCAT score highest score of each section most recent score Prepare yourself to do well the 1STtime!
17. Let’s Prepare for the MCAT! Apply for the Fee Assistance Program & Sign up for the MCAT TAKE MCAT Start Studying for MCAT! Start Applying Enter Program
18. 1stStep: Start Studying for MCAT! Apply for the Fee Assistance Program & Sign up for the MCAT TAKE MCAT Start Studying for MCAT! Start Applying Enter Program
19. Studying for the MCAT We recommend all students Start studying 1 year beforehand 1 hour of intensive study each day Take a practice test every 2 weeks
20. TIP: Take Frequent Practice Tests! Full length Purpose: BUILD STAMINA See how the questions are asked To not underestimate the test (or to gauge how much you have to study) Do a reflection on each section afterwards
21. Why? HS College You Entrance Exam
22. Myth “It covers the four years of science I had to take in school: biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry. It even has equations. OK, so it has Verbal Reasoning and Writing, but those sections are just to see if we’re literate, right? The important stuff is the science. After all, we’re going to be doctors.”
23. It’s More Than What You Know Programs are trying to test your skills. Medical curriculum shifted away from information-heavy curriculum to concept-based curriculum For example, the Problem Based Learning! More emphasis placed on problem solving, holistic thinking, and cross-disciplinary studies. Moral: Study for all of the MCAT regardless!
24. MCAT: A Predominantly Skill Based Test
25. Ways to Study: Choose the ways in which you study best: Self-study (study books, practice exams) Pros: Study at your own pace, target sections you need to work on. Cons: Easy to procrastinate. Group study (2+ people) Pros: Can get help from fellow peers, can be more fun, allows you a chance to teach others. Cons: Takes effort to coordinate. Commercial Test Prep (classroom/online courses and tutors) Pros: Material is taught to you in a familiar method Cons: Expensive.
26. 2nd Step: Apply for the Fee Assistance Program! Apply for the Fee Assistance Program & Sign up for the MCAT TAKE MCAT Start Studying for MCAT! Start Applying Enter Medical School
27. AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) Linked to U.S. Dept. of Health poverty level guidelines Total family income must be less than 3 times that of the previous year’s poverty level for a family of the same size Ex. Family of 4 in Hawai’i = $25, 710or less FAP Threshold = $77,130 Must be approved prior to registering for the MCAT Application opens Jan. 3 2012 Benefits: $85 MCAT fee (vs. $240) Free copy of Official Guide to the MCAT Free access to MSAR AMCAS waiver for application for up to 14 medical schools Apply early! https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/fap/
28. ASUH Graduate Test Preparation Award Several awards of up to $750 per applicant Eligibility Must be a full-time UHM student Junior class standing (55 credits+) 3.0 cumulative GPA Planning on taking a grad prep course or test in spring or summer 2012 Applications already open Check back early next Spring if you plan to apply for next year! Applications accepted until April 6th or until all funding is exhausted http://asuh.hawaii.edu/senate/Awards/grad_test_prep/2011-2012%20Grad%20Test%20Prep%20Application.pdf
29. 3rd Step: Sign up for the MCAT! Apply for the Fee Assistance Program & Sign up for the MCAT TAKE MCAT Start Studying for MCAT! Start Applying Enter Program
30. When Should You Take it? Available ~20 times a year: January to September Note: Some schools do not accept September test dates! Note: January test dates are only for upcoming cycle, not current cycle. Optimal dates are before June Source: https://www.aamc.org/students/download/258544/data/2012mcatexamschedulefortheunitedstatesandcanada.pdf
31. M.C.A.T. Testing Centers on Oahu Educational Testing Services (ETS) University of Hawaii at Manoa2600 Campus Road; QLCSS 307Honolulu, HI. 96822 Prometric Test Center1130 N Nimitz HighwaySuite B297Honolulu, HI. 96817
32. Test Registration Register online through the AAMC website Date and Time Testing Site Registration Fee: $235.00 $85 With FAP Pay online with credit card
33. 4th Step: Take the MCAT! Apply for the Fee Assistance Program & Sign up for the MCAT TAKE MCAT Start Studying for MCAT! Start Applying Enter Program
34. TIP: Prepare for your Test Day! Eat a balanced meal! Plenty of healthy foods Fruits and veggies (fast energy) Whole grains (fast energy) Lean Protein (slow energy) Don’t eat too full Be sure to arrive at the testing center early… At least 30 minutes prior to your appointment time Security measures/ photo taken/fingerprints Bring… Valid form of photo ID Jacket Earplugs
35. Sample MCAT Interface
36. After you are done… You will see:  I wish to have my MCAT exam scored  I wish to VOID my MCAT exam
37. Things to consider: Void/Score or Retake A void/retake is recommended only if: It was not a “fair take.” Environmental factors Directions were misunderstood It was a particularly bad day Whether you have time in the application cycle Things to consider… Can I afford another $235 to retake this test? How will schools look at multiple scores?
38. Score Availability Available ~1 month afterwards Contains scaled scores, percentile ranking, national averages View them online at the MCAT Testing History System
39. What to do with your scores? Look into which schools to apply to: Use the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) Consider retaking if scores are not competitive
40. Summary of Tips: Study early! Build stamina! Take frequent practice tests. Answer every question on the MCAT! Prepare for the verbal section! Practice writing! Use a template. Apply to the Fee Assistance Program! Prepare for your test day!
41. Test Prep Resources Official Test Prep Material: The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam from AMCAS (~$30) Practice exams on AAMC website (One is free; ~$35/additional) Commercial Test Prep Material: study guides, tips, and practice exams. Ex: Kaplan, ExamKrackers, Princeton Review
42. Additional Resources PAC website with MCAT breakdown: http://manoa.hawaii.edu/pac/Packets/Exam%20Breakdowns/MCAT.pdf AAMC website: www.aamc.org MCAT 2015 website:https://www.aamc.org/initiatives/mr5/ PAC! 
43. Upcoming PAC Workshops and Events Anatomy of the DAT, OAT, PCAT Workshop Thursday, February 16 6:30pm at Bilger 152 Financial Aid Workshop Tuesday, February 28 6:30pm at Bilger 152 Pre-Med Panel Wednesday, February 29 6:30pm at Campus Center 306/307
44. Contact PAC! No Appointments Necessary! Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center (PAC) Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, Room 101 Phone: (808) 956-4045Fax: (808) 956-2191E-mail:uhpac@hawaii.edu Website: http://manoa.hawaii.edu/pac Twitter: www.twitter.com/uhpac Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UHMPAC
45. Sample Test 1. Do Questions 2. Work Through Them
46. Sample Test: Verbal Reasoning Actual MCAT: ~9 minutes for a passage 7 passages 60 minutes You have 9minutes! 1 Passage
47. Sample Test: Physical Sciences Actual MCAT: ~10 minutes for a passage and 2 independent questions! 7 passages and 13 independent questions = roughly 1:2 ratio of Passage to Independent Questions 70 minutes You have 10 minutes! 1 Passage 2 independent questions
48. Sample Test: Physical Sciences
49. Sample Test: Writing Sample Actual MCAT: 30 minutes per prompt 2 prompts 60 minutes You have 5 minutes! Come up with an outline of how you would structure your paper
50. Writing Sample: Create an Outline Consider this statement: Education comes not from books but from practical experience. Write a unified essay in which you perform the following tasks. Explain what you think the above statement means. Describe a specific situation in which books might educate students better than practical experience. Discuss what you think determines when practical experience provides a better education than books do.
51. Sample Test: Biological Sciences Actual MCAT:~10 minutes for a passage and 2 independent questions! 7 passages and 13 independent questions = roughly 1:2 ratio of Passage to Independent Questions 70 minutes You have 10 minutes! 1 Passage 2 independent questions
52. Sample Test: Biological Sciences
53. Questions?
54. Real Life Experience! Mason Ruthford Erica Wang