Upload
muhammad-bin-rehan
View
220
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
1/58
MCAT 2013-14
Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center
Samantha & Teresa
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
2/58
What is the MCAT?
Medical College Admission Test
Administered by the Association ofAmerican Medical Colleges (AAMC)
Standardized, computerized multiple-choice exam used to screen medical schoolapplicants
Tests students' knowledge of basic scientificconcepts, critical reasoning, and problemsolving
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
3/58
Why take the MCAT?
Identifies students who will most likely be"successful" in the first two years of medicalschool
Determines a student's areas of strengthand weakness
Used by medical school admission
committees along with transcripts,applications, personal statement, andresume to assess applicants
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
4/58
MCAT 2015 Revision
Addition of social and behavioral sciencessection
Inclusion of biochemistry and statistics
Revised to assess students on skill-basedlearning 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
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
5/58
Agenda
Breakdown of the MCAT
Preparation for the MCATo Study strategies
o Sample questions
MCAT Logisticso Registering for the MCAT
o Test Dayo Follow up
Common Rumors and Q&A
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
6/58
Breakdown of the Current MCAT
Physical Sciences Verbal Reasoning
Biological Sciences
Trial Section
These sections will test:o Fundamental principles in biology, general
chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.
o Analytical reading skills
No more Writing Sample!
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
7/58
Physical Sciences
Tests problem-solving ability and generalknowledge in chemistry and physics
52 questions:
7 passage-basedo 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
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
8/58
Verbal Reasoning
Tests ability to understand, evaluate and applyinformation found in passages. Content is based onhumanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
40 questions: 7 passages (~600 words/passage)
o 5-7 questions per passage
*Usually the lowest score in Hawaii, and the most difficultto change
Recommended Courses: English, English Literature, Arts, Humanities, NaturalSciences and Social Sciences that require reading and analysis
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
9/58
Biological Sciences
Tests problem-solving ability and knowledge inorganic chemistry and biology.
52 questions:
7 passage-based sets of questionso 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
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
10/58
Trial Section (NEW!)
VOLUNTARY!Owing to the change in 2015, this section willhelp build the next version of the MCAT.
Last Section
45 minutes
32 new questionso biochemistry, biology, chemistry, physics,
psychology, and sociology
$30 Amazon.com Gift Cardo emailed 3-4 weeks after
o Will get feedback on results
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
11/58
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
12/58
Preparation for the MCAT
Individual study: Test prep books, practice exams
Pros
o Flexible, tailored to student's needs
o Inexpensive Cons
o Easy to procrastinate & fall behind
o
Difficult to structureo Knowledge of instructor (self)
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
13/58
Preparation for the MCAT
Group Study: Groups of 2 or more
Pros:
o Gain support, encouragement, feedback
from peers Cons:
o Difficult to coordinate and manage
o Easy to fall behind with group meetings
o Difficult to maintain focus
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
14/58
Preparation for the MCAT
Commercial Test Prep: Classroom in-personcourse, online course
Pros:
o Led by trained instructoro Structured
o Online or in-person
Cons:o Expensive
o Designed for general population, notpersonalized
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
15/58
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 andincrease speed
4. Take the full length practice test regularly
-Builds endurance!
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
16/58
How to Take a Commercial Prep
Show up
Do the worko Take advantage of opportunities
Course alone will not get you where youwant to beo Still must study on your own
o Study what you need to
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
17/58
Knowledge Based vs. Skills Based
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Building connections
Reading Comprehension: Verbal Reasoning
Biological Sciences
Physical Sciences
Facts
Equations
Rules
Theories:
Biological Sciences
Physical Sciences
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
18/58
Tips!
Study early!o Build stamina! Take frequent practice tests
Answer every questiono No penalty for guessing
o Use process of elimination
Prepare for the Verbal Section
One course load lesso 10-12 hr/week
Scores are usually 3-5 points below what you canachieve on the practice test
Prepare for the day
Do your best the first timeo
Every program evaluates MCAT scores differently
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
19/58
Sample Questions
Physical Sciences: General Chemistry
Among the halogens F2, Cl2, Br2, I2, anincrease in which of the following types of
intermolecular forces causes an increase inboiling point going down the group?
A) dipole-dipole forces
B) ion-dipole forcesC) ion-induced dipole forces
D) London dispersion forces*Gathered from The Offical Guide to the MCAT Exam, 2009 Edition
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
20/58
Sample Questions
Correct Answer: D
Among the halogens considered, the boiling pointincreases going down the group because of anincrease in London dispersion forces, which arecaused by momentary electron cloud distortions.
Difficulty level: Medium (55%)
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
21/58
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 sD) 20 s
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
22/58
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/s2acceleration. 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%)
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
23/58
Sample Questions
Verbal ReasoningContent Category: Social Sciences
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
24/58
Sample Questions
Verbal ReasoningSuppose that a particular group of people usesmetaphors that reference mechanical objects todescribe living creatures. Based on the reasoning in
the passage, these people would most likely believethat:
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
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
25/58
Sample Questions
Correct Answer: B
The second paragraph states, "As for things in themineral realm, anatomical metaphors, such as
foothills and headlands,...make them all seemfamiliar and personal. Indeed, language trickspeople into believing that...[inanimate things] are allin some sense alive." Thus, if people were to refer to
living creatures using mechanical metaphors, thenthey would most likely be tricked into believing thatliving creatures are in some sense mechanical.
Difficulty level: Hard (40%)
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
26/58
Sample Questions
Biological Sciences: Biology
During the respiratory cycle, contraction of thediaphragm causes:
A) exhalation
B) elevation of the ribs
C) the intrapleural pressure to increase
D) the intra-alveolar pressure to decrease
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
27/58
Sample Questions
Correct Answer: D
Contraction of the respiratory diaphragm causesit to move downward, thus increasing thevolume of the thoracic cavity. This causes adecrease in the intrapleural pressure.Expansion of the thoracic cavity causes the
lungs to expand, which causes the intra-alveolar pressure to decrease belowatmospheric pressure & draw air into the lungs.
Difficulty: Hard (30%)
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
28/58
Sample Questions
Biological Sciences: Organic Chemistry
Which of the following carboxylic acids willhave the lowest pKa?
A) 2-methylbutyric acid
B) 3-chlorobutyric acid
C) 2-ethylbutyric acid
D) 3-bromobutyric acid
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
29/58
Sample Questions
Correct Answer: B
A substituent has an inductive effect on the acidity ofthe carboxyl group. An electron withdrawing
substituent reduces electron density of thecarboxyl group and increases the acidity. A moreelectron withdrawing substituent reduces theelectron density of the carboxyl group further;
thus, the hydrogen becomes even more acidic. Thecloser the substituent is to the carboxyl group, thestronger the inductive effect.
Difficulty level: Medium (55%)
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
30/58
MCAT Logistics
Fee Assistance Program
MCAT Registration & Testing Centers
Preparing for the Day
Test Day
Scoring
Void/Retakes
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
31/58
Fee Assistance Program
For students who are unable to take MCATwithout financial assistance
o Reduced MCAT registration fee ($270 $100)
o Free MSAR online accesso Waiver for all AMCAS fees (up to 14 schools)
o Does not include waiver for individual schools
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
32/58
Am I Eligible for FAP?
Based on US Dept. of Health & Human Servicespoverty guidelines, applicants with 2012 totalfamily income at or below three times the
federal poverty level for their family size intheir state are eligible
Ex) Family of 4 in Hawaii: $26,510
$26,510 x 3 = $79,530 (must be at or below)
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
33/58
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
34/58
Timeline
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
35/58
Registering for the MCAT
Register online at www.aamc.org
Test dates offered from January to
Septembero Offered in the morning (AM), afternoon (PM), or
both (Double Day)
Registration Feeso Regular: $270
o Late registration: $75 additional fee
o Date reschedule: $90 additional fee
http://www.aamc.org/http://www.aamc.org/http://www.aamc.org/http://www.aamc.org/7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
36/58
When Should You Take it?
Available: from January 24th toSeptember 12th
Some schools do not accept Septemberdates!
January test dates are only for upcoming
cycle
Best before the end of June
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
37/58
MCAT 2013 Schedule
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
38/58
MCAT Oahu Testing Centers
Educational Testing Services (ETS)University of Hawaii at Manoa
2600 Campus Road
QLCSS 307Honolulu, HI 96822
Prometric Test Center
1130 N Nimitz Highway
Suite B297
Honolulu, HI 96817
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
39/58
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
40/58
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
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
41/58
Test Day
Breakfast!o Whole grain carbs balanced by protein
Arrive earlyo At least 30 min prior
Security measures/photo taken/fingerprints
What to bring?
Where to store it?
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
42/58
Items Permitted In
In Test Room:
Current Photo ID
Earplugs
Center Provided:
Paper and Pencil
Locker Key
On Break: Food, water, and
medication
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
43/58
What Not to Bring?
Cell Phone
Electronic Deviceo 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 havebrought as the bag must remain in thelocker at all time.
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
44/58
Sample MCAT Interface
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
45/58
Scoring
Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning and BiologicalSciences
Scored from 1 (lowest) to 15 (highest)
Raw scores are converted to a scale thatconsiders the level of difficulty of the testquestions 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
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
46/58
To void or not to void?
I wish to have my MCAT exam scored
I wish to VOID my MCAT exam
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
47/58
Things to Consider
Is this an accurate representation of where you arenow?
How far are you in regards to the application cycle?
If I retake this test will I have enough time to prepareand do better?
Can I afford to retake this test?
How will the schools look at multiple scores?
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
48/58
When should I retake the MCAT?
AAMC recommends that you should retake thetest if:
1. Discrepancy between GPA and MCAT scores
2. Inadequate coursework preparation
3. Misunderstood directions
4. Admission committee memberrecommended it.
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
49/58
Score Availability
Scores automatically sent to schools astudent applies to through AMCAS
Available to view scores online throughTesting History (THx) Score ReportingSystem about 30-35 days after test date
o Found on www.aamc.orgo Used to release scores to non-AMCAS schools
o Able to print official MCAT score reports
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
50/58
Hawaii's MCAT Scores
2012 Application Year
UH Manoa National UH Manoa NationalScience &Math GPA
3.32 3.44 3.53 3.62
All other GPA 3.59 3.66 3.71 3.75
Overall GPA 3.44 3.54 3.62 3.68
Applied Matriculated
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
51/58
UH Manoa 2012 Stats
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
52/58
MCAT Rumors
Getting a certain score guarantees gettingin
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 todo well on the exam
Medical schools will take your highest score
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
53/58
Upcoming Workshops
Pre-Med Panel on Admissions and Life as aMed Student
Thursday, February 21st
5:30-7:00 PMCC 308
Graduate School and the GRE
Tuesday, March 5th
5:30-7:00 PM
QLC 412
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
54/58
Upcoming Workshops
Financing Your Graduate Education
Thursday, March 7th
5:30-7:00 PM
QLC 412
MCAT 2015 Look Whats Coming!
Tuesday, March 12th
5:30-7:00 PM
QLC 412
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
55/58
Upcoming Workshops
Multiple Mini Interviews The New Format!
Thursday, March 14th
5:30-7:00 PM
QLC 412
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
56/58
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:[email protected]:http://manoa.hawaii.edu/pac
Walk-ins welcome!
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
57/58
Resources
Presentation includes information from:
Association of American Medical Colleges
(AAMC) website (www.aamc.org) The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam, 2009
Edition
7/25/2019 Mastering the MCAT Spring 2013
58/58
Mahalo!
Any questions/comments?