MCAT 100 Success Secrets

Transcription

1 MCAT 100 Success Secrets MCAT Test Study Prep and Review 100 Success Secrets - The Missing Medical College Admission Study, Test, Examination concepts and Principles Guide Gerard Blokdijk

2 MCAT 100 Success Secrets Copyright 2008 by Gerard Blokdijk Notice of rights All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Notice of Liability The information in this book is distributed on an As Is basis without warranty. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of he book, neither the author nor the publisher shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the instructions contained in this book or by the products described in it. Trademarks Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book, and the publisher was aware of a trademark claim, the designations appear as requested by the owner of the trademark. All other product names and services identified throughout this book are used in editorial fashion only and for the benefit of such companies with no intention of infringement of the trademark. No such use, or the use of any trade name, is intended to convey endorsement or other affiliation with this book.

3 MCAT 100 Success Secrets Gerard Blokdijk There has never been an MCAT Guide like this. 100 Success Secrets is not about the ins and outs of MCAT. Instead, it answers the top 100 questions that we are asked and those we come across in forums, our consultancy and education programs. It tells you exactly how to deal with those questions, with tips that have never before been offered in print. This book is also not about MCAT s best practice and standards details. Instead, it introduces everything you want to know to be successful with MCAT.

4 Table of Contents 2007 MCAT Scores: Faster Results Due to Computerization of the Exam...11 Choosing the Most Suitable 2008 MCAT Dates...12 AAMC MCAT Exam Administrator...13 AMCAS MCAT Procedures: Understanding the Steps to the Whole Application Process...14 The Advantages of Taking the April MCAT Exams...16 August MCAT Exam: Best Schedule for Busy Students...17 Average MCAT Score A Basis for Getting Accepted on Med School...19 Average MCAT Scores Aiming High on All MCAT Sections...20 Average MCAT Score A Deciding Factor in Medical School Admission...21 Best MCAT Prep: 3 Ways to Prepare for the MCAT Exams...22 Competitive MCAT Scores: How Scores Affect the Chances of Med School Applicants?...24 E MCAT Review Centers: Providing Full Online Learning to Prepare for the MCAT Exams...25 Examkrackers Working its Way to MCAT Supremacy...26 Free MCAT Practice Exams Getting Ready for the Actual Exam...27 Free MCAT Practice Test: Providing Good MCAT Preparation Alternative...28

5 4 Guidelines for Taking Free MCAT Practice Test How the Gold Standard MCAT Book Helps Aspiring Medical Students How to Get Good MCAT Score Highest MCAT Score: A Big Factor for Medical School Admission How to Avoid Getting Low MCAT Score One of the Best Years for MCAT MCAT 2008 Keeping Things the Way They Are MCAT Books A Must Read for Examinees Considering MCAT Course Features The Two Forms of MCAT Courses MCAT Test Dates First Come First Serve MCAT Exam Particulars Taking Advantage of MCAT Practice Exams MCAT Prep Getting Ready for the Exam Know Your MCAT Results Take the MCAT Review, It Helps Topics to Consider for an MCAT Review The Aid to Passing MCAT: MCAT Sample Questions How MCAT Exam is Scored When is MCAT Available for You The Call for MCAT Score Reevaluation How MCAT Scores are Computed... 53

6 The Evolution of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)..54 MCAT A Brief Introduction...56 MCAT 45: Providing Benefits for MCAT Test-takers...57 Advantages of Having Good MCAT and GPA Scores...59 MCAT Audio: Hip Tool to Get High MCAT Scores...60 MCAT Audio Osmosis: Studying for the MCAT Exam Made Easy...61 Basic Preparation Steps for the MCAT Biology Test...62 MCAT Book: Old Fashioned But Effective Study Material for MCAT Exam...63 The MCAT Calculator Ban: How to Sharpen Skills in Manual Calculations...64 MCAT CBT: Computerization Made the MCAT More Efficient.66 6 Steps to Prepare for the MCAT Chemistry Exams...68 The Advantages of Traditional MCAT Class...70 Different Types of MCAT Classes...72 MCAT Com Basics: The Significance of MCAT...73 Cost of MCAT...74 Set Dates for the MCAT...75 Set Dates of MCAT in MCAT Discussion: All About the MCAT...77 Essay Writing Section in the MCAT...78 MCAT Flashcards: The Cheaper MCAT Complete Resource...79 MCAT Forum: Excellent Venue to Prepare for the MCAT...81 Get the Best Tips through MCAT Forums...83

7 The MCAT GPA Grid: High Scores Mean High Chances of Acceptance Getting MCAT Help is Only the First Step MCAT Online Training: Helping Examinees Pass the Test in One Attempt Make the Most of the MCAT Organic Chemistry Section of your MCAT Course The Meaning of MCAT Percentile MCAT Percentiles: The Art of Comparing MCAT Results How to Pass the MCAT Physics What s in MCAT Practice Questions? MCAT Practice Test: Sharpening MCAT Exam Skills MCAT Practice Tests: Just Like the Real Exam A Good MCAT Preparation Can Mean High MCAT Score The Right MCAT Prep Course Helps You Pass the Test Many MCAT Prep Courses but Not All Will Be Most Helpful Every MCAT Question You Know Is An Edge Familiarization to MCAT Questions Could Better Prepare Examinees Read the MCAT Essentials So You Can MCAT Register MCAT Registration: 4 Basic Tips to Avoid Inconvenience Know the MCAT Requirements for a Hassle Free Registration109 The Specifics of MCAT Score Release The System of MCAT Scoring All About the MCAT Sign Up Process

8 The New MCAT Statistics Simple MCAT Study Tips Why You Should Use a MCAT Study Guide Choosing the Best MCAT Test Dates Changes in MCAT Test Dates The Advantages of MCAT Testing Resources How to Choose the Best Date for MCAT? How To Get The Best MCAT Test Preparation? MCAT Tests: How to Prepare for the Different MCAT Sections How Does MCAT Thx Work? Tips on Passing The MCAT Test MCAT Topics: Learning the Basics The Keys in Answering MCAT Verbal Reasoning Test MCAT Writing: Determining Aptitude for Intellectual Discourse Medical School MCAT: Major Requirement for Admission Medical Schools MCAT: Guidelines That Could Help Guarantee Admission to Medical Schools Princeton MCAT Review Options to Ensure High Exam Scores Princeton Review MCAT: Providing Valuable MCAT Test-taking Tools Get High Exam Scores Using Sample MCAT Test Questions Evolution of the MCAT...142

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11 MCAT Scores: Faster Results Due to Computerization of the Exam The year 2007 saw the implementation of purely computer generated and assisted MCAT examinations. The paper and pencil tests have been abolished by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to pave the way for more systematic test-taking and faster roll out of MCAT results. So it should not come as a surprise that the 2007 MCAT scores were published ahead of the usual dates of release. The computerization of the MCAT exams was a significant development. Actual administration of the MCAT examinations became faster it is now possible to schedule tests in two sessions per day. Students who are normally tech savvy and are accustomed to computer use find the new method convenient. It also enhances greater time management skills. All these have significantly lessened the pressures associated with MCAT exams. Examinees today have relatively more time to focus on the exam. These do not mean that the quality of MCAT exams has diminished. In fact, the MCAT remained very challenging and some considered it as the toughest aptitude examination for professional admissions. Consequently, MCAT review and training centers have changed their methods in providing MCAT test practices. They also implemented computer generated practice tests to match the actual examinations. This is just normal in order to give a more accurate test taking experience for MCAT examinees. Even the software industry has developed new applications that can simulate MCAT exams. New software can provide practice exams based on the format and system of the AAMC which significantly enhance the preparation of students for the MCAT exam.

12 12 Choosing the Most Suitable 2008 MCAT Dates The 2008 MCAT dates of examinations are posted on the AAMC website and a full year calendar of exam schedule can be downloaded as a PDF file. This could guide students in deciding when to take the exams based on their individual needs and circumstances. In January 2008, there are two MCAT exam schedules in the morning of the 25th and the 26th. January schedules are ideal for students who are not sure about their ability to get high MCAT scores. Because it is still early, premed students can retake the exam and still be on track for the normal admission schedules of most medical schools. The January MCAT schedule also provides enough preparation for students who take long semesters breaks between fall and spring. January testing is also ideal for students who have completed all undergraduate requirements and are just waiting for the proper time to proceed to medical schools. Other MCAT testing dates fall between the months of April to September. Frequency of schedule per month varies but in all, the AAMC will administer a total of 25 MCAT examinations for the whole year of Students should carefully weigh their options in choosing the most suitable MCAT examination schedule. It would be good if students can take the exams at an earlier date. Students however are discouraged to take the exams if they feel they have not prepared properly for it. The best benchmark for taking the MCAT exam is still good preparation and not the dates of the tests. Premed students can significantly raise their MCAT scores if they have adequate preparation.

13 13 AAMC MCAT Exam Administrator A non-profit organization established in 1876, the Association of American Medical Colleges or AAMC is involved in the accreditation of medical schools and teaching hospitals both in the US and Canada. AAMC has five constituent components, wherein each elects members to the Executive Council, AAMC s governing body. These are Council of Deans, Council of Academic Societies, Council of Teaching Hospitals and Health Systems, Organization of Resident Representatives, and Organization of Student Representatives. Aside from being involved with a lot of activities towards the advancement of medical science, AAMC is also the principal administrator of the Medical College Admissions Test or more widely known as MCAT. Since AAMC designed and developed MCAT, it has formulated certain rules and guidelines that should be strictly followed during the exam proper. AAMC prohibits the use of any electronic gadget during the exam. These include calculators, timers, wrist watches and cellular phones. Failure to comply with such regulation will be noted by name. The report will be sent to AAMC for further evaluation. To confirm one s identification, examinees are required to bring photo ID s such as school ID s or driver s license. The examinee can also bring sweaters or jackets during the exam, but will mostly be taken off as advised by the exam proctor. Lockers will be provided to secure personal belongings. If an examinee feels that he or she did not perform well during the exam, the MCAT score may be voided on the day of the exam itself before leaving the test center or seeing the exam results. An examinee can then register for another exam schedule but must wait for two days after the first exam. The computerized MCAT can be taken three times a year, though only one test date at a time is permitted.

14 14 AMCAS MCAT Procedures: Understanding the Steps to the Whole Application Process Premed students should understand the AMCAS MCAT services to be able to navigate entrance to medical schools. AMCAS is the acronym for American Medical College Application Service. It provides application processing service for most medical schools. Students who wish to enter medical schools should register with AMCAS. The service also provides valuable information about medical school requirements, affiliate institutions, and information about the AAMC fee assistance program. Essentially, AMCAS serves as a one-stop shop medical school application processing center. After registering with AMCAS, students should ensure that they could take the MCAT examination in order to be considered for admission. The MCAT is the premiere medical admission test administered by AAMC. There are 25 scheduled MCAT exams for 2008 and students are advised to take the test as early as possible. Application process also involves submission of a Letter of Recommendation. Medical schools usually send out letters to competitive applicants. Competitive applicants are those that have high MCAT and GPA scores. The correspondence of medical schools may include schedule of fees, additional requirements, and a request for a recommendation letter from a faculty. Students are advised to get three recommendation letters from their faculty. It is also advised to get these recommendations as early as possible to avoid delays in the application process. The final stage in the application process is the interview. Students who made it in the interview stage have more chances of getting accepted to med schools. Students are advised to make a

15 15 stellar performance during the interview. This stage could really make or break the whole application process.