MMSRIG MCAT Presentation 2016
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Transcript of MMSRIG MCAT Presentation 2016
MCAT
Alexander McKinnon & Muzeen Ismath MD Students
Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Manitoba
March 21, 2016
OBJECTIVES
Who are we? What is the MCAT?How do I prepare for
the MCAT?How do I take the
MCAT?
2
Born in WinnipegB.Sc at Gonzaga
University on a tennis scholarship
Med I at the University of Manitoba
3
MUZEEN ISMATH
MY MCAT JOURNEY
M C AT S U M M E R O F 2 0 1 2 - 1 4
Wrote the MCAT 3 times during that period
Took Princeton Prep Course prior to the last exam
Studied full-time during summers of last 2
Applied only to U of M
4
Born in DeloraineB.Sc. (Hons) Mount
Allison UniversityM.Sc. University of
Western OntarioMed I at the
University of Manitoba
5
ALEXANDER MCKINNON
MY MCAT JOURNEYM C AT S U M M E R O F 2 0 1 4
Bought MCAT prep books on Kijiji
Studied most evenings during my M. Sc. and wrote a practice exam each weekend for ~4 months
Wrote the MCAT in the fall Applied to U of M, U of S
and NOSM.
6
WHAT IS THIS “MCAT” YOU SPEAK OF?
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MCAT“The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) is a
standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess the examinee's problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in
• Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems• Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems• Psychology, social, and biological foundations of behavior• Critical analysis and reasoning skills
-Association of American Medical Colleges
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THE TEST
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Time: 95 minutesPassages: 10Questions: 59 44 passage-based
Questions per passage: 4-6
Minutes per passage: ~8
15 independent Qs
Passage types: InformationExperimentPersuasive ArgumentContent:General chem (30%)1st term biochem (25%) Intro physics (25%)Organic chem (15%) Intro Bio (5%)
10
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL FOUNDATIONS OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
Time: 90 minutesPassages: 9Questions: 5353 passage-based0 discrete Questions per
passage: 5-7 Minutes per
passage: 10
Passage types:
Humanities (50%)Social Sciences (50%)
11
CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND REASONING SKILLS
Time: 95 minutesPassages: 10Questions: 59 44 passage-based
Questions per passage: 4-6
Minutes per passage: ~8
15 independent Qs
Passage types: InformationExperimentPersuasive ArgumentContent: Intro bio (65%)1st term biochem (25%) General chem (5%)Organic chem (5%)
12
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL FOUNDATIONS OF LIVING SYSTEMS
Time: 95 minutesPassages: 10Questions: 59 44 passage-based
Questions per passage: 4-6
Minutes per passage: ~8
15 independent Qs
Passage types: InformationExperimentPersuasive ArgumentContent: Intro psych (65%) Intro sociology (30%) Intro Bio (5%)
13
PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL, AND BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF BEHAVIOR
Each section scored: 118-132
Max score: 528Average MCAT score: 500Average applicant: ~506Average accepted: ????
(~510-512)Target score: 528
14
SCORING
HOW ON EARTH DO I PREPARE FOR THE MCAT
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Undergrad Textbooks
MCAT BookMCAT CourseWikiPremed
16
HERE ARE THE OPTIONS
PROYou already have
them
CONA lot of extra
materialWon’t teach how to
take the test
17
UNDERGRAD TEXTBOOKS
PRODesigned for
the MCAT
CON$100-$200ishThere’s so much
to choose from
18
MCAT BOOK
MCAT COURSE
PROTeach to the testProvide you with a scheduleAn instructor to answer questions
CONEXPENSIVESessions depend on quality of instructorDoesn’t have good data for new MCAT
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http://www.wikipremed.comhttp;//www.khanacademy.org
PROFREEKhan is advertised on
aamc
CONDoes not have good data
for new MCAT
20
WIKIPREMED/KHAN ACADEMY
Learn the content however you want.
DO PRACTICE TEST/QUESTIONS
These are the best way to study
21
SO WHAT SHOULD I DO?
PRACTICE TESTSBuy online from AAMC (http://www.e-mcat.com) $35 for 1 (there are currently 2- exams) Included with some books Included with courses Computer-based test DO aamc exam as a diagnostic and then again closer to test date
YOU CAN NEVER DO ENOUGH PRACTICE TESTS/QUESTIONS
FROM AAMC
22
FREE MCAT-STYLE QUESTIONS
http://www.bestsamplequestions.com/mcat-sample-questions/mcat-sample-questions.html
Not an exact representation the new MCAT questions but excellent practice
23
WHAT UNDERGRAD DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Physical Sciences First year physics First year chemistry
Know your equations!!! First Semester Biochem
Biological Sciences First year biology Organic chemistry
Social Sciences/Humanities First year Psychology First year Sociology
24
WHAT VERBAL DO I NEED TO KNOWNo outside knowledge is required
WE read for pleasure or for knowledge MCAT reading is for purpose and structure Purpose = why the author wrote what he did Structure = how the author presents ideas
Know keywords Continuation Contrast Conclusion Opinion
25
HOW TO STUDY
Make a calendar/Stay organized Build in obligations Time for friends/family Study in a test-like environment Study at the same time as when you will take your test Practice, practice practice
Do what works for you!
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Focus on weak areas
Read, Read, ReadAddress any fatigue
or focus issuesPractice at the
computerCreate test-friendly
habitsNo coffee during the test
27
UNTIL A WEEK BEFORE TEST DAY
Focus on strengthsEat good meals at
regular timesContinue your
sleep/wake schedule
Practice in a test-like environment
Visit the test site!!!
28
DURING WEEK OF TEST DAY
29
Plan your day!!!!
TEST DAY
Wake up on timeEat normal breakfastWarm up physically and mentally FLASHCARDS/practice
exam/study sheetWear comfortable clothingDress in layersBring high-energy foodsArrive at test site at least 30 minutes prior to your
appointment time Don’t forget current photo ID
30
Printout of confirmation email
Personal photo ID (2)
Snack / Sports drink
Extra jacket or sweatshirt
Watch
31
CHECKLIST FOR TEST DAY
TAKING THE MCAT
32
33
THE TEST
34
TUTORIAL
Can I highlight keywords located in the passage or in the question stem?
Can I strike out wrong answer choices using the mouse?
Can I access a Periodic Table using an icon on the screen?
Will I be able to adjust the screen layout?Is a test timer provided? If so, where will it
be located?Can I mark questions that I would like to go
back and review if time has not expired?35
TOUGH QUESTION?
Do you get points for 2nd best answer?Do you get points off for guessing?Are hard questions worth more than easy question?Are all passages the same difficulty?Are passages in a particular order?
If you don’t know…guess.If it looks tough…come back to it.DO NOT LEAVE A QUESTION BLANK
36
• If two answers mean the same, neither can be right
• Avoid absolute language (i.e. all, never, always, etc)
37
GUESSING STRATEGY
VOID MY SCORE
You only have ONE opportunity to void your exam
I wish to have my MCAT exam SCORED.I wish to VOID my MCAT exam.
Only voided if requested on test day Cannot void scores at a later date for any reason Scores cannot be reinstated at a later date for any reason
38
VOID MY SCORE
Yes, if you… Left a large number of questions blank Got physically ill during test Had extreme test administration problems Shouldn’t have been there in the first place
No, if you… Felt the test was hard Felt like you guessed too much Didn’t finish every passage
39
• Can have one MCAT reservation at a time
• Take the exam up to 3 times per calendar year
• A void exam does not count as one of the 3 attempts in a year
• No shows count as an attempt
40
MCAT RULES
FINISHING THE MCAT!!
41
FINAL TIPS• Practice, practice,
practice• Stay motivated• Find friends•Make it fun•Remember end-goal
•Nerves are expected• Practice
42
SEE YOU ON THE WARDS!!!!
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Any Questions?
PASSAGE BASED EXAMPLE Cholesterol is a structural component of plasma membranes and a precursor of steroid hormones. The typical blood cholesterol level of healthy humans is about 1.8 mg/mL.Familial hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a disease associated with high cholesterol levels; HC affects 1 in 500 people. The cholesterol level of moderately affected individuals is about 3.0 mg/mL. Severely affected individuals have cholesterol levels around 7.0 mg/mL.HC is relatively common in some families and absent from others. Research shows no significant difference between the dietary habits of individuals in affected and unaffected families.Biologists believe that HC is caused by a malfunction at the plasma membrane. The cells of healthy individuals have cholesterol-containing vesicles, whereas the cells of individuals with HC do not. A comparison of the homogenized cells reveals that individuals with HC lack a membrane protein that normally binds to a particular cholesterol-containing particle (LDL). This same protein is found in the membrane of cholesterol-containing vesicles.
44
Cholesterol is a precursor of which of the following hormones?
a. Insulinb. Gastrinc. Thyroxind. Estrogen
45
Cholesterol is a structural component of plasma membranes and a precursor of steroid hormones. The typical blood cholesterol level of healthy humans is about 1.8 mg/mL.
Familial hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a disease associated with high cholesterol levels; HC affects 1 in 500 people. The cholesterol level of moderately affected individuals is about 3.0 mg/mL. Severely affected individuals have cholesterol levels around 7.0 mg/mL.
HC is relatively common in some families and absent from others. Research shows no significant difference between the dietary habits of individuals in affected and unaffected families.
Biologists believe that HC is caused by a malfunction at the plasma membrane. The cells of healthy individuals have cholesterol-containing endocytotic vesicles, whereas the cells of individuals with HC do not. A comparison of the homogenized cells reveals that individuals with HC lack a membrane protein that normally binds to a particular cholesterol-containing particle (LDL). This same protein is found in the membrane of cholesterol-containing vesicles.
46
Cholesterol is a precursor of which of the following hormones?
a. Insulinb. Gastrinc. Thyroxind. Estrogen
47
Cholesterol is a precursor of which of the following hormones?
a. Insulinb. Gastrinc. Thyroxind. Estrogen
48
Is it reasonable to conclude that HC is caused by a genetic disorder?
a. Yes, because HC is common in certain families, regardless of the type of diet they consume.
b. Yes, because HC is common in families that consume low-cholesterol diets.
c. No, because individuals in families that consume high levels of cholesterol are more likely to acquire the disease.
d. No, because HC appears to be caused by a defective protein and not a defective DNA sequence.
49
Cholesterol is a structural component of plasma membranes and a precursor of steroid hormones. The typical blood cholesterol level of healthy humans is about 1.8 mg/mL.
Familial hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a disease associated with high cholesterol levels; HC affects 1 in 500 people. The cholesterol level of moderately affected individuals is about 3.0 mg/mL. Severely affected individuals have cholesterol levels around 7.0 mg/mL.
HC is relatively common in some families and absent from others. Research shows no significant difference between the dietary habits of individuals in affected and unaffected families.
Biologists believe that HC is caused by a malfunction at the plasma membrane. The cells of healthy individuals have cholesterol-containing endocytotic vesicles, whereas the cells of individuals with HC do not. A comparison of the homogenized cells reveals that individuals with HC lack a membrane protein that normally binds to a particular cholesterol-containing particle (LDL). This same protein is found in the membrane of cholesterol-containing vesicles.
50
Is it reasonable to conclude that HC is caused by a genetic disorder?
a. Yes, because HC is common in certain families, regardless of the type of diet they consume.
b. Yes, because HC is common in families that consume low-cholesterol diets.
c. No, because individuals in families that consume high levels of cholesterol are more likely to acquire the disease.
d. No, because HC appears to be caused by a defective protein and not a defective DNA sequence.
51
Is it reasonable to conclude that HC is caused by a genetic disorder?
a. Yes, because HC is common in certain families, regardless of the type of diet they consume.
b. Yes, because HC is common in families that consume low-cholesterol diets.
c. No, because individuals in families that consume high levels of cholesterol are more likely to acquire the disease.
d. No, because HC appears to be caused by a defective protein and not a defective DNA sequence.
52
A man and a woman, each with a cholesterol level of about 3.0 mg/mL, have a child with a cholesterol level of 7.0 mg/mL. Assuming that HC is determined by alleles at a single locus, does this observation provide evidence that the HC allele is dominant to the normal allele?
a. No; HC is recessive, because the disease is expressed in the child but is not expressed in the parents.
b. No; HC is codominant, because the heterozygous parents have a less severe form of the disease than does the homozygous child.
c. Yes; HC is completely dominant, because the child inherited the most severe form of the disease.
d. Yes; HC is completely dominant, because both parents carry the allele and have the disease.
53
Cholesterol is a structural component of plasma membranes and a precursor of steroid hormones. The typical blood cholesterol level of healthy humans is about 1.8 mg/mL.
Familial hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a disease associated with high cholesterol levels; HC affects 1 in 500 people. The cholesterol level of moderately affected individuals is about 3.0 mg/mL. Severely affected individuals have cholesterol levels around 7.0 mg/mL.
HC is relatively common in some families and absent from others. Research shows no significant difference between the dietary habits of individuals in affected and unaffected families.
Biologists believe that HC is caused by a malfunction at the plasma membrane. The cells of healthy individuals have cholesterol-containing endocytotic vesicles, whereas the cells of individuals with HC do not. A comparison of the homogenized cells reveals that individuals with HC lack a membrane protein that normally binds to a particular cholesterol-containing particle (LDL). This same protein is found in the membrane of cholesterol-containing vesicles.
54
A man and a woman, each with a cholesterol level of about 3.0 mg/mL, have a child with a cholesterol level of 7.0 mg/mL. Assuming that HC is determined by alleles at a single locus, does this observation provide evidence that the HC allele is dominant to the normal allele?
a. No; HC is recessive, because the disease is expressed in the child but is not expressed in the parents.
b. No; HC is codominant, because the heterozygous parents have a less severe form of the disease than does the homozygous child.
c. Yes; HC is completely dominant, because the child inherited the most severe form of the disease.
d. Yes; HC is completely dominant, because both parents carry the allele and have the disease.
55
A man and a woman, each with a cholesterol level of about 3.0 mg/mL, have a child with a cholesterol level of 7.0 mg/mL. Assuming that HC is determined by alleles at a single locus, does this observation provide evidence that the HC allele is dominant to the normal allele?
a. No; HC is recessive, because the disease is expressed in the child but is not expressed in the parents.
b. No; HC is codominant, because the heterozygous parents have a less severe form of the disease than does the homozygous child.
c. Yes; HC is completely dominant, because the child inherited the most severe form of the disease.
d. Yes; HC is completely dominant, because both parents carry the allele and have the disease.
56
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THANKS AGAIN!!!
58