mcat 2015: the basics for students - the university of iowa · pdf filemcat ® is a program...

MCAT ® is a program of theAssociation of American Medical Colleges

MCAT 2015:

The Basics for Students

Prepared by: AAMC

Presented by: Chuck HauckPre-Medical CoordinatorAcademic Advising Center

Here’s what we’ll talk about:• MCAT is the Medical College Admission Test.• Virtually all medical schools ask applicants for

MCAT scores.• There is a lot of information available on the

MCAT exam.• The MCAT exam is changing in 2015 and what

you’ll study for the current and 2015 exams is different then the current exam

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We’ll also talk about:• Things you should know if you’re

testing in 2014• Things you should know if you’re

testing in 2015 or 2016• Ways to plan ahead for

preparation, MCAT registration, and medical school application

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There are lots of ways to learn about the MCAT exam

• The MCAT program has a great website—www.aamc.org/mcat.

• There’s a good book about the exam with sample questions—The Official Guide to the MCAT® Exam.

• There’s a free practice test—www.e-mcat.com.• The MCAT program sells additional practice tests too.• And a diagnostic test to identify strengths and

weaknesses—The Official MCAT® Self Assessment Package—www.e-mcat.com.

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Additional Information About the MCAT exam

• You can ask MCAT staff members questions by emailing mcat@aamc.org.

• There’s a phone number too—(202) 828-0690.• The MCAT website also answers FAQs.

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Current MCAT

Physical Sciences Verbal Reasoning

Biological Sciences New Trial Section

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The Official Guide describes the current exam

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The MCAT exam is changing in 2015

• The MCAT exam is changing in 2015 to keep pace with recent changes in what medical faculty teach

• Changes in health care delivery, new scientific knowledge, and an increasingly diverse and aging population are changing what medical schools teach

• These changes are shaping what admissions committees look for in future physicians

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MCAT exam is changing (cont.d)• The current MCAT exam tests concepts from

introductory, year-long courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.

• The new exam tests these along with concepts from biochemistry, psychology, and sociology.

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Which Exam Will You Take?• If you are a junior, senior or non-degree student

applying this year (2014) you will take the current exam.

• If you are a first year or sophomore student currently and will be applying in 2015 or after will take MCAT 2015.

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MCAT 2015 (New Exam)

Biological & Biochemical

Foundations of Living Systems

Chemical & Physical

Foundations of Biological Systems

Psychological, Social, & Biological

Foundations of Behavior

Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills

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Biological & Biochemical

Foundations of Living Systems

• Asks you to combine knowledge of foundational concepts in the biological and biochemical sciences with your scientific inquiry, reasoning, and research and statistics skills to solve problems that demonstrate readiness for medical school.

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Chemical & Physical Foundations of

Biological Systems

• Asks you to combine your knowledge of foundational concepts in the chemical and physical sciences with your scientific inquiry, reasoning, and research and statistics skills to solve problems that demonstrate readiness for medical school

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BiochemistryBiochemistry content is embedded in the newly

configured science sections of MCAT 2015• At UI, important to have 99:110 Biochemistry or

99:120/99:130 prior to taking MCAT 2015 (typically MCAT taken in junior year)

• Also, the Carver College of Medicine (and some other medical schools) are now requiring a biochemistry course as part of their prerequisites

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Psychological, Social, & Biological

Foundations of Behavior

• Tests knowledge and use of the concepts in psychology, sociology, biology, research methods, and statistics that provide a solid foundation for learning in medical school about the behavioral and socio-cultural determinants of health and health outcomes

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Psych/Soc/Bio Behavior Exam60% or content from psychology. How to

prepare? Optional courses:• 31:1 Elem Psychology 3 s.h.• 30:30 Advanced Psychology for Pre-Meds30% from sociology. Optional course:• 34:1 Principles of Sociology (preferred) or 34:2

Soc. Problems 10% from biology (covered in biology courses)• Embedded in Biology foundation courses;No extra work need

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Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills

• Asks you to critically analyze, evaluate, and apply information presented in a passages from humanities and social sciences disciplines, including ethics, philosophy, cultural studies and population health

• All needed information will appear in the passages

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The Preview Guide describes the 2015 and 2016 tests

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Methods of Preparing• Coursework, as previously noted• Self-study using preparation materials

• Khan Academy Videos • Test Preparation Materials (AAMC, etc.)

• UI MCAT Study Group • Private test-prep company• Combination of the above

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Learn more by watching this video

www.aamc.org/mcat2015

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Plan ahead for preparation, registration, and application

• Give yourself plenty of time for test preparation

• Register early for the exam so you—• Get the testing date and location

you want (registration opens in October)

• Have time to retest if you don’t like your first scores

• Can submit your medical school applications in a timely manner

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Questions?

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