the almighty mcat: overview & prep - medadvising.ku.edu · mcat study guide aamc fee assistance...

12
MCAT: Overview & Prep Paul Crosby, Cynthia Esiaka Pre-Med Resources o Email: [email protected] o Website & associated pages o Newsletter in email & website o LA&S 492:Applying to Medical School class Utilize Office Hours o Small Group Sessions (Q & A Open Forums with Pre-Medical Advisors available, sessions are not restricted to topics we will address any issues/concerns you bring & there’re usually less than 10 students in attendance).

Upload: truongkhuong

Post on 28-Apr-2018

232 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

MCAT Overview amp Prep

Paul Crosby Cynthia Esiaka

Pre-Med Resources

o Email premedicalinfokuedu

o Website amp associated pages

o Newsletter in email amp website

o LAampS 492Applying to Medical School

class ndash Utilize Office Hours

o Small Group Sessions (Q amp A Open Forums

with Pre-Medical Advisors available

sessions are not restricted to topics ndash we will

address any issuesconcerns you bring amp

therersquore usually less than 10 students in

attendance)

MCAT Blues Video

The contents of this MCAT workshop may seem overwhelming but not to worry take it one semester plan per time

What is the MCAT

bull The New MCAT ( watch this video)

ndash Is application based (Science of medicine sci advancements research diverse patients and society)

ndash 3 sections cover Natural Behavioral amp Social

Sciences

bull Knowledge from BCP BCH PSY SOC

bull Solve problems centered around 10 Big Ideas

ndash 4th section covers critical analysis amp reasoning centered around passages from Humanities amp Social Sciences

ndash How school use the new MCAT

MCAT Overview link

MCAT Prep

MCAT Mini test

When is it offered

- 2018 Schedule

- Mid-January through mid September (30 timesyear)

When should I take it

- When yoursquore ready usually May or June of the calendar year before entering medical school

MCAT Prep Contd

When can I register- Mid-October for January-June Test Dates- Mid-February for July-September Test Dates- Testing Center Locations

How much does it cost

- $315 probably a little more

- AAMC Financial Assistance Program can apply in January

How should I prepare

Can do this through commercial preparation course like Altius or Kaplan or

independently

As a bare minimum work through a book set and take at least 5 practice tests

o Donrsquot buy used or extra book sets

o Can supplement with Khan Academy Problems amp Videos

Recommend at least 15 hours per week X 20 weeks = 300 hours and 10 tests

Set-up a realistic schedule for covering materials and taking practice tests

Review strategies for answering multiple choice questions and choose one

CARS (Verbal Reasoning) early

Give General Chemistry more time finish later in schedule

Parallel Studying ndash if possible study topics for both classes and MCAT together

frac12 Practice tests along the way and frac12 in two weeks after review is finished

o correct answers for questions you missed ASAP

MCAT Prep Resources Some may offer Discounts ndash Ask

Official Guide to the MCATreg Exam Fifth Edition Free Practice With exam Features Mock Exam Day MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials

- Buy a book set from any commercial prep company AAMC MaterialsGuide MCAT study plan MCAT practice questions Mock Exam Day Khan Academy videos self-assessment tools MCATforMe etc

Expensive online prep tools (instructional videos and online questions)

- AdaptPrep CourseSaver Kaplan Qbank (Just google these)

Expensive Prep Courses May provide schedules onlinein-person lecture books online study tools etc - Kaplan Princeton Altius Berkeley Review Examkrackers Swartwood Dr Flowers MCAT NextStep (Just google these)

Some Free MCAT prep resources

Free practice tests from commercial prep companieso Altius will e-mail the test to youo Kaplan under Event Types check MCAT Practice

Tests o NextStepo Princeton Review

Khan Academy MCAT Prep EBSCO Learning Express (Includes GRE MCAT

GMAT resources etc

Lawrence Public Library (many people forget about this option)

KU Health Careers Pathways Programrsquos Pre-Admission Program (includes some MCAT prep have to apply by March 16th and be accepted)

mcat-revieworg

WikiPremed AAMC Practice with Exam Features

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 2: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

MCAT Blues Video

The contents of this MCAT workshop may seem overwhelming but not to worry take it one semester plan per time

What is the MCAT

bull The New MCAT ( watch this video)

ndash Is application based (Science of medicine sci advancements research diverse patients and society)

ndash 3 sections cover Natural Behavioral amp Social

Sciences

bull Knowledge from BCP BCH PSY SOC

bull Solve problems centered around 10 Big Ideas

ndash 4th section covers critical analysis amp reasoning centered around passages from Humanities amp Social Sciences

ndash How school use the new MCAT

MCAT Overview link

MCAT Prep

MCAT Mini test

When is it offered

- 2018 Schedule

- Mid-January through mid September (30 timesyear)

When should I take it

- When yoursquore ready usually May or June of the calendar year before entering medical school

MCAT Prep Contd

When can I register- Mid-October for January-June Test Dates- Mid-February for July-September Test Dates- Testing Center Locations

How much does it cost

- $315 probably a little more

- AAMC Financial Assistance Program can apply in January

How should I prepare

Can do this through commercial preparation course like Altius or Kaplan or

independently

As a bare minimum work through a book set and take at least 5 practice tests

o Donrsquot buy used or extra book sets

o Can supplement with Khan Academy Problems amp Videos

Recommend at least 15 hours per week X 20 weeks = 300 hours and 10 tests

Set-up a realistic schedule for covering materials and taking practice tests

Review strategies for answering multiple choice questions and choose one

CARS (Verbal Reasoning) early

Give General Chemistry more time finish later in schedule

Parallel Studying ndash if possible study topics for both classes and MCAT together

frac12 Practice tests along the way and frac12 in two weeks after review is finished

o correct answers for questions you missed ASAP

MCAT Prep Resources Some may offer Discounts ndash Ask

Official Guide to the MCATreg Exam Fifth Edition Free Practice With exam Features Mock Exam Day MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials

- Buy a book set from any commercial prep company AAMC MaterialsGuide MCAT study plan MCAT practice questions Mock Exam Day Khan Academy videos self-assessment tools MCATforMe etc

Expensive online prep tools (instructional videos and online questions)

- AdaptPrep CourseSaver Kaplan Qbank (Just google these)

Expensive Prep Courses May provide schedules onlinein-person lecture books online study tools etc - Kaplan Princeton Altius Berkeley Review Examkrackers Swartwood Dr Flowers MCAT NextStep (Just google these)

Some Free MCAT prep resources

Free practice tests from commercial prep companieso Altius will e-mail the test to youo Kaplan under Event Types check MCAT Practice

Tests o NextStepo Princeton Review

Khan Academy MCAT Prep EBSCO Learning Express (Includes GRE MCAT

GMAT resources etc

Lawrence Public Library (many people forget about this option)

KU Health Careers Pathways Programrsquos Pre-Admission Program (includes some MCAT prep have to apply by March 16th and be accepted)

mcat-revieworg

WikiPremed AAMC Practice with Exam Features

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 3: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

The contents of this MCAT workshop may seem overwhelming but not to worry take it one semester plan per time

What is the MCAT

bull The New MCAT ( watch this video)

ndash Is application based (Science of medicine sci advancements research diverse patients and society)

ndash 3 sections cover Natural Behavioral amp Social

Sciences

bull Knowledge from BCP BCH PSY SOC

bull Solve problems centered around 10 Big Ideas

ndash 4th section covers critical analysis amp reasoning centered around passages from Humanities amp Social Sciences

ndash How school use the new MCAT

MCAT Overview link

MCAT Prep

MCAT Mini test

When is it offered

- 2018 Schedule

- Mid-January through mid September (30 timesyear)

When should I take it

- When yoursquore ready usually May or June of the calendar year before entering medical school

MCAT Prep Contd

When can I register- Mid-October for January-June Test Dates- Mid-February for July-September Test Dates- Testing Center Locations

How much does it cost

- $315 probably a little more

- AAMC Financial Assistance Program can apply in January

How should I prepare

Can do this through commercial preparation course like Altius or Kaplan or

independently

As a bare minimum work through a book set and take at least 5 practice tests

o Donrsquot buy used or extra book sets

o Can supplement with Khan Academy Problems amp Videos

Recommend at least 15 hours per week X 20 weeks = 300 hours and 10 tests

Set-up a realistic schedule for covering materials and taking practice tests

Review strategies for answering multiple choice questions and choose one

CARS (Verbal Reasoning) early

Give General Chemistry more time finish later in schedule

Parallel Studying ndash if possible study topics for both classes and MCAT together

frac12 Practice tests along the way and frac12 in two weeks after review is finished

o correct answers for questions you missed ASAP

MCAT Prep Resources Some may offer Discounts ndash Ask

Official Guide to the MCATreg Exam Fifth Edition Free Practice With exam Features Mock Exam Day MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials

- Buy a book set from any commercial prep company AAMC MaterialsGuide MCAT study plan MCAT practice questions Mock Exam Day Khan Academy videos self-assessment tools MCATforMe etc

Expensive online prep tools (instructional videos and online questions)

- AdaptPrep CourseSaver Kaplan Qbank (Just google these)

Expensive Prep Courses May provide schedules onlinein-person lecture books online study tools etc - Kaplan Princeton Altius Berkeley Review Examkrackers Swartwood Dr Flowers MCAT NextStep (Just google these)

Some Free MCAT prep resources

Free practice tests from commercial prep companieso Altius will e-mail the test to youo Kaplan under Event Types check MCAT Practice

Tests o NextStepo Princeton Review

Khan Academy MCAT Prep EBSCO Learning Express (Includes GRE MCAT

GMAT resources etc

Lawrence Public Library (many people forget about this option)

KU Health Careers Pathways Programrsquos Pre-Admission Program (includes some MCAT prep have to apply by March 16th and be accepted)

mcat-revieworg

WikiPremed AAMC Practice with Exam Features

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 4: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

What is the MCAT

bull The New MCAT ( watch this video)

ndash Is application based (Science of medicine sci advancements research diverse patients and society)

ndash 3 sections cover Natural Behavioral amp Social

Sciences

bull Knowledge from BCP BCH PSY SOC

bull Solve problems centered around 10 Big Ideas

ndash 4th section covers critical analysis amp reasoning centered around passages from Humanities amp Social Sciences

ndash How school use the new MCAT

MCAT Overview link

MCAT Prep

MCAT Mini test

When is it offered

- 2018 Schedule

- Mid-January through mid September (30 timesyear)

When should I take it

- When yoursquore ready usually May or June of the calendar year before entering medical school

MCAT Prep Contd

When can I register- Mid-October for January-June Test Dates- Mid-February for July-September Test Dates- Testing Center Locations

How much does it cost

- $315 probably a little more

- AAMC Financial Assistance Program can apply in January

How should I prepare

Can do this through commercial preparation course like Altius or Kaplan or

independently

As a bare minimum work through a book set and take at least 5 practice tests

o Donrsquot buy used or extra book sets

o Can supplement with Khan Academy Problems amp Videos

Recommend at least 15 hours per week X 20 weeks = 300 hours and 10 tests

Set-up a realistic schedule for covering materials and taking practice tests

Review strategies for answering multiple choice questions and choose one

CARS (Verbal Reasoning) early

Give General Chemistry more time finish later in schedule

Parallel Studying ndash if possible study topics for both classes and MCAT together

frac12 Practice tests along the way and frac12 in two weeks after review is finished

o correct answers for questions you missed ASAP

MCAT Prep Resources Some may offer Discounts ndash Ask

Official Guide to the MCATreg Exam Fifth Edition Free Practice With exam Features Mock Exam Day MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials

- Buy a book set from any commercial prep company AAMC MaterialsGuide MCAT study plan MCAT practice questions Mock Exam Day Khan Academy videos self-assessment tools MCATforMe etc

Expensive online prep tools (instructional videos and online questions)

- AdaptPrep CourseSaver Kaplan Qbank (Just google these)

Expensive Prep Courses May provide schedules onlinein-person lecture books online study tools etc - Kaplan Princeton Altius Berkeley Review Examkrackers Swartwood Dr Flowers MCAT NextStep (Just google these)

Some Free MCAT prep resources

Free practice tests from commercial prep companieso Altius will e-mail the test to youo Kaplan under Event Types check MCAT Practice

Tests o NextStepo Princeton Review

Khan Academy MCAT Prep EBSCO Learning Express (Includes GRE MCAT

GMAT resources etc

Lawrence Public Library (many people forget about this option)

KU Health Careers Pathways Programrsquos Pre-Admission Program (includes some MCAT prep have to apply by March 16th and be accepted)

mcat-revieworg

WikiPremed AAMC Practice with Exam Features

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 5: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

MCAT Overview link

MCAT Prep

MCAT Mini test

When is it offered

- 2018 Schedule

- Mid-January through mid September (30 timesyear)

When should I take it

- When yoursquore ready usually May or June of the calendar year before entering medical school

MCAT Prep Contd

When can I register- Mid-October for January-June Test Dates- Mid-February for July-September Test Dates- Testing Center Locations

How much does it cost

- $315 probably a little more

- AAMC Financial Assistance Program can apply in January

How should I prepare

Can do this through commercial preparation course like Altius or Kaplan or

independently

As a bare minimum work through a book set and take at least 5 practice tests

o Donrsquot buy used or extra book sets

o Can supplement with Khan Academy Problems amp Videos

Recommend at least 15 hours per week X 20 weeks = 300 hours and 10 tests

Set-up a realistic schedule for covering materials and taking practice tests

Review strategies for answering multiple choice questions and choose one

CARS (Verbal Reasoning) early

Give General Chemistry more time finish later in schedule

Parallel Studying ndash if possible study topics for both classes and MCAT together

frac12 Practice tests along the way and frac12 in two weeks after review is finished

o correct answers for questions you missed ASAP

MCAT Prep Resources Some may offer Discounts ndash Ask

Official Guide to the MCATreg Exam Fifth Edition Free Practice With exam Features Mock Exam Day MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials

- Buy a book set from any commercial prep company AAMC MaterialsGuide MCAT study plan MCAT practice questions Mock Exam Day Khan Academy videos self-assessment tools MCATforMe etc

Expensive online prep tools (instructional videos and online questions)

- AdaptPrep CourseSaver Kaplan Qbank (Just google these)

Expensive Prep Courses May provide schedules onlinein-person lecture books online study tools etc - Kaplan Princeton Altius Berkeley Review Examkrackers Swartwood Dr Flowers MCAT NextStep (Just google these)

Some Free MCAT prep resources

Free practice tests from commercial prep companieso Altius will e-mail the test to youo Kaplan under Event Types check MCAT Practice

Tests o NextStepo Princeton Review

Khan Academy MCAT Prep EBSCO Learning Express (Includes GRE MCAT

GMAT resources etc

Lawrence Public Library (many people forget about this option)

KU Health Careers Pathways Programrsquos Pre-Admission Program (includes some MCAT prep have to apply by March 16th and be accepted)

mcat-revieworg

WikiPremed AAMC Practice with Exam Features

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 6: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

MCAT Prep

MCAT Mini test

When is it offered

- 2018 Schedule

- Mid-January through mid September (30 timesyear)

When should I take it

- When yoursquore ready usually May or June of the calendar year before entering medical school

MCAT Prep Contd

When can I register- Mid-October for January-June Test Dates- Mid-February for July-September Test Dates- Testing Center Locations

How much does it cost

- $315 probably a little more

- AAMC Financial Assistance Program can apply in January

How should I prepare

Can do this through commercial preparation course like Altius or Kaplan or

independently

As a bare minimum work through a book set and take at least 5 practice tests

o Donrsquot buy used or extra book sets

o Can supplement with Khan Academy Problems amp Videos

Recommend at least 15 hours per week X 20 weeks = 300 hours and 10 tests

Set-up a realistic schedule for covering materials and taking practice tests

Review strategies for answering multiple choice questions and choose one

CARS (Verbal Reasoning) early

Give General Chemistry more time finish later in schedule

Parallel Studying ndash if possible study topics for both classes and MCAT together

frac12 Practice tests along the way and frac12 in two weeks after review is finished

o correct answers for questions you missed ASAP

MCAT Prep Resources Some may offer Discounts ndash Ask

Official Guide to the MCATreg Exam Fifth Edition Free Practice With exam Features Mock Exam Day MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials

- Buy a book set from any commercial prep company AAMC MaterialsGuide MCAT study plan MCAT practice questions Mock Exam Day Khan Academy videos self-assessment tools MCATforMe etc

Expensive online prep tools (instructional videos and online questions)

- AdaptPrep CourseSaver Kaplan Qbank (Just google these)

Expensive Prep Courses May provide schedules onlinein-person lecture books online study tools etc - Kaplan Princeton Altius Berkeley Review Examkrackers Swartwood Dr Flowers MCAT NextStep (Just google these)

Some Free MCAT prep resources

Free practice tests from commercial prep companieso Altius will e-mail the test to youo Kaplan under Event Types check MCAT Practice

Tests o NextStepo Princeton Review

Khan Academy MCAT Prep EBSCO Learning Express (Includes GRE MCAT

GMAT resources etc

Lawrence Public Library (many people forget about this option)

KU Health Careers Pathways Programrsquos Pre-Admission Program (includes some MCAT prep have to apply by March 16th and be accepted)

mcat-revieworg

WikiPremed AAMC Practice with Exam Features

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 7: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

MCAT Prep Contd

When can I register- Mid-October for January-June Test Dates- Mid-February for July-September Test Dates- Testing Center Locations

How much does it cost

- $315 probably a little more

- AAMC Financial Assistance Program can apply in January

How should I prepare

Can do this through commercial preparation course like Altius or Kaplan or

independently

As a bare minimum work through a book set and take at least 5 practice tests

o Donrsquot buy used or extra book sets

o Can supplement with Khan Academy Problems amp Videos

Recommend at least 15 hours per week X 20 weeks = 300 hours and 10 tests

Set-up a realistic schedule for covering materials and taking practice tests

Review strategies for answering multiple choice questions and choose one

CARS (Verbal Reasoning) early

Give General Chemistry more time finish later in schedule

Parallel Studying ndash if possible study topics for both classes and MCAT together

frac12 Practice tests along the way and frac12 in two weeks after review is finished

o correct answers for questions you missed ASAP

MCAT Prep Resources Some may offer Discounts ndash Ask

Official Guide to the MCATreg Exam Fifth Edition Free Practice With exam Features Mock Exam Day MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials

- Buy a book set from any commercial prep company AAMC MaterialsGuide MCAT study plan MCAT practice questions Mock Exam Day Khan Academy videos self-assessment tools MCATforMe etc

Expensive online prep tools (instructional videos and online questions)

- AdaptPrep CourseSaver Kaplan Qbank (Just google these)

Expensive Prep Courses May provide schedules onlinein-person lecture books online study tools etc - Kaplan Princeton Altius Berkeley Review Examkrackers Swartwood Dr Flowers MCAT NextStep (Just google these)

Some Free MCAT prep resources

Free practice tests from commercial prep companieso Altius will e-mail the test to youo Kaplan under Event Types check MCAT Practice

Tests o NextStepo Princeton Review

Khan Academy MCAT Prep EBSCO Learning Express (Includes GRE MCAT

GMAT resources etc

Lawrence Public Library (many people forget about this option)

KU Health Careers Pathways Programrsquos Pre-Admission Program (includes some MCAT prep have to apply by March 16th and be accepted)

mcat-revieworg

WikiPremed AAMC Practice with Exam Features

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 8: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

How should I prepare

Can do this through commercial preparation course like Altius or Kaplan or

independently

As a bare minimum work through a book set and take at least 5 practice tests

o Donrsquot buy used or extra book sets

o Can supplement with Khan Academy Problems amp Videos

Recommend at least 15 hours per week X 20 weeks = 300 hours and 10 tests

Set-up a realistic schedule for covering materials and taking practice tests

Review strategies for answering multiple choice questions and choose one

CARS (Verbal Reasoning) early

Give General Chemistry more time finish later in schedule

Parallel Studying ndash if possible study topics for both classes and MCAT together

frac12 Practice tests along the way and frac12 in two weeks after review is finished

o correct answers for questions you missed ASAP

MCAT Prep Resources Some may offer Discounts ndash Ask

Official Guide to the MCATreg Exam Fifth Edition Free Practice With exam Features Mock Exam Day MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials

- Buy a book set from any commercial prep company AAMC MaterialsGuide MCAT study plan MCAT practice questions Mock Exam Day Khan Academy videos self-assessment tools MCATforMe etc

Expensive online prep tools (instructional videos and online questions)

- AdaptPrep CourseSaver Kaplan Qbank (Just google these)

Expensive Prep Courses May provide schedules onlinein-person lecture books online study tools etc - Kaplan Princeton Altius Berkeley Review Examkrackers Swartwood Dr Flowers MCAT NextStep (Just google these)

Some Free MCAT prep resources

Free practice tests from commercial prep companieso Altius will e-mail the test to youo Kaplan under Event Types check MCAT Practice

Tests o NextStepo Princeton Review

Khan Academy MCAT Prep EBSCO Learning Express (Includes GRE MCAT

GMAT resources etc

Lawrence Public Library (many people forget about this option)

KU Health Careers Pathways Programrsquos Pre-Admission Program (includes some MCAT prep have to apply by March 16th and be accepted)

mcat-revieworg

WikiPremed AAMC Practice with Exam Features

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 9: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

MCAT Prep Resources Some may offer Discounts ndash Ask

Official Guide to the MCATreg Exam Fifth Edition Free Practice With exam Features Mock Exam Day MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials

- Buy a book set from any commercial prep company AAMC MaterialsGuide MCAT study plan MCAT practice questions Mock Exam Day Khan Academy videos self-assessment tools MCATforMe etc

Expensive online prep tools (instructional videos and online questions)

- AdaptPrep CourseSaver Kaplan Qbank (Just google these)

Expensive Prep Courses May provide schedules onlinein-person lecture books online study tools etc - Kaplan Princeton Altius Berkeley Review Examkrackers Swartwood Dr Flowers MCAT NextStep (Just google these)

Some Free MCAT prep resources

Free practice tests from commercial prep companieso Altius will e-mail the test to youo Kaplan under Event Types check MCAT Practice

Tests o NextStepo Princeton Review

Khan Academy MCAT Prep EBSCO Learning Express (Includes GRE MCAT

GMAT resources etc

Lawrence Public Library (many people forget about this option)

KU Health Careers Pathways Programrsquos Pre-Admission Program (includes some MCAT prep have to apply by March 16th and be accepted)

mcat-revieworg

WikiPremed AAMC Practice with Exam Features

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 10: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

Some Free MCAT prep resources

Free practice tests from commercial prep companieso Altius will e-mail the test to youo Kaplan under Event Types check MCAT Practice

Tests o NextStepo Princeton Review

Khan Academy MCAT Prep EBSCO Learning Express (Includes GRE MCAT

GMAT resources etc

Lawrence Public Library (many people forget about this option)

KU Health Careers Pathways Programrsquos Pre-Admission Program (includes some MCAT prep have to apply by March 16th and be accepted)

mcat-revieworg

WikiPremed AAMC Practice with Exam Features

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 11: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

MCAT Quick Facts In a recent survey given to students who took the MCAT (Post-MCAT Questionnaire AAMC)66 of respondents used AAMC Practice Tests45 used the Official Guide to the MCAT70 used MCAT Preparation book(s) published by a commercial prep company66 used MCAT Practice Tests published by a commercial prep company50 used Online Preparation materials from a commercial prep company61 used Khan Academy Videos

Challenges to studying 72 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and non-work-related time demands (eg family obligations school)rdquo55 described ldquoDifficulty balancing my time between studying for the MCAT and my jobrdquo

Amount of timehours per week to study30 studied 0-8 weeks30 studied 9-12 weeks23 studied more than 16 weeks30 studied more than 30 hours PER WEEK

50 of students took Intro Sociology before the MCAT34 of students took Intro Psychology before the MCAT

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests

Page 12: The Almighty MCAT: Overview & Prep - medadvising.ku.edu · MCAT Study Guide AAMC Fee Assistance Program D-I-Y Study Materials: - Buy a book set from any commercial prep. company,

MCAT Scoring

It takes about 30 days for scores to post (and you thought Professors are slow)

Sample Score Report Percentile Ranks Handout All scores are reported to AMCAS medical schools including KU

School of Medicine Should I retake Hopefully take once can take max of three times per year

Thoroughly reviewdont take real tests for

practicedo take practice tests