Post on 28-Jan-2018
MCAT
Alexander McKinnon & Muzeen Ismath MD Students
Faculty of Medicine University of Manitoba
2017
OBJECTIVES
Who are we?
What is the MCAT?
How do I prepare for the
MCAT?
How do I take the MCAT?
2
Born in Winnipeg
B.Sc at Gonzaga University on
a tennis scholarship
Med 2 at the University of
Manitoba
Interested in: Emergency,
Rural Family, Anesthesia
3
MUZEEN ISMATH
MY MCAT JOURNEY
M C A T 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 Deloraine
B.Sc. (Hons) Mount Allison
University
M.Sc. University of Western
Ontario
Med I at the University of
Manitoba
Interested in: Rural family,
Emergency, Paediatrics
5
ALEXANDER MCKINNON
MY MCAT JOURNEY
M C A T 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?
7
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
8
THE TEST
9
Time: 95 minutes
Passages: 10
Questions: 59 44 passage-based Questions per passage: 4-6
Minutes per passage: ~8
15 independent Qs
Passage types: Information Experiment Persuasive Argument
Content: 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 minutes
Passages: 9
Questions: 53 53 passage-based
0 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 minutes
Passages: 10
Questions: 59 44 passage-based Questions per passage: 4-6
Minutes per passage: ~8
15 independent Qs
Passage types: Information Experiment Persuasive Argument
Content: Intro bio (65%) 1st term biochem (25%) General chem (5%) Organic chem (5%)
12
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL FOUNDATIONS OF LIVING SYSTEMS
Time: 95 minutes
Passages: 10
Questions: 59 44 passage-based Questions per passage:
4-6
Minutes per passage: ~8
15 independent Qs
Passage types: Information
Experiment
Persuasive Argument
Content: Intro psych (65%)
Intro sociology (30%)
Intro Bio (5%)
13
PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL, AND BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF BEHAVIOR
Each section scored: 118-132
Max score: 528
Average MCAT score: 500
Average applicant: 506*
Average applicant invited for mmi: 510*
Average accepted: 513*
Min accepted: 498*
Your target score: 528
* Stats are from the class of 2020 mb pool.
14
SCORING
HOW ON EARTH DO I PREPARE FOR THE MCAT
15
Undergrad
Textbooks
MCAT Book
MCAT Course
WikiPremed
16
HERE ARE THE OPTIONS
PRO
You already have them
CON
A lot of extra material
Won’t teach how to take the
test
17
UNDERGRAD TEXTBOOKS
PRO
Designed for the MCAT
CON
$100-$200ish
There’s so much to choose from
18
MCAT BOOK
MCAT COURSE
PRO
Teach to the test
Provide you with a schedule
An instructor to answer questions
CON
EXPENSIVE
Sessions depend on quality of instructor
Doesn’t have good data for new MCAT
19
http://www.wikipremed.com
http;//www.khanacademy.org
PRO
FREE
Khan is advertised on aamc
CON
Does 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 TESTS
Buy 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 KNOW
No 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!
26
Focus on weak areas
Read, Read, Read
Address any fatigue or focus issues
Practice at the computer
Create test-friendly habits
No coffee during the test
27
UNTIL A WEEK BEFORE TEST DAY
Focus on strengths
Eat good meals at regular times
Continue 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 time
Eat normal breakfast
Warm up physically and mentally FLASHCARDS/practice exam/study sheet
Wear comfortable clothing
Dress in layers
Bring high-energy foods
Arrive at test site at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment time
Don’t forget current photo ID
30
Printout of confirmation
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!!!!
43
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. Insulin
b. Gastrin
c. Thyroxin
d. 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. Insulin
b. Gastrin
c. Thyroxin
d. Estrogen
47
Cholesterol is a precursor of which of the following hormones?
a. Insulin
b. Gastrin
c. Thyroxin
d. 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
57
THANKS AGAIN!!!
58