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Posted on 12.06.05 by Admin @ 7:26 am
The MCAT is Changing for Premed Students The MCAT changed in 1991 then started some minor changes in 2003; in 2007, the MCAT will be somewhat shorter and will change to a Computer Based Test (CBT). Students preparing for the 2006 MCAT will not be affected. The following article reviews the MCAT and what is currently known about the impending changes. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a prerequisite for admission to nearly all the medical schools in North America. Each year, over 50,000 applicants to American and Canadian medical schools submit MCAT test results. While the actual weight given to MCAT scores in the admissions process varies from school to school, often they are regarded in a similar manner to one’s college/university CGPA (i.e. academic standing). In applying for medicine at some medical schools, for example, the MCAT score is as important as the four years of undergraduate study! On the other hand, some universities will set a minimum level of performance on the MCAT and then analyze school grades to decide who will be invited to the interviews. Either way, doing well is imperative for most applicants. The MCAT is administered on a Saturday biannually, at the beginning of the academic year (usu. August) and at the end of the academic year (usu. April). In 2006, the MCAT will be admistered on April 22 and August 20. The MCAT not only tests scientific knowledge in biology, physics, inorganic and organic chemistry, but also measures problem-solving, critical thinking and writing skills. The exam is divided into four sections: Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, the Writing Sample and Biological Sciences. The Physical Sciences section contains physics and general chemistry. The Biological Sciences section contains biology and organic chemistry. All questions, save the Writing Sample, are multiple choice with four choices per question. 2006 will be remembered as the last year of the paper MCAT and 2007 is the introduction of the Computer Based MCAT Test (MCAT CBT). The content is the same but the MCAT CBT is a shorter test. Here is a summary of the 2007 MCAT changes: (1) the MCAT will be shorter (approximately 5 hours vs. the current testing time of 8 hours); (2) students will receive their MCAT scores more quickly; (3) the MCAT will be offered more frequently throughout the year (up to 20 testing dates); and (4) the MCAT will be given in smaller, climate-controlled rooms. The official website for the MCAT (aamc.org) has links to practice CBT MCATs and updates regarding the changing test. The Student Doctor Network has a discussion board where premeds can discuss the 2007 MCAT changes. Dr. Ferdinand is a surgeon who as an undergraduate student, took and excelled at the Medical College Admissions Test. Since that time he has been a member of medical school admissions committees, written several books on the MCAT and admissions (MCAT Bookstore), and continues to teach premed students online (MCAT Online Courses) Filed under: Graduate Comments: None |
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Posted on 12.06.05 by Admin @ 7:06 am
Coping With Test and Academic Anxiety Today is the day for an important examination. Your skills at taking this test will help determine how well you do. Academic anxiety can be a significant problem affecting many dissertation students. Many students may have physiological responses such as a rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure and shallow breathing. The body prepares itself to deal with stress by reacting in predictable ways. Behavioral patterns may affect your performance as well so you can focus on the task at hand. If so, there are effective techniques that can help you. First, it is important not to underestimate your coping skills. Developing a calming self dialogue is helpful. Watching your self talk is critical. The next time you find yourself listening to that discouraging voice that is blinking like a neon sign in your head stand up to it! Think of yourself as a close friend. The more you imagine the best the better your life will be. Having determined your ultimate mission of having academic success is non-negotiable. This means that in spite of difficult times you remain committed to obtaining your advanced degree. Be ready to adapt. The negative thoughts may be habitual and it is important that you develop strategic coping thoughts to keep firmly in your mind. An example could be, “I can do this, I have done well before on other tests”. Remember to relax by seeing yourself truthfully and that includes acknowledging and affirming your strong qualities. Rejoice in your academic gifts and your uniqueness. You are in control and need to trust in your talent and your experiences. Remember what your personal motives are for getting your degree. Identifying the behavior that you want to change is critical. Describe on paper the behavior you want to change. Develop specific separate steps that can be taken to ease your anxiety. You have the power to control your stress responses. How you feel about yourself going into a test situation can affect your future! It now becomes important to visualize your desired results. Do not let the face of fear define you. It is important to remember that fear is irrational. It is not based on reality. It becomes crucial to trust yourself and have courage. Do not let the fears keep you from doing your best and be there for yourself when the times are difficult. The what-ifs are the children of fear. They almost always never come true. They are a way of trying to control an unknown future. Focusing on what is rather than what if will keep you focused on the here and how. Make a true commitment to change the way you react to performance anxiety and test taking. You have within you enormous untapped resources of talent and ability. Illuminate the road of your personal journey toward obtaining your advanced degree. About the Author Debra Tullis, MSW, LCSW, BCD is a life coach and a clinical therapist. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and worked in the social service field for the last 24 years. She is Board Certified in Clinical Social Work and is working toward a certification in life coaching. She is the owner of Coaching for the Good Life and is a member of the International Coach Federation, Coachville, and the International Association of Coaches. To learn more Filed under: Study Tips Comments: None |
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