Posts filed under 'grad school'
Studying for (and taking) the MCAT is definitely one of the biggest hurdles any pre-med student faces, so it’s no wonder students put it off. It’s big, it’s important, and it’s intimidating! Who wants to deal with that?
Once you’ve finished breathing into a paper bag, though, you’re probably going to want to study. Remember to give yourself ample time to prepare (I’d say 6 months is ideal during school… sorry!) so you can take your study time in segments. Here are a few MCAT study options:
Free Help
Maybe it’s because they made you hand over $210 to take the MCAT, or maybe it’s just philanthropic, but either way, the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) offers a free MCAT Practice website. Just enter your email address and you get access to a database of 1000 previously used MCAT questions and solutions, sample essays, and other helpful tools. Kaplan also offers a free practice MCAT.
Price: Free
Of course, the AAMC is not above selling you practice tests, either. $35/ea for 1 year of access. If you plan to sign up for a study course these will probably be included.
Books, Books, Books
There are a huge number of study guides for the MCAT out there, so if you feel comfortable learning from a book this could be a good option for you. They can be helpful, and cost much less than taking a prep course. Check out Kaplan’s MCAT 2007-08 Premier Program or Examkrackers MCAT Complete Study Package, which both got good customer feedback on Amazon-or head over to your local bookstore and flip through some study guides to get a feel for what you need.
Price: The books listed above are about $80 each
Tutoring & Classroom Courses
Tutoring and other MCAT prep courses can be expensive, but they can also be very worthwhile (if you’re willing to put in the effort). Several well-known test prep centers offer MCAT prep courses. Princeton Review’s MCAT Courses allow you to choose between private tutoring, group tutoring, or a classroom course. Kaplan’s MCAT Courses offers all those options, plus the option of completely online MCAT prep (great if you have a weird or changing schedule).
Price: $1000+
Good luck!
photo: be healthy 2 by lusi
July 8th, 2008
There are few things pre-med students dread more than the MCAT (a.k.a. the Medical College Admissions Test), and too little preparation can make a big difference in your overall score. I almost feel like an expert on this topic since I’ve recently observed my husband prepare for and successfully take the MCAT. Here’s what you need to know to get started. (If you want a lot of detailed info, take a look at AAMC’s Official MCAT Essentials guide.)
Know the Format
Once upon a time the MCAT was a handwritten “paper-and-pencil” test. Lucky for you, you’ll be taking the new computerized MCAT which, at about 5 hours, is significantly shorter than its predecessor (can you imagine having to take the old one?!? Ugh!). The test is divided into four parts:
1. Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics)
2. Verbal Reasoning (Reading comprehension, evaluation & application)
3. Writing Sample (Essay questions)
4. Biological Sciences (Organic Chemistry and Biology)
Generally there are breaks between each section that are about 10 minutes long.
Choose a Practical Test Date
Your med school applications will be due two summers before you want to enter med school (so for most of you, the summer following your Junior year of college). That means you need to take the MCAT before then, and remember to allow time for the test to be processed and your results sent out. A late application to med school can affect your chances of getting in, so don’t let anything push it back!
You can see a list of 2008 test dates & times here.
Register on Time
Registering for the MCAT is pretty easy. Just go to the AAMC’s MCAT website (http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm), and click on the “Registration” link. You need to create and AAMC username and password if you haven’t already. Then you simply select a date, fork over the fee ($210 for 2008), and mark the date on your calendar so you don’t accidentally sleep through it or show up on the wrong day…
Check out AAMC’s PDFs with 2008’s registration deadlines to keep yourself on track.
Study Early (and Often)
Since you probably have a life outside the MCAT–school, a job, a social life, etc.–its better to start studying ASAP, and give yourself a good few months.
If you have a busy schedule, I personally recommend giving yourself at least 6 months of study time, and really dedicate yourself to putting in the hours every week (or every day!). If you have a long stretch of nothing where you can study often (like summer break, for example) 3 months might be enough.
Want to Know More?
Stay tuned… I’m planning to discuss some of your MCAT study options & resources as we get into summertime, so if you haven’t already subscribed, do it now! Otherwise just keep your eyes peeled (and feel free to email or comment with questions or suggestions!).
Already taken the MCAT? What helped you get through it?
photo: Xray of Hands by adamci
June 2nd, 2008
There’s a lot more to applying for med school than just picking out a major with “Pre-Med” attached to it.
Good Grades Start Now. I’m sure you know that your grades are a big deal if you’re applying to med school, so don’t be tempted to give in to too many parties or late-nights when you should be studying. Take your studies seriously starting now-its easier to maintain a steadily growing GPA than to try to recover a bad one late in the game.
Know Your Deadlines. Unlike regular college apps, your med school applications will be due the summer before your senior year of college. In fact, it is best if you apply long before the application is due, to position yourself for the best possible opportunity. Learn how to apply here.
Start Researching Schools. Learning what schools look for and want can help you prepare to be a good candidate. Whether you need to boost your GPA or raise your MCAT score, researching now can save you a lot of stress come application time. The Princeton Review’s annual Best 166 Medical Schools is a great resource (the title could change as med schools are added, so watch for that).
Know and Take all the Required Classes. Just because your major doesn’t require certain courses, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take them. Some colleges waive courses like basic Biology based on AP scores, but a lot of med schools still want you to take the class. Peruse the admission requirements of a few schools you might want to apply to, and plan to schedule those classes for yourself.
Prepare for the MCAT by Junior Year. Since applications have to be in the summer of your Junior year, you don’t want to wait too long to take the MCAT. (Your application can be delayed while schools wait to receive your scores). Start by taking a practice MCAT, and then plan to devote about 6 months to studying beforehand. If you think you can stick to it, invest in a preparatory course like a Kaplan course-they can really help you raise your MCAT score. Find out more here.
Make Friends With Your Professors. Med schools require letters of recommendation from both science and non-science professors, so don’t skip out on classes in your liberal arts fields. If you’re not planning to take many non-science or math courses, make sure you do really well-and make an impression on your professor-in the ones you do. Work hard in class, and get some face time at office hours so your professors know who you are, and respect you.
Be Extra-Curricular. The more well-rounded you are, the better (but don’t over-do it-don’t be in clubs just to get the hours). Get involved in volunteer activities, clubs, and organizations that you feel passionate about. Work a part-time job. Get some real-world experience in the medical field, but don’t neglect the wider spectrum of opportunities you have in college.
Photo: Medical Book 1 by lusi
February 11th, 2008
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