2015 MCAT Information

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whaaaaa no writing sample? how on earth will they know who can and can't communicate effectively as a physician?
 
gettheleadout said:
can't tell if srs...

If srs: Personal statements, interviews, etc...
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Nah, i'm just kidding. New test looks pretty sweet actually. it'll be interesting to see how the test prep companies revamp their curricula. anyone know the last time the MCAT really changed? i mean section/content-wise, not just from paper to computerized test
 
Good, they're going to make premeds take some sociology/stats courses I hope. This kind of knowledge is sorely needed.

To be honest, I think I'd prefer this new test to the current one. Oh well.
 
I think one should urge physics department to add a biophysics course where pre-meds can realy get a focuced training in how physics is important in body functions such as circulation, nutrition, neural syetem, body postures while doing work and how the bone structure and mechanics of body are related.
 
narmerguy said:
good, they're going to make premeds take some sociology/stats courses i hope. This kind of knowledge is sorely needed.

To be honest, i think i'd prefer this new test to the current one. Oh well.
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+1.
 
I am glad that I am not taking the new test 😀 because I already graduated and moved on with my life. Studying for this exam is already time consuming and I can imagine the new test!
 
Narmerguy said:
Absolutely not! :O Did I not respond to something? Let me check.
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I didn't make it and I was sooo disappointed and MAD 😡 since I never been rejected on this magnitude before, Narmerguy. I asked them why too, lol, I had to just to have a peace of mine, lol. I will send you the email he sent to me and there was nothing wrong with my application. But I wanted to tell you about the Rotary Scholarship, that's why I was hitting you up like TWICE on email. Didn't want to feel like a stalker 😛 which of course I am not nor seem like a PEST 🙄. But yeah, I just couldn't believe it. Everything I apply for, I get it. All I do is WIN (DJ Khaled style, do you know this song), that I don't know how to accept rejections since I am kind of a sore loser with a slight Ego problem (so mi parents ah say (Jamaicans I swear)) :laugh:

Edit: I hope you got the stuff I will be REALLY LIKE REALLY EXCITED FOR YOU 🙂, even an interview speaks volume. But I applied to NY which I was very hesitant about in the beginning 🙁 and this is the reason why
 
dermocrat88 said:
I didn't make it and I was sooo disappointed and MAD 😡 since I never been rejected on this magnitude before, Narmerguy. I asked them why too, lol, I had to just to have a peace of mine, lol. I will send you the email he sent to me and there was nothing wrong with my application. But I wanted to tell you about the Rotary Scholarship, that's why I was hitting you up like TWICE on email. Didn't want to feel like a stalker 😛 which of course I am not nor seem like a PEST 🙄. But yeah, I just couldn't believe it. Everything I apply for, I get it. All I do is WIN (DJ Khaled style, do you know this song), that I don't know how to accept rejections since I am kind of a sore loser with a slight Ego problem (so mi parents ah say (Jamaicans I swear)) :laugh:

Edit: I hope you got the stuff I will be REALLY LIKE REALLY EXCITED FOR YOU 🙂, even an interview speaks volume. But I applied to NY which I was very hesitant about in the beginning 🙁 and this is the reason why
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Hey Dermocrat, I'm sorry to hear about what happened. I'm curious to know what he said. I definitely was not ignoring you. I did in fact receive an interview, but we should take this back to email since no one has any idea what we're talking about. I'll send you an email shortly.
 
Narmerguy said:
Hey Dermocrat, I'm sorry to hear about what happened. I'm curious to know what he said. I definitely was not ignoring you. I did in fact receive an interview, but we should take this back to email since no one has any idea what we're talking about. I'll send you an email shortly.
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No offense to the poster, but were you guys talking in some kind of code? I felt like I was reading something written by Charlie Kelly.
 
Christ allmighty, that sounds rough. Do they not realize how difficult the current one is to study for already? They figured they'd delete writing (which nobody practices anyways) and add in social sciences and statistics? Thank god I got it done with before the change.
 
Narmerguy said:
Hey Dermocrat, I'm sorry to hear about what happened. I'm curious to know what he said. I definitely was not ignoring you. I did in fact receive an interview, but we should take this back to email since no one has any idea what we're talking about. I'll send you an email shortly.
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Yeah I just responded to your email and it's a secret message we are typing, lol. I will forward the message he sent to me right now. So I honestly don't know where I went wrong, lol. Have me doubting my self 😡
 
The MCAT review companies must be in a total cluster$%$# right now. Sooooo glad Im done with that already... 😀
 
In a fairly recent meta-analysis of the predictive validity of the MCAT on Step I performance, only the PS and BS sections demonstrated a 'strong' (r ≥ 0.5) correlation.

Step 1 (table 3)
Metric ----------- r value
MCAT Total --- 0.6
BS section ----- 0.5
PS section ----- 0.5
VR section ----- 0.25
WS section ---- 0.08

However, it is apparently horrible at predicting performance in med school.

Pre-clinical years (table 2)
Metric ----------- r value
MCAT Total --- 0.4
BS section ----- 0.3
PS section ----- 0.2
VR section ----- 0.2
WS section ---- -0.1

Clerkships (table 2)
Metric ----------- r value
MCAT Total --- 0.34
BS section ----- 0.12
PS section ----- 0.06
VR section ----- 0.14
WS section ---- 0.07

Newsflash: A science-heavy standardized test is apparently a very good indicator of your performance on future science-heavy standardized tests and not much else. 🙄

Source:
Donnon, T., Oddone Paolucci, E., Violato, C. (2007) "The Predictive Validity of the MCAT for Medical School Performance and Medical Board Licensing Examinations: A Meta- Analysis of the Published Research." Academic Medicine, Vol. 82, No. 1
 
aSagacious said:
In a fairly recent meta-analysis of the predictive validity of the MCAT on Step I performance, only the PS and BS sections demonstrated a 'strong' (r ≥ 0.5) correlation.

Step 1 (table 3)
Metric ----------- r value
MCAT Total --- 0.6
BS section ----- 0.5
PS section ----- 0.5
VR section ----- 0.25
WS section ---- 0.08

However, it is apparently horrible at predicting performance in med school.

Pre-clinical years (table 2)
Metric ----------- r value
MCAT Total --- 0.4
BS section ----- 0.3
PS section ----- 0.2
VR section ----- 0.2
WS section ---- -0.1

Clerkships (table 2)
Metric ----------- r value
MCAT Total --- 0.34
BS section ----- 0.12
PS section ----- 0.06
VR section ----- 0.14
WS section ---- 0.07

Newsflash: A science-heavy standardized test is apparently a very good indicator of your performance on future science-heavy standardized tests and not much else. 🙄

Source:
Donnon, T., Oddone Paolucci, E., Violato, C. (2007) "The Predictive Validity of the MCAT for Medical School Performance and Medical Board Licensing Examinations: A Meta- Analysis of the Published Research." Academic Medicine, Vol. 82, No. 1
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Bam! I agree here. The test can be beat. 9 times out of 10. You just need to figure out what they're asking.

Although, I will say this. The USMLE is a whole different beast. It's a very information heavy test. Whereas the MCAT does have a fair bit of information, a lot of it is on the spot reasoning.

Example: MCAT physics/g-chem passage presents you a hypothetical way to make snow using chemicals you've never seen before, in a ridiculous compressor with 3428487 valves. :wtf:

Example: USMLE vignette says that you've got a patient presenting with SOB with minimal exertion. Patient has pre-existing hypertension and has been a pack a day smoker for 15 years... On physical exam patient has huge jugular venous distention, and pitting edema.

Point is, on the USMLE, you will have encountered the disease process before, and likely know the course of action (pharmacological, or interventional) necessary to treat the underlying cause of the SOB.
 
CodeBlu said:
Bam! I agree here. The test can be beat. 9 times out of 10. You just need to figure out what they're asking.

Although, I will say this. The USMLE is a whole different beast. It's a very information heavy test. Whereas the MCAT does have a fair bit of information, a lot of it is on the spot reasoning.

Example: MCAT physics/g-chem passage presents you a hypothetical way to make snow using chemicals you've never seen before, in a ridiculous compressor with 3428487 valves. :wtf:

Example: USMLE vignette says that you've got a patient presenting with SOB with minimal exertion. Patient has pre-existing hypertension and has been a pack a day smoker for 15 years... On physical exam patient has huge jugular venous distention, and pitting edema.

Point is, on the USMLE, you will have encountered the disease process before, and likely know the course of action (pharmacological, or interventional) necessary to treat the underlying cause of the SOB.
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You say the MCAT can be beat 9 times out 10, but that statistics tell otherwise. I know certified smart people who struggle with the test.

Secondly, a good number of residents have told me the MCAT is the hardest exam they ever had to take, at least compared to the USMLE. The MCAT is just a weed-out test IMO. It's pretty stupid.
 
Chrome19 said:
You say the MCAT can be beat 9 times out 10, but that statistics tell otherwise. I know certified smart people who struggle with the test.

Secondly, a good number of residents have told me the MCAT is the hardest exam they ever had to take, at least compared to the USMLE. The MCAT is just a weed-out test IMO. It's pretty stupid.
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Being certified smart, doesn't mean you will perform well on the MCAT. Notice how I said that 9/10 times it can be beat. Sometimes, people just cannot perform well on standardized tests. Saggy posted the r-values and predictions of how the MCAT correlates to pre-clerkship and clerkship performance... those numbers are not very convincing to me.

I will be the first to tell you that the MCAT itself is a bad test. If I can increase my score from a 30 to a 37 by studying a few more months... what does that say about the test?

Back when my brother was applying to medical school, the late 80s... no one studied for the MCAT really. You just walked in to take the test.

Far too much emphasis has been placed on the MCAT in recent years. Just as the USMLE also has too much emphasis on residency program selection. Ideally, both tests should be pass/fail. Either you got it, or you don't IMO.
 
CodeBlu said:
Being certified smart, doesn't mean you will perform well on the MCAT. Notice how I said that 9/10 times it can be beat. Sometimes, people just cannot perform well on standardized tests. Saggy posted the r-values and predictions of how the MCAT correlates to pre-clerkship and clerkship performance... those numbers are not very convincing to me.

I will be the first to tell you that the MCAT itself is a bad test. If I can increase my score from a 30 to a 37 by studying a few more months... what does that say about the test?

Back when my brother was applying to medical school, the late 80s... no one studied for the MCAT really. You just walked in to take the test.

Far too much emphasis has been placed on the MCAT in recent years. Just as the USMLE also has too much emphasis on residency program selection. Ideally, both tests should be pass/fail. Either you got it, or you don't IMO.[/QUOTE]

CodeBlu for president.


On a separate note....the new test sounds absolutely horrible it took me 3 freaking tries to get a 28R....I can't even begin to imagine what would have happened to me on the 2015 MCAT.
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WisdomDoc said:
CodeBlu said:
Being certified smart, doesn't mean you will perform well on the MCAT. Notice how I said that 9/10 times it can be beat. Sometimes, people just cannot perform well on standardized tests. Saggy posted the r-values and predictions of how the MCAT correlates to pre-clerkship and clerkship performance... those numbers are not very convincing to me.

I will be the first to tell you that the MCAT itself is a bad test. If I can increase my score from a 30 to a 37 by studying a few more months... what does that say about the test?

Back when my brother was applying to medical school, the late 80s... no one studied for the MCAT really. You just walked in to take the test.

Far too much emphasis has been placed on the MCAT in recent years. Just as the USMLE also has too much emphasis on residency program selection. Ideally, both tests should be pass/fail. Either you got it, or you don't IMO.
Click to expand...


CodeBlu for president.


On a separate note....the new test sounds absolutely horrible it took me 3 freaking tries to get a 28R....I can't even begin to imagine what would have happened to me on the 2015 MCAT.
Click to expand...


😍 Hahaha, it's the truth. The test itself isn't that great of a predictor. I made a thread waaaay back when about the CodeBlu school of medicine and what I would do. I even focused on an admissions test.

If any of you know what UptoDate is http://www.uptodate.com/index. Basically, it's evidence based medicine, cutting edge stuff.

Well, I think the biological sciences section of the MCAT is more reflective lately of what skills you really need in medicine. Reading journal articles and being able to summarize the main points are SUPER important. Speaking of which, I need to post an interview story.

Side note: I think the physical sciences themselves are inherently useless on the entrance exam.
 
CodeBlu said:
Being certified smart, doesn't mean you will perform well on the MCAT. Notice how I said that 9/10 times it can be beat. Sometimes, people just cannot perform well on standardized tests. Saggy posted the r-values and predictions of how the MCAT correlates to pre-clerkship and clerkship performance... those numbers are not very convincing to me.

I will be the first to tell you that the MCAT itself is a bad test. If I can increase my score from a 30 to a 37 by studying a few more months... what does that say about the test?

Back when my brother was applying to medical school, the late 80s... no one studied for the MCAT really. You just walked in to take the test.

Far too much emphasis has been placed on the MCAT in recent years. Just as the USMLE also has too much emphasis on residency program selection. Ideally, both tests should be pass/fail. Either you got it, or you don't IMO.
Click to expand...

In agreement. And you made a huge jump in scores 👍
 
I'm actually really glad I get to take the MCAT in 2015..
 
CodeBlu said:
Ideally, both tests should be pass/fail. Either
you got it, or you don't IMO.
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Amen. This is how all the engineering licensure exams work. If you meet the exam cut-score, than you are declared "minimally competent" to be licensed.
 
The writing section is only useless because of how its scored and because of the lack of importance placed on writing by the schools - then when you get to school and have to write a paper with classmates you'll scream in frustration at the fact that there are college-educated people in professional school who cannot write decently.
 
Celerity said:
Makes my stomach churn just looking at it.
6 hrs.... That's a beating
So glad I'm not gonna have to take that...(I hope)
To all you people who have to take this..... Best of luck with that.
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6 Hours?...back in my day it was an 8-5 test with something like 7 hours of that being actualy testing and the rest in break time. Of course, we used a paper and pencil as well...
 
ESzczesniak said:
6 Hours?...back in my day it was an 8-5 test with something like 7 hours of that being actualy testing and the rest in break time. Of course, we used a paper and pencil as well...
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Did you also use newspaper wrapped around your feet as shoes and walk uphill both ways to get to/from school? 😉

I actually took the paper version as well and my hand wickedly cramped during the writing section. Plus the added bonus of having the random "extra" section was just plain annoying.
 
CopaceticOne said:
Did you also use newspaper wrapped around your feet as shoes and walk uphill both ways to get to/from school? 😉

I actually took the paper version as well and my hand wickedly cramped during the writing section. Plus the added bonus of having the random "extra" section was just plain annoying.
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:laugh:
 
anbuitachi said:
wow 4 95 min sections? They get that much more time per section?
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65 questions/section instead of 52. (60 questions/section for critical reasoning.) So the examinees will get a bit more time per question but not too much more.
 
so glad I scored well on the MCAT so I don't have to take this beast.

But honestly, there's nothing in that test that's really scary to anyone who attends a liberal arts university.
 
IMSingular said:
I think one should urge physics department to add a biophysics course where pre-meds can realy get a focuced training in how physics is important in body functions such as circulation, nutrition, neural syetem, body postures while doing work and how the bone structure and mechanics of body are related.
Click to expand...

Sounds like the degree you are thinking of is Kinesiology.
 
The new topics all seem very relevant for medical school. Knowing how patients behave may be every important. Testing statistics and experimental results is a good addition. I've met so many students who read papers for fun (I guess to seem more knowledgeable) that come up with very unreasonable conclusions -- especially studies. Having these fundamentals would help in research while you're in medical school.

I really don't think there has been an effective way of measuring writing ability in any standardized test. On the GRE, changing sentence structure with putting tons of vocabulary while making basic logical sense will give you a great score. The MCAT seems like the same thing... More emphasis on the writing samples would help.
 
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