a reply i got regarding e-mcat.com

[dr.kicia]

---

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So i was wondering if the e-mcat.com will be changing to the new format...meaning same amount of questions that the new CBT MCAT will have...the responce i got:

"We apologize for any confusion.

Currently the online Practice MCAT is not exactly like the new
computer-based MCATs.
There is not any type of practice MCAT for the new computer-based
version as of yet.

As of now we do not have any definitive plans of when the changes will
be made to the online Practice MCATs. However, since the computer-based
test is just now becoming more available, they WILL be changed in the
future."

So lemme coment on this:
IT SUCKS 😡 couse now i am thinking more and more about taking the prep course since they have converted to the new CBT verion already and at least i will get a feel of a real thing and how long it takes etc.

 

[RAD11]

This blows!!! Since we won't have any official practice test that simulates the actual CBT, I really hope the curve for the January exam is generous since we are going to be the official guinea pigs of AAMC. Either give us a generous curve or toss in loads of experimental questions 😀!

 

[dr.kicia]

This blows!!! Since we won't have any official practice test that simulates the actual CBT, I really hope the curve for the January exam is generous since we are going to be the official guinea pigs of AAMC. Either give us a generous curve or toss in loads of experimental questions 😀!

yeah i was mad when i got this reply. I guess the best would be to get your hands on FL in the new CBT format from the prep company (the question is where and how to get them without spending 1500+ on the course 😕 ). On the other note i guess that doing FL in the old format questionwise but in a CBT version definetlly won't hurt. Though it would be nice to have exactly as many questions and exactly as much time...

 

[RAD11]

Yeah unfortunately...these test prep companies will be charging us an arm and a leg plus what really sucks is that their contents are not even representative of the real thing.

 

[FLMD2B]

yeah i was mad when i got this reply. I guess the best would be to get your hands on FL in the new CBT format from the prep company (the question is where and how to get them without spending 1500+ on the course 😕 ). On the other note i guess that doing FL in the old format questionwise but in a CBT version definetlly won't hurt. Though it would be nice to have exactly as many questions and exactly as much time...

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/cbt.htm

Benefits of the Computerized MCAT Exam
Computerizing the MCAT offers advantages for both students and admissions offices:

Test administrations will increase from twice a year to 22 per year.

Morning and afternoon sessions will be available on weekdays and Saturdays.

Students may take the MCAT exam up to three times per year (but may be registered for only one testing date at a time).

The computerized test day will be about half as long as the paper-and-pencil administration day, primarily because there is less administrative overhead.

Beginning in 2007, the number of questions will be reduced by about one-third (without changing the content representation), and the allowed testing time will be reduced by about 30 percent. Research showed that a shorter MCAT exam would retain its predictive power.

Beginning in 2007, scores will be reported in 30 days instead of 60 days. Our objective is to eventually reduce reporting to 14 days.

 

[dr.kicia]

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/cbt.htm

Benefits of the Computerized MCAT Exam
Computerizing the MCAT offers advantages for both students and admissions offices:

Test administrations will increase from twice a year to 22 per year.

Morning and afternoon sessions will be available on weekdays and Saturdays.

Students may take the MCAT exam up to three times per year (but may be registered for only one testing date at a time).

The computerized test day will be about half as long as the paper-and-pencil administration day, primarily because there is less administrative overhead.

Beginning in 2007, the number of questions will be reduced by about one-third (without changing the content representation), and the allowed testing time will be reduced by about 30 percent. Research showed that a shorter MCAT exam would retain its predictive power.

Beginning in 2007, scores will be reported in 30 days instead of 60 days. Our objective is to eventually reduce reporting to 14 days.

😕
i don't think you noticed what this thread was about...
We all know the above stuff...this threat was about the PRACTICE CBT MCATs from the e-mcat.com...and how absolutley it sucks that they are not going to be changed into the reduced questions number any time soon, leaving us with no accurate practice materials for the 2007 MCAT.
I think you confused e-mcat with aamc

 

[FLMD2B]

So i was wondering if the e-mcat.com will be changing to the new format...meaning same amount of questions that the new CBT MCAT will have...the responce i got:

"We apologize for any confusion.

Currently the online Practice MCAT is not exactly like the new
computer-based MCATs.
There is not any type of practice MCAT for the new computer-based
version as of yet.

As of now we do not have any definitive plans of when the changes will
be made to the online Practice MCATs. However, since the computer-based
test is just now becoming more available, they WILL be changed in the
future."

So lemme coment on this:
IT SUCKS 😡 couse now i am thinking more and more about taking the prep course since they have converted to the new CBT verion already and at least i will get a feel of a real thing and how long it takes etc.

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/testexpfaq.htm

How long is the test?
After years of research, beginning in 2007, the computerized MCAT will be nearly one-third shorter than the 2006 paper MCAT. Total content time will be about four and a half hours. Though the transition to the computerized MCAT is not directly related to the shortened MCAT, it was a convenient time to make several changes to the test.


How many questions are there? How long is the test day?

Test Section Questions Time

Tutorial (optional) 5 minutes
Physical Sciences 52 questions, 70 minutes
Break (optional) 10 minutes
Verbal Reasoning 40 questions, 60 minutes
Break (optional ) 10 minutes
Writing Sample 2 questions 60 minutes
Break (optional) 10 minutes
Biological Sciences 52 questions 70 minutes
Survey 5 minutes

Total Content Time 4 hours, 20 minutes
Total Test Time 4 hours, 50 minutes
Total Appointment Time 5 hours, 30 minutes

[Top]


Will the content change?
The reduction in test length is proportional across all content sections. Test content will be identical to that in the current paper MCAT.

 

[deleted21595]

😕
i don't think you noticed what this thread was about

Against sounding completely markety, kaplan has had a free practice test up in the correct length, format, and testing features (highlighting, strike through, etc) up on the site for months. It can be taken by searching going to www.kaptest.com/mcatchange

Moderator: I'm not sure if this is considered marketing, but feel free to edit down as necessary to comply with the board rules.

Thanks.

 

[FLMD2B]

Against sounding completely markety, we (kaplan) have had a practice test up in the correct length, format, and testing features (highlighting, strike through, etc) up on the site for months. It can be taken by searching the kaptest.com website.

Moderator: I'm not sure if this is considered marketing, but feel free to edit down as necessary to comply with the board rules.

Thanks.

Is it free?

 

[dr.kicia]

Against sounding completely markety, kaplan has had a free practice test up in the correct length, format, and testing features (highlighting, strike through, etc) up on the site for months. It can be taken by searching going to www.kaptest.com/mcatchange

Moderator: I'm not sure if this is considered marketing, but feel free to edit down as necessary to comply with the board rules.

Thanks.

i know, i saw the test. TPR has it's own too...so this is two tests we can take for free...the problem is, as we all know...that those tests were never representative of the real thing...i do not belive that it have changed in few months.

 

[dr.kicia]

Is it free?

yep. alittle resourcefullness and you should come up to this link
http://66.39.15.240/MCAT/TestDirections.htm

 

[deleted21595]

Just be careful, look for an interface that has real test features, like highlighting, strike out elimination, review marked and review incomplete features, and passage by passage movement instead of question by question.

 

[TheHunter]

Just be careful, look for an interface that has real test features, like highlighting, strike out elimination, review marked and review incomplete features, and passage by passage movement instead of question by question.

And remember that it isn't EXACTLY like the real CBT (trust I've taken it).

 

[League54]

As of now we do not have any definitive plans of when the changes will
be made to the online Practice MCATs. However, since the computer-based
test is just now becoming more available, they WILL be changed in the
future."

That's just not right....seems like those of us taking the test at the beginning of this year are just s.o.l., and they don't seem to care about it. They've known for years that they were converting to this CBT format, so I dont buy the lame "just becoming availible" excuse. Well TPR it is, I guess.

 

[dr.kicia]

That's just not right....seems like those of us taking the test at the beginning of this year are just s.o.l., and they don't seem to care about it. They've known for years that they were converting to this CBT format, so I dont buy the lame "just becoming availible" excuse. Well TPR it is, I guess.

i guess the best way to do it would be to just do FL as they are right now. It sucks because the predicted score will differ a lot (less questions less room for error). But if you know your stuff you should be fine i guess.

 

[commuter9]

Thanks for asking this question dr.kicia. I have been wondering this myself. Too bad it wasn't the answer I was hoping for.

 

[dr.kicia]

well i think if enough ppl will start complaning we may speed them up a little bit. 😀
I mean if we will send them a letter or something we may change this to our advantage. For God's sake they knew that MCAT was going CBT for years now 🙄 . We need to act on this or otherwise we will be screwed. Especially those who take the January MCAT. And since we live in democratic country we can really do something about it...instead of sitting on our a$$es and waiting for miracles to happen.
WHo wants to volunteer for a petition with me? 👍

 

[DrBowtie]

well i think if enough ppl will start complaning we may speed them up a little bit.
I mean if we will send them a letter or something we may change this to our advantage. For god's sake they new that MCAT was going CBT for years now. We need to act on this or otherwise we will be screwed. Especially those who take the January MCAT. And since we live in democratic country we can really do something about it...instead of sitting on our a$$es and waiting for miracles to happen.
WHo wants to volunteer for a petition with me?

Petitions only work if there is power to lose. I don't see a coup of the AAMC anytime soon. Relax.

 

[dr.kicia]

Petitions only work if there is power to lose. I don't see a coup of the AAMC anytime soon. Relax.

...if you just TRY you can get what you want.
Not trying and just REALXING is not going to do anythign and then comes MCAT time and instead of relaxing you will be freaking out(though i think you took MCAT aready as far as i remeber).

 

[J ROD]

So i was wondering if the e-mcat.com will be changing to the new format...meaning same amount of questions that the new CBT MCAT will have...the responce i got:

"We apologize for any confusion.

Currently the online Practice MCAT is not exactly like the new
computer-based MCATs.
There is not any type of practice MCAT for the new computer-based
version as of yet.

As of now we do not have any definitive plans of when the changes will
be made to the online Practice MCATs. However, since the computer-based
test is just now becoming more available, they WILL be changed in the
future."

So lemme coment on this:
IT SUCKS 😡 couse now i am thinking more and more about taking the prep course since they have converted to the new CBT verion already and at least i will get a feel of a real thing and how long it takes etc.

I contacted the AAMC several weeks ago and they sent me an email back saying the new practice CBT MCATs should be available in October or November so you should have enough time to prep and then take the new CBT tests before the real MCAT in January. Also, from the email, it sounds like they are going to change all the current AAMC tests (3-9) to a more representative sample of the new CBT format.

 

[dr.kicia]

I contacted the AAMC several weeks ago and they sent me an email back saying the new practice CBT MCATs should be available in October or November so you should have enough time to prep and then take the new CBT tests before the real MCAT in January. Also, from the email, it sounds like they are going to change all the current AAMC tests (3-9) to a more representative sample of the new CBT format.

wow this is so wierd...because when i wrote them the said something totally different. I guess i will dropp them an email again...this is rediculous 😡

 

[RAD11]

I contacted the AAMC several weeks ago and they sent me an email back saying the new practice CBT MCATs should be available in October or November so you should have enough time to prep and then take the new CBT tests before the real MCAT in January. Also, from the email, it sounds like they are going to change all the current AAMC tests (3-9) to a more representative sample of the new CBT format.

I got the same info too when I called them. I think they're pretty confused 🙄 !

 

[dr.kicia]

I got the same info too when I called them. I think they're pretty confused 🙄 !

I think they really are. I just checked the email i have sent to them and i clearly asked :"is it going to be in the same format as the 2007 CBT, meaning same amount of questions etc?"
I guess either i am dumb or they.....grrrrrrrrrr
I emailed them again. Will post tomorow once i get the respoce...i really hope you guys are right. 👍

 

[Pdiddy310]

😕
i don't think you noticed what this thread was about...
We all know the above stuff...this threat was about the PRACTICE CBT MCATs from the e-mcat.com...and how absolutley it sucks that they are not going to be changed into the reduced questions number any time soon, leaving us with no accurate practice materials for the 2007 MCAT.
I think you confused e-mcat with aamc

I honestly don't know why everyone's worrying about the mcat going to CBT. I just took the CBT last weekend and I thought the controls was very straightforward and simple. The only "practice" i got was the free practice exam (3r) e-mcat gives you when you sign up for the mcat. So please ppl, do yourself a favor and take the time that you spend posting about the new CBT mcat and use it to study your sciences. 👍

 

[dr.kicia]

I honestly don't know why everyone's worrying about the mcat going to CBT. I just took the CBT last weekend and I thought the controls was very straightforward and simple. The only "practice" i got was the free practice exam (3r) e-mcat gives you when you sign up for the mcat. So please ppl, do yourself a favor and take the time that you spend posting about the new CBT mcat and use it to study your sciences. 👍

well and you should spend time for reading the thread before posting. No one here is worried about MCAT going CBT, in fact we are very happy because of that. What we were worying about is that the 2007 MCAT will not be what you have taken this past Saturday because it will be cut in the amount of questions by 1/3. And the fact that e-mcat.com stated that they have CBTs but they are not the right lenght makes a huge difference in predicting your score or even practicing for time related issues etc.
It's very simple MCAT 2007 less questions=less room for error. So i think we have quite a good reason to worry about not having the right CBT format MCATs to practice on.

 

[League54]

I honestly don't know why everyone's worrying about the mcat going to CBT. I just took the CBT last weekend and I thought the controls was very straightforward and simple. The only "practice" i got was the free practice exam (3r) e-mcat gives you when you sign up for the mcat. So please ppl, do yourself a favor and take the time that you spend posting about the new CBT mcat and use it to study your sciences. 👍

Thanks for the wise advice 😳

 

[Pdiddy310]

well and you should spend time for reading the thread before posting. No one here is worried about MCAT going CBT, in fact we are very happy because of that. What we were worying about is that the 2007 MCAT will not be what you have taken this past Saturday because it will be cut in the amount of questions by 1/3. And the fact that e-mcat.com stated that they have CBTs but they are not the right lenght makes a huge difference in predicting your score or even practicing for time related issues etc.
It's very simple MCAT 2007 less questions=less room for error. So i think we have quite a good reason to worry about not having the right CBT format MCATs to practice on.

So if they dec the # of questions by 1/3, this will affect everyone and they will scale the scores accordingly. Also, less questions doesn't necessarily mean less room for error. Honestly, I think it will play to your advantage b/c of less mental fatigue.

 

[dr.kicia]

So if they dec the # of questions by 1/3, this will affect everyone and they will scale the scores accordingly. Also, less questions doesn't necessarily mean less room for error. Honestly, I think it will play to your advantage b/c of less mental fatigue.

i agree with you but this thread was not about mcat 2007 but about adequate practice materials for the mcat 2007.
Obviously if you want to practice and feel good for the MCAT then you should take a real-like MCAT practice....meaning...not the old, long version of it but the one that will have 1/3 less of questions and the same material tested.
This is what this whole thread was about...about e-mcat.com not updating for the new version.

 

[League54]

Easy guys and gals, EASY 😍

 

[Pdiddy310]

i agree with you but this thread was not about mcat 2007 but about adequate practice materials for the mcat 2007.
Obviously if you want to practice and feel good for the MCAT then you should take a real-like MCAT practice....meaning...not the old, long version of it but the one that will have 1/3 less of questions and the same material tested.
This is what this whole thread was about...about e-mcat.com not updating for the new version.

How does a marathon runner train for a marathon? By working his/her way up to running MORE than the required 26 miles. If you take the longer practice MCATs in prep for a shorter MCAT, you'll more than likely find the shorter version to be somewhat easy. With that being said, I believe the practice material available today is more than enough for a supposedly shorter mcat.

 

[dr.kicia]

ok so as i promissed i emailed them one more time. Here is what i wrote:
Hello,
>I am very confused now since one of my friends have received a
different
>answear form you guys (he was told that there would be a change in all
>the current AAMC tests (3-9) to a more representative sample of the
new
>CBT format.)
>All i wanted to find out was when the new format CBT MCATs will be
>available on the e-mcat.com and if their format will be similiar to
the
>2007 MCAT (meaning same amount of questions). I will greatly
appreciate
>any information.
....................................................................

here is what i got in responce:

Hello XXXXXXX,

We apologize for the confusion.

We do NOT know exactly when the new format will be available.

In the future, there WILL be tests available that are similar in format
to the 2007 MCAT, we just don't know when.

Please let us know if you need further assistance.

Thank you,
XXX- MCAT Support
--
Technical Support
[email protected]

..............................................................
Summary:
AAMC SUCKS! 😡

 

[RAD11]

ok so as i promissed i emailed them one more time. Here is what i wrote:
Hello,
>I am very confused now since one of my friends have received a
different
>answear form you guys (he was told that there would be a change in all
>the current AAMC tests (3-9) to a more representative sample of the
new
>CBT format.)
>All i wanted to find out was when the new format CBT MCATs will be
>available on the e-mcat.com and if their format will be similiar to
the
>2007 MCAT (meaning same amount of questions). I will greatly
appreciate
>any information.
....................................................................

here is what i got in responce:

Hello XXXXXXX,

We apologize for the confusion.

We do NOT know exactly when the new format will be available.

In the future, there WILL be tests available that are similar in format
to the 2007 MCAT, we just don't know when.

Please let us know if you need further assistance.

Thank you,
XXX- MCAT Support
--
Technical Support
[email protected]

..............................................................
Summary:
AAMC SUCKS! 😡

That's just freakin great. Yeah in the future, meaning after the January exam 😡 . You're lucky you're taking the April.

 

[dr.kicia]

That's just freakin great. Yeah in the future, meaning after the January exam 😡 . You're lucky you're taking the April.

why don't you do the same. You will still have your results before they open applications process. That is why i am doing in in April or even May. I just want to make sure i am prepared and that i will take it ONLY once. I may even change to June. I think that having great score is much more important then getting your appl out the first day. Applying in mid August is even still eraly (so i could even take it in July) so why rush so much. Just my $0.02

 

[RAD11]

Well, the thing is I was supposed to take it in August (this is will be my 2nd...first one in April 2005), but I didn't feel ready due to my inconsistent verbal score. I just don't want to put it off any longer 'cause I don't know how much longer I can stand studying for this thing.


P.S. I'm already out of school.

 

[dr.kicia]

Well, the thing is I was supposed to take it in August (this is will be my 2nd...first one in April 2005), but I didn't feel ready due to my inconsistent verbal score. I just don't want to put it off any longer 'cause I don't know how much longer I can stand studying for this thing.


P.S. I'm already out of school.

oh...yeah then this makes more sense since you can just make it like the one big class you are taking. bUt to be honest with you, especially since you are taking it for the second time you should make sure this is you LAST one. Which means that if e-mcat.com is not updated and you do not really know where you stand then take it later. You will be applying for 2008 anyways. And you can just give yourself like a 2 month brake now and then comback to studying fresh and with e-mcat.com CBTs...

 

[League54]

..............................................................
Summary:
AAMC SUCKS! 😡

Thanks for the updade....I can't believe they're this unprepared. They've known that they were going to switch for years.