What did AAMC change?

[deleted74029]

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I see that AAMC changed what was tested on the MCAT around 2003, what exactly did they change?

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

I see that AAMC changed what was tested on the MCAT around 2003, what exactly did they change?

They changed the order of the exam. It used to be VR-PS-Essay-BS. They reduced the number of questions on the verbal reasoning section from 65 to 60 while keeping the timing the same.

As far as content, they said that the BS section of exams would have more genetics and molecular biology tested and there would be a reduction the amount of organic chemistry. Up until then, it was generally 7 Bio and 4 O chem or 6 Bio and 5 O chem. After that it went to 9-2 or 8-3. They also removed alkene reactions from the pool of testable information, although diene chemistry is still testable (not the most logical change ever).

It really didn't have much impact other than hoopla. The only reason those changes really matter nowadays is that there are some test prep materials that didn't update with the changes, so they might be too rich in organic chemistry or not go into enough detail in terms of genetics and molecular biology.

More important than those changes are the changes they made in 2007 when they went to exclusively having a CBT format.

 

[twoinone]

The verbal is now 60mins for 40questions.

They changed the order of the exam. It used to be VR-PS-Essay-BS. They reduced the number of questions on the verbal reasoning section from 65 to 60 while keeping the timing the same.

As far as content, they said that the BS section of exams would have more genetics and molecular biology tested and there would be a reduction the amount of organic chemistry. Up until then, it was generally 7 Bio and 4 O chem or 6 Bio and 5 O chem. After that it went to 9-2 or 8-3. They also removed alkene reactions from the pool of testable information, although diene chemistry is still testable (not the most logical change ever).

It really didn't have much impact other than hoopla. The only reason those changes really matter nowadays is that there are some test prep materials that didn't update with the changes, so they might be too rich in organic chemistry or not go into enough detail in terms of genetics and molecular biology.

More important than those changes are the changes they made in 2007 when they went to exclusively having a CBT format.

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

The verbal is now 60mins for 40questions.

The OP asked about the 2003 change. In 2003, they went from 85 min for 65 questions to 85 min for 60 question. That was the 2003 change.

In 2007, they made further changes when going to the CBT format exclusively, including reducing the time and number of questions in the PS, VR, and BS sections of the exam.

 

[twoinone]

ah i see. Sorry about that!

 

[supafield]

yikes a 6 bio 5 orgo is kinda rough...
as for alkenes, the still seem to be pretty emphasized by test prep companies.... I'm sure they still show up... but in 3 chapters of reactions alkenes make up 33% of them... questionable I think... not the teaching of it but treating it equal to the other reactions

 

[deleted74029]

The only reason those changes really matter nowadays is that there are some test prep materials that didn't update with the changes, so they might be too rich in organic chemistry or not go into enough detail in terms of genetics and molecular biology.

Anyone care to elaborate? Which programs did/did not update their material?