Writing sample tips

[rayjay]

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Hey all,

I know many people aren't to concerned about this but I figure if we're trying to do well, why not do well on all fronts. Plus, there are some schools (Canada) that require minimum writing sample cutoffs and there are rumours that schools (e.g. Queens) uses the writing sample as a screen! I don't know where the truth in that is but some of the stats paint a weird and scary picture.

Anyways, anyone have any tips for the sample? I'm not a bad writer...but then again I didn't think I was that bad in bio/orgo until I started studying for the MCAT 😛

 

[aerin47]

Hey all,

I know many people aren't to concerned about this but I figure if we're trying to do well, why not do well on all fronts. Plus, there are some schools (Canada) that require minimum writing sample cutoffs and there are rumours that schools (e.g. Queens) uses the writing sample as a screen! I don't know where the truth in that is but some of the stats paint a weird and scary picture.

Anyways, anyone have any tips for the sample? I'm not a bad writer...but then again I didn't think I was that bad in bio/orgo until I started studying for the MCAT 😛

Always put in life experiences when elaborating your points. That will catch more attentions from the graders.

 

[brado]

Always put in life experiences when elaborating your points. That will catch more attentions from the graders.

Really...?

 

[USCTrojan11]

Yea I thought that was sarcastic. That really sounds like a bad idea. I'm pretty sure she's a troll. Though I've never written a practice essay.

 

[loveoforganic]

Don't stress - use it as a time to mentally relax in preparation for BS.

 

[MightyMoose]

Hey all,

I know many people aren't to concerned about this but I figure if we're trying to do well, why not do well on all fronts. Plus, there are some schools (Canada) that require minimum writing sample cutoffs and there are rumours that schools (e.g. Queens) uses the writing sample as a screen! I don't know where the truth in that is but some of the stats paint a weird and scary picture.

Anyways, anyone have any tips for the sample? I'm not a bad writer...but then again I didn't think I was that bad in bio/orgo until I started studying for the MCAT 😛

The greatest tip anyone can give you for the writing sample is to "follow the instructions." 😉

I know that sounds ridiculous, but I think people just start to free-write. There are always 3 points you need to resolve: What does it x statement mean, when is it right/wrong, and something else... These can be changed up slightly, but are really all the same. It's a clean essay, with an intro, body, and conclusion. Presto, you're done.

Here is a set of samples from AAMC:

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/preparing/writingsampleitems.htm


Oh, another tip, make stuff up. You don't have journals in front of you to site, but you're expected to write a convincing essay, so give examples. You can make them up (apparently, because I made all of mine up... Based on reality, but who knows if they are true or not). I would site situations in other countries and state them as matter of fact, I didn't know if they were true or not and I can guarantee that computer that reads your essay won't know either, the other reader is probably hit or miss.

Anyway, don't over think the essay. Just make sure it answers their questions and makes sense.

 

[jthan]

The greatest tip anyone can give you for the writing sample is to "follow the instructions." 😉

I know that sounds ridiculous, but I think people just start to free-write. There are always 3 points you need to resolve: What does it x statement mean, when is it right/wrong, and something else... These can be changed up slightly, but are really all the same. It's a clean essay, with an intro, body, and conclusion. Presto, you're done.

Here is a set of samples from AAMC:

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/preparing/writingsampleitems.htm


Oh, another tip, make stuff up. You don't have journals in front of you to site, but you're expected to write a convincing essay, so give examples. You can make them up (apparently, because I made all of mine up... Based on reality, but who knows if they are true or not). I would site situations in other countries and state them as matter of fact, I didn't know if they were true or not and I can guarantee that computer that reads your essay won't know either, the other reader is probably hit or miss.

Anyway, don't over think the essay. Just make sure it answers their questions and makes sense.

How did you do on the writing section?

 

[Compass]

1st Test Q
2nd Test R
3rd Test R

Write well. I'm not a fan of outlining when I only have 30 minutes. I usually have a general idea of where I'm going as soon as I read the prompt. That being said, knowing examples prior to the test is helpful. As silly as it sounds, you could theoretically tackle a large amount of topics by discussing, for example, the ethics of offshore oil drilling *cough* or strip mining.

The topics I've had are usually very forgiving in providing some sort of possible topic to write about. I have yet to encounter a practice or a real question where I've sat there and simply said "What the heck am I going to write about with this?" I've had a few where I would bumble through the first paragraph before taking off in 2 and 3, but never one where I was just stumped and wanted to apply my forehead to the monitor. As long sas you have a topic to write about, you should be fine typing away your ideas until you're out and then edit your essay to be more accurate within the allotted time. That being said, 20 minutes of writing and 10 minutes of proofreading and editing should be more than enough.

It wasn't like I was writing enormous paragraphs, either. Each paragraph was about 10-12 sentences answering each question.

 

[Excelsius]

Having a cogent, succinct argument will definitely help; however, I think that the top grades are separated from the lower ones not just by content, but also by your grammar and vocabulary utilization. Just like in an English class, being a bit grandiloquent can get you extra points, whether using advanced vocabulary or technical jargon (you'd need to define the latter). Nevertheless, stay away from using big words or grammatical rules that you have not mastered since it can be worse than not using them.

 

[MightyMoose]

how did you do on the writing section?

s

 

[MightyMoose]

Having a cogent, succinct argument will definitely help; however, I think that the top grades are separated from the lower ones not just by content, but also by your grammar and vocabulary utilization. Just like in an English class, being a bit grandiloquent can get you extra points, whether using advanced vocabulary or technical jargon (you'd need to define the latter). Nevertheless, stay away from using big words or grammatical rules that you have not mastered since it can be worse than not using them.

I think it's better to keep it simple. It is not necessary to bust out a King Kong sized vernacular. Just keep your points logical, supported, and fluid and you should be fine.

Most people who try to use big words just aren't smart enough to state the same thing in layman's terms.

 

[aerin47]

Really...?

You need to be able to think a lot faster than you could type on the screen to minimize unnecessary idling time. Obviously, writing something you've seen and experienced would not only speed that up but put your discussion in a more elaborative and convincing manner. Just my opinion.

 

[rayjay]

Thanks for all the responses.
What I'm getting a bit worried about is how to define statement x. For instance this was my most recent prompt (AAMC 10):


Laws are not an effective means of achieving social change.


How do you "define" that? I started out by defining a law and what I considered social change and what I deemed to be "effective". Then I gave an example where I thought the opposite of this statement followed by a paragraph where I agreed with the statement. My final paragraph was almost a summary and then a concluding statement.

Can someone give me an example of how they start off an essay like this? I'm just confused about the define part. Are you actually going to try and give a websters dictionary definition of "law" (I know you don't have a dict. in front of you). If anyone can offer a brief example on this I'd appreciate it.

 

[fullset]

I have the hardest time in "what determines" i.e task # 3. Any suggestions?

 

[Compass]

Thanks for all the responses.
Laws are not an effective means of achieving social change.

My P1:
Many cases in history have shown that laws are not an effective means of achieving social change. During the Prohibition Act of the 1920s, for example, production and consumption of alcohol were banned by Constitutional Amendment by Congress in hopes of curbing alcoholism and perceived unfaithful acts by many religious groups throughout the United States. Many of these groups believed that targeting and banning alcohol would be the most effective way of completely stopping any alcohol-related issues and rapidly curb America's addiction to spirits of a non-religious nature. Ironically, the Prohibition era resulted in underground distilleries as people began to produce their own alcohol behind closed doors and underground bars sprung throughout the United States. During the high point of Prohibition, it was even said that a bar could be found in most cities in less than a minute, and oftentimes even the policemen charged with enforcing the law would assist common citizens in finding their tastes. The plan was so unsuccessful at curbing social change in regards to eliminating the consumption of alcohol that Prohibition was repealed within a decade, and showed that people weren't only likely willing to break the law if they felt it was unfair, but they were willing to break the law to continue their social norms of drinking for enjoyment.

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I've been out of practice, but that's what I would have responded to the essay prompt you've provided. There are several examples that pop to mind simply from social change. Once you figure out a topic, this one can easily write itself. Civil disobedience, civil rights movement, suffrage, Tea Party.

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What determines is more of an ethical question. You should try to find a middle ground. For example, would you believe in the hive mind, where the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or would you reject the hive mind thought and say that the needs of the few must be met regardless of the many?

 

[rayjay]

Thanks Compass, that was excellent. I wrote something along those lines when I practiced but talked about piracy laws and torrent sites etc. Not entirely sure if that still fits the bill but I tried to stay current lol. 😛

My question though, is should have a paragraph in the beginning (your P1 as you put it) that exclusively defines what you think the prompt means, defining words, etc. and THEN talk about your examples? Or is it kosher to discuss examples in the opening paragraph as well. Yeash, I never has this much trouble in ugrad English...but then again there was no formula to writing a good essay back then...and I usually had a few days to construct it!!

Civil disobedience, civil rights movement, suffrage, Tea Party.

I know exactly what you are referring to, but I just found it funny. MCAT is making me loopy. 😀

Thanks all, I really appreciate the responses. With the exam literally around the corner (Thursday) I thought I should probably address a section that I literally have not touched till today.

 

[EpicBearMan]

Make sure your essay is long enough for the tastes of the graders. I wrote only enough to meet the 3 goals explained in the directions. I had 3 paragraphs of 4-5 sentences each. I felt my points were clear and I did not use any sentences or words that I wasn't sure how to use correctly, so I attribute my poor score of "M" to my length. One of my essays did contain negative comments about standardized tests though. I sometimes wonder if this was part of the problem.

 

[MightyMoose]

Make sure your essay is long enough for the tastes of the graders. I wrote only enough to meet the 3 goals explained in the directions. I had 3 paragraphs of 4-5 sentences each. I felt my points were clear and I did not use any sentences or words that I wasn't sure how to use correctly, so I attribute my poor score of "M" to my length. One of my essays did contain negative comments about standardized tests though. I sometimes wonder if this was part of the problem.

I don't think my paragraphs were any longer than four to five sentences either.

Either way, I think as long as you get an average writing score, you should be good to go. I would gladly trade a writing point or two for a point or two in the numeric sections.

 

[Compass]

Thanks Compass, that was excellent. I wrote something along those lines when I practiced but talked about piracy laws and torrent sites etc. Not entirely sure if that still fits the bill but I tried to stay current lol. 😛

My question though, is should have a paragraph in the beginning (your P1 as you put it) that exclusively defines what you think the prompt means, defining words, etc. and THEN talk about your examples? Or is it kosher to discuss examples in the opening paragraph as well. Yeash, I never has this much trouble in ugrad English...but then again there was no formula to writing a good essay back then...and I usually had a few days to construct it!!


I know exactly what you are referring to, but I just found it funny. MCAT is making me loopy. 😀

Thanks all, I really appreciate the responses. With the exam literally around the corner (Thursday) I thought I should probably address a section that I literally have not touched till today.

You really only need 3 paragraphs. All my Qs and Rs were 3 paragraphs. 1st paragraph, what you think it means, cite an example, describe why the example fits the bill for P1. Repeat for P2. C&C P3.

The goal is to get the answers down right first. THEN, you can try going for extra points. Once you have the basics, then you can pad your essay for points. No point in trying extra-hard if you can't meet the 1-3 point mark.

 

[Rayhaan]

1) finish verbal
2) enjoy break and laugh knowing the next hour will be a chill time
3) smile as you type
4) end the section relaxed and ready for bio/orgo ownage

 

[rayjay]

Either way, I think as long as you get an average writing score, you should be good to go.

Not necessarily the case for some Canadian schools (ie. ones that I am applying to). There is even a school (one of the ones I'm applying to 😛 ) that gives you bonus points for writing sample. I think R-T (or a similar range) gives you up to 2 bonus points for your MCAT. Also another school that *seems* to have the writing sample as their MCAT cutoff...a VERY easy way to screen applicants and reduce your pool from 1000 to probably a few hundred.

 

[MightyMoose]

Not necessarily the case for some Canadian schools (ie. ones that I am applying to). There is even a school (one of the ones I'm applying to 😛 ) that gives you bonus points for writing sample. I think R-T (or a similar range) gives you up to 2 bonus points for your MCAT. Also another school that *seems* to have the writing sample as their MCAT cutoff...a VERY easy way to screen applicants and reduce your pool from 1000 to probably a few hundred.

Damn, I wish US schools were the same way... Oh well.

Good luck with your apps. 😉

 

[Total180]

I took the Kaplan class and haven't really thought much about their test taking strategies, so I am skeptical about their writing sample strategy. They say that in the first task, you should just reword the prompt and then give an example...does that seem like a good idea? I used it the first time I took the test in March and got an O, which is kind've low for me I think, but I also know my examples were'nt really great either. Those 2 essays really were 2 of the worst I've ever written, haha. So 2 questions, is the Kaplan strategy of just rewording the prompt a good one? Is there a good way of preparing examples in advance? Thanks guys 🙂

 

[MightyMoose]

I took the Kaplan class and haven't really thought much about their test taking strategies, so I am skeptical about their writing sample strategy. They say that in the first task, you should just reword the prompt and then give an example...does that seem like a good idea? I used it the first time I took the test in March and got an O, which is kind've low for me I think, but I also know my examples were'nt really great either. Those 2 essays really were 2 of the worst I've ever written, haha. So 2 questions, is the Kaplan strategy of just rewording the prompt a good one? Is there a good way of preparing examples in advance? Thanks guys 🙂

I don't think it's a good idea to just reword the prompt, that's probably fairly transparent to the grader, which could reduce your score. Just think about the prompt and explain it. Say what it means, not what it says. Then give some examples. When in doubt, just follow the instructions. If you do everything they ask you to do and you support what you said you'll be set.

I thought Kaplan's writing strategies were pretty good, but I don't remember them saying to just restate the prompt... Oh well, I guess I could have missed that part. I just read their bullet points prior to taking it.

 

[Mbeas]

I took the Kaplan class and haven't really thought much about their test taking strategies, so I am skeptical about their writing sample strategy. They say that in the first task, you should just reword the prompt and then give an example...does that seem like a good idea? I used it the first time I took the test in March and got an O, which is kind've low for me I think, but I also know my examples were'nt really great either. Those 2 essays really were 2 of the worst I've ever written, haha. So 2 questions, is the Kaplan strategy of just rewording the prompt a good one? Is there a good way of preparing examples in advance? Thanks guys 🙂

actually they highly advise against rewording the prompt. kaplan does actually have a good writing strategy, at least compared to their useless passage mapping idea

 

[Total180]

actually they highly advise against rewording the prompt. kaplan does actually have a good writing strategy, at least compared to their useless passage mapping idea

My instructor literally had us pick out words that could be changed or explained and had us make up a statement with our synonyms. I guess he was just off the mark on that...So what is their real strategy??

 

[MightyMoose]

My instructor literally had us pick out words that could be changed or explained and had us make up a statement with our synonyms. I guess he was just off the mark on that...So what is their real strategy??

I think someone should read their book... 🙄

 

[zwitter]

MAKE STUFF UP. SUpport your argument with the 4th paragraph, of the 2nd issue of the New Jersey journal of medicine, issue 7, year 1923.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

I used kaplan solely for my first test... didn't do too hot and bombed it but I got a "R" on it. This is coming from a guy who can never get higher than a B in any writing class...

On the day of the test, I watched 15 mins of one of their lectures and followed their format to the T.

On my second test, used their same strategy and hit a Q, granted not as good as the R but it does prove that it was no fluke.


1) Just three paragraphs with 3 goals.
- 1st paragraph: Do not just restate the prompt but write what you think it means
- 2nd paragraph: Counter argument, write about when you think it does not apply
- 3rd paragraph: write about the condition or factor of when either what you wrote in para 1 applies and when para 2 applies

2) Just like mighty moose, my paragraphs were never longer than 8 sentences each. Just keep it simple.

3) For paragraphs one and two, use SIMILAR examples. You may make them up.

4) For 3rd paragraph, do NOT introduce new examples. Explain what you need to explain using previous examples from paragraph 1&2 to support it

**Oh its a given but... don't forget to use a transitioning line at the end of each paragraph to make it flow more 🙂

 

[Melomare17]

I used kaplan solely for my first test... didn't do too hot and bombed it but I got a "R" on it. This is coming from a guy who can never get higher than a B in any writing class...

On the day of the test, I watched 15 mins of one of their lectures and followed their format to the T.

On my second test, used their same strategy and hit a Q, granted not as good as the R but it does prove that it was no fluke.


1) Just three paragraphs with 3 goals.
- 1st paragraph: Do not just restate the prompt but write what you think it means
- 2nd paragraph: Counter argument, write about when you think it does not apply
- 3rd paragraph: write about the condition or factor of when either what you wrote in para 1 applies and when para 2 applies

2) Just like mighty moose, my paragraphs were never longer than 8 sentences each. Just keep it simple.

3) For paragraphs one and two, use SIMILAR examples. You may make them up.

4) For 3rd paragraph, do NOT introduce new examples. Explain what you need to explain using previous examples from paragraph 1&2 to support it

**Oh its a given but... don't forget to use a transitioning line at the end of each paragraph to make it flow more 🙂

hm why similar examples? and like what would be a similar example??

 

[Flamen04]

hm why similar examples? and like what would be a similar example??

Similar examples make it easier for you to come up with the "rule." It also gives your essay cohesion.

 

[Melomare17]

Similar examples make it easier for you to come up with the "rule." It also gives your essay cohesion.

oh alright thanks!

 

[mrwesticles]

Never forget Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis. That's all they are looking for. Just be sure to approach the issue from both sides then pick the middle ground. If your essay is organized and clear, you are most of the way there.

I got a "T" on the writing sample. When I sat down to write it, I banged out a quick outline then typed under each point. Then, if you have time left over, that's a good chance to pause and think of a real-world example. I tend to avoid personal experience in this type of writing - it seems cheap.