writing section

[zonapellucida]

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how did you guys prepare for the ws?

do you guys have that "one" example that you are planning on applying or do you think on the spot on test day?


thanks

 

[wololololololo]

Don't bother studying for it. The important thing is to follow the outline: 1 paragraph for each side and connect the 2 with the third paragraph. It is a good idea to have examples ready to use though. I personally just stuck with the same examples I had for the SAT, WW2 and Gandhi. Worked well enough for me.

 

[zonapellucida]

i haven't been "studying/preparing" for it so im a bit worried 🙁

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

i haven't been "studying/preparing" for it so im a bit worried 🙁

I didn't study for it and made an R the first time I wrote. Keep in mind:

1) The essays are scored by one human and one computer. Even though I've seen some people speculate there is advanced reading software used by these computers, I think it's more likely the computer can't really recognize the coherency of an argument and is looking for good grammar and "buzz words." I rehashed the prompt in the first sentence of each of my three paragraphs. Give yourself a little time at the end of the half hour to reread your essay quickly to check for grammar.

2) As another poster stated:

First paragraph: When is the prompt true?
Second paragraph: When isn't the prompt true?
Third paragraph: How can you tell?

3) According to SDN, writing scores are relatively insignificant in the admissions process. I personally think that a good writing score can't really help your application, but a poor writing score (L or lower) can keep you out. Of course, if you can put together halfway decent essays, you're in business. IMHO, the writing section is just there to make you more tired for the BS section.

Good luck.

 

[EnergyDrink]

I didn't study for it and made an R the first time I wrote. Keep in mind:

1) The essays are scored by one human and one computer. Even though I've seen some people speculate there is advanced reading software used by these computers, I think it's more likely the computer can't really recognize the coherency of an argument and is looking for good grammar and "buzz words." I rehashed the prompt in the first sentence of each of my three paragraphs. Give yourself a little time at the end of the half hour to reread your essay quickly to check for grammar.

2) As another poster stated:

First paragraph: When is the prompt true?
Second paragraph: When isn't the prompt true?
Third paragraph: How can you tell?

3) According to SDN, writing scores are relatively insignificant in the admissions process. I personally think that a good writing score can't really help your application, but a poor writing score (L or lower) can keep you out. Of course, if you can put together halfway decent essays, you're in business. IMHO, the writing section is just there to make you more tired for the BS section.

Good luck.

AAMC says that the essay is read by 2 different readers. In the bowels of AAMC, there is hard evidence that the 2nd reader is a computer. https://www.aamc.org/download/101020/data/writingsample.pdf.pdf

So I imagine the computer is heavily influenced by grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. I imagine it can pick up on logical order too (so use words like "first, also, it follows" since you're writing an expository). I imagine it uses key words to map your essay. At certain points it should predict what you're going to say.

If I were to guess, I'd say that each essay has a general formula. If you display a fine lexicon without being verbose, you'll probably bump the computer favor. You'd probably want to spread that out too. But this also means not to focus too much time on any one sentence, other than making sure it is not useless. I'd also think that you may get brownie points for mentioning any specific topic (rather than giving a general response to a prompt about revolution, talk about the American Revolution). Those who have scored high on their MCAT writing may want to chime in on that one.

As for the human, the main suggestion still applies, however you'd have to focus more on coherency and depth. Which means throw in a paragraph about how the prompt reflects on to society.

 

[macsta]

IMHO, the writing section is just there to make you more tired for the BS section..

I think the writing section is a nice little break.