This, folks, will be the last post in my MCAT series. On the one hand, I feel like a million bucks not having to think about that horrendous test ever again. On the other hand, I do sympathize with my readers who, temporarily, are still forced to depend on the AAMC with their future. In any case, here are my last bits on the Medical College Admissions Test.
Visual Analysis of MCAT Re-tester Results
I was accepted into Medicine, more about that in a later post... I am truly overwhelmed right now. On top of everything, I cannot enjoy myself as fully as I wished to because of finals. I will start posting more stuff after the 22nd of April.
I remember I promised a couple more posts about the MCAT, and, indeed, this one is. However, we will zone in on a rather narrow topic. Numerous times I came across forum posts asking whether or not people should re-take the test. And every time a multitude of opinions seemed to confirm the lack of general consensus. As you may or may not know, the AAMC has (in fact, had) a relatively elaborate dataset about people who re-take the MCAT. How does (maybe, did?) this help us? Well, observe below and decide for yourself, based on large number stats whether or not you should re-take the test.
I remember I promised a couple more posts about the MCAT, and, indeed, this one is. However, we will zone in on a rather narrow topic. Numerous times I came across forum posts asking whether or not people should re-take the test. And every time a multitude of opinions seemed to confirm the lack of general consensus. As you may or may not know, the AAMC has (in fact, had) a relatively elaborate dataset about people who re-take the MCAT. How does (maybe, did?) this help us? Well, observe below and decide for yourself, based on large number stats whether or not you should re-take the test.
on the future and MMIs
It has been a while since I had last posted, but the reason is as always - I had been too busy. Well, time to catch up a bit. I felt like sharing some of personal the news for those of you who have been following me since the beginning (others are welcome to read, but if you skip I will not send the Dark Knight of Death with a rusty ax after you, you have my word. Also, you will not lose any precious advice, since I just mumble about my humble self this time).
So, the news (trumpets, please): In late March I will be doing the MMI interview at one of the best Canadian Medical Schools (this, let alone midterm exams, has been keeping me quite busy).
As a forecast for this blog, I can predict at least one or two more posts about the MCAT, after which I will start a series about submitting your applications. These will talk about writing a killer CV, an exquisite autobiographical letter/sketch, and making sure you don't screw up with references.
Then I will follow up with interview preparations, tips, hints, my own experience and more stuff about the MMI. I hope to cover everything from what you should wear to how to answer the mean/odd/unexpected questions.
Later, albeit out of chronological order, I will be talking about extracurricular experiences, my own and other peoples', research, sports, etc. I will try to get somebody who had done each one of these to describe it in their own words.
Finally, this blog will have 2 possible outcomes. Very soon I will know whether I got in or not. If I do get in, I will (and here I am a bit hesitant whether to get a new blog or keep posting to this one) start posting about my life as a med student. If I do not get accepted, I will keep writing about "getting in" as I struggle one more year until I do get in. Some things are just meant to be. One wants to think.
Stay tuned.
So, the news (trumpets, please): In late March I will be doing the MMI interview at one of the best Canadian Medical Schools (this, let alone midterm exams, has been keeping me quite busy).
As a forecast for this blog, I can predict at least one or two more posts about the MCAT, after which I will start a series about submitting your applications. These will talk about writing a killer CV, an exquisite autobiographical letter/sketch, and making sure you don't screw up with references.
Then I will follow up with interview preparations, tips, hints, my own experience and more stuff about the MMI. I hope to cover everything from what you should wear to how to answer the mean/odd/unexpected questions.
Later, albeit out of chronological order, I will be talking about extracurricular experiences, my own and other peoples', research, sports, etc. I will try to get somebody who had done each one of these to describe it in their own words.
Finally, this blog will have 2 possible outcomes. Very soon I will know whether I got in or not. If I do get in, I will (and here I am a bit hesitant whether to get a new blog or keep posting to this one) start posting about my life as a med student. If I do not get accepted, I will keep writing about "getting in" as I struggle one more year until I do get in. Some things are just meant to be. One wants to think.
Stay tuned.
Free MCAT tools
Happy New 2009 Year!
I thought it is only fair to start a new year with free tools to master the MCAT. So what do I have in store? You probably will have come across some of the things I will mention. Some, I hope, will be a pleasant surprise. In any case, I do believe a budget solution is possible for the MCAT. So let us get started.
Yaaaay! Freebies.
The MCAT books
Today's post will talk about the books I used to prepare for the MCAT. I will not promote books I have not had, but I will make recommendations based on my knowledge. Please take note of the previous post's suggestions about self-discipline required for the use of books.
1. Kaplan MCAT Premier book
This was my master book. I believe you should get a book like this because it will allow you to prepare specifically for the MCAT as apposed to just boost your knowledge say, for a college test. If you read my previous posts, you are aware I am strongly against prep companies' ripoff courses. However, I do believe that they did a pretty good job at gathering info from many sources in one place thus saving you an enormous amount of time. Most importantly, I am convinced that for ~100$ this book (along with the other items below and my study strategy) is superior to an almost 2000$ course.
1. Kaplan MCAT Premier book
This was my master book. I believe you should get a book like this because it will allow you to prepare specifically for the MCAT as apposed to just boost your knowledge say, for a college test. If you read my previous posts, you are aware I am strongly against prep companies' ripoff courses. However, I do believe that they did a pretty good job at gathering info from many sources in one place thus saving you an enormous amount of time. Most importantly, I am convinced that for ~100$ this book (along with the other items below and my study strategy) is superior to an almost 2000$ course.
MCAT Strategies
As an aside to the following information: I have received my MCAT scores a couple of days ago, and I can gladly say that the practice AAMC tests have a strong predicting accuracy.
-------------------------------------
Today's post will be mostly about the broad strategies of preparation for the MCAT.
As you probably know, two major components determine whether or not you make the cut for the interview. These are your GPA and your MCAT score. There are books written on how to study efficiently and every university will have an undergraduate advising office that would be more than happy to justify its existence by helping you out with your studying. Today, however, we are going to talk about the other component, the MCAT.
Needless to say, there is no person on earth that would like to re-take this test (except maybe the guys who teach prep courses, so they can claim numerous successes). Let alone the financial toll it will have on you, the psychological damage your neurons will sustain is irreversible. So how can you prepare for this horrendous test?
McGill University - tips and quick facts series
Updated in 2010
Here is the stuff that will get you brownie points with the admission committee:
- Some affiliated teaching hospitals:
- McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), representing five teaching hospitals affiliated with McGill:
- Montreal Children's Hospital
- Montreal General Hospital
- Royal Victoria Hospital
- Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute
- Montreal Chest Institute
- Sir Mortimer B. Davis - Jewish General Hospital
- Douglas Institute
- St. Mary's Hospital Centre
- McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), representing five teaching hospitals affiliated with McGill:
- McGill's unique Simulation Centre
The McGill Medical Simulation Centre is an interprofessional centre of excellence using medical simulation to enhance the skills of health care professionals through education, research, evaluation and innovation, thereby improving patient safety and the quality of care.
The Centre combines training techniques from high-risk professions in aviation and emergency response with the latest medical simulation technologies. Fully integrated into McGill's professional programs, the Centre provides the next generation of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists with hands-on training in difficult and potentially dangerous procedures without risk to patients. It also promotes the importance of teamwork in health care delivery.
Established health care professionals are also able to take advantage of the Centre for the professional upgrading that will be increasingly required by licensing bodies. (http://www.mcgill.ca/medsimcentre/about/)
- McGill's e-Curriculum
The M.D., C.M. program is committed to making use of electronic media, multimedia learning objects and information technology in learning and teaching. In recognition of the wide variety of learning styles evident in our students, it is considered important to provide as broad a range of educational resources as possible. The Faculty of Medicine at McGill was very fortunate to have received, in 1997, a major donation from the Molson foundation for the development of computer enhanced learning and teaching methodologies. Since then, the faculty has converted major components of the mainstream curriculum to an electronic format, and enhanced the curriculum with multi-media learning objects (e.g. animations, audio and video clips, etc.) to facilitate teaching and learning. (http://curriculum.mmi.mcgill.ca/)If you want a preview this cool e-stuff, check out this link http://curriculum.mmi.mcgill.ca/viewflash.aspx?path=~/images/ECurriculumDemo-800x600.swf&w=800px&h=600px
- From this year on, McGill will have MMIs (Multiple Mini-Interviews), just like McMaster. There are 9 MMI interviews each lasting 10 minutes total (2 minutes for reading the prompt + 8 minutes for actual situation) and a single traditional type interview that last 10-20 minutes long. The weight of these MMI`s is significant - 80% versus 20% the rest - which means that if you got to that point, you better give it all you can.
- McGill has recently introduced a new category of Mature applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree and have been out of the academic world for at least 3 years. They have slightly different criteria (most notably lower GPA requirements). Read more here: http://www.mcgill.ca/medadmissions/applying/applicant-categories/non-traditional-pathway-quebec
- McGill has rather complete details about their GPA and
MCAT(unless you are an international applicant, McGill does NOT, I repeat, DOES NOT require the MCAT) requirements over here: http://www.mcgill.ca/medadmissions/what-are-we-looking/academics-university - McGill has recently introduced the so-called physicianship program in their curriculum. I would highly recommend you read the following:
- http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/ugme/curriculum/physicianship_en.htm
- http://www.hopehealing.org/projectphysicianship.asp
- Here is an extra, albeit a bit old, still gives you some useful info that hadn't changed much, like breakdown of the application materials:
Here is some more general info about medical education:
off-topic ramblings
I had taken the MCAT this past Saturday.
Deep breath. Another one. Yet another one.
"How did you do, friend" - you'd ask me. You will surely be the 100th to do that, as well. It is hard for me to judge my performance on such rare events as the MCAT. I find that my brain retains all questions that puzzled me more, and quickly discards the easier ones I tackled easily. In any case, my mean scores on the practice AAMC tests were 32-35 and so I only can hope to have them closely reflect my actual score.
2 major things I'd like to say to you, my reader:
- I will be back with my university series. Moreover, I hope to finish it before this Christmas.
- I will start a mini-series on the MCAT and unorthodox ways of preparation (and as time [October 7th, to be specific] will show, success).
Université de Montréal - tips and quick facts series
A couple of interesting things that might be helpful during your interview:- Since 1999 to 2006, University of Montreal medical graduates had the highest performance on the Licencure exams of the Canadian Medical Counsil (required to be taken by every graduate before being able to work in Canada). [link]
- Hospital affiliation is among the largest in Canada. Here is a partial list:
- CHUM - Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal
- CHU - Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine
- Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal
- Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont
- Institut de cardiologie de Montréal
- Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal
- CSSS Sud-Ouest-Verdun
- Centre hospitalier régional de Trois-Rivières
- CSSS Laval
- CSSS de Chicoutimi
- Hôpital Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine
- Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies
- Institut de réadaptation de Montréal
- Institut Philippe-Pinel de Montréal
- APP (Apprentissage par problème) teaching method. Puts emphasis on self-directed learning, problem solving and team work. Students are split into small groups and participate in controlled discussions.
- As of 2008, University of Montreal has picked up the trend and has MMIs (Mini Multiple Interviews). According to their website: 8-10 stations, each with a situation, 2 minutes to read the situation, 8 minutes to perform it, with an actor and an evaluator.
- Beautiful Campus in Montreal
NOTE: If you know anything I should add to this list, please contact me through the top right sidebar link. I will be happy to add your advice so everybody else can benefit. Please do not post it in the comments.
Choose your medschools carefully
Choosing which schools you will spend your precious time on is a worthwhile effort if you are to get from point A to point M(edical School X). This will both save you time and increase your chances of success. Unless you print money, I do not see a lot of sense in applying blindly everywhere, just because you can. This strategy can seem fail safe, but in the long term you will realize that you have a brain for a reason, and in most real life situations you cannot go 'all out'. That is where prioritizing comes to play. Priorities are the determining factor when you are wondering about going out on that weekend trip with your buddies instead of learning translational motion equations or the anatomy of the nervous system.
So, let us get started on priorities. To choose schools you will have to have stringent criteria. Here are some of the most obvious ones:
- Tuition. Plain and stupid : can you pay for it if you get in? While, of course my dear mate, what could be easier? Nevertheless, take a calculator (a pen and a paper if you are studying for the MCAT - yes, I am that obsessed) and jot down your annual tuition fees, ancillary fees, equipment fees, possible relocation fees and cost of living. Make sure you double check it with somebody who has an understanding of living on their own. Budgets tend to seem simpler than they are when you are cut loose...
- Do THEY need you? This relates to all the limitations each school can impose. For example, applicants to McMaster Medical School outside the welcoming province of Ontario enjoy a 10% quota of the available places. Will this limit your chances? Hmmm
This also includes the GPA/MCAT/EC requirements. Make sure you are at least at the threshold in every category. Although in that case your chances might be slim and you would have to have a special achievement to blow the admissions office out of their comfortable leather chairs. In the good sense, that is.
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- McMaster University
- Dalhousie University
- University of Western Ontario
- Université Laval
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine
- Université de Sherbrooke
- University of Manitoba
- Université de Montréal // my tips - here
- University of Saskatchewan
- McGill University // my tips - here
- University of Alberta
- University of Ottawa
- University of Calgary
- Queen's University at Kingston
- University of British Columbia
- University of Toronto
