Transcript Getting to Know the Test •Curriculum for Increasing Verbal Reasoning Scores Getting to Know the Test • “So it is said that if.

Getting to Know the Test
•Curriculum for Increasing Verbal Reasoning
Scores
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Getting to Know the Test
• “So it is said that if you know your enemies and
know yourself, you can win a hundred battles
without a single loss.
• If you only know yourself, but not your
opponent, you may win or lose.
• If you no neither yourself nor your enemy, you
will always endanger yourself.”
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Sun Tsu, The Art of War
• What does Tsu’s quote have to do with the MCAT
VR?
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Getting to Know the Test
• The VR section of the MCAT is often
considered to be the most difficult section
and the most feared portion of the test.
– Is this true?
– What are your thoughts?
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Getting to Know the Test
• According to Charles Chaney and Sarah
Toombs Smith, the VR section might be the
most important one.
– For many admissions officers, this part of the test
might best predict how students will perform
during their medical education and board exams.
– The VR section reveals the greatest range and
variety of scoring, so you can really stand out with
a good score.
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Getting to Know the Test
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Analysis of Verbal Reasoning.
– Know the test.
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Seven passages of about 600 words long.
Five to seven questions per passage for 40 total questions.
One hour to complete the test.
Shoot for at least a converted score of 10 to 11.
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– What does this portion of the test assess?
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Comprehending information.
Applying concepts to situations.
Interpreting facts.
Formulating inferences.
Drawing conclusions.
Analyzing the author’s intent and tone.
Recognizing key assumptions.
Understanding the purpose and construction of arguments.
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Getting to Know the Test
– Dealing with CBT (Computer Based Testing).
• Words on the screen seem not to register in the mind as efficiently as do
words on a page.
– CBT Strategy: Read internet-based scholarly articles for at least one hour at the same
time of day as the scheduled time of your MCAT exam.
– Rules for pacing yourself during this test.
• 8.5 minutes per passage with 5-7 questions.
• 3.5 minutes to read each passage with 5 minutes to answer questions.
--Scoring for the VR.
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You can miss no more than nine questions to score a 10.
4-6 missed questions leads to a score of 11.
3 missed questions leads to a score of 12.
2 missed questions leads to a 13.
1 missed question leads to a 14.
A perfect performance leads to a 15.
Shoot for a score of 10 or above.
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Getting to Know the Test
– Practice taking the test.
• Be prepared to jump from topic to topic.
• Work on maintaining focus.
• Learn to avoid traps.
– Analyze your results.
• What kinds of questions did you miss?
• What kinds of answers tripped you up?
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