University of

Richmond Presentation

University of RichmondPlans for 2009 MCAT Support

for the Virginia-Nebraska Alliance

• Presentation by R. Kirk Jonas, Ph.D.• Interim Associate Provost• University of Richmond• November 20, 2008

The University of Richmond and the Virginia-Nebraska Alliance MCAT Program

Overview

• As part of its proposal for membership in the Virginia-Nebraska Alliance, the University of Richmond proposed hosting a summer preparation program for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

• While the University of Richmond does not have a medical school, it has a highly successful MCAT preparation program that runs during the school year.

• The University of Richmond adapted this two semester preparatory course to a one month summer program, first hosted in the Summer of 2006.

The 2006, 2007, 2008 MCAT Preparatory Programs

• In June 2006, the University of Richmond provided the MCAT preparation program for 10 HBCU/minority students.

• In May/June 2007 the MCAT program was expanded to a five week program; 13 students attended.

• In May/June 2008, the five week program was provided to 12 students.

• In 2008/2009, the UR Academic Year MCAT prep program was offered to 10 students; three are attending.

2009 Summer MCAT Program• The University of Richmond is prepared to offer the

MCAT prep program again in the summer of 2009.• A minimum of eight students will be required as in the

past.• Hosting the 2009 program is also contingent on faculty

recruitment. The University of Richmond may need Alliance assistance in recruiting faculty to teach needed sections of the program.

• Subsequent to HBCU/Alliance student recruitment, the program will be opened to University of Richmond students to try to ensure that enough students are enrolled to carry out or fill the program.

• If a sufficient number of students are not enrolled by May 1, 2009, the program will be cancelled.

• The University of Richmond will commit $55,000 for the summer 2009 program for a maximum of 15 students.

• Program dates will be May 24 through June 27, 2009.• Program information and applications are at:

http://prehealth.richmond.edu/teaching/mcat_program.html

Summer 2009 MCAT Program Review and Possible Program

Changes• The program will be reassessed after the completion of the

2009 program. While the program has been successful, the effort to re-create the program each year has been very labor intensive and recruitment of faculty has become more difficult.

• The University of Richmond has opened its Academic Year MCAT program to Alliance students. Three students, all from VCU, are attending.

• There is a possibility that the University of Richmond will transition to an Academic Year only program in 2010. Another alternative under consideration is providing the summer and Academic Year programs in alternating years.

Review of Summer 2008MCAT Preparatory Program

• Presentation by R. Kirk Jonas, Ph.D.

• Interim Associate Provost• University of Richmond• November 20, 2008

Program Format

• Dates– May 25 - June 28, 2008

• Science Review– one week per major subject area– each subject area taught by expert in that field

• Verbal Reasoning Preparation– emphasis on skill building– Learning & Study Strategies Inventory

• information processing, time management, test anxiety, etc.

• Daily Homework Sets– content review exercises– MCAT style passages

• Session with VCU-MCV admissions dean

Program Format

• AAMC Full-length Practice Tests– w/ diagnostic score reports

Program Provisions• $1,500 stipend

• On-campus housing at UR

• Meals at UR dining facilities

• Access to University facilities

• All course materials– comprehensive review books– homework practice sets– 7 AAMC full-length practice tests

• Cost per student is about $3,336

Program Prerequisites

Coursework– general biology (2 semesters w/ lab)– general chemistry (2 semesters w/ lab)– organic chemistry (2 semesters w/ lab)– general physics (2 semesters w/ lab)

• GPA– minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0– minimum BCPM GPA of 3.0

• SAT or ACT– minimum math/verbal SAT of 950 or

minimum ACT of 20

2008 Program Instructors

Dr. Chhanda Samanta

Dr. Dorothy Eseonu

Dr. Emma Goldman

Ms. Hope Walton

Dr. John Vaughan

Application Procedure

• Application form– personal statement

• Official transcript(s)• Recommendation

form– 2 science faculty

Selection

• Criteria– academic performance– prerequisite courses– SAT or ACT scores– personal statement– recommendation letters

2008 Program Participants

Sharlay ButlerMLC

Clinton DavisVUU

Brian FreemanUVA

Nanna FrimpongNSU

Khristian HarrisVSU

Quinney HarrisVCU

2008 Program Participants

Trenee HarrisVSU

Whitney OsborneNSU

Jessica PriceBMC

Marianna SukholutskyVCU

Blair ThomasHU

Danielle WilliamsHU

Applicants Participants

BMC

HU

MLC

NSU

UVA

VSU

VCU

VUU

1

4

1

5

1

2

4

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

2

1

Mean GPA

BCPM GPA

3.33

3.06

3.46

3.19

Mean SAT 1030 1084

Males

Females

7

13

3

9

Previous MCAT

No MCAT history

___ 2

10

2008 Applicant/Participant Characteristics

Assessment

• Three test opportunities are provided during the Summer program:– A pre-test is given on the first day of

the program– A mid-course test is given– A post-test is taken within one week

of the last day of classes• Dr. Vaughan also tries to collect actual

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) MCAT score reports

• Student scores have increased significantly