Week 8 Standardized Test Preparation

Week 8Week 8Standardized Test Standardized Test

PreparationPreparation

Kent L. BarrusKent L. BarrusPre-professional AdvisorPre-professional Advisor

Bio 311 - Professional School Bio 311 - Professional School PreparationPreparation

Why Take Standardized Tests?Why Take Standardized Tests? Grades Don’t Tell the Whole StoryGrades Don’t Tell the Whole Story

The Great Equalizer of Undergraduate EducationThe Great Equalizer of Undergraduate Education More Important for Students Graduating from More Important for Students Graduating from

Schools not Well Known or Schools Who’s Schools not Well Known or Schools Who’s Reputation is Less than Other Schools.Reputation is Less than Other Schools.

Determine the Test Taking Ability of an Determine the Test Taking Ability of an Applicant.Applicant. Will you Do Well on Medical School Exams?Will you Do Well on Medical School Exams? Will you Do Well on a Licensing Exam?Will you Do Well on a Licensing Exam?


What are the Different Tests?What are the Different Tests? MCATMCAT

AllopathicAllopathic OsteopathicOsteopathic PodiatryPodiatry Some Veterinary and Pharmacy SchoolsSome Veterinary and Pharmacy Schools

DAT - DentalDAT - Dental OAT - OptometryOAT - Optometry PCAT – PharmacyPCAT – Pharmacy VCAT – Veterinary (No Longer Offered)VCAT – Veterinary (No Longer Offered) GRE – Graduate SchoolsGRE – Graduate Schools


MCAT EssentialsMCAT Essentials When to Take the TestWhen to Take the Test

April 17th or August 14April 17th or August 14thth

Deadlines: March 12Deadlines: March 12thth or July 9th or July 9th Where to Take the TestWhere to Take the Test

Idaho – Albertsons College (Caldwell), University of Idaho (Moscow), Idaho – Albertsons College (Caldwell), University of Idaho (Moscow), Idaho State University (Pocatello)Idaho State University (Pocatello)

Utah – Utah State University, Southern Utah University, Weber Utah – Utah State University, Southern Utah University, Weber State University, Brigham Young University, University of UtahState University, Brigham Young University, University of Utah

CostsCosts Regular Exam Fee - $185.00Regular Exam Fee - $185.00 Miscellaneous Fees ranging from $10 to $60Miscellaneous Fees ranging from $10 to $60


MCAT EssentialsMCAT Essentials How and Where to Register for the TestHow and Where to Register for the Test


MCAT Scope of the ExamMCAT Scope of the Exam Verbal Reasoning (VR)Verbal Reasoning (VR)

65 Questions65 Questions Score 1 to 15Score 1 to 15 85 Minutes85 Minutes

Physical Sciences (PS)Physical Sciences (PS) 77 Questions77 Questions Score 1 to 15Score 1 to 15 100 Minutes100 Minutes


MCAT Scope of the ExamMCAT Scope of the Exam Biological Sciences (BS)Biological Sciences (BS)

77 Questions77 Questions Score 1 to 15Score 1 to 15 100 Minutes100 Minutes

Writing Sample (WS)Writing Sample (WS) 2 Questions2 Questions Score of J to TScore of J to T 60 Minutes 60 Minutes


MCAT PreparationMCAT Preparation Self StudySelf Study

Class NotesClass Notes Preparation BooksPreparation Books AAMC WebsiteAAMC Website

Study GroupsStudy Groups Draw from the skills and knowledge of otherDraw from the skills and knowledge of other Support to reach the goalSupport to reach the goal May slow the pace of learning downMay slow the pace of learning down


MCAT PreparationMCAT Preparation Commercial CoursesCommercial Courses

Very ExpensiveVery Expensive Helps you create a course of studyHelps you create a course of study Built in financial motivationBuilt in financial motivation Sense of confidence that you have done all you can do Sense of confidence that you have done all you can do

to prepareto prepare


DAT EssentialsDAT Essentials When to Take the TestWhen to Take the Test

Any time of the yearAny time of the year Give yourself at least 3 weeks to registerGive yourself at least 3 weeks to register

Where to Take the TestWhere to Take the Test Idaho – Boise Sylvan Learning CenterIdaho – Boise Sylvan Learning Center Utah – Ogden, Orem, or Salt Lake City Sylvan Learning CenterUtah – Ogden, Orem, or Salt Lake City Sylvan Learning Center

CostsCosts Regular Exam Fee - $160.00Regular Exam Fee - $160.00

Score Sent to 5 schools, NOT AADSAS.Score Sent to 5 schools, NOT AADSAS. Additional score reports are $10 per school.Additional score reports are $10 per school.


DAT EssentialsDAT Essentials How and Where to Register for the TestHow and Where to Register for the Test

Registration is good for 12 monthsRegistration is good for 12 months


DAT Scope of the ExamDAT Scope of the Exam Survey of Natural SciencesSurvey of Natural Sciences

90 Minutes90 Minutes Biology, General Chemistry, Organic ChemistryBiology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry

Perceptual AbilityPerceptual Ability 60 Minutes60 Minutes Angle discrimination, form development cubes, paper folding, Angle discrimination, form development cubes, paper folding,

etc.etc. Scoring of the TestScoring of the Test

Standard scores range from 1 to 30. 17 is considered Standard scores range from 1 to 30. 17 is considered average.average.


DAT Scope of the ExamDAT Scope of the Exam Reading ComprehensionReading Comprehension

60 Minutes60 Minutes Read, organize, analyze, and remember new Read, organize, analyze, and remember new

informationinformation Quantitative ReasoningQuantitative Reasoning

45 Minutes45 Minutes Mathematics, Numerical Calculations, Conversions, Mathematics, Numerical Calculations, Conversions,

Probability and Statistics, Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Word Problems and Word Problems


DAT PreparationDAT Preparation Self StudySelf Study

Class NotesClass Notes Preparation BooksPreparation Books ADA WebsiteADA Website Other OnlineOther Online

Study GroupsStudy Groups Commercial CoursesCommercial Courses


OAT EssentialsOAT Essentials COMPUTERIZED IN 2004COMPUTERIZED IN 2004 When to Take the TestWhen to Take the Test

February 7February 7thth 2004 and October 16 2004 and October 16thth 2004 2004 Deadlines: December 29Deadlines: December 29thth and September 7 and September 7thth

Where to Take the TestWhere to Take the Test Idaho – Idaho State UniversityIdaho – Idaho State University Utah – Weber State (Ogden) or BYU (Provo)Utah – Weber State (Ogden) or BYU (Provo)


Score Sent to 5 schools.Score Sent to 5 schools. Additional score reports are $10 per school.Additional score reports are $10 per school.


OAT EssentialsOAT Essentials How and Where to Register for the TestHow and Where to Register for the Test


OAT Scope of the ExamOAT Scope of the Exam Survey of Natural SciencesSurvey of Natural Sciences

90 Minutes90 Minutes Biology, General Chemistry, Organic ChemistryBiology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry

Reading ComprehensionReading Comprehension 50 Minutes50 Minutes Read, organize, analyze, and remember new Read, organize, analyze, and remember new

informationinformation


OAT Scope of the ExamOAT Scope of the Exam PhysicsPhysics

50 Minutes50 Minutes Quantitative ReasoningQuantitative Reasoning

45 Minutes45 Minutes Mathematics, Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Mathematics, Algebra, Probability and Statistics,

Geometry, Trigonometry, and Word Problems Geometry, Trigonometry, and Word Problems Scoring of the TestScoring of the Test

Standard scores range from 200 to 400. 300 is Standard scores range from 200 to 400. 300 is considered average.considered average.


OAT PreparationOAT Preparation Self StudySelf Study

Class NotesClass Notes Preparation BooksPreparation Books OPTED WebsiteOPTED Website Other OnlineOther Online



PCAT EssentialsPCAT Essentials When to Take the TestWhen to Take the Test

January 24January 24thth 2004, March 27 2004, March 27thth 2004, and October 25 2004, and October 25thth 2004 2004 Deadlines: December 5Deadlines: December 5thth, February 13, February 13thth, and September 12, and September 12thth

Where to Take the TestWhere to Take the Test Idaho – Idaho State UniversityIdaho – Idaho State University Utah – Weber State (Ogden) or BYU (Provo)Utah – Weber State (Ogden) or BYU (Provo)


Score Sent to 1, 2, or 3 schools.Score Sent to 1, 2, or 3 schools. Must arrange for PCAT score to be sent to PharmCAS if applying to Must arrange for PCAT score to be sent to PharmCAS if applying to

PharmCAS schools.PharmCAS schools.


PCAT EssentialsPCAT Essentials Register By MailRegister By Mail

Application PacketApplication Packet Register OnlineRegister Online

Only For March Test 2004 and later.Only For March Test 2004 and later.


PCAT Scope of the ExamPCAT Scope of the Exam 300 multiple-choice questions with 3½ hours to 300 multiple-choice questions with 3½ hours to

take it.take it. Verbal AbilityVerbal Ability

50 Questions50 Questions Quantitative AbilityQuantitative Ability

65 Questions65 Questions No Trig or CalculusNo Trig or Calculus

BiologyBiology 50 Questions50 Questions


PCAT Scope of the ExamPCAT Scope of the Exam ChemistryChemistry

60 Minutes60 Minutes Reading ComprehensionReading Comprehension

45 Questions45 Questions Additional Experimental SectionAdditional Experimental Section

You will not know which section is experimental You will not know which section is experimental

Scoring of the TestScoring of the Test Standard scores range from 100 to 300. 200 is considered Standard scores range from 100 to 300. 200 is considered

average.average.


PCAT PreparationPCAT Preparation Self StudySelf Study

Class NotesClass Notes Preparation BooksPreparation Books PCATWEB WebsitePCATWEB Website



GRE EssentialsGRE Essentials When to Take the TestWhen to Take the Test

Any time of the yearAny time of the year Deadlines: December 5Deadlines: December 5thth, February 13, February 13thth, and September 12, and September 12thth

Where to Take the TestWhere to Take the Test Idaho – Pocatello, BoiseIdaho – Pocatello, Boise Utah – OgdenUtah – Ogden

CostsCosts Regular Exam Fee - $115Regular Exam Fee - $115

Score Sent to 4 institutions.Score Sent to 4 institutions. Additional Score Report $15 per Institution.Additional Score Report $15 per Institution.


GRE EssentialsGRE Essentials Register By MailRegister By Mail

Application Packet in CACApplication Packet in CAC Register by PhoneRegister by Phone


GRE Scope of the ExamGRE Scope of the Exam 300 multiple-choice questions with 3½ hours to 300 multiple-choice questions with 3½ hours to

take it.take it. Verbal AbilityVerbal Ability

Analyze and evaluate written materialAnalyze and evaluate written material Analyze sentence relationshipsAnalyze sentence relationships Recognize word and concept relationshipsRecognize word and concept relationships

Quantitative AbilityQuantitative Ability Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysisArithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis Reason QuantitativelyReason Quantitatively


GRE Scope of the ExamGRE Scope of the Exam Analytical WritingAnalytical Writing

Essay PortionEssay Portion 45 minute “Present your perspective on an issue”45 minute “Present your perspective on an issue” 30 minute “Analyze an Argument”30 minute “Analyze an Argument”

Scoring of the TestScoring of the Test Verbal Score 200-800 in 10-point increments Verbal Score 200-800 in 10-point increments Quantitative Score 200-800 in 10-point increments Quantitative Score 200-800 in 10-point increments Analytical Writing Score 0-6 in half-point increments Analytical Writing Score 0-6 in half-point increments


GRE Scope of the ExamGRE Scope of the Exam GRE Subject TestsGRE Subject Tests

Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology BiologyBiology ChemistryChemistry Computer ScienceComputer Science Literature in EnglishLiterature in English MathematicsMathematics PhysicsPhysics PsychologyPsychology


GRE PreparationGRE Preparation Self StudySelf Study

Class NotesClass Notes Preparation BooksPreparation Books GRE WebsiteGRE Website

Study GroupsStudy Groups Commercial CourseCommercial Course


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills Pace YourselfPace Yourself

Don’t forgo answering easy questions because you spent to much time on harder questions.Don’t forgo answering easy questions because you spent to much time on harder questions. Mark up the Test Booklet (for paper-based tests)Mark up the Test Booklet (for paper-based tests)

Underline important pointsUnderline important points Strike through wrong answersStrike through wrong answers Make calculations or drawingsMake calculations or drawings

Read the Entire Question CarefullyRead the Entire Question Carefully Don’t make an assumption as to the answer with thoroughly reading the question.Don’t make an assumption as to the answer with thoroughly reading the question.


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills Use the ‘dot’ methodUse the ‘dot’ method

Put a small dot on the answer sheet for a question that will require significant time to Put a small dot on the answer sheet for a question that will require significant time to answer.answer.

Put a question mark next to this question in the test booklet.Put a question mark next to this question in the test booklet. If you run out of time on the test, you can go back quickly and fill in the answer sheet If you run out of time on the test, you can go back quickly and fill in the answer sheet

where you placed the dot.where you placed the dot. This helps reduce the possibility of missing questions due to totally random guessing.This helps reduce the possibility of missing questions due to totally random guessing. Helps prevent frame shifting errors.Helps prevent frame shifting errors.


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills Answer Every QuestionAnswer Every Question

Unlike the SAT, there are no penalties for guessing.Unlike the SAT, there are no penalties for guessing. Your first instinct is more likely to be correct.Your first instinct is more likely to be correct. Don’t change answers unless it is obvious that you misinterpreted the question.Don’t change answers unless it is obvious that you misinterpreted the question.

Approximate the answerApproximate the answer If the possible answers differ significantly from each other it is possible to approximate for quicker If the possible answers differ significantly from each other it is possible to approximate for quicker

calculations.calculations. Adjust the numbers to be calculated by rounding off or move to a close number with a known trig Adjust the numbers to be calculated by rounding off or move to a close number with a known trig

function.function. With most problems you will be able to tell which answer is a reasonable estimate.With most problems you will be able to tell which answer is a reasonable estimate.


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills For Reading and Verbal TestsFor Reading and Verbal Tests

Answer the question only on the basis of the information given, NOT from prior knowledge.Answer the question only on the basis of the information given, NOT from prior knowledge. Sometimes reading the questions and answers first can alert you as to what you should be looking for in the passage Sometimes reading the questions and answers first can alert you as to what you should be looking for in the passage

to be read.to be read. For the Writing SampleFor the Writing Sample

Practice, Practice, Practice.Practice, Practice, Practice. Read the Op-Ed pieces in major newspapers.Read the Op-Ed pieces in major newspapers. Typical StructureTypical Structure

Explain what the statement meansExplain what the statement means Describe some situation in which you disagree with the statementDescribe some situation in which you disagree with the statement Provide justification for your disagreement.Provide justification for your disagreement.


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills For Reading and Verbal TestsFor Reading and Verbal Tests

Answer the question only on the basis of the information given, NOT from prior knowledge.Answer the question only on the basis of the information given, NOT from prior knowledge. Sometimes reading the questions and answers first can alert you as to what you should be looking for in the passage Sometimes reading the questions and answers first can alert you as to what you should be looking for in the passage

to be read.to be read. For the Writing SampleFor the Writing Sample

Practice, Practice, Practice.Practice, Practice, Practice. Read the Op-Ed pieces in major newspapers.Read the Op-Ed pieces in major newspapers. Typical StructureTypical Structure

Explain what the statement meansExplain what the statement means Describe some situation in which you disagree with the statementDescribe some situation in which you disagree with the statement Provide justification for your disagreement.Provide justification for your disagreement.


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills Study for the test like you would a 4 credit class.Study for the test like you would a 4 credit class.

There are no ‘tricks’ or ‘strategies’ that can substitute for knowledge of a subject.There are no ‘tricks’ or ‘strategies’ that can substitute for knowledge of a subject. Get a good nights sleepGet a good nights sleep Arrive in plenty of time so you are not hurried.Arrive in plenty of time so you are not hurried. Eat well before the test and during.Eat well before the test and during. If you are a poor standardized test taker, you can improve.If you are a poor standardized test taker, you can improve.

Visit the Learning Assistance LabVisit the Learning Assistance Lab


Should You Retake a Test?Should You Retake a Test? Are your scores consistent with your grades?Are your scores consistent with your grades? Did you prepare adequately for the test?Did you prepare adequately for the test? Will you have the time and motivation to prepare for Will you have the time and motivation to prepare for

a second test?a second test? Doing the same or worse a second time will hurt you.Doing the same or worse a second time will hurt you.

Documents

Week 8 Standardized Test Preparation