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Welcome AED!

Scheduling the MCAT andLetters of Recommendation

3/30/2011

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The TimelineYear 1:Make Decisions,Get Involved

Year 2:Research, Volunteer,

GPA

Year 3:MCAT, LOR,Primary App

Year 4:Secondary App,

Interviews, Finish Strong!

Graduate!

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Medical School Requirements

• General Biology (2 semesters)• General Chemistry (2 semesters)• Organic Chemistry (2 semesters)• Physics (2 semesters)• Biochemistry• Molecular Biology• English, Math, Humanities, etc.

*AP’s do not count!

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What is the MCAT?Subject Questions TimePhysical Sciences 52 70 minutes

Verbal Reasoning 40 60 minutes

Writing Sample 2 60 minutes

Biological Sciences 52 70 minutes

• Approximately 4.5 ~ 5 hours• 10 minute breaks between sections• Score of 1-15 for PS, VR, and BS• Score of J-T for Writing Sample• Max Score: 45T

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MCAT Subjects• Physics

– Mechanics, E&M, optics, fluids

• General Chemistry– Everything covered in 105a/b (or 115a/b)

• Biology– Everything covered in 220 (some 120)– Some extra physiology

• Organic Chemistry– 322a/b (very basic!)

• Verbal– No outside knowledge necessary

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Common MCAT Myths

• I need Molecular Biology…No!• I need Biochemistry………No!• I need Physiology…………No!

• You CAN take it without Ochem B• You CAN take it during school

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When Does AED take the MCAT?

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When Should YOU take the MCAT?

• When will you be done with the required courses?

• When will you have ~3 months to prepare?

• Did you do well in CHEM322a?• Can you prepare for MCAT with school?• Do you have summer plans?

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Plan Out Your CoursesUSC Sample Plan AED Recommends

Freshman BISC 120 BISC 120BISC 220 BISC 220CHEM 105a CHEM 105aCHEM 105b CHEM 105b

Sophomore CHEM 322a CHEM 322aCHEM 322b CHEM 322bBISC 320 PHYS 135aBISC 330 PHYS 135b MCAT!

Junior PHYS 135a BISC 320 MCAT!PHYS 135b BISC 330 MCAT!

MCAT!MCAT!

Senior

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Retaking the MCAT

• Scores are released 30 days after test date

• You can take the MCAT up to 3 times in a calendar year

• You MAY void test immediately after it is taken

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Letters Of Recommendation

• REQUIREMENTS:– 2 science (chemistry, biology, physics)– 1 non-science– Up to 3 more (6 total)

• Check w/ specific med schools– Math? Engineering?

• Additional letters commonly include: Doctors, Research Professors, Employers

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Letters Of Recommendation

• Make relationships with your professors now!– Office hours, after class– You will need to ask spring of Junior Year!

• Good Professors to ask: Bickers, Herrera, Baker

• Do not ask TAs or Lab Directors!

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AED Full Membership

• Pledge Semester!– Walk-through of Med School

Application Process• Social, Philanthropic, and

Informational Events

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Questions?

http://aedusc.webs.com/(Presentation available online)

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MCAT Prep

• Classes– Princeton Review, Kaplan, Berkeley Review

• Self-study– All the above– Exam Crackers, Barron’s, and many more!

• $200 Discount to Princeton/Kaplan from AED

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MCAT Statistics

• Average Score of Applicants: 28.3• Average Score of Matriculants: 31.1

*Source: AAMC: DW: Applicant Matriculant File as of 10/19/2010