MCAT ® is a program of the Association of American Medical Colleges The MCAT 2015 Exam: The Basics for Advisors Presented By: Billy R. Ballard, DDS, MD Deputy Director, HRSA Center of Excellence Program Professor and Chair, Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Meharry Medical College

What We’ll Cover Creating the MCAT 2015 Exam Introducing the MCAT 2015 Exam Changes in Test Administration and Reporting Resources for You and Your Advisees We’ll stop for questions after each topic. 2

Creating the MCAT 2015 Exam 3

The Broader Context The new MCAT exam means change for all of us. Planting seeds for a physician workforce to improve the health of all. Transforming admissions to keep pace with healthcare.

Transforming Medical School Admissions Academic Competencies Courses completed Undergraduate grades MCAT Scores Personal Competencies Personal statements Letters of recommendation Reflections on experiences Interviews More tools to come Improving the holistic review of students….

Transforming Medical School Admissions Academic CompetenciesPersonal Competencies Improving the holistic review of students…. Learn more: Analysis in Brief for September 2011 Medical School Admissions: More than Grades and Test Scores

How is the MCAT Exam Keeping Pace with Medicine? Periodic reviews to ensure measurement of most important academic competencies in most capable ways Competencies required in medical school are shifting 5 th review of the MCAT exam since 1928 Previous review 1991 New version in place through 2030

The MCAT 2015 Timeline 2015 New exam goes live in Spring 2014 Prep materials available More prep materials released Jan 2015 First Med School Class selected with new MCAT Exam Fall 2016 Sept entering freshman take 2015 MCAT Exam as Juniors Last dates for current exam Spring

Evidence Base for the MCAT 2015 Exam Fact-finding Efforts Blue-ribbon panels Holistic Review Project Advisory Committee Over 90 Outreach events Over 2700 completed surveys Roadmap to Diversity: Integrating Holistic Review Practices Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians Report Behavioral and Social Science Foundations for Future Physicians

Recommendations for the MCAT 2015 Exam Preserve what works best Eliminate what doesn’t Enrich exam with concepts that future physicians are likely to need Use testing format that has proven successful 10

Recommendations for the MCAT 2015 Exam Preserves Testing of: Natural sciences concepts that medical school faculty want entrants to know Critical analysis and reasoning skills needed for success in medical school Eliminates: Under-utilized Writing Sample section 11

Recommendations for the MCAT 2015 Exam Enriches Exam By Testing: Competencies in the Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians Report (SFFP) Scientific inquiry, reasoning, research methods and statistics skills Foundational concepts in the social and behavioral sciences 12

Recommendations for MCAT 2015 Exam Provide resources to help students prepare for the new exam Develop new admissions tools to measure personal competencies important to medical school success (e.g., integrity, service orientation, dependability) Also ask AAMC to… 13

ANY QUESTIONS? Before moving on…

Introducing the MCAT 2015 Exam 15

New Exam – 4 Sections, 4 Scores Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills 16

MCAT 2015 Exam # of Test Questions Testing Time (minutes) Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 6595 Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills 6090 Lunch Break Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 6595 Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior 6595 Total Content Time 6 ¼ hours Total Time (w/ tutorial, breaks, survey, etc.) 7 ½ hours

New Exam – 4 Sections, 4 Scores Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills 18

Using the Preview Guide Updated

Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Combines knowledge of foundational concepts in the biological and biochemical sciences with scientific inquiry, reasoning, and research and statistics skills to solve problems that demonstrate readiness for medical school 20

Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Concept 1 Biomolecules have unique properties that determine how they contribute to the structure and function of cells, and how they participate in the processes necessary to maintain life. Concept 2 Highly-organized assemblies of molecules, cells, and organs interact to carry out the functions of living organisms. Concept 3 Complex systems of tissues and organs sense the internal and external environments of multi-cellular organisms, and through integrated functioning, maintain a stable internal environment within an ever-changing external environment. 21

Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Foundational Concept 2 Highly-organized assemblies of molecules, cells, and organs interact to carry out the functions of living organisms. 22

Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning Skills Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving Reasoning about the Design and Execution of Research Data-based and Statistical Reasoning 23

Combining Skills and Concepts Foundational Concept 1Foundational Concept 2 Content Category 1A Content Category 1B Content Category 1C Content Category 2A Content Category 2B Content Category 2C Skill 1 Skill 2 Skill 3 Skill 4 Each cell represents the point at which foundational concepts, content categories, and scientific inquiry and reasoning skills cross Test questions are written at the intersections of the content and skills 24

Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Exam content typically taught in: Introductory biology General chemistry Organic chemistry First-semester biochemistry 25

New Exam – 4 Sections, 4 Scores Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills 26

Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Combines knowledge of foundational concepts in the chemical and physical sciences with scientific inquiry, reasoning, research and statistics skills to solve problems that demonstrate readiness for medical school 27

Concept 4 Complex living organisms transport materials, sense their environment, process signals, and respond to changes using processes that can be understood in terms of physical principles. Concept 5 The principles that govern chemical interactions and reactions form the basis for a broader understanding of the molecular dynamics of living systems. Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 28

Concept 4 Complex living organisms transport materials, sense their environment, process signals, and respond to changes using processes that can be understood in terms of physical principles. Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 29

Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Exam content in this section typically taught in: Introductory biology Introductory general chemistry Introductory organic chemistry Introductory physics First-semester biochemistry 30

New Exam – 4 Sections, 4 Scores Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills 31

Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Knowledge and use of the concepts in psychology, sociology, biology, research methods and statistics that provide a solid foundation for learning in medical school about the behavioral and socio-cultural determinants of health and health outcomes 32

Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Concept 6 Biological, psychological, and socio- cultural factors influence the ways that individuals perceive, think about, and react to the world. Concept 7 Biological, psychological, and socio- cultural factors influence behavior and behavior change. Concept 8 Psychological, socio-cultural, and biological factors influence the way we think about ourselves and others. Concept 9 Cultural and social differences influence well- being. Concept 10 Social stratification and access to resources influence well- being. 33

Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Concept 7 Biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influence behavior and behavior change. 34

Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Exam content typically taught in: Introductory psychology Introductory sociology Introductory biology 35

New Exam – 4 Sections, 4 Scores Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills 36

Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills What it tests? Asks examinees to critically analyze, evaluate, and apply information presented in passages Skills: Foundations of comprehension Reasoning within the text Reasoning beyond the text 37

Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills Specific disciplinary knowledge not needed Passages from humanities & social sciences, including: Ethics Philosophy Population health Cross-cultural studies 38

Using the Preview Guide Describes the 4 sections  Foundational concepts for each section  Detailed outlines of content categories and topics  Scientific inquiry and reasoning skills Sample items with answers Updated

Using the Preview Guide Narrative descriptions of foundational concepts Information indicating:  Level of knowledge needed for topics  Courses in which topics typically are taught— according to surveys from faculty in minority- and majority-serving schools Update just released

Example of Topic List 41

The “Preview Guide” Shows how concepts and scientific inquiry and reasoning skills come together Sample items demonstrate how this works PE = Phosphatadylethanolamine

ANY QUESTIONS? Before moving on…

Changes in Test Administration and Reporting 44

Testing in 2013 and 2014 Writing Sample section will be eliminated effective January 2013 A 45-minute trial for the 2015 exam containing 32 field-test questions will be offered Trial Section is voluntary and unscored Examinees will be opt-in/opt-out on day of exam 45

Testing in 2013 and 2014 Trial Section will be administered at the end of the exam Include questions in either: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, and physics or in psychology, sociology and biology Questions will be assigned using data that students provide at registration about the courses they’ve completed Even with the Trial Section, the exam will be shorter than in the past. 46

What’s the Incentive? Examinees who volunteer and make a good-faith effort will get: $30 Amazon.com Gift Card* Claim Code** Feedback on their performance compared to others who participated in the Trial Section Chance to preview content medical schools find important. We ask for your help to encourage your students to participate in the Trial Section! *Amazon.com is not a sponsor of this promotion. Amazon, Amazon.com, the Amazon.com logo, Gift Codes on Demand, the Amazon Gift Card logo and 1-Click are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. **Amazon.com Gift Cards may be used only to purchase eligible goods on Amazon.com or its affiliated website Endless.com. Gift Card’s cannot be redeemed for purchases of gift certificates or cards or for items from some third party sellers. Purchases are deducted from the Gift Card balance. Gift Card’s cannot be reloaded, resold, transferred for value, redeemed for cash or applied to any other account. Amazon is not responsible if a Gift Card is lost, stolen, destroyed or used without permission. See for complete terms and conditions. Gift Card’s are issued and © 2012 by ACI Gift Cards, Inc., a Washington corporation. 47

Scoring in 2013 and 2014 Will scores be released earlier without the Writing Sample section? Unfortunately, No Still days Multiple-choice scaling and equating takes the same amount of time as Writing Sample scoring. 48

Testing in 2015 January 2015 will be the last administration of the current MCAT exam New exam will launch in Spring 2015 Anticipating and planning for a higher demand in 2014 and January

Logistics for the New Exam Total testing time will be 7 ½ hours Accommodated examinees with extra testing time will test over two or more days Don’t yet have specifics, but the testing fee will increase Fee Assistance Program will be available for those who qualify 50

Spring Scoring New score reports and scaled scores will be released in conjunction with MCAT 2015 exam For 2-3 application cycles, AMCAS will continue to report MCAT scores taken prior to spring 2015 (if applicable) AMCAS will provide a way for examinees, advisors and medical schools to compare old and new scores 51

Work Continues on … Scoring and score reports Plans for working with medical schools on using and evaluating the new exam Test administration logistics Preparation materials Outreach strategies 52

ANY QUESTIONS? Before moving on…

Resources for You and Your Advisees 54

Now Available for the New Exam The Preview Guide for the MCAT 2015 Exam (Second Edition) 3 videos Webinars – over 10 presentations Slide presentations and handouts Resources FAQ’s Research reports providing data used to design the exam Web site 55

Advising Students on Needed Courses Varies by institution The Preview Guide for the MCAT 2015 Exam (Second Edition) and the MCAT 2015 webinars provide information about typical coverage (according to our surveys) Find the webinars and more at:

The Course-Mapping Tool for the MCAT 2015 Exam 57

Testing and Course Completion Data Some examinees test for the first time as juniors, some as seniors, and some later: Juniors—41% Seniors—27% Later—27% Before testing, many current examinees complete biochemistry, psychology or sociology: Biochemistry—63% Introductory psychology—65% Introductory sociology—32% 58

Testing and Course Completion Testing and course-taking data for are similar for: Minority applicants Applicants at schools w/out advisors Non-science majors Except that: Slightly more minority examinees, students without advisors, and non-science majors tested later Slightly more science than non-science majors took biochemistry Opposite was true for psychology and sociology 59

Applying to Medical School Some apply after junior year, some after senior year, and some while in post-bac or grad school: Juniors—37% Seniors—44% Post-bac or grad school—19% Many medical schools require or recommend biochemistry or a behavioral or social science course: 83% biochemistry 53% behavioral or social science 60

Applying to Medical School Application patterns were similar across groups, except: Slightly more minority examinees, students without advisors, and non-science majors applied later 61

Support for Curriculum Change MedEdPORTAL iCollaborative Pre-health Collection: Ensuring access to instructional resources for all who need them Free online collection teaching pre-health competencies. Searchable by competency, foundational concept or key words. Recommended by faculty reviewers. User community comments and shares resources. Contact : Jen Page 62

MedEdPORTAL iCollaborative Pre-health Collection 63

Resources for Students The MCAT Program is committed to providing: Resources to help student prepare A good testing experience 64

Available now: “Preview Guide for the MCAT 2015 Exam (Second Edition)” Videos describing the exam FAQ’s Resources for Students AAMCvideo:

Test Preparation for the New Exam By 2014: The Official Guide to MCAT 2015 Exam Free practice test By 2015: One more practice test Additional Possibilities: Additional sets of items Question bank

Financial Support For Students? Fee Assistance Program will continue Continue free test prep resources Free Summer Medical and Dental Education Program continues Considering additional support More info at:

Spreading the Word Can you help? Share information with your students Encourage participation on the Trial Section Sharing information with advisors who aren’t here Talking to students without advisors Ideas? Ideas?

Thanks! Thank you very much for your active participation and helpful input For more information please visit: