1. The Medical School Journey with Kaplan
Learn about admissions, the MCAT, and how Kaplan can
support you in your future plans.
Eileen Tang
Student Brand Ambassador
University of Texas at Austin
@eileenxtang

2. Who Am I and What Do I Do?
As a Kaplan Student Brand Ambassador, I can…
Help you tap into the Kaplan network
Connect you with resources + exclusive tools for prep
Be a resource for your academic journey
...and more!

3. Why is the MCAT so important?
Among the top 2 admissions factors
No. 1 application killer
Can help offset a lower GPA
Admission is extremely competitive:
More than 50% of students are not accepted anywhere
Fewer than 10% of students are accepted to top schools

4. MCAT By the Numbers
305
3.55 vs. 3.70 4
350
7.5
39.3%
$350 = cost to take the MCAT
4 = number of sections on the MCAT
7.5 = number of hours you have to sit to take the MCAT
39.3% = 2015 Med School Acceptance Rate (52,500 applicants/20,631 matriculants)
3.55 vs = Average Science GPA of applicants vs. matriculants
350 = the number of hours the AAMC (MCAT test maker) recommends students study/prepare for the MCAT

5. File Primary Applications File Secondary Applications
Medical School Admissions Timeline
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Take MCAT & Get Scores
File Primary Applications
File Secondary Applications
Interviews
Acceptance
● MCAT Admissions work on a rolling admissions basis which means that schools start accepting students as soon as they receive applications, which is why this timeline is so important. (This is important for students to understand for the timeline/sense of urgency to really make sense)
● The traditional application timeline allows students to begin submitting their primary applications in June of their Junior year (or June of your senior year if you are planning on taking a gap year).
● Most students will plan to take the MCAT sometime between January and May of their Junior year – this is the traditional time to take the MCAT that is recommended by most pre-med advisors.
● The primary application is a single, comprehensive application that is submitted through the American Medical College Application Service, also known as AMCAS, who then verify and distribute the application to the selected schools.
● Schools will follow up with promising applicants by asking them to fill out a secondary application. These applications are unique to each institution and are typically sent to students in mid- to late-summer. On the secondary students will be asked to complete a number of additional essays, as well as to further explain their interest in the school in question.
● At the interview stage, candidates will be invited to visit the medical school and meet with faculty and students in a final appraisal of their application. The first interviews are typically scheduled for the fall, and can continue throughout the winter into early spring. Interviews are just as much a chance for you to learn about the school as the school to learn about you.
● Acceptance letters are mailed within about 2 to 4 weeks from your interview date by most medical schools. A few schools notify students with a few days and some even take several or many months to notify applicants of their decisions.
Ideal time to prep - Most students will prep between October and April of their junior year.
Ideal time to test - Most students will test between January and May of their junior year.

6. MCAT Basics When is the MCAT offered?
20 dates – Jan, Apr, May, June, July, Aug & Sept
Test format
Computer-based
Retaking the MCAT?
3x per year / 7x lifetime limit – 1 time is ideal!
Score Validity
3 years
When do you get your exam score?
30 days after you take your exam
Application Deadlines
Accepted on rolling basis, starting in June
Info/Registration

7. What’s Next for Your Future?
ktp.events/amsaut
How many of you are thinking about going to medical school? Do you what’s next in your path? We’ve built a quiz to help you find out. Once you find out, you’ll be matched with right tools specifically designed to help you wherever you are right now. You’ll get access to free practice tests, formula sheets, school guides, and other tools that can help you get ready faster—free!!!
Exploring the Opportunities
See What’s Possible: Careers & Salaries
Plan Your Path Forward: A Roadmap for What’s Next
Consider Your Options: School Guide
On the Path to What’s Next:
What’s on the [Test]
Discover the Benefits: How Can a Degree Pay Off
3 Tips for [Test] Success
Ready to Own the Moment:
Get Formulas You Need: Test Companion
See the Future: A Day in the Life
Schedule a call module

8. ktp.events/amsaut
Go to the link above!

9. Download your free Kaplan MCAT Study Guide
Free MCAT Study Guide!
Download your free Kaplan MCAT Study Guide
Step One
Go to
Step Two
Complete & submit form
Step Three
Check your for your digital copy!

10. MCAT Test Breakdown

11. How is the MCAT Scored?
MCAT Total Score
Each test taker will receive a score of 118 – 132 for each section, with a cumulative score ranging from 472 – You can see this displayed on each of the bell curves here.
The peak for each curve indicates the 50th percentile, which means the average score for all test takers.
I want you to think about that for a moment. ½ of all test takers will score within the 50th percentile. But in years past, the average for Med School applicants was within the 70th percentile and the average for someone who actually got into Med School was in the 80th percentile.
If you look at the most current percentile tables released by the AAMC, you will see that the overall score’s 85th percentile falls between 511 and 512. In the individual sections, the 85th percentile is somewhere between a 127 and 128 (depending on the section).
With almost 85,000 tests administered each year, just adding a few points can provide you with a higher percentile score and the ability to push past even more of your competition.

13. Where Can You Get More Exclusive Content?
KaplanMCAT
@KaplanMCATPrep
Kaplan MCAT Prep
@eileenxtang
Connecting with these accounts is the best way to stay informed about upcoming events, promotions, and test updates
KaplanMCAT.com | The Med School Pulse

14. Visit www.kaptest.com or call 1.800.KapTest to enroll!
AMSA Member Discount Details
10% discount on these Kaplan MCAT prep programs:
MCAT Prep – In Person or In Person Plus
MCAT Prep – Live Online or Live Online Plus
MCAT Private Tutoring – In Person or Live Online
$500 discount on Kaplan MCAT Summer Intensive Programs
10% discount is stackable with national promotions present at the time of enrollment
As a national AMSA member you are entitled to register for a free online Foundations of Biochemistry Self-Paced Program ($499 retail value) at any time during your membership.
Visit or call KapTest to enroll!

15. Student Brand Ambassador University of Texas at Austin
Q + A
Eileen Tang
Student Brand Ambassador
University of Texas at Austin
@eileenxtang