1. Reasoning Skills i – MCAT and Math Xavier MCAT Review Course David J. Gerberry Assistant Professor of Mathematics www.cs.xavier.edu/~david.gerberry david.gerberry@xavier.edu Phone: 513 745-4254 Office: Hinkle 111

2. My experience with the MCAT – 0, nada, zilch,  Experience with high-stakes exams – ACT: didn’t study – Actuarial Exam: studied fairly hard and passed – GRE (Graduate Record Exam): didn’t study – PhD Qualifying Exams: studied my @$$ off and passed all 4 on the first try Introduction to the MCAT

3. 1.Set a schedule for studying and stick to it. 2.Keep a running formula/fact sheet while you study – If you need something that’s not on the list, add it. – If you need something that is on the list, tally how many times you needed it. A 2 +B 2 = C 2 sin(0) = 0 sin(30 degrees) = ½ H 2 O = water Strategy that works (for me... at least)

4. Completely out of character for me Schedule manages psychological burden – Study early Get the ball rolling, builds confidence, keep ball rolling – Procrastinate... Feel guilty, feel stressed Idea of beginning to study feels more overwhelming Procrastinate more... feel more guilt and stress.... This course establishes the schedule – Stick to it and don’t prioritize other things Schedule

5. What kind of schedule Preparing for football season opener (Sept 1) Preparing for MCAT June - JulyAugustWeek before GameDay before game Lifting weights, conditioning 2-a-day practices Lots of hitting 6 hours a day Some scrimmage but mostly drills More focus on plays/strategies for upcoming game Less hitting More game-like scenarios Run through No pads, No hitting Fine-tuning & getting timing CONFIDENCE Early3 months beforeWeek before GameDay or two before Getting in shape Taking regular courses Learning Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc. Beat ourselves up Learning material Tackling tough, hard, questions Some practice exams THIS COURSE More focus on test-taking strategy Shortcuts/tricks Which problems to skip Which to spend time on Lots of practice exams Reviewing areas that need work “Run through” Main goal: CONFIDENCE Only look at questions you have done before Light fine-tuning