1. 1 Getting to Know the Test Curriculum for Increasing Verbal Reasoning Scores

2. 2 Getting to Know the Test “So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss. If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or lose. If you no neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.” Sun Tsu, The Art of War What does Tsu’s quote have to do with the MCAT VR?

3. 3 Getting to Know the Test The VR section of the MCAT is often considered to be the most difficult section and the most feared portion of the test. – Is this true? – What are your thoughts?

4. 4 Getting to Know the Test According to Charles Chaney and Sarah Toombs Smith, the VR section might be the most important one. – For many admissions officers, this part of the test might best predict how students will perform during their medical education and board exams. – The VR section reveals the greatest range and variety of scoring, so you can really stand out with a good score.

5. 5 Getting to Know the Test Analysis of Verbal Reasoning. – Know the test. Seven passages of about 600 words long. Five to seven questions per passage for 40 total questions. One hour to complete the test. Shoot for at least a converted score of 10 to 11. – What does this portion of the test assess? Comprehending information. Applying concepts to situations. Interpreting facts. Formulating inferences. Drawing conclusions. Analyzing the author’s intent and tone. Recognizing key assumptions. Understanding the purpose and construction of arguments.

6. 6 Getting to Know the Test – Dealing with CBT (Computer Based Testing). Words on the screen seem not to register in the mind as efficiently as do words on a page. – CBT Strategy: Read internet-based scholarly articles for at least one hour at the same time of day as the scheduled time of your MCAT exam. – Rules for pacing yourself during this test. 8.5 minutes per passage with 5-7 questions. 3.5 minutes to read each passage with 5 minutes to answer questions. --Scoring for the VR. You can miss no more than nine questions to score a 10. 4-6 missed questions leads to a score of 11. 3 missed questions leads to a score of 12. 2 missed questions leads to a 13. 1 missed question leads to a 14. A perfect performance leads to a 15. Shoot for a score of 10 or above.

7. 7 Getting to Know the Test – Practice taking the test. Be prepared to jump from topic to topic. Work on maintaining focus. Learn to avoid traps. – Analyze your results. What kinds of questions did you miss? What kinds of answers tripped you up?