Test Prep

AMSA’s response to USMLE scoring change recommendations

The Invitational Conference on USMLE Scoring (InCUS) recently allowed public statements from medical students in regards to the potential USMLE Step 1 score change. The USMLE Step 1 was originally a pass/fail exam. However, this changed due to increased emphasis on the test to select residency candidates. Step scores have a huge influence on match...

When should I take the MCAT?

With 30 test dates to choose from (in 2018), it can be easy to put the decision of when to take the MCAT on the back-burner. But in reality, choosing when to take the MCAT is a very important choice. Think about it like this: lots of longer-term decisions—like when to schedule your test prep—depend...

Build an MCAT study schedule to meet your needs

One of the most common misconceptions about preparing for the MCAT is that there’s one perfect MCAT study schedule which all medical school applicants should follow. Beyond the AAMC’s guidelines of spending approximately 300 hours studying, there is no one right way to study and no one right schedule that will work for everyone. There...

8 Signs You’re a Pre-Med Student

EMILY HAUSE Being a pre-medical student is an experience like no other. You’re simultaneously trying to crush your rigorous science classes while volunteering, gaining medical shadowing experience, and cultivating extracurricular interests. You’re basically a superhuman student-volunteer-teammate-friend masquerading as a normal college student. Spotting a pre-med student is easy once you know what to look for. Here are eight...