NMAT Series: What does your percentile rank means

National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) results are out and I hope you reached the score you  aimed for. You might be asking what's the passing grade, the answer is none. There is no passing grade for NMAT, only acceptable NMAT score. Acceptable NMAT score varies on the medical school in the Philippines but the lowest score one needs to qualify is 40 percentile rank, for example, University of the Philippines - College of Medicine (UPCM) accepts applicants with 90 and above percentile rank. Before enrolling, make sure to check the requirements of the medical school of your choice and ensure that you have their preferred NMAT percentile. 

The NMAT is a combination of an IQ test (part 1) and of special area test (Part 2) which will I'll discuss in another blog. I'll also blog on how to ace the NMAT with useful tips that I used when I took it so make sure to follow my blog so you won't miss it. Trust me, you wouldn't want to miss it as I'll spill all the beans and every piece of advise that will be really useful in taking this test.

NMAT score is not easy to understand, I know. In this blog, I'll simplify the explanation for us to understand it better. Your NMAT score is in a form of percentile rank therefore all the test takers are arranged based on their rank in the exam. So if you get a score of 75, it does not mean that you got 75% of the exam correct, it means that you scored better than the 75% of the total takers.  To understand it better, think of it this way, the score you get means that your raw score is higher than that percentage of the takers. Example if you get a percentile rank of 95, it mean that you scored higher than 95% of the test takers and you are in the top 5% of the NMAT takers. Another example, let us say you get 40 NMAT percentile, it means 60% of the takers got higher scores than you while you bested the other 40% of the takers. The highest NMAT score one can get is a 99+ which will surely give you a huge advantage on the med school of your choice.

A lot of people are asking if how many times one is allowed to take the NMAT, the answer is unlimited. NMAT can be taken as many times as you like until you are satisfied with your score. It is not true that your scores will be averaged on your third try or more. That is a complete myth. I am not sure where this news came from but based on what I know, it is not averaged on your 3rd or so on try of the test. This created confusion and worry to the people and I want to clarify that it is not true.

I hope this blog helped you in understanding your NMAT score and feel free to comment below if you have questions and I will be happy to answer it to the best of my ability. Thank you.

Disclaimer: The author is not in any way related/connected to the CEM NMAT Committee This post is only based on personal experience and understanding of the author.

PLM Series: Braving the MCAT

 As a continuation of my PLM series, here's the second part of the admission requirement for PLM College of Medicine - the MCAT. If you haven't read the first part of my blog regarding applying to PLM CM, read it here. You cannot proceed with taking this test if you haven't qualified on their primary medical school requirements. 

The first step is filling your application form at the dean's office and afterwards, you'll be asked to pay the MCAT fee of 3,500 pesos to the cashier (in another building across the Gusaling Bagatsing/Med building), then return to the dean's office and the staff will ask you to fill your test permit. Two 1x1 photos will be ask from you during this process, one for your application form and another for the test permit so make sure you have 1x1 photos with you and avoid the delay.

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is unique to PLM as they are the only medical school in the Philippines (that I heard of) which has an entrance exam. You'll feel like, wait another exam? But I already took the NMAT! Yes, I know the feeling trust me but PLM MCAT is nowhere near the NMAT. 

This blog post will give you a glimpse of what you need to do, and expect on the exam day and of course what to study for. So here it is:

Things to bring:

1. Test permit - the most important thing to bring, this will serve as your "ticket" to get into the testing site. No test permit, no exam policy applies.
2. Pencils and/or with erasers - just use the pencils you used in your NMAT
3. Valid ID 
4. Water - keep yourself hydrated during this day.
5. Watch- to keep track of you time. It is really a time pressured exam. Worse than NMAT.
6. Pen
7. Jacket - being cold during an exam should be the least thing in your mind while taking the test.

There's only one scheduled MCAT for all the applicants which always falls on a Sunday. On this day, you will witness the faces of everyone applying for the College of Medicine. Make sure to report to PLM test site early (before 7 am) because there will be a lot of people in PLM - test takers, friends/relatives of the test takers and current students of the Pamantasan. Being early means you'll be able to relax while waiting for the actual test and if you're not familiar with PLM, the least thing you want is to get lost and be late on the exam day.

Some medical scholars aka medical fraternities and sororities are proactively present to assist you, boost your confidence, and they even gave out prayer bookmarks and pencils. Do not be afraid to talk to them as they will really give out tips on how to do good in your long I-hope-I'll-get-in-to-PLM CM journey. They will also get your name, contact details and email to be added to a Facebook group managed by them to get updates and the most awaited results. These groups will also invite you to join their medical missions - experience it and you'll learn a lot, believe me. I learned how to circumcise and even did the whole procedure myself!  That's a story to tell in another blog post so stay tuned and subscribe to my blog.

I think it is more or less 8 am when we are allowed to get in to the campus, go straight to the testing class room you are assigned to and sit wherever you like. Unlike in NMAT, in MCAT there's no seat assignment and not strict with what you can bring inside the testing room but when I took the exam, I just brought the things I need mentioned above. It was a long wait before the exam started, if I'm not mistaken, it is already past 9 am! Imagine the boredom and restlessness we felt while waiting. Before the exam starts, make sure you ate your breakfast and do your bathroom visits.

The MCAT is a 2-part exam, part 1 of the exam is more about general knowledge type of test which is time pressured while part 2 is a not timed psychological exam which will help test your personality and to know if you're fit to take medicine. I am also surprised how the students are sectioned in PLM, it is based on your personality (according to higher batches), perhaps it is another use and basis of the test's part 2.  

Part 1:

The part 1 of the exam includes, analogy, finding the mistake in the sentence and writing it in the answer sheet - yes you read that right, you have to write the answer on the given answer sheet. Other parts of the exam is not the 'shade the correct answer' (not scantron sheet) that we are used to but 'put a check mark on the correct answer' so make sure to listen carefully to the proctor's instructions. You wouldn't want to lose your chance of getting in by not following the test instructions. Part 1 also involves math - word problems, wherein calculators of any kind is not allowed just like in NMAT so you might want to practice as early as now on how to quickly calculate and deciphering word problems - the commonly used words and how to solve them with utmost speed. Reading comprehension is also present in the test so might as well brush up the techniques you used during the NMAT verbal subtest.

In my experience, the MCAT is more on the general knowledge type of test. It is very random and very quickly time pressured test to the point that you'll never know what happened during the test. If you're a wide reader you should be fine but for someone who's not that much, like me, make sure to take a read about world history, constellations, animals, books, famous authors, plays, Philippine provinces (capitals/city), well known paintings/artworks and the Presidents of the Philippines - there are 2 items in this question so make sure to get these points correct. My advice is do not study those subjects you studied for NMAT - there are no Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Social Science related questions appeared and you'll only waste your time and energy on studying these subjects. The test is about stock and general knowledge. Also should I say, it boils down to your testmanship and the rivalry who can best guess the correct answers. It is funny but it's true.

The test is like a flash, it is impossible for you to read the questions more than once. You have to rely on your instinct and quick wits. In the math portion, do not waste your time computing - or let's say there's no time to compute for the items. Might as well do the computations on your mind while reading the problem. The exam is not right minus wrong, so might as well make sure to answer everything for possible correct points. Do not miss an item without answer. The entire exam should be finished in 90 minutes which is really a short period for the number questions.
 

I honestly didn't review for MCAT since it an anything under the sun type of test, very random and anything can pop in the exam however, I read on the Philippines Presidents (I made sure I got these right), practiced on some math problems - like how I reviewed for the NMAT word problems, and I read and familiarized some famous authors/books/artworks etc. From what I heard, our batch and the batch before us have the same MCAT but they say it changes from time to time. It really depends on the PLM CM admins.

Part 2:

As I've mentioned above, it is the psychological exam which is not time pressured however, there are more than 300 items in this portion. All you have to do is answer each item honestly and you're good to go. The MCAT will be finished before lunch time.

After the exam, make sure to drop by to the booths of the medical scholars/medical fraternities and sororities outside PLM as they will give you useful tips that will really come in handy for the next step of the application, the interview which will I discuss on my next blog post.

For me, MCAT is harder than NMAT since it's anything under the sun and you cannot actually study for it and it is more time pressured but you can prepare for it based on my hints and tips above. Do not focus on the NMAT coverage but instead read everything you can about famous general knowledge available.

I hope this post helps and feel free to comment any questions you have and I'll try my best to answer your queries. Thank you and good luck!

Disclaimer: The author is not in any way related/connected to the admissions office of PLM CM. This post is only based on personal experience of the author.

PLM Series: Applying to PLM College of Medicine

There is no doubt, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Medicine is one of the medical schools which get a lot of applicants every year not only because of its quality education but of course for its lower tuition fees compared to other medical schools here in the Philippines. Admit it and we all know how expensive medical education can get. At PLM, students are 'categorized' or 'bracketed' based on criteria set by the medical school - read it here.  

For me, PLM CM has the most tedious process in all of medical school applications, they have a lot of requirements, an entrance exam and an interview which I will write about on the coming weeks (so make sure to follow my blog so you won't miss out). A sad, unique rule in PLM med is that you are NOT allowed to re-apply if you didn't get in the first time. So you might want to step up your game when you are planning to apply here and make every requirement a strong point so you're chance of getting accepted increases. It is really competitive to get a slot here.

PLM Med is NOT limited to Manila residents however, based on my observation Manila residents get prioritized but as long as you comply to the requirements, I don't see any reason why you don't get the chance to get in.

Below is their criteria for admission from their website:
1. Must be a natural Filipino citizen
2. Must have complied with all academic preparations
3. General Weighted Average of 2.50 or its equivalent or better
4. Must have an NMAT of 45 or above
5. Must have no failure in any subject in the undergraduate course
6. Must have no record of having been dropped from any medical school
7. Must have no record of having been denied admission in the PLM-CM
8. Must have no record of conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude
9. Must pass the MCAT
10. Must have passed a panel of interview
11. Willing to sign a memorandum of agreement to serve in the community designated by the College

To tell you frankly, an NMAT of 45 does not guarantee you a slot. NMAT scores of your fellow applicants are way higher, 90 and above, trust me. From what I heard, 70 and below NMAT percentile is still not good to get you in and there are only rare cases where an applicant gets in with this NMAT percentile. However, NMAT is not the only basis for admission, all I'm saying is a high NMAT score can give you a good head start.

If you qualified on their basic criteria, the next thing you need to do is to get your transcript of record (TOR) evaluated by the dean's office as soon as possible, feel free to go to their office and they'll be more than happy to check your TOR. This is to check if you have the complete units for their medical school, see below:

Sciences: 35 units

Chemistry: 10 units
Inorganic Chemistry: 5 units
Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry: 5 units

Natural Sciences: 15 units (5 units should at least be Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy or Human Anatomy and Physiology
 

Physics: 5 units

Microbiology or Elem. Genetics: 5 units

Mathematics: 6 units
Algebra: 3 units
Elementary Statistics/Biostatistics: 3 units
   
Language and Communication: 9 units
Social Sciences: 9 units (Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, History, Anthropology)
Humanities: 3 units (Art Appreciation, Logic, Philosophy)

If you have the complete units, then you are good to go but if not, you need to complete the units first before you can apply. Yes, they are strict with this. It is best to get this step done as soon as you can so you'll have ample time to take the supplemental subjects needed (I made a post where to take these - here). PLM allows 'to-follow' of the completion of units as long as you sign a waiver that they'll be completed before the confirmation of slots (usually around June). I advise that you do this before the second semester starts so you can still enroll your supplemental subjects on the second semester and get it done before the PLM College of Medicine school starts.

To apply, see below steps from the school website:

1. Submit original and duplicate copies of the following for initial screening:
    » Birth Certificate (NSO copy)
    » Official Transcript of Record/Special Order No.
    » 2 Letters of certification of Good Moral Character
    » Certificate of General Weighted Average from the Registrar/College
    » Diploma/Certificate of Graduation
    » NMAT Result
   » Manila Voter's ID/Voter's Certification issued by the COMELEC (for applicants who are residents of Manila only)
    » Student's residence certificate (cedula)
    » Baranggay Clearance in the place of residence
    » NBI Clearance
    » Any other document to prove Manila residency
    » Parent's latest Income Tax Return (ITR) and/or Affidavit of Support and ITR of benefactor
    » Enrollment form for supplemental subjects required
    » Self-addressed stamped envelope
    » Long brown envelope and long file folder
2. If qualified to take MCAT, get certification from the college and pay MCAT fee at the Cashier's Office.
3. Get application form and MCAT permit at the College of Medicine office.
4. Take the MCAT exam as scheduled and present yourself for interview. Interview schedule will be given after the MCAT exam.
Note: Application will not be processed unless documents are completed.

The MCAT fee (2017) is P3,500 pesos - the most expensive medical school application fee I heard of (so far) and also, bring two (2) 1x1 photo with white background to be pasted on your MCAT permit and application form.

As I've mentioned above, I'll write a separate post for the MCAT and the interview process. I hope this helps and feel free to comment any questions you have and I'll try my best to answer your queries. Thank you and good luck!

PLM website

Disclaimer: The author is not in any way related/connected to the admissions office of PLM CM. This post is only based on personal experience of the author.

Medicine is Ageless

They say "age is just a number" when it comes to love and relationships, well this infamous phrase is applicable even in the field of medicine. I know a lot of you are doubting yourself to proceed with becoming a doctor because of your age, you believe it is 'too late' for you to pursue your medical career.

Let me tell you this, the time will pass anyway (whatever you do, time will pass) so might as well be whoever you wanna be - a medical doctor. It's better to be old and happy rather than be old with full of regrets. Imagine yourself, saving lives and feeling the high of being a doctor versus the feeling of being stuck in a job where you drag yourself everyday to go to, which feels so much better? I want you to think of those who are doubting themselves too because of their age and be an inspiration for them to keep going and get that MD.

As cliche as it may sound but it is never too late, there's no timeline in life in general. Everyone runs at their own pace, in their own perfect time when it is about to happen, it will happen. Trust the timing of your life. You might feel that you're being left behind by everyone else where in fact they are just following their own life timeline. You must remember that life is not a race so as being a doctor. This is not a race wherein the one who gets to the finish line first wins because in medicine, there is no such thing as a finish line. It is a lifelong commitment to be better and help those who are in need. It is an endless learning.

I honestly do not understand why some medical schools have a maximum age (35 y/o) set to pursue such an old profession. On the other hand, I commend those medical schools which allow any age to enter and pursue their dream of becoming a doctor. I heard stories of students who started studying medicine in their mid 20s, late 20s, mid 30s and 50s and I admire them so much for their motivation to becoming a doctor. I have so much respect for these people and I look up to them whenever I lose hope. I gained strength from these passionate individuals to continue and fight this battle. I hope this entry will help you too as much as it helped me. I pray that you do not give up on your dreams just because of your age.

Whatever your reason is for pursuing medicine with your current age is valid. I want to tell you that there's no right or wrong age to become a doctor, because medicine is ageless.

Supplemental Subjects for Medical School

Do you want to be a doctor but afraid that you finished a non-Science degree? Here's a good news for you, medical school is not limited to those who have a degree related to Science, becoming a doctor is already open to non-Science degree holders. However, some med schools (e.g., PLM, ASMPH and SLCM) require several units to qualify for admissions. 

If you want to take several Science units to apply for the med schools mentioned above, don't fret because here's a helpful guide on where you can take these supplementary subjects before you enter the war zone of medical school.

1. University of Santo Tomas (UST) - College of Science / College of Rehabilitation Sciences

If you want to take basic science subjects like Biology, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry (Inorganic, Organic, Biochem), Microbiology and Comparative Anatomy, you can apply to UST - College of Science or if you need to take those subjects which are for 1st year medicine proper like Pharmacology, Physiology and Anatomy, UST - CRS is for you. All you need to do is to apply as a non-degree student - no need to take the USTET. See below requirements to be submitted to the dean's office of the said colleges.

• Letter of intent addressed the dean including the subjects and units you need
• Good moral certificate
• Photocopy of Transcript of Records (TOR)

Once you submitted these documents, you'll be asked to fill up an admission memo (yellow). The admission memo will be approved by the dean, the registrar and the secretary general. Processing this can take days or a week depending on the availability of the signatories, so better follow up from time to time for progress.

Studying at UST can be a bit pricey because of the tuition and you'll be required to wear the college uniform even you're a non degree student but guaranteed that the quality of lessons and facilities are good.

Note: UST College of Nursing and Faculty of Pharmacy do not accept non-degree students.

2. University of the Philippines - Manila (UPM)

One good thing about enrolling at UPM as a non degree student is getting a quality education for a cheaper price (yes, non degree students are not covered for the free tuition fee for state universities) compared to others, also you do not need to wear uniform so if you are on budget, you might want to consider this option. You do not need to take the UPCAT to enroll as a non degree student. Requirements are as follows:

• TOR
• Diploma
• Chest X-Ray results
• Letter of intent addressed to the secretary including the subjects and units you need

3. De La Salle University - Manila

You can apply at DLSU College of Science with regards to the supplemental units you need (Biology, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Microbiology), just drop by the College of Science to ask for the subjects offered for the coming sem and they'll be happy to assist you and even make you a class schedule. Despite not requiring to wear a uniform, the tuition fee is a little steep yet at DLSU website, you can find a tuition calculator for you to have an idea on how much you need to pay for the subjects you are planning to enroll. Also, a medical exam will be required before you can enroll here.

4. Philippine College of Health Sciences (PCHS) - Recto, Manila (beside FEU)

If you're a PLM med aspirant, you probably stumbled the name PCHS over some blogs or forums as a school where you can take your supplemental units. They have 2 types of learning option - classroom or module based. Module based learning is flexible and perfect for those who are working and planning to take units at the same time however, this is a little expensive compared to the classroom learning style. At PCHS, some classes are scheduled during Saturdays which is also in favor of the working medical student aspirants. They are also lenient with admissions as they allow to admit students even the if school already started yet, this is case to case basis and with the discretion of the profession teaching the subject. Just ask the professor nicely to allow you to join the class amidst the semester given that you'll catch up with the lessons.

If you plan to enroll here, you just have to visit the admissions office and you'll be endorsed to the dean's office for a quick and basic interview. The dean will help you reach out to the professors and will confirm if the subjects you are needing to take are offered for the semester. Afterwards, you can go to the accounting window to get your fees assessed and just pay before the deadline. Non degree students do not need to wear uniforms.

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The problems you may encounter in applying as a non degree student are the limited slots offered since you'll be mixed with the regular students of a particular course and the conflict of schedules of the subjects. So better know the schedules and the subjects offered prior the sem you plan to enroll.

I hope this helps and feel free to comment any questions you have and I'll try to answer it as soon as I can. Good luck!