The MSA NMAT Reviewer

According to Allan Paul I. Carreon (MSA NMAT Reviewer, 2001), The National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) is carefully designed. It does not seek to test the amount of knowledge the examinee can recall in various fields of Science, Math and English. More importantly, the test is constructed so as to also be able to determine how well the examinee can synthesize information and make use of his or her reasoning skills in analyzing and solving various problems.

As such, I have designed this reviewer to meet that demand of the actual NMAT. More often as I could, I made the questions as challenging and perhaps even more hard so than the actual NMAT in order to give you the chance to adequately prepare for the actual test.

The first part of the NMAT consists of four tests that deal with subjects outside of the sciences.

Test A (Verbal) has two sections. The first is on analogies. Most of the analogies I have constructed are general in nature. However, a few do deal with scientific concepts, while others consist of more specific aesthetic areas such as music, art, literature and even pop culture. The second section is on reading comprehension; it consists of five selections followed by five questions each. I have sought to make the selections as diverse as possible not only to cater to different tastes but also in keeping with the diverse nature of the selections used in the actual NMAT. Thus, the five selections I have chosen have forms that range from songs to poetry (both English and Filipino) to humorous essays to scientific articles to news items.

Test B (Inductive Reasoning) is designed to assess your intuitive reasoning skills; it consists of three sections. The first section is on figure series; your ability to determine what comes next in a series of related figures is tested here. The second section deals with figure grouping; in it, you are required to decipher what figure among a given group does not belong. The last section of Test B is on number and letter series; your skills in identifying number and letter patterns and applying them are tested here.

Test C (Quantitative) focuses on mathematical ability. It has three sections. The first section is on fundamental operations; these questions are structured in basic form and designed to test your direct solving skills. Although currently the NMAT does not include Calculus, I have included three simple Calculus problems in this section as a review of your basic college math; also, it is a good review in case the NMAT includes this important aspect of the mathematics in the future. The second section deals with word problems. In this section, your ability not only to do mathematical operations but also to apply them in various areas of everyday life is tested. Most of them require a great degree of skill in translating sentences into mathematical equations; a couple, however, do deal with more objective questions such as equations of slopes and factoring methods. The last section of Test C is on data interpretation. In it, various data in the form of graphs, charts and tables are given, and questions regarding the said data are asked. This section will enhance your skill in understanding and analyzing sets of data.

Test D (Perceptual Acuity) is a relatively unique feature of the NMAT; in it, your visual sharpness is tested in the belief that good doctors must have good eye sights in order to practice the profession competently. Test D has three sections. The first consist of hidden figures, wherein a figure is given and you must decide which among a given group of choices contains that figure; your ability to spot concealed figures is tested here. The second section is about determining which figure is the exact mirror image of a given one; this exercises your skills not only to spot differences but also to spot similarities. The final section consists of written information; the job to identify which among the given choices gives exactly the same information will test not only your visual skills in spotting differences but may also serve to enhance your editing skills.

The second part of the NMAT consists of four tests that deal with the natural and social sciences.

Test A (Biology) is designed to determine your knowledge in the biological sciences. It deals with everything from General Biology to specific fields such as Zoology, Botany, Taxonomy and Physiology.

Test B (Physics) focuses on the physical sciences. Areas covered include Mechanics, Heat, Electromagnetics and Optics. Although currently the NMAT does not really include the Theory of Relativity, I have included some questions on this subject because of its importance in modern Physics as well as in anticipation of any possible future inclusion in the NMAT.

Test C (Social Science) is all about the social sciences. The two main sciences dealt with are Psychology and Sociology. Most of the questions here are taken from General Psychology and General Sociology courses. However, some questions are designed to ensure that your ability to synthesize and apply basic concepts is well-tested.

Test D (Chemistry) is on the chemical sciences. The major areas included are General Chemistry, Quantitative and Qualitative Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry.

What follows is a topic outline of the subject areas under each science that I have used in this reviewer and which is also used in the NMAT. It can also serve as a good topic outline for review in MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), the NMAT equivalent in the United States of America and Canada.

Biology

I. General Biology Concepts
II. Plant Morpho-Anatomy, Histology and Physiology
III. Animal Morpho-Anatomy, Histology and Physiology
IV. Taxonomy, Systematics and Evolution
V. Developmental Biology
VI. Genetics
VII. Cell Biology and Biochemistry
VIII. Ecology

Physics

I. General Physics Concept
II. Vectors
III. Mechanics: Kinematics and Dynamics
IV. Electromagnetics
V. Waves
VI. Optics
VII. Heat and Energy
VIII. Relativity

Social Sciences

A. Psychology

I. General Psychology Concepts
II. Biological Background
III. Sensation, Perception and States of Consciousness
IV. Learning, Memory, Thought, Language and Intelligence
V. Development, Motivation, Emotion and Personality
VI. Psychopathology and Therapies
VII. Social Psychology
VIII. Applied Psychology

B. Sociology

I. General Sociology Concepts
II. Culture, Social Structures, Organization and Stratification
III. Socialization, Interaction, Deviance and Social Control
IV. Race, Ethnicity and Gender
V. Marriage, Family and Education
VI. Politics, Economy and Religion
VII. Science and Technology
VIII. Population, Urbanization and Collective Behavior

Chemistry

I. General Chemistry Concepts
II. Qualitative Chemistry
III. Analytic and Quantitative Chemistry
IV. Organic Chemistry
V. Biochemistry
VI. Physical Chemistry
VII. Thermochemistry
VIII. Nuclearchemistry

Shitty Test

According to NMAT Bulletin of Information and Supplementary Handout, The National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) is an instrument designed to upgrade the selection of applicants seeking admission to Philippine medical schools. It evolved from a widespread concern to screen qualified candidates aspiring for medical degree. It intends to improve the quality of medical education in the country and envisions elevating the medical profession to a level of competence through a careful evaluation of student potentials for future medical studies.

Pursuant to the Medical Act of 1959, the Board of Medical Education (BME), under DECS Order No. 52 series 1985 and in consultation with the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC), required the NMAT as a prerequisite for admission in all medical schools nationwide beginning school year 1986-87.

The Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM) has been authorized to manage the affairs and activities related to the operation of the NMAT since the first administration of the test in December 1985. With the CEM’s experience as an educational testing agency, it was commissioned to develop the NMAT, ensure the reliability and validity of the test and uphold the confidentiality and integrity of its administration.

Brief Description of the Test

The NMAT is a two-part test: Part I consist of tests of mental ability and Part II tests of academic proficiency. The four subtests that compose Part I measure aptitudes that were found to have significant correlations with academic performance of medical students, while the four subtests that compose Part II measure subject proficiency in areas which are part of the academic background required of applicants to the medical course.

The subtests in Part I are as follows:

Verbal . This subtest consists of two types of test items, namely, word analogies and reading comprehension, which measure verbal ability in English. Items in reading comprehension are based on the content of portions of published materials covering a wide range of topics, e.g., social, scientific, medical, philosophical, literary.

Inductive Reasoning . This subtest consists of number, letter, and figural series, and figure grouping items. These items are known to measure induction, which is the ability to form, and test hypothesis directed at finding a principle with which to identify an element fitting a given relationship.

Quantitative . This subtest consists of three types of items, namely, fundamental operations, problem solving, and date interpretation. These items are intended to measure general reasoning, which is defined as the ability to organize and apply knowledge of basic mathematics and reasoning to find solutions for them.

Perceptual Acuity. This subtest consists of three types of items, namely, hidden figures, mirror images, and identical information. Solutions to these items involve accuracy in visual perception, an ability linked to extensiveness of scanning , a cognitive style associated with meticulousness, concern with detail, and sharp, yet wide-ranging focus of attention.

The four subtests that compose Part II are Biology, Physics, Social Science, and Chemistry. Social Science includes items in psychology, sociology and anthropology. The items in the four subtests are limited to the content coverage of the areas that are common and basic to the curricula of the degree programs considered as premedical courses. On the whole, these four subtests measure complex mental abilities because solutions to the items require the use of the different cognitive skills of knowledge, comprehension, application (process), analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

Preparing for the Test

The NMAT is intended to measure mental and academic skills that are regarded as necessary in the successful pursuit of medical education, and possibly in the profession itself. You, the prospective test-taker, may have learned a wide array of mental and academic skills, but unless you know definitely which ones to use on which part of the NMAT, you will not perform in the test as well as you should.

Understanding the NMAT

Test-taking will be greatly improved with the use of a practice set that, more or less, reflects the content and test length of the NMAT and the skills that the test measures. The practice test will help you to know what each particular subtest is about, and what it measures by analyzing the information, concepts, and principles involved in the items.

The brief description of the NMAT in the previous section gives you an idea of the relative difficulty of the subtests. Part I requires more innate abilities. The items in any of the four subtests of Part I measure a primary aptitude. Basic concepts or principles can be found in the items presented. In Part II the items in any of the four subtests, with the exception of recall items, require the use of complex abilities such as application and analysis. This is where Part II will require references and note taking. For example, in the practice test a problem in physics that requires the use of a formula will need your ability to recall the formula and apply it. It is, therefore, good practice to note down your analysis of the problem. A formula has a number of variables and it is likely to appear in similar problems involving the other variables.

Management of Study Time

There are about three to four months between the registration for the NMAT and the administration of the test. Apportion your time wisely so that you can cover all the areas included in Part II. Your practice can be a good indicator of your weak areas. Early in your preparation to take the NMAT, you should try to answer all the questions in your practice set. Tick off or note all the items where you have difficulty understanding and getting the correct answer. Then review systematically so you proceed by sections. After you have finished reviewing your weak areas, you should now be ready to take the NMAT.

To prepare yourself to take the test under time pressure, take your practice set and simulate the actual test time, which is 3 hours for Part I and 2 ½ hours for Part II.

After answering the test under time pressure, score your test against the Answer Key. If you get 75% (or approximately 300) items correctly, you are in good shape and ready to take the NMAT. Lower than 75% correct answer will mean the need to improve your base information level on the various subtests and to sharpen your application and/or analytical skills.

CAUTION: The Practice Set is meant to guide you in your review and to provide you with an opportunity to simulate the NMAT testing procedure. Do not memorize the test questions and the answer key. The NMAT you will take does not include the same questions you see in the Practice Set.

Test Scores

Part I of the NMAT yields five scores, one for each of the aptitude subtests and their summative score, the APT Composite. Similarly, Part II yields five scores, one for each of the four special subject areas and their summative score, the SA Composite. The General Performance Score, or GPS, is the summative score derived from the eight subtests. The Examinee Report (ER) form, on which the NMAT scores are printed, is illustrated.

The results on the test are converted to standard scores from normalized scales, which have points ranging from 200 to 800 and midpoints of 500. These scales were mathematically derived from the NMAT performance of the norm group. The test, therefore, is norm-referenced. The test results of examinees are automatically compared to that of the norm group, which has mean scores of 500 (coincident to the midpoint 500) and a standard deviation of purposes of ranking. This scale has points ranging from 1- to 99+ with a midpoint of 50 which corresponds to the midpoint of 500 in the normalized standard score scales.

An examinee’s raw score or number of correct answer in a subtest is converted to its equivalent standard score. The eight subtests have a common normalized scale. This makes possible the comparison of reported scores across the eight subtests.

The APT Composite and SA Composite are the summative raw scores of Part I and Part II, respectively, which are then converted to their equivalent standard scores from a common normalized scale. The general Performance Score (GPS) is the summative raw score of the eight subtests, which is converted to its equivalent standard score and corresponding percentile rank. Thus, the three standard scores are independent scores although they yield to the same interpretation of standard scores and percentile ranks.

Test Results

1. Your NMAT score will be printed in the Examinee Report (ER) form and the original copy of this form will be mailed to you six weeks after the test date. To safeguard the authenticity of the results, your score will also appear in the masterlist of test scores, which will be sent to the medical schools, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Higher Education Regional Offices (HERO) and the office of the Association of the Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC).
2. To maintain confidentiality, the ER is given only to examinee himself. Phoned in inquiries on an individual’s scores will not be entertained.
3. In case an examinee needs a second copy of the ER, he may file a written request by the examinee for a second copy of the Examinee Report (ER) may be filed at CEM after two weeks from the release of the test results. A minimal retrieval fee is charged for every copy of the ER.
4. The Center for Educational Measurement does not entertain rechecking of NMAT answer sheets. The results contained in the NMAT masterlist are official and are guaranteed free of discrepancies. Medical schools and Higher Education Regional Offices must, therefore, refer only to the masterlist for official scores. The masterlist safeguards the authenticity of the NMAT results.

Nursing as a Pre-Med

According to the RN-to-MD.blogspot.com, about Nursing as a Pre-Med, found out that in this 21st Millennium, biases and prejudices set aside, unconsidering the Desperate Housewives TV Series writ that had create the underdog image of Filipino health care providers and the halted issue of Physicians enrolling to join the Nursing bandwagons. BS Nursing is probably the practical Pre-Med course compared to BS Medical Technology, BS Biology, BS Pharmacy, BA/BS Psychology, BS Physical Therapy, BS Sports Science, BS Speech and Language Therapy, BS Applied Physics major in Instrumentation, BS Chemistry, BS Physics, BS Mathematics major in Actuarial Science, BS Microbiology, BS Biochemistry, BS Public Health, BS Physical Therapy, BS Occupational Therapy and others. Firstly, sophomore Nursing students already interact with the patients on their Related Learning Experience. Second, BS Nursing graduates will always have a lucrative fallback profession compared to others just in case of they weren’t able to finish the Med School and that’s not a lame excuse. Third, it can obtain two titles (RN and MD) if the person wish for prestige purposes in the event that they choose to enroll in the Med School after taking the Nursing Licensure Examination. Fourth, strange emphasis of a Physician who’s Pre-Med is Nursing will most likely to have a better Patient-Physician and Nurse-Physician relationship compared to others. Fifth, Nursing grads usually shine in their Clerkship during the Med School, where it mostly deal with abnormalities since they’ve seen how it works, worsens and heals, and how to manage diseases of almost all kinds. Sixth, let us remember that the bulk of being a Doctor rest not only in laboratory tests and dissection alone, you need to find out what’s making the person sick first right?, and that’s where Pathophysiology kick off. Seventh, Nurses have a background of fundamental medical concepts/clinical reasoning in relation to real patient cases because of extensive exposure to Clinical setting. Eight, Nurses have clinical eye and good therapeutic communication since very rigorous duty hours are on the bed side. Ninth, BSN grads will show that they know and can comprehend what a Physician does and what the job is like, as they’ve seen them work first hand. Tenth, Nurses can plant seeds of healthy answers in Revalidas. Eleventh, it is having the best two worlds, Nursing and Medicine, that makes the BS Nursing the best Pre-Med there is.

NMAT Legalities.

According to REPUBLIC ACT No. 2382, The Medical Act of 1959,

Section 7. Admission requirements. The Medical College may admit any student to its first year class who has not been convicted by any court of competent jurisdiction of any offense involving moral turpitude, and who presents (a) a certificate showing completion of a standard high school course, (b) a record showing completion of a standard preparatory medical course as herein provided, (c) a certificate of registration as medical student, (d) a certificate of good moral character issued by two former professors in the pre-medicine course, and (e) birth certificate and marriage certificate, if any. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to inhibit any college of medicine from establishing, in addition to the preceding, other entrance requirements that may be deemed admissible.

For the purposes of this Act, the term "College of Medicine" shall mean to include faculty of medicine, institute of medicine, school of medicine or other similar institution offering a complete medical course leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine or its equivalent.

According to CHED Memorandum Order No. 6, series of 1996,

The requirements and procedures for admission to Philippine Medical Schools discussed below are applicable to both Filipino and foreign nationals aspiring to pursue medical education in any of the schools. Updates on the requirements are based on the “Revised Policies and Guidelines on Medical Education”:

Prerequisite 1: Bachelor’s Degree : An aspirant to the medical course must possess a bachelor’s degree with credits in the following

Subject Minimum Credits

Biology 15 units

Chemistry 10 units

Mathematics 9 units

Physics 5 units

Prerequisite 2: National Medical Admission Test (NMAT). Applicants to medical schools in the Philippines are required to take the NMAT. The test is developed and administered by the Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM) as authorized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) per Memorandum of Agreement (1985) between the former Board of Medical Education, now Technical Panel for Medical Education and CEM. The testing dates, local and abroad, are decided and announced by the CHED and CEM.

The NMAT scores obtained by a student at any given examination year are deemed sufficient and valid as basis for evaluating applicants for admission to a college of medicine. There is no cut-off score on the NMAT; however, each school may independently set its own cut-off score on the test.

Prerequisite 3: Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA): The CEA application form may be obtained from the regional offices of the Commission on Higher Education. Foreign students may apply at the Commission on Higher Education located at the National Engineering Center Building, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

The requirements in securing the CEA are as follows:

I. Fully accomplished CEA application form

II. Transcript of Records

III. Copy of Diploma or Certificate of Graduation authenticated by the registrar of the school where he/she graduated (for graduates of government school)

IV. NMAT results (Original copy of Examinee report Form) issued by CEM

V. Birth Certificate

VI. Certificate of good moral character

Prerequisite 4: Applicant’s Acceptance in Medical School. The CEA does not automatically assure the applicant of a slot in any of the medical schools in the country. A student who has been issued a CEA is given full acceptance only upon meeting the other requirements of the admitting medical school, such as passing the interviews. (It may be advisable, therefore, to seek preliminary acceptance from the medical school chosen by the applicant before obtaining the CEA).

According to DECS Memorandum Order No. 52 series of 1985,

Section 2. The NMAT, an aptitude test, is considered as an instrument towards upgrading the selection of applicants for admission into the medical schools and is calculated to improve the quality of medical education in the country. The cut-off score for the successful applicants, based on the scores on the NMAT, shall be determined every year by the Board of Medical Education after consultation with the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges. The NMAT rating of each applicant, together with the other admission requirements as presently called for under existing rules, shall serve as the basis for the issuance of the prescribed certificate of eligibility for admission into the medical colleges.

Section 4. For the purposes of assuring and ensuring its validity, reliability, integrity and confidentiality of the test, the Center for Educational Measurement (CEM) has been authorized to administer the affairs and activities related to the operation of the NMAT.

Section 8. No applicant shall be issued the requisite Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA), or admitted for enrollment as first year student in any medical college, beginning the school year 1986-1987, without the required NMAT qualification as called for under this order.