Archive for September, 2011
GAMSAT preparation for the science based questions requires tremendous time, effort and resources considering hundreds of topics are involved. Unlike essay composition and social skills, biological and physical sciences require a definitive answer. The necessary skill and knowledge should be attained by the student systematically in order to maximize the time invested. Studying the science portion of the GAMSAT examination without any plan or strategy would make it hard for the student to understand the principles needed in the examination. Studying for GAMSAT requires students to use a different perspective. Students should understand that the purpose of the science examination is to test the ability of the student to comprehend the processes governing the sciences. No objective questions would be asked including identification type items. That is why students should not waste their time memorizing items.
The GAMSAT preparation for the science section should be accomplished systematically. The student can either use the macro or micro approach. The macro approach requires the student to look at the big picture before reviewing the specific details. This type of approach allows the students to examine the body as a whole before dealing with its composition such as the tissues and cells. This is ideal when the person is studying gross and comparative anatomy. An in depth view on the composition and structural components of the organism can be seen. The micro approach is accomplished by starting at the smallest component before dealing with the whole organism. This is applicable when studying histology and microbiology. The student would know the role of the cells and molecules to the overall body metabolism. This is having a systemic method of studying would allow the student to understand the implications of the processes involved. In this way, the student would not need to memorize any facts and information.
Physics and chemistry requires a more comprehensive GAMSAT preparation. Unlike biology, physics and chemistry is governed by a set of principles that applies to every object, interaction and process. A lot of people have the misconception that chemistry and physics can only be understood by memorizing formulas and solutions. That is the reason why students fail. The students should not solely concentrate on computations since it is only a limited part of the equation. The theories governing the formulas should be appreciated. For example the formula of force would be mass multiplied by acceleration. If the student simply memorized the formula, it can be forgotten after a short period of time. But if the student would analyze the factors and variables, he would know that a bigger object would create a greater impact or force due to its size and mass. Practical application of theories is the best way to prepare for the chemistry and physics portion of GAMSAT.
Proper GAMSAT preparation is necessary in attaining a high score. The student should study systematically considering a lot of topics are involved. The third part of the GAMSAT examination is designed to measure the ability of the student to recall and apply knowledge. It is not enough to read materials. The students should know how to apply all the basic and fundamental topics and principles included in the different lessons. Although majority of the lessons in the premedical course would not be used in the actual practice of medicine, the training brought about by studying the different science lessons would be important in building the skill of the student. The students should greatly invest in the preparation for the examination. Knowing how to study properly is very important when it comes to medicine. The volume of topics is very substantial. If the student does not know how to establish an efficient system to prepare and study, a lot of complications would be encountered. The proper GAMSAT preparation can be used as a base for a future medical career.
GAMSAT training for the social sciences should be accomplished using a unique but effective approach. Unlike biology, physics and chemistry, social sciences involve the interpretation of the student regarding personal and socio cultural topics. The training and preparation required for the social sciences does not involve learned knowledge but a greater understanding of the factors and variables involved with the interaction with people and society. The questions would theoretically put the student in a certain role or position and check if the response chosen is healthy and appropriate. The only way to develop the skill needed for this part of the examination is by being constantly aware of the perspective of the people involved in the situation. This is important since a large part of medical practice involves interaction with patients. If students fail to see the relevance of social skills, relationship with patients would be compromised which would reduce the effectiveness of the treatments provided.
The GAMSAT training should develop the logical and conceptual thinking of the student. This is necessary since the students would be given questions that would test their ability to determine the best course of action that would be in line with the principles of all the relevant cultural, social, ethical and political standpoints.
The basic set of questions would involve reasoning in social sciences. This part of the exam would primarily measure the quality of the decisions, Verbal responses and logical thinking established by the student. Students would be able to provide the proper responses if certain factors are taken into consideration. This would include the moral, social and political responsibilities of the person. The students should read materials pertaining to the different school of thoughts. Having a diverse and open minded perception and way of thinking would help the students deal with different situations properly. Most of the questions would evaluate the perspective of the student regarding people and society.
The GAMSAT training should develop subjective thinking among the students. This is very important since people would have varied backgrounds, perspectives and reasoning. A large percentage of the questions coming from the first portion of the exam evaluate social interaction skills. Common questions would include how the student would react based on the actions and situations brought about by others. When answering the questions, the student should put ethics and morals above convenience. But the students should see to it that the objectives would not be compromised. One question included in the GAMSAT exams last year asked about the proper action that should be taken if the student had encountered an ethical dilemma when faced with a patient who resisted treatment due to conflict of beliefs. The patient’s religion forbid blood transfusion due to beliefs that is would contaminate the body. The best way to deal with the situation is by using alternative means to improve blood volume without infusing blood. The students should choose infuse crystalline solution since it would improve blood circulation. The use of this treatment option would not compromise the religious belief of the patient since it is not considered as blood.
The GAMSAT training for the social sciences is very important. The set of questions are worth one third of the total score. This is very substantial which is why Students should take the GAMSAT training very seriously. The training for humanities and social sciences requires a different set of skills. Understanding, awareness and subjective thinking would be necessary. The students should read all types of literature pertaining to logic, reasoning, politics and religion. The training would be useful not only for GAMSAT but also for the future medical studies.