UMAT Discussion Thread 2016

[mtse]

Hey everyone,
sorry for intruding (and for my extended absence from Atarnotes )
Med has been hectic so far, semester 1 has finally finished and I get an awesome 6 week holiday
Just wanted to let you all know of a free UMAT lecture that is running next week, link: http://bit.ly/1tvJ2fF   (just in case for those without Facebook, here's the ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-umat-tutorial-killer-tips-for-section-1-2-and-3-questions-repeat-stream-tickets-26141329420 )
I will most likely be there as a guest speaker and giving an overview of the med life, getting into med and how to conquer all the sh*t you have to go through before you get in. Aside from that, another lecturer (who helped me get into med in the first place) will run the rest of the lecture and provide more detailed tips and tricks for the umat.
Please sign up asap (the first lecture has already booked out) and I hope to meet some of you

Update: I will definitely be there on Thursday and will be more than happy to answer any questions after the lecture as well

[blacksanta62]

Quick query: in section 1 are you guys reading the passage (even if it's very long) and then reading/answering question(s) that may follow or reading what the question wants, then identifying the location of the possible answer in the stimulus?

I've been using the first approach, having to skim/re-check with the passage while answering the question(s) and feel pretty good with it, despite section 1 not being my strongest area. But others suggest the other method. I've tried it but it doesn't sit well with me.

Your take??

[Swagadaktal]

Quick query: in section 1 are you guys reading the passage (even if it's very long) and then reading/answering question(s) that may follow or reading what the question wants, then identifying the location of the possible answer in the stimulus?

I've been using the first approach, having to skim/re-check with the passage while answering the question(s) and feel pretty good with it, despite section 1 not being my strongest area. But others suggest the other method. I've tried it but it doesn't sit well with me.

Your take??

I do the first method. The second method I've found with me is that say out of 5 questions, it would save me time on the first 2 or 3 questions but completing all 4 or 5 questions I'd spend mroe time reading through the thing than I would've if i just read the whole passage at the start and came back to that specific section.

[TwinNerd]

any tips on section 1 (problem solving specifically)? Im okay with data interpretation etc but I'm terrible with problem solving. Can I improve or will the problem solving questions on the actual UMAT always be different

[blacksanta62]

any tips on section 1 (problem solving specifically)? Im okay with data interpretation etc but I'm terrible with problem solving. Can I improve or will the problem solving questions on the actual UMAT always be different

I don't have many for problem solving so hopefully someone else can chip in
-Try to abbreviate the information your given on the side of the page e.g. "The average age doubled after 1850 to 82" - B 1850 => age = 41. This reads Before 1850 the age was 41. Shortening the information in a way you understand allows you to tackle the question and look at your summary of it when stuck/need to review rather than the whole passage.
-Draw pictures when given worded problem solving questions i.e. when no diagram/image is given with the question. This will enable you to see what the question is really asking on paper and not leave you relying on your brain. I've attached a question where I had to draw three cups, 2 bigger than the other. Seeing it visually allowed me to scribble and work out which cup was full and which overflowed or stayed half empty etc.

Hope I helped

[mtse]

any tips on section 1 (problem solving specifically)? Im okay with data interpretation etc but I'm terrible with problem solving. Can I improve or will the problem solving questions on the actual UMAT always be different

There's some great tips here: http://www.icanmed.com.au
Scroll down to the "class curriculum" section and under "section 1 - logical reasoning" there are several tutorials you can preview for free including some golden rules for section 1 and an explanations for some types of questions.
Hope that helps (and if you have any specific questions regarding the UMAT etc you can PM me happy to help)

[TwinNerd]

-Draw pictures when given worded problem solving questions i.e. when no diagram/image is given with the question. This will enable you to see what the question is really asking on paper and not leave you relying on your brain. I've attached a question where I had to draw three cups, 2 bigger than the other. Seeing it visually allowed me to scribble and work out which cup was full and which overflowed or stayed half empty etc.

There's some great tips here: http://www.icanmed.com.au
Scroll down to the "class curriculum" section and under "section 1 - logical reasoning" there are several tutorials you can preview for free including some golden rules for section 1 and an explanations for some types of questions.

thank you so much!

[Maz]

have you guys been to your med-entry workshops (if you are doing them)?
I have mine tomorrow, and I was just wondering how they were?

[blacksanta62]

have you guys been to your med-entry workshops (if you are doing them)?
I have mine tomorrow, and I was just wondering how they were?

I haven't even used medentry so could you please explain what happens at the workshops please? Thank you

[Swagadaktal]

have you guys been to your med-entry workshops (if you are doing them)?
I have mine tomorrow, and I was just wondering how they were?

pretty useless tbh. I did it at the start (ages ago) so it was an introduction to it. Doing it this late is a waste of time imo, the stuff the guy tells you is fairly basic  and I don't think it's the best use of your time. (still go to it, but just dont have high expectations) - the 2nd day with the mock interview is great though, you learn a lot there. However, at this stage they should be teaching you how to get to the interview rather than what to do in the interview you know?

[necromancer14369]

To be honest, from the little time there is left and considering the cost of the workshops, I'd recommend (in the very least if you're still uncertain about the sections and basic strategies etc.) reading the guides on the LMS if you have already bought a package from MedEntry rather than the workshops.
I'd say that the workshops did help slightly but that was because I took it at the start of the year.

[Maz]

number one thing- it was soo tiring haha
between 4-4:30 my brain was like 'nope, not doing this anymore' haha. but then it got better thankfully

I thought it was alright, I've only day one though, day two is tomorrow. Not looking forward to the mock exam tbh

[Swagadaktal]

number one thing- it was soo tiring haha
between 4-4:30 my brain was like 'nope, not doing this anymore' haha. but then it got better thankfully

I thought it was alright, I've only day one though, day two is tomorrow. Not looking forward to the mock exam tbh

LOL. The interview training was fun. 3 hours of testing tho is gonna be even more fun

[pi]

Medentry workshops have interview training before interview offers? Cart before horse.

[blacksanta62]

pii, how do you have neg 1 votes if no one has voted?? Minor glitch or naaah, don't worry??