What are the tests like?

[aychamo]

Hey guys!

I'm curious what all the tests are like on @ Saba. Are they all multiple choice? Or any short answer, essay, etc?

I ask.. Because I'm taking a Histology class this semester, and the typical lecture tests are over 20-ish pages of typed notes. In the tests we basically have to be able to reproduce any portion of the notes from memory. It's a pain in the *** beause you have to memorize virtually verbatim all the notes. If it were multiple choice, it would be the easiest class in the world.

[aychamo]

:)

[camkiss]

Unless the administration has changed its policy, the tests are SMLE format. Multiple choice typically with a-e choices. USMLE does have some a-z questions, but not many. Profs should avoid questions with answers of a and b, but not c, etc. You will typically have a little over 1 minute per question. 50 questions, 55 minutes, or something like that.
Good luck!
Mike

[ResearchingGuy]

The biggest change we have had of late in regards to testing is that they are implementing a 100% computer based testing program.

Starting about the middle of this semester we no longer have Black Mondays anymore. We now take our tests during a "Black Week". Each class has a specific day in which it takes all of it's tests. Third semester has taken it's tests on Tuesday for the past three test cycles. The word is that there will be rotating days and weeks next semester for test taking. I will let you all know as soon as it is instituted.

I didn't really want to say anything 'til it was all hammered out, but this seemed like a good point to start.

As for the change itself, there have been a few bumps in the road, but the computer based testing seems to be working and will (probably) give us a bit of an edge when we sit down to do Step I.

Like I said, I'll let you know more particulars when we get the full schedule next semester.

Best of Luck!

[ajcarrol]

All exams are multiple choice and will now be given on the computer. Histology consists of 30 written questions and 20 images that you need to identify. Anatomy is 100 questions for the lecture exam. There is also a lab practical in anatomy which consists of 50 questions (most are identification of structures, some are secondary questions -- innervations, origin & insertion, etc.) The lab exam is a "bell-ringer". You have one minute per 2 pins. Beware...the finals are cumulative! :shock:

[Stitches]

Now i know why someone was suggesting new students to buy the Histo and Anatomy texts and start studying it early. I hate bell-ringer :?

[aychamo]

I'm confused. Are the lab practicals multiple choice also?

Also, regarding histology. I'm taking one in undergrad right now. Like we have lecture and lab tests. For the lab, we'll see a slide and it's like "What is this structure?" and we say it's a taste bud, then we identify maybe the tissue it's in, etc. Or we'll know specific types of cells in specific tissues, and identiy those, both on microscopes and on an overhead projector picture. Stuff like that, is that how the med school histo tests are?

[ajcarrol]

Anatomy lab practicals are not multiple choice. Sorry! :)

There is no specific histo lab test (at least not this semester.) The pictures from the slides are on the computer with the written test. There are 20 images to identify (tissue, cell, whatever) and there are 30 written questions. All of the tests are cumulative in histo, ex. Block 3 exam has material from blocks 1, 2, 3.