In New Zealand, the MCAT is the Mathematics Common Assessment Task and not the “Medical College Admission Test” that aspiring doctors have to take. Those who want to study medicine in New Zealand take the Undergraduate Medical and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT).
Today, we're looking at maths rather than medicine, what the MCAT is, what's on it, what you should do to get ready for it, and answer most of the other questions you'll likely have about it.
What Is the NZQA?
The NZQA is the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. This is the government agency responsible for most qualifications administered in New Zealand and the people behind the MCAT.
Their job is to set the standards for the MCAT and many other qualifications, administer and recognise the qualifications in New Zealand, and also assess and moderate certain qualifications.
This is all done following the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) which splits qualifications into 10 distinct levels.
- Levels 1-4: Certificates.
- Levels 5-6: Certificates and Diplomas.
- Level 7: Diplomas, Bachelor's Degrees, Graduate Certificates, and Graduate Diplomas.
- Level 8: Bachelor Honours Degrees, Postgraduate Certificates, and Postgraduate Diplomas.
- Level 9: Master's Degrees.
- Level 10: Doctoral Degrees.
What Is the NCEA?
We have a lot of acronyms to get through so don't worry if you forget some of them. The NCEA is the National Certificate of Educational Achievement. This is the main qualification you can get in secondary school.
The NCEA is split into three main levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Typically, these levels are done in Years 11, 12, and 13 respectively.
Each NCEA level requires a certain number of credits and for students in New Zealand wanting to go to university, both the NCEA Level 3 and the University Entrance (UE) are required.
So Where Does the MCAT Fit Into All This?
The MCAT is part of NCEA Level 1 Mathematics and Statistics. Mathematics and Statistics at this level consists of 4 “Standards”:
- Apply algebraic procedures in solving problems (91027)
- Investigate relationships between tables, equations and graphs (91028)
- Apply geometric reasoning in solving problems (91031)
- Demonstrate understanding of chance and data (91037)
The one that we're interested in today is the first one, Standard 91027 on algebraic procedures and the MCAT (Mathematics Common Assessment Task) that is a part of it.
The MCAT is part of NCEA Level 1 Mathematics and Statistics, which is a certificate administered and issued by NZQA as part of the NZQCF. Simple, right?
It's a maths test, basically.
What Is the MCAT Testing?
So what do students taking the MCAT need to know?
The exact details of this can change, but the main title of the MCAT is “Apply algebraic procedures in solving problems” and that is what students are supposed to do.
You can read about exactly what's expected of students on the “Achievement Standard” for the MCAT (or AS91027) which outlines everything.
Three achievement levels can be issued to students: Achievement, Achievement with Merit, and Achievement with Excellence.
- If a student applies algebraic procedures in solving problems, then they have met the “Achievement” level.
- If they can do this using relational thinking, they're awarded the “Achievement with Merit”.
- Students who apply algebraic procedures using extended abstract thinking in solving problems are awarded the "Achievement with Excellence".
Put simply, the “Achievement Criteria” are grades or marks and the better you do on the assessment, the better of these three tiers you'll be awarded, but here's what NZQA means by it.
Applying Algebraic Procedures
To show that you can apply algebraic procedures, you need to select or choose the right algebraic procedures in the problems that you're given and also demonstrate that you know these concepts and terms.
This also involves communicating solutions by using the appropriate mathematical symbols.
Relational Thinking
Relational thinking means that you can select and choose a logical sequence of steps while connecting different concepts and representations to demonstrate that you understand said concepts.
Extended Abstract Thinking
NZQA's standard for extended abstract thinking means that the student can devise a strategy to investigate or solve a problem by identifying relevant concepts, developing a chain of logical reasoning or proof, and using the correct mathematical statements to do so.
Again, in everyday language, the NQZA is going to give you some maths problems to do and wants you to show that you not only understand the problem but can take the logical steps to solve it while showing your work to demonstrate to what extent you understand it.
What Is on the MCAT?
There are several key mathematical and algebraic areas that students are tested on for Achievement Standard 91027 or the MCAT.
Factorising
This is expressing a mathematical expression as the product of its factors or simpler expressions.
Expanding
Expanding is multiplying the terms in an algebraic expression to make it simpler or more explicit.
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Students will have to simplify algebraic expressions that include exponents.
Substituting Values into Formulae
For certain problems, students will need to input values into formulae.
Manipulating and Simplifying Expressions
Since the MCAT is all about applying algebraic procedures, students will be expected to manipulate and simplify expressions.
Rearranging Formulae
As part of applying algebraic procedures, you'll also be expected to know how to rearrange formulae.
Solving Linear Equations
A linear equation provides a straight line when plotted onto a graph and can usually be written in the form of ax + b = 0.
Students will have to solve these to find the value of x.
Solving Quadratic Equations
Quadratic equations can be written in the form “ax2 + bx + c = 0" and solving them can be done in one of several ways.
Students will need to solve quadratic equations but they won't need to complete the square or use the quadratic formula.
Solving Simple Equations
Students will be given simple equations with exponents to solve.
Solving Pairs of Simultaneous Linear Equations with Two Unknowns
In this case, students will be given simultaneous linear equations with two unknowns (“x” and “y”) and use one of the accepted methods of solving them.
In the MCAT, students are not allowed electronic technology which basically means a calculator. Fortunately, small numbers are often used and the exam is more about your understanding of algebra than your mental arithmetic.
Prepare for the MCAT
To get the best possible results, you'll want to prepare for the MCAT and there are a few ways to do this.
Knowing what you'll be tested on, revising, and practising sample questions are arguably the best ways to get ready for any exam, but there are also some other things you should be doing.
Study Little and Often
The more you study in one sitting, the less effective it becomes. Regular MCAT revision will aid memory but overdoing it can undo the benefits of revising in the first place.
It's a good idea to create a sustainable and comfortable study schedule for maths and any of your other subjects.
Cramming is a bad idea, especially before the exam.
Use Sample Questions and Past Papers
Even if you know how to do everything outlined in the Achievement Standard, you need to be able to do it under exam conditions in the way that you'll be asked.
Students who are really good at a subject can still underperform if they're unfamiliar with the exam or the kinds of questions they're likely to have to answer.
Using past MCAT papers such as those on the NZQA website as well as elsewhere can certainly help. The closer you get to the day of your exam, the more frequently you should be practising full exams under exam conditions.
Once you get familiar with the way questions are usually asked on the exam, you'll spend less time working out what they're looking for and be able to spend more time actually answering them.
Get Help from Teachers and Tutors
If you're struggling, don't forget that help is out there. You can speak to teachers at your school for advice on how to best study, the resources you should use, and even ask for extra tuition.
You could even enlist the help of a private tutor to help you with the MCAT, maths, or any other subjects. There are plenty of talented and experienced tutors on the Superprof website, for example, and you can browse their profiles, see what their other students have to say about them and find out how much they charge.
There are tutors for all levels and budgets and many offer the first lesson for free so you can try a few out before deciding on which one is right for you and how you like to learn.
With the right preparation, the MCAT won't pose any problems!
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