Cutts MCAT Review |
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How the Cutts MCAT Review Prepares You - A Letter from Jay Cutts
Dear Prospective Physician,
Thank you for your interest in the CUTTS MCAT REVIEW. I realize how important preparing well for the MCAT is for you. I have, over the years, created a prep program that overcomes the drawbacks of the courses offered by the large national companies.
I offer you a more personalized science review, longer programs at a more reasonable price, special strategies for your style of learning, insights into the hidden patterns of the test, advanced strategies for Verbal Reasoning and the essay, and, most important of all, intensive tutorial on the timing strategies that can help most students jump 1, 2 or even more steps on the 15 point scale.
All of these are elements that my students who previously took different programs have told me were missing in those courses.
THE CUTTS MCAT REVIEW: FACULTY & CONSULTANTS
Jay B. Cutts, MA, director of the Cutts Graduate Reviews, earned a BA with Honors in Linguistics from the University of Michigan and an MA in Special Education from UNM, both with Distinction. An expert in graduate entrance exam preparation, he has taught for over 20 years in the field of language, math and cognitive skills. He specializes in adapting instruction to students’ individual needs and styles. Jay Cutts works with select students nationally and internationally on graduate test preparation.
Mr. Cutts teaches the Verbal Reasoning and Writing Sample class and works with all students on test taking strategies, preparation techniques and any individual concerns. He has an intimate understanding of the dynamics of graduate entrance tests and shares this freely with his students.
Matt Drago brings an expert touch to our Physics classes. Matt holds a PhD in Physics and specializes in optical engineering. Mr. Drago is a skilled and experienced teacher. He developed and taught prep courses for the Comprehensive Exams for physics graduate students and served as Instructor for introductory physics classes and labs at UNM and TVI for several years. He received the Physics Departmental Chair Award for Best Teaching Assistant. A little known secret about Matt is that he has an MA in English and is a creative writer and poet.
Kathryn Ryan brings to the classroom both a thorough knowledge of all the science areas of the MCAT and a talent for classroom instruction and personal guidance. Kathryn teaches the Biology and Organic Chemistry classes. Ms. Ryan graduated with Honors from a premed curriculum at the University of Wyoming with a degree in Zoology and Physiology. A consistent Dean’s List student, she founded the Order of Omega Honorary chapter and was a member of AED Preprofessional Honorary. Kathryn Ryan has 8 years of teaching, training and evaluation experience, both in academia and in industry. In addition to her mastery of science topics, Kathryn specializes in the testing strategies for the MCAT.
Ed Webb, Ph.D., our out-of-the-classroom consultant, served for 6 years as an MCAT specialist for Princeton Review in their home territory in New Jersey. Dr. Webb developed MCAT teaching methodologies, trained Princeton Review MCAT instructors, served as a Princeton Review site administrator and taught Princeton Review MCAT classes. Ed Webb holds a Ph.D. in Material Science from Rutgers University, where he graduated Magnum cum Laude. He was a member of numerous honors societies, including Phi Beta Kappa, and is a fellow of the Corning Research Institute. Currently he works as a Computational Chemistry Research Scientist at Sandia National Labs. Ed is a very seasoned and talented MCAT specialist with a strong understanding of all aspects of preparing for the test. He serves as our consultant for developing ongoing instructional innovations for the Cutts MCAT Review.
THE BASIC COURSE
We guarantee you a total support program offering comprehensive prep materials using actual MCAT questions, diagnostic testing, hands-on classroom learning, expert faculty, unlimited personal support outside of class, study groups and special programs.
Classes meet three times a week for the 6 weeks before each MCAT. You attend a 2-hour introductory methods and strategy class, four 4-hour science classes, four 2-hour science review sessions, one 6-hour verbal reasoning and essay class, six 3-hour study sessions and a full mock MCAT the Saturday before the actual test.
Science classes prepare you in physics, chemistry, organic chemistry and biology. Classes are dynamic, interactive and challenging. We analyze your particular skills and teach the information that you need most. Your teacher encourages questions and demonstrates how to solve MCAT problems. You learn and practice vital MCAT strategies. You have class time to work individually with your teacher.
The Verbal Reasoning class teaches you how to master the Reading Comprehension and Writing Sample. Ordinary reading is not effective on the MCAT. You learn how to read for the MCAT and how to control your time. You improve your writing skills through ongoing feedback. The class emphasizes hands on activities and personal attention.
Timing Strategy. Our students typically make a 2 or 3 point increase on the 15 point scale just from learning how to use their time most effectively on the test. This is one of the most important skills you will learn. Since even one more question right can make the difference between scores of 9 and 10, mastering your control of time will be one of your most powerful tools. Other companies only touch on this. We specialize in it.
The MCAT mock test is a complete run-through the Saturday before your MCAT. Using actual MCAT materials, you will test your knowledge, strategies and stamina under real test conditions. You r instructors analyze the results and help you devise a final plan of attack.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
These programs offer opportunities for more in-depth preparation. We also create customized programs to match your situation.
Each 6 week session is preceded by a 5 week Early session. You attend 2 hour classes each Saturday and Sunday as well as study groups once a week.
SuperReview. You can attend both the Spring and Summer sessions and work with us during the in between months. Or you may start an Independent Study in the Fall and work with us through the Spring and/or Summer sessions. Do one or two 6 week sessions, one or two Early programs and unlimited time in between.
WHAT YOU GET IN THE CUTTS MCAT REVIEW
Our Program Takes a Very Different Approach from Other Courses :
Dedicated instructors: –Our instructors participate as partners in the design of programs. They work hard to create the kind of prep that they feel will help you the most.
Expertise: Cutts Graduate Reviews is New Mexico’s only specialist in graduate exams. Jay Cutts is a nationally recognized test preparation specialist working with select students around the country and the world.
Comprehensive Training: Other courses only touch on areas such as time control and test strategies areas that can account for almost half of a student’s errors. We teach you these strategies through detailed instruction, regular feedback and individual coaching.
Dedicated Personal Attention: No two students learn the same way. We work with you individually to make sure you can learn in the way that works best for you. You have virtually unlimited access to the instructors outside of class.
Cost/Value: We offer a number of program options to match your prep needs and budget. Our Basic Program allows you to get unlimited help for 6 weeks at the most affordable price. Our SuperReview offers unlimited months of intensive review. Personalized programs, expert instructors and a more comprehensive curriculum combine to give you more hours, more attention and more point increase for your money.
For a complete analysis of the differences between the Cutts Program and other typical courses, Click Here
I LOOK FORWARD to answering your questions about the Cutts MCAT Review or about your application to medical school. Please feel free to cal me directly at (505) 281-0684, 7 days a week, 10am to 10pm.
Sincerely,
Jay B. Cutts
Cutts Graduate Reviews
PS. Are your parents or relatives helping pay for your prep? Please copy the letter below and send it to them. You can also copy the detailed comparison with other programs for them Here
Cutts Graduate Reviews
Dear Parent or Relative of a Premed Student,
As you decide the best way to support your family member in their preparation for medical school, please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.
I’d like to speak directly about MCAT preparation. You may not be familiar with my MCAT prep work. Undoubtedly you have heard of certain of the large prep companies. You may have the impression that these companies - being large, well known and expensive - must offer the best prep.
Certainly the big companies have good intentions. However, by their very structure they have several very serious limitations. The most serious is that the instructors for these companies are hired people who, on the average, stay for one or two seasons. They are usually very bright and have often scored extremely well on the test. But they have very little experience teaching the MCAT and even less experience with issues such as timing strategy, test anxiety, individual and cultural learning styles and other strategies beyond the MCAT for getting accepted.
Some well known programs in particular provides almost no personal attention outside of class, and very little in class. In my experience, personal attention is essential for each student to get what they need.
I have spoken with students who did well after taking a course from one of the big commercial companies. However, I have spoken with many more who did not get the help they needed. The biggest complaint is that when the student asks an instructor to explain exactly why one answer is better than another, the instructor says "This answer is just better" or "you just have to get the feel of it". This is not true. There is a reason why one answer is right and the other is dead wrong. But it can take years of teaching experience for a test specialist to understand this.
I have been teaching the MCAT since 1992. It is my full time work, along with the other related graduate exams. I work with students not only in New Mexico but across the country and internationally. I personally work closely with each of my students as much as they need.
I encourage you to look into all the prep options. Ask to speak with the person who will teach the course. Find out their experience. How much personal attention will they provide? Please feel free to call me also. I’ll be happy to go over the specifics of what the Cutts programs covers that the larger companies do not.
For a detailed comparison of the Cutts MCAT program to other courses, please visit
http://www.cuttsreviews.com/jcutts/newmexico/index.htm#compare
Sincerely,
Jay B. Cutts, Director
(505) 281-0684 or (800) 353-4898, day or evening
[End of Letter to Parents]
What Students Say about the Cutts Graduate Reviews
"Until this course (and I have taken Princeton Review) no one had ever told me how to approach the passages, and I am doing much better." - MCAT student
"This course has helped me more in remembering, as well as motivation, just in [the first] 4 weeks, more than the [other] course did in 2 months. Thank you for the opportunity." - MCAT student
"Material was covered in depth ... Taught good methods for taking [Verbal Reasoning and the Writing Sample]. [The instructors were] outgoing and friendly, knowledgeable, flexible to differing needs ... helpful ... and interested in students' input." - MCAT student
"[The science instructors] knew all subject material ... Timing strategy and essay format were very helpful." - MCAT student
* * *
"Very helpful. I received a clear insight as to the actual test questions and how to ... improve my score." - GRE student
"I found that the skills learned ... have really implanted themselves somewhere in my brain so that I can call upon them when they are needed." - GRE student
"Well done ... I wouldn't have properly prepared otherwise ... Timing strategies ... were awesome." - GRE student
"[The instructor was] motivated and motivating. Always helpful. [His] commitment to the class deserves much more than what we paid for the course." - GRE student
"Jay knew all the subjects ... and he knew them well. He knows what it takes to get a good score." - GRE student
"Your last minute suggestions helped me considerably." - GRE student
* * *
"I liked the way we went into detail on the different mechanics necessary to come up with a winning score. [Mr. Cutts was] very understanding, willing to hear your questions." - GMAT student
"Overall you do instill confidence by knowing the subjects." - GMAT student
"Thank you so much for making yourself available... Your knowledge about the GMAT is amazing!!." - GMAT student
"Jay works well one on one with people... He does have a genuine concern for how we do on the test." - GMAT student
CUTTS MCAT REVIEW - COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Regular 6-week Review. (Actual order varies)
Week 1:
Day A: 6 hr Orientation and Physics ClassDay B: 2 hr Physics ReviewDay C: 3 hr Study Session
Week 2:
Day A: 4 hr General Chemistry ClassDay B: 2 hr Chemistry ReviewDay C: 3 hr Study Session
Week 3:
Day A: 4 hr Biology ClassDay B: 2 hr Biology ReviewDay C: 3 hr Study Session
Week 4:
Day A: 6 hr Verbal Reasoning, Essay and Test Strategy ClassDay C: 3 hr Study Session
Week 5:
Day A: 4 hr Organic Chem ClassDay B: 2 hr Organic ReviewDay C: 3 hr Study Session
Week 6:
Day A: 7 hr Mock TestDay C: 3 hr Study Session
The SuperReview consists of the following Early Start 5 week program followed by the above program:
Week 1:
Day A: 2 hr Physics ReviewDay B: 2 hr Chemistry ReviewDay C: 3 hr Study Session
Week 2:
Day A: 2 hr Physics ReviewDay B: 2 hr Chemistry Rev.Day C: 3 hr Study Session
Week 3:
Day A: 2 hr Physics ReviewDay B: 2 hr Chem & Biology ReviewDay C: 3 hr Study Session
Week 4:
Day A: 2 hr Organic Chem Rev.Day B: 2 hr Biology ReviewDay C: 3 hr Study Session
Week 5:
Day A: 2 hr Organic Chem ReviewDay B: 2 hr Biology ReviewDay C: 3 hr Study Session
Plus the Six Week Program described above.
CONTACT HOURS for the COURSE OPTIONS:
| Regular |
SuperReview w/ 1 6-Week Course |
SuperReview w/ 2 6-Week Courses |
|
| In-Class Hours |
56 |
91 |
182 |
| Phone support hours science |
6 per instructor |
11 per instructor |
28 per instructor |
| Phone support general |
unlimited |
unlimited |
unlimited |
| Number of Class Meetings |
16 |
31 |
62 |
| Cost |
See registration form |
See registration form |
See registration form |
CUTTS MCAT REVIEW - COURSE OPTIONS
April MCAT Series
Early Session: Late Jan./Ea. Feb to Early MarchRegular Session: Early March through April test
August MCAT Series
Early Session: Early June to Early JulyRegular Session: Early July through August test
August test takers: You can take both the April and August series through our longer program. April test takers: You can use the longer program to start the summer of the year before your test. You can also use the longer program to retake the test in August.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Cutts MCAT Review allows you to start early and/or to take both the Spring and Summer Sessions. SuperReview Sessions start 5 weeks before the Regular Session. They include both science reviews and study sessions.
The Basic 6-Week Intensive Program allows you to work with our instructors closely for a condensed 6 week program ending with y our actual exam.
The SuperReview Program allows you to work with us indefinitely. Most students begin with the program before the one that precedes their test. For example, students taking the August exam swill start with the classes in February through April and then continue in the summer classes.
Each 6-week program is preceded by a 5 week SuperReview session, meeting twice a week plus an evening study group.
PRICES
See registration form below.
CUTTS MCAT REVIEW - Registration Form
NAME ____________________________________________________
ADDRESS ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
PHONE _______________ (home) __________________ (day)
Please enroll me in the CUTTS MCAT REVIEW course which starts____________________ .
Check one:
__________ 6 week course ($550 + tax = $581.96)
__________ Extended program ($850 + tax = $899.41)
NOTE:A fully refundable book deposit fee of $100 is required. PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO WRITE OR MARK IN BORROWED MATERIALS. Charges may be withheld for such damage to books.
Remittance:
| Course fee including tax -- |
|
| Material fee |
75.00 |
| Refundable book deposit |
100.00 |
| Shipping (if books are mailed) up to 2 weeks before class add $19 |
|
| Shipping afterwards add $30 |
|
| TOTAL |
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: CUTTS GRADUATE REVIEWS
144 Sedillo Hill Road, Tijeras, NM 87059 (505) 281-0684 Fee includes resale of contract services.
| IMPORTANT: You will also need access to the MCAT website for materials and score sheets. Your material fee will cover the cost. We'll show you how to get access at the first class. If you are starting with the short program, you’ll need Test 3R now. It is available free at www.e-mcat.com. You must print it out to work on and bring it to class. You will also need the Student Manual, which is $15 for a paper copy or free online at www.aamc.org/students/mcat/about/mcatstudentmanual.pdf . Check with us BEFORE you buy any other materials. |
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PREP OPTION - Comparing the Cutts MCAT Review with Other Courses.
How does the Cutts MCAT Review Work?
You have a choice of either a six week intensive program emphasizing advanced test taking strategies and focused science review OR an unlimited program organized into 11 week series over a year or more. Each 11 week series is divided into a 5 week program reviewing all of the topics on the MCAT topic outline and a 6 week series emphasizing timing and testing strategies, advanced science review, the problem solving process, special strategies for the Verbal Reasoning and Essay.
All programs include virtually unlimited one on one help and practice MCAT's using actual MCAT exams. I'll go over the structure of the programs in more details next week.
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PREP PROGRAMS?
I am one of the few, and perhaps the only, full time, highly experienced (over 14 years full time) test prep specialists available nationally for you to work with directly. Many students come to me after taking a Princeton course or a course with one of the other large companies. Once they've worked with me, they report that for the first time they are able to understand what the test is really looking for. The strategies I teach go to the heart of the test - exactly why the right answer is right and exactly why the wrong answers are wrong.
As a linguist and educator, I specialize in helping with individual learning styles, including test anxiety, learning disabilities, poor standardized test taking and special timing strategies for the computer exam.
A prep class is only as effective as its instructor. Instructors for most commercial programs have usually done extremely well on the test. Most are bright and often good in the classroom. However, the average instructor has probably taught the test only 3 or 4 times and may have only 5 or 10 hours of experience in working individually with students. Very few instructors have taught more than 8 or 10 times or have more than 30 or 40 hours individual tutoring experience.
Having done well on the test does not in itself qualify a person to teach. It taked 13 year of teaching and research to thoroughly understand the hidden patterns of the exam, not to mention how to tailor special strategies to the needs of each individual.
I estimate that I have worked with over 1200 students and have 3000 hours of working one on one with a wide variety of students.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN ABOUT THE OTHER COURSES SPECIFICALLY?
SCIENCE REVIEW: Some programs do a decent job of reviewing certain science subjects. They have a set curriculum. Many students who took such programs before coming to me have told me that they needed review on areas that were not covered in that course's curriculum.
There was no way for them to get this in that program. They were directed to the tape library but this was the same material that was lectured on in class. The teachers are typically not available outside of class for extra help. In addition, they are pressed to finish their curriculum in the class time and can't take time in class to go over other areas.
If all you need is the science review covered in a particular company's curriculum, you may do ok. But if you need other material or personal help, you may not get it there.
PERSONAL ATTENTION: Personal help is important in a review program in many ways but many companies do not offer this, other than through buying a very expensive additional package. You may need additional tutoring in the science. You may need help with your study plan. You may need someone to interpret your diagnostic test scores. You may need help reviewing your timing and testing strategies. Without personal help, most students cannot get their money's worth out of a program.
ADVANCED STRATEGIES: Most commercial companies do not offer these. Their curriculum covers the review of certain science areas and then it stops there. The instructors typically don't have the experience or time to help with timing strategy, testing strategies, problem solving strategies, strategies for organizing and integrating complex science information, specialized strategies for the Verbal Reasoning and the Essay.
FLEXIBLE PREP PROGRAMS: Many companies offer one set program. Under certain circumstances you can take their program again without paying. However, you simply get a repeat of your first course. You cannot get a program tailored to your particular needs or a program that let's you prepare over 6 to 10 months.
GETTING INTO MED SCHOOL: Typically many commercial prep programs do not offer any help on areas such as the Personal Statement, Interview, Letters of Rec.
COST: Prep programs offered by the largest national companies are often the most expensive.
HOW DOES THE CUTTS MCAT REVIEW HANDLE THESE AREAS?
SCIENCE REVIEW: The Cutts Review gives you access to each science instructor up to one hour every week for one on one help and tutoring. We also tailor the in class science instruction to the needs of the students in your specific class, so that your class time meets your needs. Finally, we've developed several different approaches to science review, again to meet different needs. Part of our program focuses on learning the bare essentials of 100's of topics that may appear on the test but which you only need to know superficially. Another part of the program reviews those topics which you need to know in more depth. We guide your study progress so that you don't bog down in areas you don't need to know so thoroughly, keeping you moving quickly enough so that you can review everything you need to and yet making sure you get the detailed understanding where it is needed.
PERSONAL ATTENTION: Our program is founded on personal attention. You have virtually unlimited access to the science instructors and to myself. We're available and experienced in helping with anything that can affect your chances of getting accepted to med school.
ADVANCED STRATEGIES: This is our forte. I have personally been studying timing strategy, testing strategy, problem solving strategies, organizing and integrating strategies, for over 14 years. All of these strategies require personal attention and guidance for each student. How important are they? I would estimate that 90% of a students progress comes from these strategies and only 10%, on average, from reviewing science.
FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS: We encourage students to work with us for 6 to 10 months. Your course fee allows you to work with us as long as you need to. Since the classes are customized and you have lots of individual time with the instructors, you get exposed to more instruction the longer you work with us.
GETTING INTO MED SCHOOL: I have over 14 years experience helping students with Personal Statements, the Interview, Letters of Recommendation, advanced strategies for getting accepted, as well as career decision issues. Much of this info is available to you free of charge and I do work with my students in more depth when needed.
COST: The full, unlimited Cutts program costs nearly half of what other companies charge. About 90% of what you pay in a Cutts program goes directly to paying for high quality instructors.
OK, BUT I HAVE FRIENDS WHO TOOK A COURSE WITH A BIG NATIONAL COMPANY AND SAID THEY LIKED IT. WHO DO I BELIEVE?
Lots of people come out of big company's course and get the score they needed. Lots of people feel that they got worthwhile info in such programs. (Don't forget that I also hear from lots of students who did NOT get what they needed .)
The question you personally have to answer is "Where can I get the maximum amount of help and improvement?" Most likely you can't afford to do both programs nor will you have the time to do so. Compare what each program has to offer, consider the limitations on a large company , which cannot personalize its approach and which has to hire inexperienced instructors. Talk to the instructors who will actually be teaching you before you make a decision.
Going by what your friends experienced can be dangerous or tricky. Their situations may be very different from yours. They may have been able to get a good score even without the class. Even more tricky is taking a course because you have friends who will take it with you. Find the best class for yourself and then bring your friends along!
If you have questions about your prep options, please call Jay Cutts at (505) 281-0684.