UP-PGH 1

Last Friday, I went to UP Manila to finally confirm myself in the list of qualified applicants for Class 2016. Ate Cherry handed me my most awaited letter so far along with instructions, record chart, student directory, PE permits  and list of activities and schedules. Still astonished by the result, I read it right in front of her not noticing she’s actually telling me the next step to be done, haha.. Anyway, today, I went back to submit my confirmation slip and the pro forma letter of consent. I also inquired some other things.

After dealing with some matters in the Admission Office, I set off directly to PGH to inquire in their Health Service. Wow- one word I said to myself. I was once again filled with awe when I entered the PGH. I hurried down the hallway, asked for directions; all were busy; busy with their stuffs, matters, concerns, crying, and chitchats. There were orderlies and nurses moving in and out from various departments, gurneys assisted by staffs and everybody seemed to be in a hurry (probably because it’s already lunch time). It made me wonder then that my next goal should be to be an intern of this government hospital which I reckon would never cease to amaze me. Two guards and an orderly then finally the Health Service Unit! Few more minutes of waiting and then amiable staffs entertained my concerns for my immunization records and other requirements. Students, doctors and other personnel were also in queue inquiring with different concerns and records. I am not certain enough if files are already kept in computerized system but it seems like the HS staffs were still in the traditional folders, envelopes and boxes (heaven forbids). Time in hospitals is a luxury they won’t always have (and so the systems and operations should as much as possible be accurate and fast).

UP Class 2016

Today is Ash Wednesday so my mother and I went to the church early this morning (see my blog at MIST: Because I wonder Why and How). Our family will host the seven-day rosary with Virgin Mary in our place. The figure will be coming from my Aunt who has been a host for the visitation. I was at home waiting for my mom, my Aunt and the church people to bring Mama Mary and say welcoming prayers and rituals when a batchmate of mine sent me a message to inform me about the result in UP Medicine. I was actually in great awe. I didn’t know what to do so I immediately went to our altar and gave thanks and praise to Black Nazarene, our family patron. I surfed the net and found out that my name ‘s indeed in the list. Woooohoooo... Thank you Lord! Yeah! I can’t believe how I made it. With tough competition, I wasn’t expecting myself to get into the final list but I was deadly hoping that the universe would conspire. You know what I mean? Now everything’s working so well. God’s been so good to me, super. It felt like winning from a lottery. But I know that it’ll only be the start of what seems to be the longest journey of my life.

Here’s the link:

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:W9JiuKu2MgoJ:www.musigmaphi.com/index.php/Latest/Presenting_UPCM_Class_2016.html+upcm+class+2016&cd=1&hl=tl&ct=clnk&gl=ph&source=www.google.com.ph

For UPCM Class 2016, see you all batchmates!

UERM Results 2011-2012

UERM aspirants, the results of the qualified applicants for academic year 2011-2012 are now posted in the bulletin. Well, I haven’t seen it personally because I was actually waiting for any updates in PinoyMD forums until finally someone posted captured images at her multiply account http://ilovetoni00.multiply.com/photos/album/401/UERM_College_of_Medicine_2011_Admission_List. Great thanks to you dear! Thank you so much for posting.  The result somehow minimized certain apprehensions. Whew…

I called UERM at 713-3315 to confirm if I indeed got a slot in their college and thanks God I made it through (And it’s another Whew… I guess, c;). Am hoping that the same thing will happen to my application in UP (Oh please…)

PLM MCAT Day

With my eyes red and itchy extremities [mosquito bites, I guess], I went first to Mini Stop and bought two ham and cheese karimans; one for my breakfast, the other for a break [I hope we’ll have one]. It was already 6:30 and people are crowding the right side avenue of the university. Taxi’s and calesas came rushing from a nearby entrance to Intramuros. Aspiring medical students and hopefuls from different schools assemble in groups [maybe in an aim to find schoolmates. Some frat and sorority members added up with the crowd disseminating pamphlets and brochures of their societies [ain’t too excited to have us huh?!] No worries ‘cause I got nothing against them; in fact, I am thankful for the candies [oh so sweet] and the pencil. After signing in a logbook, I rushed to my room to find a comfortable place and some peeps also. I was surprised to see my co-UP interviewee, Josiah but we set off; he’s in the other room. I was assigned in the auditorium/lecture hall where seats fold themselves; the usual cinema type of seats. Some students have already occupied the frontmost seats so I decided to take the third row seat near the aisle. I saw my classmates Alvin and Aizelle with their 4^th yr friends.

The exam sheets came and I felt like there’s nothing to worry about actually [not because I am confident but the night-before experience caused me too much anxiety and stress, sighs]. A strict proctor and a conventional what-should-I-do-ma’am assistant guided us throughout the exam proper.

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila), as far as I know, is the only medical school to administer yet another exam called MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). It will further screen the applicants from astonishing number aside from the GWA and NMAT score. Got no idea about the contents of the exam; all I knew was it will be like the NMAT. We were asked to complete the whole set of tests in 3 hours with 20-25 minutes for a 50 item subtest and 45 minutes for a 100-item subtest. Knocked-off by limited time and literally difficult and mind-contorting questions, I smiled and prayed in silence [Oh my, where should I get the answers?! D’ **ck!] There were the Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Physical Sciences (Chem, Physics, Geo), Life Sciences (I like!), and Behavioral Sciences. The thing is, the items have situational questions and answers, though in choices, are in long statements also. Most of the time, I really found myself stunned by the very concept-specific questions and rely on either my store knowledge or what my instinct suggested. Psychology almost broke me; one couldn’t base an answer from an introductory course indeed. I guess I won’t say in detail any other thing about the exam. As a Bio student, life and physical sciences were manageable. An EQ test was also given after the timed special area tests. All in all, it was still yet another great experience and am hoping to have myself qualified for the interview a few weeks from now.

Next to UP, am with great hopes aiming to get into PLM [may it be part of God’s plan... PRAY PRAY PRAY!] Aside from the high passing rates in medical board exams, it offers quality education in really low-cost fees [relative to other medical schools in Manila]. However, am not that certain on their teaching method [trad or the PBL type].

FEU-NRMF results

Yip yip hooray! Thank you Lord! The results for the qualified applicants to the Institute of Medicine, FEU-NRMF are now officially released. I am one of the lucky qualifiers for the first batch and I owe them to my family, to Assumption Development Foundation (ADF Family), friends and most especially to God. To  Tatay (mom’s late father), thanks for the inspiration. Am now ready to conquer the medical field [though I still have to wait for UP on March, hoping it will bear fruit also] c:

Here’s the link people:

http://www.feu-nrmf.ph/pdf/medwaitlistn1strel11-12.pdf

I believe I also have some batchmates of mine in the list. I hope they have checked it already.

UPCM-PGH Interview

Just had my interview in UP Manila yesterday. It was a 2:1 interview with the consultants of PGH. It was more of a healthy, soft and sound conversation rather than the usual mind-wrenching Q&A. Never imagined that it will take more than an hour; as in they tried to get each and every detail of my life. It was a structured interview with guide questions which they followed. The usual tell me something about yourself, your family, extra-curricular, school and community activities, stress tolerance, accomplishments in life, greatest frustrations/disappointments, etc. As the interview goes, I found that they were trying to get the real me by inquiring with my interpersonal relationships and social awareness at the same time. Well, am hoping to get a slot on March 15. Competition's getting tougher (I realized) when they asked me if I am a son of a UP faculty, alumni or doctor. Anyway, I presented myself well (I believe) to meet whatever expectations they're after to [though I just can't help having apprehensions].

My interview was scheduled at 1 p.m. It was a good thing that I came earlier at 11:30 a.m. because I had enough time to feel the institution and somehow roam around. They asked me also to write an essay; a preforma one. We were about 20 in the hallway waiting for our interview but I wasn’t able to know anyone though [I was actually internalizing some weird stuffs, hehe]. The thing is we all came from different schools and the search for the right students for the UPCM has just started. We have gone that far and as we aspire to be part of Class 2016, we couldn’t hide our apprehensions regarding the limited 60:60 slots for the Learning Unit III. We will be joined by 40 INTARMED students from the top listers in UPCAT 2010 to complete the 160 class for academic year 2011-2012.

While waiting for my interview [as in  2 more hours of waiting, laughs], I met Donna, a nursing student and my co-interviewee. Well, she’s beautiful and friendly [chill… c;]. We shared school-related info and some worries [just to relieve ourselves from anxiety]. We’ll we hope to see each other in UP this year, may it be God’s plan please. We wished good lucks before we partways for the interview.

On sunday, I'll be taking PLM's Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). It will be like NMAT [I think, well, got no idea actually]; part of the criteria of the admissions. They administer another exam in an aim to further screen the applicants. It will be part of my Plan B [but of course, my alma mater is what I preferred the most].

FEU-NRMF Interview

On February 5, I attended a pre-interview orientation at Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Memorial Foundation (FEU-NRMF). It was my first time to attend a medical school orientation and I found it really great and exciting. The school introduced us to their curriculum, teaching methods, achievements and department heads. They also briefed us regarding the interview proper the next day. After that, the doctors toured us in their hospital. I was really more than happy and excited to see a typical hospital setting in the city. They presented their new facilities and laboratories as well. But I was expecting of rare diseases or cases and not the usual lifestyle disease of the rich people but more than anything else, it was the first time I felt as if I am already a medical student attending to the needs of those people (excited c; ).

The next day is a half-day interview for more than 700 applicants. It was not a 1:1 interview. There were two resident doctors and four interviewees at the same time. We were graded according to four categories: Personality, Communication Skills, Motivation and Insights. It was like a fine exchange of insights/thoughts and not the usual mind-contorting Q and A but it seemed like we really need to sell ourselves to them in order for them to select us. The only thing they asked us was: Say something about yourself. My co-interviewees were all girls; 1 from Siliman University , another one from UP Diliman and Manila Central University . The first girl even cried as she was sharing her experience as a nurse in a private hospital. The two were still students. As for my turn, I established eye contact first and greet them. I told them that I am John Mark Katindig Torres, graduate of BS Bio Major in Microbiology from UPLB. I came from Bulacan and I am a scholar of Assumption Development Foundation. What motivates me to pursue medicine is to follow my late grandfather. Even though he’s been dead for years, people still commend him for everything he has done. The only thing I can leave here on Earth is a legacy of compassion and service. I have personally observed the clinical situation in our place. We have no permanent government doctor to promote and support public health programs. It’s either they wait for the next schedule or they have to cross to the nearby town to seek medications.

I recounted, To be a doctor has always been my dream and everyday it grows stronger as I meet people of different outlooks in life. As I grew up, I realized that it’s not just simply fulfilling my dream, it’s actually more of developing myself as a model of service and inspiration to others. I was saying these final words (as far as I could remember) when the interviewer interrupted me and said the Philippines would be grateful to see us 6 years from now. I am pretty sure we all have convinced them to have us in their list. Well, again, hope everything goes according to plan. I surrender them to God. I believe the results will be released on February 18 [really fast, eh].

UERMMMC Interview

Yes! Finally, I am already in the interview phase and am more than excited. Last January 22, I’ve received a text message from UE regarding my application status and yesterday, I had my interview in UERM (University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center). A resident doctor/ professor inquired about my personal information, family and social relationships, experiences in school and all other stuffs in an aim to know me better. I am not that sure of the number of applicants and also the number of students they will admit for the next school year but regardless of the number of my contenders against the precious slot, I gave my best shot in answering all of her questions. It was a structured interview. My interviewer was Dr. Zotomayor from the Dept. of Pharmacology. She’s holding with her a two-page questionnaire from which she followed a series of questions. The usual tell me something about yourself, family, friends, groups etc. were the basic questions. In preparation for my interviews, I prepared anticipated questions and dealt with answers that will appear between being idealistic and realistic. I was wondering that for such encounter, I must play and present myself in between being an ideal and sensible. For an instance, she asked me about my stand on this situation:

Suppose I am on a paralyzed state or my patient is, what should I do?

I thought of it for a while and told her that, even if the tests have ascertained that the case of my patient is helpless, I should still strive to do my best to extend my patient’s life. In the advent of technological advancements, we can utilize resources to prolong his life. It’s not because Euthanasia isn’t legal here, it’s actually a question of the doctor’s principle. My patient’s life may be lost during the process (that would be in case of malfunctions) but not because I will intend to. Besides, it’s a doctor’s principle to save lives.

After saying this, she commended me regarding my stand and I feel like, surprised myself that I was able to express my point. I know that an interviewee’s goal is to impress the interviewer but as I ponder on my answers on situational questions (abortion and euthanasia), I realized that I should always hold on to my stand and develop my own principle in life not because I want them to feel like astonished but because I know for myself that I am living my principle. When I mentioned about our foundation, she was surprised to know that the scholars are not just receiving financial help but more of personality development; that ours is not the usual scholarship alone. During the interview proper, I see to it that she will find me not only as an aspiring doctor but as a socially-conscious member of the community. Well, I am hoping that it will reflect in the results.

NMAT Result

Yeah baby! I have already viewed my NMAT result online and thanks God, everything went according to plan and prayers… I immediately informed my mom to go back home because I would like to show the fruit of faith, support and efforts. Admit it or not, the percentile rank would determine the applicant’s status in the schools we applied for. Part of the rules of every medical school in the Philippines in general is for the applicant to reach their preferred NMAT score. Luckily, I got qualified for all schools in terms of NMAT [because they will also assess GWA], anyway, am more than happy to receive such a wonderful Christmas gift from God. I made not only myself happy but also my family, Madam and Father Kelly [my sponsors] and some concerned friends. Am more than excited to receive the official result via snail mail this January 2011 and have it submitted to my preferred schools. Yippee yippee!

NMAT

I took the National Medical Admissions Test (NMAT) at De La Salle University, Manila yesterday. My family accompanied me right from Bulacan to Manila. We started the trip at pass 4 [we woke up like 3 a.m.] and I felt like really dizzy. We arrived at 5:30 and parked near the University Mall. We haven’t eaten our breakfast and we found no foodchain opened that time. I just ate 2 sandwich buns with patties [afraid that bowel movement and stomach wars will interrupt me during the exam, haha c:]. I went right towards the main entrance and saw a number of students in queue. The guard waved and told us to enter [even at that early] to accommodate perhaps a multitude of students later. Mom, Dad and Vin [my bro] went back to the car and drove to Quiapo as part of the family’s tradition every time Dad’s goes back for a vacation. Alice, my batchmate, came rushing towards me with her mother. Well, while waiting for the next instructions, we had a nice chat about our plans and what’s new in UPLB [I haven’t been to LB for a month or two]. We saw Clarice, Josiah, and many other schoolmates hurdling to get a seat while in queue until we were all allowed to find our respective rooms. I was assigned at the 5^th Floor of Yuchengco Hall [just imagine how many took the exam that day]. NMAT was simultaneously administered in other test centers like in Baguio City, Cebu City, Iloilo City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City and Zamboanga City. I was really in great awe as I watch other aspirants rushing to their rooms thinking that with these number of takers, it would really be an achievement to get 90^th percentile rank in the result [that is, scores will be relative to that of the norm group’s performance]. A big WOW for that [and am positive to hear such word for me in a month’s time]! And as I enter my room, I noticed that we were like 6 Torres’ who will indirectly compete with the scores of each other. I just prayed to God that may I be able to recall what I’ve reviewed and prepared and that I surrender the day to Him.

The Test Proper:

The test consists of Part I (three-hour test) & Part II (two-hour-30-minute test). Part I is a 200-item test with 4 subtests:

1. Verbal (Word Analogy and Reading Comprehension),

2. Inductive Reasoning,

3. Quantitative (Algebra, Geom, Trigo and Stat) and

4. Perceptual Acuity Skills.

Part II deals in special areas of Basic Sciences such as

1. Biology,

2. Physics (College Physics),

3. Social Sciences (Socio, Anthro and Psych) and

4. Chemistry (Gen., Org, Inorg, Analytical and Biochem).

For non-science majors, they should focus mainly on theories and formulas in physical sciences. A good browse of introductory courses in behavioural ciences would also be of big help. Some questions were concept-specific also. For computations, the most commonly used formulas should be held in mind always. Some of my classmates opt to enroll in review centers [there are many institutions with such offers anyway].

I for an instance did not take any review center primarily because it would just cost me a lot [and I don’t wanna ask my parents to spend money again coz the applications to the schools were already expensive] aside from the efforts of travelling from Bulacan. I thought to myself that I can have a far more comprehensive review myself without paying someone else to the job I could actually do myself and besides, the scope covered all areas I took when in college [except anatomy and physio]. I just bought an MSA NMAT reviewer which is actually far harder than NMAT, I swear. I browsed high school notes in Math and Science and borrowed a Introductory Psych book from my cousin. Set priorities in areas you think you need to pay more attention. My technique was to list down first the major topics per subject and understand basic concepts, terminologies and formulas. Practice, practice, practice! You may not need to remember each and every detail of your concern because during the exam, all we have to do is to recognize which among the choices fit the answer. With time constraints, there’s no need to recall everything per subject but rather one should learn how to recognize the relevant ideas alone. Stay calm and always have a good sleep. Zzz…

I don’t know why I was able to write these tips I deem helpful [well I hope for my case, laughs]. Am with high hopes to get a pretty fair rank as results will be released 10 days from now, woooah! So help me God. [Everything depends on my NMAT]…

By the way, the very first step in taking NMAT is to register and pay for the corresponding fee. Follow this link peeps: http://www.cem-inc.org.ph/nmat/