Hi! This is Myka Mercado, first year student and member of MARSF
(Medical Alliance Rendering Service to Fellowmen), here to give you some
(hopefully) helpful tips on the PLM-CM applications.
So the very stressful application process and submission of requirements are finally done (natapos na din ang pabalik balik sa school para lang magsubmit ng kapirasong papel at pagiging lost sa PLM!), let’s now proceed to the what-to-do’s, tips and advices for the next steps (kala nyo tapos na nooooo?!): Interview and MCAT.
INTERVIEW
Here are the usual questions that applicants usually ask regarding the interview process:
1. Pano ko malalaman yung schedule ng interview? (How do I know my interview schedule?)
The PLM-CM office usually posts the schedule of the interview as soon as the deadline for requirements has passed. From what I gathered (chismosa ang peg), applicants now choose their schedules for interview depending on their availability but some still inquire. They usually post this outside the office, and you can confirm your schedule by calling their landline (02 527 9067).
Tip: if you know a student or you have a contact from the college, better ask them para di na kayo mahassle sa pagpunta para lang sa sched. Also, our organization will be posting the interview schedules for your easy access (MARSF facebook page)
2. Ano bang tinatanong pag interview? (What do they usually ask in the interview?)
The interview process is done to gather more personal, one-on-one information about the future med students. One topic that they usually bring up is your family’s financial status. We know that PLM gives out scholarships depending on your category and even if you will be in the full-paying category (Category 3), the amount that you will pay is much lower than the other med schools. The office will be reassuring whether you or your guardian will be able to maintain your ability to pay for your tuition if ever you fail to maintain your scholarship (sana di naman :)). Only a very limited number of students (150 at most) get in per year, and they are trying to make sure that your slot is not wasted if it comes to the point that you won’t be able to pay for your tuition.
From my own experience, my interviewer asked my parent’s financial status (that’s what they require us to submit their ITRs) if they will be able to support my needs if God forbid, I fail some units, if I had other financial supporters etc. etc. etc.
Also, I was asked to reiterate the terms and conditions of the different Categories for the tuition fees. Since I read the conditions only once before, I was asked to literally read again, memorize and reiterate those conditions (ex. Community service terms for scholars) so better familiarize those terms (they will give you a copy while in line for the interview)
Based on what I gathered from my batchmates and from my own experience, they usually ask the following things: your thesis from your undergraduate years, your achievements, the usual “tell me something about yourself”, what kind of research proposal can you do in med school etc. Sometimes the questions vary depending on your interviewer, so don’t expect to be asked the same questions as your other fellow interviewees.
Tip: wag masyadong kabahan sa interview. Be yourself, be honest, be confident. They not only measure your answers but how you deliver them. Remember that you will be future doctors so how you deliver yourself is a big thing
3. Ano bang isusuot pag interview? Dapat bang naka business/corporate attire? (Do I have to wear business/corporate attire during my interview?)
No you don’t have to hassle yourself and wear business attire. You just have to look presentable during the interview. I only wore my PLM school uniform on my interview and other interviewees also wore their undergrad uniforms and some only wore casual attires
4. Ano pa bang kelangan dalhin sa interview process and ano pang ibang gagawin? (What do I need to bring when going to my interview?)
Bring your i.d. and ballpen. While in line for the interview, you will be asked to answer a questionnaire and some essay questions. Don’t worry, the questions are not technical. This is to gather more personal information about the students (I remember one essay question last year asking why I wanted to study medicine in PLM :) )
Additional tips for interview:
So the very stressful application process and submission of requirements are finally done (natapos na din ang pabalik balik sa school para lang magsubmit ng kapirasong papel at pagiging lost sa PLM!), let’s now proceed to the what-to-do’s, tips and advices for the next steps (kala nyo tapos na nooooo?!): Interview and MCAT.
INTERVIEW
Here are the usual questions that applicants usually ask regarding the interview process:
1. Pano ko malalaman yung schedule ng interview? (How do I know my interview schedule?)
The PLM-CM office usually posts the schedule of the interview as soon as the deadline for requirements has passed. From what I gathered (chismosa ang peg), applicants now choose their schedules for interview depending on their availability but some still inquire. They usually post this outside the office, and you can confirm your schedule by calling their landline (02 527 9067).
Tip: if you know a student or you have a contact from the college, better ask them para di na kayo mahassle sa pagpunta para lang sa sched. Also, our organization will be posting the interview schedules for your easy access (MARSF facebook page)
2. Ano bang tinatanong pag interview? (What do they usually ask in the interview?)
The interview process is done to gather more personal, one-on-one information about the future med students. One topic that they usually bring up is your family’s financial status. We know that PLM gives out scholarships depending on your category and even if you will be in the full-paying category (Category 3), the amount that you will pay is much lower than the other med schools. The office will be reassuring whether you or your guardian will be able to maintain your ability to pay for your tuition if ever you fail to maintain your scholarship (sana di naman :)). Only a very limited number of students (150 at most) get in per year, and they are trying to make sure that your slot is not wasted if it comes to the point that you won’t be able to pay for your tuition.
From my own experience, my interviewer asked my parent’s financial status (that’s what they require us to submit their ITRs) if they will be able to support my needs if God forbid, I fail some units, if I had other financial supporters etc. etc. etc.
Also, I was asked to reiterate the terms and conditions of the different Categories for the tuition fees. Since I read the conditions only once before, I was asked to literally read again, memorize and reiterate those conditions (ex. Community service terms for scholars) so better familiarize those terms (they will give you a copy while in line for the interview)
Based on what I gathered from my batchmates and from my own experience, they usually ask the following things: your thesis from your undergraduate years, your achievements, the usual “tell me something about yourself”, what kind of research proposal can you do in med school etc. Sometimes the questions vary depending on your interviewer, so don’t expect to be asked the same questions as your other fellow interviewees.
Tip: wag masyadong kabahan sa interview. Be yourself, be honest, be confident. They not only measure your answers but how you deliver them. Remember that you will be future doctors so how you deliver yourself is a big thing
3. Ano bang isusuot pag interview? Dapat bang naka business/corporate attire? (Do I have to wear business/corporate attire during my interview?)
No you don’t have to hassle yourself and wear business attire. You just have to look presentable during the interview. I only wore my PLM school uniform on my interview and other interviewees also wore their undergrad uniforms and some only wore casual attires
4. Ano pa bang kelangan dalhin sa interview process and ano pang ibang gagawin? (What do I need to bring when going to my interview?)
Bring your i.d. and ballpen. While in line for the interview, you will be asked to answer a questionnaire and some essay questions. Don’t worry, the questions are not technical. This is to gather more personal information about the students (I remember one essay question last year asking why I wanted to study medicine in PLM :) )
Additional tips for interview:
* Kung may friends or kakilala ka na nagaaply din sa PLM na
mauunang mag interview sa inyo, it’s better if you ask them about the process
para mas updated ka
* Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Much better if may
kakilala kang PLM Med student para mas may idea ka kung anong pinagdaanan nila.
* Kahit confident ka na makakapasa ka ng MCAT or mataas NMAT
score mo, wag ibalewala ang interview. Eto lang yung test na makikilala ka on a
more personal level and if you don’t deliver yourself well, baka eto pa yung
factor na di makakapagpasa sa inyo (nanakot lang eh haha)
MCAT
Okay, requirements: check, interview: check. (Hindi pa din tapooooooos! #frustration) Now let’s save the best for last: MCAT. Exactly one more week to go before the PLM MCAT and so many applicants are still lost on the details regarding the test (Anong coverage? Ilang items? Anong format? Anong dadalhin? May guwapo kaya? Gano katagal? Anong room? waaaaa T_T ). Even I, an undergraduate of PLM, was so lost during the process that I had to constantly ask the guides where I should go and what I should do.
And now here are the usual questions that applicants usually ask regarding the MCAT:
1. Ano ba ang MCAT? (What is MCAT?)
Basically MCAT (or Medical College Admission Test) is an entrance test for the incoming applicants of PLM Medicine students. This is the final step in the application process before they release the final list of passers. Like I stated earlier, PLM only offers limited slots for medical students and this will be the final determinant whether you are worthy of that spot (#torooy). This is not the same as the entrance tests for UST, UP and other med schools so don’t expect the same level of difficulty or the topics included.
2. Ano ba ang coverage ng MCAT? (What are the topics included in the MCAT?)
The MCAT of the past batches before us all had the same coverage and level of difficulty. It was only in my batch last year that they changed the content of the MCAT. The MCAT coverage of the past batches is basically like the NMAT, only the test is more comprehensive and specific. In short, mas mahirap. But our MCAT last year was way different. It focused more on general information and only a few really technical questions (I remember some items in the test asking which of the following books is not an encyclopedia, or which of the choices was the 10th president of the Philippines… yes, THAT general).And then the last test was a personality test.
Tip: STILL, let’s not expect #parangpagibig. We don’t know for sure whether the office will carry out the same type of test that we took last year, or they’ll bring back the more comprehensive tests like the batches before us took. It’s best to be ready, study your NMAT subjects and if you have time, delve into the topics that you think will most likely be asked in the exam. It’s better safe than sorry :)
3. Ano ba yung kailangan dalhin sa exam day? (What do we need to bring on the exam day?)
#2 pencils
Eraser
Black ballpen
Test permit
I.D.
watch (to keep track of your limited time)
4. Paano namin malalaman ang room assignment? (How do we know our room assignment?)
Last year, the college of medicine posted the list of applicants and their corresponding rooms right outside the main entrance. Since the main entrance is now being renovated, they may post it in the alternate entrances or there will be guides to accompany or point you to their rooms.
Tip: Wag mahiyang magtanong! For sure hindi lang ikaw ang lost. Better if you put on a brave face and ask other applicants rather than risk being late.
5. Ano ba ang format ng exam? (What is the exam format?)
The exams are in scantron form (yung may shade the circle of the correct answer)
Tip: READ THE INSTRUCTIONS in the test paper or listen to the proctor’s directions. You should know by now to be cautious during exams :)
6. Ang MCAT ba yung basis para makapasa ka? (Is MCAT the sole basis for you to pass the applications?)
Remember that you still have your NMAT score, interview and other requirements. We cannot assume that if you think you aced the MCAT, you have a sure slot for the college of medicine passers.
Even if the lower limit for the NMAT result is 45, you also can’t know for sure if you have a guaranteed spot because the office will decide the passers based on the ranking of the applicants. Remember that they will choose the TOP 150 of the batch so do your best in the MCAT if you think your NMAT score is not that high.
7. Ano nang susunod pagkatapos ng MCAT? (What happens next after MCAT?)
All you have to do now is wait for the results of the applications. The college usually contacts the passers via text or call and they post the list of passers outside their office (we usually post them in our facebook page so stay tuned to that). Don’t hesitate to call the office or text your contacts if you want updates regarding the results. Last year, the results were posted early May and we’re not really sure when they will be able to post it this year.
Additional tips for MCAT:
* Get some good night’s rest. Don’t cram that hard the night before or you may risk being late or not having enough energy for the test.
* Be on time.
* If you need help, our organization (MARSF) will be posting a tent outside PLM for student assistance. Just go to our tent and we’ll be guiding you to your room assignments or will be entertaining any inquiries you might have :)
* Wear comfortable clothes. PLM is a public school, so don’t expect airconditioned rooms. Avoid wearing long sleeves or thick clothes.
* Like I said before, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’d be surprised by the amount of help you’ll get on the exam day so if you’re not sure if you’re going the right way, just ask the student guides or the PLM and CM staff and guards :)
* Study!! Tigil muna sa pag f-flappy bird and focus on preparing for MCAT.
* GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS. :)
MCAT
Okay, requirements: check, interview: check. (Hindi pa din tapooooooos! #frustration) Now let’s save the best for last: MCAT. Exactly one more week to go before the PLM MCAT and so many applicants are still lost on the details regarding the test (Anong coverage? Ilang items? Anong format? Anong dadalhin? May guwapo kaya? Gano katagal? Anong room? waaaaa T_T ). Even I, an undergraduate of PLM, was so lost during the process that I had to constantly ask the guides where I should go and what I should do.
And now here are the usual questions that applicants usually ask regarding the MCAT:
1. Ano ba ang MCAT? (What is MCAT?)
Basically MCAT (or Medical College Admission Test) is an entrance test for the incoming applicants of PLM Medicine students. This is the final step in the application process before they release the final list of passers. Like I stated earlier, PLM only offers limited slots for medical students and this will be the final determinant whether you are worthy of that spot (#torooy). This is not the same as the entrance tests for UST, UP and other med schools so don’t expect the same level of difficulty or the topics included.
2. Ano ba ang coverage ng MCAT? (What are the topics included in the MCAT?)
The MCAT of the past batches before us all had the same coverage and level of difficulty. It was only in my batch last year that they changed the content of the MCAT. The MCAT coverage of the past batches is basically like the NMAT, only the test is more comprehensive and specific. In short, mas mahirap. But our MCAT last year was way different. It focused more on general information and only a few really technical questions (I remember some items in the test asking which of the following books is not an encyclopedia, or which of the choices was the 10th president of the Philippines… yes, THAT general).And then the last test was a personality test.
Tip: STILL, let’s not expect #parangpagibig. We don’t know for sure whether the office will carry out the same type of test that we took last year, or they’ll bring back the more comprehensive tests like the batches before us took. It’s best to be ready, study your NMAT subjects and if you have time, delve into the topics that you think will most likely be asked in the exam. It’s better safe than sorry :)
3. Ano ba yung kailangan dalhin sa exam day? (What do we need to bring on the exam day?)
#2 pencils
Eraser
Black ballpen
Test permit
I.D.
watch (to keep track of your limited time)
4. Paano namin malalaman ang room assignment? (How do we know our room assignment?)
Last year, the college of medicine posted the list of applicants and their corresponding rooms right outside the main entrance. Since the main entrance is now being renovated, they may post it in the alternate entrances or there will be guides to accompany or point you to their rooms.
Tip: Wag mahiyang magtanong! For sure hindi lang ikaw ang lost. Better if you put on a brave face and ask other applicants rather than risk being late.
5. Ano ba ang format ng exam? (What is the exam format?)
The exams are in scantron form (yung may shade the circle of the correct answer)
Tip: READ THE INSTRUCTIONS in the test paper or listen to the proctor’s directions. You should know by now to be cautious during exams :)
6. Ang MCAT ba yung basis para makapasa ka? (Is MCAT the sole basis for you to pass the applications?)
Remember that you still have your NMAT score, interview and other requirements. We cannot assume that if you think you aced the MCAT, you have a sure slot for the college of medicine passers.
Even if the lower limit for the NMAT result is 45, you also can’t know for sure if you have a guaranteed spot because the office will decide the passers based on the ranking of the applicants. Remember that they will choose the TOP 150 of the batch so do your best in the MCAT if you think your NMAT score is not that high.
7. Ano nang susunod pagkatapos ng MCAT? (What happens next after MCAT?)
All you have to do now is wait for the results of the applications. The college usually contacts the passers via text or call and they post the list of passers outside their office (we usually post them in our facebook page so stay tuned to that). Don’t hesitate to call the office or text your contacts if you want updates regarding the results. Last year, the results were posted early May and we’re not really sure when they will be able to post it this year.
Additional tips for MCAT:
* Get some good night’s rest. Don’t cram that hard the night before or you may risk being late or not having enough energy for the test.
* Be on time.
* If you need help, our organization (MARSF) will be posting a tent outside PLM for student assistance. Just go to our tent and we’ll be guiding you to your room assignments or will be entertaining any inquiries you might have :)
* Wear comfortable clothes. PLM is a public school, so don’t expect airconditioned rooms. Avoid wearing long sleeves or thick clothes.
* Like I said before, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’d be surprised by the amount of help you’ll get on the exam day so if you’re not sure if you’re going the right way, just ask the student guides or the PLM and CM staff and guards :)
* Study!! Tigil muna sa pag f-flappy bird and focus on preparing for MCAT.
* GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS. :)
For more questions regarding interview and MCAT, you can
visit our page (MARSF facebook) and post your inquiries there, or you can contact
me at facebook or text me at 09359673468 :)
PLM-CM office landline: 02 527 9067
Other PLM CM tips:
