Cutts PCAT Review

How the Cutts PCAT Review Prepares You - A Letter from Jay Cutts

Dear PrePharm Student,

Thank you for your interest in the CUTTS PCAT REVIEW. I realize how important preparing well for the PCAT is for you. I have, over nearly 20 years, created a prep program that goes well beyond 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 Reading Comp, the Math, the Verbal and the essays, and, most important of all, intensive tutorial on the timing and testing strategies that can help most students increase their scores quickly. Instructors for the large commercial MCAT courses typically don’t have the years of experience or training to effectively teach these strategies.

THE CUTTS PCAT 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 Reading Comp, Verbal, Math and Essay classes 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.

Kathryn Ryan, PhD, brings to the classroom both a thorough knowledge of all the science areas of the PCAT and a talent for classroom instruction and personal guidance. Kathryn teaches the Biology classes and has also taught Organic and General Chemistry. Dr. 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 over 10 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 PCAT.

J. Shield Wallace, PhD, is our specialist in Organic and General Chemistry. His PhD is in Organic Chemistry and he holds an MS in Polymer Science. Dr. Wallace has extensive professional experience both in industry and academia. He served as Vice President for Research and Development for a private firm and as technical education representative for one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. He has taught at UNM, Sandia labs and is currently a full time professor at CNM, where he recently served as chair of the Chemistry department. Dr. Wallace is a dedicated teacher who very much enjoys providing the personal attention to help his students succeed. Shield is currently completing his first full-length book and enjoys writing, landscaping, restoring collector cars, cultivating orchids, designing furniture, running, and weight training.

Ed Webb, PhD, 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. 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 PCAT Review.

THE PCAT COURSE

We guarantee you a total support program. You attend some classes in conjunction with students preparing for the MCAT and attend other classes specifically for PCAT students. We provide you with comprehensive prep materials using actual PCAT and MCAT questions, state of the art science review books, our manual on testing, timing, Reading Comp and Essay strategies, diagnostic testing, hands-on classroom learning, expert faculty, personal support outside of class, study groups and special programs.

We offer an 11 week program twice a year – once in the spring and again in the summer. The course fee allows you to attend both sessions.

Each 11 week sessions consists of two parts – the first 5 weeks and the second 6 weeks. During the first 5 weeks you attend a 2 to 3 hour session every Saturday and Sunday. There is also a Wednesday evening study group with no instructor. There are 7 science review sessions that you attend with MCAT students. There is also one session on the Reading Comp and Essays and one session on the Verbal section.

During the second 6 weeks you attend a 4 hour session on Saturday and a 2 hour review session one evening during the week. There are also the Wednesday evening study groups. You will attend the 4 hour classes on Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Timing and Testing Strategy with the MCAT students. You will attend a session on PCAT Math for PCAT students only. Finally, there will be a full mock PCAT.

Science classes prepare you in 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 PCAT and MCAT problems. You learn and practice vital PCAT strategies.

The Reading Comp class teaches you how to apply your strategies the Reading Comprehension and Essay. Ordinary reading is not effective on the PCAT. You learn how to read for the PCAT and how to control your time. You improve your writing skills through ongoing feedback. The class emphasizes hands on activities and personal attention.

Timing and Testing Strategy. These are critical skills for the PCAT, since even one more question right can make a difference in your score. Our students typically make significant point increase on just from mastering these strategies. Our strategies are based on our nearly 20 years of test teaching experience and are one of the most important factors that distinguish the Cutts program from the large commercial courses.

The PCAT mock test is a complete run-through the last Saturday of the program. You will test your knowledge, strategies and stamina under real test conditions. Your instructors analyze the results and help you devise a final plan of attack.

BASIC PROGRAM – Students needing only basic support can sign up for one of the 6 week sessions. This fee only covers one session and is somewhat less than the full fee.

WHAT YOU GET IN THE CUTTS PCAT REVIEW

Our Program Takes a Very Different Approach than 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 NM’s only specialist in graduate exams. Jay Cutts is a nationally recognized test preparation specialist working with select students around the world.

Comprehensive Strategy Training – Other courses only touch on strategies for Reading Comp, Math, Verbal and time control and science problem solving – 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 several program options to match your prep needs and budget. Our Basic Program gives you unlimited help for 6 weeks at the most affordable price. Our full program offers unlimited months of intensive review. Personalized programs, expert instructors and a comprehensive curriculum combine to give you more hours, more attention and more point increase for your money. For a quick comparison, Click Here

I LOOK FORWARD to answering your questions about the Cutts PCAT Review or about your application to medical school. Please feel free to call me at (505) 281-0684, 7 days a week, day or eve.

Sincerely,

Jay B. Cutts, Cutts Graduate Reviews

PS. Are your parents or relatives helping pay for your prep? Please send them the letter below. For a comparison of programs, click Here

Cutts Graduate Reviews

Dear Parent or Relative of a PrePharm 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 PCAT preparation. You may not be familiar with my PCAT prep work. Undoubtedly you have heard of the large mass prep companies such as Princeton. 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 PCAT and even less experience with issues such as timing strategy, test anxiety, PCAT Math strategy, PCAT Verbal strategies, individual and cultural learning styles and other strategies beyond the PCAT for getting accepted.

Mass prep programs often provide 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 mass prep course. However, I have spoken with many more who did not get the help they needed. The biggest problem is usually not the science review itself but rather that the students have not received help with the timing and testing strategies that are critical on the PCAT. The PCAT is a test of problem solving, not just science facts, and most students miss many questions for which they knew the science but did not have the necessary problem solving tools. Since even a few more questions right can increase the score dramatically, many of my students are able to make significant improvement just by learning these powerful testing and timing strategies. This is often makes the difference between getting accepted and not getting accepted.

I have been teaching the graduate entrance exams since 1991. It is my full time work. 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.

Sincerely,

Jay B. Cutts, Director
(505) 281-0684, 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 PCAT REVIEW
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Basic 6-week Review. (Actual order varies)

Week 1: Day A: 6 hr Orientation and Math Class

Day C: 3 hr Study Session

Week 2: Day A: 4 hr General Chemistry Class
Day B: 2 hr Chemistry Review
Day C: 3 hr Study Session

Week 3: Day A: 4 hr Biology Class
Day B: 2 hr Biology Review
Day C: 3 hr Study Session

Week 4: Day A: 6 hr Verbal Reasoning, Essay and
Test Strategy Class
Day C: 3 hr Study Session

Week 5: Day A: 4 hr Organic Chem Class
Day B: 2 hr Organic Review
Day C: 3 hr Study Session

Week 6: Day A: 5 hr Mock Test
Day C: 3 hr Study Session
The Full Program:

Week 1: Day A: 2 hr Biology Review
Day B: 2 hr Chemistry Review
Day C: 3 hr Study Session

Week 2: Day A: 2 hr Reading Comp
Day B: 2 hr Chemistry Rev.
Day C: 3 hr Study Session

Week 3: Day A: 2 hr Verbal
Day B: 2 hr Chem & Biology Review
Day C: 3 hr Study Session

Week 4: Day A: 2 hr Organic Chem Rev.
Day B: 2 hr Biology Review
Day C: 3 hr Study Session

Week 5: Day A: 2 hr Organic Chem Review
Day B: 2 hr Biology Review
Day C: 3 hr Study Session

PLUS THE SIX WEEK PROGRAM

CONTACT HOURS for the COURSE OPTIONS

Basic 1 Regular Session 2 Regular Sessions
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 PCAT REVIEW
COURSE OPTIONS

Spring PCAT Series
Basic Session:
Early March through April

Full Session:
Ea. Feb through April


Summer PCAT Series
Basic Session:
Early July through August

Full Session:
Early June through August


August or October test takers can take both the spring and summer series through our regular program. April test takers can use the longer program to start earlier at any time, e.g. the previous summer, or to retake the test in the fall.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Cutts PCAT Review allows you to start early and/or to take both the Spring and Summer Sessions. Full 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.

The Full 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 October exam will start with the classes in February through April and then continue in the summer classes.

PRICES

Please contact us for current prices and a registration form.

A Detailed Comparison of the Cutts Program with Other Courses:

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PREP OPTION - Comparing the Cutts MCAT Review with Other Courses.

How does the Cutts PCAT 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 two 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 PCAT's using actual PCAT 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 18 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 Reading Comp, the Verbal section, the Math section 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 PHARM SCHOOL: We offer complete help on areas such as the Personal Statement, Interview, Letters of Rec. Many large companies do not.

COST: Prep programs offered by the largest national companies are often the most expensive.

HOW DOES THE CUTTS PCAT 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 PHARM SCHOOL: I have over 18 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.