MCAT Prep Course, May 13-June 7, open to all who plan
to apply to medical school in 2024-25
CONWAY, Arkansas (December 4, 2023)—Hendrix College has
announced that Professor of Biology Dr. Rick Murray will lead this summer’s
MCAT Prep Course, a four-week intensive session geared toward undergraduates
planning to take the MCAT within the next year.
Murray earned his Ph.D. from the University of Western
Ontario and in 2003 joined the Hendrix faculty as a developmental biologist.
His hiring was supported initially by a grant Hendrix received from the
National Institutes of Health, which also gave Murray the opportunity to start
a research lab on the third floor of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Life
Sciences. Much of his research focuses on the development of the nervous
system. His time at Hendrix has included chairing the Biochemistry-Molecular
Biology Program, the Neuroscience/Study of the Mind Program, and the Pre-Med
Advising Committee.
“I really enjoy working with pre-med students and I think
that our MCAT prep course does a great job of helping them to organize their
studying, review the content, and develop the skills they need to be successful
on the exam,” Murray said. “I’m excited to take on the role of course director and
to be able to work with each student as they prepare for their future in the
medical field.”
The MCAT Prep Course meets May 13 through June 7, 2024, from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays excluding Memorial Day. It is geared
toward current or recent college students who plan to apply to medical school
within the coming year. Tuition for the course is $650, with a $50 discount available
for Hendrix College students.
Participants will review core subjects included on the MCAT through
in-class instruction with Hendrix College faculty, who will represent a variety
of disciplinary areas such as biology, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and
psychology. Faculty will also offer advice on medical school applications and
interviews, along with proven test-taking strategies. Instructional approaches
will emphasize practice so that participants can develop the stamina and skills
to be successful on their MCAT and receive subject-specific feedback along the
way.
Students who have completed the course in past years have seen
an average test score improvement of six points.
“The prep course raised my MCAT score 17 points from my
diagnostic test and allowed me to reach and surpass even my most lofty of
‘stretch’ scores,” said Cole Bolen, a biochemistry/molecular biology major who
took the course as an undergraduate student. “In short, the MCAT Prep Course is
worth it. The course was the perfect vehicle for the studying that I needed.”
Campus housing is available to participants on a first-come,
first-serve basis for an additional fee.
A set of Kaplan textbooks is required for the course. Books
may be purchased as part of registration and provided upon arrival ($300) or
students may purchase the books on their own and bring with them.
Prospective participants who qualify for the AAMC fee
assistance program should contact Murray (murrayr@hendrix.edu)
for information about tuition cost. Those with more general questions about the
program or registration should contact Tim Purkiss, purkiss@hendrix.edu.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges
That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges
and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic
quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus
life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III
sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since
1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the
world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable
living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of
accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College Statement of
Purpose