First Phase. Philippine Med Schools and NMAT Cut Off Scores as of 2016. #RoadtoMD

        “Madali pumasok sa med school pero mahirap mag stay in”. This is one of the bywords of our current medical doctors in the Philippines intended for aspiring MDs. The whole statement expresses the truth in pursuing medicine. However these recent years (2010 till present), there is increase in number of aspiring doctors and increase in proliferation of medical schools leading the established institutions to exceed their standards; thus, becoming more competitive and difficult for the students to be admitted. Nowadays, premed students eye for the best medical schools in the country which we will call the “Legendaries” since they are consistent with their highest standards in medical education, training, practice and research. These medical schools include UPCM, UST-FMS, UERMMMC, PLM, ADMU-SMPH and SLCM in Manila and CDU, SLU-SM, XU, CIM, WVSU and DLSU in different provinces.

        So if you're one of those persons who aim to be part of one of the best medical schools in our nation, you must meet their criteria and standards. There are two basic requirements which these "Legendaries" look for. One is your General Weighted Average or GWA in college and the other one is your percentile ranking in National Medical Admission Test or NMAT. While there are other requirements like interviews, extracurricular activities, entrance exam (MCAT), physical and psychological tests, alumni parents and religious views, GWA and NMAT have the largest weight that significantly affect your success in admission.

         I'll give you some advices if you really want to enter a top medical school especially in Manila since the competition here is very stiff.

Advice # 1 Do your best in your premedical course

        This is the first step in your journey as a medical doctor. Study and work hard with your GWA. "Legendaries" often look for average to excellent grades (2.00 to 1.00). But they also reconsider lower grades as long as your NMAT percentile rank is high. Avoid any failures in various subjects, minor or major. The most common premedical courses include BS Medical Technology, BS Public Health, BS Pharmacy, BS Biology, BS Biochemistry, BS Microbiology, BS Psychology, BS Physical Therapy, BS Occupational Therapy, BS Nursing, BS Midwifery, BS Nutrition and Dietetics and BS Radiologic Technology. People think twice if their chosen premedical course is the best or not. But actually, there is no paramount premedical course for Medicine. The whole thing is a new way of learning. Each field has its strengths and weaknesses. If you're a biochemist, you may excel in medical biochem. If you're a medtech, you may excel in pathology and laboratory analysis. If you're a psychologist, you may excel in psychiatry. If you're a nurse, you may excel in clinical skills. If you're a midwife, you may excel in obstetrics and pediatrics. If you're a pharmacist, you may excel in drug analysis and internal medicine. If you're a physical therapist, you may excel in physiatry and rehabilitation sciences. In fact, any course (Accountancy, Engineering, Architecture, Music etc.) is eligible for admission as long as you obtain the required units for basic sciences (Biology and its variants, Chemistry, Physics and Social Sciences)

Advice # 2: Do well with your NMAT

        In NMAT, you have two competitors. One is yourself since you need self discipline in reviewing and studying. The other one is the NMAT itself since the examination is really time pressured!

        Review months before the exam. NMAT is usually held twice a year. The first is during March and April for the regular exam and the other one is held during October or November for the back-up exam.

        How to review? You may do it by yourself if you know you can really do it alone or you are really intelligent (having a high IQ to excellent). You can engage in reading high school and college science books and notes, watching and listening to lectures in Youtube, practicing computations, memorizing important formulas and concepts and answering your practice sets in a given set of time. If you know you are not much intelligent (below to above average IQs) but studious and persistent, you can also do those activities plus attending review centers may help in giving good tips for test taking strategies. You can also buy an official reviewer for NMAT like MSA. The questions are really hard to answer but you will truly learn as you do it by yourself. Have a source of inspiration and stay motivated. Practice your intuitive skills since some items you really do not know how to get an answer. Just follow your heart, listen to your inner voice and trust your feelings.

        Most importantly, PRAY TO GOD with sincerity and humility. Not all is within your reach if you just do it by yourself. Believe in Him and ask for wisdom and guidance.

        How to get a higher NMAT? Answer first the subtest in which you feel you can do your best. In the first part of the exam, I answered in this order: Inductive Reasoning (IQ test), Perceptual Acuity (Illusions, Hidden Objects and Mirror Images), Verbal (Word Analogy and Reading Comprehension), Quantitative (Mathematical Skills and Data Interpretation). I answered Quantitative last because I am not good in Math ever since I started schooling. By the way, bring at least 6 candies. Why? You will use them to cover the figures and objects that might baffle you in Perceptual Acuity. After answering that subtest, you must consume them to fuel your brain! I got equally high scores in Inductive, Perceptual and Verbal while Quantitative is only average. In the second part of the exam, I followed the original order (Biology, Physics, Sociology and Psychology, Chemistry) since the time allotment for each subtest differs from each other. Biology and Sociology and Psychology have only 35 minutes allotted for each while 40 minutes alloted for each in Physics and Chemistry. I got the highest score in Sociology and Psychology since I am really tune with social and behavioral sciences. I got equally high scores in Biology and Chemistry while average score in Physics (I'm not also good with this. I tend to over analyze in this area). Overall, I got a line of 8 percentile rank in my third take (taking for granted the first and the second which I regretted). If you really want to get 90 and above percentile rank in NMAT, focus, study and do your best in QUANTITATIVE AND PHYSICS. Most people do not perform well in Math and Physics; thus, getting low to average scores. Love these two subjects just for this time!

        Since there are numerous blogs explaining NMAT including the official CEM website which you can access in this link https://www.cem-inc.org.ph/nmat/, I will not write a detailed statement about it. I just want to emphasize that NMAT is not based on your actual score in the test. Rather, it is your ranking in the examination. The highest possible you'll get is only 99% and the lowest is 1%. There is no perfect 100% or 0%. For example, your NMAT result is 80%, it means that you belong to the top 20% and you scored higher than 80% of the population who took the exam. Another example, if you got 90% of the test items correct, your NMAT percentile scores will not necessarily be 90%. In case you got 90% of the exam but everyone else got 100%, then your percentile score will be 1% meaning that 99% of those who took the test scored higher than you. Some people believe that the scoring is not just because you are not judged by how well you answered the test but rather how intelligent you are compared to others. Basically if you're an above average student and the majority of the people who took the NMAT are not that intelligent as you are, it is probable that you will get a 99%tile rank. My understanding is that the more people who take the NMAT and the more people who are not that intelligent as you, the more chances of getting a higher ranking. Some people believe in the notion that if you want to get a higher NMAT, take the regular exam than the back-up exam since a bulk of UP students takes the latter in the last months of the year.

       In my opinion, I believed that NMAT scores cannot gauge your performance in medical school; moreover, not the sole foundation of becoming a successful medical doctor. You may have a 99% rank and entered in a top medical school but as you experience the demands of studying in medicine, you cannot stand its pressure or "toxicity". The outcome may lead to drop out. Worst that may happen is having a psychological disorder.

        On the positive side, NMAT cut off scores will benefit the "Legendaries" since the competition is rigid. It will be easier for them to admit students where there are overflowing applicants.

          Sadly, our society is preoccupied with rankings and scores. Mostly your friends will ask you, "What is your NMAT score?", "What is your percentile rank?", "Did you reach the cut off score?", "Mataas ka siguro." and so forth. People tend to compare themselves with others leading them in a state of disappointment. Scores or rankings do not completely define a person's achievement. Instead, attitude and actions determine one's success.

        Here is the latest NMAT Cut Off Scores as of 2016 for some of the medical schools in the Philippines. Take note that NMAT cut off scores may be subjected to change every year depending on the pool of applicants. (Updated as of August 2016)

In Manila:

1. University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) - 90% * (safe: 95%)
2. Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) - 90%
3. St. Luke's College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Medical Foundation (SLCM) - 90%
4. University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS) - 85% * (safe: 90%)
5. University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine (UERMMMC) - 70% * (safe: 85%)
6. Centro Escolar University College of Medicine (CEU) - 50%
7. University of Perpetual Help System Dalta College of Medicine (UPHSD) - 50%
8. Metropolitan Medical Center College of Medicine (MMCCM) - 50%
9. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) - 45%
10. Far Eastern University - Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF) - 40%
11. San Beda College of Medicine (SBCM) - 40%
12. New Era University College of Medicine (NEU) -  40%
13. Manila Central University - Filemon D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation (MCU-FDTMF) - 40%
14. Emilio Aguinaldo College of Medicine (EACM) - 40%
15. AMA School of Medicine (AMASOM) - 40%
16. Our Lady of Fatima University College of Medicine (OLFU) - 40%

In Provinces:

1. Western Visayas State University  College of Medicine – La Paz (WVSU) – 80%
2. De La Salle Health Sciences Institute (DLSHSI) – 70%
3. Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) – 60%
4. University of Cebu School of Medicine - 60%
5. Siliman University College of Medicine (SUCM) – 60%
6. Central Philippine University College of Medicine - 60%
7. University of St. La Salle College of Medicine - 60%
8. Adventist University of the Philippines College of Medicine (AUP)– 60%
9. Xavier University – Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine (XU)– 55%
10. Cebu Doctor’s University (CDU) – 50%
11. Iloilo Doctor’s University - 50%
12. Mindanao State University College of Medicine – 45%
13. Cagayan State University College of Medicine (CSU) – 40%
14. Saint Louis University School of Medicine (SLU) – 40%
15. Angeles University Foundation School of Medicine (AUF) – 40%
16. Ateneo De Zamboanga University School of Medicine (ADZU) – 40%
17. Davao Medical School Foundation College of Medicine (DMSF) – 40%
18. University of the Northern Philippines College of Medicine – 40%
19. Southwestern University - Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine (SWU -MHAM)  - 40%
20. Brokenshire College of Medicine - 40%
21. Lyceum Northwestern University – Dr. Francisco Q. Duque Medical Foundation (LNU-FQDMF) – 40%
22. St. Paul University School of Medicine - 40%
23. University of Visayas – Gullas College of Medicine - 30%
24. Bicol Christian College of Medicine – Ago Medical School Foundation – Not specified
25. Remedios T. Romualdez Medical School Foundation College of Medicine (RTR-MSF) – Not specified
26. Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation College of Medicine - Not specified

* Notice that I put a safe zone in some of the medical schools in Manila. It means that most people who have higher NMAT apply in these schools where there are overflowing applicants. Source comes from pinoymd and medical school admission websites. I also called admission committees in different medical schools to verify their NMAT cut off. 

        By the way, I apologize to you guys because I cannot give detailed opinions regarding medical schools in different provinces. I was born in Manila and grew up here even though my parents came from the Visayan Islands. I am not really familiar with provincial medical schools.

        It does not mean if you get a NMAT percentile rank of 90 and above, you will surely be studying in a top medical school in Manila. Remember, your GWA is also important. For instance, if you got a NMAT percentile rank of 99 but your GWA is 2.50, you may not be accepted since there are also many applicants who have a GWA higher than you. Some even have 1.01! Another example, if you have a GWA of 1.30 but your NMAT percentile rank is 30, you are also not accepted since these "Legendaries" set a cut off score. Another one, you have NMAT average score of 85 and an average GWA of 2.00. You may tell yourself that you'll be accepted easily. But the truth is you might or might not be accepted since many applicants are higher than you. This is the same if you have a NMAT percentile rank of 78 and GWA of 1.75. There are 50:50 percent chances. Only the admission of various institutions knows how it works. Medical schools have only limited slots for their freshmen so not all applicants can be accommodated. At the end of the day, you can ask for a reconsideration of the dean through writing a letter. Though, some of the medical schools have already a list of students who could only be reconsidered based on ranking regardless of writing a letter to the dean or not.

        Additional criteria might also affect your admission in medicine. Some medical schools prioritize students who graduated premedical course in the same school. For instance, if you graduated BS Nursing in UST, you can apply in UST Medicine and have a chance to be admitted if you meet all the criteria needed. Others also prioritize students whose parents are alumni in that school. For example, if my parents graduated from UERM Medicine, I have a chance to be admitted as well. Some consider the student's religion. UST upholds the Roman Catholic tradition. NEU supports the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Psychological tests and interviews are also done in some medical schools in order to evaluate the students if they are capable of handling the pressure and demands in pursuing medicine. A tip during interviews, always present yourself with confidence, eagerness and assertiveness. Extracurricular activities are also given with credits showing that you are a well-rounded person and time-efficient. Other medical schools require you to take their own entrance examination. PLM is one of them where you should take their MCAT. I personally do not know what the content of the MCAT is but my friends in PLM  said "It is like NMAT but more challenging. Haha. "

        Backer? Connection? Padrino? Palakasan? We actually see this system in employment and job promotions. In reality, this also applies if you want to be admitted in a decent school or highly esteemed institution. As I say, medical schools have limited slots but they also give allowance or extra slots for those who are recommended and endorsed by an influential person or group. Some may view this biased and unfair since the standards of schools are not met but some believe that those who were recommended are worthy to be admitted.

        Wrapping up, you can only say you are HUNDRED PERCENT SURE to enter a top medical school if you have these credentials: high GWA with Latin Honors, high NMAT percentile rank, graduate of the same school you are applying, parents are alumni of the medical school you are applying , did well in interviews, passed the medical school entrance exams, physically and psychologically healthy, active member or leader of an organization, without records of grave misconduct, belonging to a specific religion (not applicable to all) and through the "Palakasan" System. 

* Trivia about selected medical schools in Manila:

1. UP Medicine is the top first medical school in the Philippines. It administers the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) which is the largest government and training hospital in the country. In UP Medicine, only few are accommodated (160 students). 40 comes from Intarmed program (which makes your premed program only for 2 years). The remaining (120) comes from those who graduated with baccalaureate degree. 90 percentile is the cut off for UP however there are many students who have higher ranking (mostly 95 up to 99), with Latin honors and lastly evaluated thru interview making the screening of applicants more difficult. Organ System Integration (OSI) is the way of teaching with PBL
2. UST Medicine is the oldest medical institution in the Philippines. It was established in 1871. In UST Medicine, more applicants are admitted. 450 - 500 students for freshmen divided into 4 sections A,B,C,D but the screening is also rigid since there are many things to be considered. 70-75 % of the applicants come from UST graduates. 25% - 30% are non UST graduates (mostly comes from UP, Ateneo and La Salle) and 5% for foreign applicants. 85 percentile is the cut off for UST however there are also numerous students who have higher NMAT (mostly from 90 to 99). GWA is also a factor. You must have higher GWA. Other criteria include: Must be a Roman Catholic, if you have a parent who is an alumni or employee of UST, if you're an active member or leader of any accredited organization, if you have post graduate degrees, volunteer work and religious missions. There is also a psychological test but they remove it last 2015 as part of transition process when UST Medicine transfer its admissions into the hands of OFAD.  They release only one list of successful applicants but they are open for reconsideration; however, their reconsideration is based already in their ranking list so if you're the 501st applicant you are lucky to become a future Thomasian MD! Some of my friends who are currently studying there said "Palakasan" system or nepotism rampantly works. UST had traditional style of learning in combination with problem based learning. Yet, they shifted into Outcome Based Education (OBE) in compliance with both national and international trends and requirements.
3. In UERM Medicine, screening is less rigid than UP because they release more lists of successful applicants to fill their slots. They assent to a selective but non-discriminatory admission policy in accepting students. 70 is the cut off but they always prioritize those who have 90 plus NMAT (90 to 99) and higher GWA. Since 2015, they start accepting 450 students from 250. According to my friends who are currently studying there, most students who study in UERM graduated from UP and UST and some came from Ateneo, La Salle and other institutions. There are also essays and interviews as part of their criteria in admission. UERM has mixed curriculum of Outcome Based Education (OBE) for 1st and 2nd year and Problem Based Learning (PBL) in combination with traditional (but more of PBL) for 3rd and 4th year.
4. UP, UST and UERM attained the Center of Excellence in Medical Education by CHED as of December 23, 2015
5. In PLM Medicine, 45% is the NMAT cutoff. However, most people who apply here have 90 plus NMAT. PLM has its own entrance exam which is MCAT. According to my friends there, it's like NMAT but more challenging for it is time pressured and other fields of sciences are included.  They also have numerous requirements  (police, brgy, NBI clearances, etc.) more than the basic. PLM Medicine is at par excellence with UP Medicine. They offer quality medical education and training. What attracts most for the applicants is the tuition fee which you can afford at least 10,000 pesos once you meet their following qualifications and standards. 150 applicants can be accommodated. They also have PBL system as way of learning
6. In FEU Medicine, 40% is the NMAT percentile cut off. Admission is not strict. They also release more lists of successful applicants. The only thing makes it hard is once you're admitted. My friends there said they accept many students up to 600 the most. However, the screening for students every year is too difficult. There are many fatalities every year. One time 80 to 90 students have only graduated. FEU Medicine's majority of the population came from UST and FEU. Often times, students name their institution FEUST.
7. FEU Medicine conducted a study on the correlation of NMAT scores and the performance of students in medical institutions. The results showed that there is no correlation between the NMAT percentile rank and the performance of medical students.
8. Ateneo Medicine and Public Health is one of the newest (founded on 2007) but also one of the finest medical schools in the country. In ASMPH, basis for selected applicants are also ranked. These include GWA/QPI, NMAT Score, Interview, essay, and other credentials. NMAT Cut off is 90. 160 students are only accepted. It has also a transition program which is held in summer in preparation for first year medical proper.
9. In St. Luke's Medicine, 120 students are admitted. They have an integrated curriculum. St. Luke's went against the current and boost its NMAT from 65% to 90% because they want to give privilege in educating best minds like with UP Med. They are very particular with NMAT as well as GWA. They also have the best facilities and equipment used in medical education.
10. Fatima Medicine has produced line of board topnotchers in medical licensure examinations