AAMC PREview Exam | Key Info and How to Prepare

How to Prepare For the AAMC PREview Exam

The first step in preparing for the AAMC PREview exam is to go to the AAMC website, where you will find a comprehensive guide on everything you will need to know for the exam. To get your AAMC PREview practice in you’ll need to concentrate on the following preparation methods:

• Review the AAMC PREview Exam Guide
• Read through the policies and procedures so that you are familiar with what will happen on the test date.
• If needed, complete the tutorial on what the test portal looks like and how to use it.
• Do practice tests (see a sample question and response below).

Making sure that you are prepared for both the technology and the exam questions will make it easier for you to finish the exam in the time allotted without feeling rushed. 

If you are someone who has a difficult time navigating websites, the AAMC also provides webinars that you can sign up for and ask any questions you may have. The AAMC has provided every possible resource you might need for you to write the exam successfully, so take some time to look through their resources before you sit for the test. 

Another way to help prepare for the AAMC PREview exam is to study with other people who will be writing the test. Since the test relies on your judgment, it can be helpful to talk through the sample questions to see how others’ interpretations differ from your own. 

This can broaden your viewpoint and allow you to get used to answering scenario-type questions.

Examples of AAMC PREview Exam Scenarios and Responses

The following AAMC SJT sample questions are for students looking to practice taking the exam. Below are the questions and the appropriate responses, and an explanation of why these are the correct answers.

 Example 1

“During class, your professor observes you participating in a roleplay exercise with one of your classmates. You are acting as a doctor, and your classmate is acting as an angry patient. The roleplay is tense but stays on course. You think you performed well, but after class, your classmate gives you unexpected negative feedback that you missed several opportunities to comfort the patient and calm the situation. You are now expected to attend a debriefing session with your professor and classmate. Please rate the effectiveness of each response to this situation.”

Example 1 Answer Explanation

 1 = Very Ineffective    2 = Ineffective      3 = Effective      4 = Very Effective

 Explanation:

1. Tell your classmate that only the professor is qualified to provide feedback. (1)

• This shows that you can’t take constructive criticism. Instead, listen to the feedback and keep that in mind for the future. 

2. Ask your classmate about how you could improve your performance in the future. (4)

• This demonstrates a growth mindset, encourages open communication, and can help resolve tensions. 

3. Explain to your professor why you were satisfied with your performance. (2)

• Explaining you’re satisfied with your performance is not a good response as it reflects resistance to feedback and hinders the opportunity for growth and constructive dialogue.

4. Ask your classmate if they would be willing to practice roleplaying in advance of your next exercise. (4)

• This acknowledges the student’s feedback, shows commitment to improvement and fosters collaboration. This approach promotes open communication and shared growth.

5. Ask your classmate not to bring up the negative feedback during your debriefing session. (1)

• Requesting your classmate not to mention negative feedback in the debriefing session hinders open communication, creates tension, and misses the opportunity for growth and improvement that such sessions are meant to foster.

Example 2

“You are assigned a group project in your biology course. One group member is failing to keep up with their part of the project. The member frequently misses group deadlines, needs constant reminders to stay on track, and submits poor work that requires correcting by the other group members. Your project is due in two weeks, and all members of the group will receive the same grade based on the overall project quality.”

Example 2 Answer Explanation

 1 = Very Ineffective    2 = Ineffective      3 = Effective      4 = Very Effective

Explanation:

1. Stop assigning extra tasks to the group member and finish the project as a team without their participation. (1)

• Opting to distance the group member out of the project rather than finding a genuine resolution showcases a lack of teamwork and empathy. This approach also burdens the remaining team members with additional work.

2. Hold a private conversation with the member to inquire about ways to support them and successfully complete their project responsibilities. (4)

• This approach showcases empathy towards the group member while keeping the primary objective of achieving a successful project in sight. When the group member senses this support, they may open up about the challenges they're encountering, enabling you to work together to address them, ultimately benefiting the entire group.

3. Suggest to the group member that they meet with the professor to devise a plan for better workload management. (3)

• This suggestion points out a potential solution that involves both the group member and the professor. However, it would be more effective if you assumed a more proactive role in assisting the member with their challenges.

4. Ask the professor to evaluate each group member's performance independently for the project. (1)

• Ignoring the struggling group member demonstrates a lack of teamwork and compassion, and prioritizing personal grades over collaboration could leave a negative impression on the professor.

5. Clearly communicate to the group member that their actions are jeopardizing the grades and overall success of the entire team in the course. (2)

• Initiating a conversation with your group member regarding the issue, without providing constructive feedback or offering assistance in finding a solution, will unlikely have any positive results in this situation.

Example 3

“Over the last few days, you've been providing care to several patients, among them a critically ill individual. Unfortunately, this patient has been exceptionally demanding and impolite, not only towards you but also towards the hospital staff. They frequently summon you for minor requests, significantly reducing the time you can allocate to your other patients.”

Example 3 Answer Explanation

1 = Very Ineffective    2 = Ineffective      3 = Effective      4 = Very Effective

Explanation:

1. Discover ways to finish your tasks more efficiently allowing you to allocate more time to address this patient's needs. (4)

• This shows your ability to effectively organize your schedule, ensuring that you can fulfill all your commitments efficiently while accommodating the demands of this patient who requires extra attention and time.

2. Delegate the task of attending to the patient to another student, enabling you to concentrate on your other patients. (2) 

• Although this approach ensures the patient's needs are met, it involves transferring your designated tasks to another individual who also has their own set of responsibilities to oversee.

3. Inform the patient that you have additional patients to attend to, but reassure them that you'll make an effort to return when your schedule allows. (3)

• This approach emphasizes the importance of honesty and professional communication with the patient. However, while the patient is aware of your constraints and actions, it doesn't guarantee that their needs will be addressed if you run out of time.

4. Ask your supervising physician for advice on managing the difficult patient. (4)

• This acknowledges your role as a medical student, which involves learning patient care best practices under the guidance of experienced supervising physicians. Seeking advice reflects your commitment to enhancing your patient care skills and gaining valuable insights.

Example 4 

“While browsing a classmate's social media profile, you come across negative comments they've made regarding a recent patient. Your classmate provides extensive details about the patient and their condition, which clearly breaches patient privacy regulations.”

Example 4 Answer Explanation

1 = Very Ineffective    2 = Ineffective      3 = Effective      4 = Very Effective

Explanation:

1. Report your classmate’s behavior as a privacy violation. (4)

• It’s your ethical responsibility to report medical violations like this. This will ensure that nothing else will happen to violate the patient's right. 

2. Review your classmate's previous comments to see how frequently they post about patient-related topics. (1)

• This approach doesn’t address the issue. You have an ethical responsibility to find a solution to this dilemma. 

3. Communicate with your classmate, emphasizing the significance of patient privacy, and request them to remove the comments. (3)

• This indicated your awareness of privacy policies. Although you communicate and have the classmate delete the comments, it still should be reported because it’s your responsibility.