Thursday, August 20, 2009

PCAT August 22, 2009 - Advice, Questions, Comments

Good luck to everyone taking the PCAT this weekend. If you have taken the exam previously, please use the comments section below to offer any advice. If this is the first time you are taking the PCAT and you have questions that keep you up at night, please post them below and the many readers of this blog can help ease your concerns.

Please provide as much information in your questions and answers as possible.

13 comments:

Farmer said...

I have ADHD and have a difficult time sitting through long tests. How are breaks scheduled? If I need to get up a take a break can I? I am stressing big time.

Emily said...

I took the test in June and if I remember correctly, you will do the first writing section, verbal, biology and chemistry before your first break. I want to say that was the only break? After the break is reading, quantitative and ends with the 2nd portion of the writing. My advice is to make sure you eat something with protein that will stick with you before the exam starts and have some sort of snack to eat at the break. I was very hungry for the last half of the exam because I didn't do this. I don't know if they let you take breaks outside of the normal break? Sorry I can't help more with that! I know it's easier said than done but try to take a deep breath and have as much positive self talk as possible!! Good luck to everyone taking the exam. I won't take mine again until October.

Anonymous said...

I just started Orgo this week - am I screwed on that section? I want to start Pharm school next fall and now wonder if that was a wise decision. I got A's in chemsitry, but don't know much about Orgo.

Anonymous said...

You get a break after the fourth test, like Emilly/Kevin said, and then any other time you can take a break whenever. However, that means you have to take up your exam taking time because you only have ONE scheduled break.

Anonymous said...

Have you had any exposure to organic chemistry? It seemed like there was a good mix between inorganic and organic chemistry on the exam. If you want to go to pharm school next fall, I would just take the PCAT now, see what you get, apply, and see what happens. Schools do want a high chemistry PCAT score but they look at the overall package. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I was wondering if the ochem purification/separation techniques are tested on the PCAT? I was told that they're not, but the review info is in the Kaplan prep book. I've also heard conflicting info as to whether the writing has to be done in pencil or pen. Any clarifications, please?

Anonymous said...

Read page 12 of the candidate information booklet. No pens are allowed.

Anonymous said...

does anyone know if there is a limit on how many times the PCAT can be taken? I know the least amount of times the better, but Im not a good test taker and this will be my fourth time taking it on Saturday

Anonymous said...

5 is the limit. After that, you have to file an appeal with Pearsons. This is in the Candidate Information Bulletin.

Mozart said...

I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but can I wear my ipod during the PCAT? I get distracted easily and focus better when listening to soft music.

Tabor said...

I have only 1 more day to study. What was the most difficult section for you? How would you recommend I spend today in preparation?

Why is the essay like and is there any way to prepare for it?

Anonymous said...

Is the essay related to the practice of pharmacy?

Anonymous said...

We only got one ten minute break the last time I took it. I suggest bringing earplugs and also a watch to keep track of the time if the clock is not visible. They will only tell you when you have 5 minuts left.