September PCAT...is it too late?

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Hello everyone,
I hope you guys are having fun and not me stressing so much about applying to schools .

I'm applying to 6 Cali. and about 4 out of state schools. California schools don't want PCAT score, and I really wanna get in to CA schools. But I don't wanna risk my chances and only to schools here. Do you guys think it would be too late to take my PCAT in September since some of the schools that I want to apply have their first interviews starting in October?

Thank you

Originally Posted by rasouls

Hello everyone,
I hope you guys are having fun and not me stressing so much about applying to schools .

I'm applying to 6 Cali. and about 4 out of state schools. California schools don't want PCAT score, and I really wanna get in to CA schools. But I don't wanna risk my chances and only to schools here. Do you guys think it would be too late to take my PCAT in September since some of the schools that I want to apply have their first interviews starting in October?

Thank you

They key factor in that decision would be whether or not schools would interview you without your PCAT scores. I don't think that your scores would be available until November, so you wouldn't likely be in their first batch of interviews.

One other factor, if you really want to get into a CA school ... You'll be spending a fair bit of money (PCAT, flying to interviews, hotels, etc.) for a set of schools that you wouldn't really go to versus a CA school.

If I were in your shoes, I'd focus on CA schools. Of course, you could miss out on an application cycle ... However, those are the breaks.

Originally Posted by rasouls

Hello everyone,
I hope you guys are having fun and not me stressing so much about applying to schools .

I'm applying to 6 Cali. and about 4 out of state schools. California schools don't want PCAT score, and I really wanna get in to CA schools. But I don't wanna risk my chances and only to schools here. Do you guys think it would be too late to take my PCAT in September since some of the schools that I want to apply have their first interviews starting in October?

Thank you

It won't be too late, would be just fine, that is when I took my pcat. You won't be in the first batch of interviews but if you are a strong applicant it shouldn't really matter, for example I continuously received interview invites all through winter and spring even long after I have already been accepted to nonpcat schools.

Originally Posted by chemguy79

They key factor in that decision would be whether or not schools would interview you without your PCAT scores. I don't think that your scores would be available until November, so you wouldn't likely be in their first batch of interviews.

One other factor, if you really want to get into a CA school ... You'll be spending a fair bit of money (PCAT, flying to interviews, hotels, etc.) for a set of schools that you wouldn't really go to versus a CA school.

If I were in your shoes, I'd focus on CA schools. Of course, you could miss out on an application cycle ... However, those are the breaks.

That's exactly why I'm going to take my PCAT in September...I'm still enrolled for July's PCAT but I want to focus on non-PCAT schools first and send my applications ASAP(including the supplemental applications).
It just sucks that I'm not gonna be selected for the first batch .

Should I just take the July's PCAT and see how it goes?

Originally Posted by rasouls

Should I just take the July's PCAT and see how it goes?

Only if you think you're ready. Also, make sure you know your prospective schools' policy on PCAT scores. If they only look at your highest attempt, then I would take the July one since it still leaves you time to register for September if you're not satisfied with your scores.

Originally Posted by pharm B

Only if you think you're ready. Also, make sure you know your prospective schools' policy on PCAT scores. If they only look at your highest attempt, then I would take the July one since it still leaves you time to register for September if you're not satisfied with your scores.

Thank you for the advice