Should I take the PCAT in September or take my chances??

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I'm kind of in a dilemma. I have not taken the PCAT since I don't really have time to study for it now. I am taking a class, volunteering, and working this summer, and I think I can get a good grade in this class if I don't have to study for the PCAT. I am undecided whether I should take the PCAT in September so that I can apply for schools that require PCAT. If I choose to do so, I have to study really hard for the PCAT and I might not be able to get an A for my summer class.

I just finished revising my personal statement and some supplemental applications for schools that don't require the PCAT. I plan to apply to: UOP, Western, Touro, Pacific in Oregon, MCPHS, LECOM, FAMU. I am still looking for schools that don't require PCAT. I am considering UCSF, UCSD, USC, but my stats doesn't really have anything that can wow/impress AdCom. So, I am not sure if I should apply to these top 3 California schools.

My weakest point is that my course load every semester is always around minimum for full-time students (12-14 units). I think this might hurt my application. I always had such minimum course load since I don't think I can get good grades if I don't have enough time to study. Also, my personal statement doesn't have anything extraordinary. Below is my stats. I hope I can get some opinion about what I should do. I'd really appreciate it.

2. Overall GPA: 3.79 (biochemistry major from a CSU), Math/Science GPA: 3.80, GPA last 2 years : 3.96
3. No PCAT score (I don't take the test since I have not studied for it).
4. Pharmacy experience: 3 months shadowing a retail pharmacist, 1 year volunteer in hospital pharmacy. Non-pharmacy experience: Tutor for 1.5 years, caregiver for 5 months. Leadership: vice president for our pharmacy club.
5. Certified California pharmacy technician
6. LOR: 1 professor, 1 pharmacist, 1 medical doctor
7. Interview skills: English learner, shy, inexperienced interviewee
8. Personal statement: okay. I don't really have anything that wows the readers

Any advice guys?

Why are you flippin out over the PCAT is your Math and science is a 3.80?!

my math and sci is a 2.3 and I scored 71 (average) on the PCAT. my 2 cents, if your GPA is that high in your science and math classes, it means you already understand the material and the PCAT should be a walk in the park. I studied for about 3 weeks and I rocked it pretty hard.

Take it in September, but you should go by feel

I know that Cali schools don't take the PCAT but require a higher GPA. your GPA is on the high end so I think you have a good shot. but really, who am I?

Your GPA is very impressive, especially considering that you were a biochem major. I would not worry about the PCAT and instead spend the time on gaining more pharmacy experience. You have a great shot at the schools which you are planning to apply.

SInce you went to CSU, I assume you live in California and someday want to practice here. What I would do then is not apply OOS for this year. For sure one CA school will accept you. Also, instead of using money to apply to OOS schools, use it towards USC, UCSD and UCSF instead. I know u will get into Touro or UoP at least. No need to buy round trips to interview at different states... if u cant get into any of the CA schools, then apply OOS next year in addition to CA again.

It would'nt hurt to take the pcat in Sep. if you do well you will have a greater chance of getting into pharmacy school. GOOD LUCK!

Originally Posted by The Recoverer

Why are you flippin out over the PCAT is your Math and science is a 3.80?!

my math and sci is a 2.3 and I scored 71 (average) on the PCAT. my 2 cents, if your GPA is that high in your science and math classes, it means you already understand the material and the PCAT should be a walk in the park. I studied for about 3 weeks and I rocked it pretty hard.

Take it in September, but you should go by feel

I know that Cali schools don't take the PCAT but require a higher GPA. your GPA is on the high end so I think you have a good shot. but really, who am I?

Thanks for your input. I am more worried about the verbal and reading comprehension tests since English is my second language. I'd have to study a lot if I want to get above 30 percentile.

SInce you went to CSU, I assume you live in California and someday want to practice here. What I would do then is not apply OOS for this year. For sure one CA school will accept you. Also, instead of using money to apply to OOS schools, use it towards USC, UCSD and UCSF instead. I know u will get into Touro or UoP at least. No need to buy round trips to interview at different states... if u cant get into any of the CA schools, then apply OOS next year in addition to CA again.

I wish I have such confidence to apply for CA schools only. Thank you for your advice, but I think I'll apply to OOS schools. I have a good GPA, but that's all I have. I have a few weaknesses, which might hurt my application (poor interview skill, mediocre personal statement, minimum course load every semester, CSU GPA < UC GPA). I come from a CSU, and I think USC, UCSF, UCSD favor UC students. I went to UCSD and USC for a pre-pharmacy event with my pre-pharmacy club, and I think the representatives looked down on us. A USC rep thought that we were from a UC school. We told her that we are from a CSU, and she didn't even know our school. At UCSD, a rep told us that pharmacy school is not for everybody. He kind of leaned toward telling us to think about changing our major. I can't decide whether to apply for these top 3 schools in CA because of these poor experiences.