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Finally! I see someone with a 99 percentile. I thought the biology section was simple; so was chemistry, it was the same concept, not questions though. For the Verbal, I saw like 10 same questions, I did not study with kaplan, I did Dr Collins + Pearson review. And used kaplan/prep for reading. Hopefully I can get my score, so I can tell you. Im also born on 1988, so power to youI just got my scores for the October PCAT. Here are my scores
October 2010
Chemistry 98
Math 99
Biology 92
Reading 88
Verbal 98
Composite 99
Writing 3.0
study about 2 weeks along w/ Kaplan PCAT book
I did well thanks to Dr Collins study packet, which had like 10 questions from chemistry, 5 question from biology, 11 questions from Verbal. They helped me finish the exam quicker while making the exam taking much more relaxing. Like the posts mentioned above, I highly recommend to take the Dr Collins.
I just recently signed up to Student Doctor Network but I have all the Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Verbal, Biology, and Chemistry packets (about 6-7 practice tests per subject, with a study guide in each subject as well).
I am selling mine for $70 compared to the $320+ i believe they sell. PM me if you are interested or have further questions about the contents of the package.
Finally! I see someone with a 99 percentile. I thought the biology section was simple; so was chemistry, it was the same concept, not questions though. For the Verbal, I saw like 10 same questions, I did not study with kaplan, I did Dr Collins + Pearson review. And used kaplan/prep for reading. Hopefully I can get my score, so I can tell you. Im also born on 1988, so power to you
^ Wow, excellent score! How much time did you set out for studying?
Anyhow, does anyone know what the correct answer for Dr. Collins Chem set 9, question 41 is? The question asks "how many unbonded electrons are there in HCN?" and the answer given is 6. How is there 6? I don't see why the answer isn't 2.
the reading is hard on the actual pcat. but I think you got to read kaplan's biology section. the Collins review doesnt go over photic zones and diagrams. Im also using other review materials for verbal. Princeton gives some good strategies on it. I wish I could have attended Collin's class down in Florida now.I think that quite a few people who used Dr. Collins' scored 99th percentile composite and in certain sections. (Myself included.)
I scored 96 Bio, 99 Chemistry, 99 Quantitative, 92 Verbal and 84 or 86 Reading, and a 99 Composite so it's definitely possible.
The thing about his Biology section is that, while it is simple, is in line with the actual PCAT. Honestly, the PCAT will have to ask relatively simple questions. You won't be asked about specific enzymes in Glycolysis, You won't be asked about which factor is used where in the Clotting pathway, etc. I was glad that I purchased his packet because it showed me concepts that I would have NEVER thought to have studied and it bailed my arse out when it came to Ecology questions.
Edited because, after reading his explanation, it makes more sense.
HCN = 14 total electrons, 8 of which are involved in the sigma and pi bonds, therefore, 6 are unbonded electrons. (Core electrons + the 2 valence electrons (lone pair) on the Nitrogen.)
VERY odd way of asking that question.
I have uploaded the attachment of his explanation in case you didn't have that at your disposal. Good luck with your studying!
the reading is hard on the actual pcat. but I think you got to read kaplan's biology section. the Collins review doesnt go over photic zones and diagrams. Im also using other review materials for verbal. Princeton gives some good strategies on it. I wish I could have attended Collin's class down in Florida now.
I bought Dr. Collins on Amazon about a month ago. Does he make updated versions? Now that I'm reading this, I'm concerned that I may have an old version that it may not benefit me as much as a newer version
I bought Dr. Collins on Amazon about a month ago. Does he make updated versions? Now that I'm reading this, I'm concerned that I may have an old version that it may not benefit me as much as a newer version
the reading is hard on the actual pcat. but I think you got to read kaplan's biology section. the Collins review doesnt go over photic zones and diagrams. Im also using other review materials for verbal. Princeton gives some good strategies on it. I wish I could have attended Collin's class down in Florida now.
I have the 2009 version of the Dr. Collins Study Guide, will that work just the same?what is IMHO
H = 1 valence electron, C = 4 valence electrons, N= 5 valence eletrons. How does that equal 14 total electrons?Edited because, after reading his explanation, it makes more sense.
HCN = 14 total electrons, 8 of which are involved in the sigma and pi bonds, therefore, 6 are unbonded electrons. (Core electrons + the 2 valence electrons (lone pair) on the Nitrogen.)
VERY odd way of asking that question.
I have uploaded the attachment of his explanation in case you didn't have that at your disposal. Good luck with your studying!
Edited because, after reading his explanation, it makes more sense.
HCN = 14 total electrons, 8 of which are involved in the sigma and pi bonds, therefore, 6 are unbonded electrons. (Core electrons + the 2 valence electrons (lone pair) on the Nitrogen.)
VERY odd way of asking that question.
I have uploaded the attachment of his explanation in case you didn't have that at your disposal. Good luck with your studying!
H = 1 valence electron, C = 4 valence electrons, N= 5 valence eletrons. How does that equal 14 total electrons?
Collins is too easy compared to the real thing. Its only good to sort of refresh your memory on various questions... I wouldn't say it "prepares" you for the PCAT. Trust me, people getting high scores on the PCAT (90s and up) is not because of Collins, but the work and effort they gave during their school years. Basically, if you don't have it don't sweat it. It's overpriced and overhyped.
Collins is too easy compared to the real thing. Its only good to sort of refresh your memory on various questions... I wouldn't say it "prepares" you for the PCAT. Trust me, people getting high scores on the PCAT (90s and up) is not because of Collins, but the work and effort they gave during their school years. Basically, if you don't have it don't sweat it. It's overpriced and overhyped.
^ Wow, excellent score! How much time did you set out for studying?
Anyhow, does anyone know what the correct answer for Dr. Collins Chem set 9, question 41 is? The question asks "how many unbonded electrons are there in HCN?" and the answer given is 6. How is there 6? I don't see why the answer isn't 2.
Did you read what I wrote at all?
I wrote 14 TOTAL electrons, which includes valence and core electrons.
I agree with what you say, even though I did buy it. People in this forum keep telling that they got really high score because of only this material. I do not think so. They got really high score because they already have the strong knowledge and Dr Collins tries to refresh their memorization through the questions. One thing to say, it is ok but not only one. You NEVER pass (even the really low score) if only base on this material.
You never took any Chemistry or Orgo, Micro, Biochem and ended up scoring 94 with just three weeks of studying? What did you study 10 hours a day nonstop?Not true, there are exceptions. When I took the PCAT, I had taken Bio I & II, Calculus 10 years earlier, and Anatomy. That's it. I never took Microbiology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Chem I & II, and Orgo I & II. Because of Dr. Collins, which represented 95% of my 3 weeks of studying, I scored a 94 composite.
In my opinion, Dr. Collins is THAT good. Without it l, who knows what I would've scored.
You never took any Chemistry or Orgo, Micro, Biochem and ended up scoring 94 with just three weeks of studying? What did you study 10 hours a day nonstop?
Some days, yes. I spent about 5 hours a day the majority of the time and skipped a few to go to work, get wasted, or both. Okay I'm kidding, I didn't work.
I basically read through the study materials once, then took all the Collins practice tests over and over. After each test, I would take the time to learn the concepts from the questions I missed (for example, I scored like 24/50 on my first Chem test, so that took a long time to cover what I didn't understand). I also compiled the purely informational facts (Biology has a ton of these, obviously) into a Word document and reviewed it every other day. I then took a Pearson practice test 5 and 2 days before the real thing. They estimated my Composite to be between 80-99, which at the time I thought was complete BS. To be honest, I expected to score in the 50s at best. Who knows, maybe it was luck? I did work my ass off though.
Yup, that will work every timeSome days, yes. I spent about 5 hours a day the majority of the time and skipped a few to go to work, get wasted, or both. Okay I'm kidding, I didn't work.
I basically read through the study materials once, then took all the Collins practice tests over and over. After each test, I would take the time to learn the concepts from the questions I missed (for example, I scored like 24/50 on my first Chem test, so that took a long time to cover what I didn't understand). I also compiled the purely informational facts (Biology has a ton of these, obviously) into a Word document and reviewed it every other day. I then took a Pearson practice test 5 and 2 days before the real thing. They estimated my Composite to be between 80-99, which at the time I thought was complete BS. To be honest, I expected to score in the 50s at best. Who knows, maybe it was luck? I did work my ass off though.
Hey! I was wondering, where did you buy your Dr. Collins book? I was looking through Amazon, and found one but it's $170, a bit pricey.
Thanks!
Yup, that will work every time
Im going to enroll in the course since its just like 30 minutes from where I live. So Im putting all my eggs on Dr Collins.
Im only taking one summer class(Physics) and just going to focus the rest of my time on studying for the exam. Im aiming for 90+ score. Lol @ 100th percentile. I need to borrow your PCAT confidenceI bought mine through a guy in the pre-pharmacy club at school for $100. If one of the universities in your city has a pre-pharmacy club, I'd check there first. Otherwise, there might be Craigslist postings for it or the Free Classifieds sub-forum on here.
$170 isn't too bad compared to full price, but you can probably find a better deal.
Yeah if you're doing the study guide plus the full course, I'd put my money on you scoring at least a 99. If not, you'll definitely get the coveted imaginary 100th percentile.
So, this verbage means...someone who has signed up for the prep class. Buy the packets on their own don't entail signing up for the full class. So, can i conclude that if buy the packet,,,then sell it...am not violating this clause?If anyone's wondering about 5minutes' post, it specifically says on the registration form:
Privacy Agreement
The undersigned student of the PCAT Prep Class agrees not to share, in any manner, with individuals not registered for the class nor to reproduce, in any form, for the purposing of such sharing, at the present time or in the future, the various materials provided as part of the PCAT Prep Class. In turn The PCAT Prep Class agrees to provide to said student, upon request and free of charge, any and all new material that may, in the future, be developed for the PCAT Prep Class. Requests for new material must be received at least one month prior to the next exam date. We are unable to honor requests after the one month period because you will not have sufficient time to study. In addition, said student may retake the PCAT Prep Class for the nominal fee of $40.00.
It took me 1 day to finish chemistry, 2 days for math, and 1 month for english.
Hello there.
there is nobody who can guide me or help me about pcat prep please thanks.
tx so so much do you think collins will be enough to get the score ,please let me know thanks.Buy Kaplan's 2014-2015 PCAT book and start studying now.
You can also get Dr Collins if you want. In either case, just start studying as soon as possible.