A few questions*

[pharmgal2006]

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Hey everyone! I'm new here!
I'm going into my second year of pre-pharmacy. I have a couple questions regarding the PCAT.

1.) I think I will apply to pharmacy school without a B.S. in Biology and only complete the required course work. In doing this I will need to take the PCAT this upcoming summer of 2008 after my 2nd year of pre-pharm so I can apply for early decision for the 2009 Fall semester of pharmacy school. Now for my question: If I do this I will not have had any Organic Chemistry, only General Chemistry. Will this hurt me badly? What types of org. chem. questions will be on the PCAT? And what should I do to prepare myself for the organic chem portion of the test conisdering I will have had no formal classes.

2.) What types of Calculus and other math questions usually show up on the PCAT?

3.) What are one or two GREAT books etc. that would be good to do most of my studying from? And how soon would you suggest to begin studying?

4.) What was the section or whatever you were least prepared for that suprised you? Questions...section...whatever.

5.) Is it a good idea to take the PCAT more than once?

6.) Are there any other tips or suggestions you think would be valuable to me?

Thanks in advance for the response!

-Tiffany

 

[Bonbon2007]

Hey everyone! I'm new here!
I'm going into my second year of pre-pharmacy. I have a couple questions regarding the PCAT.

1.) I think I will apply to pharmacy school without a B.S. in Biology and only complete the required course work. In doing this I will need to take the PCAT this upcoming summer of 2008 after my 2nd year of pre-pharm so I can apply for early decision for the 2009 Fall semester of pharmacy school. Now for my question: If I do this I will not have had any Organic Chemistry, only General Chemistry. Will this hurt me badly? What types of org. chem. questions will be on the PCAT? And what should I do to prepare myself for the organic chem portion of the test conisdering I will have had no formal classes.

2.) What types of Calculus and other math questions usually show up on the PCAT?

3.) What are one or two GREAT books etc. that would be good to do most of my studying from? And how soon would you suggest to begin studying?

4.) What was the section or whatever you were least prepared for that suprised you? Questions...section...whatever.

5.) Is it a good idea to take the PCAT more than once?

6.) Are there any other tips or suggestions you think would be valuable to me?

Thanks in advance for the response!

-Tiffany

Hi Tiffany and welcome to the forums!

I'm going to move right into your questions:

1) Organic chemistry is 40% of the chemistry section. Alot of people learn the hard way by not taking any formal training before taking orgo. Be reasonable with yourself. Are you able to study organic chemistry on your own without a professor? Organic chemistry is extemely technical, but a solid grade in gen chem will probably get your through the PCAT in one piece. It's not recommended but some people still try it. It's your decision in the end.

2) Calculus material includes limits, derivaties, integrals, mostly that stuff that you get in Calculus I and possibly Calc II.

3) From my point of view, in order of difficulty, the industry leaders in PCAT questions are (other guys will disagree so please don't hate)

Kaplan > Cliffs > Arco > Barrons

4) Chemistry. I'm not a chemistry major; it always baffles me how one subject can make or break your score (i hate when it's mine) 😳

5) No, people say do the no score option if you feel bad about taking the exam without studying enough. Do it right the first time, give yourself plenty of time: 3mo-1mo.

6) Start early. Be realistic with yourself. If you want a 80-90 composite, put in that type of dedication. It depends on the person really.

Good luck T!

 

[DrWhoFan85]

It may be helpful, if you can afford it, to take a PCAT course through Kaplan. It may really help you understand the Organic Chem more than reading/studying from a book...

 

[pharmgal2006]

Thanks bonbon for you answers. They were very helpful! Is there any books you would suggest using for studying/learning organic chem? I thought about buying Kaplan's Organic Chemistry edge book. I'm definately getting a copy of the OChem book my professor will be using and study from that.

Thanks again for your help!
-Tiffany

 

[pharmgal2006]

Since I won't have taken OChem before the PCAT which book would you guys suggest using in addition to the textbook my prof. will use?

Here are a few I've been looking at, which do you think would be best? Or do you have another suggestion?

1- The Nuts and Bolts of Organic Chemistry by Joel Karty
2- Organic Chemistry I as a Second Language by David Klein
3- Kaplan Organic Chemistry Edge

Thanks in advance!

-Tiffany

 

[omnione]

Since I won't have taken OChem before the PCAT which book would you guys suggest using in addition to the textbook my prof. will use?

Here are a few I've been looking at, which do you think would be best? Or do you have another suggestion?

1- The Nuts and Bolts of Organic Chemistry by Joel Karty
2- Organic Chemistry I as a Second Language by David Klein
3- Kaplan Organic Chemistry Edge

Thanks in advance!

-Tiffany

I like:

1. Examkrackers MCAT Organic Chemistry: It may be for the MCAT, but the content level isn't overkill for the PCAT as long as you know the PCAT topics well. The book is concise and comes with flash cards to review common spec graphs and reactions. Here's a LINK.

2. A good college organic chemistry textbook: A good book will provide the best explanation over a more skeleton-like review from stuff like Kaplan.

 

[pharmgal2006]

I like:

1. Examkrackers MCAT Organic Chemistry: It may be for the MCAT, but the content level isn't overkill for the PCAT as long as you know the PCAT topics well. The book is concise and comes with flash cards to review common spec graphs and reactions. Here's a LINK.

2. A good college organic chemistry textbook: A good book will provide the best explanation over a more skeleton-like review from stuff like Kaplan.

Do you thik the Examkrackers MCAT OChem. book would be good for someone that hasn't had ANY kind of OChem class at all.
Edit:
One other question for everyone. Is the BS? Has anyone used it? Does it look good?
http://www.mo-media.com/pcat/


-Tiff

 

[omnione]

Do you thik the Examkrackers MCAT OChem. book would be good for someone that hasn't had ANY kind of OChem class at all.

-Tiff

It could work, but I would use a textbook in conjunction with it since the book is intended to be review. So, the book is like a Cliff's Notes of organic that is a little more detailed than your usual Cliff's Notes. It would be better than what Kaplan provides IMO.

 

[justimmy]

I agree especially since I bought one of those... it's full of tips and skeletal review points... but i don't think it can teach you all the nooks and crannies... It's a good "put together all you know" kind of book... but if you need to learn I don't think that alone is the best way to go... my two cents