actual pcat exam vs pearson pcat practice?

[mehari]

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I was thinking the pearson practice test as the sample of the actual exam but more ppl are appreciating the pearson practice exam. so does it mean these practice materials are exactly appeared on the actual exam? if not, what is the relationship between them? Thanks in advance

 

[Xeal0007]

The relationship is that its pretty much the same types of question on both tests. I noticed that in sections like bio, chem, and quant the same types of questions that were on pearson's exams were on the actual pcat. Now no body knows the exact proportion of questions and how many a specific test might have, but taking pearson's exams are one of the best ways to prepare for the pcat.

 

[Annie14892]

I felt that the actual PCAT was much harder.. There were so many questions that I was unable to answer.

 

[isanders]

I think it is a relationship of preparation, because the pearson practice tests will prepare you in different areas to familiarize yourself with the actual PCAT. The time management is very beneficial and will show you how fast you need to go on the actual exam. It also covers similar concepts and, more often then not, similar "types" of question ( as in how the questions are asked). The formatting of the test and the overall "experience" of taking the practice tests in a replicative way to the actual test will give you confidence to succeed. Most importantly, the tests are a marker for the current level of the student, and points out how much preparation is needed to attain the level the student is aiming for. Taking the test in advance is the best way to go; i.e. if you score 50-70% it implies that your score is decent but if you want a competitive score you have some work and studying to do. I took all three practice tests and found them well worth the investment and it really paid off for me.

 

[npharm21]

Why did you feel the questions were so much harder @ Annie14892?

 

[Annie14892]

On the Pearson test, I was able to answer many more questions confidently than I could on the actual PCAT. On the actual PCAT, the questions were more specific and intense.


For example, on the Pearson quant section, there were many "solve for x" type of questions that were quite easy to do. On the actual PCAT, there was about three of them and one was a long secondary derivative problem.



Strangely though, my scores came out in the range of the practice exams even though I'm sure I missed a lot more questions...