Advice Please!

[PrePharmer17]

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Hi everyone,

I would like some advice about applying and retaking the PCAT. I just graduated last semester with a Bachelor's in Chemistry with a 3.6 GPA.
I took the PCAT once in 2010 and got a 56. I am debating if I should retake it this July as I would have much more time to prepare and do a lot better than the last time. However, the school that I will be applying to has rolling admissions so I want to apply as soon as possible.

Do you think I should retake the PCAT? If so, should I wait out the 6 weeks until they get the official reports and then apply, or should I apply even without yet having taken the PCAT again?

Also, I do not have much, if any, work experience or ECs. I have been trying for the past year to get a job at a pharmacy or even just shadow but have had no luck. I passed the PTCB exam by self-study last year hoping it would help me land a job, but still nothing. So I'm thinking I should be retaking it to make up for my lack of experience and ECs. What do you guys think?

Any advice helps! Thanks

 

[DH1987]

If you can afford it, I would definitely retake the PCAT. If you allow yourself about a month or two to prepare, and you follow the advice in the "99%ile club" thread, I think you should at least be able to score a 70+. If you were able to score a 3.6 GPA with a Bachelor's in Chemistry, I'm sure you are more than capable of a 70 composite. Just make sure you view that thread and use the advice there. The difference between a 56 and a 70+ is strong enough that I think it would warrant a 2 month wait, and I think you could easily do it if you use your time wisely.

Good luck!

 

[PrePharmer17]

Thanks!
I really don't mind studying and taking the PCAT again but I think I will run into some issues. The test center closest to me is 80 miles away and the exam is on the same week as finals (I will be taking some prereqs over the summer). I don't have a car as of now and would need to figure out transportation.

Also, I don't think the school is really big on PCAT scores. The minimum they consider is 40, which to me is pretty low, although it is a new school.

Are there any other ways to strengthen my application without taking the exam again? I think I will be able to get some volunteers spots at the hospital and other places. If I devote most of my time to volunteering, do you think I'll be okay?

 

[Rx MPLS]

Thanks!
I really don't mind studying and taking the PCAT again but I think I will run into some issues. The test center closest to me is 80 miles away and the exam is on the same week as finals (I will be taking some prereqs over the summer). I don't have a car as of now and would need to figure out transportation.

Also, I don't think the school is really big on PCAT scores. The minimum they consider is 40, which to me is pretty low, although it is a new school.

Are there any other ways to strengthen my application without taking the exam again? I think I will be able to get some volunteers spots at the hospital and other places. If I devote most of my time to volunteering, do you think I'll be okay?

This was one of the problems I ran into, as well. I ended up getting a hotel nearby and ordering in breakfast before the test, which I think was really helpful and gave me an edge that morning.

There are always other ways to strengthen your application (volunteer work over an extended period of time, letters of recommendation from pharmacists, etc), but it's nice to have a decent PCAT score to fall back on. Do consider that a minimum is just that: a minimum. No guarantee they'll look at your application much if everybody else has better PCAT scores.

 

[PrePharmer17]

Thank you for your input.

I just thought of another idea. What if I retake it in September?
I will definitely not have any transportation or scheduling problems then, and will do much better as I have more time to study.

I am just worried that most seats will be filled by then. Is applying to a rolling admissions school around October considered too late or too risky? My application will be MUCH better (higher PCAT, more volunteer hours, possible pharm tech job) during this time than if I apply in July.

Please give me your thoughts!

 

[AlPacino]

A 3.6 GPA with a bachelors in chemistry will strongly help you to get in, but I would retake the PCAT and shoot for 70+. Also make sure to have a strong personal statement and good letters of recommendations.

 

[Rx MPLS]

Thank you for your input.

I just thought of another idea. What if I retake it in September?
I will definitely not have any transportation or scheduling problems then, and will do much better as I have more time to study.

I am just worried that most seats will be filled by then. Is applying to a rolling admissions school around October considered too late or too risky? My application will be MUCH better (higher PCAT, more volunteer hours, possible pharm tech job) during this time than if I apply in July.

Please give me your thoughts!

Apply later if you have to. You'll be fine; I also applied quite late (almost the last interview date) and was admitted to a great school. Your GPA is good; if you'll have a better PCAT and more volunteer hours then, it is probably worth waiting to apply. Just make sure your PCAT is significantly better the second time around.