Another one of those "Where do I stand" posts

[Sulilina]

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Ok here's my situation, short and sweet:

Oct 07 I took the PCAT, composite was a 78%, had barely ANY pre-reqs under my belt. But I was content. Just took the PCAT in August and I have pretty much all my pre-reqs under my belt and almost done. I take the PCAT (BY THE WAY, it is 100% HARDER this year than last with biochem on there as well!) I completely bombed this test. To my TOTAL surprise, I thought I would have this test in the bag. Not. My composite is a 56%. HOW does this happen? It didn't help that my reading comp dropped to a whopping 21%. My math and bio improved but my chem stayed the same in the 50s.

Here's my question. I'm applying to Nova, UF, and Lecom. My Science GPA is a 3.5 and overall gpa is a 3.55. I have a lot of volunteer experience with the community and I have been working as a tech for 2 years and I just got certified this month (for the raise). Considering my first PCAT score was a 78% and now this one is a 56%, where do you think I stand? I have solid and strong recommendation letters as well. I'm extremely scared that I don't even stand a chance because of this ever so changing PCAT. I am extremely discouraged. If anyone could help shed some opinions here, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advanced.

-Crys

 

[Sulilina]

I take it, this is bad? I truly respect a lot of forum board members' opinions as a lot of us are, what I would say, on top of our game. Heck, a lot of people don't even know of this forum board!

If anyone could just throw me back some feedback here, I would be most grateful. I'm banging my head against the wall and babbling to my boyfriend about this who really can't give an opinion since he doesn't know much about the pharmacy process/competition, etc etc. You guys are the only people I really can talk to somewhat anonymously!

Thanks again!

 

[inquirer89]

I talked with an adviser at a pharmacy school and she said that they take the best score out of each individual section of the PCAT. So for example, if you scored a 80 in the reading section the first time, and a 59 in the reading section the second time, then the school will take the 80.

I'd suggest that you contact the schools you're applying to and ask what their policy is, though I'm sure they do the same. At the very worst, they average them together. Good luck!

 

[Prepharm1214]

Nova and Lecom I think you have a good chance of getting into, but UF usually likes high PCATs like in the high 80's- low 90's. I think most schools would take the better composite score, after all you could have a bad test day - be sick, tired, whatever.

 

[pharmD1980]

Do u have a BS degree may I ask??? If yes, why don't u apply for Sullivan just for back up?? U have a 90% sure of getting into Sullivan as an early admission. U also have a good chance of getting into Lecom (both programs). Don't think about your 2nd pcat score again. It sill qualify for most schools. Go ahead & apply NOW. Congras class of 2012👍