Applying to Schools

[jaypea65]

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How many schools do applicants usually apply? When should I start the application process and take the PCAT?

 

[babyvi3thonnie]

apply to all of them!!! just kidding....

just apply to the ones you want to go to or think you can get in based on your experience, gpa, etc....or you can do what i did and just apply to as many as you can afford...hehehe

you should take your pcat as soon as you can or ready so that if you need take it again you would still have the chance like in june or oct....

 

[Farmercyst]

How many schools do applicants usually apply? When should I start the application process and take the PCAT?

I don't remember where I read it but I seem to recall the average was 4-5 (something like that). If you look long enough you'll see some here have applied to only one. Others (there was one last year) applied to 20.

There is no certain number that is too high or too low (Ok so may all 100+ would be a be a bit much.) I'll wait for another question before delving deeper into that subject.

In terms of PCAT, my understanding is most people do better in the summer, but that's just what I've read here and there on SDN. Some people do fine in winter too. In terms of your application, the sooner the application is completed the better your chances are in terms of interviews. I'd say earlier=better for that reason. As mentioned above better to take when you are ready than to do it early if you're not. A PharmCAS completed in July with a 40 PCAT won't be near as good as an application updated in December with a 90.

 

[Shadowstar]

I'd say time it so that you have everything ready for early admissions. If you can get your apps all in by early admissions and you have a decent PCAT and GPA, you're set. If your GPA is decent and your PCAT sucks, apply early to the schools that don't require the PCAT.

 

[IsoPod]

I think that you can start your PharmCAS application in July but you can't submit it until August. In the meantime, you should start researching the schools you are interested in to find out whether they are on rolling admissions, whether they accept out of state applicants, whether they require PCAT, whether you can actually picture yourself living there, etc. Narrow your list down because the whole process is very expensive. You can also start brainstorming/writing your personal statement. For most of us, this is what will take the most time and effort and, if executed well, will reap the most benefits. If you can get your PharmCAS application out of the way during the summer, you will give yourself a bit more time to devote to your supplementals/PCAT review during the school year.

 

[PolarBear21]

I suggest taking the PCAT in June so you can have your scores earlier and you can submit and complete your application at a school earlier, really helps if the school is on rolling admissions.

 

[Charles01]

I applied to 2 schools and got into one of them. I should've applied to 3-4 schools to cover the bases.

I took the PCAT just once in October before my schools' January deadline. I was going to take the January test too, but I did good enough on the october test.

To study for the PCAT, i used the barrons and kaplan study guides for the math and chemistry sections. I just used my common knowledge for the bio, verbal and reading section and I did quite well.

 

[omnione]

I applied to 12 schools, but I botched the secondaries for one reason for another for half of them.😳

The number of schools I applied to was due to many factors. With my average GPA that was on a downward slope the past year or so and my lack of pharmacy experience, I felt that I would be a borderline candidate for many schools. I also didn't want to wait an extra year for the next round of applications by applying to few schools. Still, applying to many schools cost a lot of money especially if your stats are decent and you get called for many interviews. So, cost is a concern as well.

I essentially used this scheme to determine where to apply. I chose three prestigious schools I felt were longshots for accepting me. I chose six schools where the average stats were favorable to my record but weren't guaranteed "locks" for me getting accepted. Lastly, I chose three schools where I felt like I had a great chance for getting in whether it was a school that was in-state, newly accredited, or focused on the "whole individual" and/or the PCAT.