Bad Test Taker

[IndianKid]

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I'm a horrible test taker. I'm above average high schooler right now, and I am looking forward to becoming a pharmacist. However, I'm afraid that even if I do very well throughout my first few years in college, what if I end up doing bad on the PCAT? Will colleges still want me? I know some colleges don't require the PCAT, but doesn't that make my PharmD look crappy, seeming as it comes from a pharmacy school that doesn't even take PCAT scores from their students? Is my best bet just practicing to become a better test taker?

 

[Ethyl Methyl]

Test taking is a skill that can be learned. There must be some program in your school that can teach you about good test taking strategies. Talk to your counselor to see what resources are available to you. I often hear people say that they are bad test takers and because of that they lower their expectations of themselves. Having such a defeatist attitude will not help you at all. The best way to prepare for any test is to know the material really well. If you do this, you can take any test and be prepared for it, whether it is just regurgitating information or applying the concepts learned in class.

 

[fenixtnlfan]

I definitely agree you can improve your test taking skills. Some people are innately good at it, and some aren't. If your school doesn't offer a program to help, there are books and prep courses that can help you. Learning these skills will help you a lot in college, pharm school, and for the certification tests you have to take before becoming a pharmacist. Unfortunately, the academic world is based mostly on test performance.

Pharmacy schools don't just look at a PCAT score when considering an applicant. You need to be well-rounded, and if you especially shine in an area they may forgive a lower score. There is a minimum you must reach, but a low PCAT score isn't the end. No one really cares where you got your pharmd from, so don't worry about that part. Some schools might help you get connections, but you will still be a pharmd with the same opportunities as all the other pharmd's. But do keep in mind that more and more schools require the PCAT for admission, so by the time you apply there may not be many. Good luck!

 

[IndianKid]

You guys have made me feel better. I was feeling strongly discouraged about becoming a pharmacist because of the PCAT mainly. I was thinking about majoring in a business-related field instead of Chemistry, but I think I'll stick with Chemistry for my first semester of college at least. Then, I'll see if the general courses of Biology and Chemistry interest me. If those courses do interest me, then I will work my butt off becoming a pharmacist.

 

[AngelaCL]

It might be different in a few years, but there are plenty of good or great schools that don't require the PCAT. I didn't apply to any California schools, but I believe some of them are excellent and don't require the test. Purdue University is supposed to be one of the top ten schools in the nation and they don't require the PCAT.

And anyway, no one gives a **** where you get your degree.