Best PCAT self-prep? + $$$ cost

Started by Joleybear
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Browse articles Compare schools My application plan Read Interview Feedback
Practice for interviews Ask an Advisor
Joleybear

Joleybear

Full Member
5+ Year Member
I am trying to figure out what PCAT prep would help me most? I don't have a lot of time and I can't take classes in person while in school because I have 3 kids and 2 have disabilities. Is there any prep materials that can fully prepare me? I am taking classes now, obviously, but I'd like to review and prepare at home. $ cost also would be nice to know because I will need to save up or use tax refund money to pay for it. Thanks!
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
I've heard a lot of good things about Dr. Collins. I haven't used it myself, but if I had the money and time before my PCAT, I would've looked into it. New is around $600?? From last I checked. Used is over $100 but obviously much cheaper.

Personally I used the Kaplan book as my main study material. I supplemented with the internet for the math section and with a Learning Express study book (2011) for MICRO because Kaplan is dismally insufficient in that regard. I got a 97 composite. I did study about 1.5 months ahead for 1-2 hours a day.
I ALSO used the Pearson practice tests. Those were the MOST helpful in terms of practice because the content is exactly like the actual PCAT. Definitely invest in those!!!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Don't buy the entire Dr. Collins package!! Purchase/Borrow Chemistry section from someone.

I studied for 1 month for 2 hours a day using Dr. Collins and Kaplan at got 97 composite. For Chemistry, I used Dr. Collins packets. For Biology, I used the Kaplan book. For Reading I used Dr. Collins (but if you have an old SAT book, you could use that. Reading and Writing is not too bad). Math, I used Kaplan.
For the practice exams, I used the online ones that came with the Kaplan book and did both exams a couple weeks before my exam. My actual score was waaaay better than my Kaplan score lol.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I used Dr. Collins along with some Kaplan MCAT books, and got 99 composite (90+ in all sections). If you're looking to buy the newest version of Dr. Collins study guide package, I do have one for sale. Inbox me if interested, thanks! 🙂
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.