Best Study Materials??

[Oilsooner]

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I am planning to take the Oct PCAT, for a November admissions cycle. Thus, I only have one chance to do well, and want to do as well as I can.

Currently, I am beginning to look at study options, and would like the opinion of those who have gone before me as to what the best study materials are, and which are not worth messing with.

I am really looking at the Kaplan class option ($1500), or maybe the on demand (I'm not sure which at this point, as they dont publish the price of the on demand option, so its hard to evaluate which would be better.)

Has anyone had success with the Kaplan option? Or, is there something better out there?

Oh, I am not looking for a class or study guide to teach me the material (chem, math, etc.), but instead am looking for something to teach me how to take the test, to prepare for the format, stressors of test day, test taking strategies, etc. I feel I either know the material or I dont, but do not know that I am ready to take a standardized test, as its not something you do all the time (thus I need to practice for it).

I really appreciate all the advice, and look forward to being a regular member of the forum as I work towards getting ready for the PCAT. 🙂

 

[pharmschooler]

I am planning to take the Oct PCAT, for a November admissions cycle. Thus, I only have one chance to do well, and want to do as well as I can.

Currently, I am beginning to look at study options, and would like the opinion of those who have gone before me as to what the best study materials are, and which are not worth messing with.

I am really looking at the Kaplan class option ($1500), or maybe the on demand (I'm not sure which at this point, as they dont publish the price of the on demand option, so its hard to evaluate which would be better.)

Has anyone had success with the Kaplan option? Or, is there something better out there?

Oh, I am not looking for a class or study guide to teach me the material (chem, math, etc.), but instead am looking for something to teach me how to take the test, to prepare for the format, stressors of test day, test taking strategies, etc. I feel I either know the material or I dont, but do not know that I am ready to take a standardized test, as its not something you do all the time (thus I need to practice for it).

I really appreciate all the advice, and look forward to being a regular member of the forum as I work towards getting ready for the PCAT. 🙂

I really think the tests you can buy through Pearson are not only the best, but the cheapest route to take. They emulate the actual test quite well (and I imagine will be even better when the new computer-based testing starts).

I have Dr. Collin's packet...it definitely sucks compared to the practice tests, and it was ~2x as expensive!! It's definitely overpriced and not that rad. Mistakes exist, and it's not really that great for determining your issues with testing. It also doesn't determine your potential score, like the Pearson tests.

If you do want to take a Kaplan course, sign up for their emails. They send out discount coupons all the time; don't pay full price. It seems to be about $200 off often.

 

[gluglugs]

I swear by the Kaplan course. They literally cover EVERYTHING. Kaplan's practice tests included in the course only covers the "normal" types of problems you'll likely to see on the PCAT. Meaning they give you good practice but they do not by any means simulate the real thing in terms of the amount of questions you'll see about a subject in each section. For example, Kaplan focuses a lot on Calculus and algebra whereas the PCAT you take that day may focus on something else

 

[deconstructify]

Hi

I read the comments added by users and I seem to agree on certain areas, however, whatever material you get should be the most up to date I believe at the time you would be taking the Pcat in October, I would go with Dr Collins. if you want to cut to the chase, well you cant beat Dr Collins. I used his material for the most recent test and that boosted my self-confidence in the room.
Dr C covers all the sections. However, that said, if you want to get more practice then I would suggest you get Dr Collins and Pcat destroyer. Pcat is all about practice making perfect. Pcat destroyer has worked out solutions and therefore works well with DR C. And these material will cost you around $200 total. If thats whats going to put you in the 80th-90th percentile category above the rest, its well worth it!

 

[Oilsooner]

Great reponses so far.

Thanks all!

(I'm still interested in Kaplan classroom options, but plan to at least supplement with the Collins and PCAT Destroyer material)

 

[ruiz0052]

So browsing these forums and doing some research, I’ve encountered different point of views on both Dr. Collins PCAT destroyer and Kaplan MCAT. I personally have the Kaplan MCAT review and I feel the material is too much. I understand where some forum members suggest using certain portions of Kaplan, but I don’t want to waste time studying sections that are not necessary. Are there any pre-pharm student that have used the destroyer and can post both their test scores and time of study spent. I’m most likely going to purchase the destroyer as I do believe its the best way to go, but any other suggestions and feedback would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks