Dr.Collins?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

hopeful_PharmD

Full Member
5+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2016
Messages
17
Reaction score
4
Points
2,551
Age
30
Hi all. I'm a Junior and am about to start taking the PCAT starting in July. I've bought the Dr. Collins self study updated 2016 set. Is there anything else you all would highly recommend? I've seen a lot on here about Kaplan, but the price is to high for me since I've already bought the Dr. Collins. I've also already taken all of my pre reqs. So should I be alright with just Dr. Collins?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Make sure you buy the official Pearson Practice tests and when you take them, time yourself. Practice taking the full exam at home as it happens in real life with the break and everything. You can do this with Dr. Collins tests as well (however, since the Pearson tests are on the computer, it is more realistic). Time management is crucial. The content of the PCAT is difficult, but it's lack of time that kills you.

Kaplan is helpful for Biology particularly. I also used AudioLearn PCAT (you can find on Audible or iTunes), which is an audio book that gives a brief review of Bio and Chem (including O Chem). I listened to this constantly. In the car, in the shower, before bed, etc. I did so until I could recite it, simply because in the case something comes up on the actual test, I could recall the audio book and answer confidently.

Another good resource is YouTube. I watched all of "Crash Course: Chemistry," which is an extremely entertaining way to review concepts in Chemistry that you may need a refresher on. He also offers other Crash Courses such as Anatomy and Physiology and regular Biology, but I didn't have time before my PCAT to watch them all.

Likewise, I made notecards of all questions I got wrong from Dr. Collins/Kaplan/Pearson Tests and reviewed until I knew the answer by heart. This is key. You don't wanna get to the real test and realize you're about to make a mistake you already made at home during practice. I scored an 86 composite after studying for about 6 weeks, while working full time and raising a 3 year old. If I had had more time to devote to studying, I am sure I would have done better.

Most of all, just try to stay relaxed in the days before the test. Overthinking, second guessing yourself, and getting in your head, will also damage your score. It's important in the nights leading up to the test to get a lot of sleep, not just the night before. Eat a good breakfast before the test. It's long and you'll find yourself getting hungry halfway through. Also, remember to stay hydrated. Little things like this can make a huge difference.

Good luck!!
 
If you're going to buy anything else to study, I'd make it the Pearson practice tests.

The Kaplan practice questions weren't very similar to the actual PCAT questions, IMO. Most people say it's good for bio (better than the Dr. Collins bio section) but if you're a junior now you're probably still pretty fresh from your bio courses and you *should* be fine without it if you did well in your classes and have notes to study.

I also like Khan Academy and AK Lectures videos for bio review.
 
Dr. Collins is very useful and is designed just like the PCAT. I agree with the above posts to buy the pearson tests, as they are just like the actual thing. Now, iml Kaplan is great for preparing, but doesn't explain certain topics well if you need more than just a review.
 
Top Bottom