Freaking Out

[nehe87]

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I'm one of those unfortunate souls who is registered for the August PCAT but has never taken microbiology or organic chemistry. I've been studying on my own for these subjects for the PCAT for a month, but judging by the comments about todays PCAT and my own judgement of how well I know the material, I DO NOT think I'm ready. The problem is, I'm planning on applying to pharmacy school this fall. I know for sure I'd be much better prepared for the October PCAT, but is that too late?
And, further more, if I take the October one and screw it up (which I'm praying does not happen), is it too late to take the January one? None of the schools I'm applying to have early/rolling admissions.
PLEASE HELP, I am frantic here. 🙁

 

[omnione]

Don't worry about it. From my experience on SDN, the people who respond on test day are so full of adrenaline that they just want to unload some steam, which is quite understandable as you will find out. The idea is still to prepare yourself as you have just under two months before the August PCAT comes around.🙂

 

[binghamkid]

I'm one of those unfortunate souls who is registered for the August PCAT but has never taken microbiology or organic chemistry. I've been studying on my own for these subjects for the PCAT for a month, but judging by the comments about todays PCAT and my own judgement of how well I know the material, I DO NOT think I'm ready. The problem is, I'm planning on applying to pharmacy school this fall. I know for sure I'd be much better prepared for the October PCAT, but is that too late?
And, further more, if I take the October one and screw it up (which I'm praying does not happen), is it too late to take the January one? None of the schools I'm applying to have early/rolling admissions.
PLEASE HELP, I am frantic here. 🙁

Don't worry about what other people think =) Everyone, and I mean everyone, will feel restless going into such a major exam. If you are studying the material and you're giving it you're all, that's all you can ask for. Don't waste time comparing how much you know to how much other people say they know. No matter what, you will never go into this exam with full confidence, because frankly, it's just about only the biggest exam of your life with enough knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to write about 5 books. It's entirely possible to learn microbiology and organic chemistry on your own if you are dedicated. Two months is 8 weeks worth of study time...if you use it wisely, that's adds up to being more time than a college class will give you. So don't stress about the admissions process. You'll do great in August if you keep doing what you're doing.

 

[omnione]

Plus, it's human nature to put stressful things off for a time. But you have to remember that the time will come when you have to take the exam. All you can hope for is that you've studied as much as you can by that date.

I got into three pharmacy schools after taking only the October PCAT last year, but I wouldn't have done that in retrospect as taking it then will mean that your application won't be fully complete until late November to early December. That time gap can make the difference for rolling admission schools and puts you a little behind for regular admissions though it isn't a big deal. Plus, this new August exam allows you to have a mulligan leaving the October PCAT as a backup.

 

[nehe87]

Thanks, guys, that makes me feel a little better. I think I'm just freaked out by what everyone's saying right now. I think I'll wait at least a few more days before making a decision.
I just feel that I'm really not ready. Who knows, I may be ready but just freaking out too much, but if it's possible, I'd rather have that extra two months to study.
Do you guys think October would be too late? And if necessary (which shouldn't happen, knock on wood), January?

 

[nehe87]

Sorry about that, omnione, you answered my question about October. I guess I was typing my post as you were posting yours. 🙂

 

[omnione]

I just feel that I'm really not ready. Who knows, I may be ready but just freaking out too much, but if it's possible, I'd rather have that extra two months to study.
Do you guys think October would be too late? And if necessary (which shouldn't happen, knock on wood), January?

Are you applying for Fall 2008 admission? If so, most schools don't take the January PCAT at all. The schools that MIGHT allow it are the March 1st deadline schools, but I don't recall any of them allowing the January exam off the top of my head. So, October is really your last viable chance for Fall 2008 admission.

If you are taking a full load of classes this fall, then do remember that studying for those classes will cut into your time for PCAT studying. So, those two extra months may not be worth the same as two summer months.

However, it's best to take the PCAT when you are ready so that you don't have to deal with a bad score even subconsciously affecting an adcom's opinion of you. There's a balance of a good image and preparation you must maintain.

 

[Asrai]

Are you applying for Fall 2008 admission? If so, most schools don't take the January PCAT at all. The schools that MIGHT allow it are the March 1st deadline schools, but I don't recall any of them allowing the January exam off the top of my head. So, October is really your last viable chance for Fall 2008 admission.

Most schools will only accept the January PCAT if you took the October one (or earlier). But then again, your best bet is to check with the schools you want to apply to, and ask them what they will acccept.