How did you prepare for the PCAT?

[sheerin]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Its easy getting the materials to actually study for the exam, but what methods did you guys use to actually study for the exam?

I am having difficulty finding a way to actually begin studying for the October exam, having all the books that I need, I'm not sure where to start.

 

[diastole]

Are you having a motivation problem or just don't know where to begin? If it is a motivation problem, I'd start by blocking out a reasonable amount of time each day to study and start there. Don't make it too long or you will find excuses not to study. Tell yourself that you can handle 30 minutes or an hour and you'll study more if you feel up to it. Just get in the habit.

If you don't know where to begin, I'd start with your weakest areas. There are plenty of easier type questions to be had if you have some familiarity with the topic. For example, you might not know all the details of how a kidney works but there are points to be had if you have the basics down. Or for organic chemisty, you might have no clue how to name an ester but you can at least learn to recognize one and pick up a point there if it comes up. Once you get your basics down, go fill in the details.

 

[sheerin]

Are you having a motivation problem or just don't know where to begin? If it is a motivation problem, I'd start by blocking out a reasonable amount of time each day to study and start there. Don't make it too long or you will find excuses not to study. Tell yourself that you can handle 30 minutes or an hour and you'll study more if you feel up to it. Just get in the habit.

If you don't know where to begin, I'd start with your weakest areas. There are plenty of easier type questions to be had if you have some familiarity with the topic. For example, you might not know all the details of how a kidney works but there are points to be had if you have the basics down. Or for organic chemisty, you might have no clue how to name an ester but you can at least learn to recognize one and pick up a point there if it comes up. Once you get your basics down, go fill in the details.

I wasn't sure where to begin. I started reading my textbook, every single chapter from biology to chemistry. Thanks a lot, that helps

 

[diastole]

I wasn't sure where to begin. I started reading my textbook, every single chapter from biology to chemistry. Thanks a lot, that helps

That is too much wasted effort. I'd pick up a Kaplan's book and start going through that. Use your texts or old notes to clarify if you don't quite understand. Textbooks contain way too much information that won't be on the test. Reading the summaries at the back of the chapters and knowing the bold terms could be useful though. In chemistry, know the concepts really well and how to set up the problems. The math on the PCAT chemistry section is pretty easy so I wouldn't, for example, spend a ton of time practicing problems that require you to use the quadratic equation to get the answer.

 

[sheerin]

That is too much wasted effort. I'd pick up a Kaplan's book and start going through that. Use your texts or old notes to clarify if you don't quite understand. Textbooks contain way too much information that won't be on the test. Reading the summaries at the back of the chapters and knowing the bold terms could be useful though. In chemistry, know the concepts really well and how to set up the problems. The math on the PCAT chemistry section is pretty easy so I wouldn't, for example, spend a ton of time practicing problems that require you to use the quadratic equation to get the answer.

Oh Thank You so much. I might just begin that. If I'm unable to understand a question or so, just look in my textbook. Thanks!