How Soon

[cassiegal21]

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How soon do most people take the test before applying? Is it usually just the year before or can it be several years before? Because my plans have changed on when I am applying for Pharmacy school, but I am already registered to take the test in october. But I thinking that I won't be Applying for another year or two, should I even bother taking the test now?

 

[omnione]

Many schools do have a limit to the oldest PCAT they will accept; most are around 2-3 years (check with each school).

It's all about balance. You don't want to take it too early where the score becomes too old, but you don't want to take it too late when you have to review a lot harder. You want to take it after your done with all of the prereqs tested on the PCAT, but additional science classes may reinforce your knowledge of earlier science courses. Coupled with another year of reading and exposing yourself to new words, your verbal and reading could go up too. Yet once again, you don't want advanced science class material to be the only thing fresh in your mind.

The rule of thumb I use is to take the test the same year in which you plan to apply to pharmacy school.