How study for PCAT using Dr. Collins?

[xero2xfinity]

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HI guys,

I just got the Dr. Collin's guide from someone with July, Fall, and January updates (hoping I didn't get scammed and have some old version) and I was just wondering... what is the best way to study using these guides. Do I go from each subject, review, do the practice tests, and move on to like a Pearson practice PCAT? I just wanna know what is the best way to prepare for the PCAT.

 

[Sugoi Travis]

Get into the habit of putting time constraints on yourself. For most people, you're gonna feel rushed at one point or another, guaranteed.

I timed myself to finish all 48-52 questions on each chemistry/bio test in less than 20 minutes. This made me get into the habit of thinking very quickly and brush up on standardized test-taking skills. After I took the practice test, I immediately reviewed it and saw what I missed and went back to see what I did wrong. After that, I took a break, relaxed, then went over to take a different test the next day. I didn't even bother with the RC and VA practice tests since I suck at both sections and I didn't feel it was time-efficient for me to study those sections at all.

Honestly, with a standardized test, half of the battle is knowing the material on the test: the other half is knowing the strategies on how to take one.

 

[FrackinToasters]

I started studying a little over 2 months before the test. I studied for probably 3-4 weeks straight with a few practice tests thrown in here or there when I got bored. When I say "straight" I mean 2-4 hours everyday, a break when I needed it. I also had the Kaplan book to study, but it was only good for Biology. I studied until I felt like I knew a fair amount of information to be able to take the practice tests without feeling like I had to look up every answer.

And like the above post, I started to take the practice tests, and timed myself. At first I was not finishing with good scores or within the time limits. I wanted to get to a point where I could have at least a little time to double check most of my work. I reviewed the ones I got wrong, saw where I went wrong, and learned the correct way/info.

After timing yourself for each test, try to stimulate the test conditions while timing. These conditions can include no breaks until x time, a quiet secluded place, and no checking answers until the end.

 

[YourMD]

Great advice!! What was your composite score??

 

[tuanthetiger]

I plan on devoting a week to each section leading up the the exam date (for me July). Every day of that week take one of the several practice test of that section and review what you missed or didn't understand. With every test you're bound to run into something you forgot and need reviewing. That way you're just not reading a "textbook" of study material rather brushing up on information that is necessary.