Is it even worth it to take the PCAT or should I spend time on other things?

[MC1910]

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Is it even worth it for me to take the PCAT?
I live in UT and at our school if we have a bachelor's degree by the time spring rolls around we don't have to take the PCAT at all (they said it's not required).
I'm also zeroing in on CA schools, which they only seem to care about a degree but I'm not sure.

Should I take the PCAT or spend my time/money doing other things like getting more pharmacy experience and such?

I have an overall/science GPA in the 3.8-3.9 range,
I'm just worried that if I'm competing against somebody who does have a PCAT, I would be pushed away due to this fact.

 

[Rockinacoustic]

If you have no intent on applying to a school that requires the PCAT, then don't bother with it. Pharmacy experience will do much more for you on your application and during your interview process.

 

[armorking]

If the school doesn't require the PCAT, then don't even stress about it. I don't think you'll get less consideration over another applicant who has taken the PCAT. Pharmacy experience, volunteer work, research, and any other pharmacy related items are going to be way more important. Keep up the good work and hope this helps!

 

[PharmacyWarrior]

I will not tell you what to do, but I will give you my opinion. It's always good to take the PCAT to give you more options. Remember, you are choosing the schools too, not just them choosing you. Whether you should take the PCAT or not is up to you. Are you willing to risk your whole year and knowing that you will get accepted somewhere without taking the PCAT? Good luck mate

 

[MC1910]

I will not tell you what to do, but I will give you my opinion. It's always good to take the PCAT to give you more options. Remember, you are choosing the schools too, not just them choosing you. Whether you should take the PCAT or not is up to you. Are you willing to risk your whole year and knowing that you will get accepted somewhere without taking the PCAT? Good luck mate

That's a good point and that was what was going on through my mind as well

 

[xtsukiyox]

That's a good point and that was what was going on through my mind as well

Reiterating that it's a personal decision. Are you even going to consider applying to a PCAT school? If you're only applying to non-PCAT schools, it's not going to influence your application either way. If you would want to apply to one (or leave your options open for a specific PCAT school), then take the PCAT.

 

[gadlo]

I've heard that some schools which do not require the PCAT if you have a bachelors degree will actually use the admission score, based on either the PCAT or bachelors degree, which is highest. If you are good at standardized tests, it may benefit you to take the PCAT and get a high score.

 

[Farmercyst]

Dylann,
Do you remember the reasoning behind this advice?

I applied to 4 non PCAT schools and decided not to bother with it. It worked out fine for me, but in the end it is up to you.