Is it realistic for someone with a moderate GPA to do good on the PCAT?

[jackal head]

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I know for me and many other applicants who have a decent but not great GPA (3.3-3.6 people), the PCAT is what will make or break us.

How strong is the correlation between GPA and PCAT score? Is it realistic for someone with a moderate GPA to score really high on the PCAT (80-90), I know anything is possiable but I just want to get an idea of what to expect.

 

[Drug Doc]

Most definitely. With your 3.3-3.6gpa it looks like you know all the material pretty well. However, you must understand that the PCAT is a standardized test, so IMHO it also depends on your test taking abilities. Someone with a 4.0 could easily bomb the test while someone with a 2.8 could kill it. If you test well, and know your material, you will do great. Good luck!

 

[DeterminedGal09]

I think it depends on you and what you've learned.

Just because you have a 4.0 doesn't mean you know everything off of the back of your hand and will score a 99 on the pcat. Maybe you had easy teachers or took the classes at an easy school.

It really just depends on how much you retained/ learned during your pre-reqs and also how much time you study for the pcat

I believe someone who has a 3.3-3.6 can do just as well as the person with a 4.0.

Stay encouraged 🙂

 

[^=^]

I agree with everyone else. Also, remember that they look at the entire package, not just your pcat scores. I haven't taken the pcat yet, but I'm guessing you should be ok considering if you have more than a 3.0.

 

[Sparda29]

No relationship at all between your GPA and the PCAT. I have a 3.1 Overall and I got a 73 Composite on the PCAT. I know people with 3.8+ who scored much lower on the PCAT...like 17 Composite.

 

[ExpressMaiL]

Don't worry or approach the PCAT like this. GPA is not a representation as to how you will perform on the PCAT.

 

[GatorRxGirl]

Don't worry or approach the PCAT like this. GPA is not a representation as to how you will perform on the PCAT.

I agree completely. Relax, study, and try your best. GPA and PCAT are 2 completely different things. Good luck! 🙂

 

[xeodragon]

I know for me and many other applicants who have a decent but not great GPA (3.3-3.6 people), the PCAT is what will make or break us.

How strong is the correlation between GPA and PCAT score? Is it realistic for someone with a moderate GPA to score really high on the PCAT (80-90), I know anything is possiable but I just want to get an idea of what to expect.

I don't see why not? Changing your mindset to something more positive is a good start for doing well on the PCAT.

 

[medicalCPA]

IMO, this is a silly question. Your performance on the PCAT is not a function of your GPA, but of how much you have mastered the material that is being tested. I know 4.0's at my school who scored in the 70's and low 80's, and one 4.0 who scored 98. I also know of someone with a 3.9 that scored 27 on her PCAT, and there are people on here with <3.0 GPAs who scored 99.

Just take your PCAT already and stop obsessing about it. In all probability, you'll do fine.

 

[AbsoluteEthanol]

there is no corelation what-so-ever.

i.e. i had a 2.8 overall and got a 99

 

[Pharmco]

there is no corelation what-so-ever.

i.e. i had a 2.8 overall and got a 99

I agree 100% I have a stellar GPA (combination CC and University) and I have bombed the PCAT 3 times. 🙁 I have no gifts in the brain dept. (a bit above average I'd say) but have a whole lot of ambition. I'm confident of my ability to succeed in pharmacy school and will apply to MORE non PCAT schools next year. I guess it's sour grapes but I'm PO'D that my PCAT score is the basis for my inability to get in. Has anyone ever really done a study on the correlation between the two?? I know though, there's got to be a standard--I'm gonna reach my goal, even if it takes me a bit longer--congrats to all those accepted.

 

[Sparda29]

The only co-relation I see is whether you are good at sprints or marathons. I am good at sprints but I suck at marathons, which is why it is nearly impossible for me to get an A in a class that doesn't have a curve. Like, I'll score well on the first test, start relaxing, bomb the next 2 tests, and then ace the final.

Where as the PCAT, is just 5 hours where I can put total concentration and demolish the test.

I don't see the point in having Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, or Essays on the PCAT though.

 

[medicalCPA]

I don't see the point in having Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, or Essays on the PCAT though.

They might as well remove the Biology, Chemistry, and Math on the PCAT also. Just show up and you'll get a 99!

 

[AbsoluteEthanol]

I agree 100% I have a stellar GPA (combination CC and University) and I have bombed the PCAT 3 times. 🙁 I have no gifts in the brain dept. (a bit above average I'd say) but have a whole lot of ambition. I'm confident of my ability to succeed in pharmacy school and will apply to MORE non PCAT schools next year. I guess it's sour grapes but I'm PO'D that my PCAT score is the basis for my inability to get in. Has anyone ever really done a study on the correlation between the two?? I know though, there's got to be a standard--I'm gonna reach my goal, even if it takes me a bit longer--congrats to all those accepted.

i think your problem lies in the fact that you're not studying correctly for the PCAT. but keep your head up, apply to California schools and other non-pcat schools and you're going to be just fine!


p.s. i think it's pretty obvious why a the pcat has verbal sections and the essays; don't you think it's paramount for a pharmacist to be a great communicator?

 

[njac]

I don't believe there's any correlation.

I had roughly a 3.0 and got a 97% composite on the PCAT.

Boyfriend had a 3.7 and got a 99%.


but we're badas ses