LECOM erie low PCAT scores

[Ifailedmytest]

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Hey guys I was wondering did anyone notice the average PCAT scores they showed at the interviews? It's kinda scared me I think the average student composite score was a 57th and bio subsection was only at 61st and they didn't even show the chemistry scores. I like the school but these stats are kinda freaky

 

[IrishHammer]

Hey guys I was wondering did anyone notice the average PCAT scores they showed at the interviews? It's kinda scared me I think the average student composite score was a 57th and bio subsection was only at 61st and they didn't even show the chemistry scores. I like the school but these stats are kinda freaky

Not that I owe LECOM any favors, but I'll go to bat for them anyway. PCAT scores are but a sum of the whole part of an applicant though. Usually, if a student's application is lacking in one area, but they still got into school, they more than likely have a strength in their application elsewhere.

Although, yes, I was somewhat alarmed when several members of the adcom at LECOM light up with delight when I told them I had only gotten 79% on my PCAT (no Organic Chemistry or Biology II at the time, which dragged everything down). And if they were patronizing me, that's even worse.

 

[Ifailedmytest]

Not that I owe LECOM any favors, but I'll go to bat for them anyway. PCAT scores are but a sum of the whole part of an applicant though. Usually, if a student's application is lacking in one area, but they still got into school, they more than likely have a strength in their application elsewhere.

Although, yes, I was somewhat alarmed when several members of the adcom at LECOM light up with delight when I told them I had only gotten 79% on my PCAT (no Organic Chemistry or Biology II at the time, which dragged everything down). And if they were patronizing me, that's even worse.

I hope it doesn't come out wrong, I really like the school and know people who went there, but it was a bit alarming

 

[Tatodotcom]

A lot of schools are taking people with horrible pcat scores.
.I personally think its crazy and schools shouldn't take students with a score below 70. The test is not that difficult. Not saying its true about this school but some of these schools accept horrible applicants. It really makes the profession look bad and I don't care how well rounded you are, a 70 + pcat should be attainable

 

[litetigre]

Just look at the Naplex passing rate and you can figure out the school for yourself.

 

[tm79602]

A lot of schools are taking people with horrible pcat scores.
.I personally think its crazy and schools shouldn't take students with a score below 70. The test is not that difficult. Not saying its true about this school but some of these schools accept horrible applicants. It really makes the profession look bad and I don't care how well rounded you are, a 70 + pcat should be attainable

That is a rather ignorant comment to say. You are judging people off of their PCAT scores alone? Please!!! I have served my country honorably since the age of 17, went to school while I was active duty, have 7 years of military pharmacy technician experience, have extensive EC's, maintained a 3.8 average during active duty, had a child while going to school, made staff sergeant my first try (tested to make this rank), supported my child while my husband was deployed, got out of the military and still have a high average of 3.75. I am not so sure that I did so great on the PCAT. What if my PCAT score was a 65 after completing 1 year of prerequisites because the school you want to apply to has a 1-5 program? Am I a horrible applicant because I got a 65 on my PCAT? Before you start bashing people, look at their entire situation.

 

[Ifailedmytest]

See I totally understand, I like the school I am a bit concerned thats all

 

[tm79602]

See I totally understand, I like the school I am a bit concerned thats all

Please do not be concerned about their "PCAT acceptance scores". If you know that you received above what they have, then I wouldn't fret. If you love the school, go for it. I just get upset at people who want to judge others based on what they received on one test. I have gone through life and have lived. I am a nontraditional applicant and I am an URM, but I do not let that stand in my way. You should not let a PCAT stand in your way. I hear people complaining about silly things that doesn't matter. Stop worrying about what others are doing and worry about yourself and getting yours. Best of luck to you!

 

[Ifailedmytest]

Please do not be concerned about their "PCAT acceptance scores". If you know that you received above what they have, then I wouldn't fret. If you love the school, go for it. I just get upset at people who want to judge others based on what they received on one test. I have gone through life and have lived. I am a nontraditional applicant and I am an URM, but I do not let that stand in my way. You should not let a PCAT stand in your way. I hear people complaining about silly things that doesn't matter. Stop worrying about what others are doing and worry about yourself and getting yours. Best of luck to you!

Thank you so much, I'm also a nontraditional student

 

[Tatodotcom]

That is a rather ignorant comment to say. You are judging people off of their PCAT scores alone? Please!!! I have served my country honorably since the age of 17, went to school while I was active duty, have 7 years of military pharmacy technician experience, have extensive EC's, maintained a 3.8 average during active duty, had a child while going to school, made staff sergeant my first try (tested to make this rank), supported my child while my husband was deployed, got out of the military and still have a high average of 3.75. I am not so sure that I did so great on the PCAT. What if my PCAT score was a 65 after completing 1 year of prerequisites because the school you want to apply to has a 1-5 program? Am I a horrible applicant because I got a 65 on my PCAT? Before you start bashing people, look at their entire situation.

You're right. I did not do a great job at writing what I was trying to say. I'm in an airport typing on my phone so forgive me. I do believe schools should look at the entire situation. Your stats are great so therefore I think schools should and would cut you some slack if you got a lower pcat score. With that being said, I know many poor applicants with little to no EC's and or pharm experience who have gotten into programs with 30s on the PCAT. I hope (and I believe others on here will agree) that this profession needs to raise its standards. Who knows, even one day maybe the standards will reach the standards of dental, vet, med school, etc...I don't know (and I doubt it).

Every applicant is different and brings different "things to the table". With that being said, a schools average pcat score in the 50s is crazy. I don't think every applicant has your experience and ECs (more power to them if I'm wrong)...the average entering score for a pharmacy school in the 50s is just not acceptable in my opinion....I think the average should be at least in the 70's. I'm not saying every applicant, because like you said everyone has their own thing going on. I'm not bashing individuals, or particular schools, I just believe that the standards are low at many schools when they could and should be raised. The pcat is part of the application and should be measured as that (in the 50s is not acceptable for a test that is not difficult). In fact I believe they should make it harder! Thanks for your service and good luck

 

[BavarianMWE46]

I took the PCAT my first year in college and made a 52. I had not taken general chem or organic, only 1 semester of biology. I also had only taken pre-calc and no chem/calc in high school. For a school to have an average pcat in the 50s is rediculus.

Pharmacy is becoming a joke profession. It is just pay to play now. It doesn't matter if you make a 50 PCAT and a 2.5 gpa, just apply to the newest private POS school and pay $150K and you're a PharmD.

 

[BavarianMWE46]

With that being said, I know many poor applicants with little to no EC's and or pharm experience who have gotten into programs with 30s on the PCAT.

Which school was this?

 

[tm79602]

You're right. I did not do a great job at writing what I was trying to say. I'm in an airport typing on my phone so forgive me. I do believe schools should look at the entire situation. Your stats are great so therefore I think schools should and would cut you some slack if you got a lower pcat score. With that being said, I know many poor applicants with little to no EC's and or pharm experience who have gotten into programs with 30s on the PCAT. I hope (and I believe others on here will agree) that this profession needs to raise its standards. Who knows, even one day maybe the standards will reach the standards of dental, vet, med school, etc...I don't know (and I doubt it).

Every applicant is different and brings different "things to the table". With that being said, a schools average pcat score in the 50s is crazy. I don't think every applicant has your experience and ECs (more power to them if I'm wrong)...the average entering score for a pharmacy school in the 50s is just not acceptable in my opinion....I think the average should be at least in the 70's. I'm not saying every applicant, because like you said everyone has their own thing going on. I'm not bashing individuals, or particular schools, I just believe that the standards are low at many schools when they could and should be raised. The pcat is part of the application and should be measured as that (in the 50s is not acceptable for a test that is not difficult). In fact I believe they should make it harder! Thanks for your service and good luck

I appreciate your comment and I did not mean to be harsh-I was trying to make a point. It sucks, because I personally feel that I did not do so great on the PCAT and that will hurt my chances of getting in despite my other stuff. I guess we will find out in a couple of weeks! Again, thank you and I hope you do well in pharmacy school.

 

[Tatodotcom]

Which school was this?

South...I know multiple *****s that are going there/ have been accepted from my school

And I'm sure I'll be able to say the same thing about PCOM in the future. I worked with a pharmacist at Publix who will be teaching a pharmaceutics class there-----Let me just say that if all of the teachers are of that caliber the school is screwed. She was the definition of the blonde stereotype. Not to mention she just graduated from South...

 

[Dezixn]

A lot of schools are taking people with horrible pcat scores.
.I personally think its crazy and schools shouldn't take students with a score below 70. The test is not that difficult. Not saying its true about this school but some of these schools accept horrible applicants. It really makes the profession look bad and I don't care how well rounded you are, a 70 + pcat should be attainable

Pretty extremist there, but you have a point. Anyone with a year of pre-reqs under there belt should probably be getting 70+composite.
Of course there are exceptions. I have friends who tanked the reading and vocab section because english isn't their first language.

 

[Ifailedmytest]

Pretty extremist there, but you have a point. Anyone with a year of pre-reqs under there belt should probably be getting 70+composite.
Of course there are exceptions. I have friends who tanked the reading and vocab section because english isn't their first language.

See thats what happened to me I got a composite of 77 but my Chem was 98 and bio was 84

 

[Peyemp24]

I took the PCAT my first year in college and made a 52. I had not taken general chem or organic, only 1 semester of biology. I also had only taken pre-calc and no chem/calc in high school. For a school to have an average pcat in the 50s is rediculus.

Pharmacy is becoming a joke profession. It is just pay to play now. It doesn't matter if you make a 50 PCAT and a 2.5 gpa, just apply to the newest private POS school and pay $150K and you're a PharmD.

I don't think the sciences were your only problem. I love the irony of stupid people who make fun of how stupid other people are.

As for the PCAT scores... Those of you who whine about how low scores are at a particular school, I challenge you to even remember what your scores are after you've been practicing for 5 years. The fact is, GPAs, PCAT scores, and ECs are only to get into school. They mean nothing when you hit the job market. If a school decides to let you in, nobody truly knows why. There will always be people who don't get in with high scores and those who do get in with low scores, leaving the door wide open for those with high scores to be "worried" that there are dummies who got in with low scores. Just worry about yourselves and do what is required for you to succeed. Us "dummies" will only make you smart people look good right? For the record my PCAT was an 83.

 

[Bowler11]

A well rounded applicant is definitely needed for pharmacy school, however, a SCHOOL PCAT average being only a 57% is horrible. There needs to be a time when a school realizes the applicants being taken in are not up to standards as a class. Before everyone jumps on me I am not saying everyone that goes here does not deserve to get into pharmacy school but your school is not optimizing this profession. There is going to be a few people that get into pharmacy school with sub-par PCAT as they should but a school average that low is sad. As far as the NAPLEX passing rate....that exam is a huge joke. If you cant pass that you do have problems.

The last thing I am doing is to tear people down but work on your application and/or PCAT. My first PCAT was only a low 60 then with work brought it up to the mid 80's don't tell me you can't do it. Good Luck!

 

[Luniz75]

What about California schools that do not accept pcat at all? UoP Oregon, Purdue and a few others. So are intelligent people on here saying pcat scores is the ultimate reflection of a sudent's performance in pharmacy school?
Not forgetting the fact that, there are several pcat materials sold on the Internet ( as expensive as $300.00) that have a direct bearing on the questions one see in the exam room. Do you guys think the admission committee don't know about all these? The number one pharmacy school in the US does not accept pcat. Grow up people.
And to let you know, some adcom do not look only at the composite scores but how consistent the individual scores are. This they match with the student's subject grades.

 

[Namishin]

I scored around a 57 the first time and that was with 0 practice tests, 0 studying, etc. I took the exam at the time to "test the waters."

Scoring in the 50th percentile on a standardized test doesn't make someone a bad person, in fact they are at the definition of average. There are lots of issues with this though.

Standardized testing is probably something you'll be expected to do a lot of through out pharmacy school, including the naplex, so why not show you're ready now? The profession is getting saturated with tons of new schools opening all the time, so it's no secret to most people why the standards have dropped so much. Should half of all people that apply to pharmacy have a real shot at getting in?

At this point, the PCAT is used only as a weeding tool for the top schools, and we might as well go the way of California.

 

[BavarianMWE46]

Should half of all people that apply to pharmacy have a real shot at getting in?

Actually more than half the applicants get in as it is now. The ratio is around 1.8:1, so around 55% of applicants get accepted. This number will only go up with the 4~6 private schools opening every year.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

South...I know multiple *****s that are going there/ have been accepted from my school

And I'm sure I'll be able to say the same thing about PCOM in the future. I worked with a pharmacist at Publix who will be teaching a pharmaceutics class there-----Let me just say that if all of the teachers are of that caliber the school is screwed. She was the definition of the blonde stereotype. Not to mention she just graduated from South...

I applied to South through PharmCAS and I have a 93 composite with higher Chem and Bio sub sections. LOL

I couldn't get in to A&P II before the summer though so I couldn't finish applying there. The reason I applied is because my father lived there for nearly a decade, they have full accreditation, and I suppose that an accelerated program isn't so bad if you can handle it (I'm already post-bac/working on master's so I thought why not).

BUT you are right... I would much prefer a 4 year school with a lot of history, opportunities, loyalties, and proven excellence like Mercer.

 

[IrishHammer]

I hope it doesn't come out wrong, I really like the school and know people who went there, but it was a bit alarming

I actually take back what I said about the whole "going to bat for them" thing. That school has so many red flags attached to it, they could mass merchandise communist flags on the side for extra profit.

With any school, if you have a lot of worries in your head about the school, and those worries start to linger and accumulate...then that's probably not the school for you.

 

[Ifailedmytest]

I actually take back what I said about the whole "going to bat for them" thing. That school has so many red flags attached to it, they could mass merchandise communist flags on the side for extra profit.

With any school, if you have a lot of worries in your head about the school, and those worries start to linger and accumulate...then that's probably not the school for you.

I agree but my friend as they say "beggars can't choosers" Ill take anything at this point. (I'm a guy) Ill wear a pink dress if I have too!!!!(j/k)

 

[IrishHammer]

I agree but my friend as they say "beggars can't choosers" Ill take anything at this point. (I'm a guy) Ill wear a pink dress if I have too!!!!(j/k)

I agree. But as Buffalo Bills fans say, "They're always next year."

(BTW, I'm not saying that if you only got accepted at LECOM, that you should just wait until next year and reapply at other schools, I really just wanted to take a cheap shot at the Bills.)

 

[Peyemp24]

A well rounded applicant is definitely needed for pharmacy school, however, a SCHOOL PCAT average being only a 57% is horrible. There needs to be a time when a school realizes the applicants being taken in are not up to standards as a class. Before everyone jumps on me I am not saying everyone that goes here does not deserve to get into pharmacy school but your school is not optimizing this profession. There is going to be a few people that get into pharmacy school with sub-par PCAT as they should but a school average that low is sad. As far as the NAPLEX passing rate....that exam is a huge joke. If you cant pass that you do have problems.

The last thing I am doing is to tear people down but work on your application and/or PCAT. My first PCAT was only a low 60 then with work brought it up to the mid 80's don't tell me you can't do it. Good Luck!

Awesome, claiming one exam is a huge joke while another exam is the entire basis for measuring how well a school's program is. Also, you think you are now going to make a great practitioner because you studied a little more and improved a standardized test score. I would make the argument that one should only be allowed to take the test once. Why allow people to "test the waters" and then figure out what they need to study for next time? That doesn't impress me, if a high PCAT impressed me at all, which it does not. PCAT only shows a basic understanding of a couple of years of college. It proves NOTHING about your ability to succeed once in Pharmacy school.

 

[boltdude]

I agree. But as Buffalo Bills fans say, "They're always next year."

(BTW, I'm not saying that if you only got accepted at LECOM, that you should just wait until next year and reapply at other schools, I really just wanted to take a cheap shot at the Bills.)

Unless they move to Toronto or LA. 😛

 

[Tinkerbell22]

Awesome, claiming one exam is a huge joke while another exam is the entire basis for measuring how well a school's program is. Also, you think you are now going to make a great practitioner because you studied a little more and improved a standardized test score. I would make the argument that one should only be allowed to take the test once. Why allow people to "test the waters" and then figure out what they need to study for next time? That doesn't impress me, if a high PCAT impressed me at all, which it does not. PCAT only shows a basic understanding of a couple of years of college. It proves NOTHING about your ability to succeed once in Pharmacy school.

I think what he was trying to say is that it is also an easy exam like the PCAT... which is why it should not be difficult to receive a high score.

(I'm not agreeing or disagreeing, I'm just guessing that is what he meant)

 

[Bowler11]

That is what I meant that both exams are not hard especially considering the NAPLEX has a 90+% pass rate for many universities (Just looking at stats). The last thing I said was that the one exam makes the future practitioner as I am not that strong of a test taker as well. The main issue I was leading towards is that a pharmacy school should not average in the 57th percentile. Yes I understand that the score is beating 1/2 the people that took it, however, should pharmacy schools be accepting the average?....I don't really think so (Before yelling, again I know there are other standards but in general that score is poor and that is the average for the whole school!!!) Ask any ADCOM member if scoring in the 57th percentile range is a great score and they will tell you no and again that is the average for the school meaning there were some way below 30's considering I know some will get in the 90's!

This hits many sore spots as I know that standardized tests suck but this is a Doctor of Pharmacy people. You should know your stuff if you try. I don't see many Med schools having this low of rates on the MCAT. Remember that at least the standardized PCAT puts everyone technically on the same level.

 

[UCSF13]

Woooooooowww who cares!?!? You people have way too much time on your hands! Who cares what the average pcat score is, even if it's a 20th percentile!!! I know pharmacists that got in with pcat composites of less than 50 and they're doing just fine now..if you're saying that pcat scores are predictors of how good a school or applicant is, then you're wrong!!!!!!!!!!!! Look at cali schools,they don't require pcat scores. Does that mean that they're bad schools? As a matter of fact, does that mean that "you have to be worried" because they don't take pcat scores??

Geez, people should be thankful they have the opportuinity to get into pharmacy school and not start worrying about every little detail. If you don't want to go to a particular school, fine! Sit out and apply another year and see how competitive it gets..

 

[sUrface]

I scored around a 57 the first time and that was with 0 practice tests, 0 studying, etc. I took the exam at the time to "test the waters."

Scoring in the 50th percentile on a standardized test doesn't make someone a bad person, in fact they are at the definition of average. There are lots of issues with this though.

Standardized testing is probably something you'll be expected to do a lot of through out pharmacy school, including the naplex, so why not show you're ready now? The profession is getting saturated with tons of new schools opening all the time, so it's no secret to most people why the standards have dropped so much. Should half of all people that apply to pharmacy have a real shot at getting in?

At this point, the PCAT is used only as a weeding tool for the top schools, and we might as well go the way of California.

I walked into the pcat to "test the waters" with no studying on 4 hours of sleep, and scored in the 80s...

In the summer I studied for 3 weeks, 8 hour days, and scored one point better. I wonder if that's happened to other people. But I agree, in order to advance the "prestige" of the profession, schools should be MUCH harder to get into. We can def. start by upping the pre-reqs difficulty

 

[Bowler11]

Woooooooowww who cares!?!? You people have way too much time on your hands! Who cares what the average pcat score is, even if it's a 20th percentile!!! I know pharmacists that got in with pcat composites of less than 50 and they're doing just fine now..if you're saying that pcat scores are predictors of how good a school or applicant is, then you're wrong!!!!!!!!!!!! Look at cali schools,they don't require pcat scores. Does that mean that they're bad schools? As a matter of fact, does that mean that "you have to be worried" because they don't take pcat scores??

Geez, people should be thankful they have the opportuinity to get into pharmacy school and not start worrying about every little detail. If you don't want to go to a particular school, fine! Sit out and apply another year and see how competitive it gets..

I think your last sentence hit it right on the head (But I am assuming you did not mean this).......It is not competitive to get into "A" school of pharmacy anymore since new schools need to fill their 100 seat quotas (As long as you are willing to leave your state). I guess I'm a little more surprised than anything to see pharmacy students not worried where this is going. How low can we go?

Please for those that got accepted I don't want to take that away from you. I am just looking in from the outside. Congrats and good luck!

 

[Ifailedmytest]

Man I started this thread because I was a bit alarmed that's all, never meant for this to get out of hand. I hope you would all relax and wish you guys all the best!

 

[Tinkerbell22]

Woooooooowww who cares!?!? You people have way too much time on your hands! Who cares what the average pcat score is, even if it's a 20th percentile!!! I know pharmacists that got in with pcat composites of less than 50 and they're doing just fine now..if you're saying that pcat scores are predictors of how good a school or applicant is, then you're wrong!!!!!!!!!!!! Look at cali schools,they don't require pcat scores. Does that mean that they're bad schools? As a matter of fact, does that mean that "you have to be worried" because they don't take pcat scores??

Geez, people should be thankful they have the opportuinity to get into pharmacy school and not start worrying about every little detail. If you don't want to go to a particular school, fine! Sit out and apply another year and see how competitive it gets..

Well maybe when we get into a nice pharmacy school like you we won't have time to come on here and comment on every post out of boredom with our current schedule. lol 😛 I'm just messing with you... 😀

 

[bokonon82]

That is a rather ignorant comment to say. You are judging people off of their PCAT scores alone? Please!!! I have served my country honorably since the age of 17, went to school while I was active duty, have 7 years of military pharmacy technician experience, have extensive EC's, maintained a 3.8 average during active duty, had a child while going to school, made staff sergeant my first try (tested to make this rank), supported my child while my husband was deployed, got out of the military and still have a high average of 3.75. I am not so sure that I did so great on the PCAT. What if my PCAT score was a 65 after completing 1 year of prerequisites because the school you want to apply to has a 1-5 program? Am I a horrible applicant because I got a 65 on my PCAT? Before you start bashing people, look at their entire situation.

I'm gonna have to back you up on this one. Scoring in the 51st percentile means that you did better than 50% of those taking the test. Perhaps this isn't cream of the crop, but it's not horrible. I think the structure at LECOM is great for people that may not be as naturally gifted in academics. It's just a test.

I knew one girl that took the test three times and went from 45th to 66th percentile. She's one of the hardest workers I've known, has extensive pharmacy volunteer hours and made straight A's since kindergarten. You can't tell me she's not going to succeed because of some silly test. It's simply meant as a baseline.

Also, LECOM had a board pass rate of 71.43% in 2005, 91.36% in 2006, 88.89% in 2007, 96.95% in 2008 and 96.75% in 2009. It means a lot that it's improved and is performing as well as four year programs out there. http://www.nabp.net/ftpfiles/bulletins/NaplexSPR.pdf



P.S. I scored in the 85th percentile the first time I took the PCAT with only one chemistry class and one biology class under my belt.

 

[Quikka]

Interesting opinions here.

 

[Quikka]

Awesome, claiming one exam is a huge joke while another exam is the entire basis for measuring how well a school's program is. Also, you think you are now going to make a great practitioner because you studied a little more and improved a standardized test score. I would make the argument that one should only be allowed to take the test once. Why allow people to "test the waters" and then figure out what they need to study for next time? That doesn't impress me, if a high PCAT impressed me at all, which it does not. PCAT only shows a basic understanding of a couple of years of college. It proves NOTHING about your ability to succeed once in Pharmacy school.

Completely Agree 👍

 

[Thumper17]

To be completely honest I am always amazed at how much trust stock some schools put into PCAT scores. I didn't study as much as I should have - in undergrad or for the PCAT itself - and I got a great score. My GPA is not up to par, and personally I am thanking my lucky stars that 4 hours in a room on a Saturday can augment some of my previous failures as a student and make it so that schools will look at my application.

My sister is an exponentially better student than I in every respect but testing, and I would take her over myself if I was an adcom every single time. I can read faster and eliminate answers quickly, she can study for 18 hours straight with only a bottle of water and a bag of peanut M&Ms.

I feel for all of the people who are not good test takers and have to sit on pins and needles about getting into pharm school when they are well qualified in every other way. Don't worry too much though, I think the adcoms know the PCAT does not measure dedication.🙂