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I had a really low pcat 33% and I am looking to all this 80s and 90s that people are getting do i have a chance to make it into Pharm school?
Low Pcat
- Thread starter pharmacy123
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HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?
I took my pcat today and these are my scores:
VA: 384/21
Bio: 414/69
RC: 344/1 😱😱😱👎
QA: 423/85
Chem: 422/81
Composite: 397/38
How is my composite so low?! Could this be wrong? I really don't know what happened in RC section, I didn't even know that was possible.
What do I do? (Please be nice)I used Collins for studying and the 3 Pearson vue exams. They helped for the sciences but I didn't really focus on the other 2 sections (which I'm regretting).
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HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?
I took my pcat today and these are my scores:
VA: 384/21
Bio: 414/69
RC: 344/1 😱😱😱👎
QA: 423/85
Chem: 422/81
Composite: 397/38
How is my composite so low?! Could this be wrong? I really don't know what happened in RC section, I didn't even know that was possible.
I used Collins for studying and the 3 Pearson vue exams. They helped for the sciences but I didn't really focus on the other 2 sections (which I'm regretting).
Is it bc it's end of Sept pcat window... I did terrible, don't even wanna mention it. 😡
no lies, my pcat is mostly organic and calculus. Bio is not that hard
How the heck are the scores translated!? Does anyone even know? This sucks so bad 🙁 idk what to do =((
How does one improve the RC section? I'm not even a foreigner, english was my 1st language and I speak it fluently. I desperately need to improve both RC and Verbal. =((((((
haah im not sure, we prob not lucky enough. Mine was plenty of organic and calculus. I sat there did the derivative that make me wanna faint. I ran out of time and guessing like 20 of them in QA section.
so embarrassing to send in my score to my top choice school. 😱U can do it Ari. be positive! take it again in Oct or Nov!
haah im not sure, we prob not lucky enough. Mine was plenty of organic and calculus. I sat there did the derivative that make me wanna faint. I ran out of time and guessing like 20 of them in QA section.
U can do it Ari. be positive! take it again in Oct or Nov!
This is my 2nd time taking it since July. Idk how much more I can improve from now until then....my previous scores were:
July 2013:
VA: 387/25
Bio: 402/46
RC: 385/25
QA: 399/45
Chem: 408/61
Composite: 396/36
September 2013:
VA: 384/21 👎
Bio: 414/69 (increased by 23)
RC: 344/1 👎thumbdown👎
QA: 423/85 (Increased by 40)
Chem: 422/81 (Increased by 20)
Composite: 397/38 (BARELY increased by 2) - WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS😱🙁🙁
I feel like Dr. Collins material GREATLY helped, but apparently wasn't enough to improve my composite. I don't know if retaking will be smart. I don't want to risk getting another 30 composite =( ADVICE??? I live in California with a 3.1 GPA and I am currently taking courses to increase my gpa to about a 3.3. What chances do I have applying just to California (where PCAT isn't required)?. I'm thinking about taking the GRE and applying to masters programs (just as a backup). HELP PLEASE!!!!!!?????
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I got a 8 on RC. I was completely shocked. That subtest destroyed my composite
Okay arri, I've been following you around on the forums and I was awaiting yours and Jut's scores. I'm so sorry you guys didn't do well. You've been so positive and encouraging to everyone else, and well I hope I can give some back. I didn't do as well as I wanted to either and I took it yesterday.
If you're applying to Califronia schools, I know A LOT of alumni and current students who were accepted with low PCAT scores. Because Cali schools do not require the PCAT, some don't even care to look at it and it will not affect your application. On the other hand, if you plan on applying out of state, I would suggest a retake. You do not get penalized for retaking it, and schools will only look at your highest composite. Until you've hit the 7th try, you don't have a problem with pearson.
As for studying, in my opinion and this is what happened to me, I was expecting my exam to be very similar to everyone else who took it earlier in Sept. They had so many dr.collin questions I was a bit optimistic because I knew it like the palm of my hand (concepts too) Unfortunately, I had about 15 calculation questions on chemistry (some people only got 1), my RC I thought I did well and well I didn't (my suggestion is to read dr.collins tips, not his passages they are far too easy, and get your hands on the MCAT Examkrackers for it.As for Biology, definitely revisit dr.collins packets (especially the updated versions, the older ones such as 2010 is a bit outdated) and maybe supplement something else. VA is one of those hit or miss subtest, because memorizing 5000 GREs words didn't work out for a lot of people lol no point of wasting time there.
Just take this week off, and buck up. Take a deep breath and continue studying. You still have Oct/Nov testing windows and if needed some schools will take January as the last PCAT date. I know it is disappointing and hurts at first (I'm still getting over it), but its a lesson learned. If you want it bad enough, it'll be worth it in the end. (I also had a lot of encouragement from a buddy on the forums too, shout out to nyc76)
Wow, you are honestly amazing. This TRULY made me feel better. Wish you the best and thank you for the encouraging words. It means a lot🙂 I'm going to take some time and revisit my situation and hopefully can figure something out. Thank you 🙂 you offered some helpful advice!! I am going to aim on improving verbal and reading, as well as the other subjects. The only way is up!!! I'll keep on grinding it out....
I wish you the best and hope all goes well for your application process this cycle!!! Hoping for a positive outcome for you, as well as for everyone else🙂
GOOD LUCK!!!
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I think that you are mistaken; If you take the PCAT and they ask for your scores, you have to be honest and submit them. I don't believe that you can choose to omit your scores if you don't like them. That's a foolish thought and doesn't apply for any other professional school so it wouldn't apply for pharmacy school.
As for California schools, since they look solely at GPA, your GPA should be extremely high (3.5+) for public state schools.
Bottom line, address your testing weaknesses and prepare to take the exam again.
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I agree with chemguy79, you can't really hide it from them. First, it's dishonest of even attempt such a task, and I think if you're able to turn your bad scores or grades around, it really shows the schools that you've matured. Secondly, even if you try to hide it, I think it's attached to your social security number so they'll be able to find out if they wanted to. Lastly, if you get over your failures and try to learn from your mistakes, there's a chance that you may succeed. This is especially true if you do your best to tackle your weaknesses. That's what I'm doing, and I'm hoping for the best.
I think you guys are mistaken. When on the Pharmcas application they ask you to send in your scores put as taken or planned. First off, if I took the PCAT 2 years ago I DO NOT and it is not dishonest if I choose to not send in those scores. You are to send in the best score of the composite or you have the option of sending in all. You are not hiding nor being dishonest. I've spoken to numerous pharmacy school admissions, Pharmcas and other resources about this.
I also agree with this....I think that's why PHARMCAS asks you to input your PCAT ID, it's up to you if you want to or not. I was just curious if anyone was in the same predicament
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Although I may be new to this, I think that the schools can see all attempts you've made on the PCAT 5 years back. So even if you choose not to send a score from 2 years ago, I think Pearson sends your entire score records (not just your most current scores) when you choose to send it to PharmCAS. About the dishonesty, I'm just saying that it's dishonest to try to conceal something that you did poorly in, and was not trying to say that anyone is being dishonest, so please don't get me wrong. Plus, I think it's best to admit your weakness and turn it into a strength rather than sweeping it under a metaphorical rug and hope that no one notices. You may choose to disagree, and that's completely fine. Either way, best of luck to everyone who's retaking. 🙂
You are correct, about that. You guys were saying it was dishonest or lying it isn't. If you send in your scores, it will show all attempts that were scored. BUT schools only look at the highest composite and that is a fact. They do see your retakes, but they do not penalize or take off points in the application review process just because you've retaken it and scored higher. JUST A FYI.
pharmerjohn do not think in any way am I targeting you! We are a community to help others, whether right or wrong, we try to get the correct information out there.
pharmerjohn do not think in any way am I targeting you! We are a community to help others, whether right or wrong, we try to get the correct information out there.
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I'm not disagreeing with any of what you just said, but then again, it's not the same thing that you said earlier. However, it doesn't matter, because what's important is we're here to help each other and to get the correct information out there like you said. 🙂 I do not take it as a personal attack, so no worries. Best of luck with your studies! 🙂
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Exactly, doctortp said two very different things. First, the statement is that they won't look at your scores and that you can avoid submitting them. Now, the statement is that schools only look at the higher score.
Frankly, I think that doctortp is wrong on both accounts. Note: This is not a personal attack, but I have a problem with seeing inaccuracies perpetuated on a message board that is here to help students. Telling someone that they should retake an exam isn't thwarting positivity, it's being accurate and helping them on their journey.
Furthermore, all schools do not look at the highest composite; Some schools average your attempts. Therefore, before coming onto a message board and spreading fallacies, you should get your facts straight. It has become a distinct pattern on SDN and it's very disappointing to see.
A school can see when you took the exams and they are able to see your previous scores. It's similar to taking classes at 2 universities, but only submitting a transcript from the school where you received better grades. You must submit all transcripts and scores because Pearson has a record of your previous attempts by virtue of your SSN. You are sending your scores to PHARMCAS, but Pearson has a record of all of your scores. Your scores aren't deleted when you take the exam again. Furthermore, you can't tell Pearson which scores to send into PHARMCAS, all scores are sent with your application. I have been through the process previously and have helped other students in their application, so I have had numerous experiences with PHARMCAS.
Haha thanks doctortp...just keep at it! The more I read people's results from this past week the more I think I just got lucky. It seems that people who took it on Monday got better scores than those who took it Tuesday or Wednesday. For example in Chem I maybe had 2-3 calculations while doctortp had 15???!!! So I don't know.
As far as everyone else who's posted lke arri and others, I volunteer at a hospital with a young newly made pharmacist who went to UF and was also on their admissions board. He told me before I took the PCAT that don't worry too much that admissions doesn't look only at PCAT. Its the entirety of the application. He said if your grades are ok, or if you have experience, etc. those things can outweight a poor PCAT score. He said he saw some students admitted with horrible scores. If California doesn't care about PCAT and the rest of your app is solid then just apply. Thats just my opinion and of course I haven't gotten in anywhere so lol
Just don't give up!!
I don't think you fully understanding. P.S. you are blatantly attacking when you tell someone they need to own up to their scores and frankly to me. So let's get one thing straight and clarified. Yes I had said two statements that are different. But you are not understanding any of them you just like to continue badgering people.
the statement and truth is, when you have your score sent to Pharmcas it is sent like a transcript. All scores from previous attempts. You do not send a report for every attempt. When I said send when you retake with a better score it means to not have it sent with its entirety until the person has retaken and their high is also reported. And by telling a person to own up to their score makes no sense. The person knows they did not do well they do not have to own up to anything. It is not dishonest or lying if you choose not to send a score until you've done better. If you've helped some many people than try not to sound like a condescending jerk. Also I would love to hear what schools average PCAT because I've spoken to all schools in Florida and numerous out of state pharmacy schools. So people thoroughly read and understand statements before dishing out rude comments.
the statement and truth is, when you have your score sent to Pharmcas it is sent like a transcript. All scores from previous attempts. You do not send a report for every attempt. When I said send when you retake with a better score it means to not have it sent with its entirety until the person has retaken and their high is also reported. And by telling a person to own up to their score makes no sense. The person knows they did not do well they do not have to own up to anything. It is not dishonest or lying if you choose not to send a score until you've done better. If you've helped some many people than try not to sound like a condescending jerk. Also I would love to hear what schools average PCAT because I've spoken to all schools in Florida and numerous out of state pharmacy schools. So people thoroughly read and understand statements before dishing out rude comments.
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I stated nothing with respect to you owning up your scores; I merely stated that you are obligated to present all scores. I have no clue why that statement of fact is confusing to you. The consistently defensive tone in all of your responses is unpleasant to read. To be perfectly clear, you are not obligated to send your scores immediately to PHARMCAS, but they will see all scores on your score transcript. Therefore, they will see all of your attempts regardless of when you send them.
Frankly, I am giving up with any attempt to rationalize or reason with you, doctortp. You frequently share incorrect/flawed information on the board, your posts contain numerous grammatical/spelling errors, you change your comments when presented with the accurate information and now, you're starting to personally attack me on the board. I wish you the best of luck in what will be an extremely long journey.
I have no idea where you get rationalizing and reasoning from. You may have helped people before, but within this specific post you've done nothing but be argumentative and condescending. Pointing out grammatical, spelling errors is very community like of you. And quite frankly being sarcastic and downright offense when saying " best of luck in what will be an extremely long journey" proves my point. It is a public forum to help others and have others help you too. So do not speak as if you are an all knowing person in the pharmacy field and talk down on people. A " I think you are mistaken" would suffice. Good luck.
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No offense to you chemguy79, but I feel like doctortp has helped more than you have. I'm not coming from a place of disrespect, but rather a bystander reading comments between the both of you banter back and forth. Personally, I had a rough day yesterday and I came on to sdn for some help. Doctortp doesn't even know me, but I felt supported.
I feel as though a few of your posts tend to come off a bit rude and condescending. We are all here to help each other. Not bring each other down. I wish you both the best of luck, but I am just trying to keep the peace. We all aspire to be the same thing here, we all share the same hopes and dreams of becoming successful pharmacists. So in my opinion, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't post anything at all. I feel as though a few of your posts were a bit rude, I think you are coming from a good place... However, you should work on your delivery.
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I respect your opinion, but I decided to engage with said poster because some of her comments were completely inaccurate regarding PHARMCAS, Pearson, etc. I'm sure that it's nice to receive support on a message board when you're having a bad day with respect to your PCAT scores. This is a community where people are striving for the same goals and to eventually gain admission to pharmacy school.
Unfortunately, I'm not posting on this thread solely to make you feel better (nor am I posting to make you or anyone else feel badly); I believe that students will read this thread and make decisions from the information provided on SDN because experienced posters here like to provide ACCURATE information about the application process. Therefore, while it is nice to receive support, I would also like to share accurate information with students instead of telling them fallacies that could hurt their eventual application to pharmacy school. Consequently, telling someone that previous PCAT attempts do not matter is not true and giving the thought that those scores won't count is inaccurate and potentially deleterious to future applications.
I hope that you understand where I'm coming from in this matter. Good luck with your future journeys.
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This is absolutely true regarding the specious assumption that all schools look at the highest composite, as the decision ultimately depends on the individual school. Also, if an applicant gets a 50% composite on the first attempt and a 30% composite on the second attempt, it may hurt the this applicant even though the highest composite was a 50%. Schools often look for trends of improvements and progress, not regression. In any case, it's best to give your school of interest a call and speak with their advisors, as doing so will ensure that the information is correct and from the source.
That being said, I'm not trying to fuel or flame, but I am simply trying to get the correct information out there. 🙂
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hey guys i want to say 'chill down' first.
let me go back to the main point. if you did poorly on your PCAT, you have a choice to keep that score and apply OR retake to get higher score. I'll be honest on this part. If you want to keep that poor score and proceed, your chance towards top schools may be almost gone but it sill is not impossible. If you have a solid background such as big leadership experience, long pharmacy related experience, high GPA, Dean's son/daughter, I believe that poor PCAT should not put you at dead end.
just chill, relax for a week, look what your honest and actual status is, and proceed again.
let me go back to the main point. if you did poorly on your PCAT, you have a choice to keep that score and apply OR retake to get higher score. I'll be honest on this part. If you want to keep that poor score and proceed, your chance towards top schools may be almost gone but it sill is not impossible. If you have a solid background such as big leadership experience, long pharmacy related experience, high GPA, Dean's son/daughter, I believe that poor PCAT should not put you at dead end.
just chill, relax for a week, look what your honest and actual status is, and proceed again.
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one more thing. do you really think everyone got 80-99 composite scores? of course not! SDN only has small portion of all applicants. just trust yourself and stop competing against few people inSDN. Once you get into professional schools, you will remember this moment and laugh 😉
I have a high gpa including science. Tons of EC and experiences and honors/leadership program. But then I didn't get an interview invite just bc i didnt do too well on the PCAT....... 🙁 idk why they accepted student with low gpa and high pcat but not low pcat with high gpa. They prob think low pcat cant pass the Naplex and lower their school??? But ill try it again, the only thing is I have no time to study. Idk how I can do well on the pcat. So hopeless 🙁
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I applied to only one school instate and my application sent out on mid-Aug. 🙁
I know I din't get an interview bc I know this girl that applied to the same school and already got an interview invite from them 🙁
yea i'll add 1 or 2 more schools due to financial reasons and I don't wanna go out of state. My PCAT is low! 😡 GPA: 3.61 Science: 3.81. I've been feeling hopeless ever since I lost my interview opportunity. 🙁
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JuT,
I think that you can surely fix your PCAT score and continue to apply broadly.
One thing to weigh in is the importance of staying in-state versus attending pharmacy school this year. I understand that finances come into play during the application process. Since you have a very strong GPA, you do have the chance to get accepted this year if you don't limit yourself to 3 schools. Granted, it is an expensive process, but relative to the rapidly increasing cost of tuition, spending an extra $500 or even $1000 is rather small compared to paying an extra $10K in tuition over the course of 4 years in pharmacy school.
Good luck!
There are always options, but you have to be willing to compromise for them. People do get in with low PCAT as I have heard an assortment of stories floating around SDN, but they applied broadly and early to better their chances. If your PCAT is too low then apply to non-PCAT schools and it might be a good back-up plan if you apply to a candidate school or two. Good luck 👍
Thanksss for the encouragement guys! I needed it! I worked so hard to get that GPA 🙁 I'll try to find time to study for the PCAT and take it again next month. Lets see how well I do on the next PCAT. That was my dream school, so I was disappointed and sad that I couldn't go there for the next 4 years. But i'll try again and hope I wont get hopeless again lol
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hey buddy, IMO, Dr Collins is solely made for chem/bio/math.. and practice of testing atmosphere. If you want to study more about subject, I think Kaplan is your next step (especially for Bio).
For Vocab, go work with GRE...or at least SAT vocab. If you can do well on verbal section on practice SAT vocab exam, you should be fine.
for Reading..well, good luck.
