No Score Option Question

[SomaCNS]

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From what I've read on other posts, you may bubble in a "No Score" option at the completion of the test. If, for ex., you do the "No score" option in October and then take the test with scoring in January, will the schools that you eventually submit your materials to know that you sat for the October exam? I know that if you take it and have it scored each time, all the scores are sent. So I'm just wondering if there is no score, do the schools know you even sat for it or do they just get the score of the exam you had scored?

Thanks.

 

[Alkylholic]

Straight from the candidate information booklet.

"During the test, you will be able to request that your test not be scored. Before the test begins, the examiner will explain to you how to request the No Score Option. Choosing the No Score Option means that scores will not be released to you or to any schools. If you request that your test not be scored, the request is irrevocable, and the fees you paid will not be refunded. Any later requests to score your test and report your scores will not be honored."

Kinda sucks that you don't even get to see your own scores. But if you have the money then I guess that would be the best practice test you could buy!

 

[SomaCNS]

Sorry if I wasn't clear in my original question. I understand the actual scores won't ever be reported to myself or to a school. But even though there would be no actual score, I wanted to know if, for example, future reports sent to pharmcas, schools, etc. would read something like:

October, 2007: student requested no score option

January, 2008: 500 (random number)

I think that in the past, at least for other standardized exams, even if the exam was not scored, it would be noted that on a previous date, the person had sat for the exam, but requested a no score option.

Esentially I'm asking: would a future score report ever even show I sat for the October exam (even with no score) or would it be like it never even existed?

 

[Alkylholic]

I'm pretty sure the answer would be no. Because when you choose what school you want to send your score too, Pharmas is on that list, so technically Pharmcas is a "school" as far as sending the PCAT report goes. Therefore if a no-score PCAT isn't sent to any schools then I'm sure it wouldn't be sent to Pharcas either.

 

[fenixtnlfan]

I would suggest calling Harcourt on this one. I haven't ever seen your question discussed before.

 

[steveysmith54]

i did that in June. I called hartcourt people and they told me nobody will ever know. 🙂

 

[imagikricei]

so what are the advantages and disadvantages in choosing the no score option?

 

[Alkylholic]

Advantages:

--If you don't mind spending the money then it is basically a pretty damned good practice test, it really doesn't get better than that.

--If you are taking it for real and think that you did absolutely horrible, then you can quit the test and hope to do better next time.

Disadvantages:

--You're out a lot of money....

--or maybe you're not ready for Pharmacy school,

*but also remember most schools only look at the highest score, so if you bomb it in Jun or Aug you can always take it again in Oct and bring the score up.

 

[AngelaCL]

The trouble is that it's really hard to tell if you did well or not before you see your scores. I left the test crying in August - I couldn't even finish the math or chem sections - and I ended up getting over a 90 composite. So feeling awful after the test doesn't necessarily mean anything.

 

[pharmacyanalyst]

The trouble is that it's really hard to tell if you did well or not before you see your scores. I left the test crying in August - I couldn't even finish the math or chem sections - and I ended up getting over a 90 composite. So feeling awful after the test doesn't necessarily mean anything.

I agree- I don't see any advantage to not scoring the test even if you are just "practicing". If you retake it and up your score, that is the one they will consider.

 

[binghamkid]

I agree- I don't see any advantage to not scoring the test even if you are just "practicing". If you retake it and up your score, that is the one they will consider.

Actually there is a slight situation. If your score jumps up significantly (like 40 or 50 % points) Harcourt will waive your score and not count it and you will have to submit a thorough request for reconsideration as well as document the circumstances for why your score changed so dramatically.

 

[pharmacyanalyst]

Actually there is a slight situation. If your score jumps up significantly (like 40 or 50 % points) Harcourt will waive your score and not count it and you will have to submit a thorough request for reconsideration as well as document the circumstances for why your score changed so dramatically.

Wow that's pretty harsh but I wouldn't think your score would vary that much just by studying harder. Now if you take it before and after prereqs, I can understand.