Official Countdown: Anyone taking in Jan?

Started by stewiefan2006
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Browse articles Compare schools My application plan Read Interview Feedback
Practice for interviews Ask an Advisor
S

stewiefan2006

Full Member
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
I'm making the first thread. Retaking in Jan-decided not to be devestated about scores.

I'm very positive i will do better.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
I'm taking it again in Jan...made a 76% the first time I took it. There is much room for me to improve😀

Good Luck to everyone else taking it in Jan!!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I'm taking the plunge once again on Jan. 20. Got a 72% on my first try in October so I'm sure I'll do better the 2nd time around now that I know what to expect. 🙂
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Im taking it again too. I got a 72. My chem was only 53! and my QA was pathetic! ONWARD! I feel revived and ready to take it on again. Thursday I take my last finals for the semester and then I will be doing practice tests and learning calculus😳 for the entire winter break and then every extra moment next semester until the test. (I think in run on sentences too) I wish everyone good luck:luck:
Im buying the Kaplan book on the 14th, I ordered the Cliff practice test book online ($11.00 used), and I already bought the newest Barrons. I used an outdated Barrons book for the October test. DUH! If it had been like that book I would have done awesome. Now I know better and I feel driven to conquer that bad boy. Its become personal! 😱
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I got a 78 this past october. Everyone says...oh, you're fine. I have a reasonably good GPA, two degrees (one in Spanish and one in Biology), and some pharm shadowing experience but I want to do better. I'm pretty confident I should be able to raise my score, hopefully to the high 80s?!?!?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
OkiePharmD said:
Im taking it again too. I got a 72. My chem was only 53! and my QA was pathetic! ONWARD! I feel revived and ready to take it on again. Thursday I take my last finals for the semester and then I will be doing practice tests and learning calculus😳 for the entire winter break and then every extra moment next semester until the test. (I think in run on sentences too) I wish everyone good luck:luck:
Im buying the Kaplan book on the 14th, I ordered the Cliff practice test book online ($11.00 used), and I already bought the newest Barrons. I used an outdated Barrons book for the October test. DUH! If it had been like that book I would have done awesome. Now I know better and I feel driven to conquer that bad boy. Its become personal! 😱
Click to expand...

Just curious. What method(s) are you planning to use in order to learn the calculus? I know that the quantitative ability was a low section for me, but i'm not sure how to improve it. FYI - I really feel as though the quant. section in the Kaplan 2007 book was not adequate preparation at all.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
pharmdiva said:
Just curious. What method(s) are you planning to use in order to learn the calculus? I know that the quantitative ability was a low section for me, but i'm not sure how to improve it. FYI - I really feel as though the quant. section in the Kaplan 2007 book was not adequate preparation at all.
Click to expand...

I agree. The Kaplan doesn't do a good job. I just used my calc book- reviewed how to do derivatives and basic integrals, as well as my pre-calc notes - review trig.

But since the math section is about whether or not you can find the fastest way of doing something, the only real way of studying for it, is practicing. Practicing questions that are similar and trying to them fast.

To be honest though, I didn't study any new material (or do any practices) for the quantitative section the second time around. Strangely though, I moved from a 75 to a 96....sometimes it just depends on how lucky you get. *shrugs*

Here are some tips:
Work backwards. If you don't know the answer, plug the answers back into the problem and see if it works.

Cross out the ones that are likely to be wrong. (If it's talking about x^2, and the graph looks like 1/x, then that one must be wrong).

Know your trig very well, including periods, so as to save time.

Round everything to an easy number, that will save you time on calculation. But do not round too high or too low because then your answer could become dramatically different from their answers.

In addition to that, you could also do it this way:
Let's say you're doing a simple multiplication problem (How much money does Steve get if he sells 22 chairs, each at a cost of $12345?). You could multiple only the 22 to 5 (the last digit). That way you know the last two digits of your answer is 00. Why multiple EVERYTHING out when there is only one answer that has a 00 at the end?

When you are given an equation and they go x=? and find y; do NOT plug in the number in for x yet. Solve for y first. Why? Because sometimes the equation will have variables or numbers that you can cross out. That will save you oodles of time.


Ok I'm tired, maybe I'm add some more later 🙂
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I'm taking it again this Jan. I took it 6 years ago and got a 92, but the school I want to go to only take them from the past 5 years. Go figure. I'll probably get a 14% composite this time.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Falokis said:
I'm taking it again this Jan. I took it 6 years ago and got a 92, but the school I want to go to only take them from the past 5 years. Go figure. I'll probably get a 14% composite this time.
Click to expand...

:laugh: That would be my luck, too - thankfully, I don't have to worry about it. Good luck to you, though... will you have any time to "brush up" on your skills between now and test time?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Julianne said:
:laugh: That would be my luck, too - thankfully, I don't have to worry about it. Good luck to you, though... will you have any time to "brush up" on your skills between now and test time?
Click to expand...
I'm not as rusty as I thought. I bought the Kalpan book and ran right through the practice test in math and sciences. I either remembered it outright or remembered learning it and could eliminate the wrong answers. Time management is what I need to work on in math. Reading comp and vocab are my weakness just like I remember. It's hard to study those two subjects.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Falokis said:
I'm not as rusty as I thought. I bought the Kalpan book and ran right through the practice test in math and sciences. I either remembered it outright or remembered learning it and could eliminate the wrong answers. Time management is what I need to work on in math. Reading comp and vocab are my weakness just like I remember. It's hard to study those two subjects.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you'll be fine! BTW, do you plan on staying in the area for school or going somewhere else?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I took the october pcat and failed it mainly because of vocab and compehension. Am retaking i in january and i just need a clue on what books to use or any other means of studying these 2 sessions.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
i heard they r changing the pcat format in june 2007, and if you take it in jan, they wont accept it for fall 2008.....thats crazy.......so anyone here taking jan 2007 pcat but applying for fall 2008???
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Utterdevotion said:
I agree. The Kaplan doesn't do a good job. I just used my calc book- reviewed how to do derivatives and basic integrals, as well as my pre-calc notes - review trig.

But since the math section is about whether or not you can find the fastest way of doing something, the only real way of studying for it, is practicing. Practicing questions that are similar and trying to them fast.

To be honest though, I didn't study any new material (or do any practices) for the quantitative section the second time around. Strangely though, I moved from a 75 to a 96....sometimes it just depends on how lucky you get. *shrugs*

Here are some tips:
Work backwards. If you don't know the answer, plug the answers back into the problem and see if it works.

Cross out the ones that are likely to be wrong. (If it's talking about x^2, and the graph looks like 1/x, then that one must be wrong).

Know your trig very well, including periods, so as to save time.

Round everything to an easy number, that will save you time on calculation. But do not round too high or too low because then your answer could become dramatically different from their answers.

In addition to that, you could also do it this way:
Let's say you're doing a simple multiplication problem (How much money does Steve get if he sells 22 chairs, each at a cost of $12345?). You could multiple only the 22 to 5 (the last digit). That way you know the last two digits of your answer is 00. Why multiple EVERYTHING out when there is only one answer that has a 00 at the end?

When you are given an equation and they go x=? and find y; do NOT plug in the number in for x yet. Solve for y first. Why? Because sometimes the equation will have variables or numbers that you can cross out. That will save you oodles of time.


Ok I'm tired, maybe I'm add some more later 🙂
Click to expand...

Thanks! This really helps. I bought a review guide that focuses on calculus as well since the Kaplan book is severely deficient in this area.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Julianne said:
Sounds like you'll be fine! BTW, do you plan on staying in the area for school or going somewhere else?
Click to expand...
I would like to go to Samford to be close to home, but Auburn is a hell of a lot cheaper and I still have friend getting upper level degrees there. It's a toss up really. Samford is the school that won't take my old pcat. AU 'suggested' that I get a newer one. My sig says AU but I graduated and moved since.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Utterdevotion said:
I agree. The Kaplan doesn't do a good job. I just used my calc book- reviewed how to do derivatives and basic integrals, as well as my pre-calc notes - review trig.

But since the math section is about whether or not you can find the fastest way of doing something, the only real way of studying for it, is practicing. Practicing questions that are similar and trying to them fast.

To be honest though, I didn't study any new material (or do any practices) for the quantitative section the second time around. Strangely though, I moved from a 75 to a 96....sometimes it just depends on how lucky you get. *shrugs*

Here are some tips:
Work backwards. If you don't know the answer, plug the answers back into the problem and see if it works.

Cross out the ones that are likely to be wrong. (If it's talking about x^2, and the graph looks like 1/x, then that one must be wrong).

Know your trig very well, including periods, so as to save time.

Round everything to an easy number, that will save you time on calculation. But do not round too high or too low because then your answer could become dramatically different from their answers.

In addition to that, you could also do it this way:
Let's say you're doing a simple multiplication problem (How much money does Steve get if he sells 22 chairs, each at a cost of $12345?). You could multiple only the 22 to 5 (the last digit). That way you know the last two digits of your answer is 00. Why multiple EVERYTHING out when there is only one answer that has a 00 at the end?

When you are given an equation and they go x=? and find y; do NOT plug in the number in for x yet. Solve for y first. Why? Because sometimes the equation will have variables or numbers that you can cross out. That will save you oodles of time.


Ok I'm tired, maybe I'm add some more later 🙂
Click to expand...


Great tips!!!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
neopentane said:
i heard they r changing the pcat format in june 2007, and if you take it in jan, they wont accept it for fall 2008.....thats crazy.......so anyone here taking jan 2007 pcat but applying for fall 2008???
Click to expand...

Is this for real? WIll all the schools require taking the new version?
I am taking it this jan 20 for the first time, and i am applying in fall 2007, for fall 2008....I am so so confused.

can someone shed some light?😱
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
also, Im having the most trouble with chem and bio.
I feel like the english parts I know from just general english lit and vocab knowledge, and the math part takes practice, but the chem and bio, thats learning facts. how much more can I learn before the 20th? I took general bio for a year, and general chem, and 1 sem of organic chem, but I literally dont remember 80% of the material...does anyone else feel this way??

I have the kaplan book.. but og its so boring to just reread all the chem and bio information (and incrediably long!)

any advice?? 😎
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
hey guys, i'm taking the pcat for the first time in january...and i'm using an outdated book haha >_< has the content/format changed so much that i should plan on getting a more recent practice book?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
When I got bored of studying for the PCAT, meaning that I went through all the information, I started studying MCAT books. Similar content of course. You can get some good chem, ochem and reading comprehension books. Of course I wasn't in school and I had more time than I knew what to do with haha. Also, Amazon was my friend, there are so many slightly used books that are great!!! Especially if you're going to buy a newer version of an older book. You will find so many of the same questions. All they do sometimes is make the cover nicer. 👍
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Utterdevotion, I was going to PM you, but I figured others could use the info too. Specifically, what topics in trig should one have a firm grip on? I have a big trig book, and I know everything that is in there won't be on the test. I'm pretty well aware of what type of calculus will be on there.

thanks😀
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Benzoic Acid said:
Utterdevotion, I was going to PM you, but I figured others could use the info too. Specifically, what topics in trig should one have a firm grip on? I have a big trig book, and I know everything that is in there won't be on the test. I'm pretty well aware of what type of calculus will be on there.

thanks😀
Click to expand...

Trig stuff:
**You should learn sin, cos, tan - what they mean and what their periods are. As well how to move them (ie to a different intercept, making the wavelengths smaller or larger).
***Learn the circle - the radians/degrees for the main angles of 0,30,45,60,90,etc
***Learn the basics of vectors (how to add and subtract)

While I am here I may as well give tips on triangles (BTW, I know that you are all smart so you may know some of these, but I just want to make a more comprehensive list)

Triangles:
Pythagorean Theorem
The angles together = 180 degrees.
If you know two sides: The third side is greater the two sides' difference, and smaller than the two sides' sum.
The special triangles:
3,4,5
5,12,13
7,24,25
8,15,17
9,40,41
Know how to find the sides of 45-45-90, 30-60-90, and equatorial triangles.
When you split an equatorial triangle evenly, it will make two 30-60-90 triangles.
Know Similar triangles.

Man, I'm tired....maybe another day I'll do some more 🙂
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Yes, please do more, I remember asking this question several times in the past and I didn't get a 10th of everything you supplied. You really must have done well on the math section to be able to identify everything and remember it. 😀

Also, what about identities?

Your time spent typing this info is greatly appreciated!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
taking it the first time.
kind of nervous.

i've been reviewing kaplan.
and after i finish the kaplan book (which is today).
I will start taking 2 practice exams everyday.

The night before the test,
I will listen the Biology PCAT CDs twice to refresh my memory.

Then its off I go to rape the test.
Or so I hope.
Right after the test, I will be going to the breeder to visit my newly born puppy.

very exciting.
anyone taking it at UMCP? (univ. of maryland, college park)?????????
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Benzoic Acid said:
Yes, please do more, I remember asking this question several times in the past and I didn't get a 10th of everything you supplied. You really must have done well on the math section to be able to identify everything and remember it. 😀

Also, what about identities?

Your time spent typing this info is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

To just answer your question - aside from the basic trig of "tan is sin/cos" there were no major identities that I can remember you guys will need.

More hints...on another day.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
me taking in jan
didnt study as much as i should have
not soo happy but ill try my best i am studing from the kaplan book
i have forgoten most ofthe stuff i studided in my classes.. so i gota study alot and better luck next time.🙁
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
So is reading really hard, i am not a native speaker but i dont find it that diffcult as people say. I skim over the questions before i read then just underline the text where it pretains to the question. I do have a good memory but alot of people seem to be complaining. I'll see on the exam though
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Sorry if I sound like a newbie, but, if I retake it this Jan, can I use those scores for applying for Fall 2007? Or is that too late.....thanks!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.