PCAT Biology help

[Prepharm0425]

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Okay, I just registered to this forum and I have a couple quick questions regarding the PCAT exam. This test scares me to death, and I realize I have to do well on it. I am taking the PCAT in July of this year, and I have already started studying for it for the past 3 months, and I covered all Chemistry and Math material and I found it to be easy to refresh these two subjects. I feel like I can do well on them if I was to take the PCAT today, I am not procrastinating for this test. I really want to do well. The reason I started studying this early is because I want to spend the next 4-5 months studying Biology. I haven't taken General Bio in 5 years, and I am taking Anatomy and Physiology (a course on each) this semester because they are required for Pharm school and they will definitely help for the PCAT, microbiology is the only prerequisite I still need for pharm school. So anyway, my biology is really rusty. Anatomy and Physiology are my first bio classes in years and I plan on studying General bio over the course of the next five months. I remember almost nothing on biology. What do you guys suggest I do? My friend recently took General bio over the fall and she is going to give me all her notes and quizzes and stuff, and I plan on reading the text. I don't know if it's overkill or not. The Kaplan PCAT book I'm using crams this stuff In a way in which it is really hard to learn it. Anyways I'm hoping there is a better way to study for the Bio section, if not then I'll read a big school text if I have to, and I am taking the Anatomy and Physiology classes do that will help alleviate a lot of pressure. If it wasnt for the bio section I wouldn't be in nearly as much stress as I am in now so if anyone has good suggestions for studying Biology in 5 months that would be great. Thank you guys. Sorry about my grammar and lack of paragraphs. It's harder to do this on my phone.

 

[xtsukiyox]

chemguy79 gave you a good book to study. Listen to that guy, he knows what he's talking about. 👍

Studying your friend's notes is a good idea... if you were studying for your friend's tests. You are studying for the PCAT. Each teacher teaches and tests differently. I wouldn't spend a lot of time using your friend's notes - perhaps use it as a check or as a clarifying source.

The only other thing that jumped out at me about your plan is studying fatigue. Make sure you take days off and don't lose your focus. For comparison, the MCAT is a much more crazy test - check the study plan threads over in the pre-med forum to see what they're doing. Hint: Even the MCAT people have scheduled light days & days off.

If I were you, I would spend the time re-teaching myself biology (and working on my confidence) between now and about 8 weeks before the test (about finals time for Spring semester). At that time, take the first Pearson practice test as a baseline. Figure out what your weaknesses are and create a study plan for yourself. You should spend some time working on math & chemistry to prime your performance even if you feel you have a handle on those subjects, just so you're not walking into a test with stale skills.

The PCAT is just as much about knowing the material as developing a skill set to get through the exercise in the allotted time while maximizing your score.

PS, don't freak out. Your ENTIRE FUTURE FOREVER OMGWTFBBQ FDSKFLSJDFksajfdlasf does NOT hang on this test. Did you take the SATs? It will feel similar to that, except you do it on a computer. It will make things easier if you do well your first attempt, but it isn't the end of the world if you don't. I congratulate you on planning ahead. Even if you do have to retake, you will still have time early in the cycle (September).

 

[PCPharmD]

Have you considered Cliffsnotes' Biology? It is easy to follow along and is quite affordable; in fact, I believe you can view the chapters for free online. I used it as a supplemental material when I was taking freshman biology 101, and it was quite helpful. Good luck! 🙂

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/Biology.topicArticleId-8741.html

 

[owlegrad]

Lets keep the conversation here:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=886200