PCAT--no score?

[PharmacyFreaked]

Hi all,

I'm in kind of a dilemma. I had signed up for the September PCAT and was planning on studying all summer for it. However, I had an unexpected death in the family that took a pretty big toll on me. Now, the test is less than a month away and I am nowhere near prepared. Tomorrow is the last day to cancel the exam (with no refund) and I'm tempted to cancel...but I also know that there is a "no score" option and was wondering if it would be a smart idea for me to simply take the exam as a practice since I've already paid for it? What I'm worried about is how it would look to potential schools if I opt for the "no score?" I'm a little confused about how that option works.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

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[gotgame740]

Hi all,

I'm in kind of a dilemma. I had signed up for the September PCAT and was planning on studying all summer for it. However, I had an unexpected death in the family that took a pretty big toll on me. Now, the test is less than a month away and I am nowhere near prepared. Tomorrow is the last day to cancel the exam (with no refund) and I'm tempted to cancel...but I also know that there is a "no score" option and was wondering if it would be a smart idea for me to simply take the exam as a practice since I've already paid for it? What I'm worried about is how it would look to potential schools if I opt for the "no score?" I'm a little confused about how that option works.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I hope you're not applying for Fall 2012, because January is most likely gonna be too late to retake it.

If you choose the "no score" option, it will be as if you never took the exam (except for the $200 you paid lol). But from what I understand, most schools only look at your best score so if I were you I would study as much as I can in this month that's left and score the test, and just retake it another time to get a better score.

I recommend Dr Collins and the Pearson online practice exams, got me a 98 composite on mine

 

[Rxboy3]

i suggest you take it and see the flow of the exam.. perhaps you will feel confident enough to accept the grade at the end of the exam.

sorry to hear about your family situation.

 

[xtsukiyox]

Tomorrow is the last day to cancel the exam (with no refund) and I'm tempted to cancel...but I also know that there is a "no score" option and was wondering if it would be a smart idea for me to simply take the exam as a practice since I've already paid for it?

This is what I would do, for sure, unless you think you have a shot at getting a decent score. You already paid, you might as well get practice out of it! Don't just pay them for nothing. The schools will only get the scored tests... so "no score" doesn't show up, from my understanding.

But from what I understand, most schools only look at your best score [...]

This is highly dependent on the school, and I'm not sure it's fair to generalize to "most." Many schools average scores, or look at the most recent.

If all of PharmacyFreaked's schools do only look at the best score, I agree that there's not a whole lot to lose by taking it now on the off chance s/he gets a "good enough" score, then retake in January if it isn't good enough / didn't get accepted. It might be discouraging to get a low score, though, if hoping for higher.

 

[gotgame740]

This is what I would do, for sure, unless you think you have a shot at getting a decent score. You already paid, you might as well get practice out of it! Don't just pay them for nothing. The schools will only get the scored tests... so "no score" doesn't show up, from my understanding.



This is highly dependent on the school, and I'm not sure it's fair to generalize to "most." Many schools average scores, or look at the most recent.

If all of PharmacyFreaked's schools do only look at the best score, I agree that there's not a whole lot to lose by taking it now on the off chance s/he gets a "good enough" score, then retake in January if it isn't good enough / didn't get accepted. It might be discouraging to get a low score, though, if hoping for higher.

Which schools do you know of that do this?

 

[owlegrad]

Which schools do you know of that do this?

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[JonPrePharmD]

It's my understanding schools look at ALL of your scores, not just your earliest, highest, etc.

School websites are good references for how they deal with retakes and what they think of people who retake. For example, on UNC-CH's orientation video on the website they say you shouldn't take it more than 5 times, and usually people who get accepted take it 1-2 times...they give you simple ideas like that.

My advice: Take it, send it to your schools. The only reason as this will give you the confidence OR the willpower to tackle it next time. I thought I did bad and I actually did pretty well. Your idea of your performance is flawed in my opinion because it's such an anxiety ridden test...It would suck if you got say an 80 composite and chose no score...

 

[lbqjenny]

I have a question regarding the no score option. Since this is a computer-based test, we can see our scores right after the test. Can we choose "no score" after we know our score?

 

[JonPrePharmD]

I have a question regarding the no score option. Since this is a computer-based test, we can see our scores right after the test. Can we choose "no score" after we know our score?

You don't see your score right after...

When you're done, an automatic pop-up on the screen asks if you would like to score your test or not. If you pick to score it, they will give you a print out of a preliminary report which is basically your final score (haven't heard of any changing between that report and the final).

Whether or not they will give you a prelim. report if you choose the no score option doesn't matter considering you have to make the choice prior.

 

[xtsukiyox]

Whether or not they will give you a prelim. report if you choose the no score option doesn't matter considering you have to make the choice prior.

QFT. They give you the score report on your way out the door. It's my understanding that the test isn't even submitted for (auto) grading if you choose "no score."

 

[chemguy79]

Exactly. You can't choose to "no score" if you don't like your score. That's just silly. You take a risk with "no score," but c'est la vie.

 

[gotgame740]

It's my understanding schools look at ALL of your scores, not just your earliest, highest, etc.

School websites are good references for how they deal with retakes and what they think of people who retake. For example, on UNC-CH's orientation video on the website they say you shouldn't take it more than 5 times, and usually people who get accepted take it 1-2 times...they give you simple ideas like that.

My advice: Take it, send it to your schools. The only reason as this will give you the confidence OR the willpower to tackle it next time. I thought I did bad and I actually did pretty well. Your idea of your performance is flawed in my opinion because it's such an anxiety ridden test...It would suck if you got say an 80 composite and chose no score...

from UIC's website:
The PCAT may be taken multiple times. We will use the best overall set of scores avaible at the time an application is considered to be complete. Scores are not averaged and they are not "mixed and matched" between attempts.

I've heard that med schools average your MCAT scores, but pharm school is a whole different

 

[xtsukiyox]

I've heard that med schools average your MCAT scores, but pharm school is a whole different

The policy is highly dependent on the pharmacy school. Some average, some take the best, some take the most recent. Research your school.

 

[owlegrad]

The policy is highly dependent on the pharmacy school. Some average, some take the best, some take the most recent. Research your school.

Can anyone link to a school that does anything other than taking your highest score? I am just curious.

 

[gotgame740]

Can anyone link to a school that does anything other than taking your highest score? I am just curious.

I am also curious...

 

[xtsukiyox]

Can anyone link to a school that does anything other than taking your highest score? I am just curious.

I swear I've seen it. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[owlegrad]

I swear I've seen it. I'll see if I can find it.

I believe you, just never saw that myself.

 

[xtsukiyox]

I started with this list and worked my way straight down: http://www.aacp.org/resources/student/pharmacyforyou/admissions/Documents/Table%209.pdf Out of 28 colleges that required the PCAT, here are the colleges that listed their specific policy.

Auburn University, in their Website Guide: http://pharmacy.auburn.edu/prospective_students/professional_degree/website_guide.pdf

PCAT — cumulative average @ 67th percentile

(I'm beginning to think that rather than "cumulative of all PCAT scores" they were sloppy & meant "composite.")

University of Colorado: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/pharmacy/Admissions/PharmDProgram/Apply/Pages/PCAT.aspx

Candidates may take the exam up to five times. The highest test score for each subject will be considered. A composite PCAT score over the 50th percentile is preferred but not required.

University of Connecticut: http://web2.uconn.edu/pharmacy2/?page_id=205

Without jeopardy, applicants may take the PCAT more than once, with the highest score being considered for admission purposes.

PCOM-GA: http://www.pcom.edu/admissions/adm_FAQs/PharmacyFaqs.html

The Admissions Committee will take in consideration the highest composite PCAT score (regardless of whether this is the most recent score or not).

South University: http://www.southuniversity.edu/nurs...rograms/pharmacy-degrees/admissions-test.aspx

If a student takes the PCAT more than once, South University will use the best composite score. The best composite score may not necessarily be the last PCAT taken. We will use the best PCAT scores in our admission determination, not the last. Repeated attempts show motivation and determination.

University of Georgia: http://128.192.159.26/admissions/admissions_faq.pdf (linked from http://www.rx.uga.edu/index.php/admissions/professional_program_admissions/ )

Applicants are encouraged to take the PCAT early and often. Only the applicant's highest composite score on any one PCAT is considered, so there is no penalty for lower scores obtained on previous or subsequent PCAT attempts

University of Hawai'i: http://pharmacy.uhh.hawaii.edu/admissions/faqs.php#AFAQ

The Admissions Committee reviews your best overall composite score.

University of Illinois at Chicago: http://www.uic.edu/pharmacy/student_affairs/prospective_students/admission_requirements.php

If the PCAT has been taken multiple times, the best overall set of subscores/composite will be used in the review process.

Butler University: http://www.butler.edu/pharmacy-pa/prospective-students/pharmacy-application-tips/

You can re-take the PCAT multiple times; your best scores will be evaluated for admission.

University of Kansas: http://www.pharm.ku.edu/index.php?page=content:pharmd_admissions

If the PCAT has been taken multiple times the highest composite PCAT score will be utilized in evaluation of your application.

None of the other colleges listed a specific policy I could find. While I'd still strongly suggest contacting your college of choice if they don't list a specific policy, I'm ready to admit I've been perpetuating a myth I probably heard on SDN.

Edit: Bah, I know I've given this advice somewhere else, but I can't find it to link to this post...

 

[owlegrad]

None of the other colleges listed a specific policy I could find. While I'd still strongly suggest contacting your college of choice if they don't list a specific policy, I'm ready to admit I've been perpetuating a myth I probably heard on SDN.

Edit: Bah, I know I've given this advice somewhere else, but I can't find it to link to this post...

Lets just keep this post in our back pocket next time someone tries to spread rumors, em'kay?

To review your post history history, click on your username next to your post and pick "find more posts from this user".

 

[gotgame740]

I started with this list and worked my way straight down: http://www.aacp.org/resources/student/pharmacyforyou/admissions/Documents/Table 9.pdf Out of 28 colleges that required the PCAT, here are the colleges that listed their specific policy.

Auburn University, in their Website Guide: http://pharmacy.auburn.edu/prospective_students/professional_degree/website_guide.pdf
(I'm beginning to think that rather than "cumulative of all PCAT scores" they were sloppy & meant "composite.")

University of Colorado: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/pharmacy/Admissions/PharmDProgram/Apply/Pages/PCAT.aspx
University of Connecticut: http://web2.uconn.edu/pharmacy2/?page_id=205
PCOM-GA: http://www.pcom.edu/admissions/adm_FAQs/PharmacyFaqs.html
South University: http://www.southuniversity.edu/nurs...rograms/pharmacy-degrees/admissions-test.aspx
University of Georgia: http://128.192.159.26/admissions/admissions_faq.pdf (linked from http://www.rx.uga.edu/index.php/admissions/professional_program_admissions/ )
University of Hawai'i: http://pharmacy.uhh.hawaii.edu/admissions/faqs.php#AFAQ
University of Illinois at Chicago: http://www.uic.edu/pharmacy/student_affairs/prospective_students/admission_requirements.php
Butler University: http://www.butler.edu/pharmacy-pa/prospective-students/pharmacy-application-tips/
University of Kansas: http://www.pharm.ku.edu/index.php?page=content:pharmd_admissions
None of the other colleges listed a specific policy I could find. While I'd still strongly suggest contacting your college of choice if they don't list a specific policy, I'm ready to admit I've been perpetuating a myth I probably heard on SDN.

Edit: Bah, I know I've given this advice somewhere else, but I can't find it to link to this post...

I'm really glad you took the time to research this, so now people know for sure. I would have been very surprised if any school stated any other policy than taking your best score.

So now everyone knows that there is no point to voiding your score, unless you're scared and don't wanna know what you got

 

[xtsukiyox]

I'm really glad you took the time to research this, so now people know for sure. I would have been very surprised if any school stated any other policy than taking your best score.

So now everyone knows that there is no point to voiding your score, unless you're scared and don't wanna know what you got

Again, I didn't do research on every school, and a minority of schools put up their policy for sure. I have no idea what the other schools do, so I still wouldn't advise people to do that without talking to their school. It would be really dumb for someone to follow your advice, just to find out later that their school didn't have a posted policy & does something different.

Summary: I would be comfortable saying most places do take your best score, but not every college has a posted policy and thus we can't say every school does it that way.

 

[xtsukiyox]

Lets just keep this post in our back pocket next time someone tries to spread rumors, em'kay?

To review your post history history, click on your username next to your post and pick "find more posts from this user".

Yeah, I looked back a few pages & still can't find it. Oh well, I gave it the ol' college try.

 

[xtsukiyox]

Sorry to chew on this one so much... Here is the blog of someone who claims to be part of an adcom. This person used to post on SDN but there was some controversy, if it's the same person I'm thinking of from a couple years back.

http://***************************************/2010/09/should-i-retake-pcat-again.html

This person claims that the current school s/he works for takes highest grade, but the previous one reviewed all of the scores for strengths & weaknesses. I do remember one school said they had a "holistic approach" to applications - and I wonder if this is what they meant. I didn't copy it into my huge post of huge above, because it wasn't clear to me what they meant as far as PCAT scores.

EDIT: Whut? It's blocked? Seriously?? pharmacy school admissions. blogspot. com

 

[R2pharmD2]

Sorry to chew on this one so much... Here is the blog of someone who claims to be part of an adcom. This person used to post on SDN but there was some controversy, if it's the same person I'm thinking of from a couple years back.

http://***************************************/2010/09/should-i-retake-pcat-again.html

This person claims that the current school s/he works for takes highest grade, but the previous one reviewed all of the scores for strengths & weaknesses. I do remember one school said they had a "holistic approach" to applications - and I wonder if this is what they meant. I didn't copy it into my huge post of huge above, because it wasn't clear to me what they meant as far as PCAT scores.

EDIT: Whut? It's blocked? Seriously?? pharmacy school admissions. blogspot. com

UT takes the most recent score: (Link)

"The university will use the most recent PCAT scores that you submit."

I think the school you're referring to is UC, or at least they have a similar policy: (Link)

"The James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy does not have a minimum PCAT score requirement; however, the average composite score for admitted students is between the 65th and 70th percentiles. If a student submits more than one PCAT score, the best composite score will be used for admission purposes, although all test attempts are reviewed in the admission process."

 

[thesituation559]

I wish schools averaged the PCAT scores. That would make people take it seriously the first time around.

 

[R2pharmD2]

I wish schools averaged the PCAT scores. That would make people take it seriously the first time around.

Eh? How common do you think it is for people to not take their first PCAT seriously? Most people I know take funerals less seriously than their first PCAT

 

[Kansas Pharmer]

Eh? How common do you think it is for people to not take their first PCAT seriously? Most people I know take funerals less seriously than their first PCAT

Since you wondered, I know an advisor at a feeder school for Pharm that actually tells students to take it twice. He says the first time should be more focused on getting the feeling for it instead of trying to hit it out of the park. He says his reasoning is because most people take it more than once anyway... Makes perfect sense to me

 

[R2pharmD2]

Since you wondered, I know an advisor at a feeder school for Pharm that actually tells students to take it twice. He says the first time should be more focused on getting the feeling for it instead of trying to hit it out of the park. He says his reasoning is because most people take it more than once anyway... Makes perfect sense to me

That just doesn't make sense to me. What benefit is gained by giving anything less than your best effort? Getting a feel for the exam isn't something that requires any sort of specific focus. To each their own I suppose.

 

[owlegrad]

Since you wondered, I know an advisor at a feeder school for Pharm that actually tells students to take it twice. He says the first time should be more focused on getting the feeling for it instead of trying to hit it out of the park. He says his reasoning is because most people take it more than once anyway... Makes perfect sense to me

Bad advice from an adviser? How odd.

 

[Kansas Pharmer]

That just doesn't make sense to me. What benefit is gained by giving anything less than your best effort? Getting a feel for the exam isn't something that requires any sort of specific focus. To each their own I suppose.

Exactly. My poor attempt at sarcasm may have been missed. I couldnt believe it the first time I heard. But, if his students want to spend an extra $200, thats on them.

PS - He is also a Organic prof too. Which makes even less sense...

 

[R2pharmD2]

Bad advice from an adviser? How odd.

I sense a touch of sarcasm here

Exactly. My poor attempt at sarcasm may have been missed. I couldnt believe it the first time I heard. But, if his students want to spend an extra $200, thats on them.

PS - He is also a Organic prof too. Which makes even less sense...

I definitely missed your sarcasm, even though it's obvious now

 

[owlegrad]

I sense a touch of sarcasm here

I like advisers, I do. I just wonder what their quality improvement requirements are. I only saw them a hand full of times over my academic career and I have to say, each time I received at least one bit of factually incorrect advise. I have heard horror stories as well from other students about advise they received. I mean, if your job is advise giving, shouldn't the advice be good? Or at the very least, correct?

 

[owlegrad]

Exactly. My poor attempt at sarcasm may have been missed. I couldnt believe it the first time I heard. But, if his students want to spend an extra $200, thats on them.

PS - He is also a Organic prof too. Which makes even less sense...

Sarcasm over the internets is tough, I still routinely fail. And it's in my sig for goodness sake!

FWIW, I recognized it.