PCAT Scoring Question

[CAAtexas]

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So on the Pearson tests, when they give you a score of say 85% for a certain sub-section, does this mean without the curve for that section? Or is the curve included?

Also, I noticed on the Pearson tests that in order to go back to the questions you bookmarked, you have to go back through every single question... on the actual test, is there a review button that you can click to see the ones you bookmarked so you can quickly go back and find them?

And since there is only one 15 minute break... does it automatically go to the next section (say between verbal & biology) after the 30 minutes are up from verbal and immediately start timing all over again for the biology section? Or is there a minute or so of pause between the sections? I'm a little confused as to how the test is formatted in the timing aspect because the Pearson tests let you time yourself...

Thanks so much!

 

[tm79602]

With the Pearson test, it is the same format as the actual computerized PCAT. You will answer 48 questions, but the Pearson will only score 40 questions (like the real PCAT). Your 85% is curved and is the percentile that you received with the 40 scored questions.

You can go back and answer the questions you bookmarked without having to go through every single question again. I think you have to go to review and click on the question number that you did not answer. Keep going back to review in order to do this and make sure that all questions have been answered before submitting.

Once a section time is up, it will close out the previous section and bring you to the next section (unless it is time for your scheduled break). You will have to read the directions (every section has directions) and will let you start whenever you are ready. Once you hit start, the timer starts. The timer is located in the corner of your screen, so the test will keep track for you.

 

[xtsukiyox]

I had extra time left in some of the sections. Before I clicked into the next section, I stretched in my chair, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. I was under the impression I was being timed during the directions, but I honestly can't remember for sure.

 

[tm79602]

I had extra time left in some of the sections. Before I clicked into the next section, I stretched in my chair, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. I was under the impression I was being timed during the directions, but I honestly can't remember for sure.

I do not think the directions are timed...I remember that they would give a "practice question" to answer before you started the real section (to make sure that you are doing it correctly).....but I took the PCAT in January, so it might have changed.

 

[CAAtexas]

Thank you both so much! Helped a lot, I really appreciate it.

 

[Ezoption]

If I remember correctly, the timer counts down even while you're reading the directions.I noticed this when I was on the essay section. (I took the July pcat)

 

[tm79602]

If I remember correctly, the timer counts down even while you're reading the directions.I noticed this when I was on the essay section. (I took the July pcat)

It might have...thanks so much for clarifying this. The important thing to take out of this is that the test will keep time for you.

 

[PharmaT]

There is no "curve". It's a percentile which means its compared to a norm group.

 

[tm79602]

There is no "curve". It's a percentile which means its compared to a norm group.

I think what CAATexas was trying to make sure that the 85% was based out of the 40 questions and not the 48 questions.

 

[CAAtexas]

I'm kind of confused- I thought that your score is "curved" persay to the norm percentiles of last year's testing group. So if this is not the case, then does that mean that if you score say, 35 out of 40 of the core items for the chemistry section then your percentile score for that section will be a raw 88%?

Thanks for the help!

 

[umsharm2]

Hey what if you need to go to the bathroom or have to get up from the chair to go outside or whatever to rehydrate yourself? You will have to take time off your test to do that?

 

[syl0sim]

Hey what if you need to go to the bathroom or have to get up from the chair to go outside or whatever to rehydrate yourself? You will have to take time off your test to do that?

I took mine at two different testing centers. When I took it this week at the second testing center the proctor told me that if I need to use restroom or need to drink some water I can raise my hand and he will come get me. If I ever needed to do that I am guessing he would've paused the timer but I never asked. My first testing center never told me leaving the testing room for restroom or anything was a possibility. So you should ask before the test starts.
But honestly, I felt like four sections (2hours) went by really fast and you are concentrating on the questions anyway so I don't think most people have the problem of needing to go to restroom during the test. Just go before the test and during the half-way break 🙂

 

[tinkerD]

I believe the timer will continue if you need to use the restroom. There is a break in between though, for 15 minutes I think. But if you do not return within 15 minutes, the timer for the next section starts.