PCAT Test Dates

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Do more people take the PCAT in October compared to June and August? If so, does this mean if someone took the exam in October the individual would receive a higher composite score because more people took the exam in comparison to June and August?

 

[tharper14]

Do more people take the PCAT in October compared to June and August? If so, does this mean if someone took the exam in October the individual would receive a higher composite score because more people took the exam in comparison to June and August?

The scores are not compared to how you did compared to people that took the exam the same day. Your score is compared to how you did compared to first time test takers between something like 1998-2003. So it really does not matter when you take the test. I would recommend taking it in June because you'll get your score back early enough to apply to schools early. Plus if you need to retake, you can take it again in August and/or October.

 

[omnione]

August 2007 was the first August date ever if I remember correctly. So, the data is rather tough. Being ready for either summer date is ideal. For regular admission schools, the PharmCAS applications don't even get sent out until late July to early August so there isn't a huge effect on your application relative to the October and January dates.

Like tharper14 said, the curve is based off of a standard from the 1998-2003 test takers. Even if your form and/or administration scored relatively lower due to difficulty, that is corrected.