PCAT vs MCAT

[KrescentRX]

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I decided to reapply out-of-state schools this year.
What do you guys think PCAT compared to MCAT? Does MCAT cover the calculous portion on its math part?

 

[mindquick]

MCAT is far, far harder

 

[sle3pyguii]

My guess is that the MCAT is harder.

As for the calculus, I don't recall there being a Math section on the MCATs since the sections are Verbal Reasoning, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Writing.

Btw, what's this got to do with you reapplying?

 

[confettiflyer]

MCAT is much harder, granted I've only taken PCAT practice tests to compare.

In terms of material, I felt I needed 6 months to prepare for the MCAT; however, in planning for the PCAT, I feel I only need 5-7 weeks. If I'm grossly underestimating this test, I'll let you know on October 21 😀

 

[bignels]

MCAT is much harder, granted I've only taken PCAT practice tests to compare.

In terms of material, I felt I needed 6 months to prepare for the MCAT; however, in planning for the PCAT, I feel I only need 5-7 weeks. If I'm grossly underestimating this test, I'll let you know on October 21 😀

Change of mind? You were going to take the MCAT?

 

[binghamkid]

I took both. PCAT after the MCAT...gotta tell you, the PCAT is worlds easier. However, it's irrelevant if you don't even want to go to pharmacy school. Picking a healthcare profession isn't like the lottery, you have to really want to do it in order to succeed in it. I used to be pre-med until I realized I couldn't do it anymore (I worked at UCLA medical school for a year and learned about what I could and couldn't do and why). What's important is you discover what profession you really have a passion for.

The MCAT puts a huge emphasis on critical thinking (even more so than the PCAT), but it's totally doable. I did both and I did fine on both exams.

 

[confettiflyer]

Change of mind? You were going to take the MCAT?

I did take the MCAT...got a decent score (between 28 and 33, PM me if you want the exact #), but sometime maybe 3-4 weeks before the test I realized I didn't want to be a physician anymore. I had already spent $$ on review classes and time practicing, I figured...what the hell, might as well take it and see how I do.

 

[pulsedriver]

Already got your answer but yes, the MCAT is way harder and there's no math section unless they changed it since I took it.

 

[Dr.iz-n]

MCAT is much harder, granted I've only taken PCAT practice tests to compare.

In terms of material, I felt I needed 6 months to prepare for the MCAT; however, in planning for the PCAT, I feel I only need 5-7 weeks. If I'm grossly underestimating this test, I'll let you know on October 21 😀

That's funny! Good luck with your test! Let me know how it goes! I am hoping to take it in June 08, but I'm trying to review and study now! Maybe I should wait...

 

[rheumlife15]

I mean the PCAT is kinda meant to be taken after your freshmen year in college, while the MCAT is usually taken somewhere in your junior year. I know the MCAT covers more material, but as far as difficult I have no clue. Does anyone know how the organic questions from the PCAT match up with those of the MCAT?

 

[binghamkid]

The questions are in a completely different format. The MCAT focuses heavily on critical reading and understanding of the passage in addition to basic science knowledge. The PCAT is more about fast-paced quick recollection of the information that's required. You can't really compare the two; however, a good foundation in organic chemistry is necessary. (You're going to be a pharmacist anyway, you need to know your ochem at some point...either now, or later in school)

 

[rxforlife2004]

There is no way that PCAT is comparable to MCAT. MCAT is way tougher...

 

[BaB3]

i thought PCAT was pretty tough

 

[confettiflyer]

i thought PCAT was pretty tough

then you'd die on the MCAT. Literally, dead in the aisles, and the test would continue. By the time the test is over, your body will have gone through rigor mortis.

 

[Lurkerkat]

From what I've heard the MCAT is much harder. It's longer and covers way more material.

Also keep in mind almost all people taking the MCAT have taken 3-4 years of undergrad versus the PCAT where most PharmD programs only require 2 years of undergrad so the applicants at best may have 1.25 years of undergrad. The MCAT is geared towards students who've been in school longer and have taken way more upper-level courses.

 

[no-see-um]

I took both- MCAT and PCAT. PCAT was a breeze after all the studying I did for the MCAT.