Should I take another PCAT?

Started by mka541
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mka541

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Hi everyone

I got my PCAT score today and it was my 2nd attempt.

Here is my score

Verbal: 33 (392)
Bio: 97 (447)
Reading: 19 (381) I'm a slow reader....
Quantitative Ability: 97 (447)
Chemistry: 99 (463)
Composite: 92 (426)

I think that the overall score is okay... but my verbal and reading scores are horrible
My first PCAT scores for verbal and reading are very similar to my 2nd
I spent almost four months on these two sections to get better grades.
Unfortunately, there was no big change in reading and verbal sections.

I have B.S in Biochem and my GPA is about 3.2~3.3 and 1.5 year of pharmacy experience

Since some schools look at the latest PCAT score, I'm afraid that I might not be able to get high scores in Bio,chem,math if I take the PCAT again..

Should I retake PCAT to get better grade in verbal and reading sections?
 
Last edited:
You should check whether the schools you are applying has a minimum cutoff! I know lots of people would die for that composite so it's a keeper if they don't!
 
You should check whether the schools you are applying has a minimum cutoff! I know lots of people would die for that composite so it's a keeper if they don't!

Pretty much this.

With a 92 composite, there really isn't a need for you to retake the test especially considering the fact that you smashed QA, bio and chem.
 
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Hi everyone

I got my PCAT score today and it was my 2nd attempt.

Here is my score

Verbal: 33 (392)
Bio: 97 (447)
Reading: 19 (381) I'm a slow reader....
Quantitative Ability: 97 (447)
Chemistry: 99 (463)
Composite: 92 (426)

I think that the overall score is okay... but my verbal and reading scores are horrible
My first PCAT scores for verbal and reading are very similar to my 2nd
I spent almost four months on these two sections to get better grades.
Unfortunately, there was no big change in reading and verbal sections.

I have B.S in Biochem and my GPA is about 3.2~3.3 and 1.5 year of pharmacy experience

Since some schools look at the latest PCAT score, I'm afraid that I might not be able to get high scores in Bio,chem,math if I take the PCAT again..

Should I retake PCAT to get better grade in verbal and reading sections?

is english your second language?
 
Hi everyone

I got my PCAT score today and it was my 2nd attempt.

Here is my score

Verbal: 33 (392)
Bio: 97 (447)
Reading: 19 (381) I'm a slow reader....
Quantitative Ability: 97 (447)
Chemistry: 99 (463)
Composite: 92 (426)

I think that the overall score is okay... but my verbal and reading scores are horrible
My first PCAT scores for verbal and reading are very similar to my 2nd
I spent almost four months on these two sections to get better grades.
Unfortunately, there was no big change in reading and verbal sections.

I have B.S in Biochem and my GPA is about 3.2~3.3 and 1.5 year of pharmacy experience

Since some schools look at the latest PCAT score, I'm afraid that I might not be able to get high scores in Bio,chem,math if I take the PCAT again..

Should I retake PCAT to get better grade in verbal and reading sections?

The schools I applied to require 50 percentile in each subtest. You might want to check the schools you're applying to.

I would venture to say that Bio, chem, quant are basics for showing you can handle the rigor of the course load, but I know that Reading Comprehension is huge in that it shows that you understand what you are reading. As far as verbal goes, Dr. Collins has a pretty average list (IMO it needs updating), but you can also find a list from GRE books.

I would definitely retake and improve on Reading Comprehension - effectively communicating and understanding what you've read is essential in any service career. One can teach and memorize concepts in chem, bio, and quant - but reading comprehension is much more difficult to teach; hence the downside of your scores.

If you don't have Dr. Collins, I would get it for Verbal and RC. Then time yourself to finish by the 50 mins for all tests, re-take them and time yourself to finish under the 50 minutes for RC. You can also alternate when taking practice tests to see what works better for you - either reading the questions first and skimming the passage to answer or reading the passage and then answering questions. It is a lot of trial and error to master RC.

Good luck!
 
Hi everyone

I got my PCAT score today and it was my 2nd attempt.

Here is my score

Verbal: 33 (392)
Bio: 97 (447)
Reading: 19 (381) I'm a slow reader....
Quantitative Ability: 97 (447)
Chemistry: 99 (463)
Composite: 92 (426)

I think that the overall score is okay... but my verbal and reading scores are horrible
My first PCAT scores for verbal and reading are very similar to my 2nd
I spent almost four months on these two sections to get better grades.
Unfortunately, there was no big change in reading and verbal sections.

I have B.S in Biochem and my GPA is about 3.2~3.3 and 1.5 year of pharmacy experience

Since some schools look at the latest PCAT score, I'm afraid that I might not be able to get high scores in Bio,chem,math if I take the PCAT again..

Should I retake PCAT to get better grade in verbal and reading sections?

I'm in my last year of pharmacy school. And my advice is DO NOT take it again!!!!!!!!