Study for the PCATs and OATs?

[Fai]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Strange title, I know but hear me out.

I am enrolling into University of Colorado Colorado Springs this August and I am primarily focusing on becoming a Pharmacist. However, I am quite the anxious person and strongly have my eyes set to Optometry should things not work out. The pre-reqs I would figure is more or less the same, just more chemistry heavy. They also prepare me to get into Denver Skagg School of Pharmacy, which I do not know how competitive that school could be.

Now I am afraid of say, worse case scenario, I have a decent GPA but my PCATs is just weak and I haven't gotten into Pharmacy school. I don't want to dangle for a year when I could also prepare to take the OATs should things not work out and be on the path to professional school the next year.

I would begin to study in my upperclassmen years, but should I split focus and take both tests just in case or just focus all my energy into the PCATs and study like a demon?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hillo]

I'd spend time shadowing and more researching on pharmacy (because things WILL work out if you really want them to).

So don't even think of studying for an admissions test before you're confident about your career goals.

As long as you have that "decent GPA" you expect, everything's gonna look bright for you.

 

[Arijos0222]

First, think about why you want to do this.

Think about why you want to be an Optometrist or Pharmacist... Because they are VERY different fields

Strange title, I know but hear me out.

I am enrolling into University of Colorado Colorado Springs this August and I am primarily focusing on becoming a Pharmacist. However, I am quite the anxious person and strongly have my eyes set to Optometry should things not work out. The pre-reqs I would figure is more or less the same, just more chemistry heavy

Why would you settle on something that you don't have your heart on? Please don't do that to yourself. Strive for something you love. Accept no less.

Not including salary, give me a specific reason as to what you want to accomplish doing either career, THAT IS TAILORED TO THE CAREER

What you shouldn't say: I want to be a Pharmacist because i'm good at science, It lets me help people, as well as allowing me to have have a normal family life

OR

I want to be an Optometrist because it is a non-stressful environment and I like to deal with people and to talk with them.

Those are okay answers, but I never agree with "complacency".

The answer i'm looking for:

"I want to be a Pharmacist because I am really interested in advancing pharmaceuticals. I think although the job market is tough, I am passionate about new ways that I can help patients and I believe that there is so much opportunity to expand healthcare to benefit more people."

If you can't think of a specific reason why you want to do these careers, then find one that you can.

Cheers 🙂