Study help needed for biology section!

Started by acovar33
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acovar33

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I just took the PCAT for the first time. Aside from reviewing my notes from my General Chem 1 and 2 classes and going over basic math things since we can't use a calculator, I didn't really do any studying. I have NOT taken biology yet. I took A&P instead. I also have NOT taken organic chemistry yet. There was alot more organic on the chemistry section than I was expecting. Here are more scores:
Verbal: 63
Biology: 14
Reading: 77
Quant: 64
Chem: 48
Comp:53

I am retaking in september. My question is, how should I study for biology and chemistry to bring up my scores. I am taking bio1 and organic1 this semester so when I take the PCAT again in september I will have a month of class time in those. I know its not much. I have the Kaplan and it has a pretty good review of Biology, is it good enough to just study from that? Any other things I can do to improve my scores? I have a 3.96 GPA and have been volunteering in the pharmacy at our local hospital for over a year now. On the website for the school I am applying to it says the average composite score for students accepted is around 70%. Is it possible to improve my biology and organic chemistry by doing my own self study with something like the Kaplan or should I just forget applying right now and wait another year?
 
apply to some of your top choices at least and try your luck. if you get an interview, rock it out!
kaplan stresses chemistry and biology so study that hard core for several hours a day and make sure you know it. Study microbio as well, bacteria specifically. review A and P also.
As for organic chemistry, try to learn the basic reactions and nomenclature.
again, apply, and try your luck. Good Luck:luck:
 
You have a good GPA and pharm exp so that would be a plus for your application.
A 53 composite is not totally impossible to get accepted, but honestly i would retake if i were you. You got 14 in bio, and the school will look at bio and chem the most. You have around 2months to boost your score 🙂
Study hard !

PS: i only had gen bio1 and gen chem when i took pcat
 
To give you some hope, I know someone personally with a GPA around yours and pharmacy experience. They applied to their first choice with ~30 composite and they were accepted.

Nothing is impossible, do not be discouraged. However, retake if you KNOW you can do better. I suggest taking a biology course. Biology isn't the hardest subject by any means, so Biology 1 & 2 should allow you to get at least over a 50.