study time

[nehe87]

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Hey, guys, I just had a question about how long is long enough to study for the PCAT. I know it varies for each person, depending on how well you take tests and how well you did in the prereqs to begin with, but I was hoping someone could give me an idea. I'm taking the PCAT in August and I started studying about five days ago. That's a little less than three months of studying.
I got all A's in my prereqs and I've faired pretty well in standardized testing over the years; I think I can handle the time pressure on the test.
What do you all think? Is that enough? Or should I wait until October?

 

[manutdmax]

Hey, guys, I just had a question about how long is long enough to study for the PCAT. I know it varies for each person, depending on how well you take tests and how well you did in the prereqs to begin with, but I was hoping someone could give me an idea. I'm taking the PCAT in August and I started studying about five days ago. That's a little less than three months of studying.
I got all A's in my prereqs and I've faired pretty well in standardized testing over the years; I think I can handle the time pressure on the test.
What do you all think? Is that enough? Or should I wait until October?

dude i was thinking in taking the exam in june but i thought i needed more time so am now studying for october...i hope i will score a good score....am studying each day around 2 hrs ..am using kaplan book and am still in biology section...

 

[Bonbon2007]

Time is a big factor on this exam. If you think acing your pre-reqs will get you a high score, I think that is misleading to alot of people. Practice under timed conditions at all times.

I am taking the exam in June, and I always feel like there's something I haven't studied but I've looked at everything (knock on wood).

 

[manutdmax]

Time is a big factor on this exam. If you think acing your pre-reqs will get you a high score, I think that is misleading to alot of people. Practice under timed conditions at all times.

I am taking the exam in June, and I always feel like there's something I haven't studied but I've looked at everything (knock on wood).

what city ur taking the exam in...how did u manage the time factor ..what sources u did use?

 

[nehe87]

So, basically, what I'm asking is, is roughly three months enough studying? I get what you're saying about the timed conditions; I agree with you 100% on that, and I definitely am practicing like that, but I just wanted to know if I have enough time to practice, in your opinion.

 

[RxINform]

I have been studying since mid-may for the August 25th exam. i try to study at least 5 days out of the week for a couple hours each time or so (or about 2 chapters, more if the sections are not as long), i will ramp up the studying come july. I have been studying with Kaplan (almost done with the biology section) and picked up calculus for dummies because i am not taking calc until the fall.

im pretty worried about the chemistry portion though, mostly the inorganic (too bad it looks like most of it is inorganic)

to answer your question i can only base it on how i am studying, and i did not get all A's in my pre-reqs, but i am studying about the same as you, and i feel like i am approaching it in a good way. I feel like for me to start studying 4-5 hours a day in june is a little too early to do that because i think id forget it, but that is only my opinion for myself, other people can do that and not have a problem.

 

[Bonbon2007]

what city ur taking the exam in...how did u manage the time factor ..what sources u did use?

Rochester, Michigan

Sources: Gen chem I book, Kaplan, Barrons PCAT, Cliffs Micro, Cliffs 5 PCATs, ARCO PCAT, and EK (chem and orgo).
Outside sources: Barrons MCAT and SDN

I studied an average of 2 hours a day for about 3 months. In the next two weeks I'll try and do at least 5-10 full length exams before the test to build up my stamina. My biggest fear is bombing the orgo portion of the chem section.

 

[manutdmax]

Rochester, Michigan

Sources: Gen chem I book, Kaplan, Barrons PCAT, Cliffs Micro, Cliffs 5 PCATs, ARCO PCAT, and EK (chem and orgo).
Outside sources: Barrons MCAT and SDN

I studied an average of 2 hours a day for about 3 months. In the next two weeks I'll try and do at least 5-10 full length exams before the test to build up my stamina. My biggest fear is bombing the orgo portion of the chem section.

dude i dont know i did not take the exam before but it seems you are using too much sources..i think one or two sources are enough..that could confuse you more...how much u got in the previous exam..i did not study for the last three days and i will study back tomorrow..am using kaplan and still in biology section though...

 

[binghamkid]

dude i dont know i did not take the exam before but it seems you are using too much sources..i think one or two sources are enough..that could confuse you more...how much u got in the previous exam..i did not study for the last three days and i will study back tomorrow..am using kaplan and still in biology section though...

Each person has their own study style. If one book works for you then great. Other people (including myself), used multiple prep books. As you approach the PCAT, you shouldn't be worrying about how others are studying, but how your studies are going. There's no section on the PCAT that asks you how many references you used compared to the next guy.