Timeline

[Plankton]

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When do most take the PCAT in relation to completing the pre-requisite coursework?

During or nearing completion of organic I and physics I and after calculus?

 

[RxINform]

When do most take the PCAT in relation to completing the pre-requisite coursework?

During or nearing completion of organic I and physics I and after calculus?

I have taken all science and math pre-requisites except calculus, but that is mostly because I have just recently decided to go into pharmacy and my BS degree did not require calc.

edit for typo

 

[omnione]

When do most take the PCAT in relation to completing the pre-requisite coursework?

During or nearing completion of organic I and physics I and after calculus?

I agree that the ideal time to take the PCAT is after you've completed all the pre-reqs that will be directly tested on the PCAT. For second year applicants, that may not be possible with the organic chem components still incomplete and/or in progress.

Physics isn't on the PCAT though a math problem could use a physics example that doesn't require you to know any mechanics.

 

[Bhavesh]

take it whenever you are ready

take a practice test and see if you're weak in any of the areas...it's recommended that you take the pre-reqs first, but if you feel you have a comfortable grasp of all the materials without having to "learn" anything, you should be fine

I'd finish the physics, orgo, and calc I before taking it though...

 

[Plankton]

I'd just like to not have to wait the extra year if I don't have to.

The classes I have left are calculus, chem II, and organic I and II. Obviously these are all tested PCAT classes so I'd like to have them finished but I don't think it will be possible.

This coming fall I might be able to take calculus, otherwise I'll have to take it next spring with chem II. I can take organic I that summer, and then organic II in the fall. The open application period for the school that I would apply to is October through December so I'd have to take either the August or October PCAT which will either be right before the start of organic II or during the middle of it.

I think I'd rather take my chances on the PCAT then sit around a whole year.
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[suntzu]

All considered, there's really no reason not to take it twice if you are able. The test fee may seem a little steep, but when you add it up with all the airfare, hotel, fees, car rentals, suit pressings [or whatever women do!] it is an inconsequential amount of money.
If you feel like you're even somewhat ready I'd recommend taking it. You don't hear many people complain about their scores going *down* if they have to take it a second time.

 

[binghamkid]

I'd just like to not have to wait the extra year if I don't have to.​

The classes I have left are calculus, chem II, and organic I and II. Obviously these are all tested PCAT classes so I'd like to have them finished but I don't think it will be possible.​

This coming fall I might be able to take calculus, otherwise I'll have to take it next spring with chem II. I can take organic I that summer, and then organic II in the fall. The open application period for the school that I would apply to is October through December so I'd have to take either the August or October PCAT which will either be right before the start of organic II or during the middle of it.​

I think I'd rather take my chances on the PCAT then sit around a whole year.​

Go ahead and take it. The PCAT doesn't test you on calculus that you can't pick up in like a good hour or two of work. Also, the Chemistry is fairly basic, i seriously doubt it even goes into Organic II. When I took it, the materials seemed very elementary and seemed more interested in testing whether you could comprehend lots of material rapidly and come up with an answer. I hadn't touched any of my sciences or math in about 3 years before I took the PCAT, and all I needed to do was review the calculus for about 5 minutes (limits and the two derivative and integration rules). The calculus makes up a small portion of the exam, and even then you can half-guess the answer if you just know the equations.