- Joined
- Jan 7, 2016
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 4
So I ended up with a 74 composite, which is a lot better than I expected considering I only started studying 2 weeks in advance. If I had more time to study I would have definitely focused more on math because I haven't taken a math class in over 4 years. The most important individual categories are chem and math. I got a 95 in chem and 50 on math. The math ended up bringing me down. Had I done better in quantitative my composite would be in the high 80 range. With that being said, Dr. Collins should be your bread and butter. Treat it like your bible because it's an unbelievably good resource. A few tips:
1. Dr. Collins - I know I'm repeating myself but I'm telling you it's the way to go and, although expensive, entirely worth every penny. He provides you with study packets and practice tests that have everything you'll need to learn that is SPECIFIC TO THE PCATS. He must have some kinda deal but there were some questions on the practice tests that came up on the PCAT word for word. Exact same question with the exact same answer. Also he focuses on the concepts. Let's be real, there's tons of stuff you've learned over the past few years and you're expected to understand the core concepts. He approaches this endeavor with outstanding organization which brings me to my next tip.
2. Gameplan - Don't just free ball. I devoted certain days to certain subjects. Made sure I understood everything, took a few tests after every study session and then allowed myself some review days as well because you can easily forget some stuff. USE YOUR TIME EFFICIENTLY.
3. Turn the study packets into notecards - Helped me tremendously and use a highlighter! Great way to stay organized too. Damn did my hand hurt after burning through 3 packs of notecards but I don't regret it. It's a great way to process the material.
4. Khan academy - There were some things that I couldn't fully wrap my head around and Khan academy helped me get over that hump. Anything I learned I would add to the notecards.
5. Hone your test taking skills - It's true. There are some people the downright suck at test taking but that's because they have poor strategies. Dr. Collins provides you with tons of tests that are designed just like the PCAT. If there's a question you're stuck on, flag it and move to the next one. Sometimes allowing your brain to subconsciously process the material is better. It's multiple choice and each section is timed.
6. Sleep - This is gonna be specific but bare with me. Didn't allow myself to study past 9pm every night (ties into the next tip). I would fall asleep around 11-ish and wake up at 7am every day for the duration of my study period. Didn't start studying till around 11am and then grinded the whole day. Getting your sleep is so important, we all know this.
7. Find an outlet for stress - At the end of the day this is the most important one. If you're not good with stress then you need to find an outlet because it can be a game changer. Grinding out notecards and studying all day can be taxing on the brain. Find some activities that you can do quickly that take your head somewhere else. I would go to the gym or play xbox for a little. But don't get carried away with it. Find the happy medium.
1. Dr. Collins - I know I'm repeating myself but I'm telling you it's the way to go and, although expensive, entirely worth every penny. He provides you with study packets and practice tests that have everything you'll need to learn that is SPECIFIC TO THE PCATS. He must have some kinda deal but there were some questions on the practice tests that came up on the PCAT word for word. Exact same question with the exact same answer. Also he focuses on the concepts. Let's be real, there's tons of stuff you've learned over the past few years and you're expected to understand the core concepts. He approaches this endeavor with outstanding organization which brings me to my next tip.
2. Gameplan - Don't just free ball. I devoted certain days to certain subjects. Made sure I understood everything, took a few tests after every study session and then allowed myself some review days as well because you can easily forget some stuff. USE YOUR TIME EFFICIENTLY.
3. Turn the study packets into notecards - Helped me tremendously and use a highlighter! Great way to stay organized too. Damn did my hand hurt after burning through 3 packs of notecards but I don't regret it. It's a great way to process the material.
4. Khan academy - There were some things that I couldn't fully wrap my head around and Khan academy helped me get over that hump. Anything I learned I would add to the notecards.
5. Hone your test taking skills - It's true. There are some people the downright suck at test taking but that's because they have poor strategies. Dr. Collins provides you with tons of tests that are designed just like the PCAT. If there's a question you're stuck on, flag it and move to the next one. Sometimes allowing your brain to subconsciously process the material is better. It's multiple choice and each section is timed.
6. Sleep - This is gonna be specific but bare with me. Didn't allow myself to study past 9pm every night (ties into the next tip). I would fall asleep around 11-ish and wake up at 7am every day for the duration of my study period. Didn't start studying till around 11am and then grinded the whole day. Getting your sleep is so important, we all know this.
7. Find an outlet for stress - At the end of the day this is the most important one. If you're not good with stress then you need to find an outlet because it can be a game changer. Grinding out notecards and studying all day can be taxing on the brain. Find some activities that you can do quickly that take your head somewhere else. I would go to the gym or play xbox for a little. But don't get carried away with it. Find the happy medium.
