Topics Covered by PCAT?

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ChEStud

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I'm a ChemE Major and I've taken
-Calculus 3
-Gen Chem 1 & 2 + Lab
-Bio 1

Next Fall Ill be taking OChem 1 and OChem 2 in the Spring. Does anyone know what topics (specific courses) that the PCAT covers up to? I want to start studying for the PCAT this summer hopefully

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Typically the test will cover Bio I & II, Chem I & II, O-Chem I, Calculus I (including lower maths) and general verbal ability.

The bio section is peppered with minor anatomy questions, but you should be able to study for those via one of the many books made for the PCAT.
 
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in regards to the plant bio stuff, this is one aspect of the biology section that most people tend to overlook and i took the PCAT in october and there was 2-4 questions on this. Also the cellular stuff is pretty basic (high school basic) however i would make sure you know the physiology/anatomy stuff in and out especially hormones (where it is secreted from, function and where it acts and whether it has agonist or antagonist effect with other hormones) also renal function was another big part.
The chemistry/Math section was one of those sections that everyone can do but what makes the difference is how fast you can finish this in. These are those sections that are notorious among for PCAT test takers for rushing or not having enough time to finish. So time yourself on this one and remember no calculators or periodic table!
For verbal section I would read scientific american and look up words you dont know and know the word prefixes and suffixes and english words with greek or latin roots. In addition use practice tests to test yourself and know the common words they usually ask. I did pretty well on this section with this approach.
The writing section: The best way to prepare for this section is do some research on common health or political issues like rise in obesity rates among teens (why it has developed and what are ways you can help to lower rates).
Also on the day before of the PCAT make sure you dont stress yourself and get plenty of sleep and dont over-caffeinated your brain. if you have any specific question PM me or reply to this post. Good Luck !!😍
 
in regards to the plant bio stuff, this is one aspect of the biology section that most people tend to overlook and i took the PCAT in october and there was 2-4 questions on this. Also the cellular stuff is pretty basic (high school basic) however i would make sure you know the physiology/anatomy stuff in and out especially hormones (where it is secreted from, function and where it acts and whether it has agonist or antagonist effect with other hormones) also renal function was another big part.
The chemistry/Math section was one of those sections that everyone can do but what makes the difference is how fast you can finish this in. These are those sections that are notorious among for PCAT test takers for rushing or not having enough time to finish. So time yourself on this one and remember no calculators or periodic table!
For verbal section I would read scientific american and look up words you dont know and know the word prefixes and suffixes and english words with greek or latin roots. In addition use practice tests to test yourself and know the common words they usually ask. I did pretty well on this section with this approach.
The writing section: The best way to prepare for this section is do some research on common health or political issues like rise in obesity rates among teens (why it has developed and what are ways you can help to lower rates).
Also on the day before of the PCAT make sure you dont stress yourself and get plenty of sleep and dont over-caffeinated your brain. if you have any specific question PM me or reply to this post. Good Luck !!😍

Wow, that's pretty surprising to see that plant biology was incorporated into the test but thanks for the heads up because I definitely would've overlooked it. Did you use a review book such as Kaplan or study your old class notes? After reading what you wrote about anatomy and physiology, now I'm worried if the review book will be enough? 😕
 
The chemistry/Math section was one of those sections that everyone can do but what makes the difference is how fast you can finish this in. These are those sections that are notorious among for PCAT test takers for rushing or not having enough time to finish. So time yourself on this one and remember no calculators or periodic table!
For verbal section I would read scientific american and look up words you dont know and know the word prefixes and suffixes and english words with greek or latin roots. In addition use practice tests to test yourself and know the common words they usually ask. I did pretty well on this section with this approach.
!
What kind of stuff could they expect you to know besides fact questions and some stoichiometry for chem without a periodic table, are you expected to memorize the groups that the elements are in?
and for the no calc. part do they make you work with a lot of decimals and things like that or would it be mostly whole numbers?
also would one be expected to memorize certain constants or conversion factors or is that given ?
 
I've taken Bio I and II, Chem I, & currently Chem II. I plan on taking O Chem I this summer and then Calculus next Fall.

BUT...

I plan on taking the PCAT in October. Is that a good idea?
 
The calculus isn't that hard on the PCAT. Make sure you've learned integrals and derivatives before taking the test. Have you already taken Stats? You're setting yourself up well for the test by taking it after O-Chem. Just make sure you keep the material fresh in your mind, otherwise you'll be scrambling to cover a lot of ground in October!
 
Yes, I am currently taking stats right now. Also, I hear there are some A&P questions on the PCAT as well? Are they hard? Because I'm not taking A&P I until next Fall along with Calc I.
 
Hi..How are you? I would like to ask you few questions.you bought the Scientific American or read online? Also you said there are words' root. Where can I find in that website because I didn't find it
 
Look up pcatacademy on youtube.com they have a few videos, but one of them is on root words, prefixes, and suffixes.

Good luck!
 
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