What classes to take before taking the PCATs

[4u2nv1313]

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Hi,
I'm new to the forum, planning to do pharmacy but kinda clueless on what to do. A lot of friend tell me that they recommend students to take there Biology's, Chemistry's, Organic's, Physic's Cal's, etc before taking the MCAT's. How does it work for the PCATS, is it that same way?


Whats the best way to prepare for the PCATs (any good books out in the market, please give suggestion)?

 

[parabolic]

Biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry are musts. Microbiology and anatomy & physiology would be a plus. For math, take at least calculus I and have a good handle on all the math leading up to it (except geometry, which is no longer on the PCAT). Physics isn't needed for the PCAT, but if it's a prereq for the schools you're interested in, then you have to take it anyway so why not do it sooner than later.

As for preparing--- there are a ton of threads on this subforum rating the different prep books and courses. Click on a few and take what advice you will. Good luck!

 

[rowerpharm]

It's not a huge deal though as long as you get some sort of study material to cover the prereqs you have not taken. I took it in August without organic, anatomy, and microbiology and I got an 80. Not great, but decent considering all I had was Calc, Chem, and Bio. It does help to have prereqs though, even the little bit of organic and anatomy leading up to this October PCAT has helped me improve my score I think. But don't let a few missed prereqs prevent you from taking it, especially if you are good at learning from the PCAT study books.

 

[Knickerbocker]

I'm not criticizing you, but why do people pluralize exams like the SAT, PCAT, and MCAT?

 

[4u2nv1313]

Thanks everyone for all your advice.

I have already taken all my general chems, general bios, organics. And right now i'm taking anatomy, physiology, microbiology and calculus, but mostlikely going drop calculus because I hate math and not doing that well in it. Mayeb retake it later. Do pharmacy school get pissed if you have a lot of DR's on your transcript?!?

Do you guys think I should start preparing for the PCATS and take it next year or so, looking at that I took major of the classes needed for what going to be covered on the pcat.

Also one of my friends had told me that they made a NEW version of the PCAT's or going to be changing it soon? Is that tru or just a roamer.

 

[fenil2005]

bio,gen chem,precal must be taken before taking pcat

 

[4u2nv1313]

bio,gen chem,precal must be taken before taking pcat

Thanks. Looks like i'm in good shape.

 

[fenixtnlfan]

Thanks everyone for all your advice.

I have already taken all my general chems, general bios, organics. And right now i'm taking anatomy, physiology, microbiology and calculus, but mostlikely going drop calculus because I hate math and not doing that well in it. Mayeb retake it later. Do pharmacy school get pissed if you have a lot of DR's on your transcript?!?

Do you guys think I should start preparing for the PCATS and take it next year or so, looking at that I took major of the classes needed for what going to be covered on the pcat.

Also one of my friends had told me that they made a NEW version of the PCAT's or going to be changing it soon? Is that tru or just a roamer.

Really try not to drop a class. A few are okay, but don't do very many. Take the PCAT when you feel you are most prepared for it, but also keep in mind admission deadlines. If you aren't going to apply next year, taking o.chem and calc before taking the PCAT would probably raise your score.

So the PCAT was changed in June. I'm not sure on the exact changes but I think they involved adding calculus, more o.chem, and microbio. If you go to the Harcourt website I know it details it better. I haven't heard about them changing anything else in the near future.