When is too early to begin preparing?

[ChemiE]

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I'm a freshman with 29 hours under my belt. I've gotten an A in Chem I, Calc I, and Physics I (calc based). Those are the only pre-reqs I've completed, aside from my AP credits in English, Psychology, and history.

Since I haven't taken a biology class since 10th grade, should I get a prep book to learn the bio I need to know (I plan on taking two bio classes sophomore year)? I suppose the best time for me to take the PCAT is a year from now and then again in July. I'm also curious as to what math and chemistry is needed.

I was thinking that by reviewing maybe an hour a week up until the month before the test that I could retain the information that I've been learning in my classes. Would this be better done with aid of a PCAT book or by just reviewing my notes?

I'm not a *fantastic* test taker. I didn't prep at all for the SATs and want to change that for the PCAT.



So, is getting a PCAT book now a horrendous idea? And does the test change much from year to year? Aka, would a 2008 book be beneficial?

 

[fullmetalphrm]

I'm a freshman with 29 hours under my belt. I've gotten an A in Chem I, Calc I, and Physics I (calc based). Those are the only pre-reqs I've completed, aside from my AP credits in English, Psychology, and history.

Since I haven't taken a biology class since 10th grade, should I get a prep book to learn the bio I need to know (I plan on taking two bio classes sophomore year)? I suppose the best time for me to take the PCAT is a year from now and then again in July. I'm also curious as to what math and chemistry is needed.

I was thinking that by reviewing maybe an hour a week up until the month before the test that I could retain the information that I've been learning in my classes. Would this be better done with aid of a PCAT book or by just reviewing my notes?

I'm not a *fantastic* test taker. I didn't prep at all for the SATs and want to change that for the PCAT.



So, is getting a PCAT book now a horrendous idea? And does the test change much from year to year? Aka, would a 2008 book be beneficial?

The biggest thing for me was using exam study guides to study for the PCAT that I had made. So now you should be thinking 'how am I going to dust this off in about a dozen months?' and should prepare as needed.

Almost all of chemistry, both gen and o chem are needed. Everything from basic calculations to nomenclature to reactions seems to be fair game, but if you pass your Chem classes and review your notes you should be in fine shape I would say. I recommend the Perason practice tests a month or so before the PCAT, they're quite handy and can help you diagnose last minute areas that you need to cram in.

I think general study books don't change much at all, if you can get a 2009/10 for cheap then go ahead. I used Kaplan/McGraw-Hill to study for bio, maybe buying books now could help you get an idea of what you're up against and start dusting off those cobwebs. Bio seems to be kind of a wildcard for me, but I did fine both times I took it and considering bio is not my best subject it's by no means an impossible feat to do ok in the section.

As for math... lots of basic algebra/probability/calc should get you ready. Kaplan seemed to have a decent section, don't neglect the really 'easy' types of math and get good at mental math. There's always a few really high level math problems it seems, and I'm not sure how to even begin prepping for them. I think if you've gotten an A in calc and just dust off older math subjects (precalc, etc) you should be good in it.

Good luck.

 

[mccarthyaw]

It is never too early to begin studying, even if it is just small reviews. You want to retain as much information you learn in your classes, and the best way to do that is to review it every now and then.

 

[AntonFreeman]

From my experience, you need to learn how to to manage timing. During the test, you are going to feel like you are short on time even if you were doing practice tests in 30-40 minutes. Try to finish each section 5 minutes faster so you wont feel rushed in real thing

 

[Elisaveth]

It is never too early to begin studying, even if it is just small reviews. You want to retain as much information you learn in your classes, and the best way to do that is to review it every now and then.

I agree with this 100%. I think some folks said it was too early for me to start, but I think being familiar with the test is really important, especially since you NEED some confidence to do well. And confidence is derived from familiarity.

 

[ChemiE]

Awesome. I actually just found out that my school offers a free 1-hour pass/fail prep class for the MCAT, DAT, and PCAT (it's one class for all three). I signed up for it and it should be a good structured review.

 

[R2pharmD2]

From my experience, you need to learn how to to manage timing. During the test, you are going to feel like you are short on time even if you were doing practice tests in 30-40 minutes. Try to finish each section 5 minutes faster so you wont feel rushed in real thing

This is huge. Doing timed practice tests helped me far more than anything else. Learn to pace yourself, particularly on the math section.