When should I register for the PCAT?

[lstarr2002]

I was just on the PCAT website, about to register for the august test date...
when i realized that you need to provide the pcat people with the list of schools you want your score sent to.
This is a list which I have not yet completed (or am close to completing) so i need a bit of time to think...
But I'm not sure how soon the seats for the test fill up?
How far in advance before the test date do you guys recommend registering??

 

[fujitsux]

I was just on the PCAT website, about to register for the august test date...
when i realized that you need to provide the pcat people with the list of schools you want your score sent to.
This is a list which I have not yet completed (or am close to completing) so i need a bit of time to think...
But I'm not sure how soon the seats for the test fill up?
How far in advance before the test date do you guys recommend registering??

The seats don't ever fill up. Register anytime you wish, as long as it's within the giving dates.

 

[Maxalted]

Just don't forget to do it.

In August I thought I had plenty of time to sign up for the January PCATs, so I kept putting it off and putting it off. Luckily I just happened to check the website the last day before late registration and snuck in. The date will come faster than you think.

 

[gknee]

Actually, seats do fill up. I took the PCAT 3 times. the first two times PITT and DUQ's filled up and I had to go to WVU.

Also, I would take it in the beginning of summer so if you get a low score you can take it again in october.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

The seats definately fill up... I almost had to drive 5 hours to take the pcat because every area nearby was filled (in south FL). I was going to have to drive to central Florida which is far away. But I cancelled because I figured it was dumb to retake when I scored a 93 the first time and just didn't finish the math. I have all A's in math and a B+ in calc 2 so that can make up for a low sub section I guess. Just register now because you can add schools later even after they've scored the exam... If you apply through pharmcas you only need them sent to pharmcas anyway... The schools won't take them direct normally

 

[weetzie00]

I agree with the above posters. Summer is the best time so you can get your retakes in there if needed. And yes, they do fill up. I suppose it depends where you are of course. I took my first at UMD. My second time, that filled up so I had to go to John's Hopkins.

 

[lstarr2002]

The seats definately fill up... I almost had to drive 5 hours to take the pcat because every area nearby was filled (in south FL). I was going to have to drive to central Florida which is far away. But I cancelled because I figured it was dumb to retake when I scored a 93 the first time and just didn't finish the math. I have all A's in math and a B+ in calc 2 so that can make up for a low sub section I guess. Just register now because you can add schools later even after they've scored the exam... If you apply through pharmcas you only need them sent to pharmcas anyway... The schools won't take them direct normally

Thanks! I'm a first-time-applier so I'm new to this hole thing so i didn't know about you just needing to send your score to pharmcas! I'm going to go register right now~

 

[By3Times1Minus1]

Thanks! I'm a first-time-applier so I'm new to this hole thing so i didn't know about you just needing to send your score to pharmcas! I'm going to go register right now~

The seats will fill up, and you might have to go to an alternate location. Also, if you're unsure about the schools you want to send it to, pick 3 schools you know are definite choices (one can be PharmCAS). They send the first 3 reports for free as long as you put the schools in when you register. Anything after 3, you have to pay either $20 or $25 for each school, either now or later, so it doesn't hurt to just send the other reports after you take the PCAT. You can decide which schools you want them sent to for sure and won't be paying anything extra. Just check to make sure all the schools in your list are PharmCAS schools. If they are not, you will have to send the reports to those schools directly. Also, another thing to take into consideration if you are in any way a procrastinator, knowing a set date of when I was taking the exam made me crunch down and get serious about studying. Before having a definite date, I was a little more care-free about my study habits. Just make sure you will be ready by the date you select.