When should I take the PCAT?

[luvu76]

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Hello Friends,

I recently decided to go for pharmacy school after completing my bachelors. Currently, I am a junior in the field of "health studies". After this semester, I would be down 91 credits out of 122. I have not yet taken majority of the pre-pharmacy classes with the exception of "chem1, phy1, mat-pre algebra, and other non-science classes. I still need to take around 36-40 science credit hours of classes. I am planning to take the pcat in the coming 2011 july session. What would you all advice me to do? should I take the pcats in july and complete my bachelors and pre-pharm courses by the end of 2011 and apply to pharmacy schools in 2012 fall? or should I take it easy and complete my bachelors and pre-phar courses in no hurry and apply to pharmacy school in fall 2013? I am also thinking about volunteering at a local pharmacy or hospital. Would you throw some light at the volunteering part as well? Any guidance/help would be highly appreciable 🙂

God bless you all

 

[usechopstix]

i see that you're missing gen bio, orgo chem, and gen chem 2. those three are super important for the PCAT and a good background in those will help. i say take your time with the classes and then take the PCAT, you might change your mind after you take the classes and decide to pursue another health career

 

[luvu76]

thanks for your response. I see your point. Really appreciate you taking time and replying to my post..

 

[carmel2r]

I would also use the time to do a variety of working/volunteering/internship in different areas of pharmacy or research. A pharmacist recommendation is usually required so that would also help in that area. I believe pharmacy schools like to see that you've experienced different areas of pharmacy as well. Work on your extracurricular activities as in clubs etc. Good luck!

 

[luvu76]

@ carmel-- i would start looking for internships and work on my extracurricular activities as well

 

[Shadii]

If you're already close to getting your bachelors, I would advise doing so. With a bachelors, you don't need a PCAT score as far as I know.

 

[R2pharmD2]

If you're already close to getting your bachelors, I would advise doing so. With a bachelors, you don't need a PCAT score as far as I know.

This is incorrect. If a school requires the PCAT, that doesn't change because you have a degree, at least not at any school I'm familiar with.

 

[luvu76]

@shaadi and R2--- R2 is correct on the pcat requirement. Btw, LECOM doesn't want pcat, if you have a bachelors, which is pretty cool!!