Applying to Pharmacy School: PharmCAS 2018 is OPEN!

As of July 18th the PharmCAS 2018 is officially open!

The time has arrived. So you’ve been working to keep up that GPA, right? Got gleaming PCAT scores? How about all that extra stuff like volunteer work, research projects, and extracurriculars? Well now it’s time to lay it all on the line! The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) have just dropped the Pharmacy College Application Service for those of you planning on entering the fall 2018 semester. This means the PharmCAS 2018 ready to be conquered!

 

Before You Apply

Completely & Carefully: Read the Instructions! The PharmCAS folks provide a detailed breakdown of each and every section of the application. It holds the answer to nearly all the questions you might have. Now isn’t the time for cutting corners so read it fully!

When you’re ready to start your application proceed here.

 

$ Cost $

Completing the PharmCAS costs $175 and includes sending it to one school. Each school beyond that is an additional $55. So to look at the math it’ll look like…

Remember, specific schools include secondary applications meaning secondary application fees.

Plus considering possible expenses for traveling to different schools for visits and interviews, the whole application process can really add up so you’ll want to really do your research to narrow down the programs you want to apply to!

 

Important Dates

Here is a calendar of important upcoming dates to keep on top of!

Below are the pharmacy school with the earliest regular deadline date…

FYI If your interested, the Early Decision Deadline = September 5, 2017!!! Learn more here.

 

PSA: the PharmCAS has provided a handy Application Checklist to help keep you on track!

With all the expense and stress of applying to pharmacy school, save yourself some trouble and check out PCAT Cracker for you PCAT prep and stay tuned to the blog for more topics on the application process like Getting Letters and Recommendation! That’s all for now!

Happy Applying 🙂

PCAT 2017: Chemical Processes Section

This is part 2 of our series breaking down the 2017 Pharmacy Admission Test.

Note: This is an updated version of a series we’ve done before on the blog

 

Before we dive in just a quick reminder that the registration and schedule deadline for the September 7th-8th PCAT 2017 test dates is July 10th! If you were planning on that testing window… get on it like yesterday! Also registration for the October and November test dates open on September 5th. More info on important dates here.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program!

 

The third section of the PCAT 2017 you’ll face is… Chemical Processes! 

It’s scheduled right before the official test break meaning you might be feeling a little drained by this point but with the right preparation you will be able to power through! FYI questions presented will be both freestanding and passage-based.

 

The Chemistry Processes section consists of 48 questions

and you will have 40 minutes.

 

Below are detailed outlines of each the objectives tested in the chemistry section:

General Chemistry, 50% of questions

PCAT Gen Chem

 

Organic Chemistry, 30% of questions

PCAT Org Chem

 

Basic Biochemistry Processes, 20% of questions

PCAT Biochem

 

Again, with the freestanding questions the knowledge tested may be more straightforward but the passage-based questions require reading comprehension before you even get the Critical Reading section of the PCAT 2017! With the passages you have to be able to (quickly) break down the information presented and be able to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate the text.

 

Here’s a sample of a freestanding question on Biochemistry Processes of Proteins:

Remember with PCAT Cracker you can take full practice test plus even focus on the sections and objectives you need to hone in on to ace the exam!

 

Happy Practicing! 🙂

PCAT 2017: Biological Processes Section

This is part 1 of our series breaking down the 2017 Pharmacy Admission Test.

Note: This is an updated version of a series we’ve done before on the blog

 

On the agenda today the Biology section, which is the second section you run into come test day.

You will have 40minutes to answer 48items,

including both freestanding and passage-based questions.

 

Here is a detailed outline of each the objectives their subcategories tested in the biology section of the PCAT:

General Biology, 50% of questions

PCAT Bio_Gen Bio

Microbiology, 20% of questions

PCAT Bio_Micro

Human Anatomy & Physiology, 30% of questions

PCAT Bio_Human Anatomy

 

With the freestanding questions the knowledge tested can be straightforward but the passage-based questions require reading comprehension before you even get the Reading Comprehension section of the PCAT 2017.

But then with the passages you have to be able to (quickly) break down the information presented and be able to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate the passage. The way to prepare for this is with practice. YES, basically like with all things PCAT Prep… PRACTICE is key!

 

Check out this sample freestanding question below (spoiler alert: * = the answer)…

PCAT Bio Stand Alone Sample

Remember with PCAT Cracker you can take full practice test plus even focus on the sections and objectives you need to hone in on to ace the exam!

 

Happy Practicing!

PCAT 2017: Introduction Guide to the Pharmacy College Admission Test!

This is Part 1 of a series of breakdown posts that will outline the PCAT 2017!

We’ve actually done a series like this before but the test has gone through some changes and here at PCAT Cracker we like to keep you updated to make sure test day is the best day! First of all we’ll focus on the specifics of the PCAT itself and then in upcoming posts we will discuss each of the sections in detail individually.

The Pharmacy College Admission Test is designed by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) to assess your readiness for pharm school and is the official admission exam for U.S. (& Canada) pharmacy programs in the application process as a factor in their decision.

The PCAT 2017 is a monstrous marathon of an exam with a wide scope of testing topics and clocking in at nearly 4 hours!

 

The PCAT Registration Two Step:

Registering for the PCAT

While registration is not currently open for the majority of 2017 (exception with the few January dates that it’s too late fore) let’s talk about what you need to know…

Keep in mind when registering you need to know the schools you want your scores to be sent to, therefore figure it out beforehand. Step one: go to the PCAT website and create an account here; that’s your PCAT CID. With that log in you’re in the system and can do stuff like send official score transcripts, etc. Only after you a receive registration confirmation email saying that your payment was received can you then schedule to take the test…

 

Scheduling a test date

Got that registration confirmation email? Now schedule ASAP! The PCAT is a computer-based test conducted at Pearson VUE Test Centers and dates and test centers can fill up fast. If this is your first time taking the PCAT you’ll need to create a log in with Pearson VUE and keep your PCAT CID (your PCAT registration log in) handy, you’ll need it. If you have a log in with Pearson VUE already, sign in and schedule away!

 

$ Cost of Taking the PCAT $

When you register to take the PCAT the fee is $210 and this includes sending official scores to up to three schools. If you want to send scores to any more schools it’s $20 each. If you haven’t realized it yet, deadlines are a big deal and the late registration fee is an additional $49.

 

What’s on the PCAT?

What will test day look like? Here’s the breakdown:

Screen Shot 2016-04-25 at 11.21.20 PM

FYI: there is a scheduled 15-minute break after section three Chemical Processes and that is the only scheduled rest break! If you really need an additional break the timer on your test will not stop therefore try your best not! With proper practice practice practice and a goodnight’s sleep you can handle no extra breaks in your PCAT 2017 test day no problem.

 

PCAT Scores

You will receive an unofficial score as soon as you finish the test and official scores are available within 5 weeks of your testing window. Your Official Score Report will be available online for one year from the date of your test administration and Official Transcripts will be sent to the institutions you designated to receive your scores. PCAT scores are on a scale so there’s no passing or failing per se.

Your official score reports will contain a Scaled Scored and Percentile Rank side by side. Check out a sample score report here. Keep in mind that certain pharm programs have a desired PCAT score therefore it’s important to aim high always!

 

What’s Next?

As previously mentioned you can’t register the PCAT 2017 quite yet so for now focus on studying and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! While we work on the updated section breakdowns you can check out the PCAT Breakdown: Writing Section! post because that section has not drastically changed.

Also check out some other pertinent PCAT Cracker blog topics; for instance…

PCAT Study Tips

PCAT Test Day Tips

 

We will keep you updated and in the loop with any other future PCAT 2017 changes. That’s all for now! Remember we’ll have new and improved PCAT Section Breakdowns rolling in soon and until then stick with PCAT Cracker to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!

Applying to Pharmacy School: PharmCAS 2017 is Now OPEN!

As of mid July the 2016 – 2017 cycle of the PharmCAS is officially open!

In case you’ve somehow missed it: The Pharmacy College Application Service

aka the PharmCAS ready to be conquered!

 The Pharmacy Centralized Application Service (PharmCAS) is the general web-based application used to submit applications to one or multiple pharmacy programs is the U.S.

Keep in mind decision on admission comes completely from the schools and programs you are applying to and not from PharmCAS; they are only a service you submit your applications and transcripts through.

 

pharmcas-logo

 

Completing your PharmCAS application is a big deal and not a task to be taken lightly!

So let’s go over a few keys things to get you started on the road to being accepted to pharmacy school!

 

Before You Apply

Read the instructions! FULLY & CAREFULLY.  The PharmCAS website stressing this a lot and it’s important to know exactly what your getting into anyway so read it all!

Then you’ll create an account to get started on your application here.

Note: The PharmCAS suggests not to use a Hotmail email address. (Who still uses Hotmail? Just don’t.)

 

$ Cost $

Completing the PharmCAS costs $150 and includes sending it to one school. Each school beyond that is an additional $55. So to look at the math it’ll look like this…

Screen Shot 2016-08-23 at 3.49.15 PM

Remember, specific schools may include secondary applications resulting in secondary application fees.

Plus considering possible expenses for traveling to different schools for visits and interviews, the whole application process can really add up so you’ll want to really do your research to narrow down the programs you want to apply to!

 

Deadlines

Here are some important dates to keep in mind and below are the schools’ with deadlines in 2016 to prioritize on you list of possible pharm programs…

Screen Shot 2016-08-23 at 3.50.33 PM

FYI Early Decision Deadline = September 6, 2016!!! 

 

PSA: the PharmCAS has provided a handy Application Checklist to help keep you on track!

With all the expense and stress of applying to pharmacy school, save yourself some trouble and check out PCAT Cracker for you PCAT prep and stay tuned to the blog for more topics on the application process like Getting Letters and Recommendation! That’s all for now!

 

Happy Applying

PCAT 2016-2017 Testing Dates Now Open!

If you are planning on taking the Pharmacy College Admission Test within the year…

NEWS FLASH! Registration for the 2016 – 2017 PCAT Test Dates is OPEN!

 

Below are the important deadlines for the July and September testing dates.

Remember that seats are first come first serve so it’s best to act quickly and avoid the late fees!

Screen Shot 2016-04-26 at 12.02.24 AM

Note: Registration for the January 4-5th test window is also open but the deadline for it isn’t until Nov 4th. Registration for the October/November testing window opens Sept 9th.

 

The PCAT Registration Two Step:

Registering for the PCAT

Keep in mind when registering you need to know the schools you want your scores to be sent to, so figure it out beforehand. Step one: go to the PCAT website and create an account here; that’s your PCAT CID. With that log in you’re in the system and can do stuff like send official score transcripts, etc. Only after you a receive registration confirmation email saying that your payment was received can you then schedule to take the test…

 

Scheduling a test date

Got that registration confirmation email? Now schedule ASAP! The PCAT is a computer-based test conducted at Pearson VUE Test Centers and dates and test centers can fill up fast. If this is your first time taking the PCAT you’ll need to create a log in with Pearson VUE and keep your PCAT CID (your PCAT registration log in) handy, you’ll need it. If you have a log in with Pearson VUE already, sign in and schedule away!

 

$ Cost of Taking the PCAT $

When you register to take the PCAT the fee is $210 and this includes sending official scores to up to three schools. If you want to send scores to any more schools it’s $20 each. If you haven’t realized it yet, deadlines are a big deal and the late registration fee is an additional $49.

 

What’s on the PCAT?

Below is the NEW PCAT Blueprint laying out test day:

Screen Shot 2016-04-25 at 11.21.20 PM
Last year on the blog we did a PCAT Breakdown Series and since then the test has changed. While I work on updating each section breakdown you can refer older ones as a loose guidance to the new ones…

PCAT Breakdown: Writing Section!

PCAT Breakdown: Biology Section!

PCAT Breakdown: Chemistry Section!

PCAT Breakdown: Reading Comprehension Section!

PCAT Breakdown: Quantitative Ability Section!

 

What Next?

Here are other helpful past blog posts on tackling the PCAT:

PCAT Study Tips

PCAT Test Day Tips

 

That’s all for now! Remember we’ll have new and improved PCAT Section Breakdowns rolling in soon and until then stick with PCAT Cracker to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!

 

Benefits of Joining a Pre-Pharmacy Organization

Imagine that crowded and bustling organization fair at the beginning of each semester. There is likely a wide range of different pre-health professional organizations or even specifically a pre-pharmacy club table vying for your time and membership. There’s really a lot out there so how do you choose?

Or perhaps…

You may have strolled through that fair and thought something along the lines of…

“Hey I know all about applying for pharmacy school and I got a pretty good handle on the PCAT so I don’t need those meetings and membership fees, right?!”

…but let’s take a closer look, shall we?

 

logo-1goe611

 

Gaining Relevant Experience

Simply putting down on your resume that you were a part of some pre-pharmacy society isn’t much help but there are plenty of ways to get involved in events and programs put on by the organization. Pre-pharm clubs offer a wide range of opportunities to be proactive in bettering yourself through things such as mentoring programs or gaining experience volunteering in the pharmacy world.

Make the most of your time and membership fees frankly and get involved!

 

Leadership Opportunities

Within the ranks of the organization you can lead peers and drive the organization to success.

Taking on a leadership role can be challenging but you gain the very valuable skills for a future in pharmacy like communication, negotiating, and problem solving just name a few. Besides leadership positions always look great on a resume. Taking the lead and the subsequent skills gained are extremely beneficial for a future pharm professional.

 

Access to Resources

These organizations have resources you may not even be aware exist and in order to take advantage of them you have to be in the know!

One of the perks of a pre-pharmacy organization is that school representatives from the different pharmacy programs will schedule more visits should they anticipate an audience of pre-pharm students. That means clubs will host these representatives to come and talk to the group and answer any specific questions or even host a whole panel of representatives to speak!

 

Figure Out Exactly What You’re Doing

Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacoepidemiology, and Pharmacoeconomics, OH MY!

So what exactly are all the specializations and what is it exactly you want to do? Student orgs may bring in a wide range of people in the pharmacy profession to talk on what they do and offer advice and help you discover exactly what you’d like to do someday!

 

Misery Loves Company

You’ll meet other pre-pharm hopefuls to share the woes of preparing for pharmacy school. With everything from the PharmCAS, the PCAT, letters of recommendation, etc. making connections with fellow students that know exactly what you’re going through can be both comforting and helpful! You can even share your wisdom about how great PCAT Cracker is! 🙂

 

In review, pre-pharmacy clubs can offer many benefits helping members stay on the track with things like career panels and mentoring programs just to name a few!

So why would you want to join? The better question is why not?

 

PCAT Breakdown: Quantitative Ability!

This is finally the final part aka part 7 of our series breaking down the Pharmacy Admission Test. Check out the complete series for our lowdown on the PCAT!

 

For our last trick we’re breaking down the Quantitative Ability section,

which coincidentally is also the last section you will face come test day!

You will have 45 minutes to answer 45 questions.

 

Here’s an overview of the content objectives tested below:

Basic Math, 15%

Functions, Percentages, & Decimals

Unit Conversions

Log Base 10

 

Algebra, 20%

Expressions, Equations, & Inequalities (e.g. solving problems using linear equations &                                                         equalities, solving quadratic equations, solving equations with radicals, etc.)

Functions (e.g. determining the inverses of functions, using max & min points, etc.)

 

Statistics and Probability, 20%

Measures of Central Tendency

Variation

Graphical

Probability

Statistical Concepts

 

Pre-Calculus, 22%

Functions (e.g. graphing and identifying domains, ranges, and intercepts, logarithms, graphing                                          inverses of circular functions, etc.)

Complex Numbers

Vectors (e.g. adding vectors graphically and algebraically, perform scalar multiplications, etc.)

 

Calculus, 22%

Limits (e.g. finding limits of functions, infinite limits, etc.)

Continuity (e.g. interpret graphs of continuous and discontinuous functions)

Derivatives (e.g. finding derivatives by means of the sum & product, power rule, applying the                                   Mean Value Theorem, using implicit differentiation, etc.)

Integrals (e.g. finding antiderivatives and interpreting C, approximating areas bounded by                                                   curves, etc.)

Integration
 

Here’s a sample derivative question to give you an idea of what to expect…

Screen Shot 2015-10-30 at 10.24.08 PM

 

So there you have it Pre-Pharmers, our finally complete breakdown series on all things PCAT! Check out the blog for the rest of PCAT Cracker‘s section breakdowns and stay tuned for more things Pre-Pharm!

 

P.S. PRACTICE!

Applying to Pharmacy School: PharmCAS 2016 is Now Open!

As of mid July the 2015 – 2016 cycle of the PharmCAS is officially open!

The time has come to put all your hard work and preparation to “paper” (really to the online application)! The Pharmacy Centralized Application Service (PharmCAS) is the general web-based application used to submit applications to one or multiple pharmacy programs is the U.S. Keep in mind decision on admission comes completely from the schools and programs you are applying to and not from PharmCAS; they are only a service you submit your applications and transcripts through.

The application is open until April but you’ll need to start thinking about a lot sooner (like now!) and keep in mind specific pharm school deadlines.

 

pharmcas-logo

 

Completing your PharmCAS application is a big deal and not a task to be taken lightly!

So let’s go over a few keys things to get you started on the road to being accepted to pharmacy school!

 

Before You Apply

Read the Instructions! Fully and carefully. The PharmCAS website stressing this a lot and it’s important to know exactly what your getting into anyway so read it!

Then you’ll create an account to get started on your application here. Important note: the PharmCAS website strongly suggests not to use Hotmail as they have had problems with it in the past.

Also important though: Who’s still using Hotmail? Apparently enough people that they had to say something!! Anywho…

Check out this handy PharmCAS Checklist here to make sure you’re getting everything you need in and are on the right track along the way!

 

$ Cost $

Completing the PharmCAS costs $150 and includes sending it to one school. Each school beyond that is an additional $55. So to do some adding up that goes like this…

 

Screen Shot 2015-08-13 at 1.51.56 AM

 

Remember, specific schools may include secondary applications resulting in secondary application fees. Plus considering possible expenses for traveling to different schools for visits and interviews, the whole application process can really add up so you’ll want to really do your research to narrow down the programs you want to apply to!

 

Early Decision

The Early Decision deadline is September 8th and is coming up fast!

As the name entails this option gives applicants a chance to find out early/asap if they’ve been accepted to their first choice school. A couple things to keep in mind when considering applying for Early Decision…

– In addition to completing the PharmCAS application, all of your transcripts and documents must also be in by the September 8th deadline. If your transcripts or application fee arrive after September 8th, your application will be automatically changed over to regular decision.

– It is a ‘binding option’ meaning if you get accepted through this option you are obligated to accept. You get a special opportunity for Early Decision admission to one school and one only. So choose carefully because once you’re in, you’re in!

Interested in learning more? Find out if your dream school participates in the Early Decision programs and get the full lowdown here.

 

With all the expense and stress of applying to pharmacy school, save yourself some trouble and check out PCAT Cracker for you PCAT prep and stay tuned to the blog for more topics on the application process like Getting Letters and Recommendation! That’s all for now!

 

Happy Applying

PCAT Updates: Dates and Fees!

*** NOTE: This post with the 2015 testing dates is now outdated. For an updated version check out this… PCAT 2016 – 2017 Test Dates Now Open! ***

 
A long long time ago (last September) we began a series breaking down the PCAT and we’ve had some good times but since the start a few things have changed that we should cover now. In the original PCAT Breakdown: Introduction Guide to the Pharmacy Admission Test the dates and registration fees are now outdated.

So considering these adjustments, let’s dive in and cover changes for the remaining testing windows, shall we?

 

First off, here are the remaining testing windows and registration and cancellation deadlines for 2015. As you’ll notice, if you want to sign up for the July testing window the initial deadline has passed and you have until June 30th to register with a late fee.

 

New PCAT Upcoming Dates

 

Note that registration for the October 26-30 and November 2-6 testing dates opens September 18th! Remember that seats are first come first serve so it’s best to act quickly!

 

Registering for the PCAT

Keep in mind when registering you need to know the schools you want your scores to be sent to, so figure it out beforehand. Step one: go to the PCAT website and create an account here; that’s your PCAT CID. With that log in you’re in the system and can do stuff like send official score transcripts, etc. Only after you a receive registration confirmation email saying that your payment was received can you then schedule to take the test…

 

Scheduling a test date

Got that registration confirmation email? Now schedule ASAP! The PCAT is a computer-based test conducted at Pearson VUE Test Centers and dates and test centers can fill up fast. If this is your first time taking the PCAT you’ll need to create a log in with Pearson VUE and keep your PCAT CID (your PCAT registration log in) handy, you’ll need it. If you have a log in with Pearson VUE already, sign in and schedule away!

 

$ Cost of Taking the PCAT $

When you register to take the PCAT the updated new fee is $210 and this includes sending official scores to up to three schools. If you want to send scores to any more schools it’s $20 each. If you haven’t realized it yet, deadlines are a big deal and the late registration fee is an additional $49.

 

What’s on the PCAT?

Here is the rest of the PCAT Breakdown Series you can refer to for guidance on each section:
PCAT Breakdown: Verbal Ability Section!

PCAT Breakdown: Reading Comprehension Section!

PCAT Breakdown: Chemistry Section!

PCAT Breakdown: Writing Section!

PCAT Breakdown: Biology Section!

PCAT Breakdown: Quantitative Ability Section! COMING SOON.

 

That’s it! Changes in dates and an updated registration cost! The rest of the information from the original breakdown introduction guide can be referred to here. With test day just around the riverbend it’s crunch time so stick with PCAT Cracker to ace it!