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What factors contributed to your decision to take the exam when you took it?
The summer between 3rd and 4th year is when most applicants plant o take their PCAT exams (some will take the September exam). I took the July PCAT because it was during the summer and I was able to devote all my time to studying without the demands of school. I also thought I had completed enough pre-requisites to take the exam. Completion of Anatomy & Physiology helped as well as basic Chemistry, Biology, and Organic Chemistry. I had not taken Genetics or Microbiology yet, which are on the exam, so I ended up learning this material for the exam by studying with my Kaplan book. This is doable since the Genetics and Microbiology content is limited; but I made sure to build in extra study time to accommodate for the material.
How long did you prepare for the exam?
I prepped for 2 months, but I know a lot of people who studied for about a month and still did well. I went overboard because I was nervous and studied about 6 hours per day, Monday - Friday. I took notes and flashcards (flashcards are my best friend). I also used YouTube videos as guidance on certain topics I was still unsure about even after reading the Kaplan book.
What methods of preparation did you use for the exam?
I bought a Kaplan book that had a lot of in depth information, particularly for the Biology and Chemistry section (I also heard using Dr. Collins, was a great resource in preparation for the PCATs. Dr. Collins is composed of study packets for practice questions that are the most similar in difficulty and style to the PCAT). I read through 2 chapters of the Kaplan book a day and took notes. With this method, I finished the book in about 2 and a half weeks. I then found where my weaknesses were and searched YouTube and Khan Academy videos about the specific topic I was unsure on. I also made extensive flash cards that actually became on of my primary sources of studying. Additionally, once a week about a month prior to my exam, I took a full length practice exam every Saturday at the same time of my official test date time so I would get the fell of the time of day in preparation for the actual test day.
How did you balance the demands of preparing for the exam with your additional obligations and challenges?
I was lucky enough to use the last month of my studying solely for prepping for the exam. I was working the first month but I was really able to focus on just studying. That is why I recommend preparing for the exam during the summer when you don't have to worry about school and other extracurricular obligations.
Describe how you felt the day of the exam.
I honestly felt so nervous. I used to have high test anxiety in high school and i felt it come back the night before. I made sure I had enough sleep and did low studying and reviewing with my trusty flashcards. I ate a good healthy breakfast and drank lots of water. I took some herbs and tea to help calm me, but I'm not sure if they actually work. I was super nervous but I got a lot of encouraging text messages from my friends and family and that helped me really push through up to and throughout the exam. Don't feel too nervous! I think if you understand the things you are studying in the books, there is nothing much to worry about. Just make sure you rest well and eat a good breakfast and remember it is not the end of the world! Remind yourself you did the best you could and it's time to show the PCAT just how much you prepped yourself!
Describe how you felt after taking the exam.
You actually get your exam score as you are walking out of the room and the test center. I remember feeling relieved it was finally over (~4 hour exam!) and reminding myself it wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't do well. The exam proctor handed me the result folded and I went down the elevator with shaking hands. I ended up opening the results in the elevator and felt the weight lifting off my shoulders.
What advice do you have for students preparing to take the exam?
Give yourself time and a place to study. I studied in a quiet zone in the library in the same seat almost every single day. Get up every hour and stretch! I also took practice exams in the same kind of environment and the same time I would actually take at the test center. I think that really helped my brain work at that time of day (took my exam mid-afternoon which I was not normally used to). Get into the habit of timing yourself. If you're planning to study every day, give yourself one day of the week where you don't study at all and you rest and enjoy life!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
If you don't do well on your PCAT the first time, don't worry! You can always retake it and now you'll understand what kind of questions the test-makers will give you. Pace yourself in your studies and don't forget to live a little during that studying process. It'll be worth it in the end. Also - one thing I didn't know is that there is a PCAT Study Group on Facebook where people can ask each other questions about specific questions and answer them. This is extra material you can use and gain from!
