PCAT – The Pharmacy College Admission Test Introduction The Pharmacy College Admission Test is a specialized test that helps to identify qualified applicants to Pharmacy College by measuring the general ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of education. Generally, pharmacy schools require the following courses as a prerequisite for taking the PCAT – General Chemistry with Lab, Organic Chemistry with Lab, General Biology with Lab, Mathematics, Physics, English Composition, and Electives in Humanity or Social Sciences. Test Structure The Test consists of 280 multiple choice questions and ONE writing topic. The total time to complete the test is Four and half hours which includes administrative time for instructions and time for a short break. There are no penalty or negative points for incorrect answers. Topics | Description | Duration (minutes) | Number of Questions | Verbal Ability
| Measures general, nonscientific word knowledge using antonyms and analogies. | Analogies | 60% | | Sentence Completion | 40% |
| 35 | 58 | Quantitative Ability
| Measures skills in arithmetic processes including fractions, decimals, percentages and the ability to reason through and understand the quantitative concepts and relationships including application of algebra. | Geometry | 20% | | Algebra | 20% | | Probability & Statistics | 10% | | Pre Calculus | 20% | | Calculus | 30% |
| 50 | 58 | Biology
| Measures knowledge of the principles and concepts of basic biology with major emphasis on human biology. | General Biology | 60% | | Microbiology | 20% | | Anatomy & Physiology | 20% |
| 35 | 58 | Chemistry
| Measures knowledge of principles and concepts of inorganic and elementary organic chemistry. | General Chemistry | 65% | | Organic Chemistry | 35% |
| 35 | 58 | Reading Comprehension
| Measures ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret reading passages on scientific topics. | Comprehension | 30% | | Analysis | 40% | | Evaluation | 30% |
| 50 | 45 | Writing | Measures the effective use of language conventions in a written essay. You may write either an argumentative or problem solving essay. | 30 | 1 Essay topic |
Test Dates & Fees PCAT is usually offered three times in a year. January, April and October.
You can apply online at http://www.pcatweb.info/ and pay a fee of $125 using any USA drawn bank's credit card. You can also send in a paper application. You must first call PSE Customer relations to request an application form. There is an additional fee of $35 for paper applications. The total fee for paper applications is $160 which can be paid ONLY BY MONEY ORDER. should reach the PSE no later than five weeks prior to the scheduled test date for the exam to the following address: Harcourt Assessment Inc.Pharmacy College Admission TestP O Box 7247-6717Philadelphia, PA 19170-6717(800) 622-3231
| PCAT Test Date | Special Registration Deadline: | Standard Registration Deadline: | Registration Cancellation Deadline: | Late Registration Deadline: | | | For paper Registration Form and request for Non-Saturday Administration, Special Accommodations, and/or Special Testing Location—the Friday, 10 weeks prior to the test date | For online registration only—the Friday, 6 weeks prior to the test date | 7 days (5 business days) prior to the Late Online Registration Deadline | For online registration only—the Friday, 2 weeks prior to the test date | Saturday,
August 25, 2007 | Friday,
June 15, 2007 | Friday,
July 13, 2007 | Friday,
August 03, 2007 | Friday,
August 10, 2007 | Saturday,
October 20, 2007 | Friday,
August 10, 2007 | Friday,
September 07, 2007 | Friday,
September 28, 2007 | Friday,
October 05, 2007 | Saturday,
January 19, 2008 | Friday,
November 09, 2007 | Friday,
December 07, 2007 | Friday,
December 28, 2007 | Friday,
January 04, 2008 |
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Scoring The PCAT is scored on a scale ranging from 100 to 300 with an average score falling within the range of 170-230. Scores will be sent to the colleges mentioned in the application and the applicant within four weeks after the test date. Additional score reports are available at $20 each. Careers in Pharmacy Pharmacists fulfill roles as practitioners, researchers, administrators, instructors and consultants to pharmaceutical companies, managed care organizations, government agencies and universities. There is a continued emphasis for primary care and preventive health that contribute for an increase in the demand for pharmacists. Pharmacist is one of the most highly trusted professions in the United States and the salary averages around $75,000 per year. Reference Books  | Barron’s PCAT: How to prepare for the Pharmacy College Admission Test: this book helps the applicant to prepare for the entrance test and also gives and overview of the admission requirements and pharmacy training process. |
| Opportunities in Pharmacy Careers by Fred B Gable: this book helps the applicant with procedures to become a pharmacist, the degrees required and the current career opportunities. |
| The Pharmacy Student Companion : Your Road Map to Pharmacy Education and Careers by Daniel H PhD, Linda R Harteker
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