SO YOU WANT TO BE A PHARMACIST?FIRST STEP ? PASS THE PCAT
Now that you?ve graduated college, you?ve decided to take the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) and become a pharmacist. What do you need to do to prepare? Where do you take the PCAT? Can the PCAT be taken online? All are questions that need to be answered before taking the next step. And while you are waiting for your test date, remember, PRACTICE!
But first, let?s take a better look at what you?re getting yourself into.
WHAT IS THE PCAT?
The PCAT, like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and the DAT (Dental Admission Test), is a standardized test that prospective pharmacists are required to take before entering pharmacy college. The PCAT is given just three times a year at various colleges across the United States. The test includes five different categories including Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, Biology, Chemistry and Reading Comprehension. Before going any further, let?s take a look at the different types of PCAT questions you will likely be hit with during the test:

Verbal Ability ? This section measures the prospective pharmacist?s general, non-scientific word knowledge. It tests these things using analogies and antonyms (opposites). Time for this section: 35 minutes to answer 58 questions.

Quantitative Ability ? This is a fancy way of saying the student will be tested on math, including: fractions, percentages, decimals, algebra, pre-calculus, geometry and probability and statistics. Time for this section: 50 minutes to answer 58 questions.

PCAT Biology ? The student will be tested on general biology concepts including: general biology, microbiology and anatomy and physiology. Time for this section: 35 minutes to answer 58 questions.

PCAT Chemistry ? the PCAT organic chemistry section tests the student on both general chemistry and organic chemistry. Time for this section: 35 minutes to answer 58 questions.

Reading Comprehension ? Measures the student?s ability to interpret and understand relevant reading passages and scientific concepts. Time for this section: 50 minutes to answer 45 questions.

There is also a short writing topic (the ever-popular essay question). The prospective pharmacist is given 30 minutes to complete this section.
STUDYING FOR THE PCAT
There are numerous ways to study for the PCAT. Available online, the future pharmacist can find online PCAT reviews, PCAT tests, and PCAT sample questions. Most of these tests are free or can be accessed for a small fee. The student can take the PCAT review tests as many times as needed without being penalized in any way.
One of the best ways to prepare for the PCAT is to go to www.audiolearn.net. There you?ll find products specifically designed to help you get ready to score high on the test. From a comprehensive prep course to products that will offer you the right lexicon for the test, each item is designed around the concept that students learn better by hearing things than any other method.
PCAT REGISTRATION AND SCORING
Future pharmacists can register for the PCAT online or by mail (though the PCAT can not be taken online). To register online, go to www.pcatweb.info. The benefit to registering online is a lesser cost: $105 versus $140 if the application is mailed.
There is no required minimum PCAT score, so the pass/fail concept is moot (But the higher the score the better). Competition at pharmacy colleges is fierce. So study.