PCAT or PHARMACY COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST ® (PCAT)
The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), an exam developed by PsychCorp, a brand of Harcourt Assessment, Inc. is a specialized test that helps identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges. It measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education. The PCAT is constructed specifically for colleges of pharmacy. The PCAT consists of approximately 280 multiple-choice questions and an essay, and candidates are given four and half hours to complete the exam. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) endorses the PCAT as the official preferred admissions test for entrance to pharmacy college.
PHARMACY COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TEST - PCAT UPDATED WITH NEW WRITING COMPONENT
The PCAT, first introduced in 1974, is the premier examination for people applying to pharmacy schools. Consisting of approximately 280 multiple-choice questions, plus the new writing component, the PCAT is a product of Harcourt Assessment and endorsed by AACP. The PCAT is used currently by 59 of the nation’s 89 pharmacy colleges. More than 98 percent of applicants register online to take the PCAT at pcatweb.info.
Examinees will have 30 minutes to write an argumentative essay in response to a statement that expresses an opinion, or to write a problem-solving essay in response to a statement that expresses a problem. Trained readers will evaluate each essay and assign a score ranging from one to five. To score a five, the writer must demonstrate command of the conventions of the English language; make very few, if any, mistakes in sentence formation, usage and mechanics; and show evidence of advanced or innovative techniques. To ensure the consistency of the scores, a supervisor will also read and score 10 percent of the essays.
How to prepare for PCAT?
1. PCAT review guides and cd roms at pharmacy exam.
2. Take Pre-PCAT offered by Harcourt Assessment
PCAT Blue Print: