It would be very difficult for an individual interested in becoming a pharmacist to avoid standardized testing. Most likely, these exams will be encountered prior to the college application process, and if they are somehow avoided at that time, most pharmacy schools will require one to take the PCAT for admission. Preparing for these tests can be a daunting process, but by utilizing practice tests, finding study tips, and combating test anxiety, individuals can help ensure that they score as high as possible on the exams.
Practice tests can be an invaluable resource. They can give one a feel for the types of questions that will appear on the exams. In the case of a full practice exam, one can evaluate any needs for better time management, get used to the flow of the exam, and evaluate areas of additional study and review that may be necessary.
Every standardized test has different quirks, and understanding these differences can be the key to developing good test-taking skills. Test-taking tips can be as simple as directing the test taker to cross out known incorrect answers on a multiple-choice test so that an incorrect answer is not accidently chosen.
It is natural to have some anxiety related to standardized testing. It is important to remember that most standardized tests can be taken more than once and that schools will evaluate an applicant based on the highest score achieved. Appropriate review of the material should help ensure that one does one’s best on the exam.
Preparing for standardized tests typically will involve the utilization of practice tests, following test-taking tips, and handling test anxiety. Students should put in the time and effort necessary to achieve the highest score possible, as it may dictate the quality of the program they can attend.