How to Get a Tutor for PCAT

The PCAT is the gateway for getting into pharmacy school. With so many students and so few placements open, it can be quite competitive. The PCAT can be nerve-racking for anyone. Finding a tutor to help you prepare may ease your nerves and give you confidence on test day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Know what sections to expect on the test. The PCAT is divided into five sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Biology, Chemistry and Reading. You will want to know this information because you will be asking the potential tutor questions such as if they are familiar with the sections on the PCAT or how they became familiar with the PCAT. The tutor should have tutoring experience, especially direct experience with students preparing for the PCAT.
2. Get a phone book or a directory online and search for "tutors" or "educational services." Call any professional tutoring businesses first. There are many tutoring centers out there and they can be very different. Ask about PCAT tutoring services and make sure the person doing the tutoring is very familiar with the PCAT.
3. Narrow down your search results by talking directly to potential tutors. Ask questions such as how long have they been helping students prepare for the PCAT, and if they are familiar with the sections. Other questions to ask might be how long the tutor sessions will last and how they became familiar with the PCAT.
4. Talk to students of your potential tutor. This information may be private, but you can ask to see if there is any way to contact them. If you have scheduled sessions at a location, you may pass someone in or out of a session with your potential tutor. Ask them about their tutor and if they are studying for the PCAT.
5. Decide which tutor you feel the most comfortable with. That person should have adequate knowledge of the PCAT and have a positive attitude. It's not smart to choose someone you don't feel comfortable with, because you'll end up learning very little. Now you're ready to prepare for your PCAT.