Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
The PCAT is optional for most PharmD applicants. There is no minimum PCAT score required to be admitted, but applicants are encouraged to review admissions statistics from previous classes.
PCAT Optional
PCAT scores are optional for most* applications to the University of Minnesota PharmD program. Here are more details for specific situations:
- If you haven't yet taken the PCAT, you may choose whether or not to do so.
- We strongly recommend taking the PCAT if your:
- Overall GPA is below 3.0
- Science prerequisite grades are consistently below a B-
- Science prerequisites were taken 5+ years ago
- Grades have trended down over time
- Note that an approved standardized test is typically required to apply to any of our dual degree programs, so applicants considering a dual degree are advised to take the PCAT.
- We strongly recommend seeking our guidance before deciding whether or not to take the PCAT: Email us or set up an individual appointment.
- *If you take or have already taken the PCAT, your official score is required as part of your application and should be reported directly to PharmCAS at code 104.
Reporting Your PCAT Score to PharmCAS
- PCAT test dates are offered in July, September, October, January, February, and March
- The latest PCAT exam option to meet our Priority Deadline is during the July testing window
- The latest PCAT exam option for our Final Deadline is during the February testing window
- It's best to register for the PCAT at least two months before your test date
- PCAT scores expire after 5 years
- Official PCAT scores must be sent to PharmCAS at code 104 (when registering for the PCAT, select PharmCAS as the score recipient). Scores may not be sent directly to our school.
- Scores reported in prior years can be pulled forward to the next application cycle; applicants must apply through PharmCAS as a reapplicant and choose to pull test scores forward rather than starting a new application.
PCAT Test Blueprint
| PCAT Subtests | Number and Approximate % of Item Types |
| 1. Writing (30 Minutes) | 1 prompt |
| 2. Biological Processes (45 Minutes) | 48 Items |
| General Biology | 50% |
| Microbiology | 20% |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | 30% |
| 3. Chemical Processes (45 Minutes) | 48 Items |
| General Chemistry | 50% |
| Organic Chemistry | 30% |
| Basic Biochemistry Processes | 20% |
| 4. Critical Reading (50 minutes) | 48 Items |
| Comprehension | 30% |
| Analysis | 40% |
| Evaluation | 30% |
| 5. Quantitative Reasoning (50 minutes) | 48 Items |
| Basic Math | 25% |
| Algebra | 25% |
| Probability & Statistics | 18% |
| Precalculus | 18% |
| Calculus | 14% |
| Total Test (220 minutes): 192 multiple-choice items, 1 writing promt |
Note: Each multiple-choice subtest consists of 40 operational items and 8 experimental items
PCAT Info
Our selection criteria include academic qualifications, experiences, skills and attributes. The PCAT is considered within academic qualifications.
Resources
It’s common for students to study at least a few months before they take the PCAT. Aside from using a PCAT study book, you can also take a PCAT prep course. Kaplan offers online PCAT prep courses year-round and free practice tests. Current pharmacy students also strongly recommend taking the Pearson online practice tests as good preparation for the PCAT.