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.
Fall 2021 Admission - PCAT Optional
Due to the uncertainty surrounding PCAT testing availability and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, PCAT scores will be optional for most* Fall 2021 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 to take the PCAT, but it is not required for applications for Fall 2021 admission.
- Consider submitting a PCAT score (if you can safely do so) if:
- Overall GPA is below 3.0
- Grades in science prerequisites are a C or below
- Science prerequisites were taken 5+ years ago
- Grades have trended down over time
- Not sure what to do? #1 advice: Email us or set up an individual appointment to receive personalized guidance!
- *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 final PCAT exam window for Early Decision admission for Fall 2021 is July 9-10, 2020
- The final PCAT exam window for scholarship consideration for Fall 2021 is October 19-30, 2020
- The final PCAT exam window for Fall 2021 admission is February 1-5, 2021
*Note: applicants wishing to take the PCAT during the February 1-5, 2021 window should contact us at pharmacy@umn.edu for advance approval - 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, starting with the 2017-2018 cycle, 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 blank application. Applicants who had a score report sent to PharmCAS prior to the 2017-2018 cycle must order a new score report to be sent during the current application cycle.
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.