PCAT Essay: Spelling and Grammar

Unlike the MCAT WS, spelling and grammar *are* graded on the PCAT essay. So it is especially important for PCAT takers to ensure that their writing is as grammatical as possible. If this is an area of trouble for you, you should get a grammar book, and review your grammar rules, spelling, and punctuation. However, good punctuation, spelling and grammar alone are not sufficient to earn you a good score on the PCAT essay section.

Here is a breakdown of the PCAT essay scoring from the official PCAT website:

Explanations for the Essay Score Points

Score Point 5—Superior
The writer is in command of the conventions of language. The writer makes very few, if any, mistakes in sentence formation, usage, and mechanics. Some evidence is shown of advanced or innovative techniques.

Score Point 4—Effective
On the whole, the writer correctly applies the conventions of language, though there are some mistakes in sentence formation, usage, or mechanics. However, none of these errors are serious enough to interfere with the overall flow of the response or with its meaning.

Score Point 3—Adequate
The writer is fairly successful in applying the conventions of language. Several mistakes in sentence formation, usage, or mechanics are present. While the density of these errors may interfere with the overall flow of the response, they do not interfere with its meaning.

Score Point 2—Marginal
The writer is marginally successful in applying the conventions of language. Patterns of mistakes in sentence formation, usage, and mechanics significantly detract from the presentation. At times the meaning of the response may be weakened.

Score Point 1—Weak
The writer’s achievement in applying the conventions of language is limited. Frequent and serious mistakes in sentence formation, usage, and mechanics make the response difficult to understand.