Hello. I am hoping to apply to all of the pharmacy schools in California by November. Does anyone think that the admissions committee would be impressed if I joined the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)? And if any of you guys are members, how much does this membership cost? The website says nothing about the costs... I have a feeling signing up for this membership (albeit most likely costly) will show, to some degree, that I am genuinely interested in the profession and will put me in a good light as an applicant. I'm also very interested in knowing more about the current news in the field of pharmacy too. What do you guys think?

-Ray

Edit: Here's the pricing listing for APhA membership...
http://www.aphanet.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Manage_Your_Membership&CONTENTID=3019&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm
APhA Membership Levels

* Pharmacist $210 view benefits
* New Practitioner (2002 Graduate) $171 view benefits
* New Practitioner (2003 Graduate) $128 view benefits
* New Practitioner (2004 Graduate) $71 view benefits
* Federal/Uniformed Service Pharmacist $105 view benefits
* Spouse Pharmacist $105 view benefits
* Technician $105 view benefits
* Non-Pharmacist $210 view benefits view benefits (no voting rights)

I say no. It doesnt matter what orgs you join. It only matters what you do in the organization. It will be a waste of money.

I say no. It doesnt matter what orgs you join. It only matters what you do in the organization. It will be a waste of money.
Have to agree, and I am heavily involved in APhA

If you were going to go to the convention and talk to people that'd be one thing. Without being active in some way, APhA membership as a pre-pharm means nothing more than that you bought into the association. You may want to look into pre-pharmacy clubs in your area.