New pre-pharm student seeking advice!

SDN Members don't see this ad. (About Ads)

First off, the title is a bit misleading as I'm not a pre-pharm student

This post is for a friend that recently has a new interest in attending pharmacy school. I want to give her some advice on how she should go about pursuing her goals in regards to taking the PCAT, applying, etc.

Now I am a pre-medical student who is applying this year so I have a bit of knowledge on how medical school admissions work (MCAT, volunteering, leadership, applications, LORs, etc). My question is: Is the admission track to pharmacy school similar? Are there certain course requirements that need to be met? Are volunteering/job opportunities in pharmacy related fields (pharmacy tech) essential? If someone could give me some good foundational advice on how my friend should pursue her goals, it would be greatly appreciated! She's a rising sophomore in college and has already taken general biology/chemistry I and II.

Is the admission track to pharmacy school similar?
Yes they are very similar. Usually if you meet the pre-reqs for pharmacy you'll meet the pre-reqs for medical school. Pharmacy has the PCAT, but its not required in CA and some schools in Oregon and Massachusetts.

Are there certain course requirements that need to be met?
There can be differences for pre-reqs between pharmacy schools. Your friend should check each individual school's pre-reqs before applying.

Are volunteering/job opportunities in pharmacy related fields (pharmacy tech) essential?
Having pharmacy experience is not required, but it will definitely help in your application process.

If someone could give me some good foundational advice on how my friend should pursue her goals, it would be greatly appreciated! She's a rising sophomore in college and has already taken general biology/chemistry I and II.
I would recommend do well in her classes, volunteer/work in a pharmacy and start being active with a couple clubs.

What 30Percent said. Also, tell her to come to SDN!

She will have to complete an online application, similar to what is in AMCAS from what I gather. Our application system is called PharmCAS.

I feel the need to reiterate 30Percent's advice about getting involved in pharmacy - not only will this help her be sure pharmacy is where she wants to be, but it will also make her more able to answer the question "why pharmacy" and look more well-rounded come application time.

As an additional suggestion, stock up on Code Red for Org Chem.

I really want to become a pharmacist but my Gpa is very low 3.0 in three college. Because I have to deal with a lot of difficulties from my family, I don't have enough ability to study, I can't focus on studying.I don't want to complain anything. But when I find your website, I feel better because there are many hard situation like mine. I even don't have any friends to share. I am really upset. I am afraid I can't go to pharmacy school for my future. I have been worked at doctor's office, and volunteered each summer. More and more, I feel that I am an unlucky person and can't think any positive things for my world. Please share with me, and give me some advice to make me improve in this summer. I really appreciate your help much.

Originally Posted by nguyenanh504

I really want to become a pharmacist but my Gpa is very low 3.0 in three college. Because I have to deal with a lot of difficulties from my family, I don't have enough ability to study, I can't focus on studying.I don't want to complain anything. But when I find your website, I feel better because there are many hard situation like mine. I even don't have any friends to share. I am really upset. I am afraid I can't go to pharmacy school for my future. I have been worked at doctor's office, and volunteered each summer. More and more, I feel that I am an unlucky person and can't think any positive things for my world. Please share with me, and give me some advice to make me improve in this summer. I really appreciate your help much.

Are these family problems going to affect you while in Pharm school? It sounds to me like you have to work to support your family. That seems like it would be a major problem for someone in Pharm school to be trying to legitimately support others. At least without going into 200K+ debt, which would be a crippling amount of debt to take on.

I do not want to sound like I am hating on you, but it sounds like you need more then some random forum post to get your stuff straight. I think you would be better off talking with some professors and trying to find a mentor. You need someone to help you get your life straight and manage your time, which a mentor could help with. As for the studying...find some tutors on campus to help you learn how to.

If you claim you do not have time, well, you need to drop the volunteering. How beneficial is volunteering if you are failing in your life to help others?