*~*WAMC (what are my chances?) Megathread*~*

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Beneamata said:
Hey guys. I'm a 4th year biological sciences student at UC Irvine.

I'll save the BS: I screwed around my first two years and at the end of my second year, my cumulative GPA was sitting at a fat 2.667.

Thankfully, at the start of last year I cut out all the **** and busted my balls and had an average GPA of 3.3 and now my overall GPA sits at 2.909.

I've been doing pharmacological research with a professor on campus for 4 quarters now, am in a fraternity, have been doing regular volunteer work at my local pharmacy (paper pushing and whatnot, but i guess experience is experience?), and am even the president of my school's Armenian Students Association (well over 200 people).

Considering all this, and the fact that I have been on top of my stuff for the past year and have raised my GPA significantly, and have extracurricular activities, do I still have a shot at getting into pharmacy school because of my crappy GPA?

I've still got a full school year to raise it above 3.0, but I have a feeling that even if I were to get 4.0s each of the next 3 quarters (impossible), I'd still sit at barely 3.2.

Do you think admissions people will be considerate of my "resilience" and ability to bounce back and sort my stuff out, or am I **** outta luck and destined to have a useless BS in Biological Sciences?

Thanks in advance for your advice, as I'm really stressing right now.
Click to expand...

I think you have a good chance, but let's see what people in the appropriate thread have to say.
 
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KiKi1989 said:
What are my chances?? some of my biggest concerns are:
- How do Adcom think about my reading score and the F ealier?
- How do you think about my extracurricular all experiences, what should i do from now until applying ( around 1 month).
Thank you guys, any opinions are valuable to me
Click to expand...

Your chances are very good. 👍

Nothing you can really do in a month, but I think you will be fine.
 
a. Schools you are applying to
I've posted b/f and I didn't know what schools I wanted to apply but now, I really want to go to Virginia Commonwealth University. For VCU, I would be a out of state student.., would it be possible to get in with my gpa?? and Would it be helpful to retake pcat to raise my english score up???

b. Overall GPA
3.19
Graduated last spring with degree in biochemistry.

c. Math/Science GPA
Science GPA: 3.0, Science/math : 3.1

d. GPA in last one or two school years
math/science GPA in last 2 years : 3.33 (my freshman gpa was really bad)

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
Took it last week, just a preliminary score.
Verbal: 9%
Bio: 96%
RC: 29%
QA: 89%
Chem: 91%
Composite: 74%

probably retaking it for english sections (english is not my first language!!)

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
Volunteered at a hospital about a year, planning to work as a tech or shadow soon.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
plan to complete pharmcas app in november

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
2 professors agreed to write it and trying to get one from pharmacist.

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
volunteered at a nursing station for 1year in high school
tutoring
part time jobs

j. Self-perception of interview skills

have not practiced yet!! but I do usually get comment that I look like a nice person.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality

have not yet completed.
 
Alright guys, I made a post earlier in this thread. Now that I've completed my PCAT, I'll give my new stats now.

a. Schools you are applying to
SIU Edwardsville, Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago State University

b. Overall GPA
2.9
c. Math/Science GPA
2.83 (including courses that aren't related to Pre-Pharmacy)

d. GPA in last one or two school years
4.0 GPA last two semesters, 3.583 the semester before that, and 3.0 on a 4-week General Chemistry II course

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)

Verbal Ability - 423 / 82
Biology - 466 / 99
Reading Comprehension - 400 / 45
Quantitative Ability - 428 / 83
Chemistry - 443 / 93

Composite - 432 / 92

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
None.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Probably will submit it around the second week of October (for Fall 2012).

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
Three. One from a Physics Professor, one from a Chemistry Professor, and one from my current employer.

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
About 5 years of retail under my belt. I have been working as a cashier at a grocery store for the last three years, and I've missed two days the entire time I've worked there, which I hope at least demonstrates good work ethic. I have a reputation there as one of the fastest and most accurate cashiers that the store has ever had, though I doubt that's really going to make a difference in a pharmacy school application. 🙄

I worked in a hardware store for about a year and a half before that (TrueValue), where I did pretty much everything someone would possibly do in retail - equipment maintenance, sales floor, cashier, pricing, making keys, even recommending solutions to hardware problems that customers might have.



I have also worked at Kohl's, Taco Bell, and a seasonal store called Spirit Halloween. I've left a pretty good mark everywhere that I've worked.

I also volunteered one time for a soup kitchen about 5 years ago.

j. Self-perception of interview skills
Probably needs a little touching up, but fairly confident I will do well.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Still working on it. I'm sure I can make it pretty good, though. 🙂
 
pharmacist101 said:
a. Schools you are applying to
I've posted b/f and I didn't know what schools I wanted to apply but now, I really want to go to Virginia Commonwealth University. For VCU, I would be a out of state student.., would it be possible to get in with my gpa?? and Would it be helpful to retake pcat to raise my english score up???

b. Overall GPA
3.19
Graduated last spring with degree in biochemistry.

c. Math/Science GPA
Science GPA: 3.0, Science/math : 3.1

d. GPA in last one or two school years
math/science GPA in last 2 years : 3.33 (my freshman gpa was really bad)

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
Took it last week, just a preliminary score.
Verbal: 9%
Bio: 96%
RC: 29%
QA: 89%
Chem: 91%
Composite: 74%

probably retaking it for english sections (english is not my first language!!)

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
Volunteered at a hospital about a year, planning to work as a tech or shadow soon.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
plan to complete pharmcas app in november

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
2 professors agreed to write it and trying to get one from pharmacist.

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
volunteered at a nursing station for 1year in high school
tutoring
part time jobs

j. Self-perception of interview skills

have not practiced yet!! but I do usually get comment that I look like a nice person.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality

have not yet completed.
Click to expand...

I'd say your chances are average. I always recommend applying to multiple schools though, unless you have a good reason not to.
 
DH1987 said:
Alright guys, I made a post earlier in this thread. Now that I've completed my PCAT, I'll give my new stats now.

a. Schools you are applying to
SIU Edwardsville, Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago State University

b. Overall GPA
2.9
c. Math/Science GPA
2.83 (including courses that aren't related to Pre-Pharmacy)

d. GPA in last one or two school years
4.0 GPA last two semesters, 3.583 the semester before that, and 3.0 on a 4-week General Chemistry II course

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)

Verbal Ability - 423 / 82
Biology - 466 / 99
Reading Comprehension - 400 / 45
Quantitative Ability - 428 / 83
Chemistry - 443 / 93

Composite - 432 / 92

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
None.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Probably will submit it around the second week of October (for Fall 2012).

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
Three. One from a Physics Professor, one from a Chemistry Professor, and one from my current employer.

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
About 5 years of retail under my belt. I have been working as a cashier at a grocery store for the last three years, and I've missed two days the entire time I've worked there, which I hope at least demonstrates good work ethic. I have a reputation there as one of the fastest and most accurate cashiers that the store has ever had, though I doubt that's really going to make a difference in a pharmacy school application. 🙄

I worked in a hardware store for about a year and a half before that (TrueValue), where I did pretty much everything someone would possibly do in retail - equipment maintenance, sales floor, cashier, pricing, making keys, even recommending solutions to hardware problems that customers might have.



I have also worked at Kohl's, Taco Bell, and a seasonal store called Spirit Halloween. I've left a pretty good mark everywhere that I've worked.

I also volunteered one time for a soup kitchen about 5 years ago.

j. Self-perception of interview skills
Probably needs a little touching up, but fairly confident I will do well.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Still working on it. I'm sure I can make it pretty good, though. 🙂
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Your recent grades are impressive and so is your PCAT score, which should help to balance your weak overall GPA. Your lack of pharmacy experience or any sort of extracurricular activities is a weak spot as well. I'd guess that your chances are average overall, but I'm not familiar with the schools you're applying to.
 
owlegrad said:
I hate Spirit Halloween. They sold me an outfit that didn't fit and they wouldn't let me exchange it. Men's large my ass.

But your chances are good. 👍
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Hahahaha. Sorry about your bad experience. xD I didn't really like the company either. They once made me put on a costume and hold up a sign for them outside. I remember dodging a soda being thrown at me... xD

Thanks for your reply, too. 🙂
 
R2pharmD2 said:
I'd say your chances are average. I always recommend applying to multiple schools though, unless you have a good reason not to.
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Thanks for the quick comment!!
I'm just very nervous about all these because my gpa is really the minimum and since I already graduated, there's really nothin I can do about it...
for many schools and I don't meet their average accepted student's gpa.
Also, I've talk to my adviser at UF and this mean lady said that I have to retake pcat because both of my english scores are really bad...
I'm hoping to go to schools in eastern US..I prefer to go near virginia and DC area but I'm really willing to go to any school that accepts me..

would I even be considered to be a competitive applicant in schools in those areas? and considering that I will be an out of state student??
 
pharmacist101 said:
Thanks for the quick comment!!
I'm just very nervous about all these because my gpa is really the minimum and since I already graduated, there's really nothin I can do about it...
for many schools and I don't meet their average accepted student's gpa.
Also, I've talk to my adviser at UF and this mean lady said that I have to retake pcat because both of my english scores are really bad...
I'm hoping to go to schools in eastern US..I prefer to go near virginia and DC area but I'm really willing to go to any school that accepts me..

would I even be considered to be a competitive applicant in schools in those areas? and considering that I will be an out of state student??
Click to expand...

The competitiveness of schools for any given area is likely to vary widely, so there isn't really anyway to answer your first question. Being an out of state student will typically make it more difficult to get in at public schools, but shouldn't matter for private schools.
 
Thanks in advance for looking through this
a. Schools you are applying to
UIC
b. Overall GPA
3.3
c. Math/Science GPA
3.2 (including courses that aren't related to Pre-Pharmacy)
d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.4 GPA last two semesters
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
Verbal Ability - 97
Biology - 98
Reading Comprehension - 60
Quantitative Ability - 81
Chemistry - 99
Composite - 97
f. Pharmacy experience obtained
A few hours of shadowing a pharmacist. Hoping to get a job as a pharmacy tech soon.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Probably will submit it at the end of this October
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
One from a pharmacist and one from a Professor
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
I’ve been working in IT at my school for a year, that's about it. Almost no involvement in extracurricular activities in the past three years of college. This year I have a leadership position of a club, and I plan on involving myself in as many volunteer opportunities as I can especially health related ones.
j. Self-perception of interview skills
Very good
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Very average so far.


So I'm an IL resident and I essentially coasted through the first three years of college with no real goal in mind. The result of this is a very average GPA and a lackluster resume. However recently my family’s gone through some major financial issues and I’ve decided to get my act together this summer and do something with my life. Truthfully I’m not expecting to get into UIC this cycle and I also understand that if I applied to a school like Midwestern my stats will most likely get me in but I don’t want to settle. If I have the opportunity to get into one of the best Pharmacy programs in the country I’m willing to wait a year. So my real question is how my chances will be when I apply to UIC next cycle after I’ve obtained my BS, got a 4.0 both semesters of senior year with a full sci/math course load (hopefully), Got 6+ months of Pharm tech experience (I’m fairly confident I can find a tech job by the end of the year) and have a bit of health related volunteer hours under my belt. Also I plan on applying to numerous other schools next cycle on top of UIC as backups, as I can wait a year for UIC but not two 🙄.
 
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Beneamata said:
Hey guys. I'm a 4th year biological sciences student at UC Irvine.

I'll save the BS: I screwed around my first two years and at the end of my second year, my cumulative GPA was sitting at a fat 2.667.

Thankfully, at the start of last year I cut out all the **** and busted my balls and had an average GPA of 3.3 and now my overall GPA sits at 2.909.

I've been doing pharmacological research with a professor on campus for 4 quarters now, am in a fraternity, have been doing regular volunteer work at my local pharmacy (paper pushing and whatnot, but i guess experience is experience?), and am even the president of my school's Armenian Students Association (well over 200 people). I've also been involved in intramural sports and write for a student newspaper not affiliated with my university.

Considering all this, and the fact that I have been on top of my stuff for the past year and have raised my GPA significantly, and have extracurricular activities, do I still have a shot at getting into pharmacy school because of my crappy GPA?

I've still got a full school year to raise it above 3.0, but I have a feeling that even if I were to get 4.0s each of the next 3 quarters (impossible), I'd still sit at barely 3.2.

I'm also going to take a "year off" as I've got 3 classes to take after I graduate at a community college because my uni doesn't offer them, and I'll likely get my pharm tech license within the next year and hopefully work as a tech during that year.

Do you think admissions people will be considerate of my "resilience" and ability to bounce back and sort my stuff out, or am I **** outta luck and destined to have a useless BS in Biological Sciences?

Thanks in advance for your advice, as I'm really stressing right now.
Click to expand...

Just gonna bump my post so I can get a few more responses
 
mbrown04 said:
Your grades are competitive for an OOS spot at UNC but it wouldn't hurt to get your PCAT up. I went to UNC for undergrad, they put a strong emphasis on in-state first; being a child of an alumni doesn't hurt either. I'm assuming you are planning to apply after you graduate? UNC is moving towards only those with a completed bachelors degree.
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I am currently a sophomore. Planning on applying to the P1 section for 2012-2013.
 
Hoping you guys could give me some advice regarding my stats and a couple schools:

Schools you are applying to
UIC, University of Colorado, University of Mississippi (which I'm not worried about)

GPAs
Overall: 3.51
Math/Science: 3.35
Prereq: 3.48 (UIC anyway)

PCAT
Composite: 82%ile

Pharmacy experience obtained
Pharacist shadowing in a variety of settings.

Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience

I've been working as a photojournalist for three years while at college and was the photo editor for a newspaper for a year leading a team of 20 photographers.

Self-perception of interview skills
Good

I know I have a good shot at University of Mississippi, but I'm hoping to go out of state. What are my chances at UIC or U Colorado? Any recommendations for other decent schools in the Midwest or the West that I could get into with these stats?

Thank you!!
 
Hi everyone. I am applying for 2013, planning to take the PCAT in January and July of 2012. My grades for pre-reqs so far are as follows:
Bio I - A
Bio II - in progress (most likely a B or hopefully an A)
Chem I - A
Chem II - in progress (most likely will be a C or B)
Calculus - in progress (most likely will be a B)
OrgoI/II - need to take
Physics I/II - need to take
Anatomy - need to take
All electives(psych, soc, anthro, econ, speech) are all A's.
English I/II - A/A

Here is my question. If I get all B's in the classes I have left to take (orgo I/II, physics I/II, anatomy) do I have a good chance of getting into University of Illinois - Chicago? (with these grades I believe I can get into Midwestern (Chicago) no problem.) I may end up with a C in Chem II :/ I have a decent amount of volunteering and extra-curriculars. Say my PCAT ends up being in the 70th percentile. What do you guys think? (no need for comments about how I sound crazy for thinking these are bad grades, I know they are good, I just want to know if they are good ENOUGH) My main concern is that I won't have A's in any "upper level" pre-req classes. Thanks
 
Schools applying to:

University of Maryland Eastern Shore


GPA: 3.57
Science GPA - 3.3
1 Year as Pharmacy Technician
Founder, President of Pre-pharmacy Club
Schoenbrodt Honors Scholar
Internship at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy
President of MSA Club (Muslim Student Association)
Chair of Student Services Board of SGA
Tutor in Statistics, Biology, Inorganic Chemistry
Currently doing research in Microbio Research Lab


I have not taken the PCATS yet, what should i aim like a good range to be accepted into that school.

thanks
 
addison1203 said:
Hoping you guys could give me some advice regarding my stats and a couple schools:

Schools you are applying to
UIC, University of Colorado, University of Mississippi (which I'm not worried about)

GPAs
Overall: 3.51
Math/Science: 3.35
Prereq: 3.48 (UIC anyway)

PCAT
Composite: 82%ile

Pharmacy experience obtained
Pharacist shadowing in a variety of settings.

Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience

I've been working as a photojournalist for three years while at college and was the photo editor for a newspaper for a year leading a team of 20 photographers.

Self-perception of interview skills
Good

I know I have a good shot at University of Mississippi, but I'm hoping to go out of state. What are my chances at UIC or U Colorado? Any recommendations for other decent schools in the Midwest or the West that I could get into with these stats?

Thank you!!
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No recommendations in that area, sorry. In general, OOS applicants do have it harder. Having said that, I think your stats are good and you should have no trouble getting in somewhere. 👍

JADpharm28 said:
Hi everyone. I am applying for 2013, planning to take the PCAT in January and July of 2012. My grades for pre-reqs so far are as follows:
Bio I - A
Bio II - in progress (most likely a B or hopefully an A)
Chem I - A
Chem II - in progress (most likely will be a C or B)
Calculus - in progress (most likely will be a B)
OrgoI/II - need to take
Physics I/II - need to take
Anatomy - need to take
All electives(psych, soc, anthro, econ, speech) are all A's.
English I/II - A/A

Here is my question. If I get all B's in the classes I have left to take (orgo I/II, physics I/II, anatomy) do I have a good chance of getting into University of Illinois - Chicago? (with these grades I believe I can get into Midwestern (Chicago) no problem.) I may end up with a C in Chem II :/ I have a decent amount of volunteering and extra-curriculars. Say my PCAT ends up being in the 70th percentile. What do you guys think? (no need for comments about how I sound crazy for thinking these are bad grades, I know they are good, I just want to know if they are good ENOUGH) My main concern is that I won't have A's in any "upper level" pre-req classes. Thanks
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I think you should have no trouble. Try hard not to get that C though. No reason for your PCAT to be anything less than 80%, you have plenty of time to prepare. You will be fine, I promise. 👍

mufasa4008 said:
Schools applying to:

University of Maryland Eastern Shore


GPA: 3.57
Science GPA - 3.3
1 Year as Pharmacy Technician
Founder, President of Pre-pharmacy Club
Schoenbrodt Honors Scholar
Internship at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy
President of MSA Club (Muslim Student Association)
Chair of Student Services Board of SGA
Tutor in Statistics, Biology, Inorganic Chemistry
Currently doing research in Microbio Research Lab


I have not taken the PCATS yet, what should i aim like a good range to be accepted into that school.

thanks
Click to expand...

Great EC's, decent GPA, you should be fine. 👍

DH1987 said:
99. 🙂 Always do the best you possibly can!
Click to expand...

I like you. 👍
 
a. Schools you are applying to

UT Austin, Texas Tech, University of Houston

b. Overall GPA

3.4991 (excl. all pre-reqs at community college) with classes taken at a community college I would have around a 3.6-ish...

c. Math/Science GPA

3.25 (excl. Statistics and Physics- took at community college)

including Stats and Physics- 3.41

d. GPA in last one or two school years

Around a 3.5-3.6

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)

Math: 84
Biology: 56
Chemistry: 93
Reading Comprehension: 47
Verbal Ability: 68
Composite: 77

DEFINITELY going to retake it soon!

f. Pharmacy experience obtained

None yet... I'm applying for an internship with a graduate student next semester and doing some Pharmtech in the summer.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)



Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs

None yet (I'm not applying until Fall 2012)

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience

Currently volunteering at a hospital
I volunteer with different organizations here from time to time, etc.

Since I'm a music major, I accompany different people for recitals, and I do some competitions as well.

j. Self-perception of interview skills

On a scale from 1 to 10, probably a 6. I'm definitely working on improving that over time this semester.



I'm currently a student at UT Austin and I feel like my GPA has been hit hard by the plus/minus system... I made an A- in Biology I, Chemistry II, Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry lab... and I'm also nervous because I made a C+ in Calculus... I don't know if I can retake Calculus (and I'm also unsure if I can bring it up...)

I'm also nervous as to how being a Piano Performance major would fit in. I looked at stats at UT Pharmacy school (my #1 choice) and no music major in the past few years have gotten in.

Thanks!
 
owlegrad said:
I think you should have no trouble. Try hard not to get that C though. No reason for your PCAT to be anything less than 80%, you have plenty of time to prepare. You will be fine, I promise. 👍
Click to expand...


Thanks for the reply and input. And thanks for being so positive 🙂 I'm going to try hard to get my B instead of a C :xf:
 
a. Schools you are applying to
Early Decision: Oregon State University.
Other Programs: Pacific Univeristy, UCSD, UCSF
b. Overall GPA
3.71


c. Math/Science GPA
3.70

d. GPA in last one or two school years
GPA over the last year: 3.85

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
applying to schools that don't require the PCAT


f. Pharmacy experience obtained
No pharmacy, but have 4 years of experience as emt and 2.5 years as patient care technician in hemodialysis

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
8/30 for ED at OSU

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
3 LOR, Supervisor at my job, Academic Advisor, and Biology Professor and Advisor

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Teaching assistant for 200 level biology lab, volunteer firefighter/emt, and a couple of local events through my place of employment that benefitted the local children's hospital.
Wildland firefighter, Bartender, Server, Restaurant Manager, Home Depot sales and department manager, and Patient Care Tech at dialysis center.

j. Self-perception of interview skills
I would rate them pretty strong due to the fact that success at my current job is based on being personable.


k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
I have been told that it is a very strong personal statement.
 
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First off, I want to thank the moderators and everyone who actually reads all these. You guys are spending extra time to help each one of us out and it means a lot. Thank you!

a. Schools you are applying to
U. Houston, U. Texas - Austin, Texas Tech
b. Overall GPA
2.8 after I got my BS at my first university, taking classes at a local university and raised it to about a 3.0
c. Math/Science GPA
~3.0
d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.8 since my BS degree
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
VA 68, Bio 90, RC 81, QA 85, Chem 93
Composite 90
f. Pharmacy experience obtained
None; I have a job in the emergency room working with physicians. Have about 3000 hours of clinical and shadowing experience
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Should be submitted in the next couple of weeks
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
One LOR from my chemistry professor and head of the chemistry department; Multiple LORs from physicians I work with currently and have worked with in the past
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
3000+ hours of work in a hospital emergency room
2000+ hours of volunteering as president of a nonprofit organization
j. Self-perception of interview skills
I've only had two interviews in the past, both seemed to go very well
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
I feel it is strong

I guess my main weakness is that I have no pharmacy experience. Do you think the other parts of my app will make up for that?

Again, thank you to whoever takes the time to actually read this and reply. 🙂
 
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Schools you are applying to - UOP, Midwestern glendale, Western, anywhere I can
Overall GPA - 2.8 from UCSB B.S in Biology
Math/Science GPA 2.61
-my dad lost his job my soph year of college so I had to work a lot to pay for everything myself (about $800 a month not including school [on loans] or books) the quarters i worked 35-40 hrs/wk i did poorly in, but the quarters i only worked ~20hrs i got As and Bs. Is there any way to reflect this on my application?
Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) - haven't taken yet, studying now for a few months and aiming for 80+ composite (is Kaplan class worth it or should I just buy Dr. Collins materials to self study??)
Pharmacy experience obtained- 2 yrs at retail pharmacy, 1 year as CPhT, hoping to get into a compounding pharmacy in jan or volunteering at hospital
Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
next july

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
Number of LORs and source of LORs
i can get many good ones from the pharmacy managers i work with (several stores), however how important is it to get a good LoR from a professor?
Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
prehealth sorority (held a position every year)/ volunteering through sorority, pre-pharm org, hopefully hospital
worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor for several years, became supervisor/ payroll/ scheduler/ trainer for all swim instructors and dealt with signing up customers/ certificates/ concerns and complaints etc..
Self-perception of interview skills i think i do pretty well in interviews, i have received many complements on my personality at work saying i am the nicest one there =)
Overall impression of personal statement quality n/a

also, i plan to retake some courses at a CC. such as microbio and A&P, (maybe biochem) and take the public speaking course there. I would like to take some courses for fun as well, such as virology or bacterial pathogenesis since i recently became interested in mechanisms of viruses and bacteria.

please let me know of anything else that would make me a better applicant. I have been freaking out about my grades but I adore pharmacy and I love my work. I feel I have learned a lot about what it takes to be a good pharmacist according to my customers and what they tell me about which pharmacists the like best. i can assure anyone that knowledge isn't everything, and anyone planning on going into retail must take into consideration the patients needs and situation!

thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to reply
 
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Hello all, I am just a bit nervous right now with apps and school and want some reassurance on things. Here is my stats:

a. Schools you are applying to
UCSD, UCSF, USC, Pacific University
b. Overall GPA
3.85 at UCSD
c. Math/Science GPA
3.9
d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.8
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
NA
f. Pharmacy experience obtained
No pharm experience so far, but planned to get a volunteer position at a local pharmacy as stated in my PS.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Submitting by the end of this week
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
One from my PI at a lab that I have been working at for a year
Another from my physical chemistry professor
And One from my biochemistry professor

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
1 year of research experience at my current lab
5 months lab assistant at another lab
j. Self-perception of interview skills
Feel confident when talking about myself, can still improve after mock trails
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Insecure about writing at the moment. I just finished my PS though, I think it's okay, not very impressive. Any mods mind being a reader of my PS 🙂?
 
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Recently graduated with a BS in Biochem from UT Austin. I was previously pre-med but after being accepted by some carrib schools, and waiting on DO schools, I decided medicine isn't for me and decided to switch to pharmacy.

I still need to take microbiology and speech since they weren't in my premed pre reqs nor degree plan.


a. Schools you are applying to: UH, UT, incarnate ward, Texas Tech, TAMUK

b. Overall GPA: 3.27 (before finishing 2 classes)

c. Math/Science GPA: 3.09

d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.85 and 3.14

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Have not taken yet

f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Pharm tech class in high school , looking to volunteer in pharmacy, and obtain pharm tech license

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)- Have not applied. Plan to apply Fall 2012

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
none yet (previous letters were for med school and I assume I need new ones?) Assuming 2 pharm and 1 prof

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
800+ hours

j. Self-perception of interview skills
6 out of 10

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Need to change my personal statement from medicine. I believe its somewhat strong.
 
Hey guys.

a. Schools you are applying to: All FL schools
b. Overall GPA: 3.14
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.39 and 2.82
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 2.67 and 3.32, respectively.
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): verbal 73, bio 96, reading comp 34 :scared:, chem 93, math 83. Composite of 86.
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: None.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): About 2/3 weeks ago I believe.

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 3 in total from 2 science profs and 1 nonscience prof.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Participated in pre-pharm club at school for 2 years & did a mentoring program. Had two different lab instructor positions - general chem 1 and 2.
j. Self-perception of interview skills: I believe I'm a fairly confident person and I'm practicing interview questions at the moment.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: Good according to feedback I received from friends and a science prof.

Side note; I truly messed up in undergrad with a lot of Cs and not proud of that... In my last semester of undergrad I got straight As and I think I certainly tried to redeem myself on the pcat except for that reading comp score which I failed and really sad about. Anyhow, what do you guys think my chances are? Be brutally honest and thanks in advance.
 
Didn't know where to put this question; didn't want to start a new thread... What looks worse to a Pharm school, a C in Calc or a C in Chem II? I am thinking the C in Chem II looks worse, but would like some feedback
 
ehyoung91 said:
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I doubt you need to retake the PCAT. I think you should have no problems getting in. 👍

PharmChaz said:
.
Click to expand...

Looks good to me. 👍

LuckyCricket said:
First off, I want to thank the moderators and everyone who actually reads all these. You guys are spending extra time to help each one of us out and it means a lot. Thank you!

Again, thank you to whoever takes the time to actually read this and reply. 🙂
Click to expand...

Your welcome. I think you will be fine. Your recent academic history is great as is your PCAT. No worries about the experience thing, you should have no trouble getting in. 👍

hazybubbl3 said:
thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to reply
Click to expand...

Yeah, you should apply broadly. Your GPA is rough. Play up your experience for sure. I have no experience with Kaplen, so I cannot comment. In the PCAT forum, people seem to rave about Dr. Collins though.

It is not hopeless though. Make sure to focus on your experience and do the best you can and apply broadly.

calciumoxide said:
🙂
Click to expand...

You will get in for sure.

KT1337 said:
.
Click to expand...

You should be fine. 👍

AtaCrossroads20 said:
Side note; I truly messed up in undergrad with a lot of Cs and not proud of that... In my last semester of undergrad I got straight As and I think I certainly tried to redeem myself on the pcat except for that reading comp score which I failed and really sad about. Anyhow, what do you guys think my chances are? Be brutally honest and thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Unimpressive GPA coupled with no experience? Not exactly impressive. Your PCAT was fine, don't obsess over one subscore.

You shouldn't have a problem getting into one of the many schools we have here in FL. 👍

xtsukiyox said:
Check this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=729304
Click to expand...

👍
 
JADpharm28 said:
Didn't know where to put this question; didn't want to start a new thread... What looks worse to a Pharm school, a C in Calc or a C in Chem II? I am thinking the C in Chem II looks worse, but would like some feedback
Click to expand...

Are they worth the same number of credits? The more credits, the harder the hit to GPA.

A C is a C.
 
JADpharm28 said:
Didn't know where to put this question; didn't want to start a new thread... What looks worse to a Pharm school, a C in Calc or a C in Chem II? I am thinking the C in Chem II looks worse, but would like some feedback
Click to expand...

Here's something to consider (although owle's right - a C is a C). I'll use MWU-CPG's requirements as an example: 😉

- Your cumulative GPA will be made up of all the credits you've taken. If you stick to prereqs, that's 62 credits, 3 of which will be Calc (following the example) & 4 of which will be Chem II. Calc will be ~5% of your cGPA.

- Your science GPA will be made up of 30 credit hours, 4 of which will be Chem II. Chem II will be ~13% of your sGPA.

- PharmCAS splits out your GPA by topic (including by math), but no pharma school website I've seen says they look specifically at math GPA (beyond the cumulative GPA number).

Take it as you will - while a C is a C, the numbers on paper seem to indicate your cGPA will be easier to recover from a C than your sGPA based on raw credit hours. Doesn't take into consideration that your cGPA includes "fluff" general education credits either. 😉 Be sure to fix the example to match your situation & don't just take my advice at face value, though.

Why are you asking - are you going to get a C in one or the other because you're behind? Are there any resources that can help you, like tutoring?
 
Thanks in advance! 🙂

a. Schools you are applying to
UNC-CH
b. Overall GPA
3.3
c. Math/Science GPA
3.2
d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.3 (only one year)
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
Verbal 82
Bio 96
QA 98
Chem 96
Composite 98
f. Pharmacy experience obtained
None 🙁
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
11/1/11

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
one from a research PI, worked all summer with him; other is from chem teacher, who i never really contacted, but got an A in the class

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
work as a online tutor (contractor), worked in a tutoring center for 2 years, volunteered over 200 hours in a nursing home a year back

j. Self-perception of interview skills
6 or 7/10
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Haven't really worked out everything, but I am dedicating the next two weeks to revising it. Have a friend/ brilliant writer who is willing to look it over for me.

(In state; will that help me get in?)
 
xtsukiyox said:
Here's something to consider (although owle's right - a C is a C). I'll use MWU-CPG's requirements as an example: 😉

- Your cumulative GPA will be made up of all the credits you've taken. If you stick to prereqs, that's 62 credits, 3 of which will be Calc (following the example) & 4 of which will be Chem II. Calc will be ~5% of your cGPA.

- Your science GPA will be made up of 30 credit hours, 4 of which will be Chem II. Chem II will be ~13% of your sGPA.

- PharmCAS splits out your GPA by topic (including by math), but no pharma school website I've seen says they look specifically at math GPA (beyond the cumulative GPA number).

Take it as you will - while a C is a C, the numbers on paper seem to indicate your cGPA will be easier to recover from a C than your sGPA based on raw credit hours. Doesn't take into consideration that your cGPA includes "fluff" general education credits either. 😉 Be sure to fix the example to match your situation & don't just take my advice at face value, though.

Why are you asking - are you going to get a C in one or the other because you're behind? Are there any resources that can help you, like tutoring?
Click to expand...

Both the calc and chem are 5 credit hours. The calc course plays out like this: 20% of grade is exam one, 20% is exam 2, 40% is the final exam and 20% is homework/quizzes. I got a C on the first exam and math isn't my strongest subject. I have been getting a little bit of tutoring, going to be getting more. I made a lot of minor mistakes on the exam with a combo of not knowing how to do a 15 point question.

In the chem class, I don't even want to say how poor of a score I got, with the curve it was a D-. The professor is not helpful, I have been seeing 2 different tutors, but I have not seen much improvement. I want to learn the material and I feel as if I am learning absolutely nothing. This class also takes up a LOT of my time, if I take a W it will give me more time to focus on calc.

in regard to pharm school, I thought maybe a C in chem would look worse since there is 4 classes of chem (so chem is the more important subject to understand) vs. one math. If I stay in both courses, there is no guarantee I'd pass both. And a C in two of my 5 credit classes will make my GPA go from a 3.9 to a 3.5 so that's a huge hit
 
JADpharm28 said:
Both the calc and chem are 5 credit hours. [...]
Click to expand...

Y'know what? I have dropped 3 classes over my careen through CC because the teachers truly sucked. It's not a decision to be made lightly or a tool to be used often, but this may be that case.

The question I'd try to answer is - how will you do better next time? Honestly, what is causing you to fail, the teacher's style or your habits or grasp of the material? Is this an adjustment issue in the first year of college? If it truly is the teacher, try to hit up some people in a higher level of the class & find out about a different, better teacher. There may not be one, if it's a "cut class," but they may at least be able to give you pointers.

Whether you drop it or not, you may want to stick around for the instruction, so you can do better next time. You've already paid for it at this point. Find out what the policy is about changing to an audit / last drop date... I failed to drop an additional 5 credit class & sucked an F - don't do it. Also, check to make sure your financial aid won't be effected by dropping a class before you do it.

Mods: This seems like a worthy discussion, but may not have a place in WAMC. If it continues, perhaps it should be split to a new thread?
 
a. Schools you are applying to

I'm a CA resident with a Bachelor's degree in Biology.

Creighton University (distance pathway) - top choice school
Creighton University (campus pathway)
University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA)
Roseman University
Western University
Pacific University (Oregon)
California Northstate
University of Hawaii at Hilo
American University (new school)
University of Washington

University of New England
PCOM Georgia
D'Youville College
Albany College of Pharmacy (Vermont campus)
Midway College
Touro College
South College (Tennessee)
Texas Tech University
St. John Fisher
University of Maryland at Baltimore
College of Notre Dame
Shenandoah University


b. Overall GPA
2.7 as calculated by PharmCAS (yes, I know 🙁)
Will be 2.9 with the academic update if I earn all A's this semester

c. Math/Science GPA:
2.41 as calculated by PharmCAS

d. GPA in last one or two school years:
GPA within last year: 3.8-3.9 (got my act together and retook most prerequisites at a CC)

e. Complete PCAT scores:

Verbal - 86
Biology - 99
RC - 94
QA - 85
Chemistry - 93
Composite - 99

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
-Pharmacy clerk for 1 year at a community pharmacy
-Currently a pharmacy volunteer at a hospital

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Submitted PharmCAS to most schools in June 2011; I have been sending supplementals to schools throughout
 
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xtsukiyox said:
Y'know what? I have dropped 3 classes over my careen through CC because the teachers truly sucked...
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help, I talked to the math prof and it seems like I have a decent chance to get a B or an A even in the class if I work really really hard. I will probably withdraw from the chemistry class.

I have taken 53 credit hours at a CC (this is my first semester at a large university) and I had no problem, loved all the professors, etc. The courses are not too hard for me here, its a lack of decent teaching skills from the professor's ends. I am disappointed because I expected a lot better for the money I am paying. I plan on going back to CC for the spring, and starting at different, smaller university in the summer to complete my courses.
 
JADpharm28 said:
The courses are not too hard for me here, its a lack of decent teaching skills from the professor's ends.
Click to expand...

I think it's a not-so well-kept secret that you can find good schooling (even compared to uni) at a lot of CCs & save yourself a ton of money. I wonder if the chem teacher thinks he's still at a cut class level, or if he's just really poor at teaching? Either way, it sounds like you're doing the right thing, and ask around for a better chem teacher for the next attempt. 🙂
 
supandrew said:
Thanks in advance! 🙂
(In state; will that help me get in?)
Click to expand...

Applying to only one school is risky, but your stats are decent enough. I think you have a good chance. In state status does help.

Good Luck.

stoichiometrist said:
.
Click to expand...

I think there are a few schools in the country you forgot to apply to. I kid, I kid.

Your stats are not as bad as you think, particularly with the most recent work in mind. As long as you are above the cutoff, you will be fine. Focus on your improvement and on your experience. You will be fine.

Good Luck.
 
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owlegrad said:
I think there are a few schools in the country you forgot to apply to. I kid, I kid.

Your stats are not as bad as you think, particularly with the most recent work in mind. As long as you are above the cutoff, you will be fine. Focus on your improvement and on your experience. You will be fine.

Good Luck.
Click to expand...

I only forgot to apply to all the other schools to which I haven't applied yet. :laugh:

Thanks for your opinion! Hopefully my PCAT scores will make up for my GPA :laugh:
 
I am currently weighing to file my application for pharmacy schools.
I need help to weed out some of the schools, all things considered:
Here are my grades/PCAT score and the schools to apply.
GPA: 3.215
PCAT (preliminary):
Composite: 58
Verbal: 68
Biology: 87
Reading: 10
Quantitative: 54
Chemistry: 68
Writing is not ready yet (I took the test on 9/28/2011)
Here are the designated schools:
University of Iowa
Southern Illinois (Edwardsville)
Roosevelt
Rosalind Franklin
Chicago State
Manchester College
Butler
Ferris State
St. John Fischer (NY)
South College (TN)
Concordia
Thomas Jefferson
Someone help me before I throw some money away. You may also suggest schools I can add.
Thanks for the rescue
 
Your grades and scores arent that good at all. You may be weeded out by the schools instead. If I were you I would add more schools.
 
I'm gonna say that the only score that is not good is RC, the other scores are alright, bio is very competitive. But remember, if you manage to get an interview then that mean your score is good enough to get into the school and your chances are just as good as any other students at getting a spot, it just comes down to how you do in the interview. Good luck and start practicing!
 
You might want to check all of those schools minimum PCAT requirements for the RC. I'm not familiar with those schools but some have a minimum score in each section to even have your application considered.
 
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