THE WAMC thread (what are my chances?)

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a. Schools you are applying to:
University of Florida, NOVA, LECOM, Hawaii at Hilo, Mercer
b. Overall GPA: 3.631
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.525
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.9
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): taking June 20
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Pharm Tech at Walgreens for 1 summer and 1 winter break.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): hopefully August

optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
3, pharmacy manager, pharmacist, and biology professor.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: VP of biology mentors which includes tutoring once a week.
j. Self-perception of interview skills: I am comfortable speaking publicly and in formal settings.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality:
I haven't written it yet, but it has me a little worried. I don't know how easy it will be to exclude cliches.
Additional info: I am a biology major with a minor in chemistry and will complete my BS this fall, a semester early.
What kind of PCAT score should I feel safe with?
Thanks!
 
a. Schools you are applying to: UF, LECOM-Bradenton, Nova, Mercer, University of Chicago, and some others which I have not decided
b. Overall GPA: 3.5
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.4
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.8
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Will be taking it in August 2009
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 10 months pharm tech experience
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): August 2009

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 3 LORS, Pharmacist, Faculty Advisor, Organic Chemistry professor
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Volunteered for many organizations including the YMCA, metropolitan ministries, American Cancer society. I have also volunteered with school organizations. i am also on the executive board for the Pre-Pharmacy club at my university, which I have been on for 2 years.
j. Self-perception of interview skills: I think I would interview well
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: My personal statement has been reviewed by several faculty members
l. Additional Info: I will be receiving a bachelor's degree before attending pharmacy school. I didn't do too well my freshman year, but I have learned from that and was able to bring my grades up. Also, I am a Florida Resident.

what are my chances? 😕
 
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jj and celestial,
both of you have very good chances, high gpas, respectable ECs, and pharmacy experience. You'll make it in for sure.

University of Chicago does not have a pharmacy program, you are talking about University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). They are a state school and dont accept many out of states (less than 10 out of 160). Private schools in general accept more out of state than public schools.

a pcat of 80 and above is competitive, the higher the better (of course).

Best of Luck!
 
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a. Schools you are applying to: all of the ones in CA except for western.
b. Overall GPA: 3.69
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.5
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.6
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): N/A. probably won't be taking it
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 10 months as a technician for Rite Aid
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): by end of july
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
4 total: biochemistry professor, molecular biology professor, pharmacist, pre-health careers committee that i work closely with
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience

  • pharmacy club:1 yr publicity chair, 1 yr vice president
  • peer mentor for pre-pharmacy students, 2 yrs
  • lab assistant for chem lab, 1 yr
  • volunteer for free health clinic that operates in mexico, 1 yr
  • volunteer in hospital, 2 summers
  • health science partnership, mentor for high school students, 2 yrs
j. Self-perception of interview skills: decent, but may need work

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: not written yet, but i have ideas & proofreaders. :]

other notes: failed one psychology class in a community college b/c 1/5 the grade was attendance and i had to skip a couple to take SATs. this was back in high school. retook it and got a A.
 
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rawrthelion said:
a. Schools you are applying to: all of the ones in CA except for western. goal: ucsf or usc.
b. Overall GPA: 3.69
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.5
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.6
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): N/A. probably won't be taking it
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 10 months as a technician for Rite Aid
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): by end of july
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
4 total: biochemistry professor, molecular biology professor, pharmacist, pre-health careers committee that i work closely with
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience

  • pharmacy club:1 yr publicity chair, 1 yr vice president
  • peer mentor for pre-pharmacy students, 2 yrs
  • lab assistant for chem lab, 1 yr
  • volunteer for free health clinic that operates in mexico, 1 yr
  • volunteer in hospital, 2 summers
  • health science partnership, mentor for high school students, 2 yrs
j. Self-perception of interview skills: decent, but may need work

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: not written yet, but i have ideas & proofreaders. :]

other notes: failed one psychology class in a community college b/c 1/5 the grade was attendance and i had to skip a couple to take SATs. this was back in high school. retook it and got a A.
Click to expand...

These stats are great. The blip from your failed psychology class will be understandable (you can explain that in the supplemental essays). Your GPA is good and you have a decent amount of extracurriculars. You will definitely get into a CA school so long as you don't mess up your interview too badly. Make sure to write a well written personal statement and feel free to browse the Personal Statement Readers sticky thread if you need any help.

One more question: why not Western? ($$$?) I suppose people have their reasons. Originally, I applied to Western by PharmCAS, but then I saw their supplemental and it was too long for me, so I declined to finish it. I am just curious as to your reasoning.
 
I applied for fall 2009 and was wait listed at two schools.
The *** are things that were not on my application for fall 2009

B.S. Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University at Buffalo - graduated may 2009
overall gpa: 3.24
math/sci: 3.02 last semester but I had a couple of bad grades so it might decrease slightly 🙁
pre-req gpa - depends on what is counted into it. I would say it is around a 3.2 but can go higher if courses such as economics, psychology, etc. are counted in it
PCAT: 86% composite in oct 2006. I am retaking it again in oct if I am not accepted by fall. (93% chem, 86% math, 66% bio, 74% and 77% in verbal and reading comprehension)

some volunteering - hospital pharmacy office (not pharmacy itself - I was just doing paperwork because they needed someone to fill in) and escort (pushing people in wheelchairs)
***I have just started volunteering again - I am in the pharmacy office but I am at least not doing just paperwork. I have told them I at least want to shadow a pharmacist and I will have shadowed one before I apply.

***CPhT (but no job because no one around me is hiring)
I personally thought I had a great essay

If I do not get in for fall 2009, then I will be taking graduate level classes. I will be in the M.A. program for biology.



My science gpa really sucks. Unlike others, I cannot say I had a really bad semester as a freshman and hav cleaned up my act (which looks good). There were some upper level science courses which I did not so great in (got a few C/C+).
But it was enough to get me an interview to St. John Fisher. I was put on the wait list. I was also waitlisted at UB before the interview. I honestly believe that I was hurt because I applied late. REALLY late. I think my chances would have been better if I applied earlier. (I put it in at the last minute. Like really last minute. Like day before last minute for pharmcas)

I have learned my lesson and will apply early. I am also planning on applying to more than 2 schools this time. This is one of the reasons I'm posting here. I am still looking at which schools to apply to (looking at whether I have the right pre-reqs, etc). Maryland's webste said that they do not give special condiseration for applicants with bachelor's degrees over those who have only finished the pre-reqs. Does this mean I have no shot and should only apply to schools that state that a degree will make an applicant mroe competitive for admission? (I think having a degree helped me be on the wait list insterad of being rejected outright for UB)
Also, am I as bad an applicant as I think I am?
 
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desmoulins-
your application is not bad at all, it's within competitive range. ECs are fine. GPA is a little bit low, but pcat and PS are stronger within your app. Applying last minute was what did you in. All the spots were filled up and by the time you came, the ad coms were making tough choices between hundreds of applicants for few spots. You really have to be a knock out to make it at that stage. Check your LORs if they put in any red flags, and apply earlier (before nov) and you'll make it in for sure!
Best of luck!
If enough people decline, you might make it this summer. Keep your fingers crossed and be ready to move within one seconds notice. I know of one person who was waitlisted at their top choice med school and accepted to another. On the first day of orientation, the top choice gave that person a call but the person already registered, enrolled, and moved into the dorms of the other school so they passed up their own first choice. THat just goes to show there is still time and still hope.
 
So up until a while ago I was going to apply to graduate programs, but now I think I would rather prefer a career in Pharmacy. My problem is I will be a senior this year and want to get in for Fall 2010 so my time for PCAT/researching schools/applications is limited!!

I'm attending Penn State and I'm in the honors college.


a. Schools you are applying to: umd, temple, pitt, michigan, possibly ucsf or ucsd (i havent had much time to research so that is a tentative list)
b. Overall GPA: 3.90
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.8
d. GPA in last one or two school years: last year 3.94
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): N/A. want to take it in october...is that too late??
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: none yet, but i will hopefully either volunteer or work as a tech sometime soon
g. Date of application submission: pharmcas by september, secondary in oct or nov?
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
3 total: academic adviser, professor whose lab i've worked in for 2+ years, instructor I TA'd for
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience

  • undergraduate research assistant...2+ years of laboratory experience, have a undergraduate thesis almost completed, attended a major biology conference, have won 2 scholarships and 1 award for my research
  • will be volunteering at an elementary school this summer helping ESL children with english
  • Teaching assistant for two courses at my university
  • loan servicing intern/job
j. Self-perception of interview skills: pretty good, i'm not shy and i think i can articulate myself well if i prepare

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: not written yet, but i think that part will be okay

I'm really nervous b/c I know my gpa is fine and i have a good research history, but i think time is an issue and my lack of pharmacy experience might hold me back. Also, taking a year off is not an option, i will likely just go to graduate school if I dont get into pharmd. Also I still need to take like 4 more prereqs but can easily do those in the next year.

Any advice would be appreciated!
 
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FFpharmd said:
So up until a while ago I was going to apply to graduate programs, but now I think I would rather prefer a career in Pharmacy. My problem is I will be a senior this year and want to get in for Fall 2010 so my time for PCAT/researching schools/applications is limited!!


e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): N/A. want to take it in october...is that too late??

I'm really nervous b/c I know my gpa is fine and i have a good research history, but i think time is an issue and my lack of pharmacy experience might hold me back. Also, taking a year off is not an option, i will likely just go to graduate school if I dont get into pharmd. Also I still need to take like 4 more prereqs but can easily do those in the next year.

Any advise would be appreciated!
Click to expand...

October is fine. January might be problematic for early deadlines but I know a lot of schools accept october. It depends on the school though so you'll have to either look at their pharmcas page or directly contact them
 
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rawrthelion said:
a. Schools you are applying to: all of the ones in CA except for western. goal: ucsf or usc.
b. Overall GPA: 3.69
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.5
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.6
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): N/A. probably won't be taking it
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 10 months as a technician for Rite Aid
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): by end of july
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
4 total: biochemistry professor, molecular biology professor, pharmacist, pre-health careers committee that i work closely with
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience

  • pharmacy club:1 yr publicity chair, 1 yr vice president
  • peer mentor for pre-pharmacy students, 2 yrs
  • lab assistant for chem lab, 1 yr
  • volunteer for free health clinic that operates in mexico, 1 yr
  • volunteer in hospital, 2 summers
  • health science partnership, mentor for high school students, 2 yrs
j. Self-perception of interview skills: decent, but may need work

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: not written yet, but i have ideas & proofreaders. :]

other notes: failed one psychology class in a community college b/c 1/5 the grade was attendance and i had to skip a couple to take SATs. this was back in high school. retook it and got a A.
Click to expand...


pretty solid stats 👍

spend a lot of time on those ucsf supplemental essays; these weigh pretty heavily on the application process. apply now for USC!! (i highly recommend turning it in no later than sometime in July)

your failed psych class shouldn't be that big of a deal, but you should definitely make note of it in your PS and also be ready to give a good answer during the interview.
 
Hi, I posted already but I just wrecked my grades, sigh. Also, will our grades in the upcoming fall be considered? I'm determined to show improvement this fall.

a. Schools you are applying to: UCSF, UCSD, UOP, TOURO, and looking into several out of state schools
b. Overall (pre-req) GPA:3.38 at UCSC
c. Math/Science GPA: ~3.19
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.2
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Retail experience, pharm tech license, hospital internship
g. Date of application submission: August 2009

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 4. 3 professors, 1 pharmacist
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: I occasionally volunteer here and there
j. Self-perception of interview skills: I'm a confident person, but I don't know what will happen when I actually do interview
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: Working on it now, but it doesn't seem great, but nor is it bad.
 
I am a recent biology BS graduate and I was considering pharmacy as a career option but I would like to hear if I would even qualify for admission.

a. Schools you are applying to: haven't decided yet, I want to apply next year.
b. Overall GPA: 3.16
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.9
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.5
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): i will be studying for this in the summer
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: none yet.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): August 2010

gen bio 1/2 - C-/B+
gen chem 1/2 - B/C+
o chem 1/2 - C+/B+
intro phy 1/2 - B/A-
calc - C-
anat/physio/micro - A/A/B+
stats - A


My stats aren't looking too hot. I don't know if I could even get in. Any thing that will help me get into pharmacy school?
I will be going to school next semester so I want to raise my gpa, possibly volunteering at the hospital, higher pcat scores?
 
Well, your gpa is definitely on the lower end overall/M+S.. but improvement over the last 2 yrs is good, and if you rock the PCAT, I think you should have a shot. Pharmacy exp and good EC's will definitely help to boost your application.. and then get a letter of rec from a pharmacist if you do volunteer or shadow or whatever.

Any classes w/ below a C-- you will need to retake, since C is the lowest grade that schools accept to my knowledge.

Where there is a will...there is a way! =)

Good luck!

greenteagrl said:
I am a recent biology BS graduate and I was considering pharmacy as a career option but I would like to hear if I would even qualify for admission.

a. Schools you are applying to: haven't decided yet, I want to apply next year.
b. Overall GPA: 3.16
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.9
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.5
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): i will be studying for this in the summer
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: none yet.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): August 2010

gen bio 1/2 - C-/B+
gen chem 1/2 - B/C+
o chem 1/2 - C+/B+
intro phy 1/2 - B/A-
calc - C-
anat/physio/micro - A/A/B+
stats - A


My stats aren't looking too hot. I don't know if I could even get in. Any thing that will help me get into pharmacy school?
I will be going to school next semester so I want to raise my gpa, possibly volunteering at the hospital, higher pcat scores?
Click to expand...
 
What are my chances....

I had a slow start at another school (A Lot had happened my sister and very good friend died)...went to a community college and finished my pre-requirements with a 4.0 and a 90 PCAT. I am a national certified pharmacy technician with hospital volunteering and shadowing-as well as retail.

My schools are
Ferris State
Texas Southern
U of Houston
Hampton
Wayne State
 
drjmariesegars said:
What are my chances....

I had a slow start at another school (A Lot had happened my sister and very good friend died)...went to a community college and finished my pre-requirements with a 4.0 and a 90 PCAT. I am a national certified pharmacy technician with hospital volunteering and shadowing-as well as retail.

My schools are
Ferris State
Texas Southern
U of Houston
Hampton
Wayne State
Click to expand...

Your chances are excellent. Although your prereqs are at CC, the 90 PCAT is spectacular and will show you are a great candidate. If you have a bad GPA from your first school, address that in your personal statement.
 
sandoz said:
My apologies, everyone. I would delete that post if I could (and if several people hadn't already quoted it in its entirety.) I didn't post it to make anyone feel like crap.

Several of the schools I am applying to do not look at PCAT scores, so that isn't even a factor for half of my schools. I also have absolutely no real pharmacy experience, very little volunteer experience, and no extracurriculars from college (besides employment.) I was under the impression that numbers aren't everything, so I am honestly nervous about the non-numerical parts of my application.

I am sorry for being nervous like the rest of you, seeing as how we are all in the same boat right now. I won't post here again since everyone seems to hate me already. 🙁
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You mentioned schools that do not require the pcat. Which schools were those and is there a site that goes through all that?
 
Yes, the site that goes through all that is the PharmCAS website. Go to the "school information" section then select "the directory: learn more about colleges and schools". There are charts for just about everything you would want to know about each pharmacy school.

Here is a link to the "required tests" for each school:
http://www.pharmcas.org/collegesschools/AAGRequiredTestsT.htm
 
swift3260 said:
Yes, the site that goes through all that is the PharmCAS website. Go to the "school information" section then select "the directory: learn more about colleges and schools". There are charts for just about everything you would want to know about each pharmacy school.

Here is a link to the "required tests" for each school:
http://www.pharmcas.org/collegesschools/AAGRequiredTestsT.htm
Click to expand...

Thank you...this is really helpful! I am taking the PCAT in August, this is just in case it doesn't go as well as I would like....
 
Applying to UMD,Shenandoah, howard, USN
I'm 33 years old, I 've gotten myself an overall gpa of 3.75 in a community college
math/sce gpa 3.70
I' m now enrolled in a four year college.
I took the june 20 pcat
I've worked as a medical technician , administrating medicins for one year and also as licensed practical nurse for three years in a nursing home.
What are my chance?
 
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Hi all,
My GPA prerequisite for pre-pharm class is 3.4, and my overall GPA is 3.2
But, the bio upper division classes are not looking so good (alot of C and B and a few A)
So, im so worried about those upper division class' grades.
Are bio upper division grades important in determining the chance to get in pharm program ?
Any suggestion to improve the chance to get in.
I also have 150+ hours volunteer at pharmacy dept at a local hospital, and will taking pcat this august.
Have a pharm tech license but do not have any experience at all (no working yet).
Any suggestion to improve my chance ?
 
Just wondering what my chances are of getting into these schools with my stats. My grades are not stellar so I am going to apply to handful of schools with hope of getting into at least one. I am taking the PCAT in August and scored in the 60th percentile on a practice exam.

a. Schools you are applying to: Temple, USP, Duquesne, Univ. Pitt, Jefferson, LECOM, Purdue, Univ. Maryland, Univ. of Florida, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Pharmacy, Midwestern Chicago
b. Overall GPA: 3.28
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.48
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.13
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Taking in august
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Some Volunteer and performed research for 1.5 years in a psychology lab testing adolescents with ADHD and their medications
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): Just starting the process
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 4 professors and committee letter
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: church group, member of various clubs at PSU
j. Personal statement: work in progress
 
marieflo- your chances are very good. your GPA is good. Address your career change in your PS and make sure your pcat is above 80. You'll make it in no time!

Andy4- your chances are okay. ad coms will look with concern at your upper level grades. your hours of experience are impressive. make sure you get high 90s in your pcat and you'll make it in for sure!

pmw- your science gpa is good. there is a negative trend in your grades, but they are good enough. you can easily relate your research assistant experience to pharmacy in your PS. But, Have you worked in a pharmacy before? Why should we take you over a hundred other applicants with higher stats and with years of pharmacy technician experience? What do you have to offer that these other applicants dont have? -- Love for chemistry, love helping people, and genuine compassion? Ah! you are superior to the other applicants then, because none of them has told me they love chemistry and love helping people!

Anyways, All of you will be okay. just knock out that pcat and that'll set you apart for sure.
Best of luck!
 
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WAMC??

a. Schools Applying to: NOVA, LECOM-Bradenton, FAMU, Palm Beach Atlantic
b. Overall GPA: 2.91 :scared:
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.61 🙄
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.5 😳
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): 57 😱, but just took again 2 weeks ago...haven't gotten the scores yet.
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: certified technician working in retail for 3 years 😎
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): haven't sent it in yet...but applied last year to all the same schools and got rejected. 😡
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 2-pharmacy manager/pharmacist, 2-organic prof., 1- anatomy professor
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: pre-pharmacy club, lots of volunteer work doing various things
j. Self-perception of interview skills: I think if I got the chance to get an interview, I would do really well. My communication skills are good.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: I think I did pretty well.

I know my stats are not all that impressive, and that's why I got rejected last year, but this year I am trying to make my application more impressive by going to school for a Biology-PreProfessional BS, and getting published through cell research through my university. I also plan to improve my essays and most importantly my PCAT scores, but I know the highest I may be able to score is in the 60s. 😕

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!
 
Hi, I'm a Canadian student..I have a couple of questions

First, is it possible to apply to a 0-6 school after already doing undergrad work?

Second, how strict are universities with course loads? The reason I ask is because I've only take 4 courses/semester. How much of a disadvantage would this be for me?

Thanks in advance.
 
I guess this is more of a "How can I improve my chances?" than a "What are my chances?", but it's a similar concept. I appreciate any guidance you guys can give.

I've completed two years of undergrad, so I'll be filling out applications in the summer of 2010.


Some information:

I'll graduate from Case Western Reserve University in May 2011 with a Biology BS, Chemistry BA, & a psych minor.

Overall GPA now: 3.51 (I expect 3.6-3.7 by application time)
Science GPA now: 3.45 now (I expect 3.5-3.6 by application time)
Expected PCAT above 90

Science grades are all A's and B's, and my track record has been getting better every semester.


Extracurriculars:

Varsity swim team since freshman year, I've placed at the championships for what is arguably the fastest DIII conference in the nation, and I expect to get a 'B' qualifying cut for the NCAA championships this season. (Unfortunately even with the qualifying cut I likely won't be one of the 15 or so selected to swim my event, so chances are I won't be attending the meet. But only about 32 swimmers make the 'B' cut each year, so it's still a huge accomplishment.)

Research since January of my sophomore year. We're working on finding transcription factors in schistosomes, and it's very likely I will be published before graduation.

I have absolutely no pharmacy experience as of right now. I live in Michigan (although I stayed in Ohio this summer for research) and as you can guess finding a tech job was absolutely impossible thanks to our economy... I had one sole interview only because they overlooked that I was a college student and not looking for a full-time, long term career.


I'm interested in the research/industry aspect of pharmacy, and I'm looking to apply to schools that are research-oriented.

These are the schools I'm looking at, not a final list by any means:

(very interested):
University of Michigan
Ohio State
University of Pittsburgh
UCSF
University of Washington
University of Minnesota
UNC

(somewhat interested):
University of Georgia
University of Florida
University of Colorado
University of Arizona
Buffalo
Mass - Worchester
University of Cincinnati
Temple


Which of these are unreasonable for out-of-staters? Should I give up on any of these schools now? And most importantly, what steps should I be taking to improve my application?

Thank you so much for any help you can give me!
 
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Hi all! This is my first post and I just have to say I'm SO glad I found this website.

That said, I'm not applying til next year (only a rising Junior) but I thought this question belonged in the WAMC thread.
So, my mom is a vet and owns her own hospital. I have literally worked there since i was 10, so I know a lot about different types of drugs (esp since that's my interest!) So, main question: Do you think they (acceptance committe or whaoever) will recognize that as "pharmacy experience"?
It truely is. We dispense all types of meds (pain relief, abx, anti-seizure, etc) and i have to inform owners of their use and side effects and I have to answer questions owners have about it when say, they have been giving their cat Clavamox for a couple days it suddenly starts having diarrhea.
I guess the safest things would be to "point it out" in my application, but I wanted to ask nonetheless.

Oh and if anyone was wondering, no, I really don't want to be a vet. I don't really like blood (I can stand it if I have to, but I couldn't picture myself doing surgeries everyday!)
 
cannoli- your math/science GPA is very good. Your ECs and experience is also very good. If you show a positive trend in grades and increase that pcat score, you'll make it in for sure! Have you considered apply to out-of state schools? That will improve your chances too.

Art-0-6 schools only take you out of high school. If you started college, you are considered as a transfer applicant into the professional phase, not 0-1 phase. The more heavy your load, the more impressed ad coms will be.

20years- your gpa is on the right track. Having a BS is also helpful. Check on pharmcas how many out-of state applicants those schools take and you can gauge your chances. With a high pcat score, many doors will open for you. What will help your application most is pharmacy experience, volunteering or working as a pharmacy technician, or shadowing in the hospital. your application has great potential.

caitie- you've got an experience which is unique and great for including in your personal statement. dont say you dont like blood, say you like helping people. If your gpa is above 3.5 and pcat score is in the high 90s, you'll make it into pharmacy school in no time! Also make sure someone other than your mom writes your LOR. It may be taboo even if she were your work supervisor.

All of you are doing excellent. you can also search the pharmacy admissions blog because they give excellent tips there and it's run by an actual ad com member.

Best of luck!
 
avuong said:
caitie- you've got an experience which is unique and great for including in your personal statement. dont say you dont like blood, say you like helping people. If your gpa is above 3.5 and pcat score is in the high 90s, you'll make it into pharmacy school in no time! Also make sure someone other than your mom writes your LOR. It may be taboo even if she were your work supervisor.

All of you are doing excellent. you can also search the pharmacy admissions blog because they give excellent tips there and it's run by an actual ad com member.

Best of luck!
Click to expand...

thanks! that really gave me a little boost of confidence that i needed. unfortunately my gpa is only 2.5 (college was a real shocker to me, I really didn't know how to study properly and didnt figure it out til it really hurt me), but I still have at least 2 more years of undergrad.
oh and i definitely wouldnt admit to not liking blood lol
 
avuong said:
cannoli- your math/science GPA is very good. Your ECs and experience is also very good. If you show a positive trend in grades and increase that pcat score, you'll make it in for sure! Have you considered apply to out-of state schools? That will improve your chances too.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for help! I really needed some validation on that! I appreciate it!
Out of state schools scare me, bc I really don't think that I would be able to afford the tuition PLUS housing and what-not. But thanks for the advice, I will still look in to it. 🙂
 
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a. Schools you are applying to:
UNC, Campbell, Jefferson, Temple, South Carolina
b. Overall GPA: 3.3
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.2
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.9
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): taking in August - shooting for 85+
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: None yet - will be shadowing clinical pharmamcist for six weeks
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): hopefully August

optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
3, clinical pharmacist (hopefully), Hedge Fund Founder/CEO, and chemistry professor.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Research Assistant at a Hedge Fund
j. Self-perception of interview skills: Very good interview skills - super savvy conversationality
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality:
I haven't written it yet, I've been told I am a great writer
Additional info: I am a 32 yo applicant. I've worked full time while going to school full time. My biggest hiccup was a D in Physics - which I got when I was pregnant with my daughter, caught Pneumonia and missed half the class AFTER drop-add period. Re-took physics with an A. Calc, Chems - All A's. Bio I and II - B and B+. I originally left school to care for my ailing parents, and am now focused on me.

May I have an honest critique please?
Thanks!
 
I was wondering if I have a good chance at getting into most of the pharmacy schools?


My overall GPA will be around 3.3-3.4. I will have completed about 153 credits in 9 semesters and with a couple summer courses or about a semester or two less for schools that have earlier deadlines. The thing that worries me is that in my 5th semester, I had transferred to a harder university and had low grades that semester (1.4gpa) which lead me to be ineligible for a semester. Only one course that semester was an important prereq for Pharm schools and it was Physics I which I got a C-. The rest of the courses counted as electives or for my degree. Eventually I re-took the courses I got C-'s and D's on that semester and got good grades. At the same school and a couple summer classes at another one, my last 76 credits after that bad semester, I made above a 3.6gpa. I will be having a Chemistry degree and enough prereqs completed to apply to almost any pharmacy school.
 
Good luck! 🙂
 
Last edited:
belleMD- you've got a good gpa and a good trend. great ECs. Shadowing is a good altenative to working in these times. your hiccup was handled perfectly. Discuss your career change in the PS and you'll be good to go.

kordjames- on the surface your gpa seems to be doing fine, it is within competitive range and shows a positive trend. It's hard to gauge without seeing the exact grades and time of re-takes. address your 5th semester and show that you've matured from that experience. Score high on your pcat, have at least 6 months of volunteering or pharmacy technician experience, and also get strong LORs. You'll make it in no time!

tekizero- perfect gpa. excellent experience. you'll make it for sure!

Best of luck all!
 
I finished a bachelors in business from Pace university in 2008 with a 2.82gpa..not great I know... Since then I have worked my butt off to try and get into pharmacy school... I started to take all my sciences.

my science grades so far
bio 1 - A
bio 2 -A
Chem 1 - first time i took it got a C+ ..2nd time A
chem 2- A-
Orgo 1- A
Orgo 2- in process
Anatomy 1- first time C..retaking now should get an A
physics -f ..need to retake it had a bad semester in my old school, wasnt able to concentrate on school work


Schools Applying to: Touro NYC, LECOM-erie, St. fisher, Nova, Midwestern glendale
b. Overall GPA: 3.0
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.5
d. GPA in last school year: 3.94
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): plan on taking in the oct. Pharmacy experience obtained: non-certified tech working for 5 years .
f.Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): haven't sent it in yet
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 2-pharmacy manager/pharmacist, 1-organic prof., 1- head person of a big hospital
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: pharmacy club treasurer, little volunteer work
j. Self-perception of interview skills: I'm a people person and tend to come across as a great communicator
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: in the process

thanks for the help
 
avuong said:
kordjames- on the surface your gpa seems to be doing fine, it is within competitive range and shows a positive trend. It's hard to gauge without seeing the exact grades and time of re-takes. address your 5th semester and show that you've matured from that experience. Score high on your pcat, have at least 6 months of volunteering or pharmacy technician experience, and also get strong LORs. You'll make it in no time!
Click to expand...

I retook the important ones the next semester (Physics and Spanish III) and got an A and A-. The other two were just electives for my degree (Astronomy, Geography) so I did not retake them since I'll have a total of around 150 credits.

So if schools see a good positive trend ( 3.6 for the last 40 credits before their deadline), will I be in good shape? Also, should I mention that I was ineligible, where would I do that?

Would it be ok if I only volunteered maybe like 2-3 months instead of 6?
 
np guys!

kord- yes, follow the advice of belmont. They know what they're talking about.

Dima- as other posts have said in your other thread, your stats look good. Youve made a great recovery and achieved near perfect pre-req grades.
your ECs and work experience are top notch. Get your pcat in the 90s and your seat is guaranteed post-interview!
Best of luck!

and dont forget to check out the pharmacyschooladmissions blog. (google for exact link)
They offer excellent advice and the perspective from the other side.
 
Last edited:
avuong said:
np guys!

kord- yes, follow the advice of belmont. They know what they're talking about.

Dima- as other posts have said in your other thread, your stats look good. Youve made a great recovery and achieved near perfect pre-req grades.
your ECs and work experience are top notch. Get your pcat in the 90s and your seat is guaranteed post-interview!
Best of luck!

and dont forget to check out the pharmacyschooladmissions blog. (google for exact link)
They offer excellent advice and the perspective from the other side.
Click to expand...

thanks...avuong
 
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a. Schools you are applying to: UF and Nova
b. Overall GPA: 3.46 (calculated by PharmCAS)
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.28 (math/biology/chemistry courses)
PharmCAS GPA: math: 4.0 science: 3.1
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.46
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): waiting on scores... probably did poorly
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 3 years of volunteer experience at 2 hospitals as pharmacy technician (approximately 400 hours)
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): PharmCAS: 7/1/09.. finished UF's, waiting for Nova's supplementary

optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 2 pharmacists, 1 biology professor, 1 liberal arts professor
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: volunteer at nursing home, internal medicine (filing), school's quiz bowl team, vietnamese student organization at UF, Phi Theta Kappa (honor society at college)
j. Self-perception of interview skills: pretty decent
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: I worked on it for a month and had about 5 people look over it... I think it's pretty good.

I know my GPA is low, and I have 2 C's... and my PCAT score might be low as well. Hopefully my extracurriculars and volunteer experience will help me out. I am not so confident about UF but do you guys think I will get into Nova?
 
Last edited:
Thanks avuong
 
Last edited:
Hey all,
WAMC for UW School of Pharmacy?
Heres my stats:

GPA: 3.3
PCAT: 82

Volunteer at a couple pharmacies over the period of about 2 years and even worked as a tech.

Im also part of a clinical trial for a drug which helps study a drug that helps the body fight HPV.

5 years in the US Navy, honorable discharge.
 
np guys,

elai-pretty good stats, good cumulative gpa, excellent experience. You will likely get in this year. Are those five people who read your PS professors or peers? Its good to have a mix. Two C's are fine, as long as you have A's elsewhere. Lots of people get in with Fs, and 50% pcats, etc. Your application is strong overall so dont worry about it!

aircraft- your gpa is okay, your pcat is good. Having pharmacy experience is essential, and youve got it. Your chances are good. Were you a research assistant in that clinical trial or a participant?

visit the pharmacyschooladmissions blog for more tips on interviewing and writing PS's.
People familiar with UW and UF please feel free to comment,
this WAMC thread should be your first stop for general chance questions, for more detailed questions, you can use the search function or start your own thread, and more people will reply with their own opinions and relevant experiences. I dont know it all and I wont be here forever.

Best of luck all!
 
thanks avuong. it's good to have some reassurance. one of the people who edited my essay was a doctor, 2 others were UF students, one of them was the editor of the school newspaper, and i took it to the writing lab once. thanks for your help!
 
Hello everybody!
I'm new to the forum and I imagine my questions aren't a lot different from anyone else's, but I'll ask them anyway.

I am very strongly considering a career change to Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). I am currently a commercial pilot without a job, and this isn't the first time I've been laid off. I am considering Pharmacy because you can actually help people out, seems like you can get a job where ever you want, and hopefully no more layoffs. I have a B.S. degree in Aeronautics, but I need to take more Chemistry and biology. I already enrolled in a pre Pharm associate's program at my local community college and I am planning on applying for a Pharmacy assistant/ tech job in a few weeks when I move back to my hometown. I've had a whole other life and career for the past 10 years and I wonder how the Pharm. D school will look at this?

Also, I'm interested in applying to the Auburn school of Pharmacy that opened up in Mobile, AL a few years back. Anybody go to this school or have any ideas about it?

Thanks for listening guys!

Appreciate any comments you guys can provide..😀
 
I am not your typical candidate, but would be interested in your feedback:

Age 29
-BS in Economics and Finance from a State University
-7 years successful and progressive work experience in Manuf./Technical Management for a reputable company, including international assignment
-Current salary, benefits (perhaps equal to a median pharmacist) and willing to walk away from it
-GPA: 3.1, 3.6 in last year (2002)
-Need to complete 33-36 hours of pre-reqs
-Need to take PCAT. Confident of verbal and quantitative skills but haven't taken much science since high school.
-No current Pharma experience, but I have opportunities to gain exposure to the field on a volunteer or part-time/intern basis

Since I haven't applied anywhere, I'm not looking for an answer on acceptance... Rather I'm seeking advice on the best way to work towards acceptance to a pharmD program from my current state. How much will experience help? Will potential pharm schools see a radical career change as an indication of somebody who doesn't yet know what they want to do? I like to think in my case maybe it just took an extra decade to figure out. Anybody with a similar experience?
 
Hello charliefox and usbrown,
welcome to the SDN forums!
your situations are unique and I think starting new threads will be helpful to you. Lots of people here will have useful advice regarding change of career.

Also make sure you use the search function beforehand because it's the culture here to go nuts if you see a question thats been asked twice. Thats not my culture though, so dont worry.

I think consulting these threads will be helpful too/
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=642970
pharmacyschooladmissions blogspot com

As long as you maintain high gpas, high pcat scores, and prove to ad coms (admission committees), how serious you are about your commitment, you will make it into pharmacy school for sure! Having pharmacy experience will be essential
Best of luck!

These threads have previously discussed this topic and might be helpful:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=495274
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=620737
 
Last edited:
Hi all,

I am a senior at UCLA. I completed most of the prerequisites at the CC. I plan to apply to UCSF, UCSD, USC, UOP, and Western. Here are my stats:

a. GPA: 4.0 🙂
b. PCAT: should I take it to apply to more out of state schools?
c. Pharmacy experience: less than 50 hours of volunteer in a hospital (pharmacy department). 🙁
d. Non-pharmacy work experience: 3 years working at the optometry office, summer undergraduate researcher at UCI, lab assistant at CC.
e. Some awards and scholarships in chemistry.
f. Strong LORs from: Organic Chem professor (CC), Physical Chem Professor (UCLA), employer (optometrist), and pharmacist (maybe).

I am really worried about my EC's and pharmacy experience. Will that heavily affect my application? What are the chances of getting an interview for me at UCSF and UCSD? Thank you.
 
avuong said:
Hello charliefox and usbrown,
welcome to the SDN forums!
your situations are unique and I think starting new threads will be helpful to you. Lots of people here will have useful advice regarding change of career.

Also make sure you use the search function beforehand because it's the culture here to go nuts if you see a question thats been asked twice. Thats not my culture though, so dont worry.

I think consulting these threads will be helpful too/
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=642970
pharmacyschooladmissions blogspot com

As long as you maintain high gpas, high pcat scores, and prove to ad coms (admission committees), how serious you are about your commitment, you will make it into pharmacy school for sure! Having pharmacy experience will be essential
Best of luck!

These threads have previously discussed this topic and might be helpful:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=495274
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=620737
Click to expand...



Hey, thanks for the info. If anybody has info on Auburn's Pharm.D program, pass it my way.

Also, as far as internships and tech jobs, who's the best retail chain to work for? There are so many......just curious--

Thanks in advance.....

MW
 
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