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

Started by rxlea
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I'm returning to school after a long hiatus (BS in anthropology with a number of credits that are more than 20 years old). I'm now 41 and taught science and math for 6 years to middle school students. I also have a 4.00 graduate school GPA in science education (15 total hours). Will my age be an issue?

a. Schools you are applying to: University of Houston
b. Overall GPA: 3.76
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.00 (not so great)
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.75
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): haven't taken
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: currently enrolled in a pharmacy tech program at a junior college- will take the certification exam in December
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): Just applied to pre-pharmacy program at UH- I definitely need organic 1 & 2, A&P, and microbiology. I have everything else.

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: My pharmacy tech professor has given me a glowing LOR and has offered to mentor me. Plus, my previous employer (school principal) and 3 grad school professors have given me LOR's.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Teaching, lots of volunteer hours at the library and with animal shelter organizations.
j. Self-perception of interview skills: Very good (I've had lots of experience).
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: Very good (published writer).
 
tuatara said:
I'm returning to school after a long hiatus (BS in anthropology with a number of credits that are more than 20 years old). I'm now 41 and taught science and math for 6 years to middle school students. I also have a 4.00 graduate school GPA in science education (15 total hours). Will my age be an issue?

a. Schools you are applying to: University of Houston
b. Overall GPA: 3.76
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.00 (not so great)
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.75
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): haven't taken
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: currently enrolled in a pharmacy tech program at a junior college- will take the certification exam in December
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): Just applied to pre-pharmacy program at UH- I definitely need organic 1 & 2, A&P, and microbiology. I have everything else.

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: My pharmacy tech professor has given me a glowing LOR and has offered to mentor me. Plus, my previous employer (school principal) and 3 grad school professors have given me LOR's.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Teaching, lots of volunteer hours at the library and with animal shelter organizations.
j. Self-perception of interview skills: Very good (I've had lots of experience).
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: Very good (published writer).
Click to expand...

I'm not really clear on when you took the rest of your pre-reqs, but you may end up having to retake those if you completed them when you were working towards your BS. Make sure you check with Houston to see if they'll take them if that's the case. Otherwise, I'd say you're in very solid shape.

Also, I always recommend applying to more than one school (getting in to any one school is never a sure thing), but as a non-traditional student I can see where you might be against going anywhere other than your local COP if you have kids, a house, etc.
 
A) University of North Carolina / Campbell University (In-State Resident)
B)GPA: 3.28 Total
C)GPA(S): 3.16 GPA(M): 2.94
D) F:3.45 - Soph: 3.39 - J: 2.96 - Sen: 3.29 (Explained reasons for dip on PS)
E) PCAT(84) Writing : 3 and 3
F) No Pharm Experience
G) PharmCAS E-Sumbit: 10/21/11 - Both Supps same day

H) Chem Research Professor(Dean of PAMS College), Post Doc in Research Lab, Boss at my work(business setting)
I) 3 Years of total work experience, business and organic research settings
J) I believe I will do fine in interviews
K) Personally believe it is top quality-maybe even strongest part of Application

Thanks in advance for your time.
 
a. Schools you are applying to
Temple, Jefferson, LECOM-E (hopefully the 3-yr?), LECOM-B
b. Overall GPA - ~3.1 :scared:
c. Math/Science GPA Well if they do grade replacement, then 2.52. Otherwise 2.25 :scared: (terrible, I know!)
d. GPA in last one or two school years - Around the same
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) - Haven't taken it. BUT I did take a practice and do pretty ok (like 80-90 percentile in a lot of sections). I'm a GREAT standardized test taker.
f. Pharmacy experience obtained- Four years in retail. Anywhere from 20-40 hours a week, times 50 weeks a year, times 4 years. CPhT!
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
None yet
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
I can def get at least one science prof, maybe two. Could get a bunch of lib arts/humanities. Could also get literally dozens of pharmacists. The pharmacist ones would be nothing short of glowing
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Meh. I volunteer regularly at my church and at a hospital. I go to a Catholic university and I feel like everyone is in some service groups.
j. Self-perception of interview skills - Awesome, actually. Not to sound cocky (hey, look at my grades), but people love me. Even teachers whose classes I've BOMBED still love me. I'm the quintessential good kid.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Probably could be great. I'm a really strong writer. Maybe that's why my science professors like me, because I can knock out essays and papers like nobody's business (a skill lost in many science majors).
I know that my numbers are bad. Really bad. I went from being a top dog in high school (national merit, almost perfect SATs, yadda yadda) to falling mightily in college. It's been four years of soul-searching and hell. At the end of the day, though, I keep coming back to pharmacy. Everyone I know says that's all they see me doing. They say I have "passion" and I'm a "born pharmacist." I used to think I wanted to be a doctor, but now that I'm about to graduate and really have to make the hard choices, I think they are right. I am not going this route because I can't crack it as a doctor- that'd be disrespectful to the pharmacy profession as a whole. I'm just on a path of re-discovering myself (and started seeing my school counselors to try to figure out this thing called "depression" that has pretty much ruined my college experience). Would my extensive work experience help balance out my GPA? I definitely would not have worked that much if I didn't need to for financial reasons.😕
 
a. Schools you are applying to:

Ohio State (#1 choice), University of Cincinnati, Northeast Ohio Medical University, University of Charleston, West Virginia University, Shenandoah University (both campuses), LECOM Erie, Albany College of Pharmacy (both campuses), University of Michigan, Ferris State University, University of Kentucky, Butler University, Chicago State University.

b. Overall GPA:

~3.1.

c. Math/Science GPA:

~3.0, but I will have my Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science in June!

d. GPA in last one or two school years:

3.3

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite):

73 composite 🙁

f. Pharmacy experience obtained:

I have worked 1 year and 2 months in a pharmacy.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary):

Today

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs

3 total. I have received one letter of recommendation from my Bio-medicinal Chemistry professor. I also have 2 EXCELLENT letters from my pharmacists, one is the pharmacy manager. They both love me and wrote great letters!

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience

Not too much volunteer experience, since I need to work to put myself through school. But I have held one job full time at a daycare one summer and the 1st two years of my undergrad career I worked at our university medical center's Center for Continuing Medical Education.

j. Self-perception of interview skills:

Good. I can talk myself up when need be!

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
I have heard from those who read it that it is really great and shows my passion for entering pharmacy! I am just so worried that I wont get in anywhere. I hope that by me casting the wide net I should be fine. I appreciate everyone taking the time to review this for me 🙂
 
a. USC, UCSD, UCSF, MCPHS (Boston), CNCP
b. 3.76
c. 3.74
d. ~3.8/9
Undergraduate Degree: B.S. in Biology from UCLA
e. Did not take the PCAT
f. Pharmacy Technician with CVS (started in July 2011, so I didn't get a rec. letter, but I did mention it in my apps).
g. Primary: Late July, Secondary: Mid August


h. Four LORs. 1: Professor for an organization where I was a Peer Mentor and Workshop Leader, 2: Professor who was also my PI, cosigned with my graduate student supervisor, 3: Coordinator for a Teaching Assistant position I held for lower division biology laboratory courses (cosigned with professor that ran the labs), 4: TA for Microbiology laboratory course.
i. Peer Mentor for a 10 freshmen during my junior year, Workshop Leader that I ran for a year, Undergraduate Assistant for two lower division core bio laboratory courses, Camp Kesem counselor (summer camp counselor), Research Assistant (published a paper).
j. Fairly well, I couldn't gauge my interview with USC all too well. My faculty and student interviewer were rather stoic and serious, so I'm not sure how it went. I felt as though my answers were prepared and I delivered them in a confident manner, yet I feel as though it might have sounded a bit rehearsed/rushed. The interview was only 20 minutes, so I felt pressured to fit things in. 🙁
k. I like the end result of my personal statements. I don't think they would hurt my chances?

I'm just waiting for USC's response, I really have no idea where I stand...I'm always climbing back and forth over the fence...sometimes I'm confident and other times I get a bit anxious thinking...what if I dont get in? I feel like a sitting duck with no one to turn to...lol. Any current pharm students have a feel as to where I stand? I know its really competitive, so I'm not sure how its going to pan out 🙁
 
I have already finished my B. Pharm from India. Degree evaluation done through WES...

a. Schools you are applying to
i don’t know lots of option open - NOVA - international, any 3 yr colleges

b. Overall GPA - 3.45

c. Math/Science GPA ~ all my classes are A & B's though...

d. GPA in last one or two school years - 3.4

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) - taking it Jan 10th

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
worked in different pharmacies in India, worked for State level food and drug lab.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
will be sending by deadlines...

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

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
advisor, practicing pharmacist and past employers...

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
volunteer work and teaching - but i cannot produce any proof...

j. Self-perception of interview skills - okay..average... scared...

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
average working on it... getting help as needed...

any recommendation for other schools I should look into??

thanks!
 
a. There are 15 in total (i know i'm crazy) and i've sent out or will be sending out supplements for all schools by tomorrow 11/14: Albany, Buffalo, University of Illinois, LECOM, Long Island, University of Maryland, MCPHS (Boston), University of Michigan, University of Pittsburgh, Shenandoah, Temple, Thomas Jefferson, USP (aka PCP), University of Washington, and Western New England

b. Overall GPA: 3.18


c. Math/Science GPA: 3.05

d. GPA in last one or two school years: between 3.2 to 3.3

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite):
Verbal Ability - 73%
Biology - 87%
Reading Comprehension - 55%
Quantitative Ability - 74%
Chemistry - 68%

Composite - 76%

f. Pharmacy experience obtained: None in retail or clinical pharmacy. Did an internship for 6 months at GlaxoSmithKline. Currently looking for a job in retail pharmacy. Was offered a job in July but couldn't start due to an unexpected medical issue (now resolved).


g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary):
primaries: 11/01
secondaries: (submitted within 1 week of primaries to the following): Long Island University, Buffalo, and UPitt

(will send out this week): Michigan, Maryland, Albany, MCPHS (Boston), Temple, Washington, and Shenandoah

(the remaining schools): USP and Western New England do not have a supplement and LECOM, Jefferson, and Illinois mail out their supplements

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs:

4 eLORs:
1) Professor for Human Genetics, Stem Cell Research, and Cells and Genetics
2) Professor for Physical Chemistry and Department Head of Chemistry Department
3) Manager at GlaxoSmithKline
4) Post-bacc professor for Advanced Topics in Chemistry and Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience:

Hospice volunteer (Visiting Nurses Association)
Pre-med Volunteer (Hosptial of UPenn)
Lab Prep Aide (Drexel University Biology Dept)
Peer Reader (aka writing tutor) (Drexel Writing Dept)

j. Self-perception of interview skills

I think I project and appear confident in interviews even though I feel exactly the opposite. I do a lot of research 1-2 days prior to the interview to prepare myself. I'm worried that since I don't have any pharmacy related experience it might effect me negatively since I won't be able to talk too much in depth about it.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality

As a peer reader, i have had a lot of experience reviewing other people's personal statements so hopefully I was able to avoid the common errors that people make. Overall I think it was well written and shows why I want to go into the pharmacy profession.
 
IDreamOfPharm said:
a. Schools you are applying to:

Ohio State (#1 choice), University of Cincinnati, Northeast Ohio Medical University, University of Charleston, West Virginia University, Shenandoah University (both campuses), LECOM Erie, Albany College of Pharmacy (both campuses), University of Michigan, Ferris State University, University of Kentucky, Butler University, Chicago State University.

b. Overall GPA:

~3.1.

c. Math/Science GPA:

~3.0, but I will have my Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science in June!

d. GPA in last one or two school years:

3.3

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite):

73 composite 🙁
🙂
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I have pretty much the same stats as you. I got my BS in Biological Sciences with a minior in Chemistry. I also did a year of post-bacc and unfortunately performed about the same in my courses but still above a 3.0

I don't have pharmacy experience though or a letter from any RPh's or pharmD's so i think you have a pretty good shot since your application shows you've had experience in the field 🙂

Good luck!!
 
a. Schools you are applying to- UMKC School of Pharmacy, KU
b. Overall GPA- 3.77
c. Math/Science GPA- 3.5
d. GPA in last one or two school years 4.0
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) -None
f. Pharmacy experience obtained- None
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)-None submitted yet

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs- N/A
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience- Hospital volunteer
j. Self-perception of interview skills- Good
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality- N/A

I have 8 Ws on my transcript from 4 years of being in college. Is this bad for my chances?

Thanks!
 
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ashx816 said:
I have 8 Ws on my transcript from 4 years of being in college. Is this bad for my chances?
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Probably not, but the questions I would ask seeing a number of Ws are:
- Does the record support that this student can handle a full-time rigorous schedule?
- Is there a pattern of dropping hard classes the first time - was the student avoiding bad grades? And can the student handle material the first time it is presented?

I probably have as many Ws, for various reasons including a changed major, work conflicts, and in at least one case a very poor teacher. But I did have several semesters of 17-18 credit hours with difficult courses, and I scored well in A&P and O Chem on first attempt. I doubt the Ws hurt your chances.

sadface said:
Hello! I am trying to figure out what I need to do to apply next year (for 2014). The pre pharm advisor just told me to "get more involved" and I am curious about how I can best allocate my time during my year off from school.
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I second the recommendation for pharmacy & volunteering experience to really help round out your application. As a bonus, these activities can help you secure a good recommendation (many schools suggest or require a LoR from a pharmacist) and can help you in your interview & personal statement.

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) I took the test once so far, but I plan to retake it.
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Since you've got the time & a game plan to do better, why not? Otherwise, 74 is respectably average for schools' matriculating classes. I'm not sure it's a specific hinderance in this situation.

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
I am really unsure about this. My school is large and I have not really connected well with any professors to get a great letter. I am going to try hard next semester to get one 🙁
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Your first stop will be your prospective pharma schools. What do they ask for? Regarding connecting with your professor - while it would be fantastic if you made a real, personal connection outside the classroom, I'm going to hazard that most people don't - it's a bonus but not a requirement. Pick a professor's class you did well in, perhaps that you visited office hours or asked questions after class. Most professors view writing recommendations as part of their job.

I have an opportunity to volunteer at a local homeopathic store that is not run by a pharm.D. Would this be a good option?
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It really depends on what you'd be getting out of it. Would you just be working for free at a supplement store? It's something, but I'd certainly look for a cause you're interested in to volunteer for, and keep looking for pharma experience.

PS, welcome to SDN, both of you. 😀
 
a. Schools you are applying to
California Northstate, Loma Linda, Touro, UCSD, UCSF, USC, University of the Pacific at Stockton, Western University

b. Overall GPA
3.23 (switched from Mechanical Engineering, which brought down my cumulative, to B.S. Environmental Studies)

c. Math/Science GPA
3.4 (excluding Engineering classes but including higher Calculus such as Vector Calculus)

Gen Chem/Lab: A/A, A-/A-, B/A
OChem/Lab: A-/A-, A/B-, A

Intro Bio/Lab: A-/B+ (biochem/cell biology/genetics), A/B (physiology), C (ecology/evolution), B/B (major species)

Upper Divs.
Biochem: B+
Molecular Genetics: A
Environmental Toxicology: A
Writing for Science/Technology: A

Currently taking Developmental Bio (prob get a B+ to A), Microbio (B range), and Microbio Lab ( B+ to A-)

d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.45 in the last year

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
applying to CA schools

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
Certified and Licensed Pharm Tech just starting at CVS, hopefully working for about 8 months before applying

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Fall 2012

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
1 from Environmental Toxicology professor
hopefully 1 from a pharmacist (as I start working at CVS)
working on 1 from Psychopharmacology professor

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Worked 1 year as a Greenhouse Lab Assistant for the Life Sciences Dpt.
Concurrently, worked 10 months at my school's Transportation and Parking Services (mostly customer service experience and managing funds)

j. Self-perception of interview skills
Average. Haven't had much interview experience but just need to do my research and prep. Still remember a few tips from Academic Decathlon competitions.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Still a work in progress. I feel like my writing style is more for technical writing so I need to make it sound more personable.
 
jvinny said:
a. Schools you are applying to
California Northstate, Loma Linda, Touro, UCSD, UCSF, USC, University of the Pacific at Stockton, Western University

b. Overall GPA
3.23 (switched from Mechanical Engineering, which brought down my cumulative, to B.S. Environmental Studies)

c. Math/Science GPA
3.4 (excluding Engineering classes but including higher Calculus such as Vector Calculus)

Gen Chem/Lab: A/A, A-/A-, B/A
OChem/Lab: A-/A-, A/B-, A

Intro Bio/Lab: A-/B+ (biochem/cell biology/genetics), A/B (physiology), C (ecology/evolution), B/B (major species)

Upper Divs.
Biochem: B+
Molecular Genetics: A
Environmental Toxicology: A
Writing for Science/Technology: A

Currently taking Developmental Bio (prob get a B+ to A), Microbio (B range), and Microbio Lab ( B+ to A-)

d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.45 in the last year

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
applying to CA schools

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
Certified and Licensed Pharm Tech just starting at CVS, hopefully working for about 8 months before applying

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Fall 2012

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
1 from Environmental Toxicology professor
hopefully 1 from a pharmacist (as I start working at CVS)
working on 1 from Psychopharmacology professor

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Worked 1 year as a Greenhouse Lab Assistant for the Life Sciences Dpt.
Concurrently, worked 10 months at my school's Transportation and Parking Services (mostly customer service experience and managing funds)

j. Self-perception of interview skills
Average. Haven't had much interview experience but just need to do my research and prep. Still remember a few tips from Academic Decathlon competitions.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Still a work in progress. I feel like my writing style is more for technical writing so I need to make it sound more personable.
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I had around the same stats and I got an interview to a couple of schools on your list (just not Western + USC b/c I didn't apply there). So you have a good chance for getting an interview but after that acceptance depends on how well u do at the interview. goodluck!
 
a. Schools you are applying to: University of Kansas, UMKC, University of Colorado, University of Oklahoma.

b. Overall GPA: 3.4 after freshman year and am applying next fall.

c. Math/Science GPA: 2.5

d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.4

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

f. Pharmacy experience obtained: I will be working for a pharmacist before my sophomore year and during my sophomore year.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): Fall 2012
 
jayhawker1193 said:
a. Schools you are applying to: University of Kansas, UMKC, University of Colorado, University of Oklahoma.

b. Overall GPA: 3.4 after freshman year and am applying next fall.

c. Math/Science GPA: 2.5

d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.4

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

f. Pharmacy experience obtained: I will be working for a pharmacist before my sophomore year and during my sophomore year.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): Fall 2012
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science gpa is very important, yours are very low. schools will wonder whether you will do well in pharmacy school. You need to do well on your pcats. Please check if your sci gpa will qualify for those schools b/c for UC Denver it states: The minimum overall GPA requirement for applicants to the PharmD Program is 2.5 overall and 2.75 in the sciences at the time of application.
 
a. Schools you are applying to SIUE
b. Overall GPA 3.28
c. Math/Science GPA 3.11
d. GPA in last one or two school years 4.0
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) 97 composite
f. Pharmacy experience obtained none
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) Fall 2012

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs 2, Organic Chem Prof. and Family Friend.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience I've worked as a chem tutor for the past 5 years and I volunteer at the local elementary school. I also have two Bachelor's degrees, one in physics and the other in astronomy.
j. Self-perception of interview skills OK
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality good
 
lunarian said:
a. Schools you are applying to SIUE
b. Overall GPA 3.28
c. Math/Science GPA 3.11
d. GPA in last one or two school years 4.0
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) 97 composite
f. Pharmacy experience obtained none
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) Fall 2012

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs 2, Organic Chem Prof. and Family Friend.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience I've worked as a chem tutor for the past 5 years and I volunteer at the local elementary school. I also have two Bachelor's degrees, one in physics and the other in astronomy.
j. Self-perception of interview skills OK
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality good
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Welcome to SDN!

My impression is that your application is very good. (I don't know specifically about SIUE.) Your PCAT score is superb, as is your recent GPA. Your overall GPA isn't bad either, considering you've got two science degrees. I think you'll find you've opened doors for yourself, strictly by the numbers. 👍

If you have time, you might consider volunteering at a hospital or something along those lines to gain exposure to pharmacy.

My biggest question is about your "family friend" LOR. Why is this family friend so special that you're going to ask him/her to write an LOR? Why not someone on the school board / the principal of the school? What is SIUE looking for in terms of recommendations? If they do require a pharmacist LOR, you may be killing two birds with one stone if you can get some pharmacy experience.

No need to answer the questions here, unless you have more questions - just my first impression.
 
sadface said:
Hello! I am trying to figure out what I need to do to apply next year (for 2014). The pre pharm advisor just told me to "get more involved" and I am curious about how I can best allocate my time during my year off from school.

I will be graduating this year with a B.S. in biochemstry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

a. Schools you are applying to- University of Wisconsin-Madison (Maybe Minnesota too.. any suggestions?)
b. Overall GPA- should be about 3.5 when I graduate
c. Math/Science GPA- A bit lower
d. GPA in last one or two school years- Most of my low grades were my first two years, but I cannot calculate this for sure yet. I'm trying very hard this year though, so hopefully near a 3.6 or 7 for the last two years.
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) I took the test once so far, but I plan to retake it. I know I can improve my math and chemistry scores, I didn't study enough for any sections 🙁
Verbal- 73
Biology- 84
Reading Comprehension- 81
Quantitative ability- 59
Chemistry- 53
Composite- 74
f. Pharmacy experience obtained- I have shadowed a retail pharmacist for one day..
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) Will be next year 🙂

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
I am really unsure about this. My school is large and I have not really connected well with any professors to get a great letter. I am going to try hard next semester to get one 🙁
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience- None, I worked at a factory :S. Trying to do pre-pharmacy club this year but I am stretched for time
j. Self-perception of interview skills- mediocre
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality- N/A

Thank you for insight!!

I have an opportunity to volunteer at a local homeopathic store that is not run by a pharm.D. Would this be a good option?
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I applied to and was accepted to both U of MN and UW Madison last year, so I like to think that I have a decent idea of what they are looking for.

It sounds like you have a good GPA and an average PCAT, so I wouldn't be too concerned about those. However, you lack pharmacy experience, LORs, volunteering, etc. I think your best bet would be to get involved in the pre-pharmacy club and get more shadowing and volunteering done. If you shadow with the same pharmacist a few times and ask a lot of questions, you could probably get a LOR out of them. Try hitting up hospitals. They normally have a good variety of pharmacists that you can shadow.

Any volunteering is better than no volunteering. It does not have to be pharmacy related by any means. I would definitely take them up on that offer!

If you really concentrate on getting involved in the pre-pharmacy club and shadowing with some volunteering on top of that, you should be OK. Both schools are looking for more than grades and a decent PCAT, so I would put those things at the top of your to-do-asap list. Even if you're busy, make time for these! I can guarantee that both schools will ask about your pharmacy experience and your knowledge of the field during interviews, so you'll want to have something to talk about.



UW stats (from admissions page):
The 2011 Admitted Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Class

The following are statistics on the enrolled first-year Pharm.D. class as of September 2, 2011:

  • Admitted class size: 135
  • Mean cumulative GPA: 3.57
  • Mean GPA for prerequisite mathematics and science courses: 3.53
  • Mean composite score on the Pharmacy College Admission Test: 74%
  • Percentage of female students: 62%
  • Percentage of Wisconsin residents: 90%
  • Average age: 22.4
  • Bachelor degrees earned: 51%
Fall 2011 Application Pool (Complete Applications Only)

  • Total submitted applications: 437
  • Total completed applications: 396
  • Total interview invitations: 280
  • Mean cumulative GPA: 3.45
  • Mean composite score on the Pharmacy College Admission Test: 67%
  • Percentage of female students: 61%
  • Percentage of Wisconsin residents: 52%
  • Average age: 23
  • Bachelor degrees earned (by Fall 2011): 61%
UW selection criteria: http://pharmacy.wisc.edu/academics/doctor-pharmacy-program/admissions/selection-criteria


U of MN stats (from admissions page):
Fall 2011 Profile of Matriculants:

Average PharmCAS Overall GPA3.59Average PharmCAS Science GPA3.51Average PCAT Composite % rank72%Female / Male ratio68% / 32%Average Age25Age Range20-57# of International Students7# of African American Students8# of American Indian Students2# of Asian Students31# of Hispanic Students3# of Caucasian Students103# of Admits not reporting ethnicity13% with BA/BS degree completed by Sept.89%​
U of MN selection criteria: http://www.pharmacy.umn.edu/pharmd/admissions/criteria/home.html

Sorry for the horrible formatting of this post...

Feel free to PM me if you have questions 🙂
 
ashx816 said:
a. Schools you are applying to- UMKC School of Pharmacy, KU
b. Overall GPA- 3.77
c. Math/Science GPA- 3.5
d. GPA in last one or two school years 4.0
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) -None
f. Pharmacy experience obtained- None
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)-None submitted yet

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs- N/A
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience- Hospital volunteer
j. Self-perception of interview skills- Good
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality- N/A

I have 8 Ws on my transcript from 4 years of being in college. Is this bad for my chances?

Thanks!
Click to expand...


I would say you got good chances but.... 8 W's= very bad so idk if you will or not it depends on the what the school thinks about all those W's
 
a. Albany, Buffalo, University of Illinois, LECOM, Long Island, University of Maryland, MCPHS (Boston), University of Michigan, University of Pittsburgh, Shenandoah, Temple, Thomas Jefferson, USP (aka PCP), University of Washington, and Western New England

b. Overall GPA: 3.18
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.05

d. GPA in last one or two school years: between 3.2 to 3.4

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite):
Verbal Ability - 73%
Biology - 87%
Reading Comprehension - 55%
Quantitative Ability - 74%
Chemistry - 68%

Composite - 76%

f. Pharmacy experience obtained: None in retail or clinical pharmacy. Did an internship for 6 months at GlaxoSmithKline. Currently looking for a job in retail pharmacy. Was offered a job in July but couldn't start due to an unexpected medical issue (now resolved).
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary):
primaries: 11/01
secondaries: (submitted within 1 week of primaries to the following): Long Island University, Buffalo, and UPitt

(sent out last week): Maryland, Albany, Temple, and Shenandoah

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs:

4 eLORs:
1) Professor for Human Genetics, Stem Cell Research, and Cells and Genetics
2) Professor for Physical Chemistry and Department Head of Chemistry Department
3) Manager at GlaxoSmithKline
4) Post-bacc professor for Advanced Topics in Chemistry and Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience:

Hospice volunteer (Visiting Nurses Association)
Pre-med Volunteer (Hosptial of UPenn)
Lab Prep Aide (Drexel University Biology Dept)
Peer Reader (aka writing tutor) (Drexel Writing Dept)

j. Self-perception of interview skills

I think I project and appear confident in interviews even though I feel exactly the opposite. I do a lot of research 1-2 days prior to the interview to prepare myself. I'm worried that since I don't have any pharmacy related experience it might effect me negatively since I won't be able to talk too much in depth about it.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality

As a peer reader, i have had a lot of experience reviewing other people's personal statements so hopefully I was able to avoid the common errors that people make. Overall I think it was well written and shows why I want to go into the pharmacy profession.

i would really appreciate feedback on my stats since i am growing concerned that i haven't heard back from any schools as of yet. This Tuesday (11/22) will mark 3 weeks of me submitting my pharmCAS. I've browsed SDN and it seems as though people hear back fairly quickly ~2 weeks in some cases. my pharmCAS still has not mailed to my designations either which is also making me anxious.

thanks for you help!! 🙂
 
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Hi, guys.
I have not applied yet.
So this question may seem stupid but I need to ask.
How does the system calculate the GPAs regarding the repeated courses?
Thanks!
 
holidayyou said:
Hi, guys.
I have not applied yet.
So this question may seem stupid but I need to ask.
How does the system calculate the GPAs regarding the repeated courses?
Thanks!
Click to expand...


pharmcas calculated your gpa with your repeated courses, so they are averaged in like your other grades.
 
Thanks,
Is it like you take biol 1 credit and got a C first time. Repeated and got a B. And had some other 1 credit class but got A first time=(2.0*1+3.0*1+4.0*1)/(1+1+1)=3.0
or (2.5*1+4.0*1)/(1+1)=3.25?
I would really appreciate your answer!
 
Hello guys!
I have to admit, seeing everyone's great stat is indeed intimidating!

I am not very sure if my post belongs on the right thread, so guys please be patient on me 😳.
Anyway, I just took the PCAT last September with an awful score. I'd be retaking it again this coming January. I have a decent GPA of 3.7. No pharmacy experience but I'm looking forward to having one soon. Then I learned about MCPHS Worcester and how they do not require PCAT. My question is, should I even get my hopes up for this school considering I do not have a BS degree? (I have an associates though, if thats any help 🙂) And they do not require a BS, but every single person I heard and read from that got accepted have one. Do you guys think I have a shot on this one?
Thank you!
 
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a. Schools you are applying to: WesternU, Touro, UOP, California Northstate
b. Overall GPA: 3.4🙁
c. Math/Science GPA:3.4🙁
d. GPA in last one or two school years: After I transferred to UCI: 3.97 (I think it is very obvious that I did really bad during my 1st year at cc, I really hope they won't deny me an interview just because of this)
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Not taken yet, since I only apply to CA schools
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Shadowing a pharmacist at an independent pharmacy, I just started but it's about 40 hours
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) Submitted my application for WesternU right on the deadline, currently working on the rest of them. I wasn't gonna apply this cycle but I decided to give it a shot so I know what I need to improve next year

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs:
1 from my Psychology professor who I'm doing research with,
1 from my Biopsychology professor, he let me read it before he submitted it and I thought it was pretty good
1 from my Econ professor
1 from my volunteer manager, none from a Pharmacist which I think is a major drawback 🙁
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience:
Mentor for the Incoming transfer student during the summer,
Hospice Touch volunteer for almost 2 years,
Chair of Technology/Historian for Tau Sigma Transfer Honor Society,
Research Assistant, Health Responses Lab
Intern, Feeling States and Heart Rate Lab
Discussion Leader for AIDS Fundamental class
j. Self-perception of interview skills: I give myself a 6.5-7/10. I am planning on practicing more after I hear from them. Normally I do well if I am not stressed
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: I think I did OK, I was told that mine was unique and interesting
 
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catbear00: you have a good chance! my gpa was lower than yours and I got an interview to northstate and touro (didn't apply to western). You should read over schools carefully though b/c on pharmcas it states cal northstate REQUIRES a lor from a pharmacist or a health care professional.
 
owlegrad said:
Your GPA and PCAT are mediocre at best, however you applied to a good mix of schools and it sounds like you have a well rounded application. Don't despair that you haven't heard anything back yet, I don't think you will have a hard time getting in. 👍
Click to expand...

thanks for your feedback!
 
shawn13 said:
Hello guys!
I have to admit, seeing everyone's great stat is indeed intimidating!

I am not very sure if my post belongs on the right thread, so guys please be patient on me 😳.
Anyway, I just took the PCAT last September with an awful score. I'd be retaking it again this coming January. I have a decent GPA of 3.7. No pharmacy experience but I'm looking forward to having one soon. Then I learned about MCPHS Worcester and how they do not require PCAT. My question is, should I even get my hopes up for this school considering I do not have a BS degree? (I have an associates though, if thats any help 🙂) And they do not require a BS, but every single person I heard and read from that got accepted have one. Do you guys think I have a shot on this one?
Thank you!
Click to expand...

Hard to say. BS is becoming more of a requirement, though I can't say if it is the standard at Worcester yet. I wouldn't recommend banking on one school though; study to rock the PCAT and apply broadly.
 
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Ayuka001 said:
catbear00: you have a good chance! my gpa was lower than yours and I got an interview to northstate and touro (didn't apply to western). You should read over schools carefully though b/c on pharmcas it states cal northstate REQUIRES a lor from a pharmacist or a health care professional.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much Ayuka001. There is hope after all 🙂. I recently decided on Cal Northstate after talking to an intern at the place I volunteer at. At that point I already had 4 LORs all completed, I'll just arrange to have the pharmacist send the LOR straight to the school. I forgot to add my work experience in my last post. I don't think it's really relevant but do you think it can help even just a little bit? I worked at a dentist's office as a dental assistant for 2 years, doctor's office for 1 year, salon for 1 year and waitressing for like 2 years. I worked a lot during the first 2 years of college, I dropped out for like a year and a half just to work to support myself. As a result my GPA suffered tremendously (Pharmcas calculated my GPA for the last 3 years to be 2.76, 3.18 and 3.86). I learned the hard way apparently 🙂. I'm 25 but I dont know if I should consider myself non-traditional student. Can anyone please let me know if I stand a chance at Western? It's my dream school (I am originally form Pomona, my bf graduated from there and I used to work at a restaurant 10 mins from there)
 
catbear00 said:
Thank you so much Ayuka001. There is hope after all 🙂. I recently decided on Cal Northstate after talking to an intern at the place I volunteer at. At that point I already had 4 LORs all completed, I'll just arrange to have the pharmacist send the LOR straight to the school. I forgot to add my work experience in my last post. I don't think it's really relevant but do you think it can help even just a little bit? I worked at a dentist's office as a dental assistant for 2 years, doctor's office for 1 year, salon for 1 year and waitressing for like 2 years. I worked a lot during the first 2 years of college, I dropped out for like a year and a half just to work to support myself. As a result my GPA suffered tremendously (Pharmcas calculated my GPA for the last 3 years to be 2.76, 3.18 and 3.86). I learned the hard way apparently 🙂. I'm 25 but I dont know if I should consider myself non-traditional student. Can anyone please let me know if I stand a chance at Western? It's my dream school (I am originally form Pomona, my bf graduated from there and I used to work at a restaurant 10 mins from there)
Click to expand...

Don't worry! I have friends with lower gpa than yours (around 3.3) have gotten interviews to western 🙂
You also have very good experience and extracurriculars.
 
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My top choices are UCSD, USC and UCSF in that order. Any insight into what my chances are at these schools? I also have a semester of canadian coursework that is from 2003-2004 year (i.e. more than 7 years ago by the time I apply) where my GPA was very low (about a 2.5). This coursework isn't factored into any of my pharmcas GPAs and any courses that were taken there were retaken when I moved to the US and include a course in calc, physics, psych, chem. I am however a US citizen.

a. Schools you are applying to
Touro, UCSD, UCSF, USC, University of the Pacific at Stockton, Western University, Pacific University Oregon

b. Overall GPA
3.61

c. GPA
Math: 4.0
Gen Chem/Lab: 4.0
OChem/Lab: 4.0
Physics/Lab: 3.5
Biochem: 3.1
Bio and Other Life Sciences: 3.59
Microbiology: 3.9
Behav Science: 4.0
Other Science: 3.35

d. GPA by year:

Community College (before transfer to UCSD)
1st year: 4.0
2nd year: 3.69

UCSD Coursework
3rd year: 3.12
4th year: 3.63

Post Undergrad (community college coursework): 3.61

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
Applying to schools that do not require PCAT

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
Volunteered once a week for a year at a free clinic run by UCSD as a patient advocate ordering medications for low income patients without insurance through patient assistance programs
Thinking of quitting current lab job to apply at CVS as clerk or something to get more experience.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Applying next year: expect to apply by the end of June

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
4 Letters - Organic Chemistry Prof, Pharmacology PhD (professor of pharmacology class taken at UCSD), MD from Clinic where I received pharmacy related experience

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Volunteered at marine lab as lab assistant, volunteered as content editor for on campus biology journal that publishes undergraduate research, volunteered as docent at wildlife reserve
Worked at lab during last year of college as lab assistant, currently work at lab as research technician for medical diagnostics company

j. Self-perception of interview skills
Have not interviewed yet but feel comfortable talking about myself.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Concise, well written.
 
Owlgrad,
Thanks for your feedback. I guess studying HARDER for the PCAT is my best shot on being accepted. Oh well!
 
a. Schools you are applying to
Rutgers School of Pharmacy (Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy), looking into many others but that is my ultimate top choice. If you have some awesome school ideas for a transfer student in New Jersey I am always open! I would rather cheaper school options if possible.
b. Overall GPA
3.88
c. Math/Science GPA
3.88? (Intro to Psych count? My school is weird when it comes to which classes are technically what. Otherwise im 4.0)
d. GPA in last one or two school years
4.0 Since I returned to school as a pharmacy student.
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
N/A (Still have to take them, assume I have at least the required PCAT)
f. Pharmacy experience obtained
Over 1 year as a pharmacy technician at a retail pharmacy.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Fall 2013 (Which is why I have no taken the PCATS, I am taking organic this summer, then I will take the PCATS) Thought it was better to delay a year anyways since the pre-pharmacy degree I am getting does not include many of the pre-reqs for other schools. So I will just take a year acquiring pre-reqs for backup schools.

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
Can get many professors if I would like and also a fantastic work recommendation from our PIC who also went to Rutgers.

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Volunteer through Phi Theta Kappa, and have volunteering experience as a co-site captain for New York Cares Day. Unfortunately no pharmacy volunteer work yet.
j. Self-perception of interview skills
Medium, not amazing but not that terrible.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Relatively good

I know I have relatively good stats, but there are a few things I have to fight against, which would need to be taken into consideration. For one I am a High School drop out and college drop out (I was going for mathematics and did not nearly have the same motivation and passion I do now for pharmacy). Also another factor is that I am going attending a community college, which im sure has weight. So I do not have a four year degree.

But, I have proven that I can take on a massive course load and get good grades. (currently taking 20 credits, working, and extremely involved in extracurriculars). I started the biology-chemistry club at the community college, part of Phi Theta Kappa (applying for an officer position next year), involved in an independent research project at the school ,etc.

I guess my question is... will my past completely kill me when applying to various schools? Especially Rutgers which from what ive been told is nearly impossible to transfer into anyways. Ive been told they sometimes only take a single digit amount of transfers (although this year someone said they took 50 *fingers crossed*).

Thanks guys, just been stressing about my past when it comes to transferring.
 
Blackxp said:
c. Math/Science GPA
3.88? (Intro to Psych count? My school is weird when it comes to which classes are technically what. Otherwise im 4.0)
Click to expand...

Usually Social/Behavioral Sciences count in a separate category from what I can tell. PharmCAS chops it up into specific sciences - Biology & Other Life Sciences, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Social/Behavioral Sciences, etc.

I guess my question is... will my past completely kill me when applying to various schools?
Click to expand...

Unless there's something I'm missing, your application seems very strong to me. You may have dropped out of college, but you made the decision before your grades slipped, which seems to have worked out for the better, numerically. Assuming you at least have your GED at this point since you're in college - I don't think high school is going to count against since you've demonstrated you can achieve at a college level. Also, I think the search for pharmacy and now your demonstrated passion for it will make for good personal statement material.

I do have one question - if you can manage it, why not take the PCAT in January or July & apply in Fall 2012 (for 2013 matriculation)? Maybe I'm reading wrong, but what I understood is that you're going to wait a year so you can gather prereqs for other schools. Why not try for Rutgers in 2012, then cast your net wider (and try again for Rutgers) in 2013 if you don't get in the first time? You would save yourself time & classes, and all you'd be out would be the application fee (well, and you'd have to ask for recommendations again for the second application). I totally get it if you decide not to, but it's certainly something to think about.

Especially Rutgers which from what ive been told is nearly impossible to transfer into anyways. Ive been told they sometimes only take a single digit amount of transfers (although this year someone said they took 50 *fingers crossed*).
Click to expand...

I can't speak to transferring - I don't know anything about it. Hopefully someone with more info on this specifically will respond.
 
xtsukiyox said:
Usually Social/Behavioral Sciences count in a separate category from what I can tell. PharmCAS chops it up into specific sciences - Biology & Other Life Sciences, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Social/Behavioral Sciences, etc.



Unless there's something I'm missing, your application seems very strong to me. You may have dropped out of college, but you made the decision before your grades slipped, which seems to have worked out for the better, numerically. Assuming you at least have your GED at this point since you're in college - I don't think high school is going to count against since you've demonstrated you can achieve at a college level. Also, I think the search for pharmacy and now your demonstrated passion for it will make for good personal statement material.

I do have one question - if you can manage it, why not take the PCAT in January or July & apply in Fall 2012 (for 2013 matriculation)? Maybe I'm reading wrong, but what I understood is that you're going to wait a year so you can gather prereqs for other schools. Why not try for Rutgers in 2012, then cast your net wider (and try again for Rutgers) in 2013 if you don't get in the first time? You would save yourself time & classes, and all you'd be out would be the application fee (well, and you'd have to ask for recommendations again for the second application). I totally get it if you decide not to, but it's certainly something to think about.



I can't speak to transferring - I don't know anything about it. Hopefully someone with more info on this specifically will respond.
Click to expand...
Well unfortunately my previous experience in college ended with my grades not going so well. So I do have that on my record. I realized that this is based on my current transcript at my current college. Although it does show the transfered classes which some of them I did very well on, but some of the ones at the end I to be honest lost the motivation. I just could not see myself working for an insurance company (I was considering Actuarial Mathematics) crunching numbers to find ways to screw people over on their insurance costs. So unfortunately my GPA was relatively low, but I do not believe any of those classes are technically required for my pre-reqs, because the highest math I need for pre-pharm is statistics.

That is another question, am I obligated to send my transcript from my other college? I just hate the idea of having my past kill me like this.

As for taking the PCATS, is there a disadvantage to taking them multiple times? The one problem I fear is that since I do not have organic chemistry yet, I might not do as well as if I did take the course. I am currently in chemistry and love it, but I am only in Gen Chemistry I. Although I read into Organic for the fun of it, I really do not have anything near a formal knowledge on the subject yet. I will be taking Gen Chemistry II this next semester and Organic I + II over the summer. So technically I would be complete by the fall.

Another thing I was considering is that if I stay another year I would run for the PTK regional office for the state of NJ. Which I am sure would look even better! I am so very determined to get into Rutgers Pharmacy, although realistically I do have backup plans. Some people have told me in certain years they have only taken 5 transfer students 🙁 Although someone I took a Biology class with last summer said they accepted 50 people which was outstandingly abnormal. So I can always hope!


Thank you so much for all of the help so far! Its funny I did not even consider the option of applying for this Fall. But taking the PCATs the second time and applying a second time, would that hurt me in the long run?

EDIT: Just spoke with one of the counselors at my college and realized that it would be academic dishonesty to not submit my other schools scores. Did not even realize that! I think I am going to give the PCAT office a call about the exam scores, thanks alot everyone!
 
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Blackxp said:
Well unfortunately my previous experience in college ended with my grades not going so well. [...]
Click to expand...

Y'know what? I'm glad you took the time to find out what you like in a career, rather than just taking a degree. In my opinion, that's a much better life move. 👍

As for taking the PCATS, is there a disadvantage to taking them multiple times? The one problem I fear is that since I do not have organic chemistry yet, I might not do as well as if I did take the course. I am currently in chemistry and love it, but I am only in Gen Chemistry I. Although I read into Organic for the fun of it, I really do not have anything near a formal knowledge on the subject yet. I will be taking Gen Chemistry II this next semester and Organic I + II over the summer. So technically I would be complete by the fall.
Click to expand...

How schools handle PCAT results are based on each school's policy. A lot of schools have the policy on their website if you dig hard enough - some didn't, so you may have to call / e-mail admissions. I tried to find the policy on some 26 or so schools' websites because of this very question, and I can tell you that in the majority of situations, they just looked at the highest or most recent test score. In fact, several schools coached potential students to take it early so they'd have a second attempt. If your dream is Rutgers, definitely check - if it doesn't hurt (as it probably won't), take it & you might surprise yourself. While having O Chem did help, I think you can still score competitively without, if you're targeted with your study.

I would pose a similar question to Rutgers admissions about second-time applicants. On a related note, I have heard many schools will discuss your application weaknesses with you if you are denied so you can apply with a stronger app next cycle. Since you're so determined to get into Rutgers, why don't you schedule an appointment to meet admissions & get some advice from them? You may also be able to make some connections to help you later, as well as getting a jump start.

Another thing I was considering is that if I stay another year I would run for the PTK regional office for the state of NJ. [...] So I can always hope!
Click to expand...

Absolutely, keep working towards your goal! More strong ECs certainly won't hurt.
 
a. Schools you are applying to
Campbell (1st choice), UNC, Wingate, South Carolina, Presbyterian, Belmont, Shenadoah...among others.

b. Overall GPA
Currently ~2.8(With one year left) Hopefully ~3.2 with retaking some classes.

c. Math/Science GPA
~3.0

d. GPA in last one or two school years
~3.5

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
Take in January (3 practice tests average ~75)

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
Volunteer in clinical pharmacy setting ~1.5 years(200+ hours)
Volunteer in pharmacy for private organization who dispenses medicine to poor countries~1 year(50 hours)
Hospital pharmacy shadowing (20 hours)

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
N/A

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
3-4 (Pharmacists, chemistry professors)

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Grocery Store (stocker, bagger, register) 3 years
Various jobs in high school

j. Self-perception of interview skills
One of the strongest parts of my application, I have a ton of work experience and feel like that has made my interpersonal skills very strong.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Good, but lots room for improvement.
 
a. Schools you are applying to- An suggesstions?
b. Overall GPA- should be about 3.0 by the time i graduate.
c. Math/Science GPA- below 3.0
d. GPA in last one or two school years- 2.5
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Taking it summer 2012
f. Pharmacy experience obtained- Pharm Tech 2 years. Currently volunteering at a Rx.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) Will be next in 2013

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
A professor i researched with, A pharmacist, and looking for a third one.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience- Published a chem research article, Volunteer for Red Cross, Epilpsey Foundation, Hospital
j. Self-perception of interview skills- N/A
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality- N/A

What are my chances? 🙂
 
I'm not positive where to put this question so I figured this may be the spot. I recently got offers for interviews at Concordia and Roosevelt. Unfortunatly, I was denied an interview at Jefferson. I was surprised I even got two interviews because my PCAT score is a 49 composite(60s in chem and bio). My gpa after this semester will be a 3.85ish. So my question is, should I retake the PCAT in Jan to increase my chances at being accepted? Or would it be pointless? Im very low on money right now so I don't want to retake it unless necessary. I know I could do a lot better now that I have taken more pre-reqs (took it last time before even taking organic or A&P)
Also, has anyone experienced getting an interview offer before they received your PCAT score? Concordia offered me one before seeing it (my first score was a 43) so I don't know if they based my interview offer on my 43 or they were banking on me getting higher than 49 the second time. I hope I don't fly out there for no reason =/

THANKS!
 
flyerschickxox said:
I'm not positive where to put this question so I figured this may be the spot. I recently got offers for interviews at Concordia and Roosevelt. Unfortunatly, I was denied an interview at Jefferson. I was surprised I even got two interviews because my PCAT score is a 49 composite(60s in chem and bio). My gpa after this semester will be a 3.85ish. So my question is, should I retake the PCAT in Jan to increase my chances at being accepted? Or would it be pointless? Im very low on money right now so I don't want to retake it unless necessary. I know I could do a lot better now that I have taken more pre-reqs (took it last time before even taking organic or A&P)
Also, has anyone experienced getting an interview offer before they received your PCAT score? Concordia offered me one before seeing it (my first score was a 43) so I don't know if they based my interview offer on my 43 or they were banking on me getting higher than 49 the second time. I hope I don't fly out there for no reason =/

THANKS!
Click to expand...

I wouldn't bother retaking. Your GPA is excellent, which should help balance out your weak PCAT score. Also, it depends on the school, but I suspect that the schools you're interviewing at will have already made a decision on your acceptance before you'd even get your PCAT scores back.
 
R2pharmD2 said:
I wouldn't bother retaking. Your GPA is excellent, which should help balance out your weak PCAT score. Also, it depends on the school, but I suspect that the schools you're interviewing at will have already made a decision on your acceptance before you'd even get your PCAT scores back.
Click to expand...


Thanks 🙂
Thats what I was thinking also.
 
I apologize in advance for a MASSIVE (possibly unintelligible) post.

a. Schools you are applying to
University of Toronto, University of British Columbia
(I'm thinking of applying to US schools or even pharmacy schools in Korea. I would like to broaden my options but I don't know where else to apply to...I would like to practice pharmacy in Ontario (although that could change in the future) so if I go to school in another country, I would have to go through licensing procedures for Ontario.. which I wouldn't mind as long as I get in SOMEwhere, since I don't feel that I have much hopes in getting into any of the Canadian pharmacy schools.. I've looked into the other pharm schools in Canada but most of them only accept in-province students... does anyone else know more about this? I know that my chances are preetty low ANYWHERE really, but I DID get an interview with UofT pharmacy last year, so I'm still keeping a glimmer of hope! Please recommend me other schools that you think I should apply to. Thank you! 🙂 )

b. Overall GPA
when averaged, 70.4%, so 2.7 (I think? according to http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/undergraduate/transcripts/guide) (The cGPA stated on my transcript is 2.46, but this excludes some extra-degree courses and transfer courses)

c. Math/Science GPA
2.56 (this time I averaged after converting each % grade to GPA... but when I averaged the % grades w/o converting to GPA, I got 70.3%... I'm sorry I know I should have figured this out beforehand, but I've already written a super long post so I'm lazy to now... if someone can help me with this I would owe you my LIFE!! (figuratively)).

d. GPA in last one or two school years
(I'm sorry I'm just not going to bother trying to calculate this one, since apparently I don't know how to...)

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
1st try (2009):
Verbal 55
Biology 85
Reading 80
Quantitative 86
Chemistry 73
Composite 82

Writing: Conventions 2.0/ Problem Solving 3.0

2nd try (2011):
Verbal 35
Biology 66
Reading 34
Quantitative 71
Chemistry 48
Composite 49

Writing: Conventions 3.0/ Problem Solving 3.0

3rd try (Jan 2012)
wish me luck! (my first PCAT composite is decent, but the writing scores didn't make the cut-offs for UofT pharmacy. second composite is horrible but the writing section made the cut-off...planning to ACE and use 3rd PCAT scores)

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
1 year volunteering at Rexall pharmacy

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
pharmacy manager, other pharmacists (2), employer... (I'm terrified of asking for reference letters...I need to work on developing good relationships, I tend to be awkward or freeze up in the beginning (takes a long time to get comfortable with them) when talking with employers/managers/professors :S..)

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Tour Guide for UofT since sept 2010, Server/barista at a Cafe/resto since June 2011, Team member of a campus health promotions team (tobacco related) for 1 year and a half.

j. Self-perception of interview skills
Pretty good.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
average to above average. (I've been told that I have good writing skills - I'm doing a triple major in Human Bio, Psych, and Religion - the religion helps a lot with writing)

------
sorry for such a long post but any tips, advice or encouragment would be infintely appreciated!! I've been planning to be a pharmacist since highschool, and have trouble giving up the dream 😛 (I've applied 3 times already in previous years, rejected all 3 times. I'm in my 5th (and final) year of university now. I have had thoughts that I need to face the facts and do something that's more realistic, but for some crazy reason I want to at least give it another try and not give up yet... if I don't get in again I will most likely enroll in Rad Tech program, or maybe a masters, and try again after if my goals don't change 😛)
 
hana0205 said:
I apologize in advance for a MASSIVE (possibly unintelligible) post.

a. Schools you are applying to
University of Toronto, University of British Columbia
(I'm thinking of applying to US schools or even pharmacy schools in Korea. I would like to broaden my options but I don't know where else to apply to...I would like to practice pharmacy in Ontario (although that could change in the future) so if I go to school in another country, I would have to go through licensing procedures for Ontario.. which I wouldn't mind as long as I get in SOMEwhere, since I don't feel that I have much hopes in getting into any of the Canadian pharmacy schools.. I've looked into the other pharm schools in Canada but most of them only accept in-province students... does anyone else know more about this? I know that my chances are preetty low ANYWHERE really, but I DID get an interview with UofT pharmacy last year, so I'm still keeping a glimmer of hope! Please recommend me other schools that you think I should apply to. Thank you! 🙂 )

b. Overall GPA
when averaged, 70.4%, so 2.7 (I think? according to http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/undergraduate/transcripts/guide) (The cGPA stated on my transcript is 2.46, but this excludes some extra-degree courses and transfer courses)

c. Math/Science GPA
2.56 (this time I averaged after converting each % grade to GPA... but when I averaged the % grades w/o converting to GPA, I got 70.3%... I'm sorry I know I should have figured this out beforehand, but I've already written a super long post so I'm lazy to now... if someone can help me with this I would owe you my LIFE!! (figuratively)).

d. GPA in last one or two school years
(I'm sorry I'm just not going to bother trying to calculate this one, since apparently I don't know how to...)

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
1st try (2009):
Verbal 55
Biology 85
Reading 80
Quantitative 86
Chemistry 73
Composite 82

Writing: Conventions 2.0/ Problem Solving 3.0

2nd try (2011):
Verbal 35
Biology 66
Reading 34
Quantitative 71
Chemistry 48
Composite 49

Writing: Conventions 3.0/ Problem Solving 3.0

3rd try (Jan 2012)
wish me luck! (my first PCAT composite is decent, but the writing scores didn't make the cut-offs for UofT pharmacy. second composite is horrible but the writing section made the cut-off...planning to ACE and use 3rd PCAT scores)

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
1 year volunteering at Rexall pharmacy

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
pharmacy manager, other pharmacists (2), employer... (I'm terrified of asking for reference letters...I need to work on developing good relationships, I tend to be awkward or freeze up in the beginning (takes a long time to get comfortable with them) when talking with employers/managers/professors :S..)

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Tour Guide for UofT since sept 2010, Server/barista at a Cafe/resto since June 2011, Team member of a campus health promotions team (tobacco related) for 1 year and a half.

j. Self-perception of interview skills
Pretty good.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
average to above average. (I've been told that I have good writing skills - I'm doing a triple major in Human Bio, Psych, and Religion - the religion helps a lot with writing)

------
sorry for such a long post but any tips, advice or encouragment would be infintely appreciated!! I've been planning to be a pharmacist since highschool, and have trouble giving up the dream 😛 (I've applied 3 times already in previous years, rejected all 3 times. I'm in my 5th (and final) year of university now. I have had thoughts that I need to face the facts and do something that's more realistic, but for some crazy reason I want to at least give it another try and not give up yet... if I don't get in again I will most likely enroll in Rad Tech program, or maybe a masters, and try again after if my goals don't change 😛)
Click to expand...

Doing some google searching, it's looking like you may need to contact specific schools for percentage to GPA conversions.
 
So currently I have alot of internships adn volunteer work and all that, but my gpa is really bad. (4 f's and 3 d's) yea I know its horible. I went through ALOT for the past year and its been mind draiining. Currently my science gpa is around the 1.80 range and my overall right now is 2.40. I have a year and a half left and if I get A's and B's from then on, my science gpa would only go up to around 2.40 adn overall would go up to 2.7. What are my chances?:cry:
 
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