First off let me say Congratulations, I'm happy to see that you stuck with it and it payed off.
If you wouldn't mind posting your stats (GPA, PCAT, EC's, Etc.) to give some of us who haven't applied/been accepted yet some more testimonials to refer to.
Graduated from Bellarmine University in 2001 with my BA in chemistry and 3.39 GPA.
Worked 1 year as a research chemist for a start-up pharma company.
Accepted into Graduate School at University of Louisville for chemistry. Left after one semester with a 3.70 GPA because I realized this was not my career path.
Worked in pharma industry as a QC analytical development chemist for 3 years at Schwarz Pharma. I did most of the developmental testing for Rotigotine (Neupro) and Fesoterodine (sold to Pfizer for a lot of $, marketed under Toviaz). Most recently on the business side since 2005 (selling APIs to pharmaceutical mfg companies).
Decided to go back to school to finish up my four pre-reqs (A&P, Micro, Stats, and Public Speaking). 4 classes, with a 4.0 GPA. Overall GPA now 3.5 give or take.
The PCAT I did not take this time around because my program did not require it. I did take it back in 2001 and had a 60th Percentile composite score. My 97th percentile in chemistry was completely negated by that awesome 22nd Percentile I posted in biology....due to not taking the classes.
Extra curricular - I am 30 years old, married, with 1 son. I don't have much time for EC, however, I did do some community service at a local organization called the Neighborhood House. It is an inner city community center that caters to the geriatric and pediatric populations. NH runs Kid's Cafe where children can come there and eat dinner meals 5 days per week. What really opened up my eyes is that over 40% of the local residents surrounding NH earn less than the national poverty level ($15K). I know my wife and I have had bonuses and raises greater than that in a single year. I absolutely love the organizatoin and you can tell the people appreciate them being there. One day would love to donate my time to their organization by starting a wellness center or some type of small clinic for this underserved population. Luckily, all my friends hold doctorate degrees in PT and medicine so I have a nice collection of people to help me out with that.
The important thing to remember is GPA and PCAT scores get you interviews. How you perform in the interview determines if you get your seat. I did a lot of research on the profession and how I see the profession evolving in the future and conveyed that in my interview. Also, maturity is a huge plus for people like us. To be able to sit there and tell the ADCOM that you have lived life and that you know this is the path you want to do down and why you feel this way is huge. In fact, I think better than your typical 22 year old trying to say the same thing.
