Im currently finishing up my last two classes for my double BS in pharm chem/human bio. I applied to a a few CA schools this cycle and with a GPA of 2.8 I highly doubt that I will get in anywhere. So thats done and over with. My question is what should i do to increase my chances? I thought about retaking some pre reqs classes that I got Cs in..but it doesnt make much sense if I go from a UC to a JC and get As in those classes. Some threads in this forum even said that some admission people dont like that. I also thought about post bacc programs to increase my overall GPA but its 2 years of retaking some unnecessary classes that i dont need. My weakest points right now are my GPA, work experience (in terms of retail), and PCAT (havent taken it). So of course I will start to do retail very soon and will study for the PCAT for the next cycle. But after I graduate...whats the most efficient way to increase my overall GPA and/or my pre req GPA. Any recommendation is appreciated. Thank you for reading =)
Advice:
1. If you get rejected to the schools you applied to, contact each school separately, let them know you are going to apply again and ask them for the specific weak aspects of your application that you can improve upon.
2. Take a Kaplan course -or something similar.
3. After studying and taking the PCATs, also take the GREs so you can also apply to Grad schools as a back-up. Studying for the pcats is similar to studying for the GRES, because the material that's on the GREs is also covered on the PCATs. If you don't make it into pharm school again, you can still get into grad school and pursue something similar and apply again the following year. Plus, I think there's one pharmacy school in florida that accepts the GREs instead of the pcats (double-check me on that).
4. In terms of post-bac programs, I know there are some post-bac/1-yr pre-med programs that are offered to those who want to take a year after college in order to improve their GPA. My friend's currently at the pre-med post-bac program at UPenn and she says it's very helpful. I'm not sure if it's only open to those who intend on pursuing med school only but you should ask and find other programs similar to it.
5. If you intend on finding a job in a retail pharmacy, go visit the places where you're interested in working before applying online. Ask to meet specifically with the pharmacist manager and tell them you're interested in pharm school. If they need help and if you show interest, they will hire you. I would not apply online first bc all the major chains like CVS & Walgreens use online app databases and your app can get lost online.
6. Get involved with volunteering too. Volunteer as a research assistant in clinical research study perhaps? With the current economy, many researchers are seeking volunteer help with their studies because they're not getting enough federal grant money.
). Accepted without a formal interview.
