Am I competitive? (High PCAT and Low GPA)

[Lexington2012]

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What are my chances?

Schools you are applying to: University of Kentucky (early decision), UMES, University of Charleston, Northwestern Glendale, Marshall, Union, Chicago State, maybe some others.

Overall GPA 2.71 to 2.94 (PharmCAS calculates differently than my university because I have a lot of retakes)

Bachelors Degree: Biology w/ chemistry minor

Math/Science GPA: around 2.8

GPA in last one or two school years: 3.0

Composite PCAT score: 94
-Verbal:91
-Biology:95
-Reading Comprehension:94
-Quantitative:72
-Chem:88

Pharmacy experience: 2 years as a retail pharm tech, 1 year as a compounding pharm tech.

Date of application submission: Sept 3rd, 2012

Number of LORs and source of LORs
1 from pharmacist I worked with, 1 from a physical therapist. Last year I had an additional letter from my favorite professor, but he recently suffered a stroke and now would not be a good time to press him for a LOR.

Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
6 months of volunteering weekly at local food bank

Self-perception of interview skills
The interview process makes me nervous, but the feedback I have been given is surprisingly positive.

Overall impression of personal statement quality:
Generally favorable reviews from the 4 people who have read it.

 

[AlPacino]

Even if your GPA is not a 3.0+, your 94 PCAT score will draw some eyes. As long as you have solid extracurricular activities, a good PS and strong LORs, I say you should be able to get a couple of interviews.

 

[Lexington2012]

Do you think I have a chance of getting into University of Kentucky?

 

[AlPacino]

Do you think I have a chance of getting into University of Kentucky?

That is actually one of the school I will be applying to next year. They have a good pharmacy program. Pharmcas stats read,

Minimum overall GPA considered: 2.5
Minimum prerequisite GPA considered: 2.5
Minimum composite PCAT score considered: Minimum composite PCAT score considered will be based upon applicant's overall academic performance.
Is health care-related experience required? Not required but recommended

You have the stats necessary to apply and that is all it takes. Anything is possible 👍

 

[rei1088]

For some reason, I find it more typical to see a high GPA but low PCAT. Maybe that's what schools are expecting too. Maybe they'll think that the low GPA was because of the rigor of the program you're in but the PCAT really reflects how good of a student you are. 😀 Also, you mentioned that the last two years your GPA was more around 3.0. Your grades went up, instead of going down, which is typical (at least I think so) when you have upper division courses. Along with other things, I think you have a great chance! Of course, I don't work for admissions so my opinion isn't really worth much. 😳