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Am I screwed?
- Thread starter blue88
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Are you retaking classes this spring? If not, you should (unless your schedule is already packed). The pharmacy experience will look good on your application. Do you have any other extracurriculars? It doesn't even need to be pharmacy related. They want to see that you're well-rounded and capable of multi-tasking.
Make sure you get strong recommendations. Make your application is spotless and write an awesome personal statement. Don't worry so much. Make other areas of your application shine.
As for PCATs, I don't know much about that because I didn't take it, but I'd take it over again if I were you. You can't retake a bunch of classes to bump up your GPA. It'd take too long, but you can improve your PCAT's quickly so you should do it.
As for schools, I don't know which ones are "easier" to get into. I can tell you though that California is tough to get into so apply to many out of state schools (and in any CA schools if you want to).
Lastly, keep your head up! Be smart about your application so that it is tailored to make you look good to the admissions committee despite some of your grades. They'll call you in if you have lots of other activities, awards, anything. I'd say call particular schools that you are interested in and ask them about your status and what you can do to get in. Be diligent, work hard, be confident, eat ice cream, and relax! It'll be okay. If you love pharmacy as much as you say you do, it'll come out in your application and hopefully in your interview.
Good luck!
PS: You seem like a hard worker with work and everything. Put that experience on your apps! I also went to a CSU and I know a few others who don't have the best GPA. Some got in. Just try to bump your GPA above 3.0. =)
and remember to have a Merry Christmas!
Make sure you get strong recommendations. Make your application is spotless and write an awesome personal statement. Don't worry so much. Make other areas of your application shine.
As for PCATs, I don't know much about that because I didn't take it, but I'd take it over again if I were you. You can't retake a bunch of classes to bump up your GPA. It'd take too long, but you can improve your PCAT's quickly so you should do it.
As for schools, I don't know which ones are "easier" to get into. I can tell you though that California is tough to get into so apply to many out of state schools (and in any CA schools if you want to).
Lastly, keep your head up! Be smart about your application so that it is tailored to make you look good to the admissions committee despite some of your grades. They'll call you in if you have lots of other activities, awards, anything. I'd say call particular schools that you are interested in and ask them about your status and what you can do to get in. Be diligent, work hard, be confident, eat ice cream, and relax! It'll be okay. If you love pharmacy as much as you say you do, it'll come out in your application and hopefully in your interview.
Good luck!
PS: You seem like a hard worker with work and everything. Put that experience on your apps! I also went to a CSU and I know a few others who don't have the best GPA. Some got in. Just try to bump your GPA above 3.0. =)
and remember to have a Merry Christmas!
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Is there any way you can make some schedule changes to help improve your grades? I suggest this because working full-time and going to school full-time can murder the GPA. I did this during my undergrad, along with raising a child, and it definitely took its toll. As I still have to work full-time, I am currently only attending school part-time for the pre-reqs. It is taking forever, but I am earning A's in nearly every course I take, and I doubt that'd be the case if I was doing both full-time. Could you drop to part-time work--or if not, take classes part-time? Maybe it would help.
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I had the same thing happen. I tried going fulltime simply because I wanted to finish school faster. What happened? My GPA suffered, I went from A's to B's and then got my first C.... So now I am going partime until my little one gets older. To the OP, I would definately consider working part time or going to school part time. You really can't have both unfortunately. I learned the hard way but at least it was just with one semester. Good Luck.
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Blue88,
No you are not screwed. Just dont give up. Work hard and eventually your desire to become a pharmacist will show. Your fears sound like the ones I used to have. I got a C in both Organic Chem classes I took and a C in both anatomy classes I took. I graduated last week and received a B.S. in Physical Science, with an overall GPA of 3.06 and science GPA sub-3.0 (actually this overall GPA includes 'grade forgiveness' where three of my lowest grades were replaced when I retook them. The GPA that Auburn recognizes is a 2.97). I took the PCAT three times, with the best being a 79 composite. And also I have been a pharmacy tech for over 4 years, but no volunteer work. So as you can see, I have less than stellar stats. Nobody likes making a C in anything but it wont kill you. If the desire is there you will get in when its your time. Dont get frustrated with rejections/deferred applications. I interviewed for the second time at Auburn this past October, and within days was told that my application was being deferred for possible consideration at a later date. I was so bummed out about that. That later date was this past Wednesday, 12/20, and it was completely out of the blue when they notified me of the acceptance. It's a great feeling and an excellent opportunity. I hope my story shows you that you're not screwed. Good luck and don't give up!
No you are not screwed. Just dont give up. Work hard and eventually your desire to become a pharmacist will show. Your fears sound like the ones I used to have. I got a C in both Organic Chem classes I took and a C in both anatomy classes I took. I graduated last week and received a B.S. in Physical Science, with an overall GPA of 3.06 and science GPA sub-3.0 (actually this overall GPA includes 'grade forgiveness' where three of my lowest grades were replaced when I retook them. The GPA that Auburn recognizes is a 2.97). I took the PCAT three times, with the best being a 79 composite. And also I have been a pharmacy tech for over 4 years, but no volunteer work. So as you can see, I have less than stellar stats. Nobody likes making a C in anything but it wont kill you. If the desire is there you will get in when its your time. Dont get frustrated with rejections/deferred applications. I interviewed for the second time at Auburn this past October, and within days was told that my application was being deferred for possible consideration at a later date. I was so bummed out about that. That later date was this past Wednesday, 12/20, and it was completely out of the blue when they notified me of the acceptance. It's a great feeling and an excellent opportunity. I hope my story shows you that you're not screwed. Good luck and don't give up!
