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I am a P4 student and I have a little free time while I'm on my rotation... translation, I can answer any questions that people may have out there. So Fire Away!...
I have one. If you had to do something over in your undergraduate pertaining to academics, what would it be? And why?
Would you take anything different? Any tips.
Thanks in advance.
1. Is undergraduate hard?
2. Does it require a lot of studying and natural intelligence?
3. What is needed to get accepted into a Pharmacy school?
4. What were your gpa, pcat, experience etc..
5. What happens if you don't get accepted.
6. How hard is pharmacy school.
7. More questions on the way. 😀😀
How hard was it to get that 3.8 gpa? Can you give me some tips?
1) Undergrad in my opinion is easier than High school ( I hated getting assignments in HS) in college, its more on YOU... so if you can manage your time... and get a little studying in, you can easily have a high GPA.
2) Honestly a little balance of both... If you put in the effort you should do great... (that is if you don't have test anxiety...) for that i would suggest a testing center that gives you tips on how to take tests... Because most undergrad is not busy work or assignments... very few of those; it's more based on Tests
3) Each school has different requirements... but for the most part... gen Bio 1&2, gen Chem 1&2 and Organic chem 1&2, Math I believe up till calc 1 then your English 100 level, public speaking, then there are others. (Possibly Physics 1&2 and A&P)
4) GPA in undergrad was 3.8 Pcat was a 62 on my last attempt (not the greatest standardized test taker), Heavily involved... Golden Key, American Chemical Society, Student Ambassador etc.. and the list goes on
5) Make yourself more marketable... participate in extra-curricular activities... but not at the expense to drop your grades... keep your GPA as high as you can.
6) If you have good work ethic you will be fine... Lots of understanding basic concepts and building a solid foundation so it will become easier as classes begin to layer.
7) Okie Dokie... I'm here to help!
What is a work ethic? and what is a good one?
What is a work ethic? and what is a good one?
Just going to class is enough to earn a 3.0.
After that...you just need to try.
Not to oversimplify, but all you need to do is rack up some great grades, do well on your MCAT, and you are on your way. Your "life story" is extremely moving, to me at least, and I think your essays could do a number on an admissions committee. If you want to be a doctor, go follow your dreams, buddy!!!
I got one for you. Did you hold a job while in pharmacy school? if so, how many hours per week? Thanks.
Yes. I work 20 a week. I have a 3.5 gpa.
Wow - Did you work that much in your P1 year or was this a recent change?
I got one for you. Did you hold a job while in pharmacy school? if so, how many hours per week? Thanks.
Hi,
I'm in the middle of nursing school and I'm considering quitting to pursue my PharmD. Do you think it would benefit me to have nursing knowledge while pursuing my PharmD? I hate nursing and always planned on getting my PharmD. All my nursing friends wish they would've gone to pharmacy school instead but now no longer have the time/patience/money to start over with the pharm prerequisites. None of the nursing classes count towards pharmacy.
I respectfully disagree. If that's the case, I should have a 3.5 considering just how much time I spent studying and going to office hours along with attending all lectures. I'm a 4th year UC Davis NPB major; I don't know where you went for undergrad but at least at UCD, you gotta work for that B unless if you're the next Einstein or the equivalent. For the rest of us non-intellectually gifted students, we have to put effort in or else we would be receiving C's.
OT - I'm going to assume that you've taken part in an internship before so my question is this: what are some of the "surprises" you've seen in pharmacy? What I mean is think about what you thought about pharmacy in undergrad and relate it to what you think of it now as a P4 student. Were there things (positive or negative) that came up that you didn't expect?
During pharmacy school, do students usually only intern during summers, or is it all year long?
Just going to class is enough to earn a 3.0.
After that...you just need to try.
going to have to disagree on this one!
Hey, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions!
I have a few:
When did you apply for pharm school, and what I mean is, did you apply after 2 years of undergrad (no degree), did you apply after getting a degree, did you apply after graduation?
Also, how much volunteering/work experience did you have prior to applying? I'm super worried because I have no pharmacy work or volunteering experience. I have one short shadowing session coming up, and I plan on applying for volunteering positions next semester, but that's already after applications are due and interviews are done. Do they take that into consideration?
My current cumulative GPA is 3.867 and my PCAT is 95 percentile composite. Even though those stats look good, I'm worried I'll get rejected solely because of my lack of pharmacy work.
Hey, I've been trying to research some schools to apply to. What are the pros and cons of attending a pharm school that has a grading system and one that has a Pass/No Pass system? Like Roseman Univ in NV has a P/NP system. Would that somehow affect my ability to find jobs later if employees don't see my grade?
Yea - Corpseman, I enjoy your posts, but I really have to disagree also. Maybe I am not quite as sharp as some of the other students that find it easier, but I have to put in a lot of time to keep my GPA. I keep a GPA hovering around 3.9 in my prerequisite courses and I had to put in at least 40 hours a week of studying to keep that.
When in was in undergrad, I applied to about 6 pharmacy schools and I submitted my applications 5 days prior to the end of Pharmcas. I recommend trying to get everything done ASAP so you will know your options and you can start deciding where you want to go to pharmacy school.
Great job maintaining a 3.87! and a 95 on your PCAT... You are considered a HIGHLY competitive applicant. Where are you trying to apply too? and how many programs.
I wouldn't be too concerned about the lack of experience... although if looking at people with similar stats, they will most likely choose someone who is more "well rounded"... have you joined any clubs or do you have any hobbies that take up your time? Your grades and PCAT score should grant you an interview but just make sure you dazzle them at your interview... that is where they decide whether you'd be a good fit for their program.
Good thread! 👍
Hey I was wondering when you apply to pharmacy school. Do they look at your pre-req more than other classes? For example I'm getting a BS in Biomed, I have a C in immunology(4000lvl) course and a C in Microbio(3000lvl) and that really effects my GPA...However not including all the upper levels course, I have about 3.6 science GPA in all of my pre-req for pharmacy. Assuming I will do average on the PCAT 70-80%, do you think I will have a shot? I'm willing to go to any pharmacy school public or private, I'm not picky about that.
Thanks! I'm applying to University of Texas COP and U of Houston. I'm not applying out of state just b/c it's too costly and I don't wanna move out either... haha. And I'm not interested in other schools in my state. UT is the goal.
I hope you're right about the experience... lol. I think I'm pretty well-rounded. Besides my health-professions organization I'm in, I'm also in the university's film Committee as I have a strong passion for cinema/filmmaking. Some hobbies I have include screenwriting, and one of my shorts have been produced, and I hope to use this to set me apart in my app/interview. I was a varsity swimmer in high school, and I work part time as a tech at the campus natatorium. Other than this, I know I have what it takes... I just hope it looks good on paper/in interview...![]()
What I did...
1) I made sure I paid attention in class.. And MOST IMPORTANTLY... if I didn't understand a topic the professor was going over, I made sure I asked the question right then and there... ( I know I was THAT GUY who would ask questions... But at the end of the day you have to remind yourself that YOU are paying for your education)
2) Because I asked those questions in class and i wasn't clueless on any of the topics discussed, I would go eat dinner and study from 6-11pm every day... The weekends I partied and enjoyed life! you dont want to live life 😴 it away... I was fairly popular in my undergrad.
3) If I didn't understand a concept after reading it the night before, I would go to the professors office and show them that you have a passion for whatever topic... That way it will put you ahead of the pack when it comes to them writing you a GOOD letter of recommendation. (I myself was really cool with one of my professors... played Table tennis twice a week, and he would grill out for me and my friends) So you know he wrote me a stellar LOR😀
Is college studying like high school? I'm a junior in high school. Will your professor give you a study guide and tell you what to study? I don't know how one would study 8 hours a week of the same packet or study guide. Will you have multiple study guides? Where do you get them? Does your professor give them to you? I need to know how to study when i start college.
I don't think my question was answered but if you could take the time to answer it, I'd highly appreciate it!
I'm going to assume that you've taken part in an internship, as a pharmacy student, before so my question is this: what are some of the "surprises" you've seen in pharmacy? What I mean is think about what expected in pharmacy as an undergrad and relate it to what you think of it now as a P4 student. Were there things (positive or negative) that came up that you didn't expect?
Is college studying like high school? I'm a junior in high school. Will your professor give you a study guide and tell you what to study? I don't know how one would study 8 hours a week of the same packet or study guide. Will you have multiple study guides? Where do you get them? Does your professor give them to you? I need to know how to study when i start college.
Sorry about skipping your question... I thought you were just responding to the previous commenter. But anyways, to answer your question...
As far as surprises, in the retail setting: I've always heard how "nasty" customers can be, but when I actually got into the setting I saw it in action... I've seen anything from people jumping over the counter to fight... people spitting over the counter... people yelling and screaming profanities.... I've seen a lot.
Hospital: having had retail experience while in pharmacy school... I never had hospital experience, but while I was there, so far the sites have been very much so relaxed as far as the atmosphere... but as far as the knowledge was concerned, it was more demanding. Not too many "surprises in that setting (from what I Envisioned during undergrad)
My experience in Pharmacy practice in both the retail and hospital setting was VERY rewarding!... Getting a better appreciation of what WE as pharmacist do made me appreciate this profession even more!
Hey!
1. I've been trying to look at different pharmacy schools, but I'm not sure how to really see if I like one. Is there a certain way you did research on which pharmacy schools you wanted to go to?
2. My PharmCAS GPA is a 3.11 and my PCAT score is an 85. I'm scared that my GPA is going to ruin my chances. What do you think?
Thanks!
2. Pharmacy school entry really is not that competitive.
Pharmacy school may not be as competitive as Medical school and Dental school, but it is still competitive. There are people on this board who have been rejected, or had to reapply several times. You were even wait listed from your institution and then later pulled off. For some people, getting in is a breeze with their 3.9 GPA and 99% PCAT, but we should be considerate of everyone else on this board so is still worrying about if they'll even get an interview. Also, because there are so many schools now, I know I personally want to get into a top renowned program, and not just any program.
I only applied to one school and it was my first time applying. Pharmacy school is not competitive enough to be "scared" because you have a 3.1 and 80+ PCAT. Now if you plan on only applying to one school.... that is a different story.
Btw, good job doing your research on me before you posted lol. Quite impressive.