Any Pre-pharmacy people have any questions for me?

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Just Because

P4 With A Dream!
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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!...

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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.
 
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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. 😀😀
 
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.

As far as what I would have done differently... Academically i was pretty sound in undergrad, I had great work ethic and time management (plus i was involved) I had a 3.8 I believe when I was done... so as far as GPA goes, the only reason it wasn't a 4.0 is that I had a very needy Girlfriend... I realize now that your girlfriend should be understanding of your time and not hold you back. I digress...

What are you stats (GPA, extra curricular activities, etc) and where do you want to apply too? Also, your current study schedule... If you want I can let you know what i did... and trust me I'm NOT a nerd...on the weekends :laugh:
 
How hard was it to get that 3.8 gpa? Can you give me some tips?
 
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. 😀😀

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!
 
How hard was it to get that 3.8 gpa? Can you give me some tips?

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😀
 
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?
 
Just going to class is enough to earn a 3.0.

After that...you just need to try.
 
Just going to class is enough to earn a 3.0.

After that...you just need to try.

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?
 
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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.
 
During pharmacy school, do students usually only intern during summers, or is it all year long?
 
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!!!

Some all year. Some just the summers.
 
Wow - Did you work that much in your P1 year or was this a recent change?

I've done it throughout pharmacy school. Not easy and I would never recommend it but I have no choice. This year I've increased my credit load significantly because of my dual degree so I'll let you know at the end of the semester if I maintain that 3.5
 
I got one for you. Did you hold a job while in pharmacy school? if so, how many hours per week? Thanks.

For me, I have worked Retail throughout pharmacy school.. As a P1 I worked about 20 hours a week, P2 and P3 year courses were more difficult, so I only worked 1-2 times per 3 week period... It just depends. It hasn't affected my GPA 3.9
 
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.

hmmm... well, if you have a passion for a PharmD... I'd say pursue your passion!!... and if you are going into a profession (nursing) that you will not find enjoyable... why put yourself through it? So a little bit depends on you... Ask yourself if you are willing to start a program over again.? As far as the knowledge you obtained from your matriculation with nursing, it will help as far as your knowledge of physiology and medical terminology.
 
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?

I would have to agree with Sugoi Travis!!!
 
During pharmacy school, do students usually only intern during summers, or is it all year long?

That depends... Some schools do their IPPE (introductory pharmacy practice experience) throughout pharmacy and some do it only in the summers... Depends on the school (make sure you ask during your interview if that is a concern)
 
going to have to disagree on this one!

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.
 
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?
 
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.

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.
 
oh and PS.. I applied after 3 years, no degree... I was debating between PharmD and MD
 
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?

I am sorry to tell you that I have no experience with P/NP system... But I am well versed with the Letter Grade/GPA system... Sorry to not be of service... for this question
 
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.

Thanks. 🙂

I guess that was kind of my point. Keeping a 3.9 is extremely difficult and requires a lot of work.

From my experiences and from those who I have spoke to... obtaining a basic 3.0 is fairly easy. I am not smart by any means, but I worked my ass off and earned a 4.0 in undergrad.... everyone around me partied and did no real studying and earned 3.0s.

Either way, it is a moot point because if you try it shows....and vice versa.
 
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.
 
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.

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 :horns:.

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...:scared:
 
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.


Well, most places are using Phorcas as their primary entry input for pre-requisite courses. Just the fact that you have a BS in Biomed speaks volumes for itself!... Now I'm not an admin person, so take my advice with a grain of salt... but I def. think you have a good shot... Just make sure you perform well on your PCAT and stay involved in your organizations... Also, make sure that you do some community service and extracurricular activities, to show that you're well rounded...
 
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 :horns:.

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...:scared:

I believe that the Schools in Texas, prefer Texas students... so that puts you at an advantage!... As far as experience... I had ZERO pharmacy experience before attending pharmacy school... But fortunately enough my stats were good enough to warrant an interview... from there (i don't want to toot my own horn) but I have great interpersonal communication skills, and I dazzled them on the interview.
 
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.
 
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😀

So i should always ask my professor questions and get close to him so he can write a good lor? And how would you study those 5 hours a day? You only study Mon-Fri and party on weekends? or study all 7 days and party?
 
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.

Some professors give study guides. They don't necessarily contain all the information you need to know for the exams. In some classes, however, the information that will be tested on for the exam is all outlined within the study guide. Many times the study guide will have a disclaimer: This is not an all-inclusive list for the exam. Anything covered in lecture, recitation, or in assigned reading is fair game.

There is no best way to study, as everyone has their own method. I use a very textbook-heavy approach; some people form study groups and concentrate on lecture notes. You have to adapt to whatever class you're taking. I have a problem learning from lecture (paying attention) so I really hit the books hard.

There will be questions on exams that require more than just rote memorization or practice. You do well on these by having a genuine interest for the material.

As far as studying 8 hours a week out of a study guide: you'll probably need to put in more time than that if you want to excel. The study guide is just that, a guide. Get creative and utilize other resources to set yourself above the curve.

You'll learn the game quick, don't worry.
 
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?
 
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?

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!
 
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 would agree with the above post. but to add on to that

I would look as previous students that have take the class if they have a copy of their old exam (just to get a basis as to how the professor tests the material. (NEVER rely on an old study guide or exam to pass an exam... ALWAYS, study and be prepared for whatever curve the professor may try and throw at you)... With that being said

Utilize your first weeks in college to assess HOW you learn. because everyones style of learning is different from one another. Myself if I pay attention in class and also review my material briefly after lectures... its in my head.. whilst others rely on the book to help them. I only used the books if I truly didnt grasp a concept and I would go to the book for further explanation. It also depends on the amount of background knowledge you have as well.
 
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!
 
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!

No worries at all friend. I'm highly considering to go into retail (this probably comes off as a bit odd since retail seems to be the "lowest" branch in pharmacy) and I feel that my internship is like a diamond in the rough; the people who I'm under are very outgoing and the entire staff seems like as if they've known each other for years. The only "problem" I've ever witnessed was some psycho-lady calling my pharmacist every 15 minutes, demanding medication, clarifications and other weird things. All of the customers who I've seen conducted themselves in a mature fashion when they were looking to get their meds; but then again, I've only interned there for 80 hours so I most likely haven't seen the ugly part of it haha.

I've also got another question that concern the learning environment for pharmacy schools. Considering that the class sizes are significantly smaller (at least when compared to UCD), do you go to lecture halls that accommodate your entire graduating class or is your class split up into "sub-classes" where it becomes like high school again and you see only 20 people out of a couple hundred on a consistent basis?

Thanks!
 
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!

1. http://www.aacp.org/resources/student/pharmacyforyou/admissions/Documents/PSAR-1213_narratives.pdf

2. Pharmacy school entry really is not that competitive.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.

Therefore this applies to everyone! It's science!
 
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