Applicants for Fall 2009

[Spirala]

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I know this is kind of early to post a forum for 2009 applicants 😛 but some of us early birds I am sure would like to do early decision come august and while the 2008 applicants are still in the forum we can seize the opportunity to ask them questions.

I for instance would like to apply for ED at University of Maryland so can anyone out there please tell me what minimum stats I should have and how I can increase my chances? I have 2 masters (computer science & Health Information Management), my BS is in Computer Science and I have an associates in Health information technology and another one in Math. My gpa is a disaster for my jr and sr when I transfered to a 4yr Univ but my gpa at my other schools are decent. I dont know my stats yet since I havent taken the PCAT and Pharmcas will not be available for me to put in my data. I have well over 200 credits and I have been working as a clincal data analyst for the past 4 years so I have been exposed to not just drugs but other healthcare areas. So what are my chances anyone? What can I do to improve?

 

[Alby]

I know this is kind of early to post a forum for 2009 applicants 😛 but some of us early birds I am sure would like to do early decision come august and while the 2008 applicants are still in the forum we can seize the opportunity to ask them questions.

I for instance would like to apply for ED at University of Maryland so can anyone out there please tell me what minimum stats I should have and how I can increase my chances? I have 2 masters (computer science & Health Information Management), my BS is in Computer Science and I have an associates in Health information technology and another one in Math. My gpa is a disaster for my jr and sr when I transfered to a 4yr Univ but my gpa at my other schools are decent. I dont know my stats yet since I havent taken the PCAT and Pharmcas will not be available for me to put in my data. I have well over 200 credits and I have been working as a clincal data analyst for the past 4 years so I have been exposed to not just drugs but other healthcare areas. So what are my chances anyone? What can I do to improve?

Although you have been exposed to drugs, a lot of schools value pharmacy experience (as a tech). I have 7 years of Pharmaceutcial industry experience and could not apply to certain schools because I did not have direct pharmacy experience. I did get accepted without direct expereince but this was a problem with some schools, check the schools website for the exact requirements. Commonly you can find good info in the FAQ area. Also, some schools have expiration dates on your pre-req classes; some schools require your pre-reqs to be no older than 5 years, some 7 years and some 10 years. Again, check the website or call the admissions office for specific questions.
Good luck.

 

[Spirala]

Although you have been exposed to drugs, a lot of schools value pharmacy experience (as a tech). I have 7 years of Pharmaceutcial industry experience and could not apply to certain schools because I did not have direct pharmacy experience. I did get accepted without direct expereince but this was a problem with some schools, check the schools website for the exact requirements. Commonly you can find good info in the FAQ area. Also, some schools have expiration dates on your pre-req classes; some schools require your pre-reqs to be no older than 5 years, some 7 years and some 10 years. Again, check the website or call the admissions office for specific questions.
Good luck.

Thanks for your input! I did check the Website at least for Univ of MD and attended one of their infor sessions. If you have a masters degree and you are working in your field you are exempted from the rule that your classes have to have been taken within 5 years. Univ. of MD also mentioned that Pharmacy experience would be highly desirable but it is mot madatory for acceptance. I have done some volunteer work in our hospitals pharmacy and I plan to write the Pharm tech exam this summer so I can take on a weekend job to get more experience. Thanks again !

 

[phuang06]

I know this is kind of early to post a forum for 2009 applicants 😛 but some of us early birds I am sure would like to do early decision come august and while the 2008 applicants are still in the forum we can seize the opportunity to ask them questions.

I for instance would like to apply for ED at University of Maryland so can anyone out there please tell me what minimum stats I should have and how I can increase my chances? I have 2 masters (computer science & Health Information Management), my BS is in Computer Science and I have an associates in Health information technology and another one in Math. My gpa is a disaster for my jr and sr when I transfered to a 4yr Univ but my gpa at my other schools are decent. I dont know my stats yet since I havent taken the PCAT and Pharmcas will not be available for me to put in my data. I have well over 200 credits and I have been working as a clincal data analyst for the past 4 years so I have been exposed to not just drugs but other healthcare areas. So what are my chances anyone? What can I do to improve?

I plan to apply for Fall of 2009 as well! I would like to apply ED for VCU, but will also apply for Maryland if I don't get into VCU ED. I haven't been in school nearly as long as you. 200 credits seems like a lot @_@ I'm applying during my Junior year, but my GPA is pretty high and my LORs will most like be good. I am also looking for a part-time job as a pharmacy tech. Good luck in applying!

 

[BacardiGirl]

I would love to apply in fall 2009, but I don't think I will be able to squeeze in all my pre-reqs in time...so I am looking more at 2010. (man that seems so far off!)

 

[Alby]

Thanks for your input! I did check the Website at least for Univ of MD and attended one of their infor sessions. If you have a masters degree and you are working in your field you are exempted from the rule that your classes have to have been taken within 5 years. Univ. of MD also mentioned that Pharmacy experience would be highly desirable but it is mot madatory for acceptance. I have done some volunteer work in our hospitals pharmacy and I plan to write the Pharm tech exam this summer so I can take on a weekend job to get more experience. Thanks again !

It sounds like you are a good candidate. At this point, I reccomend beginning work on your personal statement. Make sure it is outstanding... this is your chance to shine to the adcom. Also I would make sure you address why you are choosing pharmacy and how your two masters lead you to that decision, you will need to address why you have so many degrees but have yet to settle in a career- just something to think about.

Concerning your grades, I would concentrate on how you have matured since that time showing specific examples. Assuming you performed well as a graduate student, that should not be an issue.

Don't forget to ace the PCAT (if they require it).

 

[Spirala]

It sounds like you are a good candidate. At this point, I reccomend beginning work on your personal statement. Make sure it is outstanding... this is your chance to shine to the adcom. Also I would make sure you address why you are choosing pharmacy and how your two masters lead you to that decision, you will need to address why you have so many degrees but have yet to settle in a career- just something to think about.

Concerning your grades, I would concentrate on how you have matured since that time showing specific examples. Assuming you performed well as a graduate student, that should not be an issue.

Don't forget to ace the PCAT (if they require it).

Thanks again! You brought up some important points which I overlooked. I am nervous about the PCAT and I will be taking it in June do you happen to know whether the June results are out begfore the August PCATs? thanks..

 

[sars110]

Hey guys I'm planning for Fall '09 as well! I'm taking the PCATs this August. Anyone here applying to LIU in Brooklyn?

 

[Spirala]

I would love to apply in fall 2009, but I don't think I will be able to squeeze in all my pre-reqs in time...so I am looking more at 2010. (man that seems so far off!)

You do know that you have until the summer prior to the term you are applying to right? So you still have a lot of preqs to do?

 

[phuang06]

I would love to apply in fall 2009, but I don't think I will be able to squeeze in all my pre-reqs in time...so I am looking more at 2010. (man that seems so far off!)

as above poster said, there are summer sessions. how many pre-reqs do you need to finish?

 

[Alby]

Thanks again! You brought up some important points which I overlooked. I am nervous about the PCAT and I will be taking it in June do you happen to know whether the June results are out begfore the August PCATs? thanks..

I believe it takes 6 weeks to get your scores back... keep in mind the registration date for the August PCAT if you think you may retake it. I took the August last year and signed up for the October just in case I decided to retake it. I got my scores the day after the deadline to get a portion refunded since my scoers were good enough. Bummer- but the security of knowing I could retake it if necessary was worth the $125.