Application/PCAT Scheduling

[RowingMunkeyCU]

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Hey all, just a little background info on me first:

I graduated this past May (2006) from college with a BS in Software Engineering. I let my GPA slide (2.5/4.0) because I was totally disheartened with the program and really just gave up. On a more positive note, I spent my last year and a half pondering the idea of going to school for my PharmD.

So right now, I'm trying to figure out exactly the scheduling/timing of applying to schools and taking my PCATs. My top choice school is University at Buffalo, and I've already spoken with an admissions person about my prerequisites. I'm taking classes at my local Community College while I work. The classes that will determine my GPA are as follows (broken down by scheduled date):

Spring 2007:
Calculus I
Chem I

Summer 2007:
Chem II
Physics I

Fall 2007:
OChem I
Bio I

Spring 2008:
Ochem II
Bio II

Would I be able to apply for the class starting Fall 2008? When would be a good time to take the PCATs?


Thanks 🙂

 

[acetyl]

Take the PCAT that is administered during late October of 2007. If the classes you've listed are the only classes you need for the school you wish to enter, you should be able to apply, and be accepted, for the class of 2012 (begin Fall 2008).

I would suggest also taking microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and genetics before you take the PCAT.

Also, how did you earn a BS in engineering without taking Calculus or Physics?

 

[RowingMunkeyCU]

Take the PCAT that is administered during late October of 2007. If the classes you've listed are the only classes you need for the school you wish to enter, you should be able to apply, and be accepted, for the class of 2012 (begin Fall 2008).

I would suggest also taking microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and genetics before you take the PCAT.

Also, how did you earn a BS in engineering without taking Calculus or Physics?

Well I did take both, but only received B's and I'm shooting for as close to a 4.0 as I can get. (I actually have a minor in math)

 

[acetyl]

Well I did take both, but only received B's and I'm shooting for as close to a 4.0 as I can get. (I actually have a minor in math)

Then I wouldn't worry about retaking those classes, because typically, the admissions committee usually only looks at your cumulative gpa and science gpa (which is probably close to your cumulative). B's aren't bad, and honestly I think you would benefit more from taking some advanced biology courses because those types of classes are the types of classes that are more similar to pharm. school classes than math classes. I also wouldn't take Calc. I again if you have a minor in math, because if you were on the admissions committee, would you think it was a big deal for someone with an engineering degree and a math minor to make an A in a freshman level math class ? I personally wouldn't. I suggest reviewing through the second semester of calculus, actually, only up to sequences and series, for the PCAT.

I think you will impress the admissions committee if you make close to a 4.0 in your biology classes, microbiology, anatomy, genetics, and maybe even cell biology. These classes can be very boring at times, but you will definetly see them again in pharmacy school.

 

[RowingMunkeyCU]

From my understanding of their (UBs) admission policies, with a BS/BA, they calculate your GPA differently than if you are coming in as a transfer. They only include the courses above in determining GPA, that's why I want to retake the calc and physics, because with only 8 classes, 2 Bs will hurt a lot more than it would otherwise...

I'd really like to keep it to the schedule I listed, seeing as how microbiology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, etc won't be taken into consideration for GPA, nor will they transfer and count for anything (depending on the curriculum, i'd likely be taking them anyway)...

Is there much chance of performing well on the PCAT without the extra courses, and before OChem II?

 

[acetyl]

From my understanding of their (UBs) admission policies, with a BS/BA, they calculate your GPA differently than if you are coming in as a transfer. They only include the courses above in determining GPA, that's why I want to retake the calc and physics, because with only 8 classes, 2 Bs will hurt a lot more than it would otherwise...

I'd really like to keep it to the schedule I listed, seeing as how microbiology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, etc won't be taken into consideration for GPA, nor will they transfer and count for anything (depending on the curriculum, i'd likely be taking them anyway)...

Is there much chance of performing well on the PCAT without the extra courses, and before OChem II?

OChem II isn't that important for the PCAT, mainly I, but you might want to browse through some generic reactions after the first semester (or during). I think studying the biology will definetly be important to you for that part of the PCAT, because I recall a lot of micro and physiology questions. Plus, I think Harcourt Assessments is changing the exam to add more genetics type questions to the exam. These questions aren't hard, mostly statistics and probability, but I suggest looking over this material more carefully during your general biology courses.

 

[RowingMunkeyCU]

anyone else have suggestions or whatnot? 🙂

 

[rxlynn]

anyone else have suggestions or whatnot? 🙂

Yeah - I second about the bio I - you really need to have a good handle on that information before you take the PCAT. I was very surprised by how much regular biology/basic genetics was on the test, as opposed to a&p. At least on my particular version, I way overstudied for the a&p.