Applying after 3rd year vs 4th year?

[Bear Rx]

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Hello everyone, I am a new member on these forums and I just wanted to ask you all about my situation regarding when to apply to pharmacy schools.

Currently, I am a 3rd year Biochemistry major (planning to switch to Biology) on track to graduate by the end of winter 2013. However, I lack a lot of extracurricular and pharmacy related experience. At the moment, I am in a pharmacy related club and a medical related club (not an active member in either). I plan to get a pharm tech license next year and apply at Walgreens and also start volunteering at a hospital starting next month. I have yet had any decent/efficient PCAT studying due to focusing on doing well in my classes and I really want to take the PCAT at least twice.

My family has always been against skipping a year of schooling of any kind, so I have always had a linear pathway from school to finish in mind. However, that does not seem to be possible with the way things are looking right now. I lack so much extracurricular and I would have one shot at the PCAT if I were to apply to begin fall 2014. In addition, I have minor speed obstacles along the way such as my university not offering certain classes needed to apply like a public speaking class and retaking a class that I got a C- in (have to take it at a different school).

If I apply to begin fall 2015, then I would spend my time PCAT prep starting later this month and take the January PCAT (if needed, again when the next available test date is), 4th year focusing on doing well on the few classes I have left (5-6), LORs, get more involved in clubs, continue hospital volunteering and apply for a pharm tech position. During the gap between fall 2015 and my graduation, I would shift my focus to pharmacy technician and volunteering in hospital pharmacies (if possible).

What do you guys think I should do? Would you agree that the pros for applying fall 2014 outweighs the pros for applying fall 2013? What about cons? Thanks.

 

[kcha90]

Hello everyone, I am a new member on these forums and I just wanted to ask you all about my situation regarding when to apply to pharmacy schools.

Currently, I am a 3rd year Biochemistry major (planning to switch to Biology) on track to graduate by the end of winter 2013. However, I lack a lot of extracurricular and pharmacy related experience. At the moment, I am in a pharmacy related club and a medical related club (not an active member in either). I plan to get a pharm tech license next year and apply at Walgreens and also start volunteering at a hospital starting next month. I have yet had any decent/efficient PCAT studying due to focusing on doing well in my classes and I really want to take the PCAT at least twice.

My family has always been against skipping a year of schooling of any kind, so I have always had a linear pathway from school to finish in mind. However, that does not seem to be possible with the way things are looking right now. I lack so much extracurricular and I would have one shot at the PCAT if I were to apply to begin fall 2014. In addition, I have minor speed obstacles along the way such as my university not offering certain classes needed to apply like a public speaking class and retaking a class that I got a C- in (have to take it at a different school).

If I apply to begin fall 2015, then I would spend my time PCAT prep starting later this month and take the January PCAT (if needed, again when the next available test date is), 4th year focusing on doing well on the few classes I have left (5-6), LORs, get more involved in clubs, continue hospital volunteering and apply for a pharm tech position. During the gap between fall 2015 and my graduation, I would shift my focus to pharmacy technician and volunteering in hospital pharmacies (if possible).

What do you guys think I should do? Would you agree that the pros for applying fall 2014 outweighs the pros for applying fall 2013? What about cons? Thanks.

I kind of skimmed over what you wrote but why not take the chance and apply anyway, despite the shortcomings. If you get rejected, you'll apply again next time, which is what you would do anyway if you choose to skip a year. Also, make sure you have a good chance of getting a position as pharm tech. I know that at the pharmacy I volunteer for, there are no positions available. I wouldn't worry about how many prerequisites you've completed, as long as your grades are good. I applied and I've only completed half of the prerequisites

 

[MrsAppleseed]

There are very few instances in which I wouldn't tell someone in your situation or similar to wait until 2015. Doing things in a rush and not making the best of your application will likely not fare well, and then you'll just be in the same boat in 2015 after possibly being rejected in 2014. Community and extracurricular involvement is what often distinguishes two people who have similar, competitive GPAs and PCAT scores from being accepted or not. I can certainly see the benefits of applying in 2014, just to see what happens, but that's a lot of stress to put yourself through if you aren't terribly confident in your application.

Do what you feel is best for you. I'm sure your family means well, but there are no medals to be handed out for finishing school in 6 years vs. 7. As long as you stay focused on your goals and keep at it, only you know what is best for your life, because at the end of the day, you have to answer to yourself.

 

[owlegrad]

I would apply. If you don't get in, no sweat, there is always next year. 👍

 

[bw6]

What caught my attention most was: applying to pharmacy schools and switching from biochemistry to biology.
That is a stupid switch unless you have some other reasons for doing it. Biochemistry is much more relevant to pharmacy than biology and biochemistry will certainly prepare you better for the pharmacy curriculum.

 

[BenJammin]

You should apply once you meet the minimum requirements. Period.

 

[Bear Rx]

What caught my attention most was: applying to pharmacy schools and switching from biochemistry to biology.
That is a stupid switch unless you have some other reasons for doing it. Biochemistry is much more relevant to pharmacy than biology and biochemistry will certainly prepare you better for the pharmacy curriculum.

The reason I am planning to make a switch form Biochemistry to Biology is because of the flexibility of upper division classes and electives I would get. This greater flexibility will give me a better opportunity to select classes that flow well with my schedule and thus, perform better in my classes. I have also heard many pharmacy schools say that major doesn't matter, as long as you take the prereqs and do well.

 

[jerbearox]

The reason I am planning to make a switch form Biochemistry to Biology is because of the flexibility of upper division classes and electives I would get. This greater flexibility will give me a better opportunity to select classes that flow well with my schedule and thus, perform better in my classes. I have also heard many pharmacy schools say that major doesn't matter, as long as you take the prereqs and do well.

I did the exact same thing for the same exact reasons. True, pharmacy schools do not look at the major but rather the classes you take.

 

[pharmerbird]

i was in a situation where i was deciding between applying now or waiting until next app cycle and "making my application" better. i chose the former and got accepted into pharm school. i would just apply if anything it will give you a learning curve if you have to re-apply next year....