Applying as a junior

[b*rizzle]

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I'm curious, is anyone here not applying to pharmacy school as a junior? I am waiting a year to apply (most people apply to the program I want to get into as a sophomore) and I'm wondering if anyone caught any flack applying as a junior.

It's my impression that most schools generally don't mind as long as you'll have the necessary prereqs completed by the fall that you enter. I really have my heart set on applying next year, I just wanted to take a little more time to make sure that pharmacy is really what I want to do (it is, without question). Is it hopeless or should I just go ahead and get a degree first? 🙁

 

[b*rizzle]

I know it's unusual but does anyone have anything to contribute? 😳

 

[dgroulx]

I know it's unusual but does anyone have anything to contribute? 😳

I don't think it matters whether you are a sophmore or a junior. If the school you are applying to doesn't require a degree, then it won't matter at all. They may look at how many hours you carry each semester, though.

 

[lynzee]

I graduated from undergrad a few years ago, but I have talked to both degree-holders and those currently in undergrad who are in the admissions process for pharm school. I know that a few schools strongly encourage a degree to apply, but I am not too sure if any require a degree. Research the specific pre-reqs for the schools you are interested in, and that should give you a better idea of what they are looking for.

 

[adventurer]

I'm curious, is anyone here not applying to pharmacy school as a junior? I am waiting a year to apply (most people apply to the program I want to get into as a sophomore) and I'm wondering if anyone caught any flack applying as a junior.

It's my impression that most schools generally don't mind as long as you'll have the necessary prereqs completed by the fall that you enter. I really have my heart set on applying next year, I just wanted to take a little more time to make sure that pharmacy is really what I want to do (it is, without question). Is it hopeless or should I just go ahead and get a degree first? 🙁

There is a lot of variation in the amount of education in current pharmacy students (except at those schools that highly encourage a degree). If you wait for a year, you will only be doing yourself a favor by taking other beneficial classes and possibly having time to gain experience. If you do wait, you will be able to apply super early-like July-which will greatly enhance your chances of getting in.

 

[ultracet]

There were under 20 of us in my first year who only had 2 years under our belt and did not attend the school as an undergrad.

i think its funny that you think its unusual!

Lots of people in my class had degrees and i know typically it is probably preferred.

 

[jackie00ag]

I graduated from college in 2000 and am considering applying for 2006 admission. I think anything is possible...2 years or 4+ years out.

 

[WVURxGal]

As long as having a degree doesn't matter, then as long as you have the prereqs done there shouldn't be a problem. I asked the councelor at my school (West Virginia, and I will get in!!!) and she said class status isn't important, as long as all the necesary classes are completed. On the flip side, WVU looks at two different GPAs, cumulative and that of just the required courses, electives not included. Staying in school for extra time to raise a cumulative GPA really isn't beneficial. I don't know if any other school look at it the same way.