Applying w/o PCAT

[Lcindian18]

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I currently am going to be a sophomore at Purdue. I'm trying to get just my prereqs out of the way and bypass a degree. I will be applying this coming cycle with a 3.35 GPA. I'm in 4 clubs at school, have worked as a pharm tech intern for 2 summers now (small, independent pharmacy), and volunteered at a hospital in downtown Chicago over my Christmas Break for 3 weeks. Also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity over my Spring Break.

I'm just seeking some guidance on if possibly being accepted this cycle with no PCAT?

Communications: A
English Comp: A
PreCalc: A
Calculus: A
Physiology Lecture: B
Physiology Lab: A-
Gen Chem I Lecutre: B
Gen Chem I Lab: B-
Gen Chem II Lecture: B-
Gen Chem II Lab: C+
Anatomy Lab: B
Anatomy Lecture: B
Micro-Econ: B
Intro to Psych: B
Political Science: A

Please let me know what you think!!

 

[MLH]

Well the answer to your question depends on a few variables. Mostly depends on school requirements. You can find that through pharmcas or admissions webpage of desired school. I know people who applied before pcat or degree. I applied before my degree. I was accepted with stipulations. Which was I had to obtain my degree before a certain date before the start of matriculation. If your school requires a pcat you must take it by the given date if accepted. Besides pcat issues ....certain course requirements are needed as well. I'm not sure what school your going to apply too but looking at your completed courses you have some classes to still take. You don't have to be completed with all course before applying but must be able.to complete before the matriculation date given by your school in your acceptance letter with a certain grade..in my opinion without a pcat score and not having finished required courses completed before might make you less competitive. Fyi I had a school I was looking at who did not consider prereq science course taken during the summer semester. So check on that as well. good luck.

 

[Alyssa13579]

I know Purdue does not require PCAT. I'm assuming you're taking all required pre pharm courses, and if that's the case, I don't see why you wouldn't get in!!

 

[Lcindian18]

Thanks guys. But do you think my GPA is strong enough to compete for admission?!

 

[BC89]

A major pre-req requirement for pharmacy (no matter where you go) is completing ORGANIC CHEM I / II. Many of the schools wont bother to look at you if you havent even taken course I of ochem (let alone both). On top of that, many wont take a second glance at the application if more than 3 courses of pre-req havent even been met yet. While others still do, they want to make sure the courses you have taken is the Bread and Butter of pharmacy (again, orgo is the one to deal with as well as microbio and molecular courses). Despite all of this though, the pharmacy schools that dont require a PCAT have applicants you will be competing with that have bachelors at hand or have completed most (if not all) the science major course load. Ironically enough, the courses most of them DONT have are courses such as English, Econ, Physcology, etc. (GE courses if you will) but have nailed the science courses they will be looking at.

I would wait until you have completed Microbiology with your Organic Chem track to help build a science GPA with the pre-reqs. At minimum, at least one semester of organic chem. Remember, they want to "see" what you can show them on transcript. Keep the GPA ever increasing and you will find yourself in a great position for pharmacy school! Sounds like your volunteer work is exceptionally good.

 

[Lcindian18]

Right, I know that. Do you think I should wait to apply in like December? after I've taken ochem I and molecular bio?

A major pre-req requirement for pharmacy (no matter where you go) is completing ORGANIC CHEM I / II. Many of the schools wont bother to look at you if you havent even taken course I of ochem (let alone both). On top of that, many wont take a second glance at the application if more than 3 courses of pre-req havent even been met yet. While others still do, they want to make sure the courses you have taken is the Bread and Butter of pharmacy (again, orgo is the one to deal with as well as microbio and molecular courses). Despite all of this though, the pharmacy schools that dont require a PCAT have applicants you will be competing with that have bachelors at hand or have completed most (if not all) the science major course load. Ironically enough, the courses most of them DONT have are courses such as English, Econ, Physcology, etc. (GE courses if you will) but have nailed the science courses they will be looking at.

I would wait until you have completed Microbiology with your Organic Chem track to help build a science GPA with the pre-reqs. At minimum, at least one semester of organic chem. Remember, they want to "see" what you can show them on transcript. Keep the GPA ever increasing and you will find yourself in a great position for pharmacy school! Sounds like your volunteer work is exceptionally good.

 

[BC89]

At the most minimal thats what i would do. If you dont get into Redox Reactions in Orgo I then i would say wait til Orgo II but if your really trying this cycle without a PCAT at least til dec. Still seems early though but you never know. Micro is really what they like to see as far as minimal bio but in the end its up to the school. For me I always think of 1: How many applicants does the school recieve and 2: How many do they accept and whats that ratio. Id call the schools in advance and see their views on that (most are flattered when you call for things like that and are glad to help). I actually had one during the middle of my undergrad studies explain in explicit detail the average minimal pre-req students that apply (BS in something and LOR's). Like i said, typically the ones with no PCAT have the most competition. Best of luck!

 

[Lcindian18]

Okay thanks alot

 

[bmclinn]

Thanks guys. But do you think my GPA is strong enough to compete for admission?!

My friend is in his second year at Purdue and he got in with a 3.2. Keep in my it's all about balancing your application. If one part of your application is slacking, make it up in another area (LoRs, exp, etc)