Are my chances good?

[Mimrose]

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Hi everyone!
My first post so I'm kind of nervous (I've been lurking quite a while though...)
Right now, I'll be starting my Junior year of university in the fall. I'm honestly very nervous about my chances of getting into Pharmacy School due to pressure from both my parents and people that I know who are currently in Pharmacy school.

I'm planning on applying this year to some schools that don't require a bachelor's degree, and that only require you have their prereqs completed. But, I've been feeling very stressed and nervous if I should even bother trying.

My current composite GPA is 3.34, and the reason for it being fairly low is because I had a disastrous first year where my GPA was 2.74 due to being out of state and a variety of issues with my roommate and medical issues. However, after I transferred to a different university closer to home, I was determined to make up for it and get back on track. I managed to finish all my prereqs my second year, and my second year GPA was 3.84.

My PCAT composite (preliminary score because I just took it a little over a week ago) is 97 (VA 91, Bio 97, Chem 88, RC 89, QA 97).

In the past, I've worked at research labs over the summer ever since I was a senior in high school, was a first author on a publication in the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, and have volunteered at the nearby hospital for over 300 hours with lots of patient contact and I currently hold a leadership position where I supervise several units of volunteers at the hospital.

I've also just been offered a job as a student pharmacy technician at the ambulatory pharmacies at a local hospital so I'll be getting some pharmacy tech experience.

I think my references are pretty solid-I've asked my former PI to write a letter of reference for me, and I've known him for 3 years and he was more than happy to do so. I've also asked a professor of mine in a science class where I got an A+ in the course and she and I have always gotten along well.

Sorry for the sudden spill of all that information! I just want to know if you guys think that I have a good chance, or if I should give up and look at different options in the healthcare field. Thanks again for taking the time to read all of this! 🙂

 

[TechthenpharmD]

You have a better chance of getting accepted if you apply then if you don't. You'll be fine. Cheers!

 

[Mimrose]

You have a better chance of getting accepted if you apply then if you don't. You'll be fine. Cheers!

You've got a good point! I'm trying to stay optimistic, but I've always had it beaten into my head that GPA is everything...I truly hope that schools will also look at my other experiences and extracurricular!

 

[manne02]

You definitely have a chance! I can't say with certain if you could get into the top ranked schools, but I think you'll still have good options. GPA is important, but your PCAT score is too. So long as you do well on that, it can boost your application despite your less competitive GPA. You have good extracurriculars and if you get that tech job then you'll have first hand pharmacy experience. Since you feel nervous about your grades, work really hard on your personal statements and supplemental apps. Also make sure you get strong LORs. These are the things that can help make up for your grades. You can also briefly explain why your grades were low your first year in your essays. I can tell you firsthand that GPA isn't everything, because I got into school and my GPA is actually lower than yours. I even know a couple of people with lower GPAs that got into top schools! Work hard and good luck!

 

[Mimrose]

You definitely have a chance! I can't say with certain if you could get into the top ranked schools, but I think you'll still have good options. GPA is important, but your PCAT score is too. So long as you do well on that, it can boost your application despite your less competitive GPA. You have good extracurriculars and if you get that tech job then you'll have first hand pharmacy experience. Since you feel nervous about your grades, work really hard on your personal statements and supplemental apps. Also make sure you get strong LORs. These are the things that can help make up for your grades. You can also briefly explain why your grades were low your first year in your essays. I can tell you firsthand that GPA isn't everything, because I got into school and my GPA is actually lower than yours. I even know a couple of people with lower GPAs that got into top schools! Work hard and good luck!

Thanks for your response!! I'm definitely feeling more confident now 🙂 PCAT exam in 2 days...Ahhhh! I think I'll be fine though, as long as I don't pass out in the middle of it. xD

 

[TechthenpharmD]

You've got a good point! I'm trying to stay optimistic, but I've always had it beaten into my head that GPA is everything...I truly hope that schools will also look at my other experiences and extracurricular!

Just to give you some encouragement. I have the same gpa as you and my pcat by no means was great. I applied to 6 schools got interviewed at 5 and accepted to 4... My EC's and LOR were great. So yes you stand a chance just don't apply to just one school tho have several you would like. Just don't make your wallet cry in the process. Stick to 4-5 schools.

 

[Mimrose]

Thanks for all the responses!

I've edited my original post to add information about my preliminary scores on the PCAT and that I got a job offer as a Student Pharmacy Tech, so I think my chances are looking up!