Assess the situation

[andrewc]

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Hi,

I graduated in '07 with a BS in Biology, overall GPA 2.579 and biology GPA 2.509. I am about to start retaking my classes I got C-'s in and also start working @ a Pharmacy (for a year) to eventually apply for Pharm school. I've accumulated 179 units as an undergrad and am pretty bummed out about how low my GPA is. How far am I away from raising my GPA to a 3.0? Is it even practical? Any advice, comment, info is appreciated (even the harsh words). thanks.

 

[Hendlefe]

You certainly want to raise your GPA, at least above the threshold for certain schools that have higher GPA requirements. Aside from retaking C- classes, you should take the PCAT and ace it to prove your knowledge of the subjects.

 

[FlavyFlav]

How far from a 3.0 with all classes considered? A very long way. How far from a strong case to be let in pharm school? Not as far as you think. The deal is you have a degree which counts for something, also you're planning on reapplying your efforts. So counting the degree and (hopefully) a positive track record where you show your dedication to the craft and your willingness to correct your errors, you've formed the foundation of a good argument.

Now, you're going to have to build on that. Be sure to get a solid PCAT score that will prove you have the intelligence and that you've learned something in your years of school. a 4.0 on all the semesters you take from here on out will back that up.

Learn as much as you can in the pharmacy, if there's a chance at promotion within the pharmacy, take it. Ask to do special projects that can help improve the pharmacy or ask to go on doctor details, anything that shows you're interested in more than just the paycheck and anything to demonstrate your leadership qualities.

Volunteer and demonstrate your humanitarian beliefs. Develop strong LoRs by forming good relationships with reputable professors and pharmacists that are willing to speak on your behalf. Also, throughout all this, remember those anecdotes that demonstrated your key attributes and skills. Tell those stories that related you on a personal level with your patients or colleagues.

Do these and your GPA will seem less and less important as the time goes on. Also, don't give up. I started wanting to do pharmacy with ~2.5 GPA and spent the next 2 & 1/2 years improving grades, taking challenging classes, and all that other stuff listed earlier and I finally got accepted my second year of applying.

Good luck.

 

[aboveliquidice]

Hi,

I graduated in '07 with a BS in Biology, overall GPA 2.579 and biology GPA 2.509. I am about to start retaking my classes I got C-'s in and also start working @ a Pharmacy (for a year) to eventually apply for Pharm school. I've accumulated 179 units as an undergrad and am pretty bummed out about how low my GPA is. How far am I away from raising my GPA to a 3.0? Is it even practical? Any advice, comment, info is appreciated (even the harsh words). thanks.

Check out the WAMC (What are my chances) thread at the top of the forum - its a great place to start. Also check out the prepharmacy FAQ - there is a LOT of information there that will help you zero in on what you need to do to get into pharmacy school.

I would read through this thread LINK

Finally - I would use the 'search' function for any questions I may have before posting (you will find most have already been asked and answered).

Good on getting started - and let us know how things are going.

~above~

 

[Storm90]

My overall after I graduated (B.Sc Biology) was 2.54 and retaking 24 credit hours (8 courses) boosted my GPA to 2.62 after earning nearly all A's in the courses, so your GPA won't be changing much, especially with 179 units already completed. Do what you can to detract from your GPA by gaining experience, kicking @$$ on the PCAT, getting volunteer experience, having lots of extracurriculars, etc. Looking like a complete candidate will help you more in the long run.