B.S. Degree

[Tiffku]

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Hi everyone, I have a question regarding my situation. I'm currently a 4th year and I'm trying to finish up all of my classes for my major by the middle of summer, so that I could obtain a B.S. degree by the time I send off my applications (for the upcoming cycle). However, there is a possibility that I may not be able to get into one of the classes I need for my major and thus I would have to take it during the following fall quarter ( this course is not offered during the summer and my school won't take this course from any other schools). I've heard that there are schools who give out "bonus points" for those who have already obtained a B.S. degree. Is that true? Also, if I do take the class during the fall, could I still be considered as an applicant who has a B.S. (given that, I would finish in December) for those schools that view my application after December. Thanks in advance!!🙂

 

[phuang06]

Hi everyone, I have a question regarding my situation. I'm currently a 4th year and I'm trying to finish up all of my classes for my major by the middle of summer, so that I could obtain a B.S. degree by the time I send off my applications (for the upcoming cycle). However, there is a possibility that I may not be able to get into one of the classes I need for my major and thus I would have to take it during the following fall quarter ( this course is not offered during the summer and my school won't take this course from any other schools). I've heard that there are schools who give out "bonus points" for those who have already obtained a B.S. degree. Is that true? Also, if I do take the class during the fall, could I still be considered as an applicant who has a B.S. (given that, I would finish in December) for those schools that view my application after December. Thanks in advance!!🙂

If a school does not require a BS degree, then they won't give "bonus points" to those who do have one. Although, they may see a BS degree as someone who is more mature and more competitive due to higher level courses and more years under their belts, but just having the BS degree itself does not make you more competitive.

 

[RxWildcat]

I won't hurt to have your BS but I doubt it will help you out much.

 

[fenixtnlfan]

I really think it depends on what school you apply to. Some of them have specific policies that they prefer students with a degree or who will get a degree before entering. From what I've gathered reading this board having a degree will give you an advantage over someone who has only done the pre-reqs because you've done upper-division and have a longer track record. I wouldn't worry about not finishing until December though because you are really close.

 

[PearLBenzene]

Get your degree! You're so close!!!

Although you don't need it for pharmacy school, I think having some of those upper level courses will help prepare you study-wise for pharmacy school.

 

[JeremyE30]

I think the BS degree will give you an edge over people that have only completed the prereqs (or are still working on them). The prereqs for pharmacy school are EASY, if you study. They are simple 1000 or 2000 level, and they are nothing compared to some of the 3000 and 4000 level biology courses that I have taken. I got by with As in the prereqs by just studying a few hours a week, but courses like genetics, cell biology, vertebrate, physiology, evolution, etc... require much more time, and lots of article reading, projects, nasty tests.

If I were on the adcom, I would give bonus points for people with more than just the prereqs, because they will have a much better chance of excelling in difficult classes.

 

[kalove07]

It really depends on what school you apply to. All the schools I looked at don't require it but two of them accept a lot of students w/ a BS (I think one was 60% of class had a BS). Another one I looked at didn't have as many and so if you have one, you stand out.

 

[Tiffku]

Thanks for all of your inputs! I appreciate it very much!! 😀

 

[trailrider400]

This really is a sketchy area and one of the most highly posted questions. I know the majority of schools still don't require a bachelors but no one would tell you its a disadvantage. I know at the University of Minnesota at least the trend has gone up every year where about 75% of the students now who were excepted have a bachelors degree. Basically it is becoming more necessary and many people believe it will eventually be required. But do keep in mind there are many people who do get accepted with out a bachelors every year... Look for the schools that don't value a bachelors as much... I know there are some schools where the majority of students are still getting accepted without a bachelors degree... the research is up to you...

 

[keepingthehope]

I think you would be as long as before you start grad school