Bachelors...???

[PharmD2012]

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Just curious as to what all you guys are doing who aren't getting accepted into pharmacy schools like me. This is my second year applying, and it's sure not looking good this year either (I only have myself to blame). I have recently decided to just go ahead and finish up college with a BA in Chemistry with a Minor in Mathematics. I am hoping that once I get my degree, it will help improve my chances even more. So what are all of you doing that aren't getting into pharmacy school? Completing Bachelors? Going with a "back-up" plan?

 

[aboveliquidice]

Just curious as to what all you guys are doing who aren't getting accepted into pharmacy schools like me. This is my second year applying, and it's sure not looking good this year either (I only have myself to blame). I have recently decided to just go ahead and finish up college with a BA in Chemistry with a Minor in Mathematics. I am hoping that once I get my degree, it will help improve my chances even more. So what are all of you doing that aren't getting into pharmacy school? Completing Bachelors? Going with a "back-up" plan?

I dont think I would call it a "backup" plan as much as the "Progressive" plan... I am applying before I get my BS. If I get in this year - and that is definitely up in the air right now - I will abandon all pursuit of my BS and begin my pharmD program. If I am not accepted - I will continue on and get the BS. I got to the University of Florida - Botany program.

I chose Pharmacy not to long after getting out of the Marine Corps - and I dont fancy doing anything else. My GPA is decent right now - with only Org II as a pre-req left to complete. The rest of the classes are Botany or electives. I really feel like having a 4yr degree is where everything is going. Picking one up will definitely make us more competitive. What do you plan on doing?

~above~

 

[PharmD2012]

Right now my plan is a BA in Chemistry, minor in Mathematics. I LOVE both chemistry and math, so I thought this would be a nice route to take. My advisor felt this was a good choice as well. The only worry I have is using this degree towards something besides pharmacy... for instance, if I complete this degree and still dont get into pharmacy school, what else can I do with it? My plan is get the BA and then use it to my advantage towards getting into pharmacy school. Hope it works. Otherwise, I may be going back to school🙁 .

 

[grincheola]

Having a BA or a BS will definitely make you more competitive. I was wait listed last year at the only school I applied to, applied on a whim. That was my junior year of college and I am sort of glad I was. I never realized until then how much I really want my BA. Think about if your in pharmacy school and something happens, something big that makes you leave school, and you don't have a BA or a BS to fall back on. I think it is very important to have one just in case, life is full of surprises.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck on your applications this year!

 

[T1ar1a]

Having a bachelor's is a big factor in deciding whether to accept a student into a pharm.d. program.

But then again, I've known people who just did the pre-reqs and went on to wonderful careers in pharmacy (i'm not talking about rite-aid or sav-on, but into the academic and coorporate world). But these stories are few and anecdotal.

I would recommend finishing your bachelor. There are many benefits for you to finish that degree. But from my experience with students who go for interviews, the major reason for them not getting accepted is their communication skills. If a school brings you in for an interview, it means that you are good on paper. They just want to see if you're someone who they can teach.

You wouldn't believe the amount of students that go to pharmacy school to just complain about grades.

So finish it up and try again. I'm sure you'll see different results.

GL