Certain Minority Groups get the Upper Hand?

[JamesL1585]

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Good post Lostplato... Thanks for realizing the importance of this whole discussion, it is a really touchy subject but people need to realize that its a MAJOR part of Pharmacy so they need to stop trying to shutout this thread and just be realistic about it, its something that is uncomfortable to talk about but it is very important. I kind of agree with you on that your views also... but then again there are people who go above and beyond to defeat the system so your post is a real good idea but there will still be people who try to cheat the system and act as if they were lower class (I know a lot of ways this can be done) to get more help, so I dunno, it might work but it would just be so corrupt to go by that.

 

[PoisonPriestess]

I saw this thread and thought I'd add in my two cents 🙂

I would like to believe that all pharmacy schools desire a diverse, qualified, class. Diversity isn't just a race thing. . . .it includes gender, educational background, personality, work experience, etc. It would be a disservice to society to have health professionals from limited backgrounds who couldn't relate to their patient's experiences. However, applicants have to be qualified as well in order for their applications to be considered. Low PCAT scores aren't the end of the world, but low GPAs, no work experience, and iffy recommendations aren't going to get you in anywhere.

The way I see it is that you're competing not against the entire applicant pool but against those who are similiar to you. Depending on the qualifications of those applicants, you may be able to sqweak in with average scores, but do you really want to take that chance? Be the best that you can be because relying solely on characteristics given to you at birth won't get you too far.

 

[usi]

OK
My 2 cent.
I am as Hispanic as it gets. In fact I was born in South America. I immigrated legally (no I didn't marry an unsuspecting person for the visa), learn english, learn chemistry, became a naturalized citizen and gave back to the community.

I would be very very insulted if you believed I had an advantage, because I worked very hard, and so did everybody in my family that nursed me through the application process, and will stick with me through the whole 4 year experience.

So I speak spanish and italian on top of the whole GPA PCAT Extracurricular thing. SOLID.😀
Never for a second though of my heritage as a way in... only that I will bring an understanding to help in the profession of pharmacy to deal with the growing hispanic population. NO FREE RIDE FOR ME. My student loans are as big as everyone else's here!!! Thanks to my married filling jointly tax status.... 😡

Rest assured you don't have to lower the educational standards to get good hispanic students.
I want to believe that if you took the hispanic factor out of me, I would still make it in! (I wouldn't be as hot though,...just kidding LOL )

 

[Aires3k]

I sympathize with some of you feeling as if it is unfair for minority students to have some sort of edge when it comes to application committees and admission into professional schools.
I have mixed emotions on this topic. For one, I am one of those minority students. I went to a really poor high school in terms of academics and with very poor advisement, I did not apply myself. Needless to say...yea I won't at this time. I always loved science but had little motivation to push me in the right direction. After getting into a school that might be the best in academics in the northeast (thier words not mine) because I was really good in track, my GPA isn’t what some would call the cream of the crop.
Still, I feel like I have a very good chance at getting acceptance into Rx school.
The reason is this… Many of the students that gain acceptance to such programs have lived very different lifestyles than those that you say have the unfair advantage. I say this citing the fact that while many of you studied continuously in your nice warm homes, and went to malls all on your parent’s tab, I was just trying to get by (in some cases continuance of life in the inner city). These pressing circumstances that many ignore do in fact contribute to some degree in the decreased amount of excellence in such a person’s academic record. Admission committees know this and integrate it into their decision. This is the application of basic sociological principles. C. Wright Mills anyone? So for you all to ignore these things and whine…”its not fair,” I am inclined to ask; who are you, and why are you speaking? Was it fair when we had nothing while you had everything growing up? Just have confidence in your own abilities and ignore what you think is unfair. If you’re that good you’ll get in, period.
Now why am I so confident, and where does it come from? According to Psychological Corp. and that PCAT thing that is supposed to gauge a person’s aptitude in the sciences and necessary skills needed for Rx school, I might be one of the best in the bunch. And I excel in advanced science courses. But I also work very hard and currently live in the library. This all goes to illustrate something that admission comitees are aware of but many of us may not be.
The definition of Education, according to an old dean of science at my college isnort a description of what a person knows at this instance. It’s simply the ability to learn and demonstrate the sound application of the principles one learns in his discipline. Everyone can eventually do this. You didn’t really think you’re a miracle? Did you?
It is not simply the fact that a student got all A’s in organic and molecular bio and all those other wonderful courses, it’s the total package. Their job is to simply determine if the individual is educated enough to withstand the rigors of this level of professional study. Be it good or bad to both sides of this debate, it’s a very objective process.
I did not initially understand why I worked very hard and got a B minus in gen chem or gen bio and my friends would just ace the class. But it was because they had better training than me. At that point they were more educated than I was. To ignore this would be superficial in the analysis and thus not thorough. Admission committees will not make such a mistake.
I am not implying that any Joe schmoe with a 2.6 or something else should say “Why not be a doctor mom, what you think?” Hell, I know some very smart kids with that GPA, and you cant tell me they arent smart. We should be careful as to not label people as inadequate because we are in many cases unsure what made them the way they are. Ever hear of Gregor Mendel, father of modern transmission genetics? He couldn’t get into med school, and he’s responsible for all those nice little fractions we gotta toy with when doing genetics problems.

In writing this, I really did try to not offend anyone but enough is enough. To all that apply, stop acting like you are on the committee and just let what will happen, happen. And good luck to every one. James, do whatever makes you happy and certainly don’t hesitate to apply because of what some preppy jerk would say to you. My advice to you is to bolster any part of your application that you can at this time. Befriend some very good professors and have them write you good recommendations. Explain any deficiencies in your transcript in your essay. I studied for the PCAT for like 3 weeks and I did very well, if you haven’t do the same. Believe me, its not that hard. Try to take some more sciences if you have time and get some experience in the Pharmacy, get certified as a technician, it helps. Man if you can calculate equilibrium concentrations using those hellish equations from gen chem, you can do that. Best of wishes and good luck dog.

Ps, ladies im not gay so if you wanna holla…go right ahead 😎 . Lol just thought ide put that n there somewhere lol.

 

[imperial frog]

Eyes...hurt...paragraphs are not evil.

 

[Serenity Now!!!]

Ps, ladies im not gay so if you wanna holla…go right ahead 😎 . Lol just thought ide put that n there somewhere lol.

This is an excellent post! 👍 But this last sentence almost made me piss myself Where did that come from? Man, youre good

 

[KUMoose]

While this is largely directed to Aires, it's not exclusive to him. I know of no sane, stable, intelligent person that doesn't think history/experience should be taken into account. That's also not really part of this discussion, because everyone has history and it ALL matters when looking at professional school. That is significantly different than placing favorable weight on a persons race (or sex), although no one can deny that one generally impacts a higher portion of the other.

As it stands, the post-grad education system is largely normalized from what I've seen over the last 20 years. It appropriately weights history (the good, the bad and the uggggg-ly) and generally gets the highest quality people. It's the job area that's still wonky, however that's a different discussion.

 

[RxToi]

double

 

[RxToi]

dead at this whole thread

 

[marylandpharm]

I wonder how come schools prefer to pick females over males because I dont really think its much of a lack of interest on the males part anymore, at my schools theres plenty of men persuing prereqs for Pharmacy close to the 45%-55% if not more than that.

id prefer not posting on this thread but i cant help but want to clarify this remark.

i dont think schools "prefer" to pick females over males. i believe that more females apply than males (such as nursing school). plus, i dont think ppl get accepted based on "ratios" such as race. for example, i dont think a male with a substandard GPA/PCAT/experience will be picked over female who has significantly higher academic background/experiences. also, just because there are more "men pursuing (not persuing) prereqs for pharmacy" really doesnt mean squat. maybe theres just a lot of dumb males applying to pharmacy or maybe its just your school with lots of males applying. my school had only me and this one other guy. im not trying to piss on my own gender, but i just simply believe that schools would rather have ppl who they know will excel in their school than to simply make a forced attempt of creating diversity.

 

[TennisBoy78]

So let me ask another question and this is for everyone. Do you think its right for minorities to get an "upperhand" at getting into professional schools (Pharmacy in specific if Im in the right forum.)? Being a minority in Pharmacy can mean being of non-anglo racial ethnicities or even just a male (sure ya'll knew that though). I'll be honest my GPA isn't very high, 2.9 but I have room for improvement and making sure that I get at least a 3.0 by application time, but I still think for some reason I have just as good of a chance as anybody at getting into pharmacy school. (Im black male btw) In fact advisors at different schools I contacted when first doing research on Pharmacy Schools have told me being a minority sometimes helps w/ the process as long as your GPA is competitive GPA (2.8-3.2) and a decent PCAT (55-65%). What do ya'll think based on what you've seen from your peers or just your thoughts on this. I know one thing is for sure being Race X w/ a 3.75 GPA and a 65% on the PCAT, you wouldn't have to ask other people's opinions on whether or not you think you'll get into Pharmacy school, I personally think it's okay and only because of the fact that minority students are not very well represented in most schools (Usually never above 40% in most cases).

As a white male, I am not qualified to know exactly how a black guy should regard this, but I am from the South like this guy, in fact, I have an LSU degree (the originator is from BR).

Southern schools typically are less competitive than Northern schools. It is no secret that your scores (GPA and PCAT) are very low, but your chances are much better if you stay in the South.

I dont know statistics on this, but you should apply to Xavier in NOLA (you already knew this) and I believe there is also an HBC Pharmacy school in Houston and Atlanta as well. Being black won't necessary help you stand out at those schools, but you would probably find an applicant pool there that is closer to your GPA and PCAT score.

I would forget Northern, California, or any other schools that are considered very competitive. If your goal is to stick to what these counselors are telling you, you will chance your admission at any school, but it may be good enough at some HBC's. Important thing here is to stay in touch with the schools that tolerate these kinds of scores.

Good luck to you!

 

[TennisBoy78]

So let me ask another question and this is for everyone. Do you think its right for minorities to get an "upperhand" at getting into professional schools (Pharmacy in specific if Im in the right forum.)? Being a minority in Pharmacy can mean being of non-anglo racial ethnicities or even just a male (sure ya'll knew that though). I'll be honest my GPA isn't very high, 2.9 but I have room for improvement and making sure that I get at least a 3.0 by application time, but I still think for some reason I have just as good of a chance as anybody at getting into pharmacy school. (Im black male btw) In fact advisors at different schools I contacted when first doing research on Pharmacy Schools have told me being a minority sometimes helps w/ the process as long as your GPA is competitive GPA (2.8-3.2) and a decent PCAT (55-65%). What do ya'll think based on what you've seen from your peers or just your thoughts on this. I know one thing is for sure being Race X w/ a 3.75 GPA and a 65% on the PCAT, you wouldn't have to ask other people's opinions on whether or not you think you'll get into Pharmacy school, I personally think it's okay and only because of the fact that minority students are not very well represented in most schools (Usually never above 40% in most cases).

As a white male, I am not qualified to know exactly how a black guy should regard this, but I am from the South like this guy, in fact, I have an LSU degree (the originator is from BR).

Southern schools typically are less competitive than Northern schools. It is no secret that your scores (GPA and PCAT) are very low, but your chances are much better if you stay in the South.

I dont know statistics on this, but you should apply to Xavier in NOLA (you already knew this) and I believe there is also an HBCU Pharmacy school in Houston and Atlanta as well. Being black won't necessary help you stand out at those schools, but you would probably find an applicant pool there that is closer to your GPA and PCAT score.

I would forget Northern, California, or any other schools that are considered very competitive. If your goal is to stick to what these counselors are telling you, you will chance your admission at any school, but it may be good enough at some HBCU's. Important thing here is to stay in touch with the schools that tolerate these kinds of scores.

Good luck to you!

 

[JamesL1585]

Tennisboy I appreciate your post in regards to me, like I said I wasnt looking for advice from anyone though but thanks. Yea Im from Baton Rouge grew up there almost played football @ LSU (If I woulda walked on) but I got a scholarship to Louisiana Tech University in Ruston instead so I played there (03-05) So Im sure ur well aware of ULM! That place is horrible.. staying in northern LA was the worst time of my life. I just moved to Houston in January though for school. Your comments I know u meant the best on them but Im kinda a little uneasy with the way u said it. Like the thing about HBCU's is, its not that the students there aren't capable of making High GPA's and stuff, they have a large application pool just like everyone else (there's only two Pharmacy schools in Louisiana for instance and one is an HBCU). HBCU's are looking for Pharmacist who can complete Pharmacy school, pass the Licensed Pharmacy test and graduate people who WILL REPRESENT MINORITIES IN A MORE RESPECTABLE WAY AND ATTEMPT TO MAKE THEM BETTER PHARMACIST than just the average pharmacist. So more than most the time, they look at the individual instead of their grades, they are willing to take a chance on a minority who will represent them well so in that since they do tolerate those GPA's but the reasoning is valid. Believe it or not, but in my pre-pharmacy courses like Pharmacy Orientation, this is repeated time after time, thats what their looking for though.

 

[RxToi]

Believe it or not, but in my pre-pharmacy courses like Pharmacy Orientation, this is repeated time after time, thats what their looking for though.

This is very true, my school does this as well.

 

[TennisBoy78]

Tennisboy I appreciate your post in regards to me, like I said I wasnt looking for advice from anyone though but thanks. Yea Im from Baton Rouge grew up there almost played football @ LSU (If I woulda walked on) but I got a scholarship to Louisiana Tech University in Ruston instead so I played there (03-05) So Im sure ur well aware of ULM! That place is horrible.. staying in northern LA was the worst time of my life. I just moved to Houston in January though for school. Your comments I know u meant the best on them but Im kinda a little uneasy with the way u said it. Like the thing about HBCU's is, its not that the students there aren't capable of making High GPA's and stuff, they have a large application pool just like everyone else (there's only two Pharmacy schools in Louisiana for instance and one is an HBCU). HBCU's are looking for Pharmacist who can complete Pharmacy school, pass the Licensed Pharmacy test and graduate people who WILL REPRESENT MINORITIES IN A MORE RESPECTABLE WAY AND ATTEMPT TO MAKE THEM BETTER PHARMACIST than just the average pharmacist. So more than most the time, they look at the individual instead of their grades, they are willing to take a chance on a minority who will represent them well so in that since they do tolerate those GPA's but the reasoning is valid. Believe it or not, but in my pre-pharmacy courses like Pharmacy Orientation, this is repeated time after time, thats what their looking for though.

I completely agree with you. I think you know where you should apply though. Underrepresented populations tend to apply to HBCU's because these schools are looking for that added dimension that you are talking about (representing minorities better). A black patient coming into the pharmacy (especially from the South) feels more comfortable around a black pharmacist as opposed to a white pharmacist, therefore it is important to have HBCU Pharmacy Schools.

However, if your objective is to practice in an area that does not serve hardly any black people (lets say Montana or Alaska), you may feel like a fish out of water. Can you be a competent pharmacist if you go to a heavily predominated white school? Of course, but it all would hinge on how comfortable you are in dealing with white people. Can you handle being the only black in a particular Pharmacy class? That is a question that you and only you can answer.

I have a few black friends and most of them would not like you to play the race card. This is not to say that you should behave a certain way, but black or not, it is your future at stake, and I would still try my best, no matter what the counselors would tell me. Remember that sometimes you get exactly what you put into something. So please don't sell yourself short.

Good luck to you and keep us posted!

(Oh, Northeast (ULM) absolutely sucks because they said that ALL of your pre-reqs must be completed within the past seven years. Therefore, only a couple of my LSU credits will apply. The main thing that Northeast neglects to understand is that all of my SCIENCE courses are current, and it SHOULD NOT matter when I took English Comp and all of the other $h**ology courses (Northeast - Did I lose my ability to write?) If someone from Northeast (ULM) is reading this, tell the admissions that this policy SUCKS. The other pharmacy schools in the US typically impose this statute of limitations (usually of 7-10 years) for ONLY science courses before admission, and some have no statute of limitations at all. Northeast (ULM), it is time to come out of the Dark Ages.

By the way, my aunt graduated from NLU many years ago and although she likes the school, she agrees with me that this policy SUCKS. I would love to discover what kind of education I can receive there too, but I have to be rational about things too. I am not going to retake all of these stupid classes for nothing. What could I possible learn from taking English Comp, Psych, etc. AGAIN?)

 

[JamesL1585]

LoL Funny u mention Alaska Tennisboy, because I plan on moving there after graduating from Pharmacy school lol... And nahhh white people dont bother me @ all.. LoL I dated a few white girls (Asian, puerta rican, and French too) haha so no, race doesnt bother me at all... Sad that it does to some people.

 

[Aires3k]

No, its my sn. Everyone thinks im a girl or a gay guy, so I just wanted to explicitly say what the deal is. Sorry if your one of those chics that is offended when a guy tries to holla at ya. I ment no harm. And hey, as a man I can never stop trying...if you know what I mean. 🙂

And I think my english is pretty good. I once had a very good, and curiously sexy english (her nationality) writing prof tell me, "Never be afraid to speak in your own tongue. Where ever you find yourself, speak as you will to your mother or father with the wit of Socretes himself." She actually did say that, or something like it. It was profound and I sat there for a sec. Wrote it down/memorized it and everything.

And you said that my post was good (Serenity)? Was that sarcasm? I bet it was.

Dont be a hater chic; write that down. 😉

Rx school's going to be alotta fun. I can't wait.

 

[Serenity Now!!!]

And you said that my post was good (Serenity)? Was that sarcasm? I bet it was.

Dont be a hater chic; write that down. 😉

Rx school's going to be alotta fun. I can't wait.

Nah, Bruh, aint nothin' to hate about as far as im concerned...as long as you stay in your lane...I was being sincere but I guess that 'surprizingly sexy english teacher' didnt teach you about sincerity in that writing class...oh well 😀
(p.s. NOW im being sarcastic...write THAT down )

 

[Aires3k]

Awww... sorry to hurt your feelings and my apologies for taking it the wrong way. Yea, these forums are a heated place, often inspiring beligerance in the most mild tempered of us. Who are you by the way...and where are you planning on going? And how are you a minority...what nationality? When did you get in "the club" 😎

 

[StormyGirl]

Sits back and becomes the silent observer.

 

[Serenity Now!!!]

Awww... sorry to hurt your feelings and my apologies for taking it the wrong way. Yea, these forums are a heated place, often inspiring beligerance in the most mild tempered of us. Who are you by the way...and where are you planning on going? And how are you a minority...what nationality? When did you get in "the club" 😎

Dont you worry your head about it, you didnt hurt my feelings, but thanks for the concern
If by minority you mean 'am I Black/african American?" then yes.

Who am I? Serenity will suffice

My nationality? and where Im planning to go?If youre really interested (which is probably not the case) then I posted my stats on a thread called "Lets see who we're dealing with"

When did I get in the club? If you mean my join date its under my avatar

 

[Itoohaveadream]

Dont you worry your head about it, you didnt hurt my feelings, but thanks for the concern
If by minority you mean 'am I Black/african American?" then yes.

Who am I? Serenity will suffice

My nationality? and where Im planning to go?If youre really interested (which is probably not the case) then I posted my stats on a thread called "Lets see who we're dealing with"

When did I get in the club? If you mean my join date its under my avatar

What is this flirting business on SDN???... lol, don't mind me, carry on folks😉

 

[Serenity Now!!!]

What is this flirting business on SDN???... lol, don't mind me, carry on folks😉

Ha-ha your a real comedian

 

[JamesL1585]

This was a pretty interesting thread while it lasted. Very touchy subject but it needed to be discussed so thanks for bein mature about it everybody! Oh yea, ya'll need to go ahead and give it a thumbs up or 5 starz or somethin cause u know this was a tighttt thread 😛

 

[JackFruitLover]

Wow, this thread makes me feel so much better about my chances.

Not only am I half Caucasian, half African-American, half Mexican-American, half Native-American and two-thirds Polish, but also I'm a hermaphrodite with a 99% composite on my PCAT, a 4.O GPA and good people skills. Plus I have three testicles! I'm a lock! 😀

Well u are cocky and that could be a disservice to you!

 

[Itoohaveadream]

Ha-ha your a real comedian

LOL.. that smiley face makes me chuckle... really.

 

[dgroulx]

Well u are cocky and that could be a disservice to you!

More like bally than cocky.

 

[bananaface]

More like bally than cocky.

This topic is getting hairy.

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

 

[kkelloww]

This was a pretty interesting thread while it lasted. Very touchy subject but it needed to be discussed so thanks for bein mature about it everybody! Oh yea, ya'll need to go ahead and give it a thumbs up or 5 starz or somethin cause u know this was a tighttt thread 😛

Actually, in the spirit of diversity, let me offer a contrary view.

This thread sucks! I just wasted 15 minutes of my life that I can never get back. What I see is a young man who does not put in the time, work, diligence, and dedication required to get good grades. Lets face it, the prereqs are basic classes. The only people I see doing poorly in them are people that:

A. Surf the Internet during class
B. Don't show up.
C. Instant message their friends on the cell during class
D. Sleep
E. Don't study or don't study enough
F. Don't do the homework and/or the assignments

Everyone that I see that is serious about the classes do well.

I think this thread is about someone who doesn't have good grades or PCAT, is unwilling to do the work to bring it up, and is desperately looking for some kind of "edge," whether it be race, gender, or a stellar personality. Anything but actual work. Heaven forbid!

Here's news for you,kid: you don't have an edge. Sure, sometimes people will get a free lunch; you might win the lottery or get into one of your schools that will take an African American with a low GPA/PCAT. But don't think for one second that they'll be doing you a favor. It will only get tougher in pharmacy school.

Here's a word of advice (which I know you don't want, but you started this lame thread, so here it is anyway): Instead of speculating about minimum acceptable GPA's for minorities and what would us non-minorities think about getting shafted, why don't you consider, oh I don't know, possibly IMPROVING YOUR GPA AND RETAKING THE PCAT!!!

p.s. I forgot this thread isn't about you, so please tell all this to your under-performing minority friend. 🙄

 

[Moxxie]

this... thread... will... not... DIE!

P.S. Wow. I've been gone for two days and there is at least a whole page full of new/bumped threads. You guys have been industrious little beavers!

 

[All4MyDaughter]

This topic is getting hairy.

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

You guys are nuts. 😉

 

[usi]

This topic is getting hairy.

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

Yeah! look at All4mydaughter's new avatar!! Talk about hairy!
I love it!
That reminds me I should change mine.

 

[KUMoose]

You guys are nuts. 😉

Thus sayeth the lady with the Mullets as an avatar.

Now what was wrong with Dora?!? Strong, dependable female role models are sooooo hard to come by.

 

[All4MyDaughter]

Thus sayeth the lady with the Mullets as an avatar.

Now what was wrong with Dora?!? Strong, dependable female role models are sooooo hard to come by.

It's OK - you still have me as your female role model! 😉

 

[bananaface]

You guys are nuts. 😉

Ok. So since I last visited you said nuts and he said beaver... Keep it up! 😎

 

[JamesL1585]

p.s. I forgot this thread isn't about you, so please tell all this to your under-performing minority friend. 🙄[/QUOTE]

Wow Kkellow U really suck. I hope people notice how negative you are during your interview and tell u how wack you are u loser u . Actually I was a very hardworking student. I played football while in school and I couldnt juggle both, I tried to get tutoring and my programs tutoring program interfered with my football schedule so I quit football because my grades were getting lower than my standards... so u can kiss it, if you can find it in the dark... but if not it might find you in the dark .

By the way Im finishing up midterms @ the school I just transferred to and so far I have a 4.0 in all my classes...
But yea... man this thread is still going on... its like a month old now lol.

 

[taken2]

Actually, in the spirit of diversity, let me offer a contrary view.

This thread sucks! I just wasted 15 minutes of my life that I can never get back. What I see is a young man who does not put in the time, work, diligence, and dedication required to get good grades. Lets face it, the prereqs are basic classes. The only people I see doing poorly in them are people that:

A. Surf the Internet during class
B. Don't show up.
C. Instant message their friends on the cell during class
D. Sleep
E. Don't study or don't study enough
F. Don't do the homework and/or the assignments

Everyone that I see that is serious about the classes do well.

I think this thread is about someone who doesn't have good grades or PCAT, is unwilling to do the work to bring it up, and is desperately looking for some kind of "edge," whether it be race, gender, or a stellar personality. Anything but actual work. Heaven forbid!

Here's news for you,kid: you don't have an edge. Sure, sometimes people will get a free lunch; you might win the lottery or get into one of your schools that will take an African American with a low GPA/PCAT. But don't think for one second that they'll be doing you a favor. It will only get tougher in pharmacy school.

Here's a word of advice (which I know you don't want, but you started this lame thread, so here it is anyway): Instead of speculating about minimum acceptable GPA's for minorities and what would us non-minorities think about getting shafted, why don't you consider, oh I don't know, possibly IMPROVING YOUR GPA AND RETAKING THE PCAT!!!

p.s. I forgot this thread isn't about you, so please tell all this to your under-performing minority friend. 🙄

You are very annoying, and ignorant. that's all I have to say to you 👎 . If you don't have anything to say, please pass.

 

[StormyGirl]

Shaking my head. *sigh*

 

[NCRxgal]

I agree that those are not competitive stats. The GPA is on the low end and the PCAT score is just average. Seriously, I think such a huge number of minorities in general apply to pharmacy schools that being a minority is not likely to give you any "edge".

That number really is not so high....13% African Americans actually apply, and much less get in. This term "diversity" is tossed around so often. But what does it really mean, unless we actually try to encourage. By no means am I saying to accept Black students with such low credentials, but for so long, the race issue has been ignored. I think by facing it head on and addressing questions like these, we can attack some of the preconceived notions placed on African-Americans and other minorities, though I hate the word, "minorities." Believe it or not, there are those who have the deciding power in admissions and anywhere else, who will choose one race over another with the same stats because of preconcieved notions. The biggest mistake that we all can make to assume that they don't exist. How do we counteract this problem....do you have any ideas?

 

[NCRxgal]

You are very annoying, and ignorant. that's all I have to say to you 👎 . If you don't have anything to say, please pass.

Why is there so much hostility in this thread? I find it interesting. Usually when people know that they are right or just in a point, they don't become defensive, or just rude, like a lot of people have been....hmmm.....It makes me wonder.

 

[JamesL1585]

Why is there so much hostility in this thread? I find it interesting. Usually when people know that they are right or just in a point, they don't become defensive, or just rude, like a lot of people have been....hmmm.....It makes me wonder.

Good points and good posts NCRX... But for your second post, I think Taken was justified for his/her actions. If you read the post before that by KKellow, I mean yea I started this thread and took a lot of criticism for it, but that was by far the most ignorant, rude, and unneeded post out of all you see before you. So yea, someone needs to point stuff like that out.

 

[NCRxgal]

I believe it's more of the diversity principle rather than the propagation of unfair admissions practices. Some might contend that this ideology is flawed - which of course is a matter of discussion. I don't the schools are stupid enough to take someone just because of their ethnicity barring the usual statistical elements required for admission. It's a tool for them to help certain (but very small) numbers of people who need that break in life which may be due to persecution/discrimination/lack of resources. I think that affirmative action is more likely to act on those who have had few breaks in life, and in essence, picking out the diamonds from the rough.

I love the analogy. I couldn't have expressed such a good point any better.

 

[that1guy]

Well u are cocky and that could be a disservice to you!

Cocky? that1guy?

Well, JackFruitLover, as my little-person father once said to my one-legged prostitute mother, "Now that was a low blow!"

If I had a sense of decency, it would be offended. Luckily for you I lost it when I saw Janet Jackson's nipple during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show. 😀

 

[All4MyDaughter]

Cocky? that1guy?

Well, JackFruitLover, as my little-person father once said to my one-legged prostitute mother, "Now that was a low blow!"

If I had a sense of decency, it would be offended. Luckily for you I lost it when I saw Janet Jackson's nipple during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show. 😀

Ha, ha. He said blow! 😀

 

[All4MyDaughter]

Ok. So since I last visited you said nuts and he said beaver... Keep it up! 😎

Ha, ha. This thread is going to be the butt of many jokes.

 

[KUMoose]

That number really is not so high....13% African Americans actually apply, and much less get in.

Source please? I tried looking around, but I didn't find the statistical data that provided this number (though I've seen everything from 6% to 18% when I googled).

Anyone can find the numbers by race and gender through AACP, let's just say if we should be mad at anyone for applying outside their rough census percentage it's the Asian/Hawaiian population at almost 6 times their 2000 census.

Seriously there is a problem. Affirmative action practices don't solve the problem, education would. IIWKFAY (If I Were King For a Year) there are about 8 or 9 things I would do, overhauling the education system in this country is one of them. Including manditory civil service, free post-seconday education and a change in the DoEd and (hopefully) local districts. You can't fix the education gap in this country by legislating the problem to be ignored.

 

[bananaface]

That number really is not so high....13% African Americans actually apply, and much less get in. This term "diversity" is tossed around so often. But what does it really mean, unless we actually try to encourage. By no means am I saying to accept Black students with such low credentials, but for so long, the race issue has been ignored. I think by facing it head on and addressing questions like these, we can attack some of the preconceived notions placed on African-Americans and other minorities, though I hate the word, "minorities." Believe it or not, there are those who have the deciding power in admissions and anywhere else, who will choose one race over another with the same stats because of preconcieved notions. The biggest mistake that we all can make to assume that they don't exist. How do we counteract this problem....do you have any ideas?

There used to be a link to race/gender specific application/acceptance data in the FAQ, but AACP took the document off their site or moved it. The percent of black students being accepted into schools is on par with the percent of black citizens in the US; Blacks are not underrepresented in pharmacy. They may be underrepresented at some schools, because of concentration in HBCs. If there were no HBCs, I presume that students would distribute more evenly among all of the universities. It's not as if HBCs are accepting less qualified candidates. Personally, I see the concentration phenomenon as negatively impacting diversity in our profession.

I'm not sure exactly what you are referring to when you say "the problem". I don't believe profession-wide underrepresentation is an issue for blacks at this time. Is it the assumptions part? I think we have to lead by example and teach others not to assume things as we go along. I don't have any better ideas.

 

[fidelio]

Why is there so much hostility in this thread? I find it interesting. Usually when people know that they are right or just in a point, they don't become defensive, or just rude, like a lot of people have been....hmmm.....It makes me wonder.

Yea, I'm kind of curious too. I heard recently from a teacher of mine that affirmative action is no longer around. Is that true?

If so, then does that answer this thread?

??

 

[NCRxgal]

Source please? I tried looking around, but I didn't find the statistical data that provided this number (though I've seen everything from 6% to 18% when I googled).

Anyone can find the numbers by race and gender through AACP, let's just say if we should be mad at anyone for applying outside their rough census percentage it's the Asian/Hawaiian population at almost 6 times their 2000 census.

Seriously there is a problem. Affirmative action practices don't solve the problem, education would. IIWKFAY (If I Were King For a Year) there are about 8 or 9 things I would do, overhauling the education system in this country is one of them. Including manditory civil service, free post-seconday education and a change in the DoEd and (hopefully) local districts. You can't fix the education gap in this country by legislating the problem to be ignored.

I got this number from the percentage of AA students that applied to UNC-Chapel Hill last year. Afirmative action, in itself is flawed and I don't believe it has all of the answers either. However, it does open the doors for healthy, positive change.

 

[karariki]

Anyone can find the numbers by race and gender through AACP, let's just say if we should be mad at anyone for applying outside their rough census percentage it's the Asian/Hawaiian population at almost 6 times their 2000 census.

the explanation for this number is ...we asians are 6 times more nerdy than the rest of the population. 😀 😀 😀