Chances???

[GatorRxdaughter]

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I am 34 yrs old and have worked in a pharmacy since I was about 8 yrs old...(my dad's Pharmacy) I have been compounding for about 15 yrs. I was voted best compounding tech by PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers of America) in Dec 03. I am the 1st registered tech in the state of NC and am certified (passed with flying colors)..have about a 2.8 GPA and my education spans over the last 15 yrs. I am taking the PCAT this June and I am very nervous about it. I am getting ready to take my last final of ALL my pre-reqs next week and plan to apply by the end of this summer 06 for the fall of 07. I have helped trained approximately 20 students in compounding from UNC-CH, Univ. South Carolina, Campbell, and starting next week a student from Wingate...one or 2 students a month for the rest of the summer, too. Currently, I am helping a pharmacist in my neighboring community learn to compound at her pharmacy once a week and teaching her all the techniques I have learned over all my yrs of cmpding. All those PharmD students (that do a rotation at the pharmacy where I have work for the last eight years) feel my chances are excellent, but I am still wondering what y'all think? In your opinion, do you think my chances are good? I am extremely nervous and it is hard to deal with rejection, but I will continue to try until I get in. I feel like if a school would let me in I would not let them down! I just need someone to say, "come on!!!" 🙂 Plus, I have a 9 yr old daughter and a single mom. I didnt do well my first couple of yrs of college, but I am now a different student. Amazing what a child will bring out in you....the best. 🙂 Thanks everyone for your opinions!!

 

[jin]

come on!!!
😉
I think you'll have great chances to get in, except for one thing that you may need to improve ur GPA to be more competitive. Your workin' experience is just amazing.
if i were you, i'd go for it 🙂 goodluck!!!

 

[ndearwater]

Wow! Impressive! Not many people have that kind of pharmacy experience entering into the program! You have the material for a STELLAR personal statement, could probably nail an interview considering how knowledgable you are about the field.... go for it! Be confident and positive!
Study your butt off for the PCAT and don't sweat the GPA too much. If you can bring it up, great! But people have gotten in with that sort of GPA!
You'll make a wonderful pharmacist!

 

[dana92085]

i think that you can do it! just work on your gpa and study for that pcat!

on a side note--i worked in a compounding pharm in texas this summer
and i LOVED it!

 

[Thriving]

Good luck in your endeavors!

My only caution to you is to be aware of the school's requirements where you apply. Some (most) schools have cut-offs whether it is GPA or PCAT scores. No matter how well you do in one area, if you aren't high enough in their standards they may not interview you. As the competition gets tougher (which it is!) the schools are raising their standards and getting pickier.

School's post their requirements and as long as you apply to schools where you meet those, you'll do great. 👍

 

[sarahjth]

I am 34 yrs old and have worked in a pharmacy since I was about 8 yrs old...(my dad's Pharmacy) I have been compounding for about 15 yrs. I was voted best compounding tech by PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers of America) in Dec 03. I am the 1st registered tech in the state of NC and am certified (passed with flying colors)..have about a 2.8 GPA and my education spans over the last 15 yrs. I am taking the PCAT this June and I am very nervous about it. I am getting ready to take my last final of ALL my pre-reqs next week and plan to apply by the end of this summer 06 for the fall of 07. I have helped trained approximately 20 students in compounding from UNC-CH, Univ. South Carolina, Campbell, and starting next week a student from Wingate...one or 2 students a month for the rest of the summer, too. Currently, I am helping a pharmacist in my neighboring community learn to compound at her pharmacy once a week and teaching her all the techniques I have learned over all my yrs of cmpding. All those PharmD students (that do a rotation at the pharmacy where I have work for the last eight years) feel my chances are excellent, but I am still wondering what y'all think? In your opinion, do you think my chances are good? I am extremely nervous and it is hard to deal with rejection, but I will continue to try until I get in. I feel like if a school would let me in I would not let them down! I just need someone to say, "come on!!!" 🙂 Plus, I have a 9 yr old daughter and a single mom. I didnt do well my first couple of yrs of college, but I am now a different student. Amazing what a child will bring out in you....the best. 🙂 Thanks everyone for your opinions!!

Good luck, hun! In fact, I am in a very similiar boat. I feel my GPA is too low but I know what I am doing (entering 6 years experience) and have trained also. So I wish you the best and feel free to IM me, if you ever need anyone to talk to!

 

[RxRob]

Hi, if I knew you I would wish you well too and definitely want to be supportive for you. Here's the reality as i see it, you need to get to the interview stage so that all of that can matter. Many of the schools don't even have an essay, or if they do they don't ask about any of that, it's just some scenario to be worked out. Focus on that PCAT, it will make all the difference and if you DO get an interview (roughly 1 in 8 chance) then I would say you'd definitely be chosen.

Last word of caution, you don't know what you don't know until someone tries to teach it to you. What happens after that compound is administered to the patient is where it is all at.. what you do now you are expected to learn in 2 of 140 credits. I can hammer a nail like no one's business, but I'm not a cabinet maker!

Sincerely good luck!

btw, I'm 34 as well and a P1 (well P2 now I guess) at Wingate. I'm not sure how the age thing helps or hurts to be honest. I had never worked in a pharmacy before in my life but had 3.5 and 94th percentile. My coursework also spanned over a decade.

 

[GatorRxdaughter]

So, let me ask you this in your opinion RxRob (and any others that may want to reply)...In the application process, they won't see anything but my GPA and PCAT score and my personal statement? What about if I get a recommendation from one of the Pharmacist from PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers)...do you think that would help them notice me, so I can get an interview?? I just emailed him to ask if he's be willing to write one. I have known him and worked with him directly for 8 yrs. So, perhaps. 🙂 I realize that my GPA is not the best, but I am only guessing at what it may be... I havent really checked..it may be a bit more or less? I am finishing up Physiology (with an A) and I will have finished all my prereqs. So, it may be more.(GPA, that is)...lets hope. 🙂
Thanks.

Hi, if I knew you I would wish you well too and definitely want to be supportive for you. Here's the reality as i see it, you need to get to the interview stage so that all of that can matter. Many of the schools don't even have an essay, or if they do they don't ask about any of that, it's just some scenario to be worked out. Focus on that PCAT, it will make all the difference and if you DO get an interview (roughly 1 in 8 chance) then I would say you'd definitely be chosen.

Last word of caution, you don't know what you don't know until someone tries to teach it to you. What happens after that compound is administered to the patient is where it is all at.. what you do now you are expected to learn in 2 of 140 credits. I can hammer a nail like no one's business, but I'm not a cabinet maker!

Sincerely good luck!

btw, I'm 34 as well and a P1 (well P2 now I guess) at Wingate. I'm not sure how the age thing helps or hurts to be honest. I had never worked in a pharmacy before in my life but had 3.5 and 94th percentile. My coursework also spanned over a decade.

 

[GatorRxdaughter]

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement from y'all. It is greatly appreciated!!

 

[rxlynn]

So, let me ask you this in your opinion RxRob (and any others that may want to reply)...In the application process, they won't see anything but my GPA and PCAT score and my personal statement? What about if I get a recommendation from one of the Pharmacist from PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers)...do you think that would help them notice me, so I can get an interview?? Thanks.

Depends on the school. If you apply to schools that use the PharmCAS common application, then you will have to provide a good bit more information for them to look at. I am 39, and PharmCAS was a marathon for me. You have to list every college class you have ever taken, all work experience with a short description, there is a separate section for honors/awards, a separate section for extracurricular activities where you have to estimate how many hours you spent on each one, plus the essay and the letters of reference. Also, most schools that use PharmCAS also have a supplemental essay specific to their school, so there is usually a chance to give more info. to the admissions committee.

 

[RxRob]

Actually I forgot about the letters of recommendation, they are a good opportunity and having one from a pharmacist should certainly help. I think parents are automatically excluded from that though or am I wrong?

The other thing is figure out your PRE-REQ GPA only, which may be higher or lower depending... schools such as Wingate say they look mostly at that, so the A I got in German wasn't as impactful as the B I got in O-chem 2. My pre-req gpa was lower than my overall.

Unfortunately you never find out even after "how the sausage is made", or what they really looked at. I hope they read all your letters, but you kind of assume they know all the letters are good or you wouldn't have asked someone to write it. If you're like me, you'll try to establish some sort of e-mail relationship with the dean. I spoke often enough to the deans of Wingate and Campbell for a while before admittance.

All I have left to share beyond that is that the whole process is terribly stressful and the anxiety is terrible. Especially us older students have had enough of a real-life butt-kicking that this becomes like our last hope at a real life, I know I value this so much because of it.

 

[GatorRxdaughter]

Well, I will have the opportunity to get several recommedations from pharmacists...excluding my dad. Actually, I am meeting with a board member of admission from ETSU next week....he is interested in meeting me...🙂 May be VERY promising. Thinking positive thoughts!!! Yes, I agree about the kick in the butt life stuff, I sure have had my share!! Both my bosses say that schools are looking for students that are serious and ones that know what they want out of life....that I have fiqured that out...as well as you..it sounds.
I have made a connection with the Dean at ETSU. Hoping my connection with UF (dad is an alum of the COP 1955) and my boss is a third generation alum from UF COP with a study room named after his family there in the new Pharmacy building. Plus, helping train all those students in their rotations and connecting with the schools via them. I plan to use some of these connections. 🙂 Of course, I plan on kicking bootie on the PCAT and hopes that I draw some attention to my application....not just glances!! I dread the stress and anxiety from waiting. Ya' know?? Whatta ya think?

Actually I forgot about the letters of recommendation, they are a good opportunity and having one from a pharmacist should certainly help. I think parents are automatically excluded from that though or am I wrong?

The other thing is figure out your PRE-REQ GPA only, which may be higher or lower depending... schools such as Wingate say they look mostly at that, so the A I got in German wasn't as impactful as the B I got in O-chem 2. My pre-req gpa was lower than my overall.

Unfortunately you never find out even after "how the sausage is made", or what they really looked at. I hope they read all your letters, but you kind of assume they know all the letters are good or you wouldn't have asked someone to write it. If you're like me, you'll try to establish some sort of e-mail relationship with the dean. I spoke often enough to the deans of Wingate and Campbell for a while before admittance.

All I have left to share beyond that is that the whole process is terribly stressful and the anxiety is terrible. Especially us older students have had enough of a real-life butt-kicking that this becomes like our last hope at a real life, I know I value this so much because of it.

 

[gimpsd]

Some schools only look at recent grades when judging thier students. You might have to re-take some of the classes that you might have done poorly on.....could be good for you. I would talk to each school seperatly and ask what you can do to better your chances. IMO....you have a great shot. Good luck.

 

[GatorRxdaughter]

Well, the only class I did poorly in was the Calc based physics, but I already took that over. I got B's in Organic, but that was so long ago. I am thinking that the time lapsed will be my problem. They may want me to take the Organic over...but like you said it may do me some good. A review would be great, but may prolong getting in, but I am willing to do that!! I think my "bad" grades are in other subjects, but had my records expunged a very yrs back and I think I just need to go to an advisor....where should I go to?? My first choice school or my chemistry advisor at the school I attend now?? He doesnt seem to be very knowledgeable on the reqs for Pharm sch...Thanks again for all the insight, advice and encouragement. I do appreciate it. It is the PCAT that makes me nervous....ugh.

 

[Falokis]

Well, the only class I did poorly in was the Calc based physics, but I already took that over. I got B's in Organic, but that was so long ago. I am thinking that the time lapsed will be my problem. They may want me to take the Organic over...but like you said it may do me some good. A review would be great, but may prolong getting in, but I am willing to do that!! I think my "bad" grades are in other subjects, but had my records expunged a very yrs back and I think I just need to go to an advisor....where should I go to?? My first choice school or my chemistry advisor at the school I attend now?? He doesnt seem to be very knowledgeable on the reqs for Pharm sch...Thanks again for all the insight, advice and encouragement. I do appreciate it. It is the PCAT that makes me nervous....ugh.

Me and you are in a similar boat. My thread might give insight to your problem also: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=276640 Most everyone here is really nice and they give good advice, but looking through the forum here can be a little depressing. No matter what, I won't have a GPA like some here. I just have too many hours now. I think and hope our current deeds are enough.

 

[dana92085]

Well, the only class I did poorly in was the Calc based physics, but I already took that over. I got B's in Organic, but that was so long ago. I am thinking that the time lapsed will be my problem. They may want me to take the Organic over...but like you said it may do me some good. A review would be great, but may prolong getting in, but I am willing to do that!! I think my "bad" grades are in other subjects, but had my records expunged a very yrs back and I think I just need to go to an advisor....where should I go to?? My first choice school or my chemistry advisor at the school I attend now?? He doesnt seem to be very knowledgeable on the reqs for Pharm sch...Thanks again for all the insight, advice and encouragement. I do appreciate it. It is the PCAT that makes me nervous....ugh.

i would do both--go to your chemistry advisor and your 1st choice school. i met with both of the schools advisors the summer before applying to see if everything was looking good and if i were on the right track. i ended up getting accepted to both.

on a side note--you can get a college records expunged? my brother (he is in the army now) did really bad in school before he joined the army (he was having a lot of fun) and now he is looking at going back to school.

 

[GatorRxdaughter]

My circumstances for expunging my records was an unusual (or maybe not so unusual )and very unfortunate situation....my issue was not because I was having too much fun and partying or whatever reasons (ya know?)....that reason would not be an excuse for expunging. So, I dont think your brother will be able to get his expunged, as far as I know.
I will make some appts with both Chem advisor and 1st choice. Thanks.

i would do both--go to your chemistry advisor and your 1st choice school. i met with both of the schools advisors the summer before applying to see if everything was looking good and if i were on the right track. i ended up getting accepted to both.

on a side note--you can get a college records expunged? my brother (he is in the army now) did really bad in school before he joined the army (he was having a lot of fun) and now he is looking at going back to school.

 

[beccala33]

Well, the only class I did poorly in was the Calc based physics, but I already took that over. I got B's in Organic, but that was so long ago. I am thinking that the time lapsed will be my problem. They may want me to take the Organic over...but like you said it may do me some good. A review would be great, but may prolong getting in, but I am willing to do that!! I think my "bad" grades are in other subjects, but had my records expunged a very yrs back and I think I just need to go to an advisor....where should I go to?? My first choice school or my chemistry advisor at the school I attend now?? He doesnt seem to be very knowledgeable on the reqs for Pharm sch...Thanks again for all the insight, advice and encouragement. I do appreciate it. It is the PCAT that makes me nervous....ugh.

What IS your 1st choice school? Where else are you applying?
Good luck!

 

[RxRob]

I took 0-Chem years before I went back to school. It wasn't necessary to retake it for the purpose of credits at my schools, but I did buy the Schaum's outline of chemistry and genuinely went back over it on my own while waiting for the following semester to start up (I was kind of excited about going back to school but the timing was poor). Then I took Biochemistry which was harder but also served as a refresher for the O-chem as topics came up, and I was like... oh yeah, that rings a bell!

On a side note, my advisor where I went back to school was TERRIBLE when it came to the pharmacy schools process and pre-req's. I had to tell him about dates (and as politely as possible correct him about things he was wrong about)... eventually the relationship sort of deteriorated and he would say things like "your job here is to get a degree, not worry about pharmacy school... our committee will decide if you're worthy for that later". I ended up just never going to see him again, got all my letters of recommendations from my old schools and I got in just fine by doing it my way. I still think he's p!ssed because no one else from my school got in whom he had cherry-picked. I was a transfer-in.

 

[GatorRxdaughter]

Of course it would be UF because it is my father's school and I am a Gator at heart. Yet, I am really interested in ETSU currently. I am interested in community pharmacy and helping folks in rural areas. I enjoy educating people, teaching and helping in whatever way possible. I would be interested in teaching at a University in a pharmacy school one day, but not sure that is realistic... 🙂 I am also interested in Wingate, Campbell and Mercer. I would love to have the guts to uproot my child and try something different in an entirely new state....like Idaho, New Hampshire, California, so I may try a school in the midwest. I figure I will apply to several and go to the school that says, "Come on!!!"
🙂

What IS your 1st choice school? Where else are you applying?
Good luck!

 

[sarahjth]

It is the PCAT that makes me nervous....ugh.

My blood pressure increases thinking about it!

 

[All4MyDaughter]

on a side note--you can get a college records expunged? my brother (he is in the army now) did really bad in school before he joined the army (he was having a lot of fun) and now he is looking at going back to school.

Policies vary from school to school. At my current institution you can with valid reason declare "academic bankruptcy" for one or more semesters. The coursework and grades DO NOT get deleted from your transcript, but they are marked with the notation "Bankruptcy - not counted in GPA." So everyone can still see them.

I think for pharmacy school applications, you have to list every course you've ever taken, including any that may have been expunged or part of a bankruptcy. At least for Pharmcas.

 

[All4MyDaughter]

btw, I'm 34 as well and a P1 (well P2 now I guess) at Wingate. I'm not sure how the age thing helps or hurts to be honest. I had never worked in a pharmacy before in my life but had 3.5 and 94th percentile. My coursework also spanned over a decade.

I'm an older student as well as a mother.
I think it actually worked in my favor.
It helped differentiate me from the other applicants.
It could probably go either way.