Desperate need of guidance

[clekhac]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello everyone,

Let me start off with my academic background by stating that in the summer of 2009 I was academically dismissed from UC Merced. During that year, I was having a difficult time transitioning from a high school to college and I was also constantly taking care of my disabled father back at home. I thankfully got accepted back into the the university and finished my degree with a GPA of 2.623. I have repeated the following courses: "D" Calculus I, "D" General Chemistry II, "D" Core,"D" Biochemistry I, "D" Genetics. I understand that PharmCAS will lower my GPA. But I have done research on some possible schools that take the last 60 credits or units. I have done 1 year of undergraduate research. 5 years of volunteering in a pharmacy and many clubs and community service hours. Can anyone please guide me into the right direction I need to get into pharmacy school?

 

[pharmgirl1719]

OK, well first starting off... what did you get in those courses that you retook? If you've received B's, A's, and maybe a C, then you could be in the clear. But, most grad schools don't really like to see so many class retakes, BUT, in your case of having to take care of your father-- you might have an advantage here. (You just need to make that very clear in a personal statement, tell your story!) It seems like a long stretch though, but best of luck to you.

 

[ShockingPurple]

I had to retake some dreaded Organic Chemistry classes as well before starting pharmacy school and yes it did end up lowering my GPA on pharmCAS. But if you have A's in other pre-reqs you can still end up with a GPA that is acceptable. You may want to contact the individual schools you're looking at to see what their policy is on retaking classes. I know for my school they do offer some sort of "grade forgiveness" in situations like this but you can't assume all will. Definitely check with the schools to make sure all your bases are covered and like pharmgirl1719 said don't underestimate your personal statement and essays.
Good luck and don't give up on your dream.

 

[Amicable Angora]

Hello everyone,

Let me start off with my academic background by stating that in the summer of 2009 I was academically dismissed from UC Merced. During that year, I was having a difficult time transitioning from a high school to college and I was also constantly taking care of my disabled father back at home. I thankfully got accepted back into the the university and finished my degree with a GPA of 2.623. I have repeated the following courses: "D" Calculus I, "D" General Chemistry II, "D" Core,"D" Biochemistry I, "D" Genetics. I understand that PharmCAS will lower my GPA. But I have done research on some possible schools that take the last 60 credits or units. I have done 1 year of undergraduate research. 5 years of volunteering in a pharmacy and many clubs and community service hours. Can anyone please guide me into the right direction I need to get into pharmacy school?

Are you saying you repeated the courses and earned a D in each class?

 

[clekhac]

Are you saying you repeated the courses and earned a D in each class?

No, I got those grades when I failed and I do not know how if it matters or not but three of five of those classes I failed during my freshman year. Thanks everyone for giving me an honest opinion though. I greatly appreciate it.

 

[Amicable Angora]

It does matter that it was in your freshman year. You will receive more leniency from the admissions committee when they look at your improvement. What did you get the 2nd time around?