DILEMMA! No interviews, no acceptance...I don't know what to do

[homeslyeece]

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Hello! I know this place is the great place for advice and pharmacy help so I've come to you guys for help on my situation. I feel like I'm at this rut, and I dont' know what to do! I'm 24 years old, and I have a B.S. degree in Biochemistry. So far, I've applied to pharmacy schools this year and last year. I didn't get any interview offers last year. I assumed it was my lack of experience and grades. As an undergraduate, I had several ups and downs which led to some less than spectacular grades (C, C-) in my core science classes. After the first year of applications without hearing from any schools, I took prerequisite classes (Speech, Econ) and also retook some classes that I hadn't done so well in (at community colleges and University Extension). I also started working at CVS as a pharmacy clerk. Since then, I got my pharmacy technician license, and I've been working full time as a pharm tech.

I applied this year in mid-September, and so far, I still haven't heard anything. I thought I had made some progress this year that would show the admissions committee that I have improved. However, I still feel like it is not enough. Even with A's that I've received in the classes I took this year, it hasn't made that much of a difference on my GPA. I'm not sure if it's too early to freak out that I haven't gotten any interviews yet. Should I call the admissions office and inquire about my application? 😕 And if I'm not accepted this year, should I enter a post-bacc program or a master's program?? I feel that if I continue working full-time, I won't make any improvements to my application for next year (though I will be gaining more experience). However, if I'm in a post-bacc or master's program, I can show greater improvements in my GPA, but I won't have much time to work. I'm not sure what to do!! Any advice is greatly appreciated! I'm willing to work hard to get where I want to be! 🙂

 

[homeslice]

You mentioned having a C- in a core science class. If it was a class that was also a pharm. school pre-req, your application will automatically get thrown out since I believe most (if not all) pharmacy schools require at least a C for their pre-req classes. I hope that's not what happened to you. So what is your GPA by the way?

And I wouldn't necessarily worry too much yet about not getting any interviews unless you only applied to rolling admissions schools. Many non-rolling admissions schools haven't even started looking at applications yet.

 

[stlouis79]

The main thing you can do is research schools where you have an above average chance of getting in. Schools with really high GPA's - scratch. Schools that have 4000 applications a year - scratch. You might need to lower you expectations. Try expensive public schools like CCP or preaccredited schools like Belmont, and be prepared to move somewhere you might not want to go. Raise your pcat score however you can....very important. I got accepted with average stats and a 79 composite pcat, which is good but not stellar. I got 3 invitations to interviews and I got accepted at the only school I interviewed. You also need to have a really good personal statement. I think thats the reason I have had success in getting the interviews I got. You need to wow them. Find a way to get it done. Im also 29 years old, and am not worried about age one bit. Many people freak out about getting into school at an early age and getting their life on track immediately. Well guess what....people change more in their 20's than any other age, so dont worry if it takes you another year or two. One word -Persistence.

 

[ValeRx]

I got a C- in precalc and Gen Chem I and have already been accepted. Some schools don't like a C-, others it is considered in the "C" range.

 

[Kirbypuff]

Hello! I know this place is the great place for advice and pharmacy help so I've come to you guys for help on my situation. I feel like I'm at this rut, and I dont' know what to do! I'm 24 years old, and I have a B.S. degree in Biochemistry. So far, I've applied to pharmacy schools this year and last year. I didn't get any interview offers last year. I assumed it was my lack of experience and grades. As an undergraduate, I had several ups and downs which led to some less than spectacular grades (C, C-) in my core science classes. After the first year of applications without hearing from any schools, I took prerequisite classes (Speech, Econ) and also retook some classes that I hadn't done so well in (at community colleges and University Extension). I also started working at CVS as a pharmacy clerk. Since then, I got my pharmacy technician license, and I've been working full time as a pharm tech.

I applied this year in mid-September, and so far, I still haven't heard anything. I thought I had made some progress this year that would show the admissions committee that I have improved. However, I still feel like it is not enough. Even with A's that I've received in the classes I took this year, it hasn't made that much of a difference on my GPA. I'm not sure if it's too early to freak out that I haven't gotten any interviews yet. Should I call the admissions office and inquire about my application? 😕 And if I'm not accepted this year, should I enter a post-bacc program or a master's program?? I feel that if I continue working full-time, I won't make any improvements to my application for next year (though I will be gaining more experience). However, if I'm in a post-bacc or master's program, I can show greater improvements in my GPA, but I won't have much time to work. I'm not sure what to do!! Any advice is greatly appreciated! I'm willing to work hard to get where I want to be! 🙂

You are in the exact same position as me, except I do not have a B.S. in anything, but I've gotten 5 interviews so far. (I'm not trying to brag, just trying to help) Where exactly did you apply to? This is important because with some schools, your chances are already gone before you even apply! What is your GPA and what is your PCAT score? My advice is do not bother to get a masters, but repeat your pre-requisites and get A's. Also, whatever your PCAT score is, just improve it. Now, what you really need to do is research pharmacy schools. If a pharmacy school doesn't look at PCAT scores, cross the school off your list, you have no chance. Cross off all the schools in california as well, you have no chance. Apply to new schools with precandidate statuses. You also have almost no chance at Rutgers, Albany, Buffalo, LIU, because they are not looking for candidates with any "blemishes" on their profile. Places I would recommend applying to are UMich, UMD, Jefferson, St.JohnFisher(esp if you're white), Touro, USP (esp if you're asian), Wilkes, etc.. Don't give up! Give it one more shot! Work all the dirty hours for your boss so he/she loves you and writes you a great rec! Take a prereq over at a cc and get chummy with the professor! I applied to 7 non-pharmcas schools and 10 pharmcas schools; 3 in-state schools and 14 out-of-state schools. Oh and have your PS proofread ten times before you submit. You can do it. =)

 

[stlouis79]

You are in the exact same position as me, except I do not have a B.S. in anything, but I've gotten 5 interviews so far. (I'm not trying to brag, just trying to help) Where exactly did you apply to? This is important because with some schools, your chances are already gone before you even apply! What is your GPA and what is your PCAT score? My advice is do not bother to get a masters, but repeat your pre-requisites and get A's. Also, whatever your PCAT score is, just improve it. Now, what you really need to do is research pharmacy schools. If a pharmacy school doesn't look at PCAT scores, cross the school off your list, you have no chance. Cross off all the schools in california as well, you have no chance. Apply to new schools with precandidate statuses. You also have almost no chance at Rutgers, Albany, Buffalo, LIU, because they are not looking for candidates with any "blemishes" on their profile. Places I would recommend applying to are UMich, UMD, Jefferson, St.JohnFisher(esp if you're white), Touro, USP (esp if you're asian), Wilkes, etc.. Don't give up! Give it one more shot! Work all the dirty hours for your boss so he/she loves you and writes you a great rec! Take a prereq over at a cc and get chummy with the professor! I applied to 7 non-pharmcas schools and 10 pharmcas schools; 3 in-state schools and 14 out-of-state schools. Oh and have your PS proofread ten times before you submit. You can do it. =)

kirby said it right....apply to many schools. i only did 7...but the more you can the more chances you get. and look at her pose in that picture....thats sexy😉

 

[pharmtechgirl26]

I agree having a great ps can really be beneficial. I was in your place. this is my second time applying. i have a ba from a UC. 3.2 gpa 69 pcat. not great stats. what I did was apply early and apply to as many schools as possible. I applied to 23 schools (which I admit was overkill) and this time around I have 6 interviews so far. My ps was not great last year and I didn't have much experience. I too got certified/registered as a tech and gained experience. I really believe the main differences this time around were applying early, to a range of schools (many many different states), and writing one hell of an admissions essay. good luck to you!

 

[Kirbypuff]

kirby said it right....apply to many schools. i only did 7...but the more you can the more chances you get. and look at her pose in that picture....thats sexy😉

sexy??? O_O; i was going for "confident"

 

[stlouis79]

sexy??? O_O; i was going for "confident"

exactly!!

 

[misshopeful]

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you are, but I'm going to cross my fingers and keep hoping. I tell myself it's not over until it's over.

 

[xshooshix]

I applied last year to 5-6 schools, knowing that I would complete the prereqs over the summer and later matriculate in the Fall. I got one interview last year at my school (Wayne State University), and I didn't do as well as I hoped. My prereq GPA was 3.65 (they only look at prereqs) and a 70 PCAT (my subscores 78-82, with math as 56, and reading 33). I had a health scare during the application process during that winter and I didn't finish any of the other school's supplementals because I was depressed.

Ultimately, I didn't get in anywhere (and I regret not finishing my CCP supplemental), so I took summer classes, decided to shadow/volunteer/work on other aspects of pharmacy, and decided to do a major and apply next year. I applied to 10 schools this time, decided to turn in everything in October, and noticed I was getting interviews in November and December. I turned down one interview (I didn't have the money at the time), I went to three, including ONE interview that I was kind of wary about. I told myself, 'F it, i'm going to just wing it because the plane ticket was paid and my aunt is expecting me to stay.' PLUS, I didn't really prepare myself! It turns out, that one school that I had second thoughts about interviewing at ended up being my first acceptance so far. I am waitlisted at one school, and still waiting to hear back from Wayne.

To OP, keep trying! My friend had 3 Fs in her transcripts, and took everything over at a CC and ended with a 2.9... she ended up getting into two schools. And sorry to sound harsh, but you probably should have taken the retakes at the CC seriously... then again, GPA isn't everything, and a lot of students get in with low GPAs. Plus, I would also work on the PCAT... as a person who got in with a 70 composite (and actually did worse later on with a 62), it may be possible to get in by the hair of your skin! I would probably make up the GPA and start building your resume and explore other areas of pharmacy... adcoms like students who explore other professions in the field that are not limited to only community and hospital pharmacies.

 

[Storm90]

So far it sounds and looks like you've done what you could to improve your application. The big questions are where did you apply, and what are your stats (GPA, PCAT, etc)? We can all help you better by knowing the answers. Lots of people struggle in school, it's how you respond that is important.

 

[homeslyeece]

Oh! I totally forgot to include my stats. My prereq GPA is 3.1 and my overall is 3.3, both of which I know aren't the greatest. I took the PCAT twice. The first time I got an 83 and the second time, an 85. Should I retake the PCAT again to try to get a score above 90?

The schools I applied to this year were: USC, UoP, Western, CA Northstate, U of Hawaii, U of Maryland, Midwestern University (Downer's Grove and Glendale), USN, Sullivan University, Union University, and Belmont.

 

[Code Gray]

Don't be discouraged. I only applied to California schools for two years and I got interviewed for Western and USC. I never got in. I applied out of state this year and I got more offers than I could settled on. Here was some suggestions that I got:

1) Improve your grades.
2) Work as a technician for at least 15 to 20 hours.
3) Volunteer in low-income community clinic
4) Get good letters of recommendations (preferably someone who can write well and the admissions committee recognize)
5) Have access to the letter of recommendations so you can see what they write
5) Submit early.

I hope this helps.

 

[Transformer]

Oh! I totally forgot to include my stats. My prereq GPA is 3.1 and my overall is 3.3, both of which I know aren't the greatest. I took the PCAT twice. The first time I got an 83 and the second time, an 85. Should I retake the PCAT again to try to get a score above 90?

The schools I applied to this year were: USC, UoP, Western, CA Northstate, U of Hawaii, U of Maryland, Midwestern University (Downer's Grove and Glendale), USN, Sullivan University, Union University, and Belmont.

3.3 cGPA & 85 PCAT w/ pharmacy experience and not a single interview??? (Your stats aren't all that bad)

Could it be your grade trend and PCAT subsection breakdowns??

You mentioned getting Cs in your core science classes. To improve, you must retake and ace all those science classes.

When did you apply? Did you apply early or late?


I know people with similar stats got accepted or at least received one or more interview invite(s).

 

[pharmplz11]

In all honesty, its not even the deadline for most schools(which is Feb. 1st.) Now if March rolls around and you still haven't heard anything I might start to panic. The invites people are getting now are either rolling admission or early interview dates... mostly. With your stats you are certainly not out of the running. You will probably just get in with the rest of us on the regular admission interview dates. Read what Kirby said up there about precandidate schools because you may have your sights aimed a bit too high. Just hang in there for now. I know it sucks to wait but that's all the lot of us can do.

 

[fenixtnlfan]

I agree it's still too early to give up for this year. However, since you haven't heard anything from all of those schools and you applied so early, I'd be a little worried the app didn't get received. I would contact some of the schools about the app. If you don't get any interviews this time around, you should contact those schools because sometimes they will tell you what to improve for next year.

 

[Pharmacy2323]

if it makes anyone feel better... I have a 3.9 GPA and my applcation was put on HOLD! this makes me think it doesn't matter what GPA you get...

i should have gotten all F's and maybe partied a little harder!! LOl

=(

 

[pharmant]

if it makes anyone feel better... I have a 3.9 GPA and my applcation was put on HOLD! this makes me think it doesn't matter what GPA you get...

i should have gotten all F's and maybe partied a little harder!! LOl

=(

What was your PCAT score, do you have a degree, what type of LORs did you have, and what extracurricular activities were you involved with. GPA is a big part but other factors influence a schools decision. Do not get down, if Pharmacy is what you want just keep fighting for it. Volunteer more, get involved in Research, and keep up the 3.9 if you are still in your undergrad.

 

[Kirbypuff]

Oh! I totally forgot to include my stats. My prereq GPA is 3.1 and my overall is 3.3, both of which I know aren't the greatest. I took the PCAT twice. The first time I got an 83 and the second time, an 85. Should I retake the PCAT again to try to get a score above 90?

The schools I applied to this year were: USC, UoP, Western, CA Northstate, U of Hawaii, U of Maryland, Midwestern University (Downer's Grove and Glendale), USN, Sullivan University, Union University, and Belmont.

If you get rejected by all 11 this year: Retake and ace the hard science classes. Speech and Econ barely count for pre-reqs. Take Orgo, Anatomy,and Microbio over again in one semester (Or any other 3 tough sciences.) Your past C's in sciences create the impression that you can't handle the tough pharmacy science classes. Retaking non-science pre-reqs only supports that impression. You must raise your gpa using the hardest science classes possible. Convince the jury that you can handle pharmacy school!

85 on the PCAT is nice... but it depends on how well you handled the science portions. Actually, since the PCAT is highly correlated with the NAPLEX, I think your 85 already demonstrates your ability to pass it. Only retake it if you can't ace your science classes. <---but seriously, you have to ace them. If it's not too late, try to register into 3 classes this semester, or a couple over the summer. Only take 1 science class next fall and focus all your energy on applications aiming for a August/September deadline. Make super-organized LoR packets for your profs/bosses with nice stamped envelopes and nice paper separated into different folders for each school... and throw in a little thank you gift like a semi-generous Starbucks gift card. (This is actually exactly what I did).

When I was rejected, I asked the admissions coordinator what I did wrong and how I could improve my application. She told me to take a deeper introspection to why I want to become a pharmacist. I'm not sure if this particular advice is helpful to you, but I'm just throwing it in here in case. I hope you get in. =T

 

[calisoca]

Oh! I totally forgot to include my stats. My prereq GPA is 3.1 and my overall is 3.3, both of which I know aren't the greatest. I took the PCAT twice. The first time I got an 83 and the second time, an 85. Should I retake the PCAT again to try to get a score above 90?

The schools I applied to this year were: USC, UoP, Western, CA Northstate, U of Hawaii, U of Maryland, Midwestern University (Downer's Grove and Glendale), USN, Sullivan University, Union University, and Belmont.

I'm surprised you've yet to get any bites from schools. That PCAT is pretty stellar (too bad none of the CA schools really care about it) and the fact that you havn't heard anything at all might signify some sort of red flag in your application somewhere. Review your essays for anything that might be offensive or taken the wrong way. Those C's might be scaring schools away too, but I doubt that's the issue.

Here's a scary story for you: One of my mentors in college was rejected to medical school two years in a row despite amazing grades. His third time applying he decided to get all new lor's, which enabled him to view his old ones before trashing them. When he did, one of his writers was bashing him in the letter saying he was a terrible candidate. It turned out the guy had some sort of personal vendetta against him and his family. He was accepted to every school he applied to on his third attempt. Scary.

 

[Jaded03]

When he did, one of his writers was bashing him in the letter saying he was a terrible candidate. It turned out the guy had some sort of personal vendetta against him and his family. He was accepted to every school he applied to on his third attempt. Scary.

Wow. I always thought LORs were important for interview. So, you would've thought he would've suspect something if he didn't get interviewed. (If he did get interviewed, this is completely shocking. Why offer an interview if you're not going to get accept or waitlist? You would've never known to suspect your LOR writer.)

Not getting interviewed means there is something wrong with an application such that it doesn't merit you a candidate. I would've guessed the personal statement, supplemental essays, or LORs. I would question all of these prior to the next cycle. It is too early to say this now though, so I wouldn't worry.

 

[pharmDlinz84]

Hello! I know this place is the great place for advice and pharmacy help so I've come to you guys for help on my situation. I feel like I'm at this rut, and I dont' know what to do! I'm 24 years old, and I have a B.S. degree in Biochemistry. So far, I've applied to pharmacy schools this year and last year. I didn't get any interview offers last year. I assumed it was my lack of experience and grades. As an undergraduate, I had several ups and downs which led to some less than spectacular grades (C, C-) in my core science classes. After the first year of applications without hearing from any schools, I took prerequisite classes (Speech, Econ) and also retook some classes that I hadn't done so well in (at community colleges and University Extension). I also started working at CVS as a pharmacy clerk. Since then, I got my pharmacy technician license, and I've been working full time as a pharm tech.

I applied this year in mid-September, and so far, I still haven't heard anything. I thought I had made some progress this year that would show the admissions committee that I have improved. However, I still feel like it is not enough. Even with A's that I've received in the classes I took this year, it hasn't made that much of a difference on my GPA. I'm not sure if it's too early to freak out that I haven't gotten any interviews yet. Should I call the admissions office and inquire about my application? 😕 And if I'm not accepted this year, should I enter a post-bacc program or a master's program?? I feel that if I continue working full-time, I won't make any improvements to my application for next year (though I will be gaining more experience). However, if I'm in a post-bacc or master's program, I can show greater improvements in my GPA, but I won't have much time to work. I'm not sure what to do!! Any advice is greatly appreciated! I'm willing to work hard to get where I want to be! 🙂

Wow, Im in the same exact boat... but i really think everyone gave good advice.. thanks guys!!

but i thought schools would not think its good to take hard classes at at CC?? i just got my BS and I really dont want to spend all that money going again to a 4yr college.. i got C+ in organic chem.. can i take them over at a CC without looking bad???

 

[Jaded03]

Wow, Im in the same exact boat... but i really think everyone gave good advice.. thanks guys!!

but i thought schools would not think its good to take hard classes at at CC?? i just got my BS and I really dont want to spend all that money going again to a 4yr college.. i got C+ in organic chem.. can i take them over at a CC without looking bad???

Depends on where you want to go. If you want to be competitive at all schools take science courses at a university extension. This isn't saying you couldn't make due with a CC class. However, not all schools prefer this.

 

[Transformer]

Depends on where you want to go. If you want to be competitive at all schools take science courses at a university extension. This isn't saying you couldn't make due with a CC class. However, not all schools prefer this.

You can definitely take or retake classes at a CC. If you get 4.0 on all your science classes for the next two or four semesters there, that's an improvement. (no matter what anyone says, that's no doubt an improvement worth noting)

I suggest taking classes at both CC and at UC concurrently. (this helps with tuition costs. Also, make sure the classes don't conflict in terms of time). I'm doing that right now. If I ace all my classes, then it shows pharmacy schools that it doesn't matter where I take the class, I am now determined to be at the top of my class... period.


good luck🙂