Do I have a chance?

[luckylady]

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Hello everyone, I have been reading this forum for a bit and decided to post a question myself. I am a non-traditional student (30s with a family), just 3 classes away from finishing my BS. I originally majored in Psychology, but transferred schools and changed majors to Legal Studies, with the intention of applying to law school. With the economy the way it is and hiring in law firms way, way down, I've started considering other fields that interest me. One thing I'm interested in pursuing is becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and the other is a pharmacist. My great aunt, to whom I was very close, was a pharmacist, one of the first female graduates of the Mass College of Pharmacy, and so I've grown up with some knowledge about the field.

My concern is whether or not I will be considered a serious candidate for pharmacy school. I live in MA, so my first choice is MCPHS in Worcester. I have a 3.7 GPA and will be able to get good recommendation letters, but I have zero pharmacy experience and no science background; in fact, two of the classes that I have left to finish my degree are sciences w/lab, so I haven't taken a science class since high school. I am a good interviewer and writer, but I just have no idea what to expect. From some of the posts I've read, many people have wanted pharmacy school since high school, and have taken classes and worked in a pharmacy to show their interest. I would be applying with a completely different and non-traditional background. Does anyone have an idea about my chances? Thank you!

 

[dahopeful]

If you apply now you have a 0% chance of getting in.

You need to research the pharm school of your choice and find out what their prereqs are. You need to take the pcat once once you finish: gen chem 1 & 2, bio 1 2, calculus, and orgo 1.

Also once you complete those courses then you can apply while you continue finishing the prereqs.

If you have the time you should volunteer at a hospital pharmacy or try to get a job as a clerk or tech.

Note, some people have gotten excepted without experience.

If you haven't you should do some type of community service, and get involved with your school clubs and try to be an officer in the club.

Last, come back and ask us what are your chances once you do all of that.

 

[luckylady]

Thank you for the reply. I have researched the prerequisites for Mass College of Pharmacy, and I could finish them over the summer, after I apply, and was told by an admission officer that that is fine. This particular school does not require the PCAT, and though I realize volunteer experience would be good to have, I'm not really in a position to do that right now - I take classes and have a family, and work very part-time (less than 10 hours per week). I guess I'm just wondering if I might be considered a good candidate with my 3.7 GPA and despite my non-traditional age and background.

 

[dahopeful]

Yes, my sister was 32 when she got accepted.

Just keep your good gpa up and be able to explain why you want to be a pharmacist

 

[koercive]

It seems like a good handful of my classmates including myself never worked in a pharmacy. For myself, I majored in psychology and completed the pre-reqs for california schools (didn't take the pcat).

Since you are a good writer and interviewer, you will have an advantage for that part. Your gpa is pretty strong, so by articulating your newfound interest, you have a good shot at acceptance.

There are 14 pharmacy schools that don't require the pcat. (Look on pharmcas' chart) which you can apply for in the near future as you clear your pre reqs.

Also, I found out today there is BCPP specialty for PharmDs which is a board certified pscyhiatric pharmacist. You might find that interesting.

Good luck!

 

[PonderingChoice]

As I've said in other places: calculate your long-term projected earnings both with and without a Pharm. D. Keep in mind the revenue you're losing by going to school (both for your Pharm. D., plus the two years of pre-reqs) as well as the cost of schooling: it can easily cost $100K (Or more, depending on the school you're going to... $120K or $140K isn't unheard of) in tuition alone. Keep in mind how much the government is going to take out of your salary. Keep in mind that you could be investing the money you're making at another job (with lesser education requirements) in stocks.

If I was say, 35, (I don't know how old you are), I'd be losing money by going to pharmacy school.

Of course, if you really enjoy being a pharmacist, then go for it: but since you have no pharmacy experience and little/no science experience, I think you're being attracted by the salary, which while good, has significant costs associated with it.