Does it matter?

[xnc123]

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Does it matter where you get your pre-reqs done? I'm going to community college for logistical reasons (10 min vs. 1 hr commute) because of my family. I assume that going to a 4-year university would probably look better, but does it really matter? I could probably transfer if I really needed to, but hubby and I weren't planning on me having to commute downtown until pharm school.

My CC is ranked 2nd in IL and one of the school's I'm applying to has a pre-req guide specifically for it...I really hope it doesn't matter. I'll be severely bummed if all this hard work I have been putting in isn't going to get me anywhere.

 

[Golden Eagle]

Does it matter where you get your pre-reqs done? I'm going to community college for logistical reasons (10 min vs. 1 hr commute) because of my family. I assume that going to a 4-year university would probably look better, but does it really matter? I could probably transfer if I really needed to, but hubby and I weren't planning on me having to commute downtown until pharm school.

My CC is ranked 2nd in IL and one of the school's I'm applying to has a pre-req guide specifically for it...I really hope it doesn't matter. I'll be severely bummed if all this hard work I have been putting in isn't going to get me anywhere.

For most state schools that require PCAT, as long as you obtain a decent PCAT score (usually 75% composite and on individual score) you can probably get in with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. If you GPA is 3.9 or higher you may be able to get away with a lower PCAT. For schools that do not require PCAT, it is really hard to say. May be somebody who had applied and got accepted to those schools can shake some light.

 

[PharmGreen]

Hey I'm in the same situation. I'm doing my prereq at a CC because the school is closer. but I was convinced by some of the SDN members who replied to my thread to transfer to a 4-year to earn a bachelor's AND THEN apply to pharm school.

 

[Krismeese]

Hi!

Well, it seems this has been a little bit of a touchy subject in the past on the forums, CC vs. Non-CC 🙂,
both have advantages:
Here are some points I would consider:

1. CC is cheaper and sometimes closer
2. CC often has more night classes for those that work
3. Schools will look first at those with Bachelors degrees over just the pre-reqs
4. Schools might, I am not sure because I am not on an adcom 🙂, look more favorably on classes taken at a 4-year institution, so I would get the best grades possible at the CC (but I would say to do that regardless hehe)

That being said, it is also possible to mix the two together. For instance I earned a bachelors degree, then when I had to take extra pre-reqs I missed, I took them at a CC due to price and scheduling considerations.

 

[Smilescali]

Hey I'm in the same situation. I'm doing my prereq at a CC because the school is closer. but I was convinced by some of the SDN members who replied to my thread to transfer to a 4-year to earn a bachelor's AND THEN apply to pharm school.

You can still apply to pharmacy school before you complete your degree as long as you plan on finishing your pre-reqs in time.. I am a Biochemistry major and have applied to pharmacy school this year without a degree. If I am not sucessful this time around then I will just continue to take classes for my major and apply next year. 🙂

 

[PharmGreen]

Smilescali, Everyone has been telling me to earn a bachelor's degree to better my chances of getting in, which I agree they are probably right. but yours does sound like a plan 🙂 . Maybe I should do something like that too -- finish all my prereq in 3 years and apply to pharm school. if unsucessful, continue undergrad school and earn a bachelor's then reapply the 4th year. but I was just worried about applying without a degree because application is expensive and your chances aren't that high compared to those who have degrees 🙁 . but nothing is impossible right? 😀 Good luck to you. Let me know how things go for you. 🙂


XNC123, I was worried like you are about doing my prereq at a CC, so I keep telling myself "I have no excuses for not doing great in my classes since it's only a CC." because even though a 4-year might be a little more impressive than a CC, earning A's in your prereq courses at a CC is better than earning lousy grades at a 4-year. so like what Krismeese said, get the best grades possible at the CC.

 

[ultracet]

ok...
general question...
if you dont have what it takes to make good grades at a university... what makes you think you'll make it through pharmacy school?

 

[beccala33]

I got my BS from a reputable 4 year school, and I went to a CC for my first year and have completed my prereqs at a CC since I graduated. I feel like I got a better education at both CCs that I went to than I ever got at my 4 year school. Anyone else feel that way? My classes were smaller, my teachers knew my name, and I felt like my teachers actually cared about teaching and my education, not just doing research.

 

[Smilescali]

I got my BS from a reputable 4 year school, and I went to a CC for my first year and have completed my prereqs at a CC since I graduated. I feel like I got a better education at both CCs that I went to than I ever got at my 4 year school. Anyone else feel that way? My classes were smaller, my teachers knew my name, and I felt like my teachers actually cared about teaching and my education, not just doing research.

This was an interesting topic in my Organic Chemistry class this semester. There were several students from UCSD in our class taking O-chem for the second time because they either dropped it last semster from UCSD or they received an undesirable grade from UCSD. This semester they thought they would take it at a CC to increase their chances at getting a better grade. They ALL said that they learned so much more at the CC due to what you mentioned (smaller class size, more interactions with the professor and NO TA's teaching the lectures). Still most of them still recieved a C or B, but they said they were surprised how "superior" the O-chem class was at the CC. Now, this could be an exception because our O-chem teacher is the BEST! 😍

This whole CC vs. University education is very subjective based on the school, professor and the class/ subject. I think most people would agree that the University classes are harder, but if you LEARN and retain more from a CC then how is that inferior? 🙂

 

[Smilescali]

Smilescali, Everyone has been telling me to earn a bachelor's degree to better my chances of getting in, which I agree they are probably right. but yours does sound like a plan 🙂 . Maybe I should do something like that too -- finish all my prereq in 3 years and apply to pharm school. if unsucessful, continue undergrad school and earn a bachelor's then reapply the 4th year. but I was just worried about applying without a degree because application is expensive and your chances aren't that high compared to those who have degrees 🙁 . but nothing is impossible right? 😀 Good luck to you. Let me know how things go for you. 🙂


XNC123, I was worried like you are about doing my prereq at a CC, so I keep telling myself "I have no excuses for not doing great in my classes since it's only a CC." because even though a 4-year might be a little more impressive than a CC, earning A's in your prereq courses at a CC is better than earning lousy grades at a 4-year. so like what Krismeese said, get the best grades possible at the CC.

If it is the expenses that are holding you back from applying without a degree then I understand, but if you know that you want to be a Pharmacist and go to pharmacy school then why not apply early if you can afford it. I also understand the argument that receiving a degree before applying will allow you to have "something to fall back on". However, many people that I have spoken with say that if you have your PharmD, then it really doesn't matter if you have a 4-year degree if you want to still work in the industry, but not as a Pharmacist (Pharmaceutical Co., Food Industry and Research) or you could go on to obtain your PhD in a field that better suits you. Or I guess you could even go back to school and obtain an undergraduate degree if you wanted to.

Do you think that you are competitive without a degree to get into pharmacy school? Where do you want to apply?

 

[PharmGreen]

My initial plan was to just do all my prereq at a CC and apply to pharm school because:
1. It's closer to home.
2. The night classes and such fit my not-so-flexible schedule.
3. It's cheaper.
4. The smaller classes seem more efficient.

But then after being convinced to earn a bachelor's, I decided I will transfer to a 4-year and do so. but I think I'll also take your advice on applying early (If I finish my prereq in time) to see if I can get in without a degree. If not, then I'll go on to earn my bachelor's and reapply.

To answer your questions: I think the student w/ a degree is the more competitive candidate (unless the one without demonstrates otherwise). I want to apply to UOP, Western, Touro, USC...well pretty much all the schools in California. But the thing is they have some different prereq requirements, and I'm afraid that undergrad will take me longer to finish if I try to satisfy each school's prereq requirements in order to be able to apply to all of them. 🙁

 

[xnc123]

ok...
general question...
if you dont have what it takes to make good grades at a university... what makes you think you'll make it through pharmacy school?

It isn't that I "don't have what it takes" for university. I go to CC because I have a family and its convienient. I know I can make it through pharmacy school because I know what I want and have the motivation to get it.

 

[BiOGoly]

I think that having some CC classes is probably fine, but you definitely want to avoid having ALL your prereq's at a CC. I think it's more acceptable to have a lot of CC courses if you have completed a BS and there is evidence that you can "swim with the big fish" in University level science courses.

That being said, I know of people who have gained acceptance with only CC classes...but that's pretty rare now-a-days. And frankly, I don't think taking the easy road is the best way to prepare yourself for what will probably be 3 or 4 of the most academically rigorous years of your life.

 

[xnc123]

I never thought a CC education was inferior...until I started coming here. Why is it assumed that CC is easier than a university? I'm sure the experience differs greatly, but it comes down to getting a quality education, and I feel I'm getting that at my CC.
My plan has always been to apply after I finished my pre-reqs. If I get in, great. If not, I'm going to transfer for my bachelor's and try again.

 

[Smilescali]

I never thought a CC education was inferior...until I started coming here. Why is it assumed that CC is easier than a university? I'm sure the experience differs greatly, but it comes down to getting a quality education, and I feel I'm getting that at my CC.
My plan has always been to apply after I finished my pre-reqs. If I get in, great. If not, I'm going to transfer for my bachelor's and try again.

Ditto! I think it all depends on the professor because many of the adjunct faculty at the CC's also teach at the University (same class and same syllabus). You have hard professors at both and easy professors as well at both. People have strong opinions about this issue on both sides. It is all subjective anyway. 🙂

 

[ultracet]

It isn't that I "don't have what it takes" for university. I go to CC because I have a family and its convienient. I know I can make it through pharmacy school because I know what I want and have the motivation to get it.

i was asking b/c of this quote...

earning A's in your prereq courses at a CC is better than earning lousy grades at a 4-year.

 

[starsweet]

I got my BS from a reputable 4 year school, and I went to a CC for my first year and have completed my prereqs at a CC since I graduated. I feel like I got a better education at both CCs that I went to than I ever got at my 4 year school. Anyone else feel that way? My classes were smaller, my teachers knew my name, and I felt like my teachers actually cared about teaching and my education, not just doing research.

I have done the same. I went to a very tough 4 year school (Georgia Tech) but completed the rest of my prereqs at a CC since I was working full time at the time and they had more night classes. I learned a lot more at the CC, no question. GT is definitely research oriented and the profs don't care about teaching as much, whereas the mission at my CC is to provide "learning" based education. Thus, being a CC, the classes are of course easier, but since they are focused on learning they teach you well and I have retained a lot more from my CC classes than my classes at GT.

 

[dgroulx]

I never thought a CC education was inferior...until I started coming here. Why is it assumed that CC is easier than a university? I'm sure the experience differs greatly, but it comes down to getting a quality education, and I feel I'm getting that at my CC.
My plan has always been to apply after I finished my pre-reqs. If I get in, great. If not, I'm going to transfer for my bachelor's and try again.

Most of the Rho Chi members at my campus only took their prerequisites at a community college. I feel you do learn more with smaller class sizes. I went to private school, so we only had 15 students per class in biology classes and 25 per class in chemistry classes. I learned tons, especially in lab.

 

[ultracet]

Most of the Rho Chi members at my campus only took their prerequisites at a community college. I feel you do learn more with smaller class sizes. I went to private school, so we only had 15 students per class in biology classes and 25 per class in chemistry classes. I learned tons, especially in lab.

that's pretty funny...
we only have 1 rho chi who went to a CC and she is also the only one without a prior degree...

the majority of them went to larger universities

 

[ButlerPharm.D.]

XNC, I'm guessing you’re referring to UIC since you mention that the school you plan on attending has a pre-req guide. What CC are you at, CLC? If you are indeed referring to UIC I would say that yes it does matter where your pre-reqs are done. I had a friend that went to CLC and, according to him, he had quite a high GPA yet because he went to a CC he was having a hard time getting into Pharmacy school. Having said that I would say that each person has a unique situation and from your post I take it that you are married and as you have mentioned this has made an impact on what you are able to do in terms of schooling. If you are planning on going to UIC you would need a PCAT above 80 and a GPA above 3.5 to be competitive.

On the topic of why CC I would have to agree with Biogoly.

 

[ButlerPharm.D.]

Pharmacy school is not about being force fed information you are going to need for the exam. In my clinical biochemistry class we went over the very basic information for each topic in class and it was up to us to fill in the rest and to learn the details. Oh, and by the way, there was no book for this class. Instead, the information was in the form of different web pages the professors had thought would be helpful. 11 members of my class did not pass and are required to remediate the class. The reason I mention this is because what benefit do you get out of a CC or University if you are just there to get good grades unless you take all of your classes seriously and learn all that you can! Make the most out of your education whether or not you're taking classes at a CC or University, do well and never look back and you'll do fine and we will be hearing about you getting into pharmacy school in a few months! Best of luck.... But remember, Pharmacy school isn't a walk in the park, if you prepare yourself for this ahead of time you'll do fine.

 

[PharmGreen]

Hey guys, sorry if I made a CC out to sound inferior to a 4-year. I was only saying I held the "I have no excuses for not doing great in my classes since it's only a CC" as a mindset so I can motivate myself to do my best. I think CC's offer quality education, but I don't know what pharm school officials think about you doing all your prereq there, so I just tell myself that to keep me motivated.

And about the "earning A's in your prereq courses at a CC is better than earning lousy grades at a 4-year." I really do think the (well, some) classes at a CC are a bit easier than the ones at a 4-year. not because i think the CC goes easier on you. It's just the smaller classes are more suitable for teaching, and maybe it's just to me, but students at CC's seem to learn more.

Anyway, I think ButlerPharm.D. 's last post says it about right.

 

[ultracet]

i have spoken with some members of some adcoms that prefer univeristies...

but that's not really what you all want to hear so what do i know...

 

[ButlerPharm.D.]

I think all schools prefer university course work over CC but that is not to say that you wont get in. Keep up the hard work!

 

[Smilescali]

i have spoken with some members of some adcoms that prefer univeristies...

but that's not really what you all want to hear so what do i know...

"We don't take the undergraduate institution you have attended into account when we offer admission. In my personal opinion, I am not aware of any quality scientific data that would allow me to objectively favor one institution over another. Additionally, if there was quality data, I believe the admissions department has an ethical responsibility to publicize their preferences so that everyone would know the proverbial rules of the admission game."

This is a quote from an email I received regarding this issue. Maybe this pharmacy school admission rep. is being dishonest, but it makes sense to me.....

 

[Smilescali]

i have spoken with some members of some adcoms that prefer univeristies...

but that's not really what you all want to hear so what do i know...

"We don't take the undergraduate institution you have attended into account when we offer admission. In my personal opinion, I am not aware of any quality scientific data that would allow me to objectively favor one institution over another. Additionally, if there was quality data, I believe the admissions department has an ethical responsibility to publicize their preferences so that everyone would know the proverbial rules of the admission game."

This is a quote from an email I received regarding this issue. Maybe this pharmacy school admission rep. is being dishonest, but it makes sense to me.....

 

[ultracet]

"We don't take the undergraduate institution you have attended into account when we offer admission. In my personal opinion, I am not aware of any quality scientific data that would allow me to objectively favor one institution over another. Additionally, if there was quality data, I believe the admissions department has an ethical responsibility to publicize their preferences so that everyone would know the proverbial rules of the admission game."

This is a quote from an email I received regarding this issue. Maybe this pharmacy school admission rep. is being dishonest, but it makes sense to me.....

which is exactly my point....

you all dont really want to hear it
so what do i know

 

[Smilescali]

which is exactly my point....

you all dont really want to hear it
so what do i know

😕 My point is that maybe not every pharmacy school has the same opinion as yours. 🙂 Thats all. You stated what you heard from the adcom at your school. That is helpful to know. I was just stating what I heard (or read) from the email I received. So, maybe it depends on the school. I try to avoid blanket statements regarding the admissions process because every school is so different and the individuals that interview you might also have a hidden bias one way or another. 🙂

 

[ultracet]

😕 My point is that maybe not every pharmacy school has the same opinion as yours. 🙂 Thats all. You stated what you heard from the adcom at your school. That is helpful to know. I was just stating what I heard (or read) from the email I received. So, maybe it depends on the school. I try to avoid blanket statements regarding the admissions process because every school is so different and the individuals that interview you might also have a hidden bias one way or another. 🙂

no
i actually said
some of some schools...
not mine

as far as it being hidden...
the ones i have spoken with were fairly open about it

and by the way...
the official stance of every institution will be that it doesn't matter...

they can't/wont publicize that it matters

 

[Abilify]

😕 My point is that maybe not every pharmacy school has the same opinion as yours. 🙂 Thats all. You stated what you heard from the adcom at your school. That is helpful to know. I was just stating what I heard (or read) from the email I received. So, maybe it depends on the school. I try to avoid blanket statements regarding the admissions process because every school is so different and the individuals that interview you might also have a hidden bias one way or another. 🙂

You seem to know quite a bit about this issue as well as many others pertaining to pharmacy...

What year in pharmacy school are you again?

I realize you would not want to post your adcom connections, but do you think you could PM me and tell me who you know? I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[Smilescali]

You seem to know quite a bit about this issue as well as many others pertaining to pharmacy...

What year in pharmacy school are you again?

I realize you would not want to post your adcom connections, but do you think you could PM me and tell me who you know? I would greatly appreciate it!

I am not in pharmacy school yet and I do not have any adcom "connections" from any school (pharmacy school for that matter 😉 ) However, I have asked a lot of questions when I have met with reps from the pharmacy schools and medical schools that I have toured over the years. My father-in-law used to be on a couple of the medical school adcom's and we discuss what makes the ideal candidate quite often. He and some of the doctors on his staff have given me a lot of insight and guidance on what is important in developing myself academically and professionally and I have been through 2 mock interviews now with them. I have discussed my concerns about having completed my pre-req's at the CC with them (among many other issues of course). Additionally, two of my cousins are recent graduates from pharmacy school (one is now a faculty member) and I pick their brains constantly about their experiences in pharmacy school and was given the opportunity to speak with the dean of admissions at one of their schools. He/she stated that some of the best students that have been admitted to their school were from CC's and that having completed classes at a University really does not indicate success in their pharmacy school.

Like I said in the previous post, this is a touchy issue and I am not sure if there is an accurate answer. I do know that the PERCEPTION is that classes at the CC are inferior to the University, but I am not sure if this is entirely true in all cases. The more interactions I have with people that have taken classes at both, the more it seems that CC classes may be less competitive, but you tend to learn and retain more information (for the reasons scattered on this thread.)

 

[kkelloww]

Can I put in my 2 cents? Can I? Please?

I attend a CC for $19 per semester hour. I'll take the Pepsi Challenge with any university student. After all, a Friedel-Crafts alkylation or acylation will still not occur on a benzene ring that is more deactivated than a halobenzene--whether you go to a CC or Stanford.

As far as the adcoms perceptions are concerned, I have a 4.0 and a 97 PCAT. If I was a betting man (and I am), I will lay odds that I will get in somewhere this year.

So go to school wherever you want. Just make sure you take it seriously and kick some a** while you're there. The rest will take care of itself.

 

[leoproductionz]

Can I put in my 2 cents? Can I? Please?

I attend a CC for $19 per semester hour. I'll take the Pepsi Challenge with any university student. After all, a Friedel-Crafts alkylation or acylation will still not occur on a benzene ring that is more deactivated than a halobenzene--whether you go to a CC or Stanford.

As far as the adcoms perceptions are concerned, I have a 4.0 and a 97 PCAT. If I was a betting man (and I am), I will lay odds that I will get in somewhere this year.

So go to school wherever you want. Just make sure you take it seriously and kick some a** while you're there. The rest will take care of itself.

can i get an "amen?!"

 

[Smilescali]

Can I put in my 2 cents? Can I? Please?

I attend a CC for $19 per semester hour. I'll take the Pepsi Challenge with any university student. After all, a Friedel-Crafts alkylation or acylation will still not occur on a benzene ring that is more deactivated than a halobenzene--whether you go to a CC or Stanford.

As far as the adcoms perceptions are concerned, I have a 4.0 and a 97 PCAT. If I was a betting man (and I am), I will lay odds that I will get in somewhere this year.

So go to school wherever you want. Just make sure you take it seriously and kick some a** while you're there. The rest will take care of itself.

Okay, I will play devils advocate on this one. Yes, it is true that the material covered in the sciences will be the same at a CC and a university, but how deeply are you tested on the material at a CC vs. university? Moreover, how is the grading system? Are their curves in place?

These are all questions that come into play and I don't think that it is a CC vs. university debate at all. It is in the professors hands that these issues will be determined.

I go to a CC as well and it is amusing that when the semester starts, the CC's students seem to have prove themselves to their unviversity counterparts in the class. Even though the CC's students do just as well(if not better) than the university students in the end.

I remember this one gal and her UCSD friends in my o-chem class who always made sure everyone knew that they were not a CC students, but rather UCSD students that were taking the class because "it fit their schedule better". They would barely engage in conversation with me and the others (very arrogant) They all did well on the first test (as the grades were posted on Blackboard) and commented to others that it was because they went to UCSD and was pre-med..blah blah. I didn't do so well on the first test and maybe started to believe that I wasn't as prepared as they were. Well let me just say that as the class progressed it was evident that it did not matter what school you attended before. When I received my 97%, 98% and 100% on the following tests and they were getting 60- 65% (class average) I felt like saying to them "Yeah it was me who got the high score... Mrs. Community College HA!" I never said a word though. I get frustrated at times and will probably have to endure this again if and when I get into pharmacy school (even though I hope the students there are more mature and accepting of others background).
Oh well, I guess I will just have to take it. I have learned (the hard way) never to judge people right away and that people are not always what they seem to be.

"Walk softly and carry a big stick!" Great advice!

 

[kkelloww]

Okay, I will play devils advocate on this one. Yes, it is true that the material covered in the sciences will be the same at a CC and a university, but how deeply are you tested on the material at a CC vs. university? Moreover, how is the grading system? Are their curves in place?

These are all questions that come into play and I don't think that it is a CC vs. university debate at all. It is in the professors hands that these issues will be determined.

I go to a CC as well and it is amusing that when the semester starts, the CC's students seem to have prove themselves to their unviversity counterparts in the class. Even though the CC's students do just as well(if not better) than the university students in the end.

I remember this one gal and her UCSD friends in my o-chem class who always made sure everyone knew that they were not a CC students, but rather UCSD students that were taking the class because "it fit their schedule better". They would barely engage in conversation with me and the others (very arrogant) They all did well on the first test (as the grades were posted on Blackboard) and commented to others that it was because they went to UCSD and was pre-med..blah blah. I didn't do so well on the first test and maybe started to believe that I wasn't as prepared as they were. Well let me just say that as the class progressed it was evident that it did not matter what school you attended before. When I received my 97%, 98% and 100% on the following tests and they were getting 60- 65% (class average) I felt like saying to them "Yeah it was me who got the high score... Mrs. Community College HA!" I never said a word though. I get frustrated at times and will probably have to endure this again if and when I get into pharmacy school (even though I hope the students there are more mature and accepting of others background).
Oh well, I guess I will just have to take it. I have learned (the hard way) never to judge people right away and that people are not always what they seem to be.

"Walk softly and carry a big stick!" Great advice!

Curve? What's that? I asked my Chem professor (the toughest ex-Vietnam vet SOB you ever saw) about that and he said it died in high school.

The grading is pretty straitforward: >90% is an A and show up because they take attendance. 😡

Also my Chem prof is tricky. He'll ask questions like "How many electrons are possible in the 4p orbital of oxygen?" Of course I answered zero. If oxygen did have a full 4p orbital, its oxidation state would be about -30 and that can't happen even on the surface of the sun. But I was wrong. It is possible
to have 6. We argued about that one for awhile. Sneaky bastidge...

 

[ButlerPharm.D.]

Who cares whether CC or University, we are wasting time contemplating these issues. All that matters is that you do well and that you get in to Pharmacy school. The CC vs. University debate will be exist until the end of time!

 

[dgroulx]

If you do well on the PCAT, it shouldn't make any difference. The PCAT shows how much you've learned compared to other students. I'd take a CC student with a 90+ PCAT over a 4-year student with a lower PCAT.

 

[kristakoch]

Another reason that a large University is usually regared higher than a CC is purely the full experience you get at an U. At the U, you most likely are not staying at home, have many distractors, and have many more extracirr. to get involved with. Basically at an U, you get much better time management skills, and those skills are priceless. Since pharmacy programs love exrtacirrcs. a large U would be better, I just don't know how you would be able to be involved at a CC. But that's just my opinion.
Also, if you want to continue on after a PharmD, say you start to really like teaching, etc, where you went to undergrad will play into job selection.

 

[xnc123]

XNC, I'm guessing you’re referring to UIC since you mention that the school you plan on attending has a pre-req guide. What CC are you at, CLC? If you are indeed referring to UIC I would say that yes it does matter where your pre-reqs are done. I had a friend that went to CLC and, according to him, he had quite a high GPA yet because he went to a CC he was having a hard time getting into Pharmacy school. Having said that I would say that each person has a unique situation and from your post I take it that you are married and as you have mentioned this has made an impact on what you are able to do in terms of schooling. If you are planning on going to UIC you would need a PCAT above 80 and a GPA above 3.5 to be competitive.

On the topic of why CC I would have to agree with Biogoly.

I go to Moraine and yes, I'm going to apply to UIC.
Don't schools look at more than just grades, test scores, and where you went to school? I'm kicking butt in school but apparently since its CC, it doesn't mean much.
I don't have time for ECs (does PTA count?) I'm also a veteran, a wife & mother, I have experience in the working world as a purchasing agent and a service advisor. Are they really so single sided or are these the things they look at first? Everyone is pushing diversity - especially in schools. How diverse can it be if everyone is basically from the same academic background?

 

[ButlerPharm.D.]

All of those things you mentioned will help you tremendously and help you to stand out when you apply; keep those things in mind when writing your personal statement and during interviews! We are simply stating that because it is a CC it MAY NOT look as remarkable to the admission committees. But, what we say doesn't matter because none of us are on admission committees; we are simply trying to give you a heads-up and some information in regards to what we know.

 

[xnc123]

I appreciate the feedback, good and bad. I worry because I'm the only person in my family to graduate high school, let alone go to college. For a long time I thought I would be stuck with my family's blue collar legacy, but I stopped letting the dream of becoming a pharmacist intimidate me. I rely on the information on SDN because I don't know where else to turn to for help with all of this.
A lot of times the info here helps; sometimes it brings up other issues to worry about.
I just want to say thanks to everyone for being here! 😀

 

[steveysmith54]

I agree with the poster who said it's the opinion of pharm schools that matters.

I'd like to hear from someone who got into a pharm school and went to cc. Several people would be nice...

 

[mattc_85]

I got in UK's program and I am a CC student. I agree with all the comments above about the classes being smaller allowing the profs to spend more one on one time with students. This really helped with classes like organic chem.

 

[Caverject]

i have spoken with some members of some adcoms that prefer univeristies...

but that's not really what you all want to hear so what do i know...

Maybe this post from another thread is one of the reasons why some of the adcoms told you what they told you...

I came into this program with upwards of 3.8 gpa (ya...from a CC tho) and I just got my grades for this semester and averaged 78%....I was below the average in half of my courses....I'm feeling really discouraged.....It's alot harder than I expected...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=3217164&postcount=1

 

[melhos]

Don't worry about it.. you are doing what you have to do and hopefully the adcom will realize that. Students with families are often limited in where they can go due to schedule, finances, etc... Surely there are many non-traditional students that apply every year in your exact same situation

I too am completing my prereqs at a CC (also in IL) simply b/c i don't have a choice. I am married with a child and if I wait until I can attend a 4 year school again I will be waiting a very long time. I am hoping that my existing BA gives me a leg up but it may not since it is non-science related.

Good luck to you!!

 

[Smilescali]

Maybe this post from another thread is one of the reasons why some of the adcoms told you what they told you...


http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=3217164&postcount=1

I think many first year pharmacy students feel this way regardless of where their pre-req's were taken.

 

[funny_pharm]

so what do i know...

My thoughts exactly. Your acceptance into Pharm School does not make your word the gospel. After all this time, you STILL post needless crap.

 

[funny_pharm]

can i get an "amen?!"

AMEN!!

 

[funny_pharm]

I got my BS from a reputable 4 year school, and I went to a CC for my first year and have completed my prereqs at a CC since I graduated. I feel like I got a better education at both CCs that I went to than I ever got at my 4 year school. Anyone else feel that way? My classes were smaller, my teachers knew my name, and I felt like my teachers actually cared about teaching and my education, not just doing research.

Ditto.

 

[ilovepharmacy]

Maybe this post from another thread is one of the reasons why some of the adcoms told you what they told you...


http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=3217164&postcount=1

I wonder if the poster of that post is aware......