Fall 2011 application window opens Friday! Who's in?

[pinksparkly]

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Just thought I would post a friendly thread, as we'll all probably be getting to know each other over the next year.

I am 30, returned to school full-time last year after a long absence, and am hoping like hell that I get in this cycle. I have an okay GPA (almost 3.4 but a 4.0 since returning to school as an adult), several blemishes on my transcripts (couple of Fs, couple of Ws), and a paid admission to the PCAT in a little over two weeks even though the last chemistry class I had was ten years ago (but I'll be taking biochem in the fall).

I have worked for two long-term care pharmacies and one PBM, but this was several years ago - I've been popping out babies for the last couple of years. I have been leading my stepdaughter's Girl Scout troop as volunteer work, but I am a little worried about letters of recommendation (see: recent return to college). I like short to moderate walks on the beach and prefer Franzia to pina coladas. Not too keen on getting caught in the rain.

Who else is out there? What is your background? Share, share!😀

 

[xprettygirl11]

Hi! I'm a rising senior at an HBCU in NC. I'm really nervous, as I'm applying to schools and studying for the PCAT while interning as a student researcher at UNC for the summer (needed money to cover all the application costs!) I'm a Biology major, Chemistry minor, and interned at an outpatient pharmacy last summer.

I'm still making out my list for schools, currently I have six: UNC, VCU, Howard, Hampton, Mercer, and USC (SoCal). I'm taking tons of things into consideration - such as cost, prestige, and location. I'm a small town girl, so I'd love to relocate to a larger city for pharmacy school!

Good luck to everyone!

 

[Maximum404]

Howdy all. I have just finished up a four-year tour as a Naval Officer and am in my second week back at school. Did my first B.S. at WPI and am finishing up my pre-reqs at ODU and TCC here in Hampton Roads. I have a GPA of about 3.0 with no Fs, Ds, or W. Looking to be a 4.0 student now that I have a goal and the dedication to achieve it. The schools I am looking at are UoP, MCPHS, UoW@Twin Cities, Mercer, UoA, and UNC. I am married to a ESL professor so I have to take that into consideration in my schools to a certain extent.

Not sure on when I am taking the PCAT since I haven't done Orgo yet, but I am hoping to knock it out in October and January and still make all the schools I am looking at.

Best of luck to you all and hope to meet some of you along the way!

 

[phathead]

I was in your boat last year and just wanna wish everyone luck. It's a long and extremely stressful process, but at least SDN is here to vent on

 

[rxlea]

Welcome n00bs 🙂 jk

Just last year I was in your boat- stressed, losing my hair, without sleep (working full-time and taking classes all week). I assure you- it is all worth it. The journey will be tiresome (entering in every frickin class you have ever taken into PharmCAS) and exciting (getting that interview invitation), among other things.

We are here to help with any questions you may have but remember:

First read the stickies and then use the search function! 🙂 many answers you seek will be there.

Good luck!

 

[PharmaMaya]

Hi everyone!

I'm applying this year for the 1st time. I've had an interesting last 5 years -- dropping out of college (was Art major), starting a real estate investing company, becoming a realtor, working as a graphic designer, and finally returning to school looking to settle on a career for the rest of my life. Pharmacy is what I decided on almost a year ago. Since then I have volunteered at a retail pharmacy for about 10 months, and I just started volunteering at an outpatient hospital pharmacy. I had some bad grades when I was in school the 1st time, and accrued a lot of credits, so my cumulative GPA at this point is only 3.02 🙁 BUT, my science GPA so far is a 3.93 and math is a 3.5. I have gotten a 3.95 GPA in the time I've returned with 47 credits taken in 11 months. I am taking the PCAT in June and August, and I hope to do well enough on the PCAT to make up for my bad cumulative GPA. I've also held officer positions in 2 different clubs in the last year. And I'll get a bachelor's degree in Chemistry/minor Art by May 2011. Basically I have never worked this hard in my life, for anything...except maybe my marriage! (those of you married will understand)

Good luck to everyone applying this cycle! I can't wait!

I'm looking at UNC , U. Kentucky, U. South Carolina, U. Minnesota, U. Maryland, U. of Illinois @ Chicago, and Ohio State.

 

[delano2000]

I am so ready for this application cycle. I am hopeful that I will be able to submit my PharmCAS app by mid-June. Looking at a couple non PCAT schools such as UoP, Pacific U., Western Univ. to kick things off then some state schools among others. Hoping for the best.

 

[Espada]

Hey everyone! I was in your shoes last year.


MAKE SURE YOU APPLY EARLY and that you keep tabs on dates (open applications for supplementals, and deadlines).


Have at least one person read your personal statement before applying...


Keep track of the fees associated with supplementals.


Take the earliest PCAT....latest August....

 

[NaOH]

Alright chums, let's do this.

 

[JEW UNIT]

Sounds fun 😛...I can't make it for the August PCAT 🙁. I guess I'm in for the October test...Good luck everybody!! Can't wait!

 

[delano2000]

Sounds fun 😛...I can't make it for the August PCAT 🙁. I guess I'm in for the October test...Good luck everybody!! Can't wait!

Same here.

 

[JEW UNIT]

Same here.

Ya...Taking it my first time wasn't the best experience I've ever had...Hope the second time will go more smoothly.

 

[delano2000]

Ya...Taking it my first time wasn't the best experience I've ever had...Hope the second time will go more smoothly.

I didn't do too badly on it my first time but I am trying to improve so I figured it would be best to retake it.

 

[deleted329060]

Why not August? It's still many months away! If you take the August one, you can always take the October one as your last resort. I believe October is the last PCAT most pharmacy schools take (some take January 2012 but not many)

 

[delano2000]

Why not August? It's still many months away! If you take the August one, you can always take the October one as your last resort. I believe October is the last PCAT most pharmacy schools take (some take January 2012 but not many)

I know but I am taking like 4-5 classes in the summer so I won't have much time to prepare for the PCAT then.

 

[ICaPharmD]

It's about that time!

 

[20YearsOfSnow]

Hey everyone! 🙂

I'm a rising fourth-year at a pretty decent university, Biology B.S./Chemistry B.A. major w/ a psych minor, 3.4ish GPA, 99 PCAT, taking the GRE in August. Currently I'm working hard to finish all the research for a paper that I will be submitting to be published this fall as first author. I was a D3 varsity collegiate swimmer for 2.5 years until my shoulder couldn't take the training to swim my events.

I'm applying to PharmD/PhD dual degree programs at UMich, OSU, UW, UB, & UIC, and I may apply to the PharmD programs at UMinn, UCSF, and/or UNC depending on what I can afford and whether I feel like I need more options.

The personal statement is really stressing me out - I want to address both my swimming career (as I feel it really helped me to develop into who I am today) as well as my research (since it's hella interesting and it's what really pushed me towards the PharmD/PhD option). Any tips or advice?

 

[jnmnh]

I'm also in for this cycle. Graduated in '04 and started taking the missing pre-reqs last fall, and have watched my GPA climb to something a little more respectable. Taking the PCAT in June and again in August, again in October if needed.... trying to study while doing a full-time research job and night classes! Now I just need to find time to get experience in a pharmacy!

Good luck to all.

 

[koercive]

The personal statement is really stressing me out - I want to address both my swimming career (as I feel it really helped me to develop into who I am today) as well as my research (since it's hella interesting and it's what really pushed me towards the PharmD/PhD option). Any tips or advice?

the swimming experience is unique and speaks about your character. you could definitely talk about both in your body paragraphs of your PS. adding pharmacy experience on top of that would make for a strong essay

pharmacy experience isn't necessary though. I never worked in a pharmacy (only shadowed a pharmacist), but I was involved with my community and did 2 quarters of research.

 

[xprettygirl11]

When is everyone planning on submitting their app? I'm still a little confused on whether or not the application can be submitted without things such as LORs, PCAT scores, and transcripts.

 

[koercive]

When is everyone planning on submitting their app? I'm still a little confused on whether or not the application can be submitted without things such as LORs, PCAT scores, and transcripts.

I e-submitted (in 2009) my PharmCAS before the all the LORs / transcripts were in. I believe that until everything is in, you're application is not marked as complete.

 

[delano2000]

When is everyone planning on submitting their app? I'm still a little confused on whether or not the application can be submitted without things such as LORs, PCAT scores, and transcripts.

For me, mid June. I believe you can submit the app without those but check out the PharmCAS site for more info.

 

[delano2000]

I e-submitted (in 2009) my PharmCAS before the all the LORs / transcripts were in. I believe that until everything is in, you're application is not marked as complete.

👍

 

[Weakerthan]

I'm applying for 2011 as well. I'm a bit nervous as I'm not sure how I will stack up against the other applicants. I'm 19 with a 3.82 overall GPA and 3.68 Science GPA. I'm hopefully only taking the PCAT this June, but if I do not make a satisfying score, I'll be taking it again in October. If I don't get in, however, I can get my bachelors and apply next year.

 

[delano2000]

I'm applying for 2011 as well. I'm a bit nervous as I'm not sure how I will stack up against the other applicants. I'm 19 with a 3.82 overall GPA and 3.68 Science GPA. I'm hopefully only taking the PCAT this June, but if I do not make a satisfying score, I'll be taking it again in October. If I don't get in, however, I can get my bachelors and apply next year.

How many credit hrs have you obtained so far? Your GPA is well above average. If you have not done so yet, try to gain some work experiences/volunteering and get some ECs out the way as well.

 

[JEW UNIT]

I know but I am taking like 4-5 classes in the summer so I won't have much time to prepare for the PCAT then.

Damn...I'm taking 2 but I'll be in NY for summer II and don't think 2 weeks isn't enough time to study for the test.

 

[UyenRita]

I'm planing on applying this cycle too. My GPA is around the average, which is 3.4. Reading this forum really makes me feel bad about myself, I've seen people here saying they work and earn very high GPA at the same time. I don't know if there are many of people like that or just a few?
I also have some experiences (not much) at a local pharmacy. I'm taking PCAT this August. My goal score is 90, but I'm not sure if I can make it, b'cuz I myself right now don't have any motivation to study at all. I do feel bad about this, but can't help..🙁 Any suggestions to push myself to study, please?
Also, my top-choice school is UIC. My pre-requisite were taken at CC and uni.
I don't know when should I start on my application. I don't have my LoRs as well as PCAT until August. Should I start on the application now or wait until I got all of those done? Really confused!! Please help!

 

[xlala]

I'm really nervous about beginning the application process. I just want to get it over with and then concentrate on my Aug PCAT. I also don't have any pharmacy experience since I was a senior in high school which was four years ago. Do you guys think pharmacy schools will look down on that?

Anyway, good luck everyone!

 

[Weakerthan]

How many credit hrs have you obtained so far? Your GPA is well above average. If you have not done so yet, try to gain some work experiences/volunteering and get some ECs out the way as well.

Not that many, but 72. I would volunteer but am working two jobs already so I won't be able to until the end of this year. What are ECs?

 

[rxlea]

Not that many, but 72. I would volunteer but am working two jobs already so I won't be able to until the end of this year. What are ECs?

Extracurriculars- volunteering, membership/leadership in clubs, projects, research, etc

 

[desmoulins45179]

Hey everyone! 🙂

I'm a rising fourth-year at a pretty decent university, Biology B.S./Chemistry B.A. major w/ a psych minor, 3.4ish GPA, 99 PCAT, taking the GRE in August.

I took the GRE twice - the first time I did great on math/verbal but bombed the writing.
The great thing about the GRE is that you get your verbal and math results back right away! You don't get percentiles for awhile but at least you get a raw score (unlike the PCAT where you get nothing for a long time)

 

[desertraichu]

I'm reapplying tomorrow, i've got my coffee and cigars ready for apps XD

 

[trung08]

God Im super nervous for this year application cycle since it will be the first time I apply to pharm school. I'm really stressed out about the personal statement and I think I've been holding that off because I don't know where to start. I've done research for the past 1.5, but I don't really know how to incorperate it into the personal statement. Any recomendation?

 

[deleted329060]

I'm planing on applying this cycle too. My GPA is around the average, which is 3.4. Reading this forum really makes me feel bad about myself, I've seen people here saying they work and earn very high GPA at the same time. I don't know if there are many of people like that or just a few?
I also have some experiences (not much) at a local pharmacy. I'm taking PCAT this August. My goal score is 90, but I'm not sure if I can make it, b'cuz I myself right now don't have any motivation to study at all. I do feel bad about this, but can't help..🙁 Any suggestions to push myself to study, please?
Also, my top-choice school is UIC. My pre-requisite were taken at CC and uni.
I don't know when should I start on my application. I don't have my LoRs as well as PCAT until August. Should I start on the application now or wait until I got all of those done? Really confused!! Please help!

Where did you go for your pre-reqs? I am a UIC undergrad and just got accepted to UIC! Perhaps I can offer some help?

 

[Shimmery]

Good luck to all of you applying!

 

[dnguyen401]

Wow, can you believe it's time for apps already?! So nervous yet excited. Good luck to all!!

 

[ICaPharmD]

Anybody know what time it opens?

 

[xprettygirl11]

Anybody know what time it opens?

I'm not sure, I checked exactly at midnight last night, then this morning & it's still not showing anything.

 

[rxlea]

It's that time! Good luck peeps! And remember to start entering all those classes in early because it takes forever!! Always double check and triple check for errors in your personal statement and get the contact info for your LORs in there STAT!

Please visit the sticky at the top of the forum for questions about pharmCAS and remember to use the search function. You can search the entire forum or within a specific thread 🙂

 

[delano2000]

Not that many, but 72. I would volunteer but am working two jobs already so I won't be able to until the end of this year. What are ECs?

That's still pretty good. It would be good to try and incorporate some ECs beforehand.

 

[letsEAToranges]

time to rock n roll! 😀 i'll be applying to mainly texas schools & a couple of out-of-states. i'm a post-bacc student, graduated with a business degree last year. wooo-hooo!

 

[UyenRita]

Where did you go for your pre-reqs? I am a UIC undergrad and just got accepted to UIC! Perhaps I can offer some help?

OMG sooo lucky me that I have you. And thank you very much for your offer of helping.
I've just got accepted to LAS college at UIC and im going there in the Fall 2010 to finish up my pre-reqs. I went to Wright College before.
Im not done with pre-reqs until the end of the Spring 2011. Can I start on the application for this coming cycle (2010-11 cycle)?
And, I'm curious about the Pre-Pharm Club at UIC. Do you know about it and how do I join?
Again, I appreciate your offer very much!!😍

 

[UyenRita]

time to rock n roll! 😀 i'll be applying to mainly texas schools & a couple of out-of-states. i'm a post-bacc student, graduated with a business degree last year. wooo-hooo!

I've just checked the PharmCAS 2 mins ago and still don't see any update yet. Is it just me or it's not up yet? 😱

 

[xprettygirl11]

PHARMCAS IS UP! Good luck, everyone! 🙂

 

[musicman123]

PHARMCAS IS UP! Good luck, everyone! 🙂

Good luck to you all! Don't hesitate to ask if you have any question or need clarification, but use the search function first please. 🙂

 

[delano2000]

Let's get this party started. Good luck.👍

 

[samurai361]

It isn't up for me yet. Hmm. and no I don't live in california but the east coast.

 

[rxlea]

It is open for everyone. Are you sure you are on the correct page?

 

[rxlea]

Once again, please use the sticky at the top of the page to post all your Pharmcas related questions. All pharmcas questions will me moved into that sticky.

 

[pinksparkly]

Started my app! Established my login, anyway.😎