financial restrictions

[misty124]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm just in need of opinions/ advice.

I am starting my second year of pre-pharmacy this fall. I am applying this cycle for admission in fall 2012. I am a "guaranteed interview" candidate for the pharmacy school I am applying to. I'm almost sure ill get in but im unsure what to do IF I don't get accepted. It would be financially impossible for me to attend any other pharmacy school. I would have to work enough hours to pay rent, food, gas, etc on my own.. atleast a hundred miles from home. The pharmacy school i hope to attend is 20 minutes from my home (where i live rent-free with my parents & commute to school). The next closest school is 2 hours away.

The reason I would have to support myself without any help from my parents is because my family lives on a VERY limited income- one of my parents is disabled and can't work.

Long story short- would it be bad to mention my financial struggles in my personal statement/ interview?

If I dont get into this pharmacy school I will not be attending ANY pharmacy school next fall but I don't want to appear as a charity case

 

[misty124]

Forgot to add that if i go to any other pharmacy school i have about 10 credits of prerequisites to complete before starting next fall.. i would have to pay for these courses because my financial aid is all used up.

 

[Digsbe]

I am in a similar situation. I go to a local university where I also want to attend pharmacy school (and I commute from home to save money). However, once you get to a graduate level education there is typically enough loan money available for you to pay for tuition and housing expenses.

My advice would be to make sure that you do well in your pre-pharmacy courses. As a second year undergrad you will probably be taking organic chem and some other tougher courses. Does your school have many pre pharmacy students that want to stay there for pharmacy school? At this point in time I would prepare myself to be as competitive as possible. I would recommend searching for a job as a pharmacy tech or see if you can't volunteer/shadow a pharmacist. Prepare for the PCAT, if you are not taking undergraduate courses that make their way into the PCAT (like imuno, A&P, etc) I would study these topics using a PCAT study book so that you can do well on your PCAT.

I'm not so sure that I would discuss your financial situation in your personal statement. I come from a family that isn't wealthy (I also receive a PELL grant) and I am not going to mention my family's income.

Has your disabled parent's condition been an encouraging factor for you to chose pharmacy as a career? If this is the case I think it would be worthwhile to mention that.

 

[misty124]

Thanks for the advice.

I currently work as a pharmacy tech & I took the pcat in July. Ive done extremely well in my classes so far.

I just dont want to have to give up my dream of pharmacy school because Im in a bad financial situation.

If anything, my parent's disability has shown me that I need a solid career plan and a job that can provide me with financial security.