Gap year after undergrad?

[regretless]

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Hi guys! I'm new to the forum and I'm interested in pharmacy 🙂

I'm a 3rd year undergrad in CA with a 3.2 cum gpa. I haven't calculated my science gpa yet, I'm assuming it's much lower (I received too many C's 🙁).

My stats are no where near competitive and I am thinking about applying a year after I graduate with my B.S. I am thinking about taking some science classes at a community college while volunteering at a retail pharmacy (I've only acquired ~50 hours so far).

I was wondering if I should re-take prereq courses I've received a C in or should I take other science courses instead? What other things should I do to make myself more competitive during my gap year? Should I take on a hospital internship as well? I want to stay in California but I'm thinking about taking the PCAT to broaden my options also.

Thanks!

 

[sdcaligurl]

Hi guys! I'm new to the forum and I'm interested in pharmacy 🙂

I'm a 3rd year undergrad in CA with a 3.2 cum gpa. I haven't calculated my science gpa yet, I'm assuming it's much lower (I received too many C's 🙁).

My stats are no where near competitive and I am thinking about applying a year after I graduate with my B.S. I am thinking about taking some science classes at a community college while volunteering at a retail pharmacy (I've only acquired ~50 hours so far).

I was wondering if I should re-take prereq courses I've received a C in or should I take other science courses instead? What other things should I do to make myself more competitive during my gap year? Should I take on a hospital internship as well? I want to stay in California but I'm thinking about taking the PCAT to broaden my options also.

Thanks!

Well if you are applying a year after you graduate, then you will have 2 years off from school (assuming you graduate in spring.) You should check out the PharmCAS application when the new application cycle begins this summer, so you can get a feel for what you will be doing. I would think about re-taking organic chemistry courses if you didn't do well in those. Otherwise maybe try some other upper div bio courses, and try to earn A's to boost your GPA. It wouldn't hurt to eventually take the PCAT either, because you will probably find that you want to apply to a few schools outside of Cali.

I would recommend getting your tech license if you don't have it. You can pick up a copy of Mosby's pharmacy tech review book and take the PTCB test. This national certification will allow you to apply for your California tech license, making it easier for you to get hired somewhere. I'm in my gap year now working in compounding and retail and I'm really glad I took time off from school. As for the hospital internship, I don't know if those exist anymore. I couldn't find any open volunteer spots in retail or hospitals.