Help. Lost pre-pharm student!

[mbpuffer]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi everyone I would like to get some input on what you would suggest doing with my given circumstances below.


I will be taking the PCAT for the first time in July 2011.
I will be retaking a few prereqs (to raise my sGPA) and public speaking at the community college from August - December 2011.
I will retake the PCAT in January 2012, if needed.
I will set up my PharmCAS application in April 2012 and apply for the Fall 2012 class.



Questions:
1] Do I need to "save" my PCAT score so it appears on my PharmCAS application in the future? Or will PharmCAS pull it up automatically a year later when I create my login name? Or do I need to create a PharmCAS login name this year to save my PCAT score to my profile?


2] When I take my PCAT in July it will ask if I would like my score forwarded to any schools. I would just leave this blank as I do not have a corresponding PharmCAS application filled out, correct?


3] For those that have walked down this path before, is there anything else you would suggest? I have inquired about volunteer experiences at my local pharmacies but have had no luck. 🙁



Random tidbit of information - I received my B.S. in Biology in 2006 and went into a different career path because I had a low GPA. I had some personal issues and all I was aiming towards was graduation. I am now re-entering the science field.

 

[Project2015]

This info will probably change your questions.

To enter Fall 2012, you apply starting June 2011.

1] If you still intend to apply for Fall 2012, then this question is no longer relevant as you will designate PharmCAS on your July 2011 PCAT.

PharmCAS doesn't save anything unless you apply (i.e., submit app and pay) that cycle.

2] You only need to designate the schools that don't use PharmCAS.

 

[BabyBelle]

As project 2015 mentioned, if you want to enter school in Fall 2012, you apply a year before, which is Summer 2011. RESEARCH EACH SCHOOL YOU WANT TO APPLY TO FOR PHARMCAS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DEADLINES. You can have classes and PCAT scores in progress if you do this. You will just have to mention that in your PharmCAS. It should also be noted that not all schools accept January PCAT scores.

1. PharmCAS doesn't hold on to anything (no LORS, no PCAT Scores, etc.).

2. For the July PCAT exam, you get a few scores sent for free (3 I believe). Designate one to PharmCAS and you can choose the rest however you want.

3. If you have no pharmacy experience, it would help to obtain some, not only because it helps out your application but also because you really want to gain some hands on experience to make sure that this is the career path you want to pursue. There are people who get into pharmacy school without any experience, but it helps to have some if your application isn't as strong.

 

[mbpuffer]

Would it be pointless to apply summer 2011 since I know my gpa is low (around 2.5) and I don't even meet majority of school's minimum gpa requirement? I was planning on retaking 3 prereqs and completing another prereq in hopes of raising my gpa THEN applying.

 

[BabyBelle]

Would it be pointless to apply summer 2011 since I know my gpa is low (around 2.5) and I don't even meet majority of school's minimum gpa requirement? I was planning on retaking 3 prereqs and completing another prereq in hopes of raising my gpa THEN applying.

I'm going to be straight forward and say that it is pointless to apply with a 2.5 GPA and it would be a waste of money. You are on the right track though, in terms of boosting up your GPA and studying for your PCAT. Make sure you do well on the PCAT and also make sure you have strong ECS and pharmacy experience. Make sure you also do well in all the future courses you take. Once you do this, you will be a stronger candidate.