help!! should i apply this cycle or next cycle?

[Member20192019]

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Hey all, I'm just now thinking about graduating a year early to apply to VCU School of Pharmacy, but am worried about my GPA.

Currently Attending: University of Virginia (will graduate one year early with a BS in biology if I apply this cycle)
Cumulative GPA: 3.15
Pre-req GPA: 2.7
PCAT composite- 99 (chemistry- 99, biology- 99, quantitative- 96, verbal analysis- 98, reading comprehension- 96)

I have taken many upper level biology classes- cell biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, microbiology lab, human genetics, evolution of sex, tissue engineering, and some others.
I have finished all pre-reqs except for biochemistry, physics, and public speaking.

Pharmacy tech at local hospital for 2 years
Volunteer in the pharmacy at UVA hospital
Involved in the pre-pharmacy club at UVA

My LORs would be from my boss at the pharmacy, a science professor, and another pharmacist.
The only reason I would stay another year at UVa would be to try to raise my science GPA.

What do you all think I should do- this cycle or next?

 

[JuT]

it's not gonna hurt if u try for this cycle. U got a good chance....... AND how did u get that PCAT composite with that GPA??? study tips? lol

 

[trangtn]

You can definitely apply this cycle, it's not too late. While your GPA is a bit on the lower end, I definitely think your PCAT and your ec's and essay can land you interviews. If you feel you're ready, try applying to a few schools 🙂

 

[Member20192019]

Yeah I was surprised to see my PCAT score! I studied for about a month and a half over the summer for 3-4 hours each day with Collins and Kaplan.

Starting a PharmCAS application right now wouldn't be too late into the cycle? I just feel my gpa is a hurdle that definitely drags my application down.

 

[trangtn]

Yeah I was surprised to see my PCAT score! I studied for about a month and a half over the summer for 3-4 hours each day with Collins and Kaplan.

Starting a PharmCAS application right now wouldn't be too late into the cycle? I just feel my gpa is a hurdle that definitely drags my application down.

It's definitely not too late. Watch for the school's deadlines though. I know CA schools have a 11/1 deadline. And don't worry, plenty of people start their applications in October/November since many schools' deadlines aren't until February or March. You can do it!

It really depends on you. If you feel confident in your essay and the rest of your application, I say go for it. If you really aren't that confident about your GPA, you can always hold off for the next cycle and try to bring up the GPA through cc classes.

 

[88888888]

Apply NOW! You can always go back for your bachelors lol..if you ever wanted. You're GPA is good enough, and PCAT is amazing. You'll get into just about every school that requires PCAT. Given, you are knowledgable about pharmacy and show your passion to your interviewers.

 

[cubpanda]

Apply this cycle! It's still (fairly) early!

Your GPA is OK, but your PCAT score is amazing! It helps that you will have your Bachelor's by the time you start Pharm school/it will help you get interviews.

If you can shoot out your PharmCas by 2-3 weeks and finish your supplementals shortly after, you have a pretty good shot.

If you wanted to apply to pharmacy schools out here in California, most deadlines are 11/1/2013 (as someone had stated above!), but they hardly accept OOS. Err, at least UCSF/UCSD do not accept many.

And.... even if you don't get in this cycle, you can always apply again next cycle. Doesn't hurt (that much) to shoot what you got + you have a good load of experience!

Good luck 🙂

 

[pharmerjohn]

Hey all, I'm just now thinking about graduating a year early to apply to VCU School of Pharmacy, but am worried about my GPA.

Currently Attending: University of Virginia (will graduate one year early with a BS in biology if I apply this cycle)
Cumulative GPA: 3.15
Pre-req GPA: 2.7
PCAT composite- 99 (chemistry- 99, biology- 99, quantitative- 96, verbal analysis- 98, reading comprehension- 96)

I have taken many upper level biology classes- cell biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, microbiology lab, human genetics, evolution of sex, tissue engineering, and some others.
I have finished all pre-reqs except for biochemistry, physics, and public speaking.

Pharmacy tech at local hospital for 2 years
Volunteer in the pharmacy at UVA hospital
Involved in the pre-pharmacy club at UVA

My LORs would be from my boss at the pharmacy, a science professor, and another pharmacist.
The only reason I would stay another year at UVa would be to try to raise my science GPA.

What do you all think I should do- this cycle or next?

You should definitely apply! Your gpa is about the same as mine, but your PCAT... Well, your PCAT is a helluvalot better! 😀 You should have no problem getting into schools that consider PCAT. In your personal essay, point out that you've made changes and that you are capable of handling the pharmacy curriculum, and you should have no problem getting interviews! Good luck to us both! 🙂

 

[Mur7ay]

Wouldn't hurt to apply this period

 

[pharmdx92]

Apply. Maybe add a school or two to ensure your chances of getting accepted, but I would not worry too much.