here's my somewhat grim situation..

[Maggols]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I graduated last year with a B.S. in Pharmacology from a UC, my overall GPA was a 3.0 and my science GPA was a 2.7. Since graduating, I have been a technician at CVS for a year now. I am both PTCB and California state licensed. I also just got a pharm tech job at a local hospital where I have been working for 3 months now. I will have strong LORs from my pharmacology professor (which I got an A in), and a pharmacist from both CVS and the hospital. I took the June PCAT and I think I scored somewhere in the 70-85 range.

I plan on applying ASAP to rolling admission schools, as well as any that would allow academic forgiveness because I retook 3 courses and got A's in 2 of them and a B in the other (which would bring my science GPA to a 2.9). Does it look like I have any kind of realistic chance of getting in to pharmacy school? I am willing to apply to new pharmacy schools as well, and pretty much anywhere I can get in. I'm assuming that the fact that my degree in Pharmacology is relevant could give me some slight advantage, and that I got mostly A's in my lectures/labs for it senior year. And it's a program only offered at 3 undergraduate campuses in the US. I also have an option of re-taking the PCAT in August, where I'm positive i'll score in the 90's (math was the section that I know dragged down my score because of the fact I didn't take calc since 5 years ago). So what do you all think current pharmacy students and prospective students?

 

[PointBreak]

I got in this year with a 2.8 GPA so anything is possible
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Transformer]

I graduated last year with a B.S. in Pharmacology from a UC, my overall GPA was a 3.0 and my science GPA was a 2.7. Since graduating, I have been a technician at CVS for a year now. I am both PTCB and California state licensed. I also just got a pharm tech job at a local hospital where I have been working for 3 months now. I will have strong LORs from my pharmacology professor (which I got an A in), and a pharmacist from both CVS and the hospital. I took the June PCAT and I think I scored somewhere in the 70-85 range.

I plan on applying ASAP to rolling admission schools, as well as any that would allow academic forgiveness because I retook 3 courses and got A's in 2 of them and a B in the other (which would bring my science GPA to a 2.9). Does it look like I have any kind of realistic chance of getting in to pharmacy school? I am willing to apply to new pharmacy schools as well, and pretty much anywhere I can get in. I'm assuming that the fact that my degree in Pharmacology is relevant could give me some slight advantage, and that I got mostly A's in my lectures/labs for it senior year. And it's a program only offered at 3 undergraduate campuses in the US. I also have an option of re-taking the PCAT in August, where I'm positive i'll score in the 90's (math was the section that I know dragged down my score because of the fact I didn't take calc since 5 years ago). So what do you all think current pharmacy students and prospective students?

Assuming your PCAT score is above 70 composite and your bio, chem, and math is well above 60 respectively, I am confident you will receive interview invites from non-California pharmacy schools. You have a broad range of pharmacy experience and that should help you in your personal statement, extracurricular activity, job experience, and during your interviews.

well done and good luck!👍

p.s. your situation is not as grim as you previously thought. stay confident!

 

[YapYap6]

Some schools place a lot more emphasis on background and experience than GPA, so I'd say you definitely have a good shot. You have a good PCAT score and great experience.

 

[GT500]

I think you have a great chance mainly because you have substancial experience in the field which will boost your P.S. and your interview. When preparing for your interview, just be prepared to explain your GPA if the adcoms ask you.

 

[RNtoPharmD]

There are too many pharmacy schools right now.. If you are not picky about which schools you want and performed well on PCAT, you can get in! In addition, you have experience in the field. My PCAT was 59, when I was accepted to couple new schools.
There are at least 6 schools that opened this year.!
You still have time if you want to take upper level courses to boost up your GPA this Fall.
My recommendation would be try to apply to a few schools you really want to get in and a few new schools.

 

[rafiki1124]

Hey I think you still can get in. Don't loose confidence coz that's what keeps u going. Apply to schools you think might take you. Good luck.

 

[Maggols]

Thanks a lot everybody for the replies. I feel a lot more confident now and am looking forward to completing my applications 😀

 

[jyw003]

never give up! never surrender!

 

[laimyours]

Your background sounds a lot like mine. Just curious, Did you go to UCSB? I was accepted into that program but i went to a CSU for financial reasons. But anyway, like you i am strong on the experience end but not as strong on the GPA. I think there are a lot of schools out there that will accept you, they might not be in CA but they are out there!

 

[Maggols]

Yep went to UCSB.. best 4 years of my life to date.

 

[mrblah]

If I had those stats, I would definitely focus on out of state schools (non-cali)