Hi everyone, I am a new member here. I really want to get into a pharmacy school, and I am willing to do anything to get into one. However, one thing that is holding me down is my GPA. I started off my freshman year doing ok. I had a cumulative GPA of 3.0. However, during the two semesters of my sophomore year, my gpa went down. The first semester was 1.10 and the second semester was 1.27. Right now, my overall GPA is 2.12. Primarily, it was due to a very personal problem I had been dealing with. I even went to a few counselors who helped me a lot in overcoming my problems. However, since my problem affected my academics, right now I am completely devastated. I am in academic probation right now. I am not sure if anyone else has been in my situation before, but if someone can tell me what I should do now and if there is still chance for me to get into a pharmacy school, that would be really appreciated. I am a junior in college and haven't taken PCAT yet. I would really appreciate your help and will work towards it no matter how difficult the task may be. Thanks everyone.
High Ambition with Low GPA
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Retake courses that you received low grades in and study hard for the PCAT. If you can get an 80+ PCAT that will help a lot. Right now I would just concentrate on getting the GPA back to 3.0. Also try to get some pharmacy experience, as that will help to improve your chances and give you a source for good LoR. (They like LoR from Pharmacists more then professors, as they know what it takes to be a pharmacist)
Pretty much you just have to take it one step at a time. Even if it means dropping down to smaller course loads just to get yourself corrected. There is no shame in failure, only in giving up.
Pretty much you just have to take it one step at a time. Even if it means dropping down to smaller course loads just to get yourself corrected. There is no shame in failure, only in giving up.
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i can get you in touch with my friend who has been an inside source of sorts for me for some time. almost identical situation except he graduated undergrad with a 2.1 and was accepted to pharmacy school a couple years later when he applied. if you want to speak with him, PM me.
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Let me refer you to a thread I made over a year ago, which referred to a thread I made about 4 years ago. 
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=835625
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=835625
I also had some "very personal problems". When I was a teenager, somehow I got into my head that every day was supposed to be similar to a Pink Floyd concert. My nickname back then was "longstock"... Don't ask me how I got that nickname.
Anyway, I also had a 1.3 GPA semester, and I received 3 F's, and one W. Luckily, I did not take any student loans.
My solution to the problem was to drop school altogether, and enter the workforce from the bottom up for 10 years straight. After 10 years of working in retail for 50-60 hours a week just to live paycheck to paycheck, I learned some of life's best lessons about hard work, integrity, and consistency.
A suggestion that is rarely made on this message board is to put your "dreams" on hold for a while and see what the real world is like for a few years. You will find out really fast that the large majority of people in this world do not have the time, or opportunity, available to pursue their "dreams".
For some reason, I get that impression here, and would like to suggest that you take some time away from school and work full time for a couple years to figure out exactly what you want, and to help yourself to obtain those skills necessary to be successful in your life/goals.
Good luck
Anyway, I also had a 1.3 GPA semester, and I received 3 F's, and one W. Luckily, I did not take any student loans.
My solution to the problem was to drop school altogether, and enter the workforce from the bottom up for 10 years straight. After 10 years of working in retail for 50-60 hours a week just to live paycheck to paycheck, I learned some of life's best lessons about hard work, integrity, and consistency.
A suggestion that is rarely made on this message board is to put your "dreams" on hold for a while and see what the real world is like for a few years. You will find out really fast that the large majority of people in this world do not have the time, or opportunity, available to pursue their "dreams".
For some reason, I get that impression here, and would like to suggest that you take some time away from school and work full time for a couple years to figure out exactly what you want, and to help yourself to obtain those skills necessary to be successful in your life/goals.
Good luck
Agreed. Maturity/life skills obtained by entering the 'real world' where an educational institution is not an umbrella over your head could really help you in ways just working on your gpa right now can't.
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How do you know you want to be a pharmacist? Do you have any work experience?
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I almost cried :cry:Let me refer you to a thread I made over a year ago, which referred to a thread I made about 4 years ago.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=835625
owlegrad
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It really is an awesome story. I am going to nominate it for "Thread of the day" 👍
That would be really helpful if you can somehow get me in touch with your friend. Thanks so much. I will be waiting for your response.
I would nominate it too. I love it when people work extremely hard and are able to turn their lives around for the better! 👍👍
Unfortunately, ambition means very little if you don't have the drive nor the skill. Just because you want something doesn't mean that you'll actually get it unless you aim and go for it! This may sound harsh but I do hope you'll understand the meaning of this. Good luck.
I am getting a lot of negative vibes here on my thread. So far only one or two people are willing to show any genuine effort, the rest are just telling me that I have no chance to turn my way around and get into a pharmacy school. Is that life is all about? Accepting the defeat and not thinking about a way to get better? You are right, I am aiming for it and I am willing to do anything to improve my GPA, and my skills. It's not like I slept through my college classes and did minimal amount of work. I am asking for help so that if any of you can genuinely help me out, I can somehow get into a pharmacy school, even if it is a low quality school.
Are you calling me the negative nancy? If so, then try to understand that, just because you don't have any problems in your life, doesn't mean its perfect. And, even though it is, you are thinking that everyone else's life "should" be perfect like yours. I am not sure if this is what you mean, but you need to clarify yourself.
owlegrad
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I think it was meant as a more general comment, I didn't take it to mean it was directed at anyone.
How do I know I want to be a pharmacist? Good question and the answer is: I like the field, and no, I don't have any work experience. I am starting to volunteer in two days.
What are you talking about? You have received very good advice here. I think you just want an instant fix is all.
Let me refer you to a thread I made over a year ago, which referred to a thread I made about 4 years ago.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=835625
Yes, I did receive some good advice here, but others were also driving my hopes down. I don't want an instant fix. I am willing to work hard for it. For instance, smercer, DrDrugs2012, Falokis, gave me exceptional advice. I even contacted DrDrugs 2012 to help me to get into contacting his friend. I understand, others were trying to help me out too, but I don't know how dropping my classes altogether and working for 10 years, 50-60 hours a week can help me at this point. I truly appreciate Pojman's help, and his inspirational, and hardworking story, but I can't drop classes, or take a year off and work outside. I can delay my graduation for one year and try to fix my grade and ace PCATs. ACE Rx, told me that I don't have the drive, nor the skill. If I don't have the drive, then why am I even posting here asking for help? Just for fun? No!
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Good! 👍
I had mediocre grades at one point in undergrad. Once I became a technician something just clicked and it gave me the drive to pursue pharmacy school. I finished my bachelors with an upward trend in GPA, a vindicating PCAT in terms of my grades in basic science classes, and almost two years of work experience. I have no doubt that without the later two i wouldn't have received an invite to interview.
We don't know your situation personally, but you face an uphill battle regardless. Take comments on here as constructive criticism and motivation.
Yah, I am also thinking of taking the PTCB exam, to become a Certified Technician, and then find a job at a local pharmacy. I understand that I do have to show some upward trend in my transcript and a good PCAT. I am in my junior year now, with 2.21, an overall GPA. I got 2 Ds in O-Chem. No Fs, and Cs in Physics and Stats. You've said, you had mediocre grades. What was it around? When do you suggest I should take the PCAT? I have spoken to my pre-pharmacy advisor and all she tells me is to improve on my GPA, which I will do under any circumstances. What else do you suggest I should do besides these? How can I convince or prove to pharm admission committe that I am no trash from a dumpster. Thanks again.
user 2012:
I am currently applying for pharmacy school this cycle, and I did very poorly in undergrad as well. Some people just like to step on others when they're down. They told me I should have known that I was going to be applying for professional school, and it is my fault for doing poorly. They said I had my chance, and I screwed it up. (Exact words from a dental school professor at UCSF. Like you, I was just asking for ways to improve. Then he told me to consider teaching). The truth is not everybody is the same and knows what they're doing from the start.
Even though it sounds harsh, you still have to accept some responsibility for it. Every quarter I would say it's time to turn it around. But it didn't really happen. It's one thing to say I am going to improve my GPA and another to actually succeed at it.
Anything is possible. Nobody can say you have zero chance at getting into a pharmacy school. You still have a whole year to turn it around. Schools do not accept prereq grades under a C so you'd have to retake those classes, and if you get As in them that'll definitely show them you can handle it. If you can dominate your senior year and score really well on the PCAT, I'm sure some schools will consider you.
I am currently applying for pharmacy school this cycle, and I did very poorly in undergrad as well. Some people just like to step on others when they're down. They told me I should have known that I was going to be applying for professional school, and it is my fault for doing poorly. They said I had my chance, and I screwed it up. (Exact words from a dental school professor at UCSF. Like you, I was just asking for ways to improve. Then he told me to consider teaching). The truth is not everybody is the same and knows what they're doing from the start.
Even though it sounds harsh, you still have to accept some responsibility for it. Every quarter I would say it's time to turn it around. But it didn't really happen. It's one thing to say I am going to improve my GPA and another to actually succeed at it.
Anything is possible. Nobody can say you have zero chance at getting into a pharmacy school. You still have a whole year to turn it around. Schools do not accept prereq grades under a C so you'd have to retake those classes, and if you get As in them that'll definitely show them you can handle it. If you can dominate your senior year and score really well on the PCAT, I'm sure some schools will consider you.
I've read all the comments thus far and not one person has said you have no chance. We are all saying that if you put in the effort and have the drive to turn yourself around -- it is possible. You may not have slept through your courses but something happened to put you where you are right now. Whether or not you are able to pick yourself up and overcome this ordeal is completely up to you.
You may want to reconsider that statement about being so desperate that going to a low quality pharmacy school, receiving a low quality education, earning a debt that is higher than most other schools, and becoming a mediocre, bottom-feeding pharmacist is okay with you. If you don't put your all and trying to be the best you can be, why bother? It's okay if you get into a school that you didn't want but aiming for the bottom isn't impressive and is not representative of a person I would want in my field.
It just seems as if you don't take constructive criticism very well which won't get you far in any profession or in life.
Whoa, do read my message to you again. It seems that you did not understand my point. I have been in horrible situations just as you have so don't just go off thinking that only you have it worse. If you read it 10 more times and still don't understand, feel free to PM me and I will clarify down a few notches for you.
Speaking of schools that will consider me, I am thinking of applying only to those schools those require a min. GPA of 2.5. There are others whose min. GPA is 3.5, and I know they won't even look at my application. Since you said that you were also in my shoes, what have you done, or are currently doing to overcome your obstacles. If you can share, then perhaps I can get a better insight, and start doing those things to bump myself a little higher. Your help will be genuinely appreciated.
You actually opened my eyes. After reading your post, my viewpoint has changed. What I have said before about going to a low quality pharmacy school, came out due to sheer lack of knowledge, and my poor academic performance. I didn't know that going to a low-quality school will make me low-quality pharmacist. I always thought that all I would need is the PharmD degree and a license and then that would be enough for me. However, personally, I never wanted to go to a ok-school. I want to go to a good school, so that I can have the exceptional skills compared to other pharmacists. Thanks ACE Rx. The only reason I said that, because I think the minute the admission board sees my low GPA, they will automatically disqualify me as a potential candidate. I can spend money to apply, no problem with that. But, I will get turned down, and move down to some other schools. I think right now, I am confused about what to do, which direction to go. Yes, you are right, people here did give me some good advice. No, you are right, life is all about winning, but how can I convince them that I am more than just a piece of number on paper? Exceptional Personal Statement? Yah, I can do that. But, how do I get a great LoR? I have no experience, never worked at a pharmacy. I am on my way to get into volunteering. What do you suggest here, ACE Rx?
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user2012,
GPA is important, but it is still only one part of a package. If you have a lower than average gpa, you can always improve your chance by improving other criteria. Retake a few classes as others have suggested because some school will just throw your application out after seeing your gpa (At least raise it to 2.5~2.75 for school to take you seriously)
Here is some good stuff I got off from University of Washington COP for you. Use it to improve the quality of your application.
(http://sop.washington.edu/images/stories/school_of_pharmacy/PharmD/asp/brochure.pdf)
CRITERIA
HOW THE APPLICANT
DEMONSTRATES CRITERIA
Academic preparedness
Academic integrity in accordance with Student
Conduct Code
Completion of prerequisite coursework
Credit load, withdrawals
Recent completion of prerequisites
Prerequisite GPA, Cumulative GPA
PCAT scores
TOEFL scores (if applicable)
Academic achievement (degrees earned)
Academic letter of reference
Oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
Application essays
Leadership roles
Interview
Motivation to study pharmacy
Awareness of issues facing pharmacy
and society with regard to health
Pharmacy and/or other healthcare experience
Research experience
Community service
Interview
Critical-thinking ability
Decision-making ability
Problem-solving ability
Creativity
Resourcefulness
Academic achievement (degrees earned)
Leadership roles
Community service
Personal attributes
Interview
Leadership
Leadership roles
Extracurricular activities
Community service
Personal attributes
Academic and Professional letters of reference
Interview
Personal attributes: compassion, integrity, sensitivity, maturity, judgment, initiative, self-discipline, responsibility
Application essays
Leadership roles
Extracurricular activities
Community service
Academic and Professional letters of reference
Interview
Edit:
To ACE Rx,
I am curious. Do you mind listing out which schools are low quality? I always thought it is the student that make the school good, not the other way around. I have taken classes at different schools, and frankly speaking the quality of the education is the same.
GPA is important, but it is still only one part of a package. If you have a lower than average gpa, you can always improve your chance by improving other criteria. Retake a few classes as others have suggested because some school will just throw your application out after seeing your gpa (At least raise it to 2.5~2.75 for school to take you seriously)
Here is some good stuff I got off from University of Washington COP for you. Use it to improve the quality of your application.
(http://sop.washington.edu/images/stories/school_of_pharmacy/PharmD/asp/brochure.pdf)
CRITERIA
HOW THE APPLICANT
DEMONSTRATES CRITERIA
Academic preparedness
Academic integrity in accordance with Student
Conduct Code
Completion of prerequisite coursework
Credit load, withdrawals
Recent completion of prerequisites
Prerequisite GPA, Cumulative GPA
PCAT scores
TOEFL scores (if applicable)
Academic achievement (degrees earned)
Academic letter of reference
Oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
Application essays
Leadership roles
Interview
Motivation to study pharmacy
Awareness of issues facing pharmacy
and society with regard to health
Pharmacy and/or other healthcare experience
Research experience
Community service
Interview
Critical-thinking ability
Decision-making ability
Problem-solving ability
Creativity
Resourcefulness
Academic achievement (degrees earned)
Leadership roles
Community service
Personal attributes
Interview
Leadership
Leadership roles
Extracurricular activities
Community service
Personal attributes
Academic and Professional letters of reference
Interview
Personal attributes: compassion, integrity, sensitivity, maturity, judgment, initiative, self-discipline, responsibility
Application essays
Leadership roles
Extracurricular activities
Community service
Academic and Professional letters of reference
Interview
Edit:
To ACE Rx,
I am curious. Do you mind listing out which schools are low quality? I always thought it is the student that make the school good, not the other way around. I have taken classes at different schools, and frankly speaking the quality of the education is the same.
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Glad to hear that. 🙂 There's no point in doing something if you don't give it your best shot.
Getting into a pharmacy technician job would be the best way to get experience and possibly a pharmacist mentor. However, I know this is not always the case. What I ended up doing was getting a volunteering position in a pharmacy at a local hospital and go from there.
You make a good point. However, schools with better reputations typically attract higher performing students. Not to say that students at other schools are bad but usually they have a better crop of students to choose from. Just look at the admission statistics.
Once you get in, the quality of education you receive varies upon many different factors. The faculty you'll be learning from, the preceptors, experiences, and internships that are available to you, supportive alumni that give back in the form of scholarships and mentorships, etc. The part you play as a student and how much you put into your education also plays a factor. I personally know of preceptors that will not accept students at certain schools due the experiences that they've had with them. Therefore, you implying that all pharmacy school's education and opportunities are the same is moot.
I am not going to bother listing schools as I'm not going to get into the saturation/new schools popping up topic here. Just look on posts throughout SDN and you should be able to identify them yourself.
I have looked through and identified these following fully accredited Pharmacy schools, that accept 2.5 as a minimum GPA. If I work hard I can pull above 2.5 GPA before I apply. Can someone please give me some recommendations on these following schools?
Appalachian College of Pharmacy Oakwood, VA
Auburn University
"Campbell University Buies Creek, NC"
"Chicago State University Chicago, IL"
"Howard University Washington D.C."
"Midwestern University Glendale Campus"
Shenandoah University
South Carolina College of Pharmacy
The University of Tennessee - Memphis, TN
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - Little Rock, AK
University of Colorado - Aura, CO
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
University of Kentucky
University of Maryland - Baltimore, MD
University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City, OK
University of the Incarnate Word - San Antonio, TX
Appalachian College of Pharmacy Oakwood, VA
Auburn University
"Campbell University Buies Creek, NC"
"Chicago State University Chicago, IL"
"Howard University Washington D.C."
"Midwestern University Glendale Campus"
Shenandoah University
South Carolina College of Pharmacy
The University of Tennessee - Memphis, TN
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - Little Rock, AK
University of Colorado - Aura, CO
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
University of Kentucky
University of Maryland - Baltimore, MD
University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City, OK
University of the Incarnate Word - San Antonio, TX
Most of the state schools that you listed are fairly prestigious. However, they may be very competitive to get into, especially if you are from out of state.
Shenandoah University has a very supportive environment among staff/faculty and students. I believe the average GPA of accepted students is 3.3.
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It's the internet. These people aren't putting you down, they are just giving you their opinions. Opinions are not facts so if you want to, just don't read the negative ones. If you asked for constructive criticism on the internet, then by golly you will get it.
my $0.02
Keep in mind a minimum GPA is just a bare minimum. No guarantees that you will be accepted but only that they will look at your application for a solid 2 seconds before decided whether or not to trash it.
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I am determined to apply with a 1.8, so if there is hope for me, there is hope for you! I am determined however, so I don't care how long it takes me, I know I will get there.
Good luck to you! If you believe in yourself and work your butt off you can do it!! 🙂
Good luck to you! If you believe in yourself and work your butt off you can do it!! 🙂
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Man,
I totally understand how you feel and based on the other threads dealing with this topic it is the most positive I have seen yet. Firstly, I truly believe that when (key word WHEN) you become a Pharmacist you will be an awesome and a great mentor for future pre-pharmacy students. Why? Because your desperately determined to achieve your dream despite all the things stacked against you. Like others have said, if you want it you'll have to stay focused, have a great worth ethic and be humble. Secondly, when you volunteer treat it like its your job, even though your not getting paid. That will impress the pharmacy staff and improve your chances of getting a solid LOR. Thirdly, study hard for the PCAT so you can score well the 1st time around (Dr. C, Kaplan and Peterson's exams). I would imagine if you get a score in the 80's that would look really good and you'd save a butt load of money. Finally, always remember that its not your failures or situation that defines who you are but, what you did to improve or turn the situation around. Do give up and fight for your future even if your the only one who believes it. 👍
I totally understand how you feel and based on the other threads dealing with this topic it is the most positive I have seen yet. Firstly, I truly believe that when (key word WHEN) you become a Pharmacist you will be an awesome and a great mentor for future pre-pharmacy students. Why? Because your desperately determined to achieve your dream despite all the things stacked against you. Like others have said, if you want it you'll have to stay focused, have a great worth ethic and be humble. Secondly, when you volunteer treat it like its your job, even though your not getting paid. That will impress the pharmacy staff and improve your chances of getting a solid LOR. Thirdly, study hard for the PCAT so you can score well the 1st time around (Dr. C, Kaplan and Peterson's exams). I would imagine if you get a score in the 80's that would look really good and you'd save a butt load of money. Finally, always remember that its not your failures or situation that defines who you are but, what you did to improve or turn the situation around. Do give up and fight for your future even if your the only one who believes it. 👍
