High School Senior in need of some help

[Mark4275]

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Hey, I am fairly new to the board. So hello to all. I am just coming to ask a few questions about Pharmacy.

Recently, I have been very interested in pursuing Pharmacy in college. I just have a few questions. I have been messaging a few members of the board, so to some of you this may seem a bit familiar.

My first question is, how do six year program school compare to 2+4 year schools? I have been very concerned about this lately. I fear that I will finish 2 years of pre-pharmacy then be denied to Pharmacy school. So, that leads me to apply to six year programs. I am looking at FAMU, Ohio Northern, and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. I would also apply to three 2+4 colleges: Oklahoma University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and university of Florida.

This leads to my second question. How hard are Six year programs to get into straight out of college? And, how do you apply to them? Is there a spot on the application that you select if you are wanting to do the Six year college?

My third question is, how would I go about getting experience in Pharmacy either as a pharmacy tech or job shadow. I have applied to CVS and walgreens to get a Pharm tech job, but have gotten nothing back. I am going to talk to a family friend who is a Pharmasist and maybe job shadow if he allows me.

Any and all advice or additional information is very helpful. I have been looking at the forums reading and re-reading all information about what needs to be done and what not. Just looking for a few specific questions to be answered.

 

[esrodems]

There are several advantages to applying and getting into a 0-6 program the main one being that you're in and don't have to worry as much about keeping your GPA up for your first two years of undergrad which can be tough for some students to make the transition especially if they get into going out all the time and not devoting enough time to studying. Having said that it is the reputation of some 0-6 programs to admit far more student then they can graduate which means overcrowded class, less student:faculty interaction and more competitiveness amongst students. There are also fewer schools that offer the 0-6 program. If you are really interested in doing this Albany COP is another school that offers the 0-6.

Personally I would recommend the 2-4 program b/c you have more schools to choose from and I think as far as reputation and quality of the program I think many of the 2-4 programs are better...this is just my opinion. What you could do is apply to a couple of 0-6 programs and if you don't get in or are unsure if you like the program then just take your 2-3 yrs of pre-reqs at any college and then apply to the schools (2-4 programs) you're interested in.

Essentially I would not stress about getting into an 0-6 program if you are a good student and you work hard then you will get in to one of your choices. Besides having good grades make sure to get pharmacy experience and form relationships with faculty and pharmacists who are going to be able to write you strong recommendations. I think these factors are very important for admission as well as making sure you've researched the profession and why it's the right decision for you. Try volunteering in the pharmacy dept at a hospital that's how I was able to get my experience, I know they are often looking for people in the summer but usually if you are persistent and explain you're going to pharmacy school then you can usually get some experience that way.

Hope this helps and msg me if you have any more questions.

Erin

 

[glowworm]

Hi Mark! this is totally off topic, but...I'm from Oklahoma too (Lawton), a HS senior,interested in pharmacy, and looking at some of the same schools, and wondering about the 2+4 and 0+6 too...so just introducing myself I guess🙂

 

[Farmercyst]

Have you checked out the aspire forum? (link in "notices" above)

 

[Mark4275]

I did not ever recognize that, no. Thanks for the heads up though.

 

[OKgirl]

Hey, I'm from OKC too! I think the reason why you haven't got a tech job is because you have to be 18 and graduated from HS. If I were you, I'd talk to the family friend about shadowing or volunteering.

 

[Mark4275]

I have talked to all family friends, talked to all independent pharmacys within fifteen miles. I am going to fill out some paper work to do a job shadow at mercy. Hopefully they accept me. I just need something under my belt.

Even if I job shadow would that help me at all on an application? Or would it have to be actual work or volunteering?

 

[Snake Doctor]

As long as you know what you're getting into, then you're fine. They realize HS students are limited in terms of how much experience you guys can get.
With the shadowing, you can incorporate your experience into your personal statement. Ideally, some volunteering work under your belt would be great, but any other type of community service should suffice (which you should be doing already in HS). Do something you enjoy and shadow.