High School Student Stressed Out!!!! HELPP!!!

[Strutter]

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Guys. I am in HS right now. I live in BC, Canada. I'm in gr. 11, and I have an average of about 80% right now. That sucks. I usually get around 85%.

I'm really considering to become a pharmacist, but I have so many questions to bombard you guys with. I hope you guys can handle it...

1. Do I go to college (1 year) then transfer to pharmacy school.

Eg. 1 year of college at kwantlen, then 4 years at UBC?

2. How competative is it? Eg. Applying for UBC?

I hear that it is very easy for people to apply for pharmacy schol, and I also hear rumors that it is competative, but not as competative as dent or med or vet. I want to know the TRUTH!

3. Do I go straight to pharmacy school after high school?

4. What averages do I need to get to ensure that I get a spot in college? This path will be HS > Kwantlen College > University Of British Columbia

5. What averages do I need to get to ensure I get a spot in Univsersity? This path will be HS > University Of British Columbia.

I hear that the cut off is 92% for UBC and I have around 80%. I'm worried. GUys HELP!!!


I request that you post if you live in Canada, and encourage you to post if you live in BC. It can be different in the states.

Sorry if I kill any of you guys when you answer these questions... There should be a doctor around here if you pass out! 😛

 

[Alkylholic]

Well I'll see if I can't tackle a few. First of all find the website for the school you want to apply to, they should have a section for the pharmacy program that says what classes you will need in order to apply. It usually takes about 2 years of full time school to complete the pre-reqs for most schools. Then if you get accepted it is 4 years to complete a PharmD program. Some schools have whats called a 0-6 program where you simply complete the first 2 years of pre-reqs and then the 4 years of pharmacy school at the same institution. Try searching on here we well.... these questions have been asked a few times

 

[SGPharmD]

You have a few options in front of you. Pharmacy school is very competitive and you if you want it, you have to fight for it. That being said, since you're still in high school, my advice would be to apply to a few 0-6 school right out of high school. A few of them are USP, MCPHS Boston, Rutgers, etc. What that means if you get accepted is you will complete 2 years of undergrad at that school and if you have the specified GPA you go on to the profession program in your 3rd year. Many of these school do not require you to take the PCAT as of right now which is good. And once you're in, you're in as long as you keep the minimum GPA requirement. However, they say their average incoming students have about a 3.5 and a 1200 (old scoring out of 1600) on the SAT. But still apply because it's a great opportunity. Just understand you're not going to have the same college experience as your friends in one of these school because it is ALL science based with very little electives to prepare you for your professional years.

The other route would be to go to complete 2 years of pre-reqs at a regular college and then apply to pharmacy school, or even get your bacholers and then apply to pharmacy school. You will need again a 3.5 at least in your science courses and will need to take the PCAT. It is hard to compare med school and pharmacy school admissions. Pharmacy school extremely competitive because there are thousands of applicants but much fewer pharmacy schools then there are medicals schools. However, medical school is a lot more material. It's also very different, so make sure you know what you're getting in to. Also, you will definitely need to get some experience in the pharmacy field if you're applying after 2-4 years of undergrad. This means a part time job as a Pharmacy Tech. or volunteering or shadowing a pharmacist. This will show you what retail pharmacy is all about and will should the admissions board that you know what you are getting in to and that you are actually interested the profession.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[blackberrypatch]

SGPharmD: Can Canadian students apply to 0+6 schools?

 

[Strutter]

Well I'll see if I can't tackle a few. First of all find the website for the school you want to apply to, they should have a section for the pharmacy program that says what classes you will need in order to apply. It usually takes about 2 years of full time school to complete the pre-reqs for most schools. Then if you get accepted it is 4 years to complete a PharmD program. Some schools have whats called a 0-6 program where you simply complete the first 2 years of pre-reqs and then the 4 years of pharmacy school at the same institution. Try searching on here we well.... these questions have been asked a few times

Thanks for replying, Alkylholic.

http://www.kwantlen.bc.ca/advising/courseplanning_professions_health_pharm.html
http://okanagan.students.ubc.ca/newtoubc/advising.cfm?go=prepharmacy

These are the website of what I will be applying to out of high school. It is only one year however. The 0-6 program must be in the states. I live in Canada, so I must be taking the 0-5 program (1 - college, 4 - university).

UBC Okananagan is one hour away from me, so I may have to crash there. Kwantlen is only 10-15 min drive away from me.

If I took the PQA(qualitiest assesment), I could dominate that, however, I don't know what to do to get into UofT.

Anyways... Onward.

Background: I go to a catholic school in BC, CANADA(this is why I request that Canadians post, since it can be different in the states, but feel free to post if you live in the states. Either way, I would value your reply). My average is around 80%, but I am really determined to get into pharmacy school.

I am strongly skilled in math and writing, so that should be a plus for me. I am able to tackle problems strategically and recognize patterns, too. That also should be a big plus.

Since pharmacy school in Canada is somwhat of a narrow path... And I will only tolerate success, I have some questions for you guys...

1. So what you guys are saying (assuming that this is for Canada), that I have to:

a) Meet Kwantlencollege requirements (take all necessary courses for highschool).
b) Apply to Kwantlen college or UBC okanagon.
c) Study Kwantlen College or UBC okanagon for one year.
d) Get a good GPA
e) Get an excelent PCAT
f) Apply to UBC (Univsersity of British Columbia).
g) Get intervied by UBC
h) Study at UBC for 4 years to get my BACHELORS in PHARMACY. So that's 5 years total (1 college, 4 university).
i) Work as a _____, but why? << don't know what you guys were taling about for the pharmicist tech or some other job.
j) Get liscence.
k) 👍 Work as a Pharmacist! WOoo! Rock and Roll.

Did I miss any steps? Eg. Work, things to increase my acceptance, posts for reference,


2.
ADMISSION STATISTICS

• Over 600 applicants for 140 spaces
• Minimum overall average of 65% in prerequisite courses, although the average acceptance GPA is higner

That is said at the bottom of Kwantlen's site. Do they mean "over 600 applicants for 140 spaces" in UBC, OR "Over 600 applicants for 140 spaces" in Kwantlen? If it's for Kwantlen (the over 600 applicants for 140 spaces), then what is the ratio of applicants to acceptances for UBC? What is the amount of spaces at UBC?

Please go look at the site I posted at the top of this post for reference.

3. How long do you guys suggest I study for daily when in college? It's High school > College > University.

4. What is the minimum GPA for UBC?
http://pharmacy.ubc.ca/grad/prospective.html

I looked there, but couldn't find anything useful.

I would really appreciate it if you guys could kindly answer these questions in order from 1-4 in order to avoid any confusion.

Thanks.

S

 

[hmmmmm]

I go to a catholic school in BC, CANADA.
I am strongly skilled in math and writing, so that should be a plus for me.

i doubt you will be strong in biology

My average is around 80%, but I am really determined to get into pharmacy school.

with 80%, you can't even get into ubc science...

 

[Strutter]

i doubt you will be strong in biology


with 80%, you can't even get into ubc science...

The path I'm choosing is: High School > Kwantlen College or UBC okanagan (it's easier than UBC) > then UBC.

From what I recall, UBC (not okanagan) does not look at high school marks and looks at GPA and PCATS instead.

 

[hmmmmm]

The path I'm choosing is: High School > Kwantlen College or UBC okanagan (it's easier than UBC) > then UBC.

From what I recall, UBC (not okanagan) does not look at high school marks and looks at GPA and PCATS instead.

i meant 80% HS mark won't even get you acceptance to UBC science at the main campus

and for pharm, they also use the % format and not GPA

the pcat is only a major factor pre-interview.

 

[Strutter]

i meant 80% HS mark won't even get you acceptance to UBC science at the main campus

and for pharm, they also use the % format and not GPA

the pcat is only a major factor pre-interview.

So they (UBC -- NOT okanagan) don't look at GPA, but use PCAT for pre-interview? That's odd.

So what do universities -- for example: UBC (not okanagan) -- look at if they don't look at GPA or PCAT? High shcool marks? Is this fact assuming that I am going to 1. High School > 2. College (UBC okanagan or kwantlen) > UBC (not okanagan), and I am NOT going to University straight out of high school?

That would make college useless then...

Somebody clear this up this information please.

 

[michelle_is_me]

UBC Okananagan is one hour away from me, so I may have to crash there. Kwantlen is only 10-15 min drive away from me.

how could u possibly live 10-15 mins from kwantlen and 1 hr away from ubc okanagan? kelowna to vancouver is at least a 4 hr drive!😛 that's what I wanna noe!


Anyways i'll try to answer some q's for you... i noe this is all very confusing...

1. Do I go to college (1 year) then transfer to pharmacy school.
yes

2. How competative is it? Eg. Applying for UBC?

I hear that it is very easy for people to apply for pharmacy schol, and I also hear rumors that it is competative, but not as competative as dent or med or vet. I want to know the TRUTH!

last year's admission avg is 80%, and this is 80% in UNIV, not high school mark

3. Do I go straight to pharmacy school after high school?
no, you must finish all the required courses listed on their website b4 u apply.

4. What averages do I need to get to ensure that I get a spot in college? This path will be HS > Kwantlen College > University Of British Columbia

college is a joke, all you have to do is graduate high school to get in.

5. What averages do I need to get to ensure I get a spot in Univsersity? This path will be HS > University Of British Columbia.
i didn't transfer so i dont noe, this question also depends on WHAT PROGRAM you want to transfer into, so if u wanan transfer into pharmacy u're looking at 80% univ marks.


btw, 80% in high school is NOT 80% in university. I say u get into a college or a university first, take a few science classes... see how well you do... then decide if you've got what it takes.

on average, people drop about 15-20% from their high school mark to university... so u'll be looking at a 60% gpa for univ and that is definitely not competitive enough.

frankly... if you can't even get into ubc science straight out of high school, unless u drastically change your studying habits, dont forget you'll be competing with UBC science kids for a spot in the ubc pharm program, and these are the kids that have 90%+ from high school.... so unless u really really buckle down in univ/college.... u're facing a much tougher competition than you can even imagine.

bottom line: ur still really very young, and high school is such a breeze compare to univ. Take a few classes at a local college or ubc-o, whichever you choose... i think u'll be shocked by the work load at first...then decide if u still want to pursue it. It's good to have a goal to work towards.. but u also got to be realistic and perhaps pen out a plan-B while u r at it.

good luck.

 

[SGPharmD]

on average, people drop about 15-20% from their high school mark to university... so u'll be looking at a 60% gpa for univ and that is definitely not competitive enough.



That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. As a science student, if you're going to post statistics like that have the research to back it up.

 

[michelle_is_me]

on average, people drop about 15-20% from their high school mark to university... so u'll be looking at a 60% gpa for univ and that is definitely not competitive enough.



That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. As a science student, if you're going to post statistics like that have the research to back it up.

i don't think it's ridiculous...at least for my undergrad school. The average for getting into UBC science is around 85-90% from high school. The average for all my science classes that I've taken in all 3 yrs so far is around 70% give or take... some easy electives will have a high 70s for average... and some really tough classes like organic chem had a ~50% average...

but some colleges/univs inflate your marks so what u experience isn't the same as what i did... and this person's specifically asking for this school's info.

 

[Strutter]

on average, people drop about 15-20% from their high school mark to university... so u'll be looking at a 60% gpa for univ and that is definitely not competitive enough.



That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. As a science student, if you're going to post statistics like that have the research to back it up.

That is reasonable. If you keep doing what you've been doing in high school, you'll keep getting what you've been getting. That is why it is absolutely necessary to change your strategy. You need to be flexible. Adapt.

For instance, if I keep my habits that I have now throughout college, and I have 80% right now, I'll get a 60%. But if I change my study habits -- even if I did bad in high school -- I'm absolutely certain I can ace it.

I am 100% confident that I am NOT looking at a 60%. Far from it. Why? Because I'll be changing my study habits. No more power school strategies and deception and lies and other tactics. I'll be studying my ass off. I'm really determined to get into Pharm school because I am 100% certain that I can influence people if I do that. I have all the communication skills, deception skills, strategic skills, power skills, and intelligence necessary. I just need to apply it.

Thanks for your reply, michelle. You've really opened my eyes. Rekindled my hope. I'd prefer not to share why though.

One last and final question before I become gone with the wind:

1. Check if this statement is correct.

College looks at high school marks. UBC looks at %/GPA(whatever it is) from college and the PCAT, and UBC DOES NOT look at High School marks. The reason why I'm asking is because I'll be taking 2 summer school classes this year if this is false (that UBC DOES NOT look at high school marks).

Anyways I got a bio test tomorrow to ace! It's 11 pm here. Cheers.

2. Sorry. EDIT: Is Kwantlen College or UBC Okanagan -- for prepharm -- also competative, too?

3. EDIT: Is it important that I get my shti together in high school and start studying my ass off? How will that affect me?

4. EDIT: Say I got a 75% in French 11. That sucks. For this question, assume that I want to take the High School > University path, and NOT the High School > College > University path. Could I go to summer school for it and would UBC accept the higher mark for me to use? They wouldn't average out the both of them would they?

Eg. 75% in French 11 for High school, and 89% in French 11 for Summer School.

5. EDIT: If I get an 86% average for my 6 subjects for UBC to look at, will I be auto accepted (provided I apply early)? If not, what average should I shoot for the 6 marks?

6. EDIT: Assuming that my path will be High School > University, what would the cut off for UBC be? What is an an average that I should shoot for in order to guarantee acceptance.

I heard of a person who got a 85% average and didn't make it in.

Edit: Can somebody reply to my other questions? Thanks.

 

[michelle_is_me]

First of all, i think it's great that you're already thinking about this in gr 11... 🙂 i didn't do much when i was your age!




1. Check if this statement is correct.

College looks at high school marks. UBC looks at %/GPA(whatever it is) from college and the PCAT, and UBC DOES NOT look at High School marks. The reason why I'm asking is because I'll be taking 2 summer school classes this year if this is false (that UBC DOES NOT look at high school marks).

Yes, college will look at high school marks b/c u're going there right after HS. UBC-pharmacy doesn't look at high school marks, they look at your gpa from the list of required courses that u have to take (ie first yr chem, bio.. etc)

2. Sorry. EDIT: Is Kwantlen College or UBC Okanagan -- for prepharm -- also competative, too?

i have no idea if they are. However, u do NOT have to go to pre-pharm prog to apply to ubc pharm! you can enter a general science major program, and take all the required classes... the pre-pharm prog is just easier b/c they specify which classes u have to take to apply.. but it does not gurantee admission into the ubc pharm program

is that why u want to go to kwantlen/ubc-O instead of UBC vancouver? u don't have to do the pre-pharm prog! u can come to ubc and do general science in 1st yr and take all the required courses too

3. EDIT: Is it important that I get my shti together in high school and start studying my ass off? How will that affect me?

yes, better now than never. by learning great studying skills now it'll really help you when you're faced with tough courses in univ

4. EDIT: Say I got a 75% in French 11. That sucks. For this question, assume that I want to take the High School > University path, and NOT the High School > College > University path. Could I go to summer school for it and would UBC accept the higher mark for me to use? They wouldn't average out the both of them would they?

Eg. 75% in French 11 for High school, and 89% in French 11 for Summer School.

you'd have to ask your high school councilor!

5. EDIT: If I get an 86% average for my 6 subjects for UBC to look at, will I be auto accepted (provided I apply early)? If not, what average should I shoot for the 6 marks?

again, ask your councilor. You will not be automatically accepted, the average of the % accepted depends on the INCOMING APPLICANT.. so some year it's very competitive and it could shoot up to 90s... some year not so many people want to do science and its not AS hard to get in...try to dig up info on what marks u need to get in from last yr's students!

6. EDIT: Assuming that my path will be High School > University, what would the cut off for UBC be? What is an an average that I should shoot for in order to guarantee acceptance.

I heard of a person who got a 85% average and didn't make it in.

you should be aiming for high 80s.... i say if u can get anywhere near 88% or 90+ u'll be fine


anyways... i know u prob have a million q's.. but utilize your school councilor! they're the ppl that's paid to talk to u about these things... and ask around... any cousins or friends siblings that's already in ubc? they're the best source of answers. The key point is that ur only in gr 11 and u're already proactive enough to be on this site and that's a good start! It is definitely very possible to turn it around now and start doing even better in school in gr 12... many ppl i know have done it...

cheers 👍

 

[SGPharmD]

i don't think it's ridiculous...at least for my undergrad school. The average for getting into UBC science is around 85-90% from high school. The average for all my science classes that I've taken in all 3 yrs so far is around 70% give or take... some easy electives will have a high 70s for average... and some really tough classes like organic chem had a ~50% average...

but some colleges/univs inflate your marks so what u experience isn't the same as what i did... and this person's specifically asking for this school's info.

I don't think college has anythin to do with high school. Most of the time in high school, or at least mine, the work was done last minute and half way because it was high school. I get better grades in college now then I did in high school because I actually care about where the grades are going, pharmacy school. And I anticipate better grades in pharmacy school then I get now because I will be more interested the material than the general stuff I'm learning now. So you can't say how someone is going to do in college or pharmacy school based on their grades in high school or undergrad.