How are my Stats?

[cdhoward]

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I plan on applying ASAP for rolling admission schools.

Here are my stats ...

PCAT Scores...

June 2008: (Oct 07); (Jan 08)

Verbal: 57 (58); (81)
Biology: 58 (55); (31)
Reading Comp: 32 (25); (13)
Quantitative: 52 (89); (79)
Chemistry: 64 (39); (74)

Composite: 51 (55); (55)

I have an overall 3.2 gpa (As will be calculated by PharmCAS) and 12 years of pharmacy tech expirence. The last 4 years of which has been spent in Pharmacy Informatics installing new technologies at our hospital within the pharmacy with occasional traditional pharmacy tech duties here and there.

I worked full time hours (40+) while at the same time taking a full time course load for 2.5 years.

I am also an Advisory Committee Member at a local college for their pharmacy technician program.

I believe I have strong LORs, but having not seen them, I can't say for sure, but again, I believe.

I need to finish my personal statement.

Give it to me straight!
-CD

 

[ALLNuclear]

This forum is biased for stats, because the people who do exceedingly well are more likely to post their stats, while others won't.

From what I've read, your stats are acceptable. Your experience in Pharm should help you IF you emphasize it in any supplemental essays/personal statements/interviews you get. The fact that you're able to work full-time and get a 3.2 when other full-time only students get similar GPAs and don't have to work. That alone makes me have high hopes for you. I think that WILL be a big deal and a big advantage for you.

Off topic, I'm wondering what kind of preparation you did for your PCAT. What did you change in your study habits, etc., from one time to the next? I looked at them and I can't really see a definite pattern of improvement in any specific area... Isn't that unusual?

 

[mochiko]

I agree that you should be able to shine in supplemental essays and interviews with all of your experience. Your GPA is on the average side, although talking about working full time simultaneously may help a bit.

The most troubling thing I see about your stats is that your PCAT score fluctuates like crazy, and despite taking it three times you haven't really improved your score... It's actually gone down. I'm not quite sure how you can offset this part of your application short of retaking it and completely blowing it away. If you do ever retake it, make sure you change how you're studying as as it doesn't seem your past strategies have helped much.

Definitely apply as soon as you can for the best chances. Good luck! 👍

 

[laimyours]

I think you have a shot if they don't give too much weight to the PCAT. How many units have you taken? Do you have a degree? Those things might give you an edge.

 

[cdhoward]

Off topic, I'm wondering what kind of preparation you did for your PCAT. What did you change in your study habits, etc., from one time to the next? I looked at them and I can't really see a definite pattern of improvement in any specific area... Isn't that unusual?

I haven't really had enough time dedicated to stuyding for the PCAT. Like I said, I work full time as well as taking full time loads. I should preface the full time load. I'm not taking 17 or 18 hours like a lot of people. I've been taking 12 hours/semester.

I think I'm going to take the August test. Classes do not start again for me until the end of August, so I will dedicate 2-3 hours/day to studying for the PCAT. Sound reasonable to prepare in one month?

 

[cdhoward]

I think you have a shot if they don't give too much weight to the PCAT. How many units have you taken? Do you have a degree? Those things might give you an edge.

Units? If you mean courses, I've taken about 30. No degree at this point. I could have already had my AS, but I opted not to get it. I only need a couple more classes for it, but didn't think it would really help out. I do have many more hours than required for the AS, just missing a few classes to satisfy the requirements.

 

[omnione]

Your two major stats (GPA and PCAT) are low and below average for most schools (though your GPA may land you in the competitive range for schools with 3.3-3.4 averages) but the rest of your application is fine. I'd definitely retake the PCAT.