How do you make up for low GPA?

[jc0102]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi,
I graduated from UCI with bio degree with a low gpa
According to AMCAS GPA Calculator, My freshman GPA is 2.41 freshman BCPM 2.41 (i took science classes only during 1st year). My Sophomore GPA is 3.05 BCPM 3.04 All other GPA 3.08. Junior GPA 3.5 BCPM GPA 3.5 All other GPA 3.67. Senior GPA 1.94 BCPM 1.52 All other 3.15.
Overall, 2.82GPA with 2.68BCPM
I had upward trend until my 3rd year, then my family went bankrupt, so I had to work full time + tutor + go to school full time, because I needed the money from grant.
My economic situation got better and have a part time job now, therefore, I am thinking about going back to school.
I was thinking about going to a local community college, but I've seen somewhere it won't help.
are there post bacc programs for pharmacy schools in california?
Should I forget about becoming pharmacist and look for something else?
Please help....

 

[kcha90]

Would you give up if I told you to give up? You can make up for a low GPA with passion.

 

[Sugoi Travis]

You're definitely able to talk about your family's situation hindering your schooling in the interview/application.

With regards to post-bacc programs, you really have to compare how many units you have currently completed, how many units you want to take for your post-bacc, your current GPA, and your desired GPA.

Take me for example; I'll be graduating with just about 200 quarter units with a 2.9 ~3.0 GPA. Just for the sake of the example, let's say 3.0. If I wanted to raise my GPA from a 3.0 to a 3.5 through post-bacc classes, I would have to take 200 UNITS and get A's in all of them.

This is just an extreme example, but it's meant for you to think about if taking a post-bacc is worth it. I'm not trying to say that it truly isn't worth doing one, but everyone's goals are different. I know for me, a post-bacc is something I shouldn't do if I wanted to make an impact on my pharmacy application.

 

[futureisnear]

I'm in a post-bacc program right now. I took a few pre-reqs classes before years prior to graduating in May and hadn't know what I wanted to do then. 🙂

So I ended up going back to school after a long time of thinking over the summer. I literately had papers on being accepted to a Masters program before turning that down and eventually 1 week before classes started - I made my mind up to where I'm at right now.

So the point is do what you want to do. If you want to do a post-bacc program go for it. That is if you think it'll help you.

 

[jc0102]

any recommendations for post bacc program??
I am in southern california, given my situation, I am not going to be able to move outta state, since I already have stable job

 

[iwant2bapharmer]

If you really want to do pharmacy, I wouldn't say give up because I have a low GPA and I have been able to get a few interviews with schools and was recently accepted. The best thing to do in this situation is to have a lot of extracurriculars and re-take courses at a community college. Also why do you have a low GPA? Youll need to explain in your personal statement and supplemental of personal reasons, like your bankruptcy crisis (similar thing happened to my family)... And look for schools that replace grades rather than average them out... Hope that helps.

 

[iwant2bapharmer]

any recommendations for post bacc program??
I am in southern california, given my situation, I am not going to be able to move outta state, since I already have stable job

since your GPA is so low, you could get a masters at CSUF....

 

[753915]

You can try to apply. I'd make sure I did really well on the PCAT. However, I don't understand why a full time job would cause your GPA to drop so significantly. I work pretty much full time (33-38 hours a week) and drive 2 hours a day and IMHO I just don't see how any admissions would think that a drop in GPA that large is acceptable.

 

[Anthony562]

Hello fellow anteater. Well with that gpa I would not apply yet. But not all is lost, if you feel that pharmacy is your passion, there is still a chance to get in but requires time and effort. I would suggest taking the classes over again at your local CC and getting As. Especially, those that are prereqs for pharmacy school. Your new grades will be averaged with those at UCI.I did not see if you had any experience in pharmacy, so I would suggest volunteering at a pharmacy or getting a technician license. Post bac is an option but you can also go get your tech license and work to strengthen your application that way as well. You will receive valuable experience. Anyway that is my 2cents and good luck.

 

[frabu04]

I was thinking about going to a local community college, but I've seen somewhere it won't help.

It does. I retook several pre-reqs at a CC, aced all of them, and received interview invites to every school I applied to. Btw, I'm also from UCI and had similar grades as you before I took CC. So if money is an issue, don't do a post-bacc program, just do CC.

PS. Of course it goes without saying that you should do all the other things to make you a competitive applicant. Do well on your PCAT, get pharmacy and/or volunteer experience, etc.

 

[jc0102]

Thank you guys for all your advice.
753915 I had significant drop in gpa because i signed up for the classes even though i couldn't go to the
class to get financial aid from School....

 

[Twentytwelve2]

I wouldn't waste time doing a post-bacc degree.

If your GPA is low -> Apply EARLY

 

[Kwiz]

Walk into the interview quoting Hepler and Strand and they might drop to their knees in praise

 

[pharm4eva]

don't give up if pharmacy is your dream choice. retake classes at CC and gain pharmacy experiences🙂