I need advise....pharmacy

[stern_488]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I have a question, Im 24 yrs old and i would like to go to pharmacy school. I work full time as a cert. pharm tech. The problem is that it's going to take me forever to complete the pre-reqs at a community college ( i cant afford a university) im thinking 3-4 yrs. Do you think that admissions at any school would look down upon that. Of course i wont work if i get into pharmacy school... my wife will support me. I have been a tech for 7 yrs. Im afraid that after all my struggles juggling work and school admissions is going to say that i dont have the academic vigor. Im so bad at math too but i know if i try my best i can do it. Let me know what you think.

 

[nikkai]

That should not be a huge factor...

But the issue is that with juggling work and classes, that you are able to maximize your GPA during that time.

Also, I would ask why not let your wife support you now so that you can cut your hours down at work so you can finish your classes earlier?

 

[jmhousem]

That should not be a huge factor...

But the issue is that with juggling work and classes, that you are able to maximize your GPA during that time.

Also, I would ask why not let your wife support you now so that you can cut your hours down at work so you can finish your classes earlier?

Good points, all. The way I see it, you could actually spin this to your favor. You're showing a HUGE amount of commitment to the profession by working so hard for so long to get in. You clearly have experience, which admissions boards love! Work hard to bring your GPA up, make sure your PCAT scores are good, and polish your interview skills (and writing skills, depending on where you're applying). I think that you would make an excellent candidate.

 

[stern_488]

Thanks for all your input. I was really worried. I hope they will see my desire to be a pharmacist. Thanks again.

 

[Crazy_Norwegian]

Some schools will mark your application down if you don't take many classes at a time. I know, Michigan specifically says this, but....Most schools who look beyond the numbers also want letters of recommendation and essays. This gives you a chance to explain why you only took 2 or 3 classes at a time. Also, most schools will LOVE the fact that you were a long-time tech first. The school I've applied also told me that they like the maturity that non-traditional students bring to their program.

Good luck.

P.S. I've been working full-time and completing p-reqs at a community college for the last two years. It can be done, but it's not easy. Don't get discouraged.

 

[stern_488]

Some schools will mark your application down if you don't take many classes at a time. I know, Michigan specifically says this, but....Most schools who look beyond the numbers also want letters of recommendation and essays. This gives you a chance to explain why you only took 2 or 3 classes at a time. Also, most schools will LOVE the fact that you were a long-time tech first. The school I've applied also told me that they like the maturity that non-traditional students bring to their program.

Good luck.

P.S. I've been working full-time and completing p-reqs at a community college for the last two years. It can be done, but it's not easy. Don't get discouraged.

Thank you so much. 🙂

 

[avengerboater2]

I don't think you have anything to worry about, sir. You're only 24 (relatively young age) and three or four more years of school would make you 27 or 28 at most. I am pretty confident you can complete ALL of the prerequisites for the majority of the pharmacy schools out there in THREE years, not four. Also, since you are soooo determined to get into pharmacy school, your motivation for doing well in your classes would get you that high GPA that is so so critical. That, plus you would be, what, 10 years into working as a tech would surely solidify your place in most pharmacy schools. Don't fret, man... just focus on your classes when you take them and put work to the side (i.e. not work as much) and you would do fine. Also... you've got your wife there to support ya, so you have nothing to worry about. I say get off your seat and register at the nearest community college so you can start next fall... or hey, why wait... register for summer classes. 🙂

 

[stern_488]

I don't think you have anything to worry about, sir. You're only 24 (relatively young age) and three or four more years of school would make you 27 or 28 at most. I am pretty confident you can complete ALL of the prerequisites for the majority of the pharmacy schools out there in THREE years, not four. Also, since you are soooo determined to get into pharmacy school, your motivation for doing well in your classes would get you that high GPA that is so so critical. That, plus you would be, what, 10 years into working as a tech would surely solidify your place in most pharmacy schools. Don't fret, man... just focus on your classes when you take them and put work to the side (i.e. not work as much) and you would do fine. Also... you've got your wife there to support ya, so you have nothing to worry about. I say get off your seat and register at the nearest community college so you can start next fall... or hey, why wait... register for summer classes. 🙂

I thought some schools don't accept summer classes. Let me know if it's true.

 

[OoShimmeroO]

I thought some schools don't accept summer classes. Let me know if it's true.

Many schools don't accept summer classes if you're taking the class the summer before you start pharmacy school but if you're taking it any other summer it's okay.

 

[Glycerin]

I thought some schools don't accept summer classes. Let me know if it's true.

I was accepted for this coming fall, and I've gone to school year-round (no breaks) for the last 3.5 years.