If i don't get accepted?

[PcATTT123]

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I'm still waiting to hear about an acceptance. I graduate after this semester so If i don't get in, i will apply again.

1) Should i apply to a school that gives early admission to increase my chances of getting in?
2) apply to many rolling admission schools early in the application cycle?

What should i do in regards to applying again 1 or 2?

 

[hzm82]

It's a little too early for you to be thinking about getting rejected.

If heaven forbid you do get rejected, you should look into how to strengthen your qualifications (more volunteering hrs, PCAT score, GPA, interview prep etc).

If your application is weak, doing 1 or 2 won't matter, it will just get you rejected early or waitlisted.

 

[LostTexan]

I have to agree and disagree with the poster above me. I agree that you should evaluate your application and find the things that you can quickly improve. Depending on how many credits you've taken, your GPA will most likely be the hardest thing to change dramatically but retaking some core classes that you've done poorly in could help- especially at certain pharmacy schools (ex Texas Tech) that only consider the last grade obtained in a class. However, you can quickly make great strides in your PCAT and volunteer work.
I was in a similiar situation last year- I applied late and wasn't accepted during last year's application cycle. I had a 3.0 GPA, 120 credits, a 63 PCAT, and a decent amount of volunteer work. I knew my GPA wouldn't change dramatically, even if I nailed a 4.0 for 2 semesters so I focused my attention on improving my PCAT and doing more volunteer work.
I recommend seeking out opportunities where you can develop your leadership skills via volunteering. Check out volunteermatch.org, you'll find some great opportunities in your area that could use your help. Every interview I went on this year asked me about my volunteer work, and honestly, I think that's what made the difference between the acceptance letters I got this year and the waitlist I was put on last year. If you're not working in a pharmacy yet, try to either get a job in one or see if you can shadow a pharmacist.

As far as which option you decide to follow (applying ED or to rolling admission), I would personally recommend that you apply to several rolling admission schools as soon as the window opens. If you apply to an ED school, you can only apply to 1 and can't apply to any other PharmCAS school until a set date. If you get in.. great, if not then you've lost out on valuable time. Applying early is in your best interest, especially if you feel your application isn't as competitive. Heck, you may already have an interview or an acceptance letter before the people with the killer GPA/PCAT have even applied! You want your application to be reviewed as soon as possible before the class starts filling up since it will get more competetive as the class fills. Hope this helps and makes you feel better!

 

[aboveliquidice]

I'm still waiting to hear about an acceptance. I graduate after this semester so If i don't get in, i will apply again.

1) Should i apply to a school that gives early admission to increase my chances of getting in?
2) apply to many rolling admission schools early in the application cycle?

What should i do in regards to applying again 1 or 2?

It is definitely early to be writing this year off. However, should the need to reapply occur - here are some things to think about:

I am not a big fan of early admission - instead, I would apply really early in the application cycle. PharmCAS opens in July or early August. This catches all of the rolling admission programs. Also, if a school is not rolling admissions, at least your application is in and being reviewed.

Spend some time asking questions to each program you have applied to. This is easier to do with smaller schools - It is unknown skill right now - but having a personality to go along with your application can do untold good things for your application.

If you are not accepted this year - request feedback from the schools in question. The areas they stress to fix - fix.

If you do the above, in addition to all of the other typical application / interview prep work - you should be good to go come next applications cycle.