If you had 1 tip

[dudecoolname]

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For any of you who have finished, or are nearly finished with your pre-reqs (successfully). What is the one most important tip you would give to someone who is just starting their first semester?

It can be a short, medium, or long answer. As long as its good advise really 😉

Thanks for your wisdom in advance

 

[phathead]

Just remained focus. When you start college you have many opportunities to become distracted and unfocused on your school. Remember you are there to learn first, have fun second.

I learned that the hard way.

 

[docss26]

For any of you who have finished, or are nearly finished with your pre-reqs (successfully). What is the one tip you would give to someone who is just starting their first semester?

It can be a short, medium, or long answer. As long as its good advise really 😉

Thanks in advance

I think the most important thing is prioritizing. Make sure you can balance school/work/ECs etc. If you want a strong application then make sure to have something to show other than your grades. Get involved in your pre-pharmacy club, volunteer, etc. Your grades and PCAT are the first thing adcoms look at so those should be your number one priority. Best of luck to you!

 

[bryantvo]

Better make all A's or near 4.0 gpa. Its ur first semester of college and it should relatively be ur easiest semester. It'll also save u if you do bad on harder semesters. Just study please.

 

[pcproduct]

Become buddies with serious students that have the same major and/or classes with you. It doesn't necessarily have to be people that are aiming towards pharmacy school. For example, Biochemistry would've killed me this past semester if I hadn't become friends with this one dude I studied with in freshmen Chemistry. We and a few other people have been helping each other out since then.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Avoid girls/boys.

 

[Canes]

For any of you who have finished, or are nearly finished with your pre-reqs (successfully). What is the one most important tip you would give to someone who is just starting their first semester?

It can be a short, medium, or long answer. As long as its good advise really 😉

Thanks for your wisdom in advance

Compartmentalize your life and dont be afraid to cut off ties with certain ppl.

 

[arcticrevolver]

Become buddies with serious students that have the same major and/or classes with you. It doesn't necessarily have to be people that are aiming towards pharmacy school. For example, Biochemistry would've killed me this past semester if I hadn't become friends with this one dude I studied with in freshmen Chemistry. We and a few other people have been helping each other out since then.

Couldn't have said it better. I am not sure where I'd be if I didn't have my group of friends (mostly pre-med). Finding a group of friends that you can really study with will help you out tremendously.

 

[pharm B]

Do not settle for a C in any of your classes. If your English class is too easy, you still have to go to class. Treat school like it's your employer and do all you can to excel.

Too many people wear a badge (pre-this or that) and think it's a guarantee to do well. If you develop a good work ethic now, pharmacy school won't be as much of a culture shock.

 

[globalruns]

Become buddies with serious students that have the same major and/or classes with you. It doesn't necessarily have to be people that are aiming towards pharmacy school. For example, Biochemistry would've killed me this past semester if I hadn't become friends with this one dude I studied with in freshmen Chemistry. We and a few other people have been helping each other out since then.

👍

+1 To survive, you need others to keep on you on target.

 

[Monalyce]

Eye on the prize...think about what makes you want to be a pharmacist, and find a way to give yourself regular exposure to an element of that. For me, it was spending time with kids at the hospital.

 

[jmw6t]

know all possible routes for you to get to pharmacy school. research everything about the program you are interested in before you ever begin school. I WISH I KNEW SDN EXISTED BACK THEN...🙂

 

[rae9215]

apply early!

 

[miko]

Make a good impression on your professors/deans for future letters of recommendation. Study with the smart people. Participate in leadership/community activities and make yourself well-rounded.

 

[wes011]

Here are a few.

1) Apply yourself. You know how much studying you need to do for each class. A 4.0 is not required but make sure you understand the concepts and how to apply those concepts because the science courses build upon themselves.

2) Go straight through and do not take time off if you can. I am a career changer as I will be 34 when I am done with school.

3) Stay the path. You will have friends that major in other areas and come out making more money than you will at the bachelors degree level. That is fine, nose to the grind stone and reap the rewards of making an impact in other's lives.

4) Make sure this is the path you want to go down. Love what you do and you will never work another day in your life.

 

[appalpharm]

don't be afraid to get help if you need it, professors are very willing to help and asking questions will also give them the opportunity to get to know you. also, don't be lazy your first year, get involved and stay involved. it wasn't until i was filling out my pharmcas when i realized i wish i had taken on more leadership opportunities and stuck with some of the things i used to be involved in. they want quality not quantity. on the flip side, don't take on more than you can handle. it's a balance. good luck!

 

[thesituationPhD]

The TA's you have are there for a reason, don't be afraid to use them.

Make sure your priorities are in order and stay focused
Befriend and study with top students.
Have fun, college sporting events are a blast.

 

[evilolive]

Learn critical thinking, good studying habits, and how to work hard prior to coming to pharmacy school - it may seem simple and self-explanatory, but from personal experience, it's something that I wish I had covered before starting. A lot of people end up compensating in other areas to make up for deficiencies, but at some point, they catch up to you.

 

[inquirer89]

EXPERIENCE

Get a job or volunteer at a pharmacy. It's a major selling point. I've been an interviewer and we like seeing this.

 

[SquirrelMonkey]

Zip your fly! Oh.... And no beans before class.

 

[alenadoma]

For any of you who have finished, or are nearly finished with your pre-reqs (successfully). What is the one most important tip you would give to someone who is just starting their first semester?

It can be a short, medium, or long answer. As long as its good advise really 😉

Thanks for your wisdom in advance

Good question!

1. Find a way of studying that works for you, and stick with it.
2. Stay focused. If you know that pharmacy is for you, always keep that in mind and do everything that you can to increase your chances of getting in after 2 years. By this, I mean get as much pharmacy experience as possible. Participate in community service activities. Involved yourself in research projects. Practice your communication skills.
3. Grades are important, but not THE most important thing. Pharmacy schools look for well-rounded candidates, so do the above things 🙂