Is it too late for me?

[HobbitJane]

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Hello,

I just joined this site and I am so grateful for all of the information that is available for students. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice about getting accepted into U of A's PharmD program in the fall of 2014-- I will be graduating next May so I'd rather not be a repeat applicant. I have my background above and my specific questions below in boldface. Anyone's specific stats would be appreciated. Thank you!

Cumulative GPA: 3.95
Science GPA: 3.64 (C in OChem Lecture, B+ in lab, retook lecture and received A)
"C" in Calculus in high school (dual enrollment)

W in Freshman year (I changed majors and the professor who was supposed to sign my "swap for another class" paperwork was out of town so I missed the deadline and had to take the W)

I have 2 professionals who have agreed to write me a letter of recommendation. I will have a third one if I take an advanced Anatomy and Physiology course (Fall 2013) where I will prepare cadavers for the lower division A&P students.

Some involvement in clubs but not a cabinet member

Currently volunteering in a hospital pharmacy

I am in Genetics now and I'm expecting an A; I will be taking Physics 2 over the summer while studying for my PCAT, which I will take in September.

As far as my 3rd letter of recommendation I am aware that it will be a squeeze to get it turned in, but I asked if my professor could have it done by late November depending on my performance in the class, and he agreed.


Basically at this point in my life, I have sacrificed any sort of recreation and it's 100% academics. I have been preparing my mind for this field since age 13.

Questions:
What score would I need on the PCAT to have peace of mind about my chances of being admitted?
Is 10 weeks enough time to obtain a good score on the PCAT for a traditional student?
Is there anything you can suggest that will strengthen my applicant profile?

 

[Corpseman]

Hello,

I just joined this site and I am so grateful for all of the information that is available for students. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice about getting accepted into U of A's PharmD program in the fall of 2014-- I will be graduating next May so I'd rather not be a repeat applicant. I have my background above and my specific questions below in boldface. Anyone's specific stats would be appreciated. Thank you!

Cumulative GPA: 3.95
Science GPA: 3.64 (C in OChem Lecture, B+ in lab, retook lecture and received A)
"C" in Calculus in high school (dual enrollment)

W in Freshman year (I changed majors and the professor who was supposed to sign my "swap for another class" paperwork was out of town so I missed the deadline and had to take the W)

I have 2 professionals who have agreed to write me a letter of recommendation. I will have a third one if I take an advanced Anatomy and Physiology course (Fall 2013) where I will prepare cadavers for the lower division A&P students.

Some involvement in clubs but not a cabinet member

Currently volunteering in a hospital pharmacy

I am in Genetics now and I'm expecting an A; I will be taking Physics 2 over the summer while studying for my PCAT, which I will take in September.

As far as my 3rd letter of recommendation I am aware that it will be a squeeze to get it turned in, but I asked if my professor could have it done by late November depending on my performance in the class, and he agreed.


Basically at this point in my life, I have sacrificed any sort of recreation and it's 100% academics. I have been preparing my mind for this field since age 13.

Questions:
What score would I need on the PCAT to have peace of mind about my chances of being admitted?
Is 10 weeks enough time to obtain a good score on the PCAT for a traditional student?
Is there anything you can suggest that will strengthen my applicant profile?

1. Chem sub-section score 75+
2. yes
3. Find a way to get down from Phx and join the pre-pharm club.....or better yet, find a way to start a phx u of a pre pharm club. (that would make you a shoe-in)

 

[HobbitJane]

You're amazing. Thank you so much 🙂

 

[The Recoverer]

Your GPAs are tremendously high. Trust me. People get in with 3.3s 3.0s. With a GPA like that, I am positive you can score a 60-70 on your PCAT and still get in. I cannot give you any sepcific advice on studying for the PCAT personally, i've done bad (76). But I can tell you that with your high GPA, you have more leeway on other parts of your app. NOT saying you should do bad, just saying you are more wiggle room. you can score lower on the PCAT and still get in somewhere!

It;s is definitely NOT too late. and your application looks solid. a C here or there won't kill you.

 

[The Recoverer]

1. Chem sub-section score 75+
2. yes
3. Find a way to get down from Phx and join the pre-pharm club.....or better yet, find a way to start a phx u of a pre pharm club. (that would make you a shoe-in)

👍I agree with everything you said. But your app is solid enough right now where it would be more beneficial to maintain your grades than to focus on ECs, but of course if you can balance the two, that's even better!

 

[HobbitJane]

Thank you 🙂 @ The Recoverer

 

[HobbitJane]

You will probably be granted an interview. You MUST interview well. That's the key.

I'm planning on practicing at home with questions that I find online. Would you suggest approaching the pharmacy school interviews like an impromptu speech?

 

[samoky]

You mentioned one pharmacy school, what about any other program(s)? It can be quite risky to put all your eggs in one basket. And try to secure another letter writer if you can, just in case. Good luck!

 

[HobbitJane]

You mentioned one pharmacy school, what about any other program(s)? It can be quite risky to put all your eggs in one basket. And try to secure another letter writer if you can, just in case. Good luck!

At this point, I want to apply to six schools, but U of A would be a dream come true because of financial reasons and close proximity to my home (~2 hours). If I can save more money and if I have time, I might add two more schools. The science professors that I have approached about writing a letter of recommendation all require students to teach for them, do research in their lab, but because I take a full course load and work, doing such activities has not been possible. The unfortunate thing is that my non-science professors are more than willing to write letters for me.