Looking for advice about Chem Pre-reqs...

[laura_mideon]

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Hello!!

So far I have done some of my pre reqs in all the subjects needed except for Chemistry. I have not done ANY chem since grade 11 and I only got a B (4 years ago).

So basically I am going to take an assessment test to get into the more advanced first year chemistry (that I need as a pre req), the other option would be to take an intro course, which would push everything to one semester too late to apply for 2005, so if I take this class, I will have to wait one extra year.

If I do that, I will probably end up with a better GPA, but it may be a huge waste of time. I will probably just get my pharm technician schooling and start working in a pharmacy till the 2006 start, since I have no experience. And I think if I do that I'll for sure get in. But it's just sooooo much more appealing to start in 2005.

What do you guys think??? Take the long route and go for the better GPA and experience.......or risk it to get in for 2005????

Thanks so much for your help! You guys rock! 😍

 

[dgroulx]

I took the intro course and it made a world of difference in Gen Chem I. It provided a really good foundation. I was way ahead of the other students and it made Gen Chem an easy A course for me.

But, if it puts you behind an entire year, I think I would just skip it and study harder.

 

[kwakster928]

hi laura

i am sure others might have different opinion on this matter, but let me give you mine anyway. i am huge believer of taking your time and get a good grade rather than trying extra hard to finish early. yes it does have lots of benefits example saving a year, but i just do not think college is not all about studying. For that matter, i am strong believer of getting a degree before pharmacy school or at least three years to finish your pre-req. There are couple of reasons why i like that path.

One. you have plenty of time to explore. (i do not know what year you are in but if i guess correctly you might be just finished w/ freshmen year.) you have more time to study for PCAT, more time to get experience you wanted, plus who knows you might find something other than pharmacy. my point is that more time you have, you will have enough time to get everything right, rather than trying to hurrying it up and missing some important stuff.

Two, more year you put on your college it will make you a better candidate. i am sure you have read plenty of post that more and more schools have applicants w/ degree than the ones w/o. number of applicatns who gets accepted into pharmacy program in two years is getting smaller smaller, and those who get accepted are one fine applicants. very high GPA and very high PCAT, tons of expereince starting in their high schoool years. I am not telling you that you are not a bad candidate. but if you are not sure about chemistry (Believe me it can be very hard for some, organic is even worse) i would definitely take time and get a good grade. lets say you get into this chemistry class you want to get so you can apply early, what if you dont get a good grade? not only that makes for you less compatitive w/ people with A, but it will also might ruin your chances getting in after two years of college.

I am not saying what i am telling you the right thing, but as per my experience i would take my time doing it. i have learn it very hard way. i took three science classes in one semester trying to make myself impressive, failed miserably... take your time enjoy your life. i hope this advice help you little. others will have different opinion but listen to them and see whats best for you. good luck.

 

[vafcarrot]

I would suggest waiting too. If you don't get in pharmacy school in 2005, you may end up kicking yourself for getting a not so hot grade in chemistry classes and still having to wait a year getting experience. Either way, I think working in a pharmacy a year will teach you a lot of things and since you won't have to go to school fulltime, you can work a ton and save up a ton of money

 

[Smilescali]

I would recommend taking Into Chemistry before General Chemistry also. I did, and it made a world of difference. The people in my Gen Chem class who did not take Intro Chem were struggling much more and I don't think any of them got an A.

I would also try to take the same professor in both Chem classes (if he/ she is good) that way they can get to know you better and you will have a chance at making a positive impression for a longer period of time. I truly believe in the personal touch in life. My chem professor is now a good friend of mine and he is so informative and helpful to me.🙂

 

[laura_mideon]

Thank you all for your help. I found another college where I can take the intro course and make it in time to apply for 2005. Just because at my school, it takes 2 classes to transfer to one of the ones I need, but at this other school it only takes one.
I just applied though, which is really pushing it! They said I won't be able to actually register until the very end of august, ouch. Now I just have to hope that I can get these classes.

Smilescali - I do agree with your last comment. It makes all the difference in the world to get along with your teacher, no matter how good of a student you are. I totally try to make friends with my teachers, right now my biology teacher is my closest one, (I got an A+ with her and am planning on taking her for the next bio, since I already have an excellent repore [sp?] with her!) I try to never take a teacher unless they are on that website (ratemyprofessors.com) and have a good rating. (They have a canadian section too.) That website is my savior when it comes to getting good teachers.

I also emailed some chem teachers for advice, so we'll see what happens if I don't get into this other college. I'll have to try for both and wait and see then. Fun!

😱