Looking for advice as undergrad student

[Jelloxx]

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I am currently a freshman in college. I wasn't sure what I was going into but I selected a Biology major since my dad has hopes that I will become a doctor (during this time I didn't agree, but applied under it since I didn't know what I really wanted to do). I wasn't taking my classes seriously. I kept thinking "I know I don't like chemistry." However, I have been thinking a lot about it and decided I would like to go into Pharmacy. I am quite worried because I have heard and read a lot about high GPAs and what not. I need some help regarding if I can still be a competitive candidate once I apply to Pharm school. Here is a brief academic history so far:

Community College(during my high school years) GPA: 3.78
UC Overall GPA: 2.57
Classes taken so far in UC:
-Calculus B(this is part 2 of the series my school offers): B
-Cultural Anthropology: B
-Astronomy: C+
-Workload Chem: C+ (This did not go towards my gpa since it was a remedial class and only needed to pass it to take Chem course)

Calculus C(Last part of the series): B
-Intro to Bio 2B(Part 2 of the series): C
-General Chem 2A: C+

Chemistry is definitely not a strong point for me. Although I did get a C in my Biology class, I ended up really enjoying it. I missed out on one of my labs, which were the points I needed to bump my grade up.

My problem/worry is that I can graduate in 2 more years of schooling. I am hoping to do so because I spent my 4 years of high school in a community college and the current school I am in is quite pricey. I am hesitant because my grades are low. I keep hearing people say that getting C's just won't cut it for anything Health/medical related schooling.

What are your views on this? Is it not okay to get C's? I am looking to raise my GPA up to 3.3, hoping it is possible in my next 2 years. What would you suggest so I can become a competitive candidate?

 

[Bear Rx]

I was in the same situation as you during my freshman year. Once I figured out what I wanted to do, I turn on the serious-mode switch and started acing a majority of my classes. You should do the same since you figured out what you want to do. Sure, your freshman year grades isn't going to look too hot but you have time bring it up. Try retaking the classes and get A's. Ace whatever lower div science classes you have left and then give it your best in your upper divs. C's are considered average, so put yourself in the shoes of pharm school admissions and ask yourself would you accept an average student or an above average student? If chem is your weak point, that means you need to put in more time into that compared to your other classes. Do extra work to prepare for exams instead of the bare minimum to earn a C. As for graduating early, think of this: rushing thru classes and graduating in 3 years with an average GPA vs taking your time and graduating in 4 years with an above average GPA.

 

[Jelloxx]

I was in the same situation as you during my freshman year. Once I figured out what I wanted to do, I turn on the serious-mode switch and started acing a majority of my classes. You should do the same since you figured out what you want to do. Sure, your freshman year grades isn't going to look too hot but you have time bring it up. Try retaking the classes and get A's. Ace whatever lower div science classes you have left and then give it your best in your upper divs. C's are considered average, so put yourself in the shoes of pharm school admissions and ask yourself would you accept an average student or an above average student? If chem is your weak point, that means you need to put in more time into that compared to your other classes. Do extra work to prepare for exams instead of the bare minimum to earn a C. As for graduating early, think of this: rushing thru classes and graduating in 3 years with an average GPA vs taking your time and graduating in 4 years with an above average GPA.

Thanks so much for the info. What is considered an above average GPA? I'm looking to attend a pharm school in California hopefully. Unfortunately, my school doesn't allow us to retake a class unless we have a D or lower, so I kinda freaked out now since I realized how bad my grades are.
Also, I am curious. Aside from classes, what would you suggest I look into doing during my undergrad years? There are a lot of clubs, volunteering, etc here that I hear of but so far, a lot of them are not health/medical based...and if they are, it's usually being a translator.

 

[Skrumpy]

Thanks so much for the info. What is considered an above average GPA? I'm looking to attend a pharm school in California hopefully. Unfortunately, my school doesn't allow us to retake a class unless we have a D or lower, so I kinda freaked out now since I realized how bad my grades are.
Also, I am curious. Aside from classes, what would you suggest I look into doing during my undergrad years? There are a lot of clubs, volunteering, etc here that I hear of but so far, a lot of them are not health/medical based...and if they are, it's usually being a translator.

How you define above average is going to depend on the school you are looking at. At my school the average PharmCAS GPA, for admitted students, is 3.52 so of course anything above that is going to be above average. I'd check the schools you are thinking of going to and see whereabouts they are. As the other poster mentioned, you should aim to do well in your last courses so that you can show the adcom that you are taking your studies more seriously. As far as ECs it is probably best that you don't focus all of your time in health care related options. Most adcoms like to see "well rounded" individuals that have experience outside of health care as well. I would get a good mix of leadership and volunteering. Also, if you haven't already, I would suggest you shadow a couple pharmacists in different settings so that you can explain why you want to be a pharmacist as the story you told us above isn't going to fly in a personal statement 🙂.

 

[Jelloxx]

Thanks! I haven't thought about it in that perspective. I will definitely look out for a shadow position and keep my EC options open 🙂.