Looking for advice to prepare for Fall 2017 application

[triton82014]

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first of all thanks for reading this 😀 you're great!

I already applied once for fall 2015 but I was denied I only applied to USC and MCPHS. My current dilemma is that I'm looking to apply for Pharm school for the Fall of 2017 later this year but my GPA is not competitive at all. I graduated with a 2.78 with a BS Biochem/Cell Bio degree from UCSD. I've got some extracurriculars though:
2 years of research lab experience
1 year of tech experience at CVS (still working)
part of a fraternity
was the president of 3 orgs
I started 2 orgs on campus
volunteered under a pharmacist for a medical mission
volunteered at a hospital for a few months
worked at 7 business/tech-related jobs
have 4 letters of recommendation (1 PIC, 1 VP/chief pharmacy officer at a hospital, 1 from my lab professor, 1 from my former employer at BMW)

I have an explanation for my low GPA but I'm not sure how to justify it or let colleges know why its like that. I'm not sure if it's even considered an extenuating circumstance or if it matters to colleges but we owned a family business when I entered college and my dad developed cancer so I commuted back and forth between school and home to take care of the business. This happened throughout my entire first year of college and then again during my 4th year when he got a brain tumor.

also if it helps these are the schools I'm considering (very open to suggestions):
Touro CA
Touro NY
CHSU
UOP
West Coast University
KGI
OSU
Pacific University Oregon
Northeastern College of Pharmacy
Washington State
Roseman University
prefer schools that don't require the PCAT or waive it (like Roseman) since I'm currently working ~60 hours a week on top of classes. basically no time to study for the PCAT

 

[Doctor Mario]

Hey, man! First of all my condolences to you about the situation. I don't know if they will consider it extenuating, but I certainly do. Props for pushing forward and trying again! Also, awesome extra curriculars.

As for advice? A lot of schools have a GPA cut off around 3.0, so definitely make sure the schools you are applying for don't fall under that category. Also, many schools have rolling admissions, so applying early to those such schools would boost your chances as well. Some schools have grade forgiveness too, so in your case you could always retake some of the classes you did poorly in. If you have time constraints or simply can't retake classes, have you thought about taking a couple easy science classes to pad the GPA a bit? Hmm besides all of that, all I can think of right now are obvious things like write a killer personal statement and explain the scenario briefly in your application.

 

[Trishna28]

You'll get into several of those, I think. I've seen a lot of threads on here where people with your GPA have gotten multiple offers. Plus your extracurriculars/work experience/LOR seem strong. Just make sure you apply early (Submit everything before October 2016 if possible). The sooner you start getting interview offers, better your chances of getting in.


But I would say take the PCAT and score well. From what I have read on here, the people that had 2.7ish-2.9 gpa had a 85-90 plus PCAT score to compensate for the GPA.

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

 

[Lalale]

Did you end up getting in anywhere ?? Im in the same situation right now