first, here are my stats:
cum. gpa 2.98, science is~2.8
pcat 50s
worked in a hospital pharmacy~1 year
applied to 11 schools (few top rank schools like uic, a few newly accredited schools) and got all 11interviews.
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you are probably studying incorrectly. my situation was similar to yours but then i learned how to study better and now im doing great (mostly A's and 1-2 B's in the past year). everyone has a different learning style. i was struggling with science courses mostly but i finally figured out that i was studying it all wrong.
here is my story (up-to-date). long story short. i graduated with a b.s with a gpa ~2.5/4. after getting some good advices from a mentor, i took two years off to enroll in a post-bacc program (basically taking science/math courses, also repeating some classes at a community school) to improve my gpa. at the same time, i worked in a pharmacy. i was able to improve my overall cum. gpa to 2.9 at the time i applied.
i applied early (a few days when pharmcas was available) to 11 schools nationwide (ranging from newly accredited schools like rosalind to top rank schools like uic). not expecting this but i got 11 interviews (including uic)! however, since i cant afford all the traveling expenses etc, i narrowed them down to schools i can see myself going. after getting accepted to one of my top choice schools, i denied the interview offers from 6 other schools. out of 4 interviews i went to so far, 3 schools accepted me and 1 school put me on waitlist. i still have one more interview to go (another top choice). anyway, if you really want it, work hard for it and dont give up. dont let others get to you. here are my tips:
first, find your type of learning style (there are plenty of "what kind of learner are you"quizzes out there, google them). also dont be scared to get help/tutor
second, if you are really serious about a career in pharmacy then you will be willing to take 1-2 (depends) years off to improve. enroll in a postbacc pre-medical program or a healthcare related certificate (there are plenty programs that are designed to improve your academics) or even a master degree program. if you want to save $$ and not do the postbacc routine, repeat some courses at a community college while taking new science, higher level courses (genetics etc). planning is key! plan what you are taking, when you will apply. have short term goals. be realistic (handle what you can handle and dont overload). dont be afraid to take a year or two off. tutor/study buddies/talk to your professors etc. also make sure you raise your gpa to at least their min gpa. some schools require 2.5 but some require 2.75-2.8,for example.
third, apply early early!!! apply to many schools. the more the better (a variety of top to bottom schools, at least 8). dont be afraid to the top schools (worst thing is you wont get in. doesnt hurt to try). make sure you do a thorough research about the program ( about prerequisites, min. gpa requirements, etc). go to open houses and find more about them.
fourth, write an excellent essay explaining why pharmacy (dont be generic and say, you want to help ppls or about a sick family member etc), why you are a great candidate and why you stand out. give specific examples. tell them YOUR story. make sure you proodfread! let your peers read and give you feedbacks. i had 5 different ppls looking at my paper ( from english major to pharmacist) and help me edit my paper.
fifth, get at least 3 great recommendation writers (your boss/supervisor/pharmacist, professors or academic advisors). you need good letters so make sure you ask someone who can give you an excellent letter. ask in advance.
sixth, get some pharmacy related experiences (work, volunteer). talk about some of your experiences in your essay.
if you get an interview, you're halfway through the battle. make sure you study hard for the interview. do your research and practice practice practice!
good luck!!!!
