LOW GPA: Support/Ideas Group

[The Recoverer]

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Hey guys, I have been creeping around on these forums for quite some time and have seen mostly great stats GPAs above 3.0.

This thread is dedicated to all SDN members who are applying this cycle with a GPA (sci, cumulative, or Pre req) of less than a 3.0. If your stats are sub par, please feel free to share some ideas that you have that might increase chances of admission.
We can all share ideas if we come across any.

😎Gonna be straight forward and honest, I created this thread not only for support of everyone in my situation, but also in the hopes of maybe obtaining some new and important info that I may not have known before.

Due to a lack of time and sufficient funds, I will be retaking as many pre-reqs as I can this summer and giving it my all on applying this cycle. I know, I know, I'm going to get a lot of "You need to retake most of your pre-reqs to even have a chance", "you're not getting in at all, why are you applying?"

My head is not above the clouds and I'm not completely blatantly oblivious to the fact that there is a 99.9% chance I may not receive a single interview this cycle.

I am applying on the basis that although GPA is a very important part of an application, it is definitely not the only part of the package that matters.

To start off, my Pre req GPA is around a 2.9 and my cumulative is around a 2.5.
Gonna be one hell of an uphill battle
I have over 9 months of experience working at 2 different retail pharmacies and working under 7 different pharmacists (including floaters)😎

I have very strong personal statements (3 from pharmacy managers and 1 prof a microbio professor) I am applying to almost all pre-candidate and candidate schools. I am also applying to schools such as NDSU where they ONLY use the grades you have received in your pre-reqs to calculate your GPA....Oh yeah, I'm also applying SUPER early, as soon as pharmcas opens, it could take up to 4 weeks to process transcripts and calculate GPA so the latest I am hoping to submit is in mid July when I can hopefully catch the first batch of sent apps.

If your GPA is low and you feel comfortable sharing, please do. The more ideas the better👍

I

 

[Skyforever]

I'm applying this cycle too! Oh god LOR scares me..

Just wondering how did you end up 2.5? My friend is pre-med and his GPA is 3.0 end of soph starting with 2.4~6? end of freshman 😳 he just couldn't take tests..

 

[The Recoverer]

I'm applying this cycle too! Oh god LOR scares me..

Just wondering how did you end up 2.5? My friend is pre-med and his GPA is 3.0 end of soph starting with 2.4~6? end of freshman 😳 he just couldn't take tests..

hahah long story short. All my advisors at my undergrad university says that it would be a good idea for me to get my BS degree first before applying to pharm school...yeah it screwed me. My pre req grades are OK. however I majored in chemistry so I had to take like 7 or 8 upper level 400 level classes such as physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, which i received multiple Ds in. wrecked me LMAO😳

 

[aoselby]

I am in the same boat 🙁 my first year of college was a disaster and i wish i would of taken it more seriously. I have been doing my pre reqs at a community college and i currently have around a 2.9 pre req GPA and a little above a 2.5 cummalitive GPA. I have been researching pharmacy schools for the last year trying to figure out the ones I can apply to. I have over a year pharmacy experience and just got licensed as a pharm. tech a couple months ago so i hope that will help!! The schools so far im going to apply to are sullivan which is my first choice and i sent in my app in april im also applying to worchester, chicago state, marshall, hilo, and rosalind franklin..these schools seem to have a low pre req min. GPA. Have you found any schools that do academic forgiveness?? I too am applying very early!! What about new schools? Any opening up this year??

 

[beargirl200308]

hahah long story short. All my advisors at my undergrad university says that it would be a good idea for me to get my BS degree first before applying to pharm school...yeah it screwed me. My pre req grades are OK. however I majored in chemistry so I had to take like 7 or 8 upper level 400 level classes such as physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, which i received multiple Ds in. wrecked me LMAO😳

Every chemist knows that P chem sucks!! & inorganic chemistry sounds like torture! At least you can look back and laugh at the situation.

 

[beargirl200308]

I am in the same boat 🙁 my first year of college was a disaster and i wish i would of taken it more seriously. I have been doing my pre reqs at a community college and i currently have around a 2.9 pre req GPA and a little above a 2.5 cummalitive GPA. I have been researching pharmacy schools for the last year trying to figure out the ones I can apply to. I have over a year pharmacy experience and just got licensed as a pharm. tech a couple months ago so i hope that will help!! The schools so far im going to apply to are sullivan which is my first choice and i sent in my app in april im also applying to worchester, chicago state, marshall, hilo, and rosalind franklin..these schools seem to have a low pre req min. GPA. Have you found any schools that do academic forgiveness?? I too am applying very early!! What about new schools? Any opening up this year??

UNTHSC in Fort Worth is opening this coming cycle but I've found that new schools aren't as forgiving. They have to look good for accreditation and they just don't want to take a chance on a person with so so grades. Well that's the way it is in TX.

 

[The Recoverer]

Every chemist knows that P chem sucks!! & inorganic chemistry sounds like torture! At least you can look back and laugh at the situation.

😳😳yeah it was a bummer. but the past is the past, no use crying over spilled milk. at least i get to have most of my english and fine arts reqs waived at some of my schools due to my BS degree:🙄.........OF TORTURE😱

 

[Mike07]

I have about a 2.61 overall gpa. This is due to my first 2 years of college in which I posted a 2.18 overall with a C in gen bio 1 &2, gen Chem 1 &2, orgo 1&2. Also D's in pre calc, calc 1, and physics. Since then, I retook the math classes and scored A's in both, retook orgo and scored B's, and a B in physics 1. This past year I received a B.S. in Biochemistry, and have held over a 3.0 over the past three years. Last fall I had a 3.48, and this past spring I had a 3.73. This year I took classes such as: biochem 1&2, physical chem, advanced organic, histology, immunology, cell biology, pharmacology/patho. Last semester was 17 credits, this semester was 19. Those classes listed were all 300 or 400 level classes and my lowest grade was a B. With all that said, I just completed an interview at MCPHS. Get your act together, take hard classes, and get good grades, and you have a shot. Instead of wasting your time retaking classes, go for a degree and just kick butt in those upper level courses and you never know. Remember, it's pharmacy school, not medical school; it's not as hard to get in.

 

[Pojman]

Due to a lack of time and sufficient funds, I will be retaking as many pre-reqs as I can this summer and giving it my all on applying this cycle. I know, I know, I'm going to get a lot of "You need to retake most of your pre-reqs to even have a chance", "you're not getting in at all, why are you applying?"

My head is not above the clouds and I'm not completely blatantly oblivious to the fact that there is a 99.9% chance I may not receive a single interview this cycle.


To start off, my Pre req GPA is around a 2.9 and my cumulative is around a 2.5.
Gonna be one hell of an uphill battle
I have over 9 months of experience working at 2 different retail pharmacies and working under 7 different pharmacists (including floaters)😎


I

I disagree with your idea that there is a 99.9% chance that you will not receive a single interview this cycle.

Although you might have a "sub-par" GPA, your work history can offset this quite a bit. You have over 9 months of experience in a retail pharmacy! By the time that you apply to pharmacy school, you should have over a year of pharmacy experience. This is a huge feather in your cap.

Your strengths might be best shown by emphasizing your work history, and a high PCAT score. These two things might easily offset a low GPA.

Good luck!

 

[The Recoverer]

I disagree with your idea that there is a 99.9% chance that you will not receive a single interview this cycle.

Although you might have a "sub-par" GPA, your work history can offset this quite a bit. You have over 9 months of experience in a retail pharmacy! By the time that you apply to pharmacy school, you should have over a year of pharmacy experience. This is a huge feather in your cap.

Your strengths might be best shown by emphasizing your work history, and a high PCAT score. These two things might easily offset a low GPA.

Good luck!

Thank you thank you so much Pojman and everyone on this forum. This means a LOT to me and really boosts my confidence. I don't have a time machine so there's not much i can do for my GPA other than using my remaining money to retake crucial Pre-reqs. I called up adcoms from 4 or 5 different schools and they all told me that the GPA is just a part of the application. I hope that's somewhat true. I wish the best of luck to everyone!!😍


hahahah my plan of attack. Step 1 is to first get an interview! I am not even worried about getting accepted right now. I am just fighting to get an interview, once I get that opportunity, I'll make sure to give it my all.

 

[The Recoverer]

I have about a 2.61 overall gpa. This is due to my first 2 years of college in which I posted a 2.18 overall with a C in gen bio 1 &2, gen Chem 1 &2, orgo 1&2. Also D's in pre calc, calc 1, and physics. Since then, I retook the math classes and scored A's in both, retook orgo and scored B's, and a B in physics 1. This past year I received a B.S. in Biochemistry, and have held over a 3.0 over the past three years. Last fall I had a 3.48, and this past spring I had a 3.73. This year I took classes such as: biochem 1&2, physical chem, advanced organic, histology, immunology, cell biology, pharmacology/patho. Last semester was 17 credits, this semester was 19. Those classes listed were all 300 or 400 level classes and my lowest grade was a B. With all that said, I just completed an interview at MCPHS. Get your act together, take hard classes, and get good grades, and you have a shot. Instead of wasting your time retaking classes, go for a degree and just kick butt in those upper level courses and you never know. Remember, it's pharmacy school, not medical school; it's not as hard to get in.

Mike! how are you? Hey thanks for the advice! i really appreciate your time! I got a quick question for you too! I am applying to MCPHS as well. THEY ARE ALREADY CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS?!!?! am I late on applications?! I thought they used pharmcas!

 

[Mike07]

No you're not late at all. The interview was for this upcoming fall, as in Fall 2012. There was a hold up in my supplemental application and they wanted to make sure I had at least a 3.0 in the spring. Applying early is good. If you plan on retaking classes, I have one recommendation: if you find out before the fall '12 semester begins that you have not been granted any interviews, I'd recommend you cancel retaking those classes and start taking classes that allow you to graduate with a degree. I, like you, thought about retaking a lot of classes. But here's the thing, I didn't want to be 3 years into college with just pre-reqs to show for it. The fact that I had good grades in all my 300-400 level courses is what helped me get the interview. It also got me a B.S. degree as well. I now have the option to pursue graduate school, such as Ph.D programs, or even medical school (though I'd likely have to retake those gen bio and gen chem classes, as well as kill my MCATs for med school) if I decide to not pursue a career in pharmacy.

 

[The Recoverer]

No you're not late at all. The interview was for this upcoming fall, as in Fall 2012. There was a hold up in my supplemental application and they wanted to make sure I had at least a 3.0 in the spring. Applying early is good. If you plan on retaking classes, I have one recommendation: if you find out before the fall '12 semester begins that you have not been granted any interviews, I'd recommend you cancel retaking those classes and start taking classes that allow you to graduate with a degree. I, like you, thought about retaking a lot of classes. But here's the thing, I didn't want to be 3 years into college with just pre-reqs to show for it. The fact that I had good grades in all my 300-400 level courses is what helped me get the interview. It also got me a B.S. degree as well. I now have the option to pursue graduate school, such as Ph.D programs, or even medical school (though I'd likely have to retake those gen bio and gen chem classes, as well as kill my MCATs for med school) if I decide to not pursue a career in pharmacy.

Wow you have some great insight. That sounds like a fool proof and great idea. hmm I will consider it. I already have my BS though and my upper level classes are what messed me up. I did great on my pre reqs. but I suffered on some upper level classes such as inorganic and physical chemistry...which isn't even required for Pharm school 🙁 THANK YOU FOR YOUR IDEAS!
😀

 

[Mike07]

No problem, anytime. And you shouldn't limit yourself to just schools that only look at pre-reqs. You never know. Remember, gpa is just a piece of the puzzle. You have your other aspects that can make up for the cumulative gpa being lower than what you want it to be. Good luck with everything and I wish you the best.

 

[The Recoverer]

No problem, anytime. And you shouldn't limit yourself to just schools that only look at pre-reqs. You never know. Remember, gpa is just a piece of the puzzle. You have your other aspects that can make up for the cumulative gpa being lower than what you want it to be. Good luck with everything and I wish you the best.

Thank you very much! I appreciate it! good luck with everything too! keep in touch!

 

[pharmerbird]

I am applying to pharmacy school this summer too!

My science GPA is currently a 3.07. My first year of college really screwed me up. I failed Biology 1, got a D in Intro. Chem 1. When I retook Biology 1 I then received a C. I wasn't in the right state of mind and was experiencing medical issues. I gave up the pharmacy dream thinking with those science grades I just wasn't smart enough.

Long story short. I had a pharmacist randomly tell me "I think you would make an amazing pharmacist" and it changed everything. I started taking more science courses and started getting all B's, then all B's a few A's finally last semester (all A's!) I brought my GPA up to a 3.07 but without the F I received it would actually be a 3.3.

To make up for my shortcomings I did the following in the past two years:
Networked at my retail Pharmacy and became a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
Joined an became an active member of the Environmental Club and the Pharmacy Association in my county.S
Shadowed the Clinical Pharmacists at the VA pharmacy last summer
Became active in charity events at my work.
Most importantly I gained mentors in an amazing professor, and two pharmacists. (good letters of recommendation)
By the end of the summer I will be a certified in compounding medications and will be shadowing the Compound pharmacy in my area.

All I have left is the PCAT which I have been dutifully studying for.

GPA really is only an aspect of your application. If you have other positives and a rising GPA I feel (and HOPE) that pharmacy schools can see past your flaws.

Good luck to everyone else applying! Anyone else in a similar situation as me?

 

[The Recoverer]

I am applying to pharmacy school this summer too!

My science GPA is currently a 3.07. My first year of college really screwed me up. I failed Biology 1, got a D in Intro. Chem 1. When I retook Biology 1 I then received a C. I wasn't in the right state of mind and was experiencing medical issues. I gave up the pharmacy dream thinking with those science grades I just wasn't smart enough.

Long story short. I had a pharmacist randomly tell me "I think you would make an amazing pharmacist" and it changed everything. I started taking more science courses and started getting all B's, then all B's a few A's finally last semester (all A's!) I brought my GPA up to a 3.07 but without the F I received it would actually be a 3.3.

To make up for my shortcomings I did the following in the past two years:
Networked at my retail Pharmacy and became a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
Joined an became an active member of the Environmental Club and the Pharmacy Association in my county.S
Shadowed the Clinical Pharmacists at the VA pharmacy last summer
Became active in charity events at my work.
Most importantly I gained mentors in an amazing professor, and two pharmacists. (good letters of recommendation)
By the end of the summer I will be a certified in compounding medications and will be shadowing the Compound pharmacy in my area.

All I have left is the PCAT which I have been dutifully studying for.

GPA really is only an aspect of your application. If you have other positives and a rising GPA I feel (and HOPE) that pharmacy schools can see past your flaws.

Good luck to everyone else applying! Anyone else in a similar situation as me?

👍
Good job! You are in almost the same spot as me, except that your extracurrics and volunteering totally surpass mine lmao. GOOD LUCK! I feel like people are MORE than just a GPA. but sadly its suggested that higher GPAs have a hiigher chance of succeeded in pharmacy school. Im so motivated to do well in pharm school, if i get accepted, Ill bust my balls!

 

[pharmerbird]

👍
Good job! You are in almost the same spot as me, except that your extracurrics and volunteering totally surpass mine lmao. GOOD LUCK! I feel like people are MORE than just a GPA. but sadly its suggested that higher GPAs have a hiigher chance of succeeded in pharmacy school. Im so motivated to do well in pharm school, if i get accepted, Ill bust my balls!

It makes since that GPA is important because it shows you are competent in the subjects, and could handle a graduate program. On the other hand, things HAPPEN and when there's no grade forgiveness involved it makes it hard for "things happening" to be looked over 🙁

 

[The Recoverer]

👍

It makes since that GPA is important because it shows you are competent in the subjects, and could handle a graduate program. On the other hand, things HAPPEN and when there's no grade forgiveness involved it makes it hard for "things happening" to be looked over 🙁

good point😎

 

[BrownSugar83]

My situation was similar. In undergrad, my grades were mediocre. I had alot of C's in my science pre-req courses as well as a couple of courses I got D's in my first year or so in college. After getting my BS, I retook alot of pre-reqs and upper level science couses and maintained grades above a 3.0. I also got a masters in Health Administration. However, bc I have taken so many classses, my cumulative GPA when applying through Pharmcas was only 2.66. But the postive trend in my grades is what stood out. My pcat score was also mediocre, 45% composite, but I scored decent in Biology and Chem sections (87% and 64%). I also have over 10 years of pharmacy experience. So, hard work and determination pays off if you have a passion for something🙂

 

[Dazo]

I took part in a mock admissions with personnel who actually perform them in a university (with real past applications). They said that the first things they do is look that the prereq grades are met. If not, they are discarded right away without looking at the other things. So while this may not be the case for every university, it may be for others. So I think you're doing the right thing by looking for Pharmacy schools that are more likely to accept you. I'm having to do the same as my prereq GPA isn't stellar.
Good luck... for the both of us.

 

[jerbearox]

I'm in the exact same situation as you, if not worse. I graduated with a 2.384 overall which includes academic forgivenesses which means pharmcas would come up with an even lower gpa. I was completely failing out of school. I believe I have about 15 D/F's combined and 5 W's. My last 50 quarter units or so hovered around a 3.8-3.9 and in the one year since graduation I have retaken almost all of the prereqs which is about 60 semester units or so and have maintained a 4.0. I used the this amcas excel sheet which determined my overall is about a 2.7 with a prereq gpa about or slightly under a 3.0

 

[johnstock9191]

^, very good comeback in school. Good luck in getting in.

 

[beargirl200308]

It makes since that GPA is important because it shows you are competent in the subjects, and could handle a graduate program. On the other hand, things HAPPEN and when there's no grade forgiveness involved it makes it hard for "things happening" to be looked over 🙁

This is not really true. I have had several pharmacy schools tell me that they won't even look at my graduate transcript. Or if they do its at the bottom of my packet. Yes I know I had a crappy undergrad career but shouldn't a graduate degree (MS) trump that? I think the MS shows that I'm competent in the subjects and most Ph.D. schools would agree but apparently not pharmacy schools. Just something for you'all to keep in mind.

 

[rxlia]

Hey guys, I have been creeping around on these forums for quite some time and have seen mostly great stats GPAs above 3.0.

This thread is dedicated to all SDN members who are applying this cycle with a GPA (sci, cumulative, or Pre req) of less than a 3.0. If your stats are sub par, please feel free to share some ideas that you have that might increase chances of admission.
We can all share ideas if we come across any.

😎Gonna be straight forward and honest, I created this thread not only for support of everyone in my situation, but also in the hopes of maybe obtaining some new and important info that I may not have known before.

Due to a lack of time and sufficient funds, I will be retaking as many pre-reqs as I can this summer and giving it my all on applying this cycle. I know, I know, I'm going to get a lot of "You need to retake most of your pre-reqs to even have a chance", "you're not getting in at all, why are you applying?"

My head is not above the clouds and I'm not completely blatantly oblivious to the fact that there is a 99.9% chance I may not receive a single interview this cycle.

I am applying on the basis that although GPA is a very important part of an application, it is definitely not the only part of the package that matters.

To start off, my Pre req GPA is around a 2.9 and my cumulative is around a 2.5.
Gonna be one hell of an uphill battle
I have over 9 months of experience working at 2 different retail pharmacies and working under 7 different pharmacists (including floaters)😎

I have very strong personal statements (3 from pharmacy managers and 1 prof a microbio professor) I am applying to almost all pre-candidate and candidate schools. I am also applying to schools such as NDSU where they ONLY use the grades you have received in your pre-reqs to calculate your GPA....Oh yeah, I'm also applying SUPER early, as soon as pharmcas opens, it could take up to 4 weeks to process transcripts and calculate GPA so the latest I am hoping to submit is in mid July when I can hopefully catch the first batch of sent apps.

If your GPA is low and you feel comfortable sharing, please do. The more ideas the better👍

I

i applied last year and even though my college transcript was a 3.1 the pharmcas gpa calculated as a 2.8 (because they averaged out all my classes & the class i retook)
and it was very hard to get an interview. I applied to two schools and both got denied.
did okay on PCAT
had several extracurricular activities & volunteer experiences at hospital, etc.
and over 3 years of pharmacy experiences.

you have to do extremely well on your PCAT and also if you dont meet the minimum the overall GPA requirement dont bother applying because they probably wont offer you an interview.
also do you think of applying next year to improve your overall GPA?

 

[rxlia]

No you're not late at all. The interview was for this upcoming fall, as in Fall 2012. There was a hold up in my supplemental application and they wanted to make sure I had at least a 3.0 in the spring. Applying early is good. If you plan on retaking classes, I have one recommendation: if you find out before the fall '12 semester begins that you have not been granted any interviews, I'd recommend you cancel retaking those classes and start taking classes that allow you to graduate with a degree. I, like you, thought about retaking a lot of classes. But here's the thing, I didn't want to be 3 years into college with just pre-reqs to show for it. The fact that I had good grades in all my 300-400 level courses is what helped me get the interview. It also got me a B.S. degree as well. I now have the option to pursue graduate school, such as Ph.D programs, or even medical school (though I'd likely have to retake those gen bio and gen chem classes, as well as kill my MCATs for med school) if I decide to not pursue a career in pharmacy.

& i agree with Mike07 says dont keep retaking classes over & over again because pharmcas is just going to average the classes you retook.

& mike07: did you get accepted to the school?

 

[Skyforever]

UNTHSC in Fort Worth is opening this coming cycle but I've found that new schools aren't as forgiving. They have to look good for accreditation and they just don't want to take a chance on a person with so so grades. Well that's the way it is in TX.

Hey are you from TX? cool😎

 

[Sugoi Travis]

I'm in a similar situation as some of you here.

2.9 overall GPA (first year wrecked it pretty badly) with 1 incomplete, no failed classes at least
2.6 ~ 2.9 pre-req GPA (depending on the college's pre-reqs)

ECs

- No pharmacy experience
- 1000+ hours officiating soccer games (8-year, soon to be 9-year, holder of a USSF Grade 8 referee license)
- coached a U-16 (now U-19) soccer team for 3 years (3-year holder of a NSCAA Advanced Regional coaching license)

I didn't consider pharmacy until this past month (I'm about to be a 4th year) so I got quite a late start in getting pharmacy internships done. Currently in an internship right now and just started this past Friday, so at least that's a start. The single incomplete was due to foolishly taking neurobiology, exercise physiology, systemic physiology lab and biochemistry all in one quarter. It didn't help that my college has a rigorous science curriculum and I went in way over my head, burned out, and took an incomplete for neuro.

I've got a slight upward trend working for me right now but I've still got a lot of ground to cover in order to be competitive. Gotta smash the PCAT and really work hard for a 90+ composite to somewhat "offset" my weak GPA. I'm genuinely freaked out about how my ECs are so different from everyone else's to the point that I'm scared to put them down on my application haha.

I can get a really good co-signed LOR from my TA/professor as well as one from my former referee coordinator of my soccer league; just need to get one from a pharmacist and I'm good to go.

Got a long road ahead of me, but we'll see what happens!

 

[Outwork505]

Had a ~2.8GPA as a Junior in college, around 80hours or so I think

Now starting my fifth year, got a 3.2gpa. Extremely tough and uphill battle to fight, now that you have many hours and your classes are more difficult at this point. I've made almost straight A's from then on, Deans list a couple times, etc. If I'm lucky, GPA moves 0.5-0.8ish even when making 5 A's and 1 B

Do yourself a favor and start out strong.. I did it the hard way.

 

[FakePharmacist]

Had cumulative GPA of 3.02 and pre-req GPA of 3.11 calculated by PharmCAS.

Wasn't sure if I should apply until I found out that Texas Tech and some other Texas schools will allow me to replace my old grades.

Took a year off from work to go to back to school and got 4.0 for post-bacc (7 classes, 25 hours)

Now my pre-req GPA applying for Texas Tech is 3.68.

For those who have low GPA, I suggest to look for schools that accept/replace with the latest grades and retake some of your low grade classes.🙂

 

[The Recoverer]

bump

 

[AlPacino]

Had cumulative GPA of 3.02 and pre-req GPA of 3.11 calculated by PharmCAS.

Wasn't sure if I should apply until I found out that Texas Tech and some other Texas schools will allow me to replace my old grades.

Took a year off from work to go to back to school and got 4.0 for post-bacc (7 classes, 25 hours)

Now my pre-req GPA applying for Texas Tech is 3.68.

For those who have low GPA, I suggest to look for schools that accept/replace with the latest grades and retake some of your low grade classes.🙂]

This is a very smart idea. How did you find out if the schools did that? Contact them individually? I didn't see this on PharmCAS lol

 

[Pharma-Sis]

Dude, dude....I thought I was dead in the water applying for Pharmacy School. Threads like these give me a sliver of hope and that's enough to keep me going.

My PharmCAS overall GPA is 2.95 and science is 2.92.

 

[foodishgood]

Hey guys, I have been creeping around on these forums for quite some time and have seen mostly great stats GPAs above 3.0.

This thread is dedicated to all SDN members who are applying this cycle with a GPA (sci, cumulative, or Pre req) of less than a 3.0. If your stats are sub par, please feel free to share some ideas that you have that might increase chances of admission.
We can all share ideas if we come across any.

😎Gonna be straight forward and honest, I created this thread not only for support of everyone in my situation, but also in the hopes of maybe obtaining some new and important info that I may not have known before.

Due to a lack of time and sufficient funds, I will be retaking as many pre-reqs as I can this summer and giving it my all on applying this cycle. I know, I know, I'm going to get a lot of "You need to retake most of your pre-reqs to even have a chance", "you're not getting in at all, why are you applying?"

My head is not above the clouds and I'm not completely blatantly oblivious to the fact that there is a 99.9% chance I may not receive a single interview this cycle.

I am applying on the basis that although GPA is a very important part of an application, it is definitely not the only part of the package that matters.

To start off, my Pre req GPA is around a 2.9 and my cumulative is around a 2.5.
Gonna be one hell of an uphill battle
I have over 9 months of experience working at 2 different retail pharmacies and working under 7 different pharmacists (including floaters)😎

I have very strong personal statements (3 from pharmacy managers and 1 prof a microbio professor) I am applying to almost all pre-candidate and candidate schools. I am also applying to schools such as NDSU where they ONLY use the grades you have received in your pre-reqs to calculate your GPA....Oh yeah, I'm also applying SUPER early, as soon as pharmcas opens, it could take up to 4 weeks to process transcripts and calculate GPA so the latest I am hoping to submit is in mid July when I can hopefully catch the first batch of sent apps.

If your GPA is low and you feel comfortable sharing, please do. The more ideas the better👍

I

Seems like you got in already! Congrats! I am on the same boat/stats as you before and I'm trying my best at the moment. Currently working on my pre-reqs (mostly GE courses) and doing extra curricular. Seeing you can do it, it gives me some hope because I can relate to you. Good Luck in Texas Tech!

 

[The Recoverer]

Seems like you got in already! Congrats! I am on the same boat/stats as you before and I'm trying my best at the moment. Currently working on my pre-reqs (mostly GE courses) and doing extra curricular. Seeing you can do it, it gives me some hope because I can relate to you. Good Luck in Texas Tech!

Thanks you! you too! Good luck! After this cycle is over I will be posting my PS and all the schools I applied to to hopefully help some of you out

 

[JohnFe]

Thanks you! you too! Good luck! After this cycle is over I will be posting my PS and all the schools I applied to to hopefully help some of you out

Thanks for the post! It gave some idea if I apply out of state 🙂 and congratulations on your acceptance. What did you talk about in your PS(just key points not the whole thing)?

 

[The Recoverer]

Thanks for the post! It gave some idea if I apply out of state 🙂 and congratulations on your acceptance. What did you talk about in your PS(just key points not the whole thing)?

My format was basically a story. I told it as a story How i messed up and how I changed. but I kept this part short. Then I went on stating my 3 goals and explaining how each one of them will make me a solid health professional. I finished off with my future aspirations. I am posting up my PS after the pharmcas cycle closes

 

[JohnFe]

My format was basically a story. I told it as a story How i messed up and how I changed. but I kept this part short. Then I went on stating my 3 goals and explaining how each one of them will make me a solid health professional. I finished off with my future aspirations. I am posting up my PS after the pharmcas cycle closes

Cool. I was wondering about my personal statement because I didn't really mess up on anything. My only concern was my very young age(19). But that's about it. I can't wait to read your PS for future reference!

 

[pharmerboi]

Hey guys, I have been creeping around on these forums for quite some time and have seen mostly great stats GPAs above 3.0.

This thread is dedicated to all SDN members who are applying this cycle with a GPA (sci, cumulative, or Pre req) of less than a 3.0. If your stats are sub par, please feel free to share some ideas that you have that might increase chances of admission.
We can all share ideas if we come across any.

😎Gonna be straight forward and honest, I created this thread not only for support of everyone in my situation, but also in the hopes of maybe obtaining some new and important info that I may not have known before.

Due to a lack of time and sufficient funds, I will be retaking as many pre-reqs as I can this summer and giving it my all on applying this cycle. I know, I know, I'm going to get a lot of "You need to retake most of your pre-reqs to even have a chance", "you're not getting in at all, why are you applying?"

My head is not above the clouds and I'm not completely blatantly oblivious to the fact that there is a 99.9% chance I may not receive a single interview this cycle.

I am applying on the basis that although GPA is a very important part of an application, it is definitely not the only part of the package that matters.

To start off, my Pre req GPA is around a 2.9 and my cumulative is around a 2.5.
Gonna be one hell of an uphill battle
I have over 9 months of experience working at 2 different retail pharmacies and working under 7 different pharmacists (including floaters)😎

I have very strong personal statements (3 from pharmacy managers and 1 prof a microbio professor) I am applying to almost all pre-candidate and candidate schools. I am also applying to schools such as NDSU where they ONLY use the grades you have received in your pre-reqs to calculate your GPA....Oh yeah, I'm also applying SUPER early, as soon as pharmcas opens, it could take up to 4 weeks to process transcripts and calculate GPA so the latest I am hoping to submit is in mid July when I can hopefully catch the first batch of sent apps.

If your GPA is low and you feel comfortable sharing, please do. The more ideas the better👍

I

Can I ask where did you retake classes after you graduated? Community College? I am doing that but not sure if they will be weight the same as classes from University. Also, did you take PCAT and how did you do? Congratd on your acceptance....Please post more of your stats and where you got in and interviewed at. If you applied last summer 2012, wouldn't you not start school until fall 2013 though?

This gives me more hope and motivations to keep trying as I am in the very same position. I just feel lost and unclear of where I am heading 😕

 

[bumpntrunk]

Well I guess this is where I belong too. Rockin ~2.9 cGPA & ~2.8 sGPA. Just e-submitted my app couple days ago so will see what happens.

 

[y0ssarian87]

Just thought I'd share my experiences here:

Stats (after AU -- they were lower before)

cGPA: 2.70
sGPA: 2.55
post-bacc GPA: 4.0
PCAT comp: 96th %ile

I recently got into Univ. of Maryland, and I just had my interview at Minnesota. If I get into Minnesota, I'd like to go there. Such an impressive school.

It's definitely possible to get into good programs. I have 1.5 yrs volunteer pharmacy experience in a hospital setting, a few months (just started -- this wasn't on my apps, but I mentioned it in a couple interviews) volunteer experience in an HIV clinic that does cutting-edge clinical studies (including gene therapy and investigational drug studies), 1.5 yrs experience in a research lab that studies innate immunity, a BS in Biochemistry/Music minor. I initially pursued industrial/systems engineering and have some work experience in that field. Extracurricular and extensive leadership experience in the marching band and in Take Back the Night. LORs from an upper division bio professor, my PI, and the assistant director of the hospital pharmacy in which I volunteer.

Schools I applied to:

UT Austin - not invited for interview
Texas Tech - interviewed 2/1, waiting
Univ. of Maryland - interviewed 2/8, accepted 2/20
Univ. of Georgia - interviewed 2/13, waiting
Univ. of the Incarnate Word - interviewed 2/16, waiting
Univ. of Minnesota - interviewed 2/22, waiting

Bottom line: You can get into good schools with a low GPA! You have an uphill battle, but it's possible. I'll update here as I get acceptances, waitlist notices, and rejections.

Best of luck everyone!

 

[88888888]

Just thought I'd share my experiences here:

Stats (after AU -- they were lower before)

cGPA: 2.70
sGPA: 2.55
post-bacc GPA: 4.0
PCAT comp: 96th %ile

I recently got into Univ. of Maryland, and I just had my interview at Minnesota. If I get into Minnesota, I'd like to go there. Such an impressive school.

It's definitely possible to get into good programs. I have 1.5 yrs volunteer pharmacy experience in a hospital setting, a few months (just started -- this wasn't on my apps, but I mentioned it in a couple interviews) volunteer experience in an HIV clinic that does cutting-edge clinical studies (including gene therapy and investigational drug studies), 1.5 yrs experience in a research lab that studies innate immunity, a BS in Biochemistry/Music minor. I initially pursued industrial/systems engineering and have some work experience in that field. Extracurricular and extensive leadership experience in the marching band and in Take Back the Night. LORs from an upper division bio professor, my PI, and the assistant director of the hospital pharmacy in which I volunteer.

Schools I applied to:

UT Austin - not invited for interview
Texas Tech - interviewed 2/1, waiting
Univ. of Maryland - interviewed 2/8, accepted 2/20
Univ. of Georgia - interviewed 2/13, waiting
Univ. of the Incarnate Word - interviewed 2/16, waiting
Univ. of Minnesota - interviewed 2/22, waiting

Bottom line: You can get into good schools with a low GPA! You have an uphill battle, but it's possible. I'll update here as I get acceptances, waitlist notices, and rejections.

Best of luck everyone!

I have like almost same stats as you lol I got into Maryland as well and interviewing for Minnesota next week!


Sent from my Nexus 4 using SDN Mobile

 

[y0ssarian87]

I have like almost same stats as you lol I got into Maryland as well and interviewing for Minnesota next week!


Sent from my Nexus 4 using SDN Mobile

That's awesome! Let me know what you think when you've had your interview. I was really impressed with their curriculum, direction, and foresight. I also loved the amount of research and leadership that they offer to students. Enjoy it! It's cold though!

 

[88888888]

That's awesome! Let me know what you think when you've had your interview. I was really impressed with their curriculum, direction, and foresight. I also loved the amount of research and leadership that they offer to students. Enjoy it! It's cold though!

Yea but I really liked Maryland. Plus it's possible to get in state tuition so that's a huge draw for me.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using SDN Mobile

 

[y0ssarian87]

Yea but I really liked Maryland. Plus it's possible to get in state tuition so that's a huge draw for me.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using SDN Mobile

True, but that's uncertain. You have to hope the petition gets approved. From the sound of it though, that's not too difficult.

In the state of Minnesota, there are loan forgiveness programs where you work for a medically underserved population and get $16k/yr toward loans. Also, there is tons of research at Minnesota that I really like. I'm wondering if it's possible to work with some faculty to propose some research that qualifies for the NIH Loan Repayment Program.

It's going to be a tough choice for me if I get in. I really liked both.

 

[pharmdmi08]

Hey guys,

I am a new member of this forum! I currently have a 3.7 at a local community college, however, I had a 1.95 gpa at a quarter school I went to about a year ago. I got my gpa assessed at U of Toledo and they said I have a 2.95 right now with both GPA's.

I admit that I was really lazy at the time and cared more about partying, but I am an intelligent person and am doing well (NOW). However, I know that schools compute both G.P.A.'s on ALL universities you've attended. by the time you apply at PharmCAS.

Does anyone know if someone has bounced back from this kind of situation? I'm feeling really discouraged! Any info would help!🙂 I

 

[pharmdmi08]

How did you study for the PCATS! Impressive Score! 🙂

 

[pharmdmi08]

Just thought I'd share my experiences here:

Stats (after AU -- they were lower before)

cGPA: 2.70
sGPA: 2.55
post-bacc GPA: 4.0
PCAT comp: 96th %ile

I recently got into Univ. of Maryland, and I just had my interview at Minnesota. If I get into Minnesota, I'd like to go there. Such an impressive school.

It's definitely possible to get into good programs. I have 1.5 yrs volunteer pharmacy experience in a hospital setting, a few months (just started -- this wasn't on my apps, but I mentioned it in a couple interviews) volunteer experience in an HIV clinic that does cutting-edge clinical studies (including gene therapy and investigational drug studies), 1.5 yrs experience in a research lab that studies innate immunity, a BS in Biochemistry/Music minor. I initially pursued industrial/systems engineering and have some work experience in that field. Extracurricular and extensive leadership experience in the marching band and in Take Back the Night. LORs from an upper division bio professor, my PI, and the assistant director of the hospital pharmacy in which I volunteer.

Schools I applied to:

UT Austin - not invited for interview
Texas Tech - interviewed 2/1, waiting
Univ. of Maryland - interviewed 2/8, accepted 2/20
Univ. of Georgia - interviewed 2/13, waiting
Univ. of the Incarnate Word - interviewed 2/16, waiting
Univ. of Minnesota - interviewed 2/22, waiting

Bottom line: You can get into good schools with a low GPA! You have an uphill battle, but it's possible. I'll update here as I get acceptances, waitlist notices, and rejections.

Best of luck everyone!

how did you study for the PCAT? Impressive Score! 😱

 

[Skrumpy]

Hey guys,

I am a new member of this forum! I currently have a 3.7 at a local community college, however, I had a 1.95 gpa at a quarter school I went to about a year ago. I got my gpa assessed at U of Toledo and they said I have a 2.95 right now with both GPA's.

I admit that I was really lazy at the time and cared more about partying, but I am an intelligent person and am doing well (NOW). However, I know that schools compute both G.P.A.'s on ALL universities you've attended. by the time you apply at PharmCAS.

Does anyone know if someone has bounced back from this kind of situation? I'm feeling really discouraged! Any info would help!🙂 I

It is possible to bounce back from this. There are plenty of people that have. You can always weave this situation into your personal statement and interviews and talk about how you grew into a more responsible/mature/etc person and speak to what you have learned from your experiences. You're going to want to "keep your nose clean" from now on to show that you have a long term trend of improvement and that your recent successes in class are not an anomaly. Good luck!

 

[bumpntrunk]

well nothing new here other then it took awhile to get everything verified and submitted and just completed supplemental apps so give it a week for them to process and see if anyone wants an interview. Got head of bio dept and a science prof plus a former university president for letters of ref so hopefully those three will carry some weight. Plus a degree and a masters as well will help compensate the gpa