Masters Degree?

[xoxoheartx3]

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Hi Guys! So here's a little background story of me first....

I'm in my last year of undergrad for my B.S. degree in biomedical science. I've taken the PCAT twice both with an overall 55th-ish percentile and both taken during the fall semester where I was trying to balance studying for both my PCAT and my classes. I have an overall GPA of 3.6 but my current university GPA is a 2.8 and my science GPA is like a 2.5 I think.

Here's my problem and I wanted to see everyone's feedback....

I've had my mind set on applying to pharmacy this year for the entering class of 2013 and am scheduled to take my PCAT for the 3rd time September 26th. I don't feel confident at all for it and on top of trying to make all A's this semester (with one of my classes being biochemistry ) I'm debating on whether I should even take the PCAT in september or even have a shot of applying & getting in this year. I was thinking that I could apply this year if I push my PCAT to January or go earn a Masters of Science degree and then apply for the class of 2014.

Thanks in advance for everyones input! 🙂

 

[pharm B]

A PCAT prep course is way cheaper than a Masters Degree, and you can also factor in the opportunity cost of missing two years' salary as a pharmacist as you front load the PharmD with a two year Masters.

Basically a grand or two for a PCAT prep versus 20K-plus for a masters (that "plus" can be huge, I just don't know where you're going) and 200K+ in lost salary.

I'd just take the prep course if you're having that difficult of a time. 🙂

 

[xoxoheartx3]

With the GPA that I have and if I plan to take the PCAT in January instead of september...would I get a chance at getting in? Or would I be wasting money on applications this year?

 

[pharm B]

It depends on when the schools send out their interview invites. If they send them out late in the year, you might have a shot. If they send them in the fall, call the offices of admissions and ask if they would consider a pending PCAT score.

 

[xoxoheartx3]

Hmmm I'll call and check with the universities requirements again. Thank you for your input!

 

[beargirl200308]

Just FYI some pharmacy programs will not even look at your masters work. I have my MS and I've been told by several schools that they will not look at my graduate work. Some schools will look at my graduate transcript but its at the bottom of the pile so it just really depends on the school that you want to get into.

 

[pharm B]

I hadn't thought about that angle, but I've heard the same thing (graduate GPA not being considered). I thought the OP was just hoping to bolster their application in general by having both a bachelors and an advanced degree.

 

[xoxoheartx3]

It wasn't necessarily to boost up my GPA by getting a Masters degree. I'm just scared that with my GPA standings as of right now and fear of having to push back my PCATs till January that I wouldn't even be considered for this cycle. I would love to apply this year but like everyone else I want it to be a one shot thing and not have to do it all over again.