Messed up...time to turn it around

[URIPharmacy]

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Hey everyone,

Currently I am a sophomore at URI and not going to lie I messed up big time. I had some personal issues and family issues, however now currently have a 2.71gpa and a lower science gpa. I took gen chem 1 fall freshman year, got a D and just took it under grade forgiveness and got a C-. I took General Biology 1 and got a F last semester, and a D for Calculus 1.

I can't change what is in the past, however I can work on it to improve and try to offset my mistakes. I won't give up until I achieve my goal. This semester I am taking gen chem 2 and some other GPA classes, as well as French 3 (a major course). What I was HOPING was to try to get the PCAT and most of my pre-reqs done by next February, 2012, which is when apps are due. So with luck, my senior year will instead be my P1 year.

This is where I need advice. I am perfectly willing to take courses over the summer, however I'm not sure what the best way to go would be. I was going to retake Gen Bio 1 and the gen chem 2 lab (all sections are closed this semester). In terms of Calculus, I'm not sure if I should retake calc 1 or just move on to calc 2 and do well in that. I wanted to get advice as to what would be the best courses to take over the summer. Gen BIO 1 or should I do both Orgo 1 and Orgo 2. I was planning on taking the PCAT next October, so I'm not sure what courses I should take to best prepare for the PCAT.

I don't have pharmacy work experience yet, however am currently looking. Many places in RI won't give any work unless you are officially in the college of pharmacy, so I think I might start shadowing instead. I also was thinking about joining the URI EMS services to get some kind of health experience. I also have a good amount of EC's with leadership positions in them and also am a RA.

Sorry for the long post, I'm just trying to get some advice and direction as to how to best beef up my application, as I said I screwed up but I am NOT letting that hold me back, I'm going to work past it.

 

[Pghfan89]

Hey,

I'm thinking the best thing would be to redo those classes. Some schools require that you have at least a solid C in all prereqs before you start at their institution. Calc 2 is very challenging (to me at least) and you need a good understanding of calc 1 before you move on to calc 2. Also, you definitely should think about completing your degree. It will give you a better chance to raise your GPA and you can take more upper level sciences that are similar to classes you will be taking in Pharm School. (Microbio, Immunology, Biochem, etc.).

Try to ace your PCAT. Take studying for that (and everything else in the future) very seriously. Grades aren't everything that the schools look at. Do some EC's. It's great that you were a RA, but try to add a little more. Do volunteer work, become a Certified Pharmacy Tech. But when you do apply be sure to include what happened that year you messed up, what you learned from it and how you improved upon it in your personal statement.

You have the right attitude! If this is truly something you want you'll find a way to get there! 🙂 Hang in there Buddy!

 

[URIPharmacy]

Thanks for the response!

I was going to retake Calc 1, but the only thing is if I retake it I don't think I get credits for it, nor does it affect my GPA...because a D here is passing. I'll have to check with an advisor on Monday and find out. The URI pharmacy program requires a min. 2.5 of all the pre req courses, but I'll figure out what I should do. I might just retake it regardless, to show that I am serious.

What I was planning on doing was over the summer taking BIO 1, Orgo 1, Calc 1 or 2 and then a CHM lab, while studying for the PCAT. Then in the fall, was going to take Orgo 2 w/lab , Micro, Anatomy, and either BioChem or BioStats. My reasoning for only orgo 1 over the summer is so I can have it done for the PCAT. I will also be working along side it, and hopefully shadowing/volunteering as well.

Speaking of, alot of pharmacy's in RI won't take you unless you are already admitted to the program, or at least the ones I have asked. What is your recommendation for volunteering and everything? I would def. go get certified as a Pharmacy Tech, but don't know where/how to do it...I'll have to do more research!