My Chances

[Maybaby]

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I know that a lot of people have done this kind of thread before, but could you guys please put some input? Thanks.

Well I'm a currently a student at a UC and was a transfer student from a community college. At the community college level I was doing fine with an overall gpa of about 3.4. Then during the summer before entering that UC in fall '05, some of the lowest points in my life have hitted me. To make a long story short, my grandpa was ill and soon passed away,then parents got a divorce and I was almost a homeless and now I'm on my own supporting myself, therefore I didn't bother about my classes at UCI and failed to drop them and did horrible on the tests. I have like a gpa of .57 at that UC now and was put on academic probation but now I'm readmitted to that UC since I took biochem with a B- there and proved to them that I could handle UC. So I'm not sure what my overall gpa is now.

I understand that we have to submit all transcripts of the schools that we attended once we apply to pharmacy school. What happens if I don't submit my UC transcript and pretended that I have never attended that school? What are you the chances that the school might find out? Do they do a background check?

So if I do submit my UC transcript in this summer to apply for pharm school for fall '08, I don't think I'll get in. But I'll probably finish my BS in biological sciences by fall '08. What should I do? And I'm just so pressured to apply by this summer. Thanks..

 

[nerv12345]

how will the schools know what classes you took if you don't turn in your transcript?

as for bad grades...if you don't get in anywhere this year, there's always next year...retake classes you did badly in and don't hesitate to mention your circumstances in your personal statement and interview etc

 

[Lurkerkat]

I was in a similar situation. When I went to college when I was 18, my father had just died, my mother died three years before, I didn't have a home to return to, I was entangled in a legal battle over my father's estate and my grades suffered. Eventually I dropped out. I returned to college when I was 21, am graduating this May with a 3.9 and got accepted to both schools I interviewed at.

You just have to work hard the prove to the admissions people that whatever happened in the past was a fluke. Retake those classes you failed and show that under normal circumstances you could pass them easily. I'd advise though you don't apply until you pull your GPA up to a point where you're comfortable. I could have applied for 2006 but wanted to get my GPA as high as possible.

 

[Rumplestiltazepam]

Sorry about the rough patch but cheating isn't the answer. Work hard in your current classes, get some great LORs and write good essays! Getting into pharmacy school is a great accomplishment but if you withhold grades, cheating, then you do not deserve to get in. None of us are perfect by any means but just do not go down the road of being dishonest because it is convienent. Many people have gotten into pharmacy school after tough situations and have done it honestly. If you are looking for inspiration I am sure plenty of people on this site with stories to tell.

Grades are important but they definitely are not everything, I use to think they were, but there are so many other aspects of admission you could shine in!!!

 

[Farmercyst]

Re: pretending transcript didn't exist. My guess if you took biochem at another UC they probably transferred in your coursework from the other school, including the low GPA. If you send in that transcript showing the coursework at UC__ and the school doesn't have a transcript for UC__ they'll ask for it. Even if that is not the case it comes down to ethics/integrity. If you are a generally honest person, eventually it'll eat at you til you can't stand it anymore, but by then the consequences may be just too great. Better to not have to worry about your conscience and do the right thing up front. 👍 If you're generally a dishonest person I don't see the point in you asking this question.

 

[aboveliquidice]

I think everyone who has posted already hit the topic dead on. Your grades are yours - they are a record of what you have done - both good and bad. For integrity - yes, you should provide your transcript so even your horrible grades can be entered.

Once you have done that - your real work can begin. The past is the past - Just posting on this board means your heart (and more importantly your head) is in the right place.

Read old posts on what people in your position have already done - do a search for eddie269 - and read the post he has linked in his signature. Its about how to improve your chances for pharmacy school - it may be the single most inspiring/informative thread I have read on this board. Definitely make friends here - they can help you get through the rough times that are sure to come (trust me, there coming) -

Good luck - and feel free post -

~above~

 

[constance730]

I was in a similar situation too.. i also transferred from a community college to UCI.. well im not sure if youre at uci.. but anyways.. a uc.. and I did VERY bad during my years in community college.. I had 9 withdraws and failed a class or 2.. because I was having a lot of family problems.. I missed the drop dates...Even though the withdraws did not lower my gpa (its still pretty low).. it looks just as bad as an F if not worst... because it shows you didnt even try..
At this point I am not accepted anywhere.. but I have gone on several interviews..and if I dont get in..its probably cuz I interviewed badly..or something
my point is.. getting an interview just shows they gave me the opportunity..
When i talked to the counselor.. they said that they look at the trends.. they care more of what you've done recently in the past few years.. They understand not everyone has a sqeaky clean record..
And for your personal statement/supplemental.. you should mention what happened..but don't make it sound likeits excuse of why you got those bad grades.. talk about how you've overcome/improved on it as well..Hope this helps!Good luck!