Hello, I'm new to the forums. I will be a high school senior in the fall and will be attending college connection to finish out my high school diploma. I plan on applying to UOP Pharmd 2+3 program. I have a 4.3 GPA (AP classes), score 1550 on the SAT and I have not taken Chemistry. (I plan to take Chem in spring 2009). I've taken AP Physic, AP Calculus, AP bio, and AP English. I have all A's throughout my high school years except for a B+ in French 2. I've have joined a few clubs, but I was never an active member. I hold a part time job and have never done any volunteering, nor have I done anything related to Pharmacy. What are my odds of getting into the 5 year program and how should I finish out my last year in high school to have better odds? Thanks in advance.
Need Advice from UOP Students
- Thread starter Rvang1
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Academic-wise, you are looking good.
I would recommend starting to look into part-time jobs or whatnot in the area of pharmacy. Looks great on your resume and I believe a decent amount of high school students going in the track of PharmD. are working as techs etc.
I would recommend starting to look into part-time jobs or whatnot in the area of pharmacy. Looks great on your resume and I believe a decent amount of high school students going in the track of PharmD. are working as techs etc.
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^ I don't know the requirements for pharm tech licensure throughout the country, but I know that at least in California having a high school diploma is necessary to work as a tech. I imagine it would be similar in most if not all states. Getting a job as a pharm clerk might be viable...
you should definitely get some exposure to pharmacy (like volunteer at one or work in one) before you apply to one of these 5 yr programs--it's a big commitment in terms of time and money. I don't think it's that hard to get in to the 5 yr program in a heartbeat...I got it but turned it down for another undergrad (to get a bachelor's 1st then my pharmd; my personal choice).
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Im currently in the uop pharmacy school and was a 3+3 student.
Anyway heres some advice:
Your grades are good, and for the most part pharmacy experience is not needed to get in to the program. If anything you should try looking in to some volunteering opportunities just to get an idea of what it is. Be warned however, that pharmacy is not just what you see at safeway and longs, so dont get scared if u think its boring as well. As far as being a tech or whatever, that is probably a path that you dont need to take, its kinda a "little too much," if you ask me. Try to be a clerk or seomthing if u really really want some insights.
Also from the looks of your grades, you can probably get in to any college you want, or most of them anyway, so i highly recommend that you take a look at other colleges without a uop pre-pharmacy program unless you are HELL BENT on being a pharmacist, because with a resume like yours you shouldnt set ur self up for a narrow, one sided path in the uop pharmacy program. I'm just saying that so that you realize you haev more options than pharmacy at your grasp, unless, like i said, thats what you really want to do.
Another point of advice is, try not to rush through school, cuz you want to enjoy some of it, if you did come to uop, try the 3+3 program or soemthing, less burn out involved.
Looks like you really like school though, so keep it up!
Anyway heres some advice:
Your grades are good, and for the most part pharmacy experience is not needed to get in to the program. If anything you should try looking in to some volunteering opportunities just to get an idea of what it is. Be warned however, that pharmacy is not just what you see at safeway and longs, so dont get scared if u think its boring as well. As far as being a tech or whatever, that is probably a path that you dont need to take, its kinda a "little too much," if you ask me. Try to be a clerk or seomthing if u really really want some insights.
Also from the looks of your grades, you can probably get in to any college you want, or most of them anyway, so i highly recommend that you take a look at other colleges without a uop pre-pharmacy program unless you are HELL BENT on being a pharmacist, because with a resume like yours you shouldnt set ur self up for a narrow, one sided path in the uop pharmacy program. I'm just saying that so that you realize you haev more options than pharmacy at your grasp, unless, like i said, thats what you really want to do.
Another point of advice is, try not to rush through school, cuz you want to enjoy some of it, if you did come to uop, try the 3+3 program or soemthing, less burn out involved.
Looks like you really like school though, so keep it up!
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Moving to pre-pharm as this is a thread about admissions. Pharmacy studnets who wish to advise applicants do read the pre-pharm forum as well. 🙂
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You don't need pharmacy experience but you do need other ECs in place. I got in without pharmacy experience back in 06. Oh, and do not make the same mistake I did- meaning if you get in, whether it's 2+3, 3+3, or 4+3... TAKE THE OFFER. Forget Cal or UCLA... go to UOP. PM me in April if you're considering a "top" school over UOP's program. I think UOP's program is fantastic!
The 4+3 program, in my opinion, is perhaps the best one because you have a bachelors degree.. and that'll come in handy if you ever decide to apply to law school or business school after you work for a few years (or you can always do a joint degree). Plus if you want, you can apply to UCSF, USC, etc... You prob. won't if you're in the program, but say if your significant other may attend another pharm school, it's a nice option to have knowing that at least you have a spot pretty much guaranteed for you and the option to apply elsewhere as well. From personal experience, the UOP admissions and the pharmacy counselor were extremely nice and approachable. I felt pretty bad turning it down... Anyways, I'm glad you're aiming for their pre pharm program. Go for it.
Hospital experience in HS should do the trick too if you can't find a pharmacy experience. I finally found a hospital pharm. position and that's in part due to me being a 3rd year as oppose to someone who's in HS. The admissions office will surely understand. I do recommend shadowing a pharmacist though before the application deadline. Good luck!
P.S. Also look into USC's TAP Program. You can't go wrong with either one of them... unless you happen to be a big college football fan. The officials at UOP really impressed me, I must say.
The 4+3 program, in my opinion, is perhaps the best one because you have a bachelors degree.. and that'll come in handy if you ever decide to apply to law school or business school after you work for a few years (or you can always do a joint degree). Plus if you want, you can apply to UCSF, USC, etc... You prob. won't if you're in the program, but say if your significant other may attend another pharm school, it's a nice option to have knowing that at least you have a spot pretty much guaranteed for you and the option to apply elsewhere as well. From personal experience, the UOP admissions and the pharmacy counselor were extremely nice and approachable. I felt pretty bad turning it down... Anyways, I'm glad you're aiming for their pre pharm program. Go for it.
Hospital experience in HS should do the trick too if you can't find a pharmacy experience. I finally found a hospital pharm. position and that's in part due to me being a 3rd year as oppose to someone who's in HS. The admissions office will surely understand. I do recommend shadowing a pharmacist though before the application deadline. Good luck!
P.S. Also look into USC's TAP Program. You can't go wrong with either one of them... unless you happen to be a big college football fan. The officials at UOP really impressed me, I must say.
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