Need Advice: Good Time to Apply

[inquirer89]

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My top choice has rolling admissions and a priority deadline on November 1 and regular deadline on March 2, but I definitely want my application in as early as possible to maximize chances. I was originally thinking of having all of my PharmCAS, LORs, and transcripts in by the end of July, but now I am wondering if it is too early. By mid Fall, for example, I would have more pharmacy experience, academic grades, taken the PCAT, and possibly have started a pharmacy club at my university. Would I have better chances at getting a seat if I were to send my application early (in July or August) or in Fall when I have more academic and extracurricular experiences?

If I were to send in my application early, then take advantage of the Fall Update, do you think the AdCom would've made their decision before I'd have the chance to use the Fall Update?

 

[ADN1226]

I think you should provide more info about yourself such as gpa, how many yrs of pharm experience, when are you taking pcats? or else its hard to tell if you're competitive or not.

the fall update doesn't happen until your grades are in which means around january... which is pretty late if your stats are not competitive. If the pharm school believes they have enough info to evaluate you, they will do it when you submit the app; most of the time they wait for your pcat scores too. you can try calling some schools to see what their process is like.

you could opt to wait until the end of sept to submit everything since your pcat scores wont be in until then anyways (if taken in august).

You could also incorporate the new ECs on the suppl. app which is usually sent out later.

 

[inquirer89]

My overall gpa is currently a 3.5, but I have not taken the majority of my sciences yet. I'll be finished with my GenChems and PreCal by end of summer, and take OrgoI and Cal in the fall. I have 3 years of pharmacy volunteer experience and a good amount of other ECs. I am confident my LORs and my PS are "good" also. I'll take the PCAT in August and October.

Even though I have a descent gpa, I feel I should turn in my PharmCas soon because I haven't taken a lot of science classes yet, and I haven't taken the PCAT either so I don't know if I'll do good or bad on it. Especially since my school has rolling admissions...

But if pharm schools wait for everything (including PCAT scores) before looking at an application, then I can probably wait until late September when I get my scores back..?

 

[161927]

Related question: Can I take the PCAT in October and still be competitive for this cycle? I know it takes a few weeks at least to get scores. I want to wait until October instead of August because I feel like I will be better prepared for the test then.

 

[mrblah]

For me, I went from 3.7 to 3.9, and went from not having my pre-req's done to having my pre-req's done. For me, if i didn't wait, I probably would still get a interview at the schools, but not the best dates. Since I waited, I knew I was a shoe-in for a interview, and I knew I was going to get the best dates.

For you, you need to make sure that the classes you are taking now won't hurt your gpa or won't boost your gpa If they will hurt your gpa/or not help it, then apply now. Also, in regards to your pre-req's, how many do you have to take for spring? If you have alot still, then apply now. Lastly, your applying to a school that uses rolling admissions. Are you confident enough in your stats that are competitive enough that waiting won't hurt your chances? I forgot that you still have to factor in your awaiting pcat scores. I wish you the best of luck.

dcody: I don't see why not. People say to apply early so they can get a "edge" or "better odds" but anything goes until the deadline. I rather apply than wait another year.

 

[laimyours]

If the priority deadline is Nov. 1st. Then you have some time to wait. This of course depends on your GPA. If you have a 3.0 now and you believe that the classes you will take in the fall will bring you to a 3.5 then I would say wait. If you have a 3.5 now and think your GPA will drop then apply now. You can wait for your PCAT score if you want, you should have that by Nov 1st if you're taking it in August.

 

[inquirer89]

I'm thinking that I want to apply now, since I don't want to risk my gpa dropping once I finish with my summer and fall classes. ( I just finished GenChem1 last month and got an A....I am taking GenChem2 and PreCal now)

However, I mentioned before that I have a majority of science classes left to do in the Fall and next Spring. So will the AdComs look at this as a disadvantage, and therefore I should I apply asap with the rolling admissions?

Thanks everyone for the advice.