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*~*WAMC (what are my chances?) Megathread*~*
Started by rxlea
hi everyone,
so I really want to apply to this upcoming cycle. I have a 3.49 cumulative gpa and about a 3.27 science gpa. I am currently working 50 hours a week at a consulting firm and am volunteering at a free health clinic and food shelter whenever I have time. I am preparing for the july PCATs and if I dont do well, i plan to retake them in October. I am taking Microecon and Public speaking right now at a community college. I am also enrolled in Human Anatomy I but with my schedule, I find the class to be too overwhelming. I need to still take Human Anatomy and Physiology II , Microbiology, and Statistics. I was planning on taking Human Anatomy I and Statistics this upcoming fall and the rest in the Spring semester. Could I still apply early decision if I decide to drop Human Anatomy I or will I not be a strong candidate?
so I really want to apply to this upcoming cycle. I have a 3.49 cumulative gpa and about a 3.27 science gpa. I am currently working 50 hours a week at a consulting firm and am volunteering at a free health clinic and food shelter whenever I have time. I am preparing for the july PCATs and if I dont do well, i plan to retake them in October. I am taking Microecon and Public speaking right now at a community college. I am also enrolled in Human Anatomy I but with my schedule, I find the class to be too overwhelming. I need to still take Human Anatomy and Physiology II , Microbiology, and Statistics. I was planning on taking Human Anatomy I and Statistics this upcoming fall and the rest in the Spring semester. Could I still apply early decision if I decide to drop Human Anatomy I or will I not be a strong candidate?
Moved to WAMC.
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a. Schools you are applying to
* Midwestern University- Glendale and Chicago
* Western University of the Health Sciences, CA
* University of Colorado Denver
* Howard University
* LECOM in Bradenton
* University of Maryland
* Pacific University Oregon
* Shenandoah University, VA
* Appalachian College of Pharmacy
* University of Charleston
Recently graduated with BS biochemistry/cell biology
b. Overall GPA - 3.03
c. Math/Science GPA ~2.93 (Planning on retake Ochem and Calc 1)
d. GPA in last one or two school years - ~3.07
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) - taking it in July 27th
f. Pharmacy experience obtained-
* Volunteer at the student clinic
* Volunteer at the hospital (Pharmacy department)
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
by Mid July
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
4 - 1. Assistant Dean, 2. (2) Science professor, 3. My boss (worked at his company for 6 years)
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience - none
j. Self-perception of interview skills - not sure
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
I think it's pretty good.
* Midwestern University- Glendale and Chicago
* Western University of the Health Sciences, CA
* University of Colorado Denver
* Howard University
* LECOM in Bradenton
* University of Maryland
* Pacific University Oregon
* Shenandoah University, VA
* Appalachian College of Pharmacy
* University of Charleston
Recently graduated with BS biochemistry/cell biology
b. Overall GPA - 3.03
c. Math/Science GPA ~2.93 (Planning on retake Ochem and Calc 1)
d. GPA in last one or two school years - ~3.07
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) - taking it in July 27th
f. Pharmacy experience obtained-
* Volunteer at the student clinic
* Volunteer at the hospital (Pharmacy department)
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
by Mid July
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
4 - 1. Assistant Dean, 2. (2) Science professor, 3. My boss (worked at his company for 6 years)
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience - none
j. Self-perception of interview skills - not sure
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
I think it's pretty good.
I think you could still try and apply ED. I doubt you will get early decision with your stats though. You will have no trouble getting into pharmacy school though, you have a great app overall.
You're app is pretty bad overall, but you are applying broadly, which helps. With your GPA, you need to get some pharmacy experience ASAP.
You're app is pretty bad overall, but you are applying broadly, which helps. With your GPA, you need to get some pharmacy experience ASAP.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for your suggestion. What do you mean by pharmacy experience? Does Volunteer count? I volunteer at the student clinic for a year and shadow pharmacist and pharmacy student. I also volunteer at hospital for couple months in pharmacy department too.
* I look at the pre-req for each school...I have like 3.1-3.2 GPA. I hope this can increase my chances.
Thanks for your suggestion. What do you mean by pharmacy experience? Does Volunteer count? I volunteer at the student clinic for a year and shadow pharmacist and pharmacy student. I also volunteer at hospital for couple months in pharmacy department too.
* I look at the pre-req for each school...I have like 3.1-3.2 GPA. I hope this can increase my chances.
Thanks for your suggestion. What do you mean by pharmacy experience? Does Volunteer count? I volunteer at the student clinic for a year and shadow pharmacist and pharmacy student. I also volunteer at hospital for couple months in pharmacy department too.
* I look at the pre-req for each school...I have like 3.1-3.2 GPA. I hope this can increase my chances.[/QUOTE]
how did you go from a <3.0 to a 3.2? They are going to combine all your grades.
how did you go from a <3.0 to a 3.2? They are going to combine all your grades.[/QUOTE]
Every school have different pre-req..that's why.
I just mean that when the GPA is not stellar, experience is probably key. More experience = better. Volunteering counts, but if you can get a job, even better. I don't know if the student clinic is going to "count" or not.
No. Each school calculates grades a little differently. Some look at cumulative GPA, others weigh prereq GPA higher. Sometime instead of just looking at prereqs they will do a math/science GPA or just a science GPA. There are many different ways to calculate GPA. I have not come across a COP yet that uses straight GPA as the most important GPA.
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Do they take into account precal ? 🙁 I got a D in my freshmen course... then an A+ in calc 1 and B in Calc 2
Precalc is hurting my gpa alot. gahhhhhh -_-
I'm looking to apply to Wayne State for the 2012 cycle and I'm studying for my PCAT which I will take on July 20th.
Here is some more information about myself:
a. Schools you are applying to Only Wayne State
b. Overall GPA 3.420
c. Math/Science GPA 3.22
d. GPA in last one or two school years 3.55
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) I'll find out after I take it in July
f. Pharmacy experience obtained 31 hours of shadowing 3 clinical pharmacists
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) I want to submit sometime in September
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs 1 from my biochem prof, 1 from my physio prof & maybe one from a pharmacist I shadowed
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience I am involved in a lot of student clubs & worked for my family business for a few years during undergrad.
j. Self-perception of interview skills Overall pretty good
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality Overall pretty good
I will be graduating with a bachelors in Health Science
What PCAT score can give me a good chance for getting in? Wayne State is my number 1 choice
Here is some more information about myself:
a. Schools you are applying to Only Wayne State
b. Overall GPA 3.420
c. Math/Science GPA 3.22
d. GPA in last one or two school years 3.55
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) I'll find out after I take it in July
f. Pharmacy experience obtained 31 hours of shadowing 3 clinical pharmacists
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) I want to submit sometime in September
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs 1 from my biochem prof, 1 from my physio prof & maybe one from a pharmacist I shadowed
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience I am involved in a lot of student clubs & worked for my family business for a few years during undergrad.
j. Self-perception of interview skills Overall pretty good
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality Overall pretty good
I will be graduating with a bachelors in Health Science
What PCAT score can give me a good chance for getting in? Wayne State is my number 1 choice
a. Schools you are applying to - UAMS, Sullivan University
b. Overall GPA - 3.684
c. Science/Math GPA - 3.654
d. rising sophomore so GPA is all first year
e. taking the PCAT in January
f. registered pharmacy technician but haven't been able to find a job anywhere
g. application date - within next two weeks
h. LOR's - 1 surgeon, 1 chemistry professor, 1 volunteer manager
i. over 200+ hours of volunteering in ambulatory surgery center
b. Overall GPA - 3.684
c. Science/Math GPA - 3.654
d. rising sophomore so GPA is all first year
e. taking the PCAT in January
f. registered pharmacy technician but haven't been able to find a job anywhere
g. application date - within next two weeks
h. LOR's - 1 surgeon, 1 chemistry professor, 1 volunteer manager
i. over 200+ hours of volunteering in ambulatory surgery center
I'm applying for pharmacy school 2012.
I have a C in Calculus. I repeat BIO 101 from D to B.
The rest of my grade are A and B
Do you think the C and the repeat class will be the big problem for me to get into pharmacy school?
🙁
Thanks
I have a C in Calculus. I repeat BIO 101 from D to B.
The rest of my grade are A and B
Do you think the C and the repeat class will be the big problem for me to get into pharmacy school?
🙁
Thanks
So your GPA is somewhere in the middle range of the "3s"? Provided a somewhat rounded application aside from just your GPA you'll be fine.
Don't give up hope because of that 🙂 I actually got a C something in a 6 credit course and many B- , yet I still got in. The interview is very important and if your gpa isn't "adequate", but you are very good at interpersonal skills and ECs your chances are still good.
One C will not hurt your chances.😉
If only we had a mega thread about this exact kind of issue. Oh wait, we do, and I am moving this there.
OP: You will be fine. One D (improved to B) and one C will not stop you from getting in some where. Apply broadly and you will be fine, assuming you have a half-way decent app.
You are in great shape. Anything above a 72 on the PCAT should get you an interview at Wayne State. 😉
You have an 87% chance of acceptance. It would have been 83%, but you posted in the correct thread, so I bumped your chances up a bit.
Seriously, your app is better than mine was. You will be fine.
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I think you should apply to more than one school. What if you don't get in for whatever reason? What are you going to do? As the saying goes, "don't put all your eggs in one basket."
I wish I could, but I'm in a situation where I have to live in Detroit during pharm school so my options are kind of limited. I've decided to add U of Michigan to the list as well, but I'm not really expecting much because of my lack of experience on pharmacy
a. Schools you are applying to: Washington State University
b. Overall GPA: 3.14
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.79
d. GPA in last one or two school years Overall GPA 3.95 Math/Sci GPA 4.00
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): not taken yet but expect to do well
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: none yet but taking Pharm Tech course this year and will have work experience by the time I apply
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): hope to apply in 2 to 3 years (depending on how much more I need to raise my GPA)
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: none yet
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: will have pharm tech exp
j. Self-perception of interview skills: moderate to good
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: good
A little more background, I went to college in 1973-1978, had lots of fun and got terrible grades and a BA degree in Mathematics. I have taken lots of grad and undergrad level courses from 1980 to the present and with a 3.95 GPA. I am now 56yo and wonder if my age would be a negative factor?
b. Overall GPA: 3.14
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.79
d. GPA in last one or two school years Overall GPA 3.95 Math/Sci GPA 4.00
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): not taken yet but expect to do well
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: none yet but taking Pharm Tech course this year and will have work experience by the time I apply
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): hope to apply in 2 to 3 years (depending on how much more I need to raise my GPA)
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: none yet
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: will have pharm tech exp
j. Self-perception of interview skills: moderate to good
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: good
A little more background, I went to college in 1973-1978, had lots of fun and got terrible grades and a BA degree in Mathematics. I have taken lots of grad and undergrad level courses from 1980 to the present and with a 3.95 GPA. I am now 56yo and wonder if my age would be a negative factor?
Yes, although I hope your app had slightly more to it than that.
For real though, your stats are just fine, you should have no problem based on what you gave us.
That is all there is. No extra curricular activities or anything like that...
What do you think of it now?
Impossible. You have never done anything besides coursework?
But regardless, as a UF student I can garuntee you will get in. Your grades are great and your PCAT is even better. You have nothing to worry about. But geez man shadow a pharmacist or something.
😀 I literally have nothing...
Neither high school or college have I ever joined any club or done any type of activities etc.
There was a section that asked if I have ever had any work experience...well I have worked at Disney world as a cashier but I shouldn't put that down should I? Seeing as it has nothing to do with any health field lol...
My advice stands. Shadow a pharmacist or something. I can't imagine that in your whole life all you have done is eat, sleep, and go to class. I would list your work experience because it asks, but it is not something I would mention in a PS or highlight in an interview.
I had been rejected last semester, but this semester I will be getting my B.A. in Chemistry and I am currently working as an intern for the first time.
My GPA is still 3.0 and my PCAT is ALMOST 90. How do I stand now?
Also, does anyone have suggestions on writing the PharmCAS personal statement essay? I can't find anything about me that relate to the career of pharmacy. What should I do about it? the essay has really becoming an obstacle...
My GPA is still 3.0 and my PCAT is ALMOST 90. How do I stand now?
Also, does anyone have suggestions on writing the PharmCAS personal statement essay? I can't find anything about me that relate to the career of pharmacy. What should I do about it? the essay has really becoming an obstacle...
How can you not find anything that relates yourself to pharmacy? You don't have to write about your actual experiences with pharmacy because there are plenty of people who don't have any work/volunteer experience but there MUST be a reason why you want to be a pharmacist right? Write about that & why.
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There must be a reason why you chose pharmacy.... There is no way you woke up one day and decided to go into the pharmacy profession. interested in helping others? money? stability? And btw, attention to detail is key in pharmacy. You didn't post in the right thread.
Stop thinking of the profession as being an expert of drug knowledge and preventing deadly interactions. Think of it in layman terms: where else in your lifetime have you used your knowledge and communication skills in order to better people's lives?
Does the search function not exist on this site?
Moving to the stickied thread at the top of this forum named "What Are My Chances" 🙂
What is the down side to mentioning it? I say do it.
a. Schools you are applying to
USC, Western, UCSD, UCSF, Pacific (debating Touro in CA, CA Northstate, Midwestern in Glendale - but probably wont)
b. Overall GPA
3.5
c. Math/Science GPA
3.2-3.3
d. GPA in last one or two school years
I'm not sure, probably at least 3.7 b/c I got 3 C's my freshman/sophomore year which killed my GPA. Do schools look at this??
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
not taking it
f. Pharmacy experience obtained
volunteered at 4 difference pharmacies - 2 independent hospitals (in patient and outpatient), Kaiser (outpatient), and for an independent pharmacy
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Will submit mid-late August
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
1) phd student I did research with
2) employer
3)pharmacist
4)pharmacist #2 (maybe)
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Free Health Clinic volunteer 1 yr
Tutor for kids with learning disabilities (autism, Down's etc) 4 years
worked as scientific recruiter for a bit
internship in Washington DC
j. Self-perception of interview skills
i dunno
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
i dunno
One issue - I got my bachelor's from a UC but did not take pre-reqs there. I'm completing them now at a Cal State through a post-bac program. i fear the CA schools will frown upon this
USC, Western, UCSD, UCSF, Pacific (debating Touro in CA, CA Northstate, Midwestern in Glendale - but probably wont)
b. Overall GPA
3.5
c. Math/Science GPA
3.2-3.3
d. GPA in last one or two school years
I'm not sure, probably at least 3.7 b/c I got 3 C's my freshman/sophomore year which killed my GPA. Do schools look at this??
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
not taking it
f. Pharmacy experience obtained
volunteered at 4 difference pharmacies - 2 independent hospitals (in patient and outpatient), Kaiser (outpatient), and for an independent pharmacy
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Will submit mid-late August
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
1) phd student I did research with
2) employer
3)pharmacist
4)pharmacist #2 (maybe)
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Free Health Clinic volunteer 1 yr
Tutor for kids with learning disabilities (autism, Down's etc) 4 years
worked as scientific recruiter for a bit
internship in Washington DC
j. Self-perception of interview skills
i dunno
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
i dunno
One issue - I got my bachelor's from a UC but did not take pre-reqs there. I'm completing them now at a Cal State through a post-bac program. i fear the CA schools will frown upon this
I don't see a problem concerning the bolded. You will be fine, your stats are good.
Good Luck!
I would love to get some response to my post. I wanted to also add that I am going to look into other schools than WSU and will probably apply to several to increase my chances.
Originally Posted by pharm wa
a. Schools you are applying to: Washington State University
b. Overall GPA: 3.14
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.79
d. GPA in last one or two school years Overall GPA 3.95 Math/Sci GPA 4.00
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): not taken yet but expect to do well
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: none yet but taking Pharm Tech course this year and will have work experience by the time I apply
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): hope to apply in 2 to 3 years (depending on how much more I need to raise my GPA)
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: none yet
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: will have pharm tech exp
j. Self-perception of interview skills: moderate to good
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: good
A little more background, I went to college in 1973-1978, had lots of fun and got terrible grades and a BA degree in Mathematics. I have taken lots of grad and undergrad level courses from 1980 to the present and with a 3.95 GPA. I am now 56yo and wonder if my age would be a negative factor?
I would love to get some response to my post. I wanted to also add that I am going to look into other schools than WSU and will probably apply to several to increase my chances.
I think your recent grades should be more than enough to get you in. In my class we have a few people who are quite a bit older than the "norm", but no one past 50.
Good Luck!
Because of my current situation (cant relocate at the moment), I can only apply to one school. Here is my information.
a. Schools you are applying to : LECOM Bradenton
b. Overall GPA : 2.93, BS in Industrial Microbiology (Started as an engineer, math classes for engineering killed my gpa, once I transferred to biology my gpa went up but the damage was done. Also at that time a personal situation didnt allow me much time for studying)
c. Math/Science GPA : 3.2 (just science as will be calculated by Pharmcas), dont even want to look at math gpa
d. GPA in last one or two school years : 3.2 (last two years)
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) : not required
f. Pharmacy experience obtained : Shadowing pharmacist at Walgreens for last four months. Great experience where Ive learned so much!
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) : Plan to submit Pharmcas application by mid July (in a week or two). Plan to complete supplemental application as soon as I get it.
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs : 1) Pharmacist Ive been shadowing, 2) Previous Supervisor, 3) Science professor
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience : Worked as lab technician for four years (2005-2009) in a biology and chemistry environment. Time for me to pursue what Ive always wanted to do!
j. Self-perception of interview skills : Well prepared in terms of information about the profession, working on communication skills; English is not my native language but I feel very comfortable. Bit above average
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality : Hard to self-assess. Bit above average.
What do you think?
a. Schools you are applying to : LECOM Bradenton
b. Overall GPA : 2.93, BS in Industrial Microbiology (Started as an engineer, math classes for engineering killed my gpa, once I transferred to biology my gpa went up but the damage was done. Also at that time a personal situation didnt allow me much time for studying)
c. Math/Science GPA : 3.2 (just science as will be calculated by Pharmcas), dont even want to look at math gpa
d. GPA in last one or two school years : 3.2 (last two years)
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) : not required
f. Pharmacy experience obtained : Shadowing pharmacist at Walgreens for last four months. Great experience where Ive learned so much!
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) : Plan to submit Pharmcas application by mid July (in a week or two). Plan to complete supplemental application as soon as I get it.
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs : 1) Pharmacist Ive been shadowing, 2) Previous Supervisor, 3) Science professor
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience : Worked as lab technician for four years (2005-2009) in a biology and chemistry environment. Time for me to pursue what Ive always wanted to do!
j. Self-perception of interview skills : Well prepared in terms of information about the profession, working on communication skills; English is not my native language but I feel very comfortable. Bit above average
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality : Hard to self-assess. Bit above average.
What do you think?
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Why PCAT is not required? I thought LECOMM needs PCAT? Anyways, my stats is about the same... overall 3.03 and sci/math is even lower....2.93 🙁 but my last year GPA is 3.56. Well GOOD LUCK! Just submitted your application asap!!!
Good Luck!
I think it is going to be tough.Your stats are unimpressive and you can only apply to one school. I wish you the best.
Good Luck!
I think it is going to be tough.Your stats are unimpressive and you can only apply to one school. I wish you the best.
Thank you for your honesty! And thank you for proofreading my personal statement!
a. Schools you are applying to : University of the Pacific, California Northstate
b. Overall GPA : 3.29, BS in Biology, minor in chemistry and physics
c. Math/Science GPA : Not sure, probably similar to my overall gpa
d. GPA in last one or two school years : 3.526 and 3.396, although I did get a 3.7 in my last semester of college (all science classes)
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) : Not needed
f. Pharmacy experience obtained : I have shadowed 2 pharmacists (around 60 hours) and I have volunteered at a pharmacy for around 3 months so far.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) : I plan to submit by August 1(UOP tier 1 deadline)
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs : 2, 1 from a science prof and another from a pharmacist
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience :
- 100+ Hours Community Service in homeless shelter
- Officer in pre-pharmacy club (2 years)
- Member of science honors club
- Member of chemistry club (3 years)
j. Self-perception of interview skills : I'm pretty sure I would do well if I'm invited to interview.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality : Good, I had it reviewed
Any help would be appreciated! I would really love to attend uop but it seems that only people with 3.5+ gpas get in...
b. Overall GPA : 3.29, BS in Biology, minor in chemistry and physics
c. Math/Science GPA : Not sure, probably similar to my overall gpa
d. GPA in last one or two school years : 3.526 and 3.396, although I did get a 3.7 in my last semester of college (all science classes)
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) : Not needed
f. Pharmacy experience obtained : I have shadowed 2 pharmacists (around 60 hours) and I have volunteered at a pharmacy for around 3 months so far.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) : I plan to submit by August 1(UOP tier 1 deadline)
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs : 2, 1 from a science prof and another from a pharmacist
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience :
- 100+ Hours Community Service in homeless shelter
- Officer in pre-pharmacy club (2 years)
- Member of science honors club
- Member of chemistry club (3 years)
j. Self-perception of interview skills : I'm pretty sure I would do well if I'm invited to interview.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality : Good, I had it reviewed
Any help would be appreciated! I would really love to attend uop but it seems that only people with 3.5+ gpas get in...
　Thank you very much in advance for taking the time to give me feedback as to whether or not I stand a chance. For the last 4 years I've had my heart set on pharmacy school, and have worked really hard toward it. I have completed and recieved all A's in my pre-requesites, but have a low GPA from non-science classes in my first years of college 8-10 years ago 👎
a. Schools you are applying to: Midwestern (AZ), University of Arizona
b. Overall GPA: 2.91 (Pharmcas). Note that after the classes I'm taking this fall, my cumulative GPA should finally be at a 3.00
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.3
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 4.0
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Will take this September
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: volunteering at hospital pharmacy (about 1 year, 6 hours a week), working with pharmacists in low-income health clinics for the last 5 years.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): 6/22 for midwestern via pharmcas, will apply in august to UofA. Waiting for supplemental from midwestern.
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 1 from the dean of a health college, 1 from my organic chemistry professor, 1 from speech professor, 1 from a health professional from the clinic. To my knowledge, all were good recommendations.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: This is probably my stongest suit. I've been supporting clinics for the last 8 years, president of pre-pharm club, member of PTK, in the honors program, certified & registered karate black belt and have taught self-defense classes for women for about 10 years. I've won a lot of awards too.
j. Self-perception of interview skills: Strong. I've had to do a lot of interviews 😛
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: The truth is that it's probably pretty good, I just tend to be overly critical.
a. Schools you are applying to: Midwestern (AZ), University of Arizona
b. Overall GPA: 2.91 (Pharmcas). Note that after the classes I'm taking this fall, my cumulative GPA should finally be at a 3.00
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.3
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 4.0
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Will take this September
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: volunteering at hospital pharmacy (about 1 year, 6 hours a week), working with pharmacists in low-income health clinics for the last 5 years.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): 6/22 for midwestern via pharmcas, will apply in august to UofA. Waiting for supplemental from midwestern.
Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 1 from the dean of a health college, 1 from my organic chemistry professor, 1 from speech professor, 1 from a health professional from the clinic. To my knowledge, all were good recommendations.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: This is probably my stongest suit. I've been supporting clinics for the last 8 years, president of pre-pharm club, member of PTK, in the honors program, certified & registered karate black belt and have taught self-defense classes for women for about 10 years. I've won a lot of awards too.
j. Self-perception of interview skills: Strong. I've had to do a lot of interviews 😛
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: The truth is that it's probably pretty good, I just tend to be overly critical.
Owlegrad, you have stepped up your efforts in this thread since I called you out and I applaud that. Seems all the others on here who could help you out need to step up their game.
a) schools applying to: (in order of preference) UNC, University of Utah, U of Washington, U of Maryland
b) Overall GPA 3.76
c) Math Science GPA probably a bit lower, ~3.65
d) GPA last one or two years 3.83
e) PCAT will take in two weeks, but last practice was ~74%
f) Pharmacy experience For about four months I have been volunteering at a local hospital in the outpatient (retail) pharmacy and also been shadowing floor pharmacists and in the central pharmacy too
g) Date of application I hope to have them all wrapped up by around the third week of August
i) extracurriculars 2 year volunteer mission for my church, chair of chem department Student Advisory Committee, years of theater/musical theater at local community theater (worked the box office too), a year and a half of original research in HIV/AIDS
I'm sure I have a fairly strong application (as long as I don't bomb the PCAT), but my biggest question is whether I am applying to the right level of schools for my application or if I should throw in some shoe-in type schools just to be safe. What do you think of my school selection? any that I should consider in addition to what is listed? (no interest in newer, 3-year schools)
Any other details that would be helpful?
Thanks everyone (Owlegrad),
-Andy
a) schools applying to: (in order of preference) UNC, University of Utah, U of Washington, U of Maryland
b) Overall GPA 3.76
c) Math Science GPA probably a bit lower, ~3.65
d) GPA last one or two years 3.83
e) PCAT will take in two weeks, but last practice was ~74%
f) Pharmacy experience For about four months I have been volunteering at a local hospital in the outpatient (retail) pharmacy and also been shadowing floor pharmacists and in the central pharmacy too
g) Date of application I hope to have them all wrapped up by around the third week of August
i) extracurriculars 2 year volunteer mission for my church, chair of chem department Student Advisory Committee, years of theater/musical theater at local community theater (worked the box office too), a year and a half of original research in HIV/AIDS
I'm sure I have a fairly strong application (as long as I don't bomb the PCAT), but my biggest question is whether I am applying to the right level of schools for my application or if I should throw in some shoe-in type schools just to be safe. What do you think of my school selection? any that I should consider in addition to what is listed? (no interest in newer, 3-year schools)
Any other details that would be helpful?
Thanks everyone (Owlegrad),
-Andy
I have a feeling your hard work is going to pay off! Good Luck.
Don't let your old GPA get you down, adcoms pride themselves on looking at "the whole picture" and I am sure many will be impressed with your recent accomplishments.
Haha, it's not like I am assigned the WAMC thread or anything (no one is, like all of SDN the idea is to have a community of health care practitioners/students who ask questions and give advice to each other where they can), but to be honest I hadn't noticed how neglected this thread had become, so thank you for pointing that out. I would love (LOVE!) for others to give their advice around here. Until then I will try to give my honest feedback where I can. I like to help when I can, but I don't find these conversations to be particularly productive so I don't know how much longer I will be active in this thread. The first time someone else gives one piece of advice, I'm out.
Now for your request. I think you will be fine. The number of schools seems reasonable to me, although if you want to add more go for it, if only for the peace of mind. I don't understand why your PCAT score is not higher considering your GPA, but honestly anything 70+ combined with the rest of your app should get you in. Your app is quite competitive..
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