Need Help on Schools (healthcare)

[hasibullah]

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I'm currently finishing my 4th year at UofT (just need one course to graduate in the summer) but however, my first plan was dental (I know its way different than Pharmacy). But after searching around, they require around 3.8cGPA in Toronto, or even within Canada itself. So that's off my list.

Currently, I have no idea what to do after graduation (22 years old atm) but although I did like pharmacy back then but Dental was my first option. My marks right now stands:

first 2 years - I'd say roughly around GPA of 1.9 ( I know I did horrible here),
My last 2 years - roughly 3.0-3.2
cGPA would come to 2.1 roughly.

They are horrible marks I know.
I'll be graduating with bachelor of science (Biology and Health studies). I looked into Pharmacy (specially in waterloo) and they said they require 75% (78% in the last 2 years) but competitive is 80% or higher. Maybe If I did really well this semester I can finish off probably somewhere 74% - 77% in my final 2 years and if NOT I can do an extra semester to boost my GPA . And PERHAPS be accepted. But the admission they require is I need:
Biology

• Fundamentals of Microbiology (BIOL 240)

Chemistry

• Introductory Biochemistry (CHEM 237)
  • or Fundamentals of Biochemistry (CHEM 233),
• Basic Organic Chemistry 1† (CHEM 266/266L) and Basic Organic Chemistry 2† (CHEM 267/267L)
  • or Organic Chemistry 1 (CHEM 264) and Organic Chemistry 2† (CHEM 265/265L),

Mathematics

• Calculus 1: One of (MATH 127 , MATH 137 or MATH 147)
• Calculus 2: One of (MATH 128 , MATH 138 or MATH 148)

English

• Any ENGL course (0.5 credit) that requires a significant amount of reading, critical thinking, analysis, and writing. The writing assignment(s), exclusive of exams, must comprise a minimum of 30% of the final course grade. See English Academic Requirement for further details

I have already taken Organic chemistry part 1 (got a a 50 btw I don't know if that makes a difference) and for the other remaining courses, I haven't took them cos I wasn't sure if I wanted to do pharmacy cos Dental was first. Maybe I can do these course in the next 2 semesters and hopefully do well. Although I did take calculus in Highschool.
Or I may apply to college and do Dental hygienist as that was my back up plan (pays still good imo).
Anyways with these marks and hopefully if I did decide to do pharmacy and do well on the PCAT, what are chances doing good? Because at this point I have no idea what to do after graduation, either I apply to dental hygiene or do my masters in environmental science and find a job that way or pharmacy.

what are your thoughts and opinions guys?

 

[pacificrx]

Hello,

I'm a last year student in pharmacy school. As you know, 2.5 is roughly the required minimum GPA for most schools. However, GPA is not everything. Extracurricular activities, pharmacy experience, strong personal statement, and strong references are all HEAVILY taken into account as well. Also, if you have a avlid reason as to why your GPA was poor your first 2 years, that is definitely something to mention in your personal statement. If you're truly passionate in pursuing a career, do not give up because of bad grades! It never hurts to at least try.

Best of luck,
Kathy

 

[Apples2Oranges]

Some schools will look at you holistically, but there's really no way of getting around the minimum GPA requirement for good schools. Try to bring your GPA up.

But dental hygienist is a pretty good gig. That's one of the secret jobs that people don't consider. You make good money, less stress and consistent scheduling. If you wanted to do dentistry, dental hygienist seems pretty nice.

 

[pms_testosterone]

Your chances of getting into any Canadian pharmacy school are slim with your grades. However, if you demonstrate your interest by working or volunteering in a pharmacy you will have a slightly better chance.

You asked about U of Waterloo in particular - they prefer students who have worked/volunteered in a pharmacy. It's pretty much an unwritten requirement.