Need major advice about coming app cycle please!

[phabulous]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I am currently studying to become an anesthesia pa, but I realize it's not for me, so I'd like to apply to pharmacy schools in the coming app cycle - but only of course if I have a good shot with what I have so far:
Undergrad GPA: 3.3
Undergrad Science GPA: 3.17
Degree: BS Biology
PCAT: took in 2002(3?) and scored 82 w/o studying, so I know I can do much better this time
Current grad GPA: abysmal, 2 point something, after 2 semesters, I didn't think I'd be applying to anything ever again and my program is ok w/ Cs or better.
Extracurriculars: nothing substantial - 3 months as tech 3 years ago in the summer. During undergrad I did a couple clubs and a couple of on-campus jobs(nothing pharm related), also much of what I did in undergrad was geared toward applying to med school(glad I didn't go down that route)
Here's the real kicker, I used to be pre-pharm in my freshman year and had a guaranteed spot in pharm school all nice on a silver platter and I decided against it because at the time(naive me) it seemed like more something my parents had steered me into. I had no mind of my own back then.

Bottomline: I'm still in the anesthesia program in case I don't get into pharm, I'm going to get a part time tech job as well as take the June PCAT(90+ hopefully). I'd at least like to apply to MCPHS Worcester, Midwestern-Chicago, maybe UIC(alma mater hehe), but I'm open to anything at this point. So, I am asking this:
With what I have, and assuming I do well in the PCATS, start pharm tech work immediately, and apply early asap, do I have a good shot of getting in this time? Or would it be wiser for me to wait a year and bolster my app with work/volunteer experience - if it can be helped with that?
Sorry for the long post. Advice greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[genesis09]

You were in GPPA?
To give you some current numbers at UIC, the average GPA has been in the neighborhood of a 3.6 or 3.7, and average PCAT is in the high 80s to low 90s. They will admit people outside of that range, but there must be something special about them. For instance, they like to admit people who want to work outside of the Chicago area, but inside Illinois. They only give preference to Illinois residents and not UIC grads.
Midwestern apply early, I cannot stress that enough. They are on rolling admissions, so the sooner the better. There average GPA is about a 3.4 and PCAT in the lower 80s.
Another thing you can do if you wait one year is that Chicago State University is planning to open a new college of Pharmacy. Their first class will be admitted Fall 2008. My guess is that their class's stats will be lower than UIC and Midwestern. They are located at about 95th and S King Dr; so they are in the south side of Chicago.
They like to see some pharmacy experience be it pharmacy volunteer or tech, but it is still possible to get in without it.

 

[aboveliquidice]

You were in GPPA?
To give you some current numbers at UIC, the average GPA has been in the neighborhood of a 3.6 or 3.7, and average PCAT is in the high 80s to low 90s. They will admit people outside of that range, but there must be something special about them. For instance, they like to admit people who want to work outside of the Chicago area, but inside Illinois. They only give preference to Illinois residents and not UIC grads.
Midwestern apply early, I cannot stress that enough. They are on rolling admissions, so the sooner the better. There average GPA is about a 3.4 and PCAT in the lower 80s.
Another thing you can do if you wait one year is that Chicago State University is planning to open a new college of Pharmacy. Their first class will be admitted Fall 2008. My guess is that their class's stats will be lower than UIC and Midwestern. They are located at about 95th and S King Dr; so they are in the south side of Chicago.
They like to see some pharmacy experience be it pharmacy volunteer or tech, but it is still possible to get in without it.

Also:
Check that all of your Pre-Req's are still met. I see you have a BS in Bio - So you have more experience than the average applicant(def good). I would say try and bring your GPA up - but with having 120 + credits I dont see it happening. Focus on slam-dunking the PCAT. A 99% applicant with a BS is a hard thing for a school to pass on, even if the GPA isnt spectacular.

my .02

~above~

 

[phabulous]

Thanks for input! Anyone know anything more about MCPHS Worcester and their GPA, PCAT ranges?
I'm really leaning toward their program because it is 3 years.

 

[imkim01]

Thanks for input! Anyone know anything more about MCPHS Worcester and their GPA, PCAT ranges?
I'm really leaning toward their program because it is 3 years.

MCPHS Worcester doesn't require PCAT. I am not sure what the average GPA is. You GPA looks a bit lower but since you have a BS and pharmacy experience, you will be ok. However, if you have any Cs on any requirements, you may want to retake them.