Need some advice about classes

[UCPharm]

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I graduated from a UC w/ a low GPA 2.638
However, I've been taking courses at a Community College and have a GPA 3.5 I retook some science courses (i.e. Physics at UC =C-, Physics at CC= A)
I worked hard this time around and understood the concepts.


1) Does this look bad? Should I be taking course at a Cal State or even back at a UC? The reason for me taking courses at the CC level is that its very convenient (night classes) and cost effective (12 bucks a unit).

I owe about 37K in loans (spent 5 years at a UC) and now I work full time. I don't want to accumulate more dept (at least keep it to a minimum), thus that's why I haven't tried to go to a private post bacc program (27K a year). My goal is to eventually get to Pharm school or PA school. However, I know my GPA sucks. My time at the UC was more exploring than competing for grades. Hence I didn't care and just wanted to learn different things.

2) Should I forget about my undergrad GPA and try for a masters?
This is suppose to show that you got your act together.

3) What?s the best route to from here?
I want to be efficient with my time and money for both are limited resources to me since I'm on my own. (No parents to help)

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[npp71681]

Hi!
UCPharm,

I am a pre-pharmacy student. So, what I can tell based up on my knowledge is Pharmacy schools are not looking 100% at GPA. They look at other stuff too; such as, PCAT, Personal Statement(essay), extracurricular activities, Interview and all other stuff. They want students who are well rounded.

This year, I have known some people who had 4.00 GPA got rejected from pharmacy admission, because they did not have any pharmacy related experience and any extracurricular activities. So, eventhough GPA is main concern about Pharmacy school, they are not just looking at it, they look at lots of other stuff that you submit with your application(like, essay, PCAT, experience, and etc,).

And from what I heard that schools look at both cumulative and just pre-pharmacy GPA.

I hope this help!!!

 

[bananaface]

Is the 3.5 for the CC or is it cumulative? I would think in either case you have shown a recovery and now would have a chance at a program.

 

[ucdbiochem]

yeah, just retake whatever classes that you need at a CC. it doesn't mater where you get the grades. an A is an A. that's all they care.
regarding to getting a master, i think it's unnecessary. plus, u have loan to pay back. just do it in a cheaper way at CC and go to pharm school.

 

[UCPharm]

THANKS EVERYONE!!!!

Is the 3.5 for the CC or is it cumulative? I would think in either case you have shown a recovery and now would have a chance at a program.

The 3.5gpa is only cum from the CC, not my total cum, my guess is it might around 2.8gpa (I'll have to calc this and get back to you.)

PCAT it's not required by California schools (since I live in Ca) but should I take it anyways to show them that I could do well? How hard is this exam?

Here is some of my Extra Curricular, I was wondering if this is enough
1) Hospital volunteer (pharm dept)
2) Worked as a pharm tech
3) Lots of student service orgs and leadership (Student Senate)
4) Research exper with a publication under my belt (presented at an annual science conference in FL),
5) I currently work for a pharmaceutical company (a big one).

So should the next course of action be to take the PCAT and apply in 2005? Or keep raising the gpa?

 

[vafcarrot]

hehe... I'll trade you some of my EC for some of yours. Does watching TV count?

 

[bananaface]

The published paper is a good feather to have in your cap. Play that one up big time.

The CC grades should replance the bad grades from UC, not average with them. Does everyone agree with that? I would think your gpa would average higher than that is you don't count the courses from UC that were already repeated.

I too think the master's is silly if you are not planning on using it.

 

[ucrsandstorm]

Ok ok correct me if I'm wrong but PharmCas doesn't let you replace repeated courses... for example on your Physics you got a C- and now you repeated with a A. The C still counts and the Physics grade is considered a B assuming if they we equal in units. Does that make sense?

about the PCAT .. I don't know.

Good Luck!!

 

[young skywalker]

I think for your case it will all depend.
Low grades in which classes?
Which UC and what major?
Which journal did you publish in and to what degree was it your own research?
What position do you currently hold at which biotech?
How long have you worked as a pharmtech and hospital volunteer.

If you currently are on the borderline, these are make or break factors that the admissions committee will consider. Quality over quantity.

My advice would be that if you currently are doing research at that big pharma, to stay there and get a good recommendation from a very senior scientist with lots of influence. Maybe even ride in on another publication or patent. In the mean time don't worry about where to take your prereq's, go to a community college where it is cheap, but make sure you get only A's. Also make sure you know exactly what you want out of Pharmacy and make it known on your application.

 

[kwakster928]

some schools use GPA and PCAT as their initial resource to cut people out. at temple at least my experience they based GPA to invite them for an interview and then they look at your rest of your file. But i am sure some schools do differently. i agree with other posts. there is no guarantee. you just gotta try.

 

[UT-Frank]

I think you need at least a 3.0 gpa with your pre-pharm to get an interview (for UT at least). So my advice is the work on that gpa and get it above 3.0. And also, make sure all grades are C and better (does not matter if you took other upper dev. courses and scored higher...u need at least a C or better in their req. pre reqs.

Hope this helps