Need some epic life-changing help.

[aleemmerani]

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Hello,

I've never posted on this forum, nor have I applied for med/DO school.

I am Canadian. I hold a (Canadian) BSc degree (double major Bio/Psyc) and had an average of approximately 3.41?

I currently attend UB School of Pharmacy and am entering my 2nd year. My GPA was a pitiful 2.8.

I don't believe Pharmacy is the right fit for me and have been seriously considering a career change. I've been looking into DO and now, I ask you for your advice and help. I thank you, in advance, for your time and kindness in replying or simply reading my post.


As mentioned before, I have an ugrad gpa of 3.41, and currently a 2.8 after my first year of Pharmacy school. I have not taken an MCAT but would plan on doing so after a few more weeks or months of pondering.

Basically, staight up, what would my chances be - given that I am a CANADIAN student (albeit currently attending a US uni in a professional program), a bachelor's degree holder, and my current reported GPAs? Let's say, for the sake of argument, that I get an vanilla "average" MCAT score, whatever that is.

I currently work in a pharmacy and have been working as a pharmacy technician for 6+ years during summers between school. I have LOADS and LOADS of EC's, volunteer etc. (president of my class, starting up committees, city committees etc).

Would being Canadian (international?), already in a professional program, working at a pharmacy (already immersed in a healthcare providing setting), and my EC's be enough to push me into an acceptance position?

I don't want to go down a road which will only lead to a pitfall. My family looks to me to be their financial support within the next few years following graduation but, I need to be confident enough to make moves.

Summary:

3.41 uGrad GPA
2.8 PharmD GPA (P1 year)
EC's up the butt.
Working in pharmacy.
Good references.

Help. Thank you.

 

[jgraha16]

I cannot claim to be an expert by any means on this subject. However, if you do ultimately make the choice to switch from pharmacy to medicine you will need to demonstrate a serious commitment to medicine while being able to explain why you went all way through a year (probably two by the time you applied since you haven't taken the MCAT yet or started studying I assume) of pharmacy school before you figured out that medicine was what you REALLY wanted to do.

I think your application will automatically make it to the unique pile in the admissions stack so that is a plus and if you really rock the MCAT then I am sure you will have a chance (the national average score is a 24 out of 45 but a competitive one is much closer to ~30 plus or minus a few points.

This is just conjecture though.. Hopefully someone else with a similar experience or better knowledge will be able to help you out. It is about 3 am here and I am bored so I just figured I'd respond 😀

 

[VCU07]

Finish your PharmD and raise your professional school GPA, then ask again. Sorry to be blunt, but that is just the reality. There is no way your going to get in with a 2.8 in professional school and being Canadian. Also, rock the MCAT.

 

[VeeTeeHokies]

Finish your PharmD and raise your professional school GPA, then ask again. Sorry to be blunt, but that is just the reality. There is no way your going to get in with a 2.8 in professional school and being Canadian. Also, rock the MCAT.

I agree with VCU, your ugrad GPA isn't too hateful, but that 2.8 in a science heavy professional school is going to raise some questions and red flags. I wouldn't even consider applying until you prove that you can rock a heavy science courseload at the graduate level. But that's just my take from stalking these forums, good luck with whatever you decide.