need some input on my situation

[pharmgrl5]

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I'm currently on academic probation because of how badly I did my first semester. It was entirely due to personal issues which I'm currently working on now. This semester I'm trying but not making a whole lot of ground. I'll still be on probation for the fall because there was no way I could bring my cGPA up to what they wanted in order to get off it. I'm frankly ok with all this because I feel fortunate that I'm at a school that has forgiveness. I could be somewhere that kicks you out right away and doesn't allow second chances! Well now I'm beginning to wonder if going to a community college for a year might benefit me. I've resisted against it for the last 2 years (both while making decisions on schools and also while in school). I just feel almost like I'd be going backwards if I went to a different school. I'm not trying to diss on community colleges, it's just that I personally haven't wanted to go to one. My younger brother is going to one and he loves it, so I do see how it can benefit people. I'm looking at them now only because they have many more online courses available. That's important to me right now because I'm still struggling with the issues that led up to me failing my classes last semester.

There are a few reasons still why I am not sure if I want to go that route... for one I've noticed they have a cell bio class that does all it's lecture material online (which I love!) and does labs once a week in class. I'm thinking that would be great because I work a ton better at my own pace and in my own environment. But I'm wondering if later on down the road the adcoms are going to be able to tell it was a partial online class and then either turn the credit away or look down on it. I've checked into it for my particular school (my 4 year university... not the pharm school) and it does transfer as the same as the cell bio class offered at the university.

Another reason is because yes at my 4 year school the tuition is higher but it also means I end up with more financial aid. Which means my refunds (which help us with bills and stuff) are larger. I'm concerned somewhat that I would actually lose financial aid if I switched to a community college.

Ugh, it's all too confusing and I just feel like I need to regain my footing. But how to do that is the question here. I feel right now like I'm stumbling around in the dark. And like this first year has been quite a waste in many ways. The only thing I've really accomplished is getting my new pharm tech job, and that doesn't even have anything to do with school!

Any insight or thoughts on this all? I'd sure appreciate it!

 

[Happy Hounds]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking courses at a community college. If that is what you need to get back on track, then by all means, do it. However, be sure that you can show that you are going in a different direction academically speaking than you were during your first year (and possibly this year.) It might benefit you to take a year at CC and rock your grades (get as many A's as possible) and try to start back at the 4-year institution--then show strong academic progress (A's and B's) and be sure to do some EC, volunteering, and/or pharmacy work to round out your application. But first thing's first--get your ducks in a row and decide how you can best achieve your academic goals. Perhaps consider taking a time-management or study skills seminar at your university's learning center if focus is a problem, or if you work a lot, cut back on hours while you focus on grades. If you choose to go to a CC for a year, pad your classes there with some extracurricular or volunteering experience. Do something that is meaningful to you so you'll stick with it (even through Organic Chemistry ) as a continual volunteer experience, become certified as a CPhT and work 1-2 shifts per week in a pharmacy or volunteer--just try to get enough experience that you have a good idea of what you're getting into and can talk intelligently about it during an interview. And don't worry too much--adcoms understand that personal things happen to everyone that can get in the way of school. So long as it's a temporary thing and you show that you have worked hard to come out of that place and make yourself the best candidate possible will prove you are resilient and hard working, traits that are highly desired in professional school. Hope this helps! Best of luck!