Nerves and Anxiety

[nerdystar]

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I'm super-nervous about this whole application process thing. I don't remember being this nervous about applying to undergrad! lol Well, I just wanted to hear some input from some current pharmacy-school students about my chances for getting into Pharm school. My GPA is 2.94. I made 87% composite on the PCAT with my lowest schore being 55% on the Math section. I'm taking the test again on the October date. I have tons of extracurricular activities and a few leadership positions. I have a BS in Chemistry. I don't have any pharmacy experience, but I do have medical experience--I worked in a doctor's office all through college. I'm applying to several schools including:

 Howard University
 Mercer University
 Midwestern University
 NOVA Southeastern University
 Long Island University
 University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
 FAMU
 St. John’s University
 Temple University
LOL I know that's a lot of schools, but I'd really like to get in this time around (first time applying). Just weigh in and tell me what you think my chances are. I know y'all probably get tired of replying to these types of posts, but I'm nervous would like to know something from someone before I get the actual word from the schools themselves.

Oh yeah, if you're a current pharmacy-school student who didn't think they'd get in, post your success story and stats (gpa, pcat score, etc.) for some inspiration for the rest of us.

 

[nerdystar]

lol....no one replied...that must mean y'all don't think I have a snowball's chance in hell of getting in.

 

[cosmicstarr]

Check out http://www.pharmcas.com/collegesschools/directoryalphastate.htm

This gives you an idea of the GPA range for admitted students for some of the schools. I believe most, if not all of them, have a 3.0+ GPA for admitted students. Most of them are in the 3.5 range.

Good luck with your applications! If you don't get in this cycle and are really interested in pharmacy, I would strengthen the application for next year.

The main things that would help:

- Retake any science/prereq. courses where you may have received a C+ or lower and shoot for As. This will also help raise the GPA. Or if you don't want to retake anything, enroll in some upper division bio or chem classes and get As.
- Get some pharmacy experience either volunteer or paid.
- Maybe look into retaking the PCAT and at least improve the math section. The other sections would probably improve as well.

 

[ndearwater]

Hey nerdy 🙂
I had similar stats as you last year... 2.97 GPA, 86% PCAT from 10/04, BS in Psych etc. I had 2 years exp. in a pharmacy but other than that we're pretty much the same. Last year I applied kind of late in the cycle (December and later). This year my GPA is 3.02, I'm retaking the PCAT in two weeks and of course have 3 years of tech experience... haha I'm done applying at all rolling admissions schools and I have had one interview and am having another one the day before PCAT 🙂
TIPS:
Apply early! Like today. 😉
Do something that involves shadowing or at least stepping foot in a pharmacy.
If you have pre-reqs left to take, get A's. Bring up the GPA to the "3's" and I think it makes a world of difference.
Good luck! You have a lot of good stuff going for you and it's your first year applying. I know you want to get in this year but if you don't you'll be way ahead for next year!

 

[nerdystar]

- Retake any science/prereq. courses where you may have received a C+ or lower and shoot for As. This will also help raise the GPA. Or if you don't want to retake anything, enroll in some upper division bio or chem classes and get As.

Ok, I can do this, but I thought that Pharm schools factor in ALL courses taken, not just the highest scores. I know it will raise my GPA, but will it really matter that much since they can see as well as consider my previous grade in the course?

 

[OSURxgirl]

I'd consider taking just a few courses (ones you can make A's in) to bring that GPA up to a 3.0. I know some schools (including mine) will no longer look at your application if your GPA is below 3.0.

 

[nerdystar]

Apply early! Like today. 😉

I'm sending in my remaining appys on Friday! Hope it's not too late already 🙁 I only have one prereq left to take in the Spring (Anatomy), and I plan on acing that sucker.

 

[cosmicstarr]

Ok, I can do this, but I thought that Pharm schools factor in ALL courses taken, not just the highest scores. I know it will raise my GPA, but will it really matter that much since they can see as well as consider my previous grade in the course?

PharmCAS averages all the grades, but I think some specific schools have a break-out prerequisite GPA that they evaluate and the replacement grade is considered.

But the most important thing is probably to get that GPA above a 3.0 if you have to apply again next cycle.

Good luck!

 

[dreaminpharmd]

Hey Nerdy,

I am in the same boat as you with similar stats. I have taken additional science courses and trying to ace them (such as Immunology). I graduated back in 2000 and worked for four years in the research. Now I am taking more classes and finishing up more pre-requisites (aka anatomy and physiology, english composition....etc). Only recently, I started volunteering back in March and am still hanging on to get an LOR from pharmacist. I am slowly raising my GPA above a 3.0 and hopefully I'll ace all five classes from this fall.

I agree with everyone....take more upper division courses. One pharmacist even suggested taking pharmacogenetics or something related to the pharmacy field. Look for a volunteer position (in a hospital) or consider being a pharmacy technician (if your state doesn't require licensure). I usually volunteer for 4 hours a week doing pre-packaging and checking for expired medications. 😳

Hope this helps.

 

[megrxgirl]

PharmCAS averages all the grades, but I think some specific schools have a break-out prerequisite GPA that they evaluate and the replacement grade is considered.

But the most important thing is probably to get that GPA above a 3.0 if you have to apply again next cycle.

Good luck!

I know that Samford uses the overall GPA from pharmcas but they recalculate the science gpa and use only the highest grades if a class was retaken. Im sure other schools do this too.