Newb timeline question

[JJVmom]

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Since finding out about Creighton's Distance Pathway program, I've been motivated to go back to school. (I'm a military spouse, so this is my only choice.) I have a B.S. in hotel mgm't, so now I'm taking the math and science prereqs. When do I take the PCAT? When do I start my PharmCas process?

Last year I took Trig, Preparatory Chemistry, and Pre-Calc. Here's my plan for the next 2 years:

Fall 2008: Calc 1 and 1st chemistry
Spring 2009: 2nd chemistry and 1st Bio
Summer 2009: Anatomy
Fall 2009: 1st Ochem and 2nd Bio
Spring 2010: 2nd Ochem

Creighton's brochure states "The Admission Committee recommends the PCAT be taken following completion of at least one semester of organic chemistry. Application files will not be reviewed without receipt of the PCAT...The January test is not recommended as applicants may not receive full consideration due to the late score arrival."

If I take the PCAT in Jan or Jun 2010, then I can't start Creighton until Fall 2011, right? What do I do from May 2010 until August 2011?

I appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

 

[tahi193]

Congrats on deciding to go back to school!

Yes, if you take the January or June 2010 PCAT that would be too late to apply to pharmacy school for the Fall 2010 class. Your other option would be to study some Organic on your own and take either the August or October 2009 PCAT. I'm almost sure that you can send in your PharmCAS application without having a PCAT score. Someone may be able to confirm that.

I haven't taken the PCAT yet (this Saturday, yikes!), but I've heard that there is not an incredible amount of Organic on the Chemistry portion of the test. I've heard around 60% General Chem and 40% Organic (mostly basic Organic).

Good luck!

 

[JJVmom]

Good luck on Saturday!

Thanks for the advice. That was my original plan. If I take the PCAT in Oct, then I'll be halfway through my 1st Ochem and 2nd Bio. I've read in other posts that PCAT scores are important for Creighton. Assuming all my grades are A's, I have pharmacy experience, great LORs, and a well-written personal statement, I may still have a chance at getting w/a so-so PCAT score.

My next question is...
If I don't get in for 2010. Then I'll retake the PCAT after I've finished Ochem and my Bio sequence. Assuming my score is raised, will the fact that I applied the year before and didn't get in, hurt my chances when I reapply? I couldn't find any threads on this topic, so I really appreciate your opinion.

Thanks, again.

 

[tootoo30]

Do you have a degree, because alot of their distance students have degrees already, but your timeline of classes looks good.

 

[tahi193]

Half a semester of Organic should be plenty to put up a good fight on the PCAT. Just make sure you know how to name compounds and have an understanding of the most important and basic reactions that you learn near the end of Organic I (SN1, SN2, Beta elimination...I know that probably means nothing to you right now).

As far as reapplying, I've never heard of it hurting one's chances. Many people reapply 2 or 3 times. With a better PCAT score it shouldn't have any effect on your chances, good or bad. Adcoms might even think it shows dedication. 😎

Thanks for the good luck. I'm gonna need it!