No Extracurriculars?

[PharmDeez]

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Hello Everyone,

I wanted to know how bad is it to not have any extracurriculars on your application. I'm applying this year and it bothers me that I have this section blank, no community service, no club activities. Is this section really important and how can i make up for it? I know its easy to just volunteer somewhere once a month and be able to put something down and thats what some people do, but I just adhor that idea. Dont get me wrong, I also know there are other really committed ppl out there who do put in the time and effort, and I commend them for that.

My stats are:
3.3-3.4 gpa (already considering my gpa will deflate after pharmcas calculations)
Work 2 yrs at CVS/pharmacy, 1 yr pharm tech
Work 4 months at clinical trials company as pharm tech recently
Research 1 yr exp, experiment leader since summer, no publications

what are my chances of getting into a CA school

 

[97obw]

my pre-pharm advisor says not to worry about extra c's, she says that most fields that require a type of graduate school doesnt consider them much anymore

 

[starrfishes]

it's okay. you don't really need ec's. honestly, what you have is sorta different and interesting from the norm of just ec's. you have a strong G.P.A., so trust me, do not worry. you're set with your GPA for CA schools. CA schools are looking for well-rounded students (not necessarily really high GPAs). with your stats also try UCSF. i'm from california so i pretty much know how it goes.

now, all you need to do now is to apply, write a really good personal statement, do well on the interview, etc.

 

[Omegadramon]

Working at CVS is more than enough as far as "EC"s go...

 

[AngelaCL]

I can't speak for other schools, but the admissions director at Purdue was very clear in stating that anyone leaving the leadership/community service sections blank on the application would not be considered, regardless of their other stats. It's probably not the only nation to feel this way. What's wrong with volunteering somewhere once a month? I know it's a little late to start at this point, if you are applying in December, but it's better than nothing, and you might actually help people. I know how you feel though as this is my weakest section! It's really hard to consider working for free when already working 2 jobs just to afford textbooks.

 

[MoonBlossomGirl]

I'm basically in the same boat as you. What did you end up doing for the UCSD school org. section?

 

[drugdoc]

In the current state of applying to pharmacy school one has to do everything possible to get their application noticed. No EC's WILL hurt you at most schools....why wouldn't it, when all other applications (or most) will have at least one EC?

Surely, you could find a few one-day opportunities in your area. Organizations are begging for volunteers. Do an Internet check of your area, and you'll see many opportunities for you to help others. After all, pharmacy is about helping others, right?

 

[Rumplestiltazepam]

If you were working and going to school full time often there is isn't time or extra curric activities, some people find the time and some don't. Your GPA is little below average at most schools but you have a lot of experience so that should make up for it.

 

[rxgales]

this might be off the topic...but if life is about chances, luck, opportunities, survival fitness.........then it's truly sad that some never got that opportunities to prove that they are nobel worthy...well that's life...love it