Not getting in this year!!

[jiepper]

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Hi,

I'm not getting in to the 3 schools that I applied to. I applied to 5 but didn't finish my supplemental applications for 2 schools. However, I just got a job offer from plant biosciences lab as a research associate for one year contract at my undergrad university. It's a full time job. The problems:

1. What should I do to increase my UG GPA? If I stay at the same school, I don't think I can retake classes that I passed already. (I haven't ask the counselor yet, so I don't know for sure).
2. I'm sure my boss can let me take classes, but probably not more than 2 classes for a semester.
3. Should I not take the job and go re-take classes somewhere else? However, that will bring up concerns from my bf and my parents.
4. Should I go ahead and take grad courses? I don't have to pay money to take grad courses.

One thing for sure, my boss knows that I want to get into pharm school next year. I also expressed that if I don't get in next year, I may consider grad school.

Please help me?? Those that didn't get in last year and got in this year, what did you do??? I have no idea. I want to work but I want to be able to take classes too....HELP ME!!!

 

[DoctorCoke]

I know you are anxiously seeking advice, but speaking for myself, I truly think this is a decision you have to make for yourself.

There are many meticulous details and intricate facets surrounding everybody's life that I don't think anyone on this message board is qualified to give you a responsible answer, especially since there is a job at stake in this particular instance.

I believe you need to evaluate all the pros and cons of taking on the job, and hopefully that will aid you in making the best decision.

BTW, what are your stats (if you dont mind sharing) just to get an idea of how much you are planning to upgrade in terms of gpa? Perhaps taking two courses each semester wont do much good, and you would be better off acruing some research-related experience that you can jot down on your application for next year. Good luck! 🙂

 

[jiepper]

my stats: GPA below 3.0. PCAT is not that great. I know that GPA and PCAT score are against me. If I take this job, I don't know if I can retake classes over again. I have to work 40 hours per week, and may be take 1 or 2 hours of class per day. I'll have my name on pub papers. I'll learn a lot of research. I'll be apart from my bf if I take this research job. I'm not sure what I should do. I want to take the route that will get me into pharm school next year.

I know you are anxiously seeking advice, but speaking for myself, I truly think this is a decision you have to make for yourself.

There are many meticulous details and intricate facets surrounding everybody's life that I don't think anyone on this message board is qualified to give you a responsible answer, especially since there is a job at stake in this particular instance.

I believe you need to evaluate all the pros and cons of taking on the job, and hopefully that will aid you in making the best decision.

BTW, what are your stats (if you dont mind sharing) just to get an idea of how much you are planning to upgrade in terms of gpa? Perhaps taking two courses each semester wont do much good, and you would be better off acruing some research-related experience that you can jot down on your application for next year. Good luck! 🙂

 

[DoctorCoke]

I'd hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your stats are probably what are damaging your application. If I were in your position, I would do everything in my power to make my application more competitive. I suppose that would mean doing everything in my power to increase my profile.

This may sound like the obvious thing to say, but if you can handle it, I would take the courses to increase my gpa (even though it wont be a major change, if you do well in these courses you can demonstrate to the ADCOM signs of positive improvement as a mature student), also take on the job so that you can add it to your application and possibly gain a great reference letter to boot. I would also do some volunteer work at a hospital (as much as you can fit in) so that you can add that to your application as well.

A well written personal statement can go along way, make sure that it emphasizes your passion for the profession and the effort you've put in to achieve this goal.

I suppose my last tip, is to apply to as many shools as possible and to do so early, get yourself noticed before the flood of applicants hits. Don't be another pea in the pod, differentiate yourself. Hope this helps. 🙂

 

[thaliagoo]

my stats: GPA below 3.0. PCAT is not that great. I know that GPA and PCAT score are against me. If I take this job, I don't know if I can retake classes over again. I have to work 40 hours per week, and may be take 1 or 2 hours of class per day. I'll have my name on pub papers. I'll learn a lot of research. I'll be apart from my bf if I take this research job. I'm not sure what I should do. I want to take the route that will get me into pharm school next year.

Well, your GPA is one thing that's keeping you down. If you really want to get in with your GPA, the only thing you can do is raise your PCAT score. And I don't mean just raise your score to an acceptable level-- I mean raise it so it's stellar. School are probably worried you can't handle the curriculum- you need to show them you know otherwise. Study on your own, go to a learning center, do whatever it takes. You say you work 40 hr/week-- if you feel you need to, work part time. PCAT should be a full-time devotion to you if you really want to go to pharmacy school... and not lose another year of your life.