Not sure what to do next...

[hye345]

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I'm at something of a crossroads.

Next fall, I will be a senior. My cumulative GPA is 3.27, while my science GPA is around 3.0. One big reason for this was because I failed general chemistry in freshman year (I retook it and got an A, so I'm counting it as a C). I have not taken the PCAT yet, I was waiting until I took certain classes.

As far as volunteering/EC's I don't have much substantial yet (the pharmacies in my area were not taking on volunteers), but I do plan on volunteering at the local hospital in the fall (not in pharmacy section though...).

Needless to say, I am going to take a gap year and try to improve my chances. However, I'm torn on how to use the 'year off' most efficiently. I can either try to get certified as a pharmacy technician and work for one year, or I can go for a post-bac.

I must confess that I am still not sure exactly how a post-bac works. I know that it helps to raise one's GPA, but is it strictly for retaking certain classes, or is there more freedom involved?

As far as working as a pharmacy technician, I have heard that simply having the certification means little; to add to that, everyone is saying that its *impossible* to get a job as a pharmacy technician in California without prior experience. If the study guides are any indication, the exam seems to be all about memorizing massive amounts of information concerning drug names and factoids. I do not want to sound lazy, but considering the cost (in time and money) coupled with the uncertainty of employment, it seems shaky.

Having said this, I could be wrong (and probably am...). If so, someone please correct me: which option would be the best route? Thanks a million.

 

[Project2015]

I must confess that I am still not sure exactly how a post-bac works. I know that it helps to raise one's GPA, but is it strictly for retaking certain classes, or is there more freedom involved?

From what I understand, you can take whatever courses you want because it doesn't have to be a program.

As far as working as a pharmacy technician, I have heard that simply having the certification means little; to add to that, everyone is saying that its *impossible* to get a job as a pharmacy technician in California without prior experience.

Agreed.

If the study guides are any indication, the exam seems to be all about memorizing massive amounts of information concerning drug names and factoids. I do not want to sound lazy, but considering the cost (in time and money) coupled with the uncertainty of employment, it seems shaky.

From what I've heard, most of it is math. Some law. Some drug stuff.


Raise GPA as much as possible with your last year.

For ECs, you should have been doing something all these years in college. It doesn't have to be pharmacy.

Being a technician is not critical. More important is that you can demonstrate your familiarity with the profession. One way is to work/volunteer in one.

If your GPA isn't going to change that much and you haven't already done some notable ECs, then you're looking at least two gap years. It will be hard to have something done during one summer before having to submit your application.

 

[hye345]

Well, as far as EC's go, I have been an on-again and off-again member in a few clubs here and there. I did recently gain acceptance into the Class Council of 2011, which is involved in philanthropy, and I'm gonna try to be an active member, so I hope that helps.

If your GPA isn't going to change that much and you haven't already done some notable ECs, then you're looking at least two gap years. It will be hard to have something done during one summer before having to submit your application.

I don't understand why its 2 gap years. If I apply after my senior year (which would leave one gap year), I'm assuming I can still be active in volunteering/EC's during senior year.

 

[pharm B]

Are you looking at solely California schools or are you willing to leave your state? You don't necessarily need a gap year if you look into schools with academic forgiveness and it's not too late to apply this year.

What kind of post-bacc were you looking into? An MPH might look good for your next application, it's relevant to some areas of pharmacy, and some programs only take a year to complete.

 

[hye345]

Are you looking at solely California schools or are you willing to leave your state? You don't necessarily need a gap year if you look into schools with academic forgiveness and it's not too late to apply this year.

What kind of post-bacc were you looking into? An MPH might look good for your next application, it's relevant to some areas of pharmacy, and some programs only take a year to complete.

It would be cool if I could stay in California, but aside from taking a gap year to strengthen my application overall, I'm not going to be too picky as to where I end up.

As far as possibly applying this year: Besides my GPA, problem is that I don't have any experience in the health care field, beyond a brief stint in the pre-health club at my school (which appears loosely organized). I tried to get involved in research last year, but all the professors I talked to either did not have room for anyone new, or they did not feel that I had enough research experience (which was probably valid...). I have also contacted pharmacies in both my hometown and where I go to school, but none of them are taking on volunteers at the moment.

At least by taking 1 gap year, (hopefully) I would have volunteered at a major hospital for 6-9 months, and I could try to raise my GPA during the gap year, and/or work as a pharmacy technician.

An MPH? I have never thought of that. I take it that since its a separate degree, it would not go towards my GPA... would the advantages of having a 2nd degree that relevant to healthcare outweigh this?

 

[Project2015]

MPH would go towards your GPA.

I don't understand why its 2 gap years. If I apply after my senior year (which would leave one gap year), I'm assuming I can still be active in volunteering/EC's during senior year.

You said you wanted to make use of your "'year off' most efficiently." And then you said this:

At least by taking 1 gap year, (hopefully) I would have volunteered at a major hospital for 6-9 months, and I could try to raise my GPA during the gap year, and/or work as a pharmacy technician.

Most of that won't show up on your paper application especially if you want to submit early for rolling admissions. If you can get the interview, then more of it could be discussed then. The point was your application won't be evaluated with that entire gap year in mind.

 

[diastole]

I'm not sure why you think you need a gap year. If you take the PCAT in October there is still time to apply this year. If you don't apply, you have a 100% chance of not getting in. If you apply, you have a decent chance if you choose your schools wisely. You might not make it and cost yourself some time and money but it is a small amount compared to the year's salary that you are guaranteed to cost yourself if you don't even try.

 

[hye345]

MPH would go towards your GPA.



You said you wanted to make use of your "'year off' most efficiently." And then you said this:



Most of that won't show up on your paper application especially if you want to submit early for rolling admissions. If you can get the interview, then more of it could be discussed then. The point was your application won't be evaluated with that entire gap year in mind.

Well, its true that what I do after senior year will probably not show up on paper, but at least it will give fodder to the interview(s) as 'work in progress'. However, I would still be able to put down that during senior year, I volunteered at a hospital, which might help.

P.S. for the rolling admissions, does applying early coincide with the 'early decision deadline' (September 3rd) on the PharmCAS website, or is that unrelated?

I'm not sure why you think you need a gap year. If you take the PCAT in October there is still time to apply this year. If you don't apply, you have a 100% chance of not getting in. If you apply, you have a decent chance if you choose your schools wisely. You might not make it and cost yourself some time and money but it is a small amount compared to the year's salary that you are guaranteed to cost yourself if you don't even try.

Well, the problem is, I haven't really gotten any of the paperwork in order yet (ordering transcripts, letters of recommendations... at the moment, I don't really have a pharmacist who could write me one, since I have not been able to shadow anyone yet). Plus, I don't know if applying early for rolling admissions to raise my chances is still a viable option at this point. Not to mention I have not begun to study for the PCAT yet...

(If I appear lazy or careless, its because my whole 'plan' was/is based on the notion that I would take a gap year).

There are also personal reasons why I would want a gap year... truth is, I'm in no rush. One year isn't much in the grand scheme of things.

 

[Project2015]

P.S. for the rolling admissions, does applying early coincide with the 'early decision deadline' (September 3rd) on the PharmCAS website, or is that unrelated?

Unrelated.

 

[hye345]

Unrelated.

So the November 1st deadline still applies?

 

[Project2015]

So the November 1st deadline still applies?

It depends on the school...

For rolling admissions, there is a deadline but they start accepting applicants before it in several rounds. Therefore, there will be fewer seats closer to the deadline.

 

[diastole]

Well, the problem is, I haven't really gotten any of the paperwork in order yet (ordering transcripts, letters of recommendations... at the moment, I don't really have a pharmacist who could write me one, since I have not been able to shadow anyone yet). Plus, I don't know if applying early for rolling admissions to raise my chances is still a viable option at this point. Not to mention I have not begun to study for the PCAT yet...

(If I appear lazy or careless, its because my whole 'plan' was/is based on the notion that I would take a gap year).

There are also personal reasons why I would want a gap year... truth is, I'm in no rush. One year isn't much in the grand scheme of things.

That sounds a bit like my reasoning when I was applying (minus the personal reasons). I planned to apply the following cycle when I could study for my PCAT properly, and get pharmacy experience so I could get decent LORs. Then I applied to USN ahead of time because they didn't require the PCAT, pharmacy experience, or LORs. I ended up getting in and moved my plans up one year. I ended up saving quite a bit in all the application fees, interview costs, etc.

If I were going to take a gap year, I'd try to volunteer in a pharmacy now and get experience before graduation and then spend the time backpacking across Europe or something. Or better yet, if I wanted to look good on an application, I'd go volunteer at a health clinic in the developing world.

 

[hye345]

Then I applied to USN ahead of time because they didn't require the PCAT, pharmacy experience, or LORs. I ended up getting in and moved my plans up one year. I ended up saving quite a bit in all the application fees, interview costs, etc.

wait, I understand that the PCAT not required... but USN does not require LOR's or pharmacy experience (de-facto)? Sounds like there is a catch...

P.S. I just checked the USN website, and they do require the PCAT. Must have been a recent change...

 

[diastole]

wait, I understand that the PCAT not required... but USN does not require LOR's or pharmacy experience (de-facto)? Sounds like there is a catch...

P.S. I just checked the USN website, and they do require the PCAT. Must have been a recent change...

They changed it last year but I do believe they allow people to take the January PCAT so there is plenty of time. They use a point system for admissions and maybe LORs, pharmacy experience, etc., are too hard to factor in? I'm not sure but I found the application process to be quite easy minus the stress on interview day.

 

[hye345]

They changed it last year but I do believe they allow people to take the January PCAT so there is plenty of time. They use a point system for admissions and maybe LORs, pharmacy experience, etc., are too hard to factor in? I'm not sure but I found the application process to be quite easy minus the stress on interview day.

Interesting... The only 'catch' seems to be that if I take the PCAT in January, then either they wait to see how I did before they make their decision (which would mean less spots available), or they decide before they get my PCAT results (not sure if they would do this...).

 

[SHC1984]

Interesting... The only 'catch' seems to be that if I take the PCAT in January, then either they wait to see how I did before they make their decision (which would mean less spots available), or they decide before they get my PCAT results (not sure if they would do this...).

You should def apply NOW and not waste time and get old like me! I took the PCAT in Jan 2009 and applied in Jan 2009 also, it was very late but I still got accepted into 2 pharmacy schools for fall 2009. I didn't start "preparing" to apply until late Dec 2008! I was going to take a year off like you, but then thought, damn I am getting too old, so I applied in Jan and got accepted.

Don't wait, don't waste time, (most importantly don't get old like me), apply now! 👍

Pharmacy school takes up all your time and you would want to finish that **** ASAP. The YOUNGER you are coming out the better, trust me on this. You don't want to graduate and be old.

 

[hye345]

You should def apply NOW and not waste time and get old like me! I took the PCAT in Jan 2009 and applied in Jan 2009 also, it was very late but I still got accepted into 2 pharmacy schools for fall 2009. I didn't start "preparing" to apply until late Dec 2008! I was going to take a year off like you, but then thought, damn I am getting too old, so I applied in Jan and got accepted.

Don't wait, don't waste time, (most importantly don't get old like me), apply now! 👍

Pharmacy school takes up all your time and you would want to finish that **** ASAP. The YOUNGER you are coming out the better, trust me no this. You don't want to graduate and be old.

Wow, congratulations. So, you applied late, took PCAT sorta late, and still got in? If you don't mind my asking, what were your stats, and where did you apply?

 

[hye345]

Pharmacy school takes up all your time and you would want to finish that **** ASAP. The YOUNGER you are coming out the better, trust me on this. You don't want to graduate and be old.

Haha, I'm not sure 27 is old, at least compared to 26.

 

[SHC1984]

Wow, congratulations. So, you applied late, took PCAT sorta late, and still got in? If you don't mind my asking, what were your stats, and where did you apply?

Sure, my GPA was a 3.9, I have a degree in chemistry, but my PCAT was only a 82. My science and math was in the 90s, but my verbal was a 65 and my reading was very very low (too ashame to share on a public forum! 😳)

I applied to Mercer, South, Campbell and VCU.

I got accepted into Mercer and South.

I decline the interview at Campbell.

Never heard anything from VCU. 😕

You should apply now!!! I tell all people to just take two years of pre-pharmacy classes and APPLY! you have nothing to lose! apply ASAP when you have every class taken! Wasting time=graduating when you are a old maid like me. 🙄

 

[SHC1984]

Haha, I'm not sure 27 is old, at least compared to 26.

I will be 28, pretty much turning 29 when I graduate. Damn, that's almost 30. 🙁

 

[diastole]

Interesting... The only 'catch' seems to be that if I take the PCAT in January, then either they wait to see how I did before they make their decision (which would mean less spots available), or they decide before they get my PCAT results (not sure if they would do this...).

USN isn't rolling admissions so it doesn't really matter when you take the PCAT. They do offer spots to people before all the interviews are complete but those are people with really high point totals who would get in anyway. A less competitive applicant won't get the spot over a more competitive applicant just because they have the entire application complete early.

 

[kmoogs]

Apply now ASAP. It's definately not too late ... it won't be too late until the deadline passes.

 

[hye345]

Apply now ASAP. It's definately not too late ... it won't be too late until the deadline passes.

Even with my mediocre grades and lack of major EC's? (not trying to sound 'emo', just being a realist...)

 

[kmoogs]

Even with my mediocre grades and lack of major EC's? (not trying to sound 'emo', just being a realist...)

Well... it's worth a shot. I submitted my app on the last day to USC (rolling admissions) and now I'm attending USC. I didn't really have ECs or pharmacy experience either ... but I sort of had other 'stuff' to make up for it.

You can still do your volunteering and other EC stuff now after submitting your application. By time the interview comes along, you can talk about your experiences and what you've been doing to improve yourself as a candidate...


Look at it this way. If you don't submit an application, you have a 0% chance. If you do submit, your chances won't be 100% but they won't be 0% either.

 

[hye345]

Look at it this way. If you don't submit an application, you have a 0% chance. If you do submit, your chances won't be 100% but they won't be 0% either.

Well, can't really argue with the logic of that...

Trouble is, I don't know a pharmacist who could write me a letter of recommendation. I might be able to get a professor to write one, although I'm a bit fuzzy on how the 'procedure' for this works exactly... do I just email the professor and explain my situation (assuming he remembers who I am)? To that end, I wonder if there are any pharmacy schools besides USN that don't require LOR's (at least from a pharmacist)...

As far as the PCAT, if I do plan on applying this year, it would either be during mid-October or late January. I'm a bit torn on which date would be best (especially if there is rolling admission involved), since I might get a lower score, but be considered 'sooner'...

I know that the PharmCAS application cycle began on June 4, and that the deadline ranges from November 1st to March 1, depending on the school. I guess that even for the November deadline, I am not even 'half way' through the timeline...

 

[kmoogs]

I don't think a letter from a pharmacist is really required for a lot of schools (if any)

I know USC and UCSF will accept letters from professors. As for requesting for LoR's ... Personally, I'd go and talk to them in person. 1. It'll help them remember who you are and 2. You can discuss your goals, your background, etc. more in depth so he/she can flesh out a better description of how you are an ideal candidate. Details details details!

When I wrote letter of recommendations for my students, I used a lot of details and if I recall correctly... I'm pretty sure they all landed whichever programs they were applying for.

edit: actually, one of my old students is on SDN lol.

 

[hye345]

I don't think a letter from a pharmacist is really required for a lot of schools (if any)

I know USC and UCSF will accept letters from professors. As for requesting for LoR's ... Personally, I'd go and talk to them in person. 1. It'll help them remember who you are and 2. You can discuss your goals, your background, etc. more in depth so he/she can flesh out a better description of how you are an ideal candidate. Details details details!

When I wrote letter of recommendations for my students, I used a lot of details and if I recall correctly... I'm pretty sure they all landed whichever programs they were applying for.

edit: actually, one of my old students is on SDN lol.

I will say this (and correct me if I'm wrong): the professors I've had that I feel comfortable asking for an LOR would remember me more now than next year. On the other hand, I might meet more potential professors who could write me an LOR, and applying now would sorta mute that point. Such a quandry...

 

[Passion4Sci]

I don't think a letter from a pharmacist is really required for a lot of schools (if any)

I know USC and UCSF will accept letters from professors. As for requesting for LoR's ... Personally, I'd go and talk to them in person. 1. It'll help them remember who you are and 2. You can discuss your goals, your background, etc. more in depth so he/she can flesh out a better description of how you are an ideal candidate. Details details details!

When I wrote letter of recommendations for my students, I used a lot of details and if I recall correctly... I'm pretty sure they all landed whichever programs they were applying for.

edit: actually, one of my old students is on SDN lol.

UoP required a LoR from a Pharmacist.

 

[hye345]

UoP required a LoR from a Pharmacist.

Yeah, so do quite a few others I found out...

So, I am now filling out PharmCAS. Even if I don't apply this year, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get all the info down anyway. Entering all the courses is gonna take a lot time...

 

[Passion4Sci]

Yeah, so do quite a few others I found out...

So, I am now filling out PharmCAS. Even if I don't apply this year, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get all the info down anyway. Entering all the courses is gonna take a lot time...

Heh, I know the feeling. I have been in college across the country in one way or another since 1999/2000!

 

[hye345]

I just thought of something:

It says that the LOR's are sent to pharmcas, which then forwards them to teh schools. If I apply this year, don't get in, and reapply next year, are the LOR's resent, or do I have to get fresh ones?

 

[kmoogs]

I just thought of something:

It says that the LOR's are sent to pharmcas, which then forwards them to teh schools. If I apply this year, don't get in, and reapply next year, are the LOR's resent, or do I have to get fresh ones?

Get new ones (or ask same people) ... and usually the schools ask for 1 more from reapplicants

 

[hye345]

So, the LOR's aren't kept in the system?

Even if I don't apply this year (which is probably what's gonna happen), I still want the information stored on pharmcas for next year. How would I get about doing this (if its possible)?

 

[Project2015]

You can't store anything on PharmCAS if you do not apply (i.e., pay) this year. You can only store some things if you apply this year and it does not include LORs or the essay.

So, I am now filling out PharmCAS. Even if I don't apply this year, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get all the info down anyway. Entering all the courses is gonna take a lot time...

Actually it will hurt... the only benefit is gathering your stuff, getting a feel for the app, and what not.

 

[hye345]

You can't store anything on PharmCAS if you do not apply (i.e., pay) this year. You can only store some things if you apply this year and it does not include LORs or the essay.



Actually it will hurt... the only benefit is gathering your stuff, getting a feel for the app, and what not.

Thats rather unfortunate...

One of my concerns about applying this year is that if I don't make it, I would have to go back to the professor(s) who wrote my LOR's and ask for fresh ones, which I would find sorta ackward... On the other hand, if I wait and apply next year, the professor(s) might not remember me as well...

Let me ask this, is it unusual for students to ask for LOR's from professors that they had 1-2 years ago, or am I just being paranoid?

 

[SparkLy09]

I don't think it's unusual at all. If anything, since they remember you well now, just give them what you would normally for a LOR, and let them know that you're planning to apply next year and so you won't need it, but if they could just keep it on file for you until then. I had my O-chem professor do this (actually had him keep it on file for 2 years) but he said he had no problem doing so and everything was submitted accordingly.

Just let them know of your situation, chances are that they have been through it and completely understand.

 

[hye345]

I don't think it's unusual at all. If anything, since they remember you well now, just give them what you would normally for a LOR, and let them know that you're planning to apply next year and so you won't need it, but if they could just keep it on file for you until then. I had my O-chem professor do this (actually had him keep it on file for 2 years) but he said he had no problem doing so and everything was submitted accordingly.

Just let them know of your situation, chances are that they have been through it and completely understand.

...Thats actually a great idea! You sir are a lifesaver.

I know that for an eLOR, they have to respond to an email, but if I apply next year, then I can just give them that email when I apply; other than that, is there anything 'official' I have to give them (stuff they would not know about otherwise)?

 

[SparkLy09]

...Thats actually a great idea! You sir are a lifesaver.

I know that for an eLOR, they have to respond to an email, but if I apply next year, then I can just give them that email when I apply; other than that, is there anything 'official' I have to give them (stuff they would not know about otherwise)?

You can give them whatever you'd like to share on top of what they already know about you. If you feel that they don't know enough about you in certain areas, give documents that show them how well rounded you are! I gave my recommenders my transcript, my resume, and a personal letter to each explaining things like why I'm pursuing pharm, small memories I had with them so that they can remember to include it in the letters (hopefully) and also a small paragraph explaining when I would need it by, how I would contact them, and very simple basic instructions for submitting. For my Ochem professor, my only choice was to email him asking for the LOR this year because I went to school in NYC and currently live in CA. He knew about this beforehand because I did initially ask him in person.

So basically, I set up a appointment time with my professor after he agreed on writing me a letter through email. It ended up being a small mini interview and thats when I gave him my files/letters & a full explanation of my plans. I knew PharmCAS asked for Phone number & Email so I made sure to get that info. Thanked him & left. 2 years later, I emailed him as soon as June hit and he told me he had everything still ready and that it was okay to submit his info to PharmCAS. I submitted his info, they mailed him, he filled out the form, attached the letter and voila - done. Then I just sent him a personal thank you letter.

Also, if you are planning to apply this year (which I also recommend) but are worried about getting rejected... I also don't think it's unusual for you to ask them to hold on to the letter for next year in case that you do not get into the schools you apply to. Honestly, don't be ashamed of it because it happens - at least you tried... and if anything, spin it and make it into a story about how determined you are! 😀

Good luck! 🙂