OMG I fail.....SO BAD. Admissions questions...

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Short Round

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2008
Messages
52
Reaction score
0
This is a question directed towards anyone in an AdCom or with any experience with their procedures... I know each school is different but I'm super discouraged at the moment...

I went off to college from 2000-2005 and did basically nothing there. As a result, my GPA from my first school is a whopping 1.68 🙄 Surprisingly, I never got kicked out.

After a 3 year layoff, I went back to school and I'm pulling a near 3.8 cumulative, maybe a 3.6 math & science cumulative GPA with Ochem 2, physics 1 & 2, and Microbio yet to bet factored in. However, PHARMCAS has finished calculating my GPA and it's TERRIBLE -- 2.24 cumulative, 2.67 science/math... My only ray of hope is my Chem GPA's are solid ... 3.7 Organic (with OChem 2 yet to be taken) and 3.85 Inorganic. My bio is a 2.67, but I failed the same bio class TWICE at my old school, so I suppose that's not so bad given the two fails. My math is also not up to my standards -- 2.9, but again, I took one "pre-calc" math class at my old school and failed that too. Otherwise, I have straight A's in stats, pre-calc, and Calc 1 at my new school.

I am deathly afraid that my prospective schools (I applied to 10 because I knew my GPA would scream "DENY") will just sort by GPA and I'll never even make it to consideration. I have heard that most adcoms spend a few minutes looking at each application at most, and if you factor in reading the personal statement, I'm wondering if they even have the time look at individual transcripts aside from the PHARMCAS "transcript" at all in the short amount of time they give each application.

I feel my letters of recommendation are pretty strong even though I haven't read them - three from science professors and one from a pharmacist. I also feel pretty confident in my personal statement, in which I addressed my absolutely terrible grades from my first foray into college and how I've matured and basically have my head on straight now, but this GPA calculation is very discouraging.

I took the Oct. PCAT and feel I did reasonably well in it, I don't have my scores yet however, so I know that's no help at the moment. I know that having a strong PCAT score will improve my chances, but like I said, I'm very worried that this PHARMCAS cumulative GPA will automatically eliminate me from consideration...ugh! If I could time travel i'd go back and give myself a good smack in the face and kick in the butt! :scared:

FMLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
 
Last edited:
some schools like USN offer academic forgiveness if the classes were taken x years ago. look into that and i think it will improve your chances.

theres still hope
 
I believe Texas Tech only takes the best/last grade on the class. I don't believe they use pharmCas either but I'm not positive. Out of state applicants may be extremely competitive though.
 
DocAcc - I don't even know what I got yet haha.

I know that most schools don't give credit for courses taken ~5 or more years ago -- but PHARMCAS calculates grades from every school you ever went to, no matter how long ago (as I understand & have been told).

It'd be nice if they just took my grades 5 years ago or less, but the 2.24 tells me they took my grades from 8 or 9 years ago and calculated them into the GPA. >.<

I'm just hoping they schools will take the time to look at my transcripts and see that the bad grades were from 00-04/05 and my current grades are pretty top notch but it still makes me uber nervous
 
If you don't get in this year, reapply next year at USN. They don't use pharmCAS so you don't need to worry about a super ugly GPA due to your old classes. They only count grades within the last five years but you do have to have taken all of your prereqs within that time period. Make sure you rock the PCAT. If your score isn't outstanding, study your butt off and retake.

You can also look into to schools where the old prereqs expire and see how they count old grades. It seems to me, if you don't get credit for old classes, they shouldn't hurt you either. Of course, they might not see it that way so I would call.

But hopefully that won't be necessary and you will get an interview this year. If you can get past the initial pass, it sounds like you will do fine. With some luck, someone will take a chance on you and you can make the sale in the interview. Good luck.

How many Fs do you have by the way? You just might beat my record.
 
It seems to me, if you don't get credit for old classes, they shouldn't hurt you either. Of course, they might not see it that way so I would call.


I like how you think, because that's what I've been thinking during my application process. I sent out emails, and if I don't hear anything within a week, i'll start calling.

I'm somewhat handicapped since I don't know my PCAT score yet...a good score would help justify my reasoning.

But hopefully that won't be necessary and you will get an interview this year. If you can get past the initial pass, it sounds like you will do fine. With some luck, someone will take a chance on you and you can make the sale in the interview. Good luck.

Thanks haha.

How many Fs do you have by the way? You just might beat my record.

Not including a handful of withdrawn classes on top of the F's, I count 11 Fails in various subject matter... If I didn't beat your record then wow :laugh:
 
Last edited:
I know that most schools don't give credit for courses taken ~5 or more years ago -- but PHARMCAS calculates grades from every school you ever went to, no matter how long ago (as I understand & have been told).

It'd be nice if they just took my grades 5 years ago or less, but the 2.24 tells me they took my grades from 8 or 9 years ago and calculated them into the GPA. >.<

If you apply to a non-PharmCAS school, they'll do their own GPA calculation. Texas A&M omits any grades from 5 years ago entirely, for example. They'll do their own calculation based on the transcripts you submit.

It sounds like going non-PharmCAS is your best bet.
 
It sounds like going non-PharmCAS is your best bet.

Its looking like that to me too...three schools wrote back so far...two of them basically said "While we consider the PS/PCAT/recent coursework, if your cumulative isn't above X.XX, then you are F'ed sir."

I've got one 3-credit course and three 4-credit w/ lab courses remaining...given a 4.0 in all of those I still don't think I'll be able to make it go from 2.24 to 2.7-2.8, maybe like a 2.4-2.5 at best.

I guess I can just take some b.s. classes just to raise the GPA, but if I were looking at my transcript, I'd call that GPA padding and be more inclined to deny the applicant haha.
 
Last edited:
Man, as a college freshmen who just started doing my prerequisites, these kinds of stories really open my eyes.

You should keep trying man, don't give up. Anything is possible, ADCOM will look at your grade trend.
 
Man, as a college freshmen who just started doing my prerequisites, these kinds of stories really open my eyes.

You should keep trying man, don't give up. Anything is possible, ADCOM will look at your grade trend.

You should also open your eyes to how a lot of these schools will make "cuts."

Before they ever open your application and read it, many schools will make automatic cuts based on GPA/PCAT. Or, as in the case of the schools he messaged, they have a minimum he doesn't meet.

2 Admissions Coordinators I've spoken to have said it's nothing personal, it's just the fastest way to eliminate a significant portion of applicants.
 
Man, as a college freshmen who just started doing my prerequisites, these kinds of stories really open my eyes.

You should keep trying man, don't give up. Anything is possible, ADCOM will look at your grade trend.

yeah man, a bad gpa is like a crappy credit report, hard as heck to get back to respectability

+pity+
 
I would focus on Non-pharmacas schools and those with grade forgiveness (Texas AM, USN, etc.) as others have said.

You have an excellent upward trend - it very clearly demonstrates that you are now a motivated student. A ridiculous PCAT score coupled with a high recent GPA and a well-developed relationship with a non-pharmcas school may be exactly what you need.

An aspect most pre-pharmacy students miss is the development of your relationship with a school. When they know you by name, it is a much easier hurdle for an Adcom to overlook a poor GPA. Trust me, I have seen it first hand.
 
Just to let you know, UMKC does not participate in PharmCAS and utilizes Academic Forgiveness. Same with Western University of Health Sciences, except they do participate in PharmCAS.
 
Update -- good & bad news.

The BAD first: No contact at all from any of my PHARMCAS applied schools. Other than 3 rejections very early on haha. "Cumulative undergrad GPA of 2.24?!?! LULZ. REJECTED!" (LECOM both campuses & NOVA SE)

Still a possibility I might be contacted later but yeah, not counting on it.

The GOOD: Applied to USN. Interviewed 2 weeks ago & accepted this week. Thanks to cheeseboy2 & Diastole and everyone else who encouraged academic forgiveness/ non-PHARMCAS schools.

Conclusion: So, for anyone in a similar position as me: yes there's hope, but I'd focus on non-PHARMCAS schools or schools offering academic forgiveness first, like everyone mentioned. Save your $$ applying thru PHARMCAS unless you absolutely have to because I'm positive no one even looked into my application past the ugly GPA before slapping the REJECT stamp on it.

FWIW: South University seemed pretty "forgiving" for a PHARMCAS school, so if you're applying thru PHARMCAS, I'd give South some consideration, altho you have to destroy the PCAT to make up for the GPA.

We have had several applicants with your situation throughout the years. You have done the right thing as far as going back to retake courses to show that you are capable academically. If you have a significant academic record, meaning at least 30 hours or more, where you have maintained a competitive GPA, then we will consider your more recent coursework. We cannot ignore your past grades as they do go into the PharmCAS GPA; however, we will review your application considering the improvement. It is going to be important for you to do well on the PCAT (80-90 range)as we use the PCAT score to balance out the lower GPA. Please let us know if you have additional questions.
 
Last edited:
This is a question directed towards anyone in an AdCom or with any experience with their procedures... I know each school is different but I'm super discouraged at the moment...

I went off to college from 2000-2005 and did basically nothing there. As a result, my GPA from my first school is a whopping 1.68 🙄 Surprisingly, I never got kicked out.

After a 3 year layoff, I went back to school and I'm pulling a near 3.8 cumulative, maybe a 3.6 math & science cumulative GPA with Ochem 2, physics 1 & 2, and Microbio yet to bet factored in. However, PHARMCAS has finished calculating my GPA and it's TERRIBLE -- 2.24 cumulative, 2.67 science/math... My only ray of hope is my Chem GPA's are solid ... 3.7 Organic (with OChem 2 yet to be taken) and 3.85 Inorganic. My bio is a 2.67, but I failed the same bio class TWICE at my old school, so I suppose that's not so bad given the two fails. My math is also not up to my standards -- 2.9, but again, I took one "pre-calc" math class at my old school and failed that too. Otherwise, I have straight A's in stats, pre-calc, and Calc 1 at my new school.

I am deathly afraid that my prospective schools (I applied to 10 because I knew my GPA would scream "DENY") will just sort by GPA and I'll never even make it to consideration. I have heard that most adcoms spend a few minutes looking at each application at most, and if you factor in reading the personal statement, I'm wondering if they even have the time look at individual transcripts aside from the PHARMCAS "transcript" at all in the short amount of time they give each application.

I feel my letters of recommendation are pretty strong even though I haven't read them - three from science professors and one from a pharmacist. I also feel pretty confident in my personal statement, in which I addressed my absolutely terrible grades from my first foray into college and how I've matured and basically have my head on straight now, but this GPA calculation is very discouraging.

I took the Oct. PCAT and feel I did reasonably well in it, I don't have my scores yet however, so I know that's no help at the moment. I know that having a strong PCAT score will improve my chances, but like I said, I'm very worried that this PHARMCAS cumulative GPA will automatically eliminate me from consideration...ugh! If I could time travel i'd go back and give myself a good smack in the face and kick in the butt! :scared:

FMLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

tldr

SDN Commandment #39
Thou shalt limit your post to 1500 characters if Thou want SDNers to read it
 
tldr

SDN Commandment #39
Thou shalt limit your post to 1500 characters if Thou want SDNers to read it

Meh I got my replies back when I needed em. Just updating for future SDNers. If they don't want to read that's fine.

Short Round Commandment #1: Check posting dates, noooooob :meanie:
 
Congratulations!

Update -- good & bad news.

The BAD first: No contact at all from any of my PHARMCAS applied schools. Other than 3 rejections very early on haha. "Cumulative undergrad GPA of 2.24?!?! LULZ. REJECTED!" (LECOM both campuses & NOVA SE)

Still a possibility I might be contacted later but yeah, not counting on it.

The GOOD: Applied to USN. Interviewed 2 weeks ago & accepted this week. Thanks to cheeseboy2 & Diastole and everyone else who encouraged academic forgiveness/ non-PHARMCAS schools.

Conclusion: So, for anyone in a similar position as me: yes there's hope, but I'd focus on non-PHARMCAS schools or schools offering academic forgiveness first, like everyone mentioned. Save your $$ applying thru PHARMCAS unless you absolutely have to because I'm positive no one even looked into my application past the ugly GPA before slapping the REJECT stamp on it.

FWIW: South University seemed pretty "forgiving" for a PHARMCAS school, so if you're applying thru PHARMCAS, I'd give South some consideration, altho you have to destroy the PCAT to make up for the GPA.

We have had several applicants with your situation throughout the years. You have done the right thing as far as going back to retake courses to show that you are capable academically. If you have a significant academic record, meaning at least 30 hours or more, where you have maintained a competitive GPA, then we will consider your more recent coursework. We cannot ignore your past grades as they do go into the PharmCAS GPA; however, we will review your application considering the improvement. It is going to be important for you to do well on the PCAT (80-90 range)as we use the PCAT score to balance out the lower GPA. Please let us know if you have additional questions.
 
Update -- good & bad news.

The BAD first: No contact at all from any of my PHARMCAS applied schools. Other than 3 rejections very early on haha. "Cumulative undergrad GPA of 2.24?!?! LULZ. REJECTED!" (LECOM both campuses & NOVA SE)

Still a possibility I might be contacted later but yeah, not counting on it.

The GOOD: Applied to USN. Interviewed 2 weeks ago & accepted this week. Thanks to cheeseboy2 & Diastole and everyone else who encouraged academic forgiveness/ non-PHARMCAS schools.

Conclusion: So, for anyone in a similar position as me: yes there's hope, but I'd focus on non-PHARMCAS schools or schools offering academic forgiveness first, like everyone mentioned. Save your $$ applying thru PHARMCAS unless you absolutely have to because I'm positive no one even looked into my application past the ugly GPA before slapping the REJECT stamp on it.

FWIW: South University seemed pretty "forgiving" for a PHARMCAS school, so if you're applying thru PHARMCAS, I'd give South some consideration, altho you have to destroy the PCAT to make up for the GPA.

We have had several applicants with your situation throughout the years. You have done the right thing as far as going back to retake courses to show that you are capable academically. If you have a significant academic record, meaning at least 30 hours or more, where you have maintained a competitive GPA, then we will consider your more recent coursework. We cannot ignore your past grades as they do go into the PharmCAS GPA; however, we will review your application considering the improvement. It is going to be important for you to do well on the PCAT (80-90 range)as we use the PCAT score to balance out the lower GPA. Please let us know if you have additional questions.

Congrats!! That's a great story 🙂 Just out of curiosity -- what did you end up getting on the PCAT?
 
Update -- good & bad news.

The BAD first: No contact at all from any of my PHARMCAS applied schools. Other than 3 rejections very early on haha. "Cumulative undergrad GPA of 2.24?!?! LULZ. REJECTED!" (LECOM both campuses & NOVA SE)

Still a possibility I might be contacted later but yeah, not counting on it.

The GOOD: Applied to USN. Interviewed 2 weeks ago & accepted this week. Thanks to cheeseboy2 & Diastole and everyone else who encouraged academic forgiveness/ non-PHARMCAS schools.

Conclusion: So, for anyone in a similar position as me: yes there's hope, but I'd focus on non-PHARMCAS schools or schools offering academic forgiveness first, like everyone mentioned. Save your $$ applying thru PHARMCAS unless you absolutely have to because I'm positive no one even looked into my application past the ugly GPA before slapping the REJECT stamp on it.

FWIW: South University seemed pretty "forgiving" for a PHARMCAS school, so if you're applying thru PHARMCAS, I'd give South some consideration, altho you have to destroy the PCAT to make up for the GPA.

We have had several applicants with your situation throughout the years. You have done the right thing as far as going back to retake courses to show that you are capable academically. If you have a significant academic record, meaning at least 30 hours or more, where you have maintained a competitive GPA, then we will consider your more recent coursework. We cannot ignore your past grades as they do go into the PharmCAS GPA; however, we will review your application considering the improvement. It is going to be important for you to do well on the PCAT (80-90 range)as we use the PCAT score to balance out the lower GPA. Please let us know if you have additional questions.

THAT'S GREAT, CONGRATS!!!! I WISH YOU BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS!!

Meh I got my replies back when I needed em. Just updating for future SDNers. If they don't want to read that's fine.

Short Round Commandment #1: Check posting dates, noooooob :meanie:

and this is a great comeback!! haahaahaaa
 
@ short round,

first af all, congratulations!!

By the way, what scores did you get in PCAT?? :meanie:
 
@ short round,

first af all, congratulations!!

By the way, what scores did you get in PCAT?? :meanie:

Yea, I have the same question! Please share if you don't mind. Thanks.

And congrats!!! There is always HOPE for everyone, yea!! 👍
 
I guess i'll just post it since I got like 5 pm's today about the stats.

3.8 pre-req GPA, accepted with my OCT PCAT score of 67 composite(first year the PCAT was required, might raise the standard in future years)

Oct PCAT SS/PR
VA: 432/89
Bio: 418/76
RC: 419/75
QA: 387/20 (was on question #20 with 5 min to go...lol)
Chem: 405/53 (ran out of time with ~5 questions left blank)
Composite: 67

Jan PCAT SS/PR
VA: 437/92
Bio: 434/90
RC: 469/99
QA: 396/34 (blah still ran outta time)
Chem: 422/77 (ran out of time with ~3 questions left blank)
Composite: 92
 
Last edited:
I guess i'll just post it since I got like 5 pm's today about the stats.

3.8 pre-req GPA
Oct PCAT: 67 (bombed the math part with a 20's score, dragged it down)
Jan PCAT: Dunno yet, but accepted already so...guess it doesn't matter.

Ha don't feel bad. My reading comprehension was a 26. Math and sciences saved me. I'm asian, my parents made me do math problems instead of reading lol.
 
Ha don't feel bad. My reading comprehension was a 26. Math and sciences saved me. I'm asian, my parents made me do math problems instead of reading lol.

I hear this excuse too often from other Asian's too... please break the mold of "math and science".

I'm Asian too, but my RC score was high because I choose to read books in my spare time....
 
lol ur funny i got some good laughs from u...thanks i feel inspired from ur stories



Update -- good & bad news.

The BAD first: No contact at all from any of my PHARMCAS applied schools. Other than 3 rejections very early on haha. "Cumulative undergrad GPA of 2.24?!?! LULZ. REJECTED!" (LECOM both campuses & NOVA SE)

Still a possibility I might be contacted later but yeah, not counting on it.

The GOOD: Applied to USN. Interviewed 2 weeks ago & accepted this week. Thanks to cheeseboy2 & Diastole and everyone else who encouraged academic forgiveness/ non-PHARMCAS schools.

Conclusion: So, for anyone in a similar position as me: yes there's hope, but I'd focus on non-PHARMCAS schools or schools offering academic forgiveness first, like everyone mentioned. Save your $$ applying thru PHARMCAS unless you absolutely have to because I'm positive no one even looked into my application past the ugly GPA before slapping the REJECT stamp on it.

FWIW: South University seemed pretty "forgiving" for a PHARMCAS school, so if you're applying thru PHARMCAS, I'd give South some consideration, altho you have to destroy the PCAT to make up for the GPA.

We have had several applicants with your situation throughout the years. You have done the right thing as far as going back to retake courses to show that you are capable academically. If you have a significant academic record, meaning at least 30 hours or more, where you have maintained a competitive GPA, then we will consider your more recent coursework. We cannot ignore your past grades as they do go into the PharmCAS GPA; however, we will review your application considering the improvement. It is going to be important for you to do well on the PCAT (80-90 range)as we use the PCAT score to balance out the lower GPA. Please let us know if you have additional questions.
 
Ha don't feel bad. My reading comprehension was a 26. Math and sciences saved me. I'm asian, my parents made me do math problems instead of reading lol.


I am an ESL student too :idea: .. I am waiting for my Jan 2010 PCAT scores; I did well on chem and math sections but on verbal and reading sections I don't even know what I was doing....

By the way, what was your PCAT composite score??..just curious...
 
Top