One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish...

[ajmataz]

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Anyway,

First, I'm new to this thread, so 'hello' to all of you.

Second, this summer was my first introduction to the wonders that is pharmD. I was given a pitch by my supervisor (who is a pharmD) and now I'm sold.

I just graduated, was on the pre-medical track, but did not have a lot direction, motivation, or drive because I wanted to go into medicine, but just didn't want to be a doctor - and I didn't know what other options there were.

But now I've discovered pharmD and that's what I want to do. My grades are not stellar because of said misdirection (gpa of 2.9, even though the school average is 3.15 with very small std. dev.). My question to the board comes in two parts:

1.) I want to retake some classes at the local university to boost up my grades. I know for sure I can get better grades. Good idea?

2.) How will taking classes from a community college (Bellevue Community College, ranked 1) reflect differently from taking classes from the University (University of Washington).

All comments, questions, hits and rips much appreciated.

 

[Caverject]

as far as question #1. it really depends. I would say you would want to retake any science or math classes that you got a "C" or lower in. Doing it at a good four year university really helps too. Theoretically, it shouldn't make a difference as long as the school is accreditited but most of the big public state schools do take that into account. Since im from Florida, I will take the University of Florida as an example. I went to Broward Community College and graduated there with my AA degree and I took all the pre-req courses needed for pharmacy school. Lets say, "Knitro" went to the University of Central Florida and did the same amount of course work and got comparable grades with me. For kicks too, lets say we got the same overall score on the PCAT and we both applied to the University of Florida. The University of Florida will be more inclined to look at the student from the University of Central Florida than the one from Broward Community College because they feel that the standards are much tougher at the University of Central Florida. With that said, in no way am I saying you MUST go to a four year university because I have friends that graduated with me that got into the University of Florida. Those friends though, were very smart with very good grades. ( <3.75 GPA) I hope this helps!

 

[lord999]

I somewhat disagree on the grades part. If your "C"s are in Organic and ANALytical Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis, it wouldn't hurt to repeat them. I do agree that University education is percieved as better than CC.

 

[dgroulx]

If you are looking at the University of Florida, they count your original grade not just your retake. They average the two grades.

Science courses are generally perceived to be harder at a 4-year university than at a community college. This isn't always true, but most schools will look at it that way. I'd take my sciences at a 4-year school if I were you, if you can afford the tuition difference.

 

[Caverject]

Lord999:

What did you disagree with? I said math and science and you said Orgo and analytical Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis. Are you saying not to worry about the math? Im not being critical, just curious.

Dgroulx: I knew that about Florida, I was just making an example for say. 🙂 Its a great time to be a Florida Gator (unless your playing the "We whipped your *** 2 years in a row" Miami Hurricanes!
Sorry, had to say it since I marched for them! Don't worry though, we will get revenge for you when Tennessee comes to visit us later this year! Casey Clausen won't be leading the band at the Orange Bowl! (Unless its back on to I-75 heading back to "Rocky Top")

 

[lord999]

Sorry, South2006. I misread your post to mean "Don't" retake if C was received.

No, math isn't a really high priority unless you did abysmal in basic mathematics (not Trig/Calc). The grades that really matter are the Chems and strangely, English.

 

[Caverject]

Yeah, I guess your right. It would be a great idea to know english if you plan on becoming a health professional! Have to make sure that you can transfer "Antihyperlipidemia Agent" to " Its a drug that will lower your cholesterol"! 😀 It amazes me though how many people get out of school and get really high grades, but yet can not relate what they learned in their books to general practice for the public! I was at a store the other night (as a customer) and I couldn't believe how much trouble this one pharmacist was having explaining why you have to taper off on a Medrol Dose Pack. The pharmacist was saying about all these things that were so rare about the drug, like nacrosis of the bones etc when all she had to do was explain why the tapering process is involved. In the end, this pt wanted to stop taking it abrubtly as soon as he quit swelling and didn't understand why it was so important when he left the pharmacy. ok, im off the soap box now guys....sorry 🙂

 

[ajmataz]

Originally posted by South2006
as far as question #1. it really depends. I would say you would want to retake any science or math classes that you got a "C" or lower in. Doing it at a good four year university really helps too.

Another question: You think I should try my chances and apply to schools? And if I don't get in, retake classes and try again?

In other words: Would schools rather see improvement and persistence in an applicant, or just straight off have higher numbers?

 

[Caverject]

It would be best to apply now if you are elgible. You never know what school may take you in based on a great PCAT score and intangibles. I know the University of Washington would be tough to get into to as well as Wazzou, but you never know. It may not be a bad idea to apply to some obscure places like Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Just a suggestion though...