One of those threads...need some encouragement

[inquirer89]

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I promised myself I would never make a "what are my chances" thread, but I'm feeling kind of down🙁. I got my first PCAT scores this past Saturday and did horrible. I'm still very hopeful that I can get into pharmacy school, but I feel the odds are against me. Please give me your opinions of what you think my chances are:

Pros:

• 3+ years of pharmacy volunteering. Just started pharmacy tech job
• Lots of extracurriculars (sports, clubs, etc.) and leadership positions (captain, president, founder, etc.)
• Great LORs, including from a pharmacist with close connections to my top choice school.
• Minority- Filipino American with cultured background (though this could be a bad thing since I'm competing with other smarter Asians)
• A male- (lol, I mention this only because of the statistics)
• Just started a pre pharmacy club at my university
• I believe my pharmcas application and essay are strong
• I believe my communication / interview skills are also good
• Close contact with top choice school's adviser and visited the school for a private tour.
• Currently taking Orgo I, Calc I and am doing well in them so far.
• Sent in my pharmcas application early...they should have it by now.
• 3.47 pharmcas overall, 3.14 science

Cons:

• Only a sophomore.
• Transferred from a larger school to a smaller, less competitive school.
• Made Cs in GenChem I and Biology I, but retook GenChems and made As.
• Finished with GenEd courses, but still must complete majority of science courses.
• Low friggin PCAT score (>50), but to my credit I took it without taking Orgo and Calc

My top choice is Campbell SOP. Their average PCAT is ~68 and their average GPA is 3.40. They don't require a lot of prereqs, so I only have to complete Physics I, Orgo II, and Bio II next. My plan is take the January PCAT exam and hope for the best!



So what do you all think? Will I at least get an interview?

 

[Sulilina]

Well we're in the same boat somewhat as far as the PCAT scores go. You have good pros for you, but in all honesty, I really can't speak and give a very experienced opinion. But what I would like to point out to you, that may very well encourage you, is the fact that your school's average pcat is 68. That means they HAD to have taken people with lower than that average and some with higher. I don't know the spread, nor do you, but just keep that in mind 😉 Same with the GPA.

The other thing is that we can just keep reminding ourselves that it is not just the numbers that matter here but the package as a whole. From what you're saying the averge pcat and gpa is, it sounds like your school looks at the package as a whole, and therefore your chances might be pretty decent.

Take my opinion for what it's worth. Good luck!

 

[inquirer89]

Thanks for the pat on the back🙂

 

[mrblah]

find time to study for the next pcat. I know those who murder the test spend about 2 months on average on it, or be like me, continue your good grades, and apply to schools that don't require pcats. Its one less thing to do.

 

[inquirer89]

Yeah I guess I should start looking at my study material again starting now. That way I could have about 4 months.

 

[cdhoward]

Where are you applying other than Campbell?

 

[inquirer89]

Where are you applying other than Campbell?

I am also looking at Shenandoah and Hampton. For this cycle, I looked at schools that are relatively close to me (live in central NC) and allow me to finish the schools' individual prereqs by Summer 2009. If I don't get in this year, then I can look at additional schools because I'll have time to finish more prereq classes.

 

[cdhoward]

I'd say you do have a shot at an interview, but I don't know if you do at your schools. Perhaps so.

Just so you know...

I have an interview at Midwestern CCP and my GPA as calculated by PharmCAS is 3.15 and my PCAT scores that they based their interview invitation on are 55, 55, & 51. I scored 56 in Aug, but that did not factor in their decision.

Good luck, there is hope for you.

 

[inquirer89]

Thanks for your opinion. Good luck at your interview, and maybe we will both hear from Campbell soon!

 

[Chellyxoxo1986]

Hey inquirer89,

Sorry to hear about your PCAT score. Though your PCAT score is low, there are other things on your application that still makes you competitive. I have heard of someone getting into pharm school with a PCAT score as low as 19!!! Study harder and try to take the PCAT again in January. Give it your best shot and be positive. You can do it!

Good luck!