Option B dilemma

[kss1025]

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Maybe you guys can help me out....

I submitted my applications to pharm schools back in early November and still have yet to hear anything. I'm guessing I didn't make the cut this time around since my application was a bit on the weak side. My plan now, assuming I don't hear back, is to transfer to a university to work on my bachelors and reapply to pharmacy school down the road.

I was thinking about getting a BS in biochemistry, but I don't think I could stomach 2 semesters of physical chemistry. I absolutely loved organic and biochem, but math-based chemistry kills me. So these are the options I am looking at right now:
1) a BA in biochem with a specialization in medicinal chemistry or
2) a BS in biology with a specialization in "pre-med/health"

I like biochem and organic much more than biology, but I want to get something I can actually use down the road if pharmacy doesn't work out. Will pharmacy schools or graduate programs look down on me if I get a BA? My ultimate goal in pharm research, but that may be a long shot. So which do you think is the better option and why???

Thank you in advance!!

 

[21roses]

First of all, I assume you have all the pre-requisites already. If you want to go into pharmacy research, I would suggest biochemistry. That way, you can also get relevant research experience which is to your benefit (to make sure you want to go into pharm research). I have a BS biology, and most of the research opportunities you get have to do w/ DNA sequences which I'm sure isn't what you're looking for. Also, 2 semesters of physical chemistry will pass by fast, but shouldn't you already have those done? Those are pre-requisites for pharmacy school. Everyone should have already heard back from pharmacy schools by now, whether they've been rejected or accepted. You should call the schools you applied to and check whether or not they've even received your application in the first place. Hope this helps!

 

[kss1025]

First of all, I assume you have all the pre-requisites already. If you want to go into pharmacy research, I would suggest biochemistry. That way, you can also get relevant research experience which is to your benefit (to make sure you want to go into pharm research). I have a BS biology, and most of the research opportunities you get have to do w/ DNA sequences which I'm sure isn't what you're looking for. Also, 2 semesters of physical chemistry will pass by fast, but shouldn't you already have those done? Those are pre-requisites for pharmacy school. Everyone should have already heard back from pharmacy schools by now, whether they've been rejected or accepted. You should call the schools you applied to and check whether or not they've even received your application in the first place. Hope this helps!

Thank you for your reply! Just to clarify, I have an AA plus all the pre-reqs completed. As far as chemistry goes, physical chemistry is not required for the schools I applied to (UF, FAMU, and LECOM). To my knowledge, most schools only require 2 semesters of both general chem and organic. I did take 3 semesters of calculus and hated it enough to know that the physical chemistry would be an issue. One pharmacy school did contact me for an extra letter of recommendation. My organic professor sent it over a month ago and I've been playing the waiting game ever since.

 

[21roses]

Thank you for your reply! Just to clarify, I have an AA plus all the pre-reqs completed. As far as chemistry goes, physical chemistry is not required for the schools I applied to (UF, FAMU, and LECOM). To my knowledge, most schools only require 2 semesters of both general chem and organic. I did take 3 semesters of calculus and hated it enough to know that the physical chemistry would be an issue. One pharmacy school did contact me for an extra letter of recommendation. My organic professor sent it over a month ago and I've been playing the waiting game ever since.

Then I would definitely suggest calling the school. Most, if not all the schools, have already sent out their acceptance/rejection letters. I already have heard back from all the schools I applied to this year.

 

[Skrumpy]

Maybe you guys can help me out....

I submitted my applications to pharm schools back in early November and still have yet to hear anything. I'm guessing I didn't make the cut this time around since my application was a bit on the weak side. My plan now, assuming I don't hear back, is to transfer to a university to work on my bachelors and reapply to pharmacy school down the road.

I was thinking about getting a BS in biochemistry, but I don't think I could stomach 2 semesters of physical chemistry. I absolutely loved organic and biochem, but math-based chemistry kills me. So these are the options I am looking at right now:
1) a BA in biochem with a specialization in medicinal chemistry or
2) a BS in biology with a specialization in "pre-med/health"

I like biochem and organic much more than biology, but I want to get something I can actually use down the road if pharmacy doesn't work out. Will pharmacy schools or graduate programs look down on me if I get a BA? My ultimate goal in pharm research, but that may be a long shot. So which do you think is the better option and why???

Thank you in advance!!

I got a BS in biochem.. loved it and although physical biochem has a bunch of math in it, it really depends on your prof how they make you use the math. Biochem is going to be a huge area here in the near future.

 

[UTsto]

I also have a BS in biochemistry. I remember dreading physical chemistry and analytical chemistry but I have to say that taking those classes along with biochem really prepared me not only for the PCAT but also for focusing on time management and studying for all of my courses. The hard courses I took were probably the most beneficial because I used a few examples of tough times in class during my pharmacy interviews to supplement my pharmacy work experience. I always suggest to those who want to get their degree before applying to pharmacy school that biochem is one of the best options. Don't sweat not getting any interviews and just focus on nailing the applications down next time around. You can do it!

 

[JCzap]

I also have a BS in biochemistry. I remember dreading physical chemistry and analytical chemistry but I have to say that taking those classes along with biochem really prepared me not only for the PCAT but also for focusing on time management and studying for all of my courses. The hard courses I took were probably the most beneficial because I used a few examples of tough times in class during my pharmacy interviews to supplement my pharmacy work experience. I always suggest to those who want to get their degree before applying to pharmacy school that biochem is one of the best options. Don't sweat not getting any interviews and just focus on nailing the applications down next time around. You can do it!

I have a BS in Biochem (and in less than 2 months, a MS in Biochem as well). Time management is definitely a big part as well as asking questions. Also, if you ever decide to change your mind away from pharmacy, you have a great base to go many different paths. I have done many types of research as well as being what my current boss calls a "science translator".