PharmCAS Questions

Started by foraminal
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I'm not sure what the problem is. On your Pharmcas application, there is a section where you can put in your planned courses for the Fall 2009 semester, so the schools you're applying to will know what classes you're taking. Academic Update will be open from December 15 to February 1, and you'll be able to record your fall grades and send them updated transcripts.

Yep. PharmCAS only verifies completed courses. You can add whatever planned coursework you want.
 
Hi,
It is possible to submit your pharmCAS application before receiving all your LOR. Can I just fill out the my professor/supervisors information and have them send it in when they are finished?
 
Hi,
It is possible to submit your pharmCAS application before receiving all your LOR. Can I just fill out the my professor/supervisors information and have them send it in when they are finished?

yes you can. It doesnt matter. I had submitted my pharmcas application 3 weeks before my professors submitted the LORS. However, you should be cautious of the timelines. The LORS must be submitted before the deadlines of the schools to which you are applying.
 
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I also have a question, too. I'm taking summer classes and I'm thinking about turning in my PharmCAS app in about a week or two. I've already asked my schools to send the transcripts when the grades are in. Will PharmCAS update those summer grades though I e-submitted my application before those transcripts arrived? Thanks!
 
About a couple of weeks ago I entered in all of my grades in Pharmcas and I e-submitted the application. The thing is I still have not sent out my transcripts from my university to Pharmcas yet even though I entered all of those grades. My question is: when does Pharmcas start calculating your GPA? Does it start right after you enter the grades in or after the transcripts are sent out to Pharmcas?
 
Right after you enter the grades, it must be. Some people, including myself, received the PharmCAS calculations very quickly... Far too quickly for PharmCAS to have been able to receive the transcripts and then calculate the GPA.

2 weeks does seem like a long time, but I think Koercive was saying that it CAN take up to 5 weeks if you are unlucky. I have no idea why some people have such long waits and some have such short waits. It can't be correlated with amount of schooling because I had two Bachelor's degrees, 2 Associate's degrees, and a record (haha) in general about 10 years long.
 
Check with Pharmcas again because I got mine back within an hour too. I can see they may take up to 5 weeks if you submit during Sept, Oct but at this time they seem to get back very fast.
 
You need to send your transcripts ASAP to PharmCAS in order to get your GPA calculated. PharmCAS uses your transcripts to verify that you entered your grades and information correctly. Without them, anyone could just lie about their grades. Once PharmCAS receives your transcripts and checks with the ones you inputted, your GPA will be calculated.

About a couple of weeks ago I entered in all of my grades in Pharmcas and I e-submitted the application. The thing is I still have not sent out my transcripts from my university to Pharmcas yet even though I entered all of those grades. My question is: when does Pharmcas start calculating your GPA? Does it start right after you enter the grades in or after the transcripts are sent out to Pharmcas?
 
i am filling out pharmcas transcript, and i use unofficial transcript to fill it out. Does unofficial transcript look the same as official one, like course name, etc.
 
should be. the only difference between an official and unofficial is the university/college stamp that authenticates it
i am filling out pharmcas transcript, and i use unofficial transcript to fill it out. Does unofficial transcript look the same as official one, like course name, etc.
 
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at my undergrad, they are exactly the same (they pull your grades from the same database for unofficial and official). the official ones had an official seal , special paper ( like the ones used by banks ) , and cost $10 each
 
The unofficial transcripts show the exact same information as the official. The only difference is the official transcripts contain the seal of the university and the necessary endorsement of the school to authenticate that those grades are indeed the ones on record as recorded by the professor and verified by the student through the unofficial transcript. So, if there's an error on your unofficial, get it fixed before sending the official out.
 
They need your transcripts in order to verify grades. That is a must. Files get verified quickly this early in the game. If you submit your application in December, it will probably take the full 5 weeks. Doing in now, you get results in a week or less. For some reason it still takes them forever to print & mail your application though.
 
Hi! I am new to the board but have been lurking for about a year. Anywho I have a question thay I hope can get answered. I did a search and couldnt find anything...

I received my BS in Chemistry this May. But this summer I repeated some pre-req classes at community college and will in the fall also.

When entering on PharmCAS do I put that my grade level is

* Senior
* Graduate
* Post-BS/BA Undergrad
???

I'm pretty sure it the last one but not 100% sure.
Also are the grades still average together the same or is there anything different??

Thank you for your help 🙂
 
When entering repeated classes, you would select R(repeated) for 'Grade as it appears on the transcript' for the second time you took it right? So the actual grade doesn't need to be added?
 
Hi! I am new to the board but have been lurking for about a year. Anywho I have a question thay I hope can get answered. I did a search and couldnt find anything...

I received my BS in Chemistry this May. But this summer I repeated some pre-req classes at community college and will in the fall also.

When entering on PharmCAS do I put that my grade level is

* Senior
* Graduate
* Post-BS/BA Undergrad
???

I'm pretty sure it the last one but not 100% sure.
Also are the grades still average together the same or is there anything different??

Thank you for your help 🙂
 
Even though you used the term 'anywho', I'll answer your question 😉

Since it doesn't sound like you're going into a graduate program, those courses will have to go under the post BS/BA section.

PharmCAS takes all grades into consideration. No forgiveness, even if your school allows for it.
 
Hey guys i know this has been answered already but I couldn't find the thread on it.
When I registered for the PCAT I forgot to send my scores to pharmcas, but one of the places I am sending it to is a pharmcas school, so am I still ok or do I need to pay an additional 20 bucks to send the PCAT scores to pharmcas? Thanks
 
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You need them sent to PharmCAS, otherwise the school can't match the scores.

Here's the information directly from the PharmCAS FAQ:

Q: Do I need to arrange for my PCAT scores to be sent to PharmCAS AND my designated PharmCAS schools?
A: For those pharmacy schools in PharmCAS, only send your PCAT scores to PharmCAS. If you only send your PCAT scores to the pharmacy schools, the schools may not be able to match your scores to your PharmCAS application and the school will consider your application file incomplete. (If you are applying to any NON-PharmCAS schools, you must arrange for your PCAT scores to be sent directly to the institution).

source - https://portal.pharmcas.org/applicants2010/faq/pcas_tests.shtml
 
I have just received my June 2009 PCAT scored and Im anything but happy. I received a 58% composite. My question is that most of the schools I am applying to do not require the PCAT, yet my Pharmcas has already been submitted with my PCAT pending. Will they schools that do not require the PCAT look at these scores regardless and make judgements off of them?

I am applying to Chicago Sate, Colorado University, Pacific University, Tourno, and UMass boston.

I am graduating with a B.S. in pre-clinical health science with a 3.4 overall and 3.4 science GPA with over 5 years of pharmacy technician experience.

Thanks for your input....
 
Pinser555 - "I am applying to Chicago Sate, Colorado University, Pacific University, Tourno, and UMass boston."

Umass/Boston does not have pharmacy.
 
Most schools that do not require the PCAT don't even look at it at all, and in fact request that PCAT scores not even be sent to them. Thus, I wouldn't worry all too much about your lower PCAT composite.

Your 3.4/3.4 and work experience will be very handy!
 
I have just received my June 2009 PCAT scored and Im anything but happy. I received a 58% composite. My question is that most of the schools I am applying to do not require the PCAT, yet my Pharmcas has already been submitted with my PCAT pending.

Oops.
 
Most schools that do not require the PCAT don't even look at it at all, and in fact request that PCAT scores not even be sent to them. Thus, I wouldn't worry all too much about your lower PCAT composite.

Your 3.4/3.4 and work experience will be very handy!

phew!
 
I have a question!
How far back would you include in work experience? Just during undergrad, or all the way back to high school? I worked construction in high school, and I kinda want to include it to show that I've seen other kinds of work, and that is part of why I chose pharmacy
 
So.. I was relieved and super excited that I finally submitted my pharmcas..but noww.... problem is.. pharmcas calculated my gpa and it's much LOWER than what I expected...finally realizing that they calculate F's into the whole thing as well. Now im just plain scared and worried that the schools I applied to will just look at the pharmcas calculated gpa and toss my apps out. I got a bunch of C's and F here and there but I've been retaking courses and replacing them with A's, will most schools take a look at that and recalculate? or will they just toss out my app? 🙁:scared:
 
So.. I was relieved and super excited that I finally submitted my pharmcas..but noww.... problem is.. pharmcas calculated my gpa and it's much LOWER than what I expected...finally realizing that they calculate F's into the whole thing as well. Now im just plain scared and worried that the schools I applied to will just look at the pharmcas calculated gpa and toss my apps out. I got a bunch of C's and F here and there but I've been retaking courses and replacing them with A's, will most schools take a look at that and recalculate? or will they just toss out my app? 🙁:scared:

The As you've been accumulating don't "replace" the Ds and Fs you've gotten, they're just amalgamated to the whole. So, your PharmCAS GPA, in essence, is the bed you've made in which you must lay, because that's the primary GPA that everyone's going to be looking at.

If you don't mind sharing with the entire SDN world here, what was it? If you're anywhere in the neighborhood of 3.00, you're probably going to be OK for Fall 2010 assuming you have some other niceties in your CV somewhere.

As long as you meet the GPA requirement for the school (2.5 to 2.8 at almost all the schools) you won't be immediately ****-canned.
 
So.. I was relieved and super excited that I finally submitted my pharmcas..but noww.... problem is.. pharmcas calculated my gpa and it's much LOWER than what I expected...finally realizing that they calculate F's into the whole thing as well. Now im just plain scared and worried that the schools I applied to will just look at the pharmcas calculated gpa and toss my apps out. I got a bunch of C's and F here and there but I've been retaking courses and replacing them with A's, will most schools take a look at that and recalculate? or will they just toss out my app? 🙁:scared:

Had you read the pharmcas instructions you wouldn't be so shocked right now. Of course they take into account your bunch of C's and F's. Your pharmCAS gpa is what schools will be using to compare you to the rest of the nation, that's how it works, that's what's fair.
 
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I have a question!
How far back would you include in work experience? Just during undergrad, or all the way back to high school? I worked construction in high school, and I kinda want to include it to show that I've seen other kinds of work, and that is part of why I chose pharmacy

As I remember, they only want Post-Secondary institution (High school) work. So no, they don't want to hear about what you did in high school. Nothing before your freshman year in college, unless it has been ongoing.
 
I recently submitted my pharmcas application, however I realized after that I forgot to put in my planned courses. Is there any way I can change this? Will this effect my pharmcas application in any way? The deadline for the school im applying to is August the 1st. 🙁
 
Just the answer I was looking for....tks.👍


I'm not sure what the problem is. On your Pharmcas application, there is a section where you can put in your planned courses for the Fall 2009 semester, so the schools you're applying to will know what classes you're taking. Academic Update will be open from December 15 to February 1, and you'll be able to record your fall grades and send them updated transcripts.
 
I also have a question, too. I'm taking summer classes and I'm thinking about turning in my PharmCAS app in about a week or two. I've already asked my schools to send the transcripts when the grades are in. Will PharmCAS update those summer grades though I e-submitted my application before those transcripts arrived? Thanks!
Wait until PharmCAS receives the grades, then e-submit. PharmCAS will not adjust GPA calculation after you e-submit, except for acedemic update

My suggestion is to wait a couple weeks for PharmCAS to receive the summer grades
 
I'm confused about entering AP/Clep courses on pharmcas. I entered them but I don't know what to put for the grade. It says to put EXACTLY what appears on your transcript. Under grade on my transcript it has EC but there is no EC selection available on pharmcas. I picked CR (credit) but I don't know if it is right.

I would appreciate some feedback if you know the correct procedure. Thanks!
 
I recently submitted my pharmcas application, however I realized after that I forgot to put in my planned courses. Is there any way I can change this? Will this effect my pharmcas application in any way? The deadline for the school im applying to is August the 1st. 🙁

Contact pharmcas and explain the situation to them... Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
 
i guess i am going to sound real stupid posting this. but is PharmCAS necessary? this is supposed to be my last year of prereqs and somehow I feel really behind going through all these threads. should I register for the PCAT first or should I get the PharmCAS thing out the way (since it seems so important)? I hope I am not too behind. I also wanted to ask this, I have abot 7 months experience working in a pharmacy but it was in a warehouse, does that matter?




***my questions are highlighted***😀
 
i guess i am going to sound real stupid posting this. but is PharmCAS necessary? this is supposed to be my last year of prereqs and somehow I feel really behind going through all these threads. should I register for the PCAT first or should I get the PharmCAS thing out the way (since it seems so important)? I hope I am not too behind. I also wanted to ask this, I have abot 7 months experience working in a pharmacy but it was in a warehouse, does that matter?
***my questions are highlighted***😀


1. PharmCAS is necessary if you're going to a school that requires PharmCAS. That's a foregone conclusion...

2. The Academic Update window for PharmCAS does not close until February 1st, so you can do PharmCAS now, sans PCAT, and then have your PharmCAS updated with your PCAT results for Fall 2010. You're a bit behind the 8-ball but not irreparably so.

3. Pharmacy exp. is pharmacy exp., warehouse or otherwise. It'll help your application/resume.
 
1. PharmCAS is necessary if you're going to a school that requires PharmCAS. That's a foregone conclusion...

2. The Academic Update window for PharmCAS does not close until February 1st, so you can do PharmCAS now, sans PCAT, and then have your PharmCAS updated with your PCAT results for Fall 2010. You're a bit behind the 8-ball but not irreparably so.

3. Pharmacy exp. is pharmacy exp., warehouse or otherwise. It'll help your application/resume.


😀😀😀thanks a bunch...

damn why does everything gotta be so expensive😱...imma limit my school choices to just 3 so i can take care of other expenses
 
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As I remember, they only want Post-Secondary institution (High school) work. So no, they don't want to hear about what you did in high school. Nothing before your freshman year in college, unless it has been ongoing.
Thanks
I'll be submitting soon now...
 
hi guys

does pharmcas count upper division science classes in the science gpa? or is it only the prequisites (like gen chem, gen bio, orgo, physics,etc.)


thanks 🙂
 
hi guys

does pharmcas count upper division science classes in the science gpa? or is it only the prequisites (like gen chem, gen bio, orgo, physics,etc.)


thanks 🙂

Of course they count them. Any science course will go toward your science GPA.
 
hi I just submitted my pharmcas and got an email from PharmCAS about Background Check. I cut and paste the message below.

I am not quiet understanding the message. What should I do?
Do I have to wait for an email from Certiphi Screening, Inc.
Should I log into pharmcas --> request background check, to request, at my own expense, a consumer report from Certiphi Screening, Inc.
thanks for your help!
Gam
----------------------------

Dear xxx Kxxxx
"As you were notified in the PharmCAS application, you have applied to at least one pharmacy school
that is participating in a PharmCAS-facilitated national background check service, through which
Certiphi Screening, Inc. (a Vertical Screen Company) will procure for participating pharmacy schools
a national background report on applicants at the point of initial, conditional acceptance.
Upon your initial conditional acceptance by a participating pharmacy school, Certiphi Screening, Inc.
will send an email with additional information to your preferred email address. To ensure that you meet
this requirement, please:
* Ensure that your preferred email address is up to date at all times
* Add [email protected] as a trusted email sender

Please Note: If you would like to pre-order from Certiphi Screening, Inc., at your own expense,
a consumer report on yourself in advance of the AACP-facilitated report, please log into your
PharmCAS application and select the icon "Pre-order criminal background check".
More details will be available from PharmCAS.
PharmCAS Staff
 
From what i understand, if a school that uses this company accepts you into their program, then you will be sent an email from the company on what you need to do to get a background check. You don't need to worry about it until then.

The pre order option just allows you to do it in advance, before acceptance.

I would wait until a school that uses this screening company accepts you instead of preordering. You might get into a school that uses a different company that does background checks meaning you would have wasted money on this one.
 
It's 27th...and mine are still not up yet. I'm getting nervous. I sent it in real early too like early june...and i know they dont update it til july 13th...but its already been like 2 weeks. Has anyone received theirs yet? I'm just worried they never got it..and by the time I find out..it'll be too late? 🙁
 
It's 27th...and mine are still not up yet. I'm getting nervous. I sent it in real early too like early june...and i know they dont update it til july 13th...but its already been like 2 weeks. Has anyone received theirs yet? I'm just worried they never got it..and by the time I find out..it'll be too late? 🙁

mine are not in pharmcas yet either... :scared: even though i already got my scores in the mail and everything.

does anyone know if your past test from like last year will show up on my pharmcas as well? i'm a little confused about how that works...
 
mine are not in pharmcas yet either... :scared: even though i already got my scores in the mail and everything.

does anyone know if your past test from like last year will show up on my pharmcas as well? i'm a little confused about how that works...


When you did PharmCAS, you were supposed to list any past or future PCAT dates. Your most recent PCAT score, and any you've taken in the last 5 years (pretty sure it's 5... might be 3? Almost definitely 5) will be sent along too, assuming you've elected to have any of your PCAT scores sent to institution/PharmCAS.
 
Hi there,

Several schools that I apply require 3 lors but I got 2 lors so far. Can I e-submit to Pharmcas anyways and will update the 3rd one later on? I don't want to hold my application because some of them just need 2 lors. Is that possible to do that ?
 
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