PharmCas question about retaking classes

[billsauce]

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I have a question about how pharmCas calculates the gpa for retaking classes.

I took calculus 1 at a semester school in the summer when I was 16 and got a C, it was worth 7.5 units at a quarter school. Then i re-took Calc 1 at a quarter school and it was worth 5 credits and got an A. Is there a way to make the class I got a C in worth 0 credits so it doesn't hurt my gpa and since I have re-taken 5 credits of it and will take 5 more credits of it?

 

[Lenabel]

They will calculate both classes, there is no way to change it cause you will be required to send your transcripts from all the schools you attended.

 

[billsauce]

even if it is a repeat course?

 

[y0ssarian87]

even if it is a repeat course?

Yes, even if it is a repeat course. I suggest you read the PharmCAS Instructions document to get a better idea of how they process everything. They will calculate all grades for all classes attempted based on the grade you received from the institution and the number of units.

 

[owlegrad]

The more important issue is how the pharmacy schools calculate it, not PharmCAS. Common mistake.

 

[y0ssarian87]

The more important issue is how the pharmacy schools calculate it, not PharmCAS. Common mistake.

This is true. It can be important though if some schools require a specific PharmCAS GPA to apply. This was the case for me, so it was important to me. Perhaps this is the case for the schools OP is looking at.

 

[billsauce]

i know usc calculates their own gpa, does anyone know if UCSD calculates their own gpa?

were talking a 3.93 gpa vs 3.63 gpa......

 

[y0ssarian87]

i know usc calculates their own gpa, does anyone know if UCSD calculates their own gpa?

were talking a 3.93 gpa vs 3.63 gpa......

Generally, when a school says overall GPA, they mean they take all grades into consideration. But you know who would know this better? An admissions counselor at UCSD. Call them and find out. Have you checked their website? From what I understand, all of the CA schools will take all attempts of a course into consideration. But don't trust me. Call or email the schools you're interested in.

 

[billsauce]

everyone says usc calculates their own gpa

 

[y0ssarian87]

everyone says usc calculates their own gpa

They may calculate their own prerequisite GPA based on the types of classes, but I don't think they only look at your most recent grade. I think they look at all attempts of the prerequisite courses. A school calculating their own GPA doesn't mean that they don't use all attempts of a particular class.

 

[y0ssarian87]

Also, was it really necessary to create 4 threads on this issue, two in the Pre-Pharmacy section and two in the class threads section?

 

[JohnFe]

Also, was it really necessary to create 4 threads on this issue, two in the Pre-Pharmacy section and two in the class threads section?

This. 👍 Please learn the proper forum etiquette next time. 😉

 

[The Recoverer]

Yeah seriously. Not trying to be rude. but there is at least 6 or 7 spereate threads on one simple question that could be answered by simply taking the time to READ the pharmcas manual. or CALLING the schools you are interested in. All pharmacy schools have a contact number on their website. if you really want answers fast, just call them. This is 2013, we have telephones.

 

[prehealth00]

i know usc calculates their own gpa, does anyone know if UCSD calculates their own gpa?

were talking a 3.93 gpa vs 3.63 gpa......

How do you know this? Also since pharmcas doesn't do it some one would have to recalculate thousands of applicant gpa's by hand? It doesn't seem likely to me. I know there are rumors that some colleges recalculate but is there any proof out there?

 

[JohnFe]

How do you know this? Also since pharmcas doesn't do it some one would have to recalculate thousands of applicant gpa's by hand? It doesn't seem likely to me. I know there are rumors that some colleges recalculate but is there any proof out there?

Most schools have a pre-req sheet that you have to fill up on your supplemental application. I am ASSUMING that this is their "pre-req GPA" determination.

Anyway, GPA is only a factor. As long as you did okay >3.0 GPA with pharmacy, research, relevant work experience, ECs, great LoRs and PS, you are bound to get in somewhere.

 

[dk00]

Most schools have a pre-req sheet that you have to fill up on your supplemental application. I am ASSUMING that this is their "pre-req GPA" determination.

Anyway, GPA is only a factor. As long as you did okay >3.0 GPA with pharmacy, research, relevant work experience, ECs, great LoRs and PS, you are bound to get in somewhere.

What type of research is the best to participate in and what role of the research?

 

[dk00]

Bump

 

[88888888]

What type of research is the best to participate in and what role of the research?

whatever you're more interested/passionate in.

 

[dk00]

whatever you're more interested/passionate in.

I guess I have a few questions here,
1. Should I be looking for a position of a research technician or lab assistant or volunteer?
2. Do any of these positions result in getting my name on a publication?
3. What if my research position doesn't result in a publication, does this research then become useless as far as improving chances of being accepted into pharm school?

 

[JCzap]

I guess I have a few questions here,
1. Should I be looking for a position of a research technician or lab assistant or volunteer?
2. Do any of these positions result in getting my name on a publication?
3. What if my research position doesn't result in a publication, does this research then become useless as far as improving chances of being accepted into pharm school?

There are really no research positions that will guarantee you having your name on a publication. Heck, I have been in research for close to 7 years and I will finally have my name on a publication in a few months. I was in a position for 3 years and didn't know till late that the PI refused to allow research assistants to have their names on publications. And no, a research position without a publication is not useless in getting into pharmacy school. I got in to all but 1 school I applied to with my years of research and no publications. Only 1 or 2 people actually asked me anything about any of the research I did and it was just a general question. If you are still in school, do research with faculty for credit if at all possible (good source for a rec letter).