PharmCAS Questions

Started by foraminal
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I am running into this problem as well, my professor is using gmail. I suggest a immediate follow up email right after PharmCAS sends you the confirmation that the request has been sent.

cheers.
 
PillMan777 said:
Hey all,

I a newbie here, so I was hoping someone could answer these questions for me. I e-submitted my application on 6-11. When does pharmcas start mailing all my documents to my schools. Acutally the real question is when does my GPA calculations suppose to be showing up. My last school transcript was received by pharmcas on 6/17. I read on other posts that it took individuals at least 10 days before pharmcas made there calculations right after they received all transcripts (well been more then 10days). Also how long did it take for your pcat scores to be send to pharmcas???

Thanks 🙂
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1. I believe they email documents in Aug. Don't quote me on that.
2. Their website says it takes up to 5 weeks. So, when it pass 5 weeks that's when you should worry. Until then, just continue check back periodically
3. I do not know that. I would assume that once the scores are in they will be forwarded to pharmcas as well.
 
The earlier you submit, the earlier they can start mailing out, starting in August. If you submit early, it generally takes less than 2 weeks. If you submit later, in the cycle, they claim that it may take up to 1 month....However, none of my friends have ever had that problem. Usually between 2-3 weeks. Mine actually got there within 1 week =]. As for calculating GPA, that takes 2-3 weeks as well. My best advice is to be patient...Don't worry yourself if its unnecessary.
 
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I will enter my Fall and Winter 2009 classes because I still need to finish pre-reqs, but by Spring 2009 I won't have any left and will just be taking random upper-div classes. Do I need to list those classes anyway to let them know that I'll still be enrolled? I'm not even sure what classes I'd be taking exactly.
 
I posted this on the pcat board too but I think i'll have more luck getting an answer here.

I registered for the aug pcat but no where in the registration did it ask me for my ssn. I thought that i definitely had to indicate my ssn on my pcat registration so that pharmcas would be able to match my app with my pcat scores.

where do i put in my ssn? is it on the actual exam? or did i miss a huge part of the application process or something?

i'd appreciate some help, this has got me worried 😕
 
I was worried, too, because I thought I missed something in the online registration. On the front page of your answer booklet there is a place for your ssn along with your name and other such info. Just don't forget your ssn on the day of the exam.
 
You need to list them for the sake of full disclosure. Schools want to know about all your coursework regardless of relevancy to the pharmacy program. There will be a time frame beginning Dec 15 where you can update your completed fall courses and add planned spring courses.
 
should i not add my spring courses for next year then, and add them around december when i can update? thanks!
 
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Kind of an obvious question I guess, but how does pharmCAS verify your extra curricular stuff?
are we supposed to put phone numbers of places we've volunteered at, or send in letters for verification? im so confused about it 😕

also, if i'm a certified pharmacy technician, am i supposed to put my license number or something?

it just seems like there's no accountability and that anyone could put anything and they wouldn't know the difference. what's the deal?
 
technically, pharmcas is just a messenger. but if the school wanted to know about specific extracurricular, then they'll ask for more specifics

it sounds like theres no accountability, but think of it this way:
if its something unique/impressive: they'll (schools) will want to know more about it. so you better have something concrete to bring to the table
if its something ordinary: then its not worth falsifying on your app

by its risk-reward, it just makes sense to tell the truth (or something close to it)

edit: of course there is the whole honor-the-truth-and-nothing-but-the-truth-so-help-me-god bit, but im sure you knew that already
 
catchsomezz said:
technically, pharmcas is just a messenger. but if the school wanted to know about specific extracurricular, then they'll ask for more specifics

it sounds like theres no accountability, but think of it this way:
if its something unique/impressive: they'll (schools) will want to know more about it. so you better have something concrete to bring to the table
if its something ordinary: then its not worth falsifying on your app

by its risk-reward, it just makes sense to tell the truth (or something close to it)

edit: of course there is the whole honor-the-truth-and-nothing-but-the-truth-so-help-me-god bit, but im sure you knew that already
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right okay i see what you're saying...i wasn't thinking of falsifying anything, bc i have alot of real credentials to put on there...but while i was filling it out i was just thinking that i did all of this work and put in all this time, and someone could just be putting all of the same things but lying about it.
that made me a little mad bc its like they could get away with it! but its good to know they might ask for it later...thanks!
 
As for the tech license #, I do recall putting that somewhere...... and I think it was PharmCAS? Either way, I do recall putting it somewhere on an app.

And I just verified with all my extracurricular contact people if it's okay to list them, and UOP is the only school that asked for contact info for each activity, so I gave it to them. =T But yeah, otherwise... I don't know that any other school tried to contact and verify unfortunately. But don't worry, if someone lied on his/her app, I'm sure it'll be noticeable when they ask him/her about it in the interview!
 
Some schools/programs have some internal auditing built in that they'll randomly sample the applications that come in and pick one thing to verify (ie extracurricular, license, etc...). I know the Univ. of California does this for undergrad admissions, I wouldn't be surprised if others did.

But yes, risk/reward, the bump in your app isn't worth the punishment if you get caught. The "more prestigious" your line item, the easier it is to verify (ie club member vs. White House staffer vs. Olympic gold medalist), which means IF you were to lie and get away with it, it would be able random low level junk that probably won't make a diff. in your admission's file anyway.
 
Yeah, you should list something so your schools know you'll still be in class. I wouldn't worry too much about changing your mind, though.
 
I sent mine in last week thursday... They received it Monday.. I get an email today saying all of them are filled up and I'm out luck. I called and tried to find out why they are all filled up. The lady on the phone was nasty goes we filled up all of them and your out of luck. This is really sucks cause I qualify and I'm on a low budget😡
 
Ok, i still dont know where to find the pharmcas cid? Is that the order id on the receipt?
please help..
 
You don't get your CID until they send you your admission ticket (1-2 weeks before exam day). It's at the top right of the ticket.
 
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iamjess, uic supplemental will be out late august or early september (according to my knowledge); i emailed their office of student affairs.

Just a few questions:

when pharmcas states: Please list each extracurricular, leadership, volunteer, and/or community activities in order of importance to you (limit 10). so 1 is most important correct?

I originally go to a university, but took a few classes over the summer at a community college, but got the credit transferred over to my university. do i still need to get transcripts from that cc even tho theyre already on my university transcripts? and what about AP credit from hs transferred over to my university?
 
koercive said:
-took me a bit longer than I expected because I had to input ~240 units or so
-gave my LOR writers 1 month to write it, 2 finished within 2 weeks, other took like 1.5 months!
-just finalize , double / triple check the parts you can't come back to
-i wish i saved my inputs from 2008 when i reapplied in 2009 /// wasted money in 2008 buy applying on pharmCAS for schools i had no interest in (didn't do the supplemental) -- apply first to the schools you are for sure interested in , you can add more later
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Hold up, ,wait a minute....You can add schools after you submit your app to PharmCAS????
 
For the extracurricular section what should I put down for total hours over span if I have just started something but plan to continue with it throughout the next year. Should I put what i have done so far or should I put what I expect it to take?

Thanks in advance
 
I put in my references' emails the other week but I'm not sure if they received it. Should I e-mail them asking if they received the email from PharmCAS and if they had any additional questions for me, or should I wait a while at the risk of seeming too pushy?
 
you have to post all courses from the start of college to summer of '10.. even if they aren't prereqs. it is stated in the 63 page pharmcas manual. haha.
 
My pharmacist send in a paper reference and I'm not sure if its approved. On the status of my reference is said "complete" and received "June 30,2009" Does it mean its approved?
 
I've had a problem with my transcripts being send to Pharmcas. I sent transcripts from both of the colleges that I attended 6/9 but they still haven't showed up on Pharmcas.

I called Pharmcas and they told me they never received them, but both schools attest that the transcripts were sent out.

Has anyone else had this problem?/What should I do?
 
sweetcandies800 said:
I've had a problem with my transcripts being send to Pharmcas. I sent transcripts from both of the colleges that I attended 6/9 but they still haven't showed up on Pharmcas.

I called Pharmcas and they told me they never received them, but both schools attest that the transcripts were sent out.

Has anyone else had this problem?/What should I do?
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Did you send them with the PharmCAS transcript request form (printed from the Colleges Attended page)? That needs to be attached for PharmCAS to process them properly. Either way I would just resend them along with the PharmCAS transcript request form.
 
This thread is awesome. Just want I needed...

Q's!

1)How do I send AP scores to PharmCas? Do I just contact AP directly and ask them to mail it to PharmCas? Do I need them to mail it with a transcript sheet like how I mailed the transcripts? Cause i remember reading on PharmCas website that you should send to the schools directly. But the school's telling me to send to PharmCas...I have no idea.

2)Pharmcas has already received my school transcript. It says it may take up to 5 weeks for them to calculate my GPA, does that mean I need to E-submit my application 5 weeks before the official school deadline?

Also...How long did PharmCas update your PCAT scores? I sent mine like 6/15 and they still haven't received it. My SSN is correct and my name is the same...I don't know what to do?

Thanks 😀
 
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Also...How long did PharmCas update your PCAT scores? I sent mine like 6/15 and they still haven't received it. My SSN is correct and my name is the same...I don't know what to do?
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I sent my PCAT scores around the same time. I just spoke with PharmCAS today and they said that they will not be adding PCAT scores until July 13.

As for submitting, I would submit more than 5 weeks before the deadline and play it safe.
 
Hey guys,

So, I have worked for a pharmacy for about 3 and a half years. I am troubled with what to put as the average number of hours I work weekly, as they have varied. In high school, when I started, I worked anywhere from 15-50 hours a week (more during the summer). Now, that I am in college, I only work while I am home from college (Thanksgiving break, summer break, etc). I am working like 30 hours a week now. Would you guys just put the most recent amount - like 30 hours a week - or what would you do?
 
Hey Guys,

Disclaimer! I tried searching for the answer to this first! Promise!

So, I just got my GPA calculated through PharmCAS and its super low. Yet, my prerequist gpa is much higher. How does this PharmCAS gpa work as opposed to actual GPA off of my transcripts?

I have my Masters and my Bachelors degree so all those grades are counting against me. I started my prereqs after graduate school and those grades are much higher.

I'm so worried because they calculated my total gpa: 3.30 science: 3.10 nonscience: 3.47 math: 3.57

Do I even have shot into any schools now? I'm totally freaking out! I'm only applying to CA schools. I know this topic kinda turned into WAMC but, I'm really confused about how this GPA thing works.


🙁
Thanks for any help!
 
I know that my Pharmcas gpa was a bit different than my school calculated one. Pharmcas uses a specific scale/method in calculating gpa and your school may not have the exact same scale/method. What school did you go too? Also, most schools will focus on your pre-reqs and use your overall gpa as an initial "weeding out" process. As long as your overall/science gpa is above 2.5 most schools will look at your application and take it seriously.

Most schools will see that you have your two degrees and will take that into account when looking at your grades. Gpa is more important for students who only go to school for 2 years and have not taken harder science/math courses.

The fact that you have your bachelors AND masters is a huge plus for pharmacy schools and gives you more of an advantage than you think. Have you taken the PCAT? What were your degrees in? Do you have any relevant pharmacy experience?
 
I have my degrees from California State University, Fresno. I have my BS in Community Health and an Masters in Public Health.

I'm not taking the PCAT since I'm only applying to 3 schools in California. I'm applying to Touro, UOP, and California NorthState. I have had a couple of years of experience within the medical field and working with pharmaceutical companies and for the last year and half I've shadowed a pharmacist and translated for him.

I feel like I have no shot of getting into any of my designated schools. It's so stressful. I know all of us have gone through this moment but it is really tough when everything is stacked against you. Words of advice? Should I even waste my time?! 🙁
 
kirang said:
I have my degrees from California State University, Fresno. I have my BS in Community Health and an Masters in Public Health.

I'm not taking the PCAT since I'm only applying to 3 schools in California. I'm applying to Touro, UOP, and California NorthState. I have had a couple of years of experience within the medical field and working with pharmaceutical companies and for the last year and half I've shadowed a pharmacist and translated for him.

I feel like I have no shot of getting into any of my designated schools. It's so stressful. I know all of us have gone through this moment but it is really tough when everything is stacked against you. Words of advice? Should I even waste my time?! 🙁
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I am no expert on the California pharm school system and I have heard they weight gpa much more than other schools? I personally think your gpa is fine and with your other credentials you seem like a great applicant. There is only one way to know if you are good enough and that is to apply and see if you get in.

If you are worried about your gpa then you have a couple choices. Take more classes to help boost your gpa. This may seem nice, but you would probably need a lot of credit hours to boost it since you already have so many credit hours. Your next choice is to take the PCAT and apply to more schools. Finally, you can just do whatever it takes to improve your application i.e. more volunteering/experience.

There is no reason to freak out so much. Your gpa is what it is and you will not be able to change it in time.
 
^ What Passion4Sci said.
What are you worried about? You have a Master's.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to get in with two associate's degrees.
 
Hello guys,
Just wondering how to submit recommendation letters for the schools that are not in pharmcas.What confuses me is i have 4 recommendation letters, but I'm using them in pharmcas ( Electronic form) .So when we apply for schools that are not in pharmcas do we have to send recommendation letters each time? If yes do they accecept copies of recommendation letter?
Thanks guys....
 
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yes. each school that doesn't use pharmcas has its own system on how to do LORs. I live in Texas, and most Texas schools don't use pharmcas. Some sent my professors emails like pharmcas does, some had the recommender type or write out the letter then put it in an envelope and sign across the seal then had me snail mail it. Whatever school you are applying to will tell you on its website how they do LORs.

I'm pretty sure my professors didnt write six different letters. They probably used the same one for each school. However I don't know that for sure because I never saw any of the letters. You shouldn't be able to physically copy any of your LORs because that means you can read them which isn't good.
 
Thank you guys. I know you guys probably think I'm crazy but this is the most stressful time in my life and the best part is I know all of you totally understand me. Unlike everyone else around who thinks that I'm superwomen and can do it all. I'm very thankful for SDN and being able to come and have others empathize with my situation.

Thanks again for your guys honest sincerity. It means a lot especially to someone who's struggling like hell to make this dream come true!
 
kirang said:
Thank you guys. I know you guys probably think I'm crazy but this is the most stressful time in my life and the best part is I know all of you totally understand me. Unlike everyone else around who thinks that I'm superwomen and can do it all. I'm very thankful for SDN and being able to come and have others empathize with my situation.

Thanks again for your guys honest sincerity. It means a lot especially to someone who's struggling like hell to make this dream come true!
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Awww 😍
 
kirang said:
Thank you guys. I know you guys probably think I'm crazy but this is the most stressful time in my life and the best part is I know all of you totally understand me. Unlike everyone else around who thinks that I'm superwomen and can do it all. I'm very thankful for SDN and being able to come and have others empathize with my situation.

Thanks again for your guys honest sincerity. It means a lot especially to someone who's struggling like hell to make this dream come true!
Click to expand...

I know what you mean entirely. When I applied last year all I ever heard from those close to me was, "Oh I'm sure you'll get in somewhere, relax." You just want to say, "NO, you don't understand dammit, you don't understand the severity of this situation."

Your stats are solid though. Stay positive and optimistic.
 
"In our next presidential election, an actor who reads his Bible would almost certainly defeat a rocket scientist who does not."-Sam Harris
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Nice sig. I'm trying to decide whether or not you think that's a good or bad thing. 😀 I'm a big fan of his.
 
calisoca said:
I know what you mean entirely. When I applied last year all I ever heard from those close to me was, "Oh I'm sure you'll get in somewhere, relax." You just want to say, "NO, you don't understand dammit, you don't understand the severity of this situation."

Your stats are solid though. Stay positive and optimistic.
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Oh my god welcome to my LIFE! If I have one more person say to me that "You'll be fine... you got this," its so frustrating because they DO NOT understand how freaking hard this is.

Not only do we have to understand the material, we have to get excellent grades, be involved in the community, have tons of extra "stuff" outside school (because school obviouslly doesn't keep us busy enough! 😡) and to top it all of a million pounds of pressure that keeps saying we could all be doing this for nothing... that theres no guarantee that after all that rump kicking you still could have potentially wasted the last 2 years of your life all to do it again the following application cycle....talk about HELLA pressure! :scared:
 
fenderbiz said:
Nice sig. I'm trying to decide whether or not you think that's a good or bad thing. 😀 I'm a big fan of his.
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I'm saying it's a pathetic thing, and an absolutely true statement. I'm a huge Sam Harris fan as well. It's absolutely sad that you have to claim a religion (and; therefore, a mild form of insanity) to even be considered for office.
 
kirang said:
Oh my god welcome to my LIFE! If I have one more person say to me that "You'll be fine... you got this," its so frustrating because they DO NOT understand how freaking hard this is.

Not only do we have to understand the material, we have to get excellent grades, be involved in the community, have tons of extra "stuff" outside school (because school obviouslly doesn't keep us busy enough! 😡) and to top it all of a million pounds of pressure that keeps saying we could all be doing this for nothing... that theres no guarantee that after all that rump kicking you still could have potentially wasted the last 2 years of your life all to do it again the following application cycle....talk about HELLA pressure! :scared:
Click to expand...

Yeah there's really no guarantee when applying. Just do the best you can to set yourself up for victory.
 
calisoca said:
I know what you mean entirely. When I applied last year all I ever heard from those close to me was, "Oh I'm sure you'll get in somewhere, relax." You just want to say, "NO, you don't understand dammit, you don't understand the severity of this situation."

Your stats are solid though. Stay positive and optimistic.
Click to expand...

calisoca said:
Yeah there's really no guarantee when applying. Just do the best you can to set yourself up for victory.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much! :xf:
 
calisoca said:
I'm saying it's a pathetic thing, and an absolutely true statement. I'm a huge Sam Harris fan as well. It's absolutely sad that you have to claim a religion (and; therefore, a mild form of insanity) to even be considered for office.
Click to expand...

I completely agree. I love watching/reading Sagan, Dawkins, Harris, etc. I don't want to get off topic of this thread, though.😉
 
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