Pre-Pharm Student Seeking Input/Advice

[Mechman43]

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I have just found out about this website and have found it very helpful in finding answers to many of my questions. I am still looking for some advice on my personal situation and what I can do to better myself.

I have been pursuing pre-pharmacy courses at my local community college. I strayed away from going to a university in order to save money being that I am on student loans. I have always wanted to be a pharmacist and until now I have been going through the paces and acquiring the required credits to apply to pharmacy school. I am currently on my third year in college. The schools that I am interested in applying to are Ferris State, Wayne State, and U of M Ann Arbor.

So far in my academics I have...
-61 credits
-GPA 3.836
-The only blemish on my math and science courses is the 3.5 I earned in Gen Chem I.
-My remaining courses are General Chemistry II, and all Organic Chemistry
-This semester I am finishing up Human A&P and math credits
-I recently took the PCAT for which I was extremely unprepared.

Although I have not received my scores I am not confident with my performance on the exam. Without any experience in Organic Chemistry I fumbled my way through that portion of the exam. In addition I hardly studied for the exam. I am aware that I will need to retake the PCAT, my next attempt I will be sure to take multiple practice tests while also reviewing any subjects I find my slipping in. Also I will be sure to complete my Organic Chemistry before retaking the PCAT.

The main purpose of this post is to provide some background information on academics, but mainly I have some important questions that I would appreciate some input on.

1. Despite how poorly I did on the exam, I chose to have it scored and sent out to my requested schools. Will this negatively effect me in the future when I go to submit my final pharmacy school application?

2. Is my current GPA satisfactory for most pharmacy schools?

3. I have read that some schools look at time taken to complete pre-reqs. How crucial is this in an application?

4. For schools that accept PharmCAS, is this the sole vehicle for application? I understand that PharmCAS encompasses almost your entire academic career, I am just curious on whether there are other requirements for application.

5. Does attending a community college for pre-reqs negatively effect your application?

If there is any way I can assist anyone else, please be sure to let me know. I am thankful that this community exists, and glad I am now a part of it. Any input is welcome. I'm hoping for feedback on my listed questions as well as any constructive criticism that could help me further my success towards becoming a pharmacist. Thank you!

 

[Mechman43]

I apologize if this should of been posted in the WAMC thread. Although I am not asking for my chances more-so looking for advice on which areas of my education I should focus more heavily on. I wish I was able to give more advice to others. If I can help in anyway be sure to let me know. Again I apologize if this is inappropriately posted.

 

[KlassyJ]

I have just found out about this website and have found it very helpful in finding answers to many of my questions. I am still looking for some advice on my personal situation and what I can do to better myself.

I have been pursuing pre-pharmacy courses at my local community college. I strayed away from going to a university in order to save money being that I am on student loans. I have always wanted to be a pharmacist and until now I have been going through the paces and acquiring the required credits to apply to pharmacy school. I am currently on my third year in college. The schools that I am interested in applying to are Ferris State, Wayne State, and U of M Ann Arbor.

So far in my academics I have...
-61 credits
-GPA 3.836
-The only blemish on my math and science courses is the 3.5 I earned in Gen Chem I.
-My remaining courses are General Chemistry II, and all Organic Chemistry
-This semester I am finishing up Human A&P and math credits
-I recently took the PCAT for which I was extremely unprepared.

Although I have not received my scores I am not confident with my performance on the exam. Without any experience in Organic Chemistry I fumbled my way through that portion of the exam. In addition I hardly studied for the exam. I am aware that I will need to retake the PCAT, my next attempt I will be sure to take multiple practice tests while also reviewing any subjects I find my slipping in. Also I will be sure to complete my Organic Chemistry before retaking the PCAT.

The main purpose of this post is to provide some background information on academics, but mainly I have some important questions that I would appreciate some input on.

1. Despite how poorly I did on the exam, I chose to have it scored and sent out to my requested schools. Will this negatively effect me in the future when I go to submit my final pharmacy school application?

- Each school views scores differently, plus what do you call poorly? I've seen people post who have received 70+ and complain when in reality that's not terrible. Don't be too hard on yourself.

2. Is my current GPA satisfactory for most pharmacy schools?

- Lol, sorry to laugh but you should know that answer (seriously). You can check the statistics of most schools on the "school pages" section on PharmCAS.

3. I have read that some schools look at time taken to complete pre-reqs. How crucial is this in an application?

- I haven't heard that one. That would be pretty hard to factor since every applicant is different, and has different circumstances.

4. For schools that accept PharmCAS, is this the sole vehicle for application? I understand that PharmCAS encompasses almost your entire academic career, I am just curious on whether there are other requirements for application.

- PharmCAS services most of the pharmacy schools although there are some schools who still utilize paper applications. Most schools also have supplemental applications that are required in addition to a submitted PharmCAS application. Again view the PharmCAS "school pages" section to see additional requirements for each school you decide to apply to.

5. Does attending a community college for pre-reqs negatively effect your application?

- Some people will say yes, and some will say no. Some people aren't able to afford the costs of 4-year schools and opt to go the community college route. I have seen many people who have attended community college and obtain pharmacy school admission without a problem. If you are worried about this still then I would say go each prospective school, and ask them how they view it.

- I hope this information is of help to you 🙂 .

If there is any way I can assist anyone else, please be sure to let me know. I am thankful that this community exists, and glad I am now a part of it. Any input is welcome. I'm hoping for feedback on my listed questions as well as any constructive criticism that could help me further my success towards becoming a pharmacist. Thank you!

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