Question about letters of rec and others

[Clovers]

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Hi everyone,

Please help me out here. For LOR, when it saids "healthcare professional" recommendation form....it doesn't have to be from a pharmacist right? I was planning to ask my MD to write me the letter b/c I don't know any pharmacist to ask. I work full time so I don't have to time to job shadow a pharmacist. I don't have much experience in a pharmacy but I do have a lot of experience in the healthcare industry. The only school I'm applying to is the new one in Sacramento because I live there. I have only a 3.0 GPA and sGPA of 2.7. I know my science GPA is really low so I am planning to take the PCAT hoping to redeem myself. Is that a good method? I'm an older applicant. What else can I do to help gain admission for next year? I hope to have everything turn in by the end of December and take the PCAT January 19. Is that too late? What score should I aim for given my GPA? I also have lots of ECs from undergrad.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[omnione]

Normally, the school's website will define the term. But yes, healthcare professional usually isn't restricted to pharmacists. You do need to have your MD explain why you would be a good pharmacist instead of a doctor.

A good PCAT can help with the lower GPA though that GPA isn't going away. However, the January 2008 PCAT date is late for the majority of schools for Fall 2008 matriculation, but its fine for Fall 2009. You should consider waiting for the Fall 2009 cycle as schools that would wait for the January 2008 PCAT might be scared off by your GPA, leaving you in an unneccessary financial hole.

I'd aim for at least an 80th percentile composite. The higher the better. Look at pharmacy tech opportunities too.

 

[Clovers]

Northstate didn't open their application until 9/21 so January PCAT is still considered late? I thought pharm school doesn't start until July..so taking it January and them having the scores in February would be before school starts. I can' find anywhere on their website saying when is the absolute latest that you can take the PCAT. I really want to matriculate in 2008 🙁. Is it too late to apply or too late to take the PCAT? Thanks for your help!