rec letters

[mbrindley]

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Hey guys-for those of you who didnt work in a pharmacy before you got into pharm school-how did you get the all important letter of rec from a pharmacist? Do all schools require that one letter be from a pharmacist? Thanks in advance!

 

[2005pharmD]

No; I can't think of any school that "requires it." Secondly, if you don't have any work experience, then you're not supposed to have a letter from a pharmacist. I mean, how would that pharmacist know you?

 

[azynchica]

Schools will specifically state whether or not you need a LOR from a pharmacist, most don't require it but it's probably recommended anyways. Try searching the forums a bit, some other people have had this problem too. =)

 

[pinkyrx]

I think some schools do require a letter from a pharmacist, if not require, then they at least suggest it. If you don't know a pharmacist, maybe you should try volunteering and getting some pharmacy experience. The experience will probably help you during the admissions process, plus you may meet someone that write an LOR for you.

 

[melt36]

just a quick question -- how do you know you want to go into this field if you havent worked in the pharmacy? this questions isnt meant to be condescending or anything (not at all!), just wondering b/c i didnt realize that i wanted to do pharmacy until i started working. classes? friends? family? i know my family pushed me in that general direction, but i didnt actually want it until i stepped in. 🙂

 

[mbrindley]

Melt36-I dont mean to be rude, but how do pre med students decided early on that they want to be doctors? Many people choose a career path based on lots of research and aquired knowledge, not experience. I totally understand where you are coming from: I was prevet until I worked for a vet. Experience is helpful but I think some people just feel things out and make a decision based on tons of research. Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[azynchica]

hmm.. well most if not all pre-meds get experience before they actually make the decision and go to med school, I know of some who were premed up until their third year, but then they realized they couldn't stand the sight of blood.. haha.
Well personally I made the decision to do pharmacy before I got experience, but I think experience helps you make sure that this is what you want to do.

 

[OoShimmeroO]

i knew a lot of people that wanted to go into pharmacy but after working in one they decided not to pursue the profession. That's the whole value of experience. It's better to find out sooner than later.

 

[melt36]

I hope I didnt offend you in anyway with my comment - twas not my intention at all. But I did take the liberty of calling a friend that used to be on the admissions board and she told me a letter of rec from a pharm is preferred but not required. If you have experience in other areas of the health field (ie. volunteering in a clinic or was an EMT,etc...), a letter from your supervisor will be valuable too. 🙂 Like you & vet, I thought I wanted to do engineering for a long time, but after a bit of experience (in class and working with my dad), I found that it really didnt suit me. Some ppl know, other's (like me) werent too sure. Happy applying! 😀

 

[Longhorn23]

U of Houston requires a rec letter from a pharmacist. At least they did last year.