Research vs. Pharmacy experience

[xshooshix]

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Hi, i'm not really new to the forums, but it's my first thread. 🙂

I am applying to pharmacy school for Fall 2008, and while i've been studying for my PCATs (going to take Kaplan classes later this month), i've been volunteering at the Air Force base Pharmacy for nearly a month (I have almost 50 hours there so far). Today I got myself a position for drug research. I have a couple of questions...

1. When it comes to letters of recommendation, what would look stronger/competitive... the doctor whom i'm working with for the research, or the pharmacist/sgnt at the base?

2. Should the research work be too strenuous, should I stay with the pharmacy, along with taking the Kaplan classes?


FYI, I transferred from an art/design school a year ago and had my first dose of "real" college last year. I only have one more year of prereqs for the school (Wayne State University) I want to attend.

Without my design classes, I have a overall 3.5 GPA; 3.66 in the sciences (so far). I do not have a degree, and by the grace of God, I hope the admissions committee will not let that hind me from getting an interview.

 

[binghamkid]

Hi, i'm not really new to the forums, but it's my first thread. 🙂

I am applying to pharmacy school for Fall 2008, and while i've been studying for my PCATs (going to take Kaplan classes later this month), i've been volunteering at the Air Force base Pharmacy for nearly a month (I have almost 50 hours there so far). Today I got myself a position for drug research. I have a couple of questions...

1. When it comes to letters of recommendation, what would look stronger/competitive... the doctor whom i'm working with for the research, or the pharmacist/sgnt at the base?

2. Should the research work be too strenuous, should I stay with the pharmacy, along with taking the Kaplan classes?


FYI, I transferred from an art/design school a year ago and had my first dose of "real" college last year. I only have one more year of prereqs for the school (Wayne State University) I want to attend.

Without my design classes, I have a overall 3.5 GPA; 3.66 in the sciences (so far). I do not have a degree, and by the grace of God, I hope the admissions committee will not let that hind me from getting an interview.

Both letters would be equally strong. You should be able to submit both letters. Most schools require three letters. If you're torn between the two, if the school you want to apply to requires a pharmacy experience letter, i'd go with the pharmacy one.

For your second question, I would stick with the pharmacy since you've already dedicated a substantial amount of time. It's nice to be able to talk about getting into research though. As for kaplan classes, I felt the design of the class is a waste of time, but if you feel it'll help you, go for it.

 

[omnione]

I would use BOTH.....

Though most schools require only two letters with a few schools requiring three, it's a bonus to you if you have three LORs for every school. Getting both of these people's LORs plus one instructor LOR will really make your application strong as you have both research and pharmacy experience.

 

[PharmDY]

Hi, i'm not really new to the forums, but it's my first thread. 🙂

I am applying to pharmacy school for Fall 2008, and while i've been studying for my PCATs (going to take Kaplan classes later this month), i've been volunteering at the Air Force base Pharmacy for nearly a month (I have almost 50 hours there so far). Today I got myself a position for drug research. I have a couple of questions...

1. When it comes to letters of recommendation, what would look stronger/competitive... the doctor whom i'm working with for the research, or the pharmacist/sgnt at the base?

2. Should the research work be too strenuous, should I stay with the pharmacy, along with taking the Kaplan classes?


FYI, I transferred from an art/design school a year ago and had my first dose of "real" college last year. I only have one more year of prereqs for the school (Wayne State University) I want to attend.

Without my design classes, I have a overall 3.5 GPA; 3.66 in the sciences (so far). I do not have a degree, and by the grace of God, I hope the admissions committee will not let that hind me from getting an interview.

Since pharmCAS only allows you to submit 3 LORs, and some schools do require that 1 from pharmacist/health profession and 2 from science professors, i would recommend that you choose the one you think you would consider pursuing. Are you applying to a joint program (pharmD/phD) because you ultimately want to do research? Or are you considering army pharmacy?

On being admitted without a BS... well, the only students I've heard from this forum and in person that got interviewed were 4.0 students. There's still hope, but you should already know that over 90% of students who get admitted have a BS, and the majority of students who are applying will have one before they are admitted to pharm school.

Good luck =)

 

[xshooshix]

Thanks for the responses... although some of your points have got me worried.

On being admitted without a BS... well, the only students I've heard from this forum and in person that got interviewed were 4.0 students. There's still hope, but you should already know that over 90% of students who get admitted have a BS, and the majority of students who are applying will have one before they are admitted to pharm school.

Good luck =)

Did they apply to pharmacy schools in California? Because I don't intend on applying there...

That's what i'm really worried about. I went to 4 information meetings at my school (to get an idea with whom i'm competing with), and the advisor giving the meeting would tell us that they are accepting more students with degrees. He also mentioned that the school gives more preference to their own students, so maybe I have a chance... Also, i'm hoping I score really well on my PCATs in August... maybe that would out way the not having a degree...

As for kaplan classes, I felt the design of the class is a waste of time, but if you feel it'll help you, go for it.

Really... I heard it was quite helpful. You're the first user i've read that felt they were a waste of time. I must admit, I don't like how the biology portion is organized, which is why I bought examkrackers bio for the MCAT. Also, is the Math section of the Kaplan books reflective on the actual exam? I feel like the pre-calculus and calculus sections were not enough and maybe too simplified...

ETA:

Are you applying to a joint program (pharmD/phD) because you ultimately want to do research? Or are you considering army pharmacy?

It was really hard to find volunteer work at a pharmacy. I'm happy that the AF needed volunteers, so I can get the idea what it's like in a pharmacy. I shadowed an independent pharmacy and hated it because it was so unorganized and the area was a bit sketchy. My aunt is in admissions committee for one of the med schools in my state and suggested that research work would make me a competitive applicant. I haven't started yet, but after my meeting with the doctor, it's very exciting and interesting since the research is for breast cancer treatment.

 

[andrewattheU]

Since pharmCAS only allows you to submit 3 LORs, and some schools do require that 1 from pharmacist/health profession and 2 from science professors, i would recommend that you choose the one you think you would consider pursuing. Are you applying to a joint program (pharmD/phD) because you ultimately want to do research? Or are you considering army pharmacy?

On being admitted without a BS... well, the only students I've heard from this forum and in person that got interviewed were 4.0 students. There's still hope, but you should already know that over 90% of students who get admitted have a BS, and the majority of students who are applying will have one before they are admitted to pharm school.

Good luck =)

thats not necessarily true most schools list only around 40-50% holding B.S. degrees so i think your stat of 90% is a bit of BS