i'm in the same boat. 2nd time interviewing w/ mercer. 3rd time applying to UGA (but i consider it my 2nd, since my 1st year i just did it for the hell of it)
my story too. 3rd time applying, but 1st year was jsut for the heck of it, i really had no shot.
Keep trying though, I finally got in this year.
and yes, apply early early early
if you're a average applicant (like myself) give yourself any advantage you can. Learn from your mistakes and improve each year you apply. Volunteer, shadow pharmacists, get more experience, retake classes, etc.
turning in your app the day it's due does you no good, nor does it help turning it in 3 weeks before the deadline. submit them no more than a month after apps go out. that means, ask for LOR's in april or may, schedule your pcat accordingly. visit the school if possible, they like that you took the initiative to visit the school.
start writing personal statements in march (they essays don't change much from year to year, trust me!)
revise at least 12 times for each essay.
misery loves company, so i've been there. good luck to you all. the struggle gives you humility and character
for the past two months, i've been toasting to 'the struggle'