Seeking some advice, and wondering if anyone can help me...

[PharmBoy90]

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I'm a sophomore in college. I'm an undecided major, but I work in a Pharmacy and I love it. I think I finally want to pursue Pharmacy. But the first two years of college, I kind of screwed up.

The first two semesters I did fine, but those didn't include any Pre-Pharm reqs. Last semester, I had a family tragedy and ended up withdrawing from 2 of my 3 classes, and getting an F in Chemistry, which was the only one I had left.

The 4-year school I am going to is a private university, and it's really expensive. I haven't taken any science or Math (well I have, but besides the ones I withdrew from, so I technically have no Bio, Chem or Calc, etc credits) yet.

This semester, I'm taking general core classes to boost my GPA back up so I'm not on academic probation.

But basically what I'm asking is, do you think I should stick out my pre-requisites at this school for the next 2 years? Or should I transfer to a state school that is a lot less expensive, and start over new?

Any advice you can give me would be appreciated.

 

[pearljam5a1]

Any grades you've gotten won't disappear if you switch colleges so don't let that be a deciding factor. If you use PharmCAS to apply then you will be required to list every college you've ever attended along with the corresponding grades. That includes W's and F's and they are factored into your PharmCAS GPA even if they are repeats.

If you really want to save money then go to a community college. Get your basic classes done in CC and then go back to the 4-year for your upper levels (organic chem, etc.). Alternatively, just get your act together and get to studying. Life happens regardless of whether or not you are prepared for it. Learn from your mistakes and prevent them from happening in the future. One bad semester is not going to prevent you from getting into pharmacy school as long as you do can show that it was a fluke. Get your grades up, do well on your prereqs, and ace the PCAT and you will be golden. Good luck.

 

[EtohResearcher]

Unfortunately, those grades and classes you withdrew from will never disappear however you are not stuck with that detriment by showing that you can handle and excel in the pre-pharm course requirements. It’s not going to be easy but I would suggest going to a cheaper school, possibly a community college to fulfill those requirements and start over fresh…If you do well in those classes and the PCAT, you will likely get accepted..good luck..

 

[PharmEXP]

I was in a similar situation as yours not too long ago. I figured out that, among other things, my study habits and time management needed some serious reform. I re-evaluated my approach to my studies and filled the gaps. I struggled early academically, but I showed a significant upward trend for my last 1.5 years. Make sure you concentrate on doing well in those pre-req's and, like the other posters mentioned, there is nothing wrong with fulfilling these requirements at a community college.

As a side note, keep in mind that your grades are not the only deciding factor when it comes down to the ADCOMs accepting or denying an applicant. GPA is important, but so is PCAT score, personal statement, extracuric., LOR's and supplemental essays. If you lack in one area, try to make up for it in another.

Best of luck!

 

[PharmBoy90]

Thanks for the advice guys. Yeah, I definitely need to get my act together. Looking forward to doing better in the Fall.