Starting Anew

[dav1dwright]

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Hi, I graduated from Stony Brook University (GPA 2.75) with a Degree in Biology, and am considering applying to pharmacy schools. I haven't taken the PCAT yet, and I don't believe my GPA is high enough to apply to the professional programs at LIU or Albany College of Pharmacy. Is it possible for me to apply as a pre pharmacy student or undergrad at LIU or Albany, retake the prerequisite courses and attain a sufficient GPA to enter the Pharmacy program? Feedback is appreciated 🙂

 

[pharm B]

Ah Stony Brook. I listen to WUSB via streaming at least once a week.

It looks like Albany and Long Island both require PharmCAS. What is your science GPA looking like now? PharmCAS averages your attempts of a course, so if you have a C in, let's say, Gen Chem I, and take it again to get the A:

2 (C) + 4 (A) divided by 2 (# of tries) gives you a 3, or B, for the course.

LIU specifically mentions that your GPA should be above a 3.0 to be competitive.
Have you thought about a post-bacc program, like an MPH?

 

[dav1dwright]

My science GPA was slightly better (2.8), and I am really seriously considering going into pharmacy (I have 2 and a half years experience as a CPhT). Would it be wise to start over again as a "Freshman" and retake the courses for better grades? I don't mind starting school all over again for a better chance.

 

[pharm B]

How old is your coursework? As far as taking the courses over again, I would just calculate a new GPA using the PharmCAS method based on all the courses you plan to retake and make a decision based on the outcome. You might be able to boost your GPA enough that way or it might be a better use of your time to pursue a short-term masters program.

 

[dav1dwright]

I graduated May 2009

 

[ValeRx]

As stated previously, it doesn't matter if you "start over." Technically you can't because with the credits you transfer in, your credit hours will determine your class, not the fact that you just started there. >45 hours, Sophomore, >90 hours, junior, >120 senior approximately. PharmCAS averages your grades for each class so an A and a C will still be a B. Sounds like you should have worked a little harder, your GPA isn't going to go up that much.

Oh and don't ask if you can lie to PharmCAS and only submit your newer grades and not your old ones.

 

[uncbiograd]

Hey, I wouldn't say you need to start over just yet. What you need to do is retake a few prereq/core courses at a community college over the summer and get As in them. And seriously study for the PCAT and score above a 90. If you bump the GPA up a bit and score that high on the PCAT you will get interviews and then you just need to impress enough to get into the school.

My stats are pretty similar to yours and I graduated last spring. I wasn't sure if I would make the cut but with the high PCAT, schools overlook the less than stellar grades.

Feel free to PM me if you want to know more about my situation and how it compares to yours.