Sticky situation - Need some advice

[MykoleC]

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Hi everyone, I am currently in my third year of undergrad, I plan on taking the PCAT this summer and applying right after in order to attend Pharmacy School in Fall 2014.

I was the Pre-Pharmacy Society President last semester (Fall 2012) at my university, but due to a situation regarding academic misconduct I was involved in, I was given disciplinary probation and am now removed from my officer position for the spring. Luckily, disciplinary probation does not show up on my record or anything (as opposed to academic probation), and I have learned my lesson and taken the necessary precautions to remain in good standing with the university. My concern is that clearly there will be a red flag when I go to apply/interview at a Pharmacy School because my resume will say that I was President for only one semester and not the full year like usual.

What should I do? Is this something to be worried about? Should I mention it at the interview(s)? What do I say about it?

 

[Zyzzbrah]

Just play it off like you had a family emergency or some deep personal issue that you choose not to disclose. Explain how because of that you made the mature decision to step down because of your personal conflict. It would show that you cared about the organization more than yourself, which is always good.

Then again, all this would include you lying, which would show you are a liar, which is bad.

 

[kcha90]

For the love of God, don't lie.

 

[frabu04]

Most interviews are closed file so you don't need to bring it up.

 

[y0ssarian87]

Hi everyone, I am currently in my third year of undergrad, I plan on taking the PCAT this summer and applying right after in order to attend Pharmacy School in Fall 2014.

I was the Pre-Pharmacy Society President last semester (Fall 2012) at my university, but due to a situation regarding academic misconduct I was involved in, I was given disciplinary probation and am now removed from my officer position for the spring. Luckily, disciplinary probation does not show up on my record or anything (as opposed to academic probation), and I have learned my lesson and taken the necessary precautions to remain in good standing with the university. My concern is that clearly there will be a red flag when I go to apply/interview at a Pharmacy School because my resume will say that I was President for only one semester and not the full year like usual.

What should I do? Is this something to be worried about? Should I mention it at the interview(s)? What do I say about it?

PharmCAS explicitly asks:

"Were you ever the recipient of any action (e.g. a grade lowering penalty, failing grade, dismissal, disqualification, suspension, probation, etc.) by any faculty member, college or university for academic or professional misconduct or unacceptable academic performance?"

I would think it shows that you've built character to own up to your mistakes. Show that you've learned from them. There is a short text box were you can explain the circumstance in the PharmCAS application. In an interview, as long as I included it in my PharmCAS app, I wouldn't bring it up unless I was explicitly asked or there was an opportunity to talk about how you made a poor choice and how you tried to redeem yourself. The schools know that we make mistakes. But it's only okay if we learn from them and change our behavior.

Best of luck!

 

[Jaadi]

I was only president of the Spanish club at my community college for a semester to get the club started. I still put it on my application, and thus far, I have 3 interviews. I don't think the one semester is the red flag. It will be the misconduct section that will likely need the explanation.

 

[MykoleC]

Thank you guys for your advice, I think I know what I have to do now. I appreciate all of your help 🙂

 

[SincerelyMe]

Always phrase experiences in a positive light. Tell the truth but explain the lessons you have learned and how it made you become wiser or grow from it. We can't undo our mistakes but we can learn from them and if you phrase it that way it'll show maturity on your behalf, good luck!!


Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Class of 2017! 🙂