Texas A&M Application Thread

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LSUCPhT said:
👍 Thanks! *should be studying for physio rather than be on here* 😱 (can't help it, we have 2 tests EVERY week, to give you 2015ers something to look forward to 🙂 )
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Don't mislead them. There were one or two weeks we had three exams... 😛

The first few weeks are fairly empty, so you can kinda get used to the schedule. Just don't let the lack of exams fool you. A lot of us were caught off-guard. Some started off studying daily and properly until a few weeks in because there weren't any exams. Once the exams hit, they were cramming for every exam and never had time to study proper. So start and stay studying. It'll be a lot less stressful, I guarantee it.
 
syunfung said:
Don't mislead them. There were one or two weeks we had three exams... 😛

The first few weeks are fairly empty, so you can kinda get used to the schedule. Just don't let the lack of exams fool you. A lot of us were caught off-guard. Some started off studying daily and properly until a few weeks in because there weren't any exams. Once the exams hit, they were cramming for every exam and never had time to study proper. So start and stay studying. It'll be a lot less stressful, I guarantee it.
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Oh, yes. Sorry. haha. Agree with you there. Start studying strong and hard so you get use to it. By the time the semester gets in full swing, you don't have time for anything between tests, quizzes, homeworks, and group projects (etc). It'll all be worth it in the end, though! I think A&M will prepare us well. 👍 In the meantime, looking forward to thanksgiving break for the short term. 👍
 
LSUCPhT said:
Oh, yes. Sorry. haha. Agree with you there. Start studying strong and hard so you get use to it. By the time the semester gets in full swing, you don't have time for anything between tests, quizzes, homeworks, and group projects (etc). It'll all be worth it in the end, though! I think A&M will prepare us well. 👍 In the meantime, looking forward to thanksgiving break for the short term. 👍
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Frankly, I think you're lucky if you're assigned a sooner due date for those projects (Unless they change it, you'll have two presentations and two other projects. With the exception of Physio, everything is a group project. These groups are ASSIGNED). You hit the beginning of the semester working/studying for something, so by the time exams come around, you're settled into that mode.

I can't wait to go back to Houston. Wait, no, that's not right. I can't wait to go back to VISIT people in Houston. I don't miss the city at all :/

... except the food! XD
 
errrr, I heard from a source that A&M don't have a lot of good connection for rotation sites as UH or UT. Sometimes students have to find their own preceptors, or move far away to find a site.
I hope it's not true, but I want to hear from you guys.
And if it is so, I'd rather know ahead to prepare.
Thanks!
 
seashoreharmony said:
errrr, I heard from a source that A&M don't have a lot of good connection for rotation sites as UH or UT. Sometimes students have to find their own preceptors, or move far away to find a site.
I hope it's not true, but I want to hear from you guys.
And if it is so, I'd rather know ahead to prepare.
Thanks!
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What is it specifically you want to do? A&M has approximately 700 preceptors for IPPE and APPE rotations. Understand that location does play a large role in preceptors and rotation options. UH and UT probably are better established for rotations based on being an older school and location in a major Texas city. Believe it or not Kingsville and Corpus are not that populated compare to Austin and Houston. However, the Office of Experiential Education will work with you on rotation sites. I do know there were A&M representatives in Dallas last week trying to secure rotations for P4's there I do not know when that will be solidified yet. There are established sites in Corpus, "the Valley", San Antonio, Houston, Round Rock, Temple, College Station, and a few other cities. From my meetings with Dr. Talluto all core rotations (ambulatory care, institutional, community, and general medicine) will take place in the Zone/Area you are assigned (Corpus, McAllen, Houston, San Antonio, Round Rock/Temple, Bryan College Station). Any electives (pediatrics, oncology, nuclear, etc.) can be done within the zone (if available) or if you really really really want it you can move out for that 6 week rotation. My zone for next year is Corpus and I am choosing my preceptors during this semester. I am also considering a FDA rotation in Washington/Maryland as an elective so I would have to move. My other elective would probably be Infectious Disease, Pediatrics, or Drug Information all in the Corpus zone and within an hour of Kingsville. Understand also that you will not have to travel beyond 2 hours to a site and I think they are trying to limit travel to about an hour or so. I hope this addresses your issues.
 
talkingdonkey said:
What is it specifically you want to do? A&M has approximately 700 preceptors for IPPE and APPE rotations. Understand that location does play a large role in preceptors and rotation options. UH and UT probably are better established for rotations based on being an older school and location in a major Texas city. Believe it or not Kingsville and Corpus are not that populated compare to Austin and Houston. However, the Office of Experiential Education will work with you on rotation sites. I do know there were A&M representatives in Dallas last week trying to secure rotations for P4's there I do not know when that will be solidified yet. There are established sites in Corpus, "the Valley", San Antonio, Houston, Round Rock, Temple, College Station, and a few other cities. From my meetings with Dr. Talluto all core rotations (ambulatory care, institutional, community, and general medicine) will take place in the Zone/Area you are assigned (Corpus, McAllen, Houston, San Antonio, Round Rock/Temple, Bryan College Station). Any electives (pediatrics, oncology, nuclear, etc.) can be done within the zone (if available) or if you really really really want it you can move out for that 6 week rotation. My zone for next year is Corpus and I am choosing my preceptors during this semester. I am also considering a FDA rotation in Washington/Maryland as an elective so I would have to move. My other elective would probably be Infectious Disease, Pediatrics, or Drug Information all in the Corpus zone and within an hour of Kingsville. Understand also that you will not have to travel beyond 2 hours to a site and I think they are trying to limit travel to about an hour or so. I hope this addresses your issues.
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Very informative. I like 👍
 
Donkey would know better than any of us! 🙂 👍
 
Hey guys,

I'm also applying to A&M, I just had a quick question. I talked to the advisor about if we had to submit any essays (personal statements) for the school and she said if we wanted to we can.

On the online application there is no space for the essay, so if where do we submit it, did any of you guys that are applying to A&M this year submit any essays?

The adviser said it won't make any difference or increase your chance of acceptance if we do submit an essay because they don't require one.
 
poptropica said:
Hey guys,

I'm also applying to A&M, I just had a quick question. I talked to the advisor about if we had to submit any essays (personal statements) for the school and she said if we wanted to we can.

On the online application there is no space for the essay, so if where do we submit it, did any of you guys that are applying to A&M this year submit any essays?

The adviser said it won't make any difference or increase your chance of acceptance if we do submit an essay because they don't require one.
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It seems from past submissions that people attached the essay to the "Personal Statements" section...? Of course, it used to be a paper application, so things may be a bit different now. I personally (after looking through my old application) attached a resume and said "See Attached"...

You could either send it in by mail as an addendum to your application, or put it in the "Personal Statements" section. Either way, confirm it with the office one more time.
 
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I just talked to the advisor and she said we can attach the PS to #22 on the application form or e-mail one of the advisers and the will match up the PS with our application.

I just had a another quick question, I have a couple of blemishes on my transcripts, C's in organic chemistry and a W. Would it be wise to mention it in and why I made those grades and insert it in with my Personal Essay in question number #22.

Or should I not even mention it and hopefully if I get an interview I can explain it then.
 
poptropica said:
I just had a another quick question, I have a couple of blemishes on my transcripts, C's in organic chemistry and a W. Would it be wise to mention it in and why I made those grades and insert it in with my Personal Essay in question number #22.
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This is exactly what I did. I typed up an a very short essay (300 words apparently) explaining that there were some "blemishes" on my transcript, and indicating that I had made changes to prevent further similar problems.
 
poptropica said:
I just talked to the advisor and she said we can attach the PS to #22 on the application form or e-mail one of the advisers and the will match up the PS with our application.

I just had a another quick question, I have a couple of blemishes on my transcripts, C's in organic chemistry and a W. Would it be wise to mention it in and why I made those grades and insert it in with my Personal Essay in question number #22.

Or should I not even mention it and hopefully if I get an interview I can explain it then.
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I agree with Pharm B, I would put it in that space. In the interviews, the interviewers no NOTHING about you before you walk in. They don't know your academic record, extracurriculars, etc. They only know your name. So, you wouldn't really get a chance to explain it then. Good luck! 👍
 
So after a week of checking the mailbox in anxiety, my PCAT score finally came in today. I'm not too psyched about the score. My RC is 21 (!?!?!?), verbal is 50. I did fairly good on the rest (in the 70s and 80s) considering 6 weeks of turning 180 degree to prep. My composite is 67...............
My general and science GPA is around 3.8. I'm pretty active in community and school, and have a BS. How many % would I get interview and accepted?
I'm still so bumped about the RC score.
 
seashoreharmony said:
So after a week of checking the mailbox in anxiety, my PCAT score finally came in today. I'm not too psyched about the score. My RC is 21 (!?!?!?), verbal is 50. I did fairly good on the rest (in the 70s and 80s) considering 6 weeks of turning 180 degree to prep. My composite is 67...............
My general and science GPA is around 3.8. I'm pretty active in community and school, and have a BS. How many % would I get interview and accepted?
I'm still so bumped about the RC score.
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I had a low score on my reading comp score as well (25!!) That really has me discouraged especially since last time I had a 90 in RC. I must have screwed up big time in that section.
 
velvet75 said:
I had a low score on my reading comp score as well (25!!) That really has me discouraged especially since last time I had a 90 in RC. I must have screwed up big time in that section.
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I still think you did ok if the composite score is within reasonable range. They do look at the old score too.
 
seashoreharmony said:
So after a week of checking the mailbox in anxiety, my PCAT score finally came in today. I'm not too psyched about the score. My RC is 21 (!?!?!?), verbal is 50. I did fairly good on the rest (in the 70s and 80s) considering 6 weeks of turning 180 degree to prep. My composite is 67...............
My general and science GPA is around 3.8. I'm pretty active in community and school, and have a BS. How many % would I get interview and accepted?
I'm still so bumped about the RC score.
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I didn't do so hot on the PCAT (I rather not even say!) and I got in! So, don't count yourself out by any means. AND I'm doing at or above class average on every test so far. So, in my opinion, PCAT isn't an end all be all. Also, having a BS helps a lot.
Admission is based on many other factors. You need to come in and rock your interview. The interviewers don't know ANYTHING about you, except your name, so they can make you look really good to the admission committee despite your low PCAT score. The minimum PCAT they accept is 50% composite, so you're good there. 🙂 Good luck!! 👍
 
Lemme chime in on the PCAT score. The most important thing about your PCAT is the composite. I bombed the crap out of one section, but had a decent composite overall. I called the school freaked out and asked if I'd be eliminated, but they kept saying "you got a xx composite, congrats!"

Your GPA and BS are both big positives. Like LSUCPhT said, rock the interview. It seems to be the deal sealer.
 
OMG, I just submitted my application and it looks horrible, is there anyway I can go back or can one of the advisers fix my application?

Actually I entered my personal statement in question #22 and 2-3 extracurricular, work experience, and volunteer activity. I spaced everything out, I indented my personal statement and double spaced all my activities in each box.

When I hit the submit button to turn in my application and viewed it, my personal statement was one long 1 page paragraph. I had 5 paragraphs. I don't know why it did that. My extra-curricular activities I put a dash next to each one and now, similar to whats below

-activity A
-activity B
-activity C

After submission it came out like this
-activity A-activity B-Activity C

I hope my application doesn't get rejected by the way it looks😱 Did anyone else have the same problem?
 
We didn't have this style of application last year, so we can't offer much insight other than with regard to the friendliness and helpfulness of the admissions office. I genuinely think if you call them and explain, they might let you email the formatted stuff to them and they'll add it in to your hard copy file.

If you do call and find out, please post your results here. 🙂
 
seashoreharmony said:
I still think you did ok if the composite score is within reasonable range. They do look at the old score too.
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My composite is not so great either. Unfortunately, it is lower than the last time I took the PCAT (which was in 2005). The only score I'm happy with is my chemistry. I improved the score from 54 to 72. I think that's awesome since it's been over 4 years since I last took a chemistry course.
 
pharm B said:
We didn't have this style of application last year, so we can't offer much insight other than with regard to the friendliness and helpfulness of the admissions office. I genuinely think if you call them and explain, they might let you email the formatted stuff to them and they'll add it in to your hard copy file.

If you do call and find out, please post your results here. 🙂
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I talked to Maria Leon about this issue and she said not to worry about it. As long as it is legible it is fine. I mean after the application is submitted there can't be any change done. Hopefully the admission committee won't have any eye strains after looking at that one page paragraph of my personal statement.
 
Hi Guys...

I've been restless waiting for my interview invite... So do you know when they start sending one???

Thanks... 🙂
 
Get a Rubik's Cube or something... I didn't get my invite until second semester, I think early March or late February. I know some schools do rolling applications (e.g. University of Houston) so you can get invites early if you apply early, but I don't quite remember A&M doing the same.
 
A&M doesn't do rolling admissions, so all invites will be sent out around the same time. I think I got mine within 2 hours of the first one someone posted about on here last year.

Since the application is due in January this year, it's probably fair to expect invites in late January or early February, but I don't know the official answer.
 
I would say that I wouldn't expect anything until late feb. early march, but no telling especially since this is the first year the application is online. I'm not sure how that will change things.

I didn't get the first batch of interview invites, I got a personal call from Dr. Robertson. So, be on the lookout for that too, especially if you see friends getting invites. Dr. Robertson is awesome. He is one of the reasons I really liked A&M. Along with the rest of the interview process. I enjoyed it more than the other schools I interviewed at. Good luck guys! SDN-ers have my vote! 👍:luck:
 
I finally submitted my application yay!!!

Does the website give you a checklist of what has been received? I couldn't find one.
 
NervousForSure said:
I finally submitted my application yay!!!

Does the website give you a checklist of what has been received? I couldn't find one.
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Wait a couple of days or at least a week....your advisor will send you a Credentialing Evaluation Form to tell you what they have received and what you need to send in. If you don't hear anything in the next 5 days - shoot them an email.
 
Good grief, I just finished typing my personal statement and it's four pages long! It would have been five but I cut a lot out. I just have so much to say. Oh well, time to do some major editing. 🙂
 
So what happens if your credential forms says that your pre-pharmacy coursework is incomplete? I am missing general bio lab but I am taking this class next semester. Will my application still be reviewed?
 
I assume there might have been a space for you to put that in, letting you let them know you'll be taking the missing required classes in the Spring.

Hmm... gotta take a look at the online app now... have not yet had a chance to do so...
 
They just update your pre-reqs as you complete them. You have until the end of Summer II to get everything finished and turned in. I was taking O-Chem over the summer, and another student in the class had already been accepted to the school. As long as he passed, it was a done deal.
 
I'm almost done with my application!! Hoping to submit it by this weekend.
 
65 composite pcat
3.8 gpa
no degree

was not a first round interviewer
was not the first round accepted

Got accepted late May -- I also heard of some other people who received acceptance letters in early June... even August. 😱

I can only assume their stats were subordinate to mine -- or they choke slammed their interviewers.

This should put your minds at ease. I did better than most in my class as far as grades are concerned this the past few semesters -- just goes to show that PCAT isn't always the best indicator of pharmacy school performance. I wished they wouldn't weigh it so heavily during the admissions process, but I guess they're working with that they have.

See you hopefuls next February at interviews. 👍
 
Application is complete, just waiting to submit it tomorrow...if all goes well
 
How frequently do they update you on your document status? I received a notice a month ago and I was wondering if they would send another one. I am just curious to know whether or not one of my recommendation letters was sent.
 
NervousForSure said:
How frequently do they update you on your document status? I received a notice a month ago and I was wondering if they would send another one. I am just curious to know whether or not one of my recommendation letters was sent.
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You can send them an email requesting an update on the evaluation form. But I believe they will send you the update once every 2-3 weeks. But if you are really curious to know then send them an email.
 
thepharmdstud said:
65 composite pcat
3.8 gpa
no degree

was not a first round interviewer
was not the first round accepted

Got accepted late May -- I also heard of some other people who received acceptance letters in early June... even August. 😱

I can only assume their stats were subordinate to mine -- or they choke slammed their interviewers.

This should put your minds at ease. I did better than most in my class as far as grades are concerned this the past few semesters -- just goes to show that PCAT isn't always the best indicator of pharmacy school performance. I wished they wouldn't weigh it so heavily during the admissions process, but I guess they're working with that they have.

See you hopefuls next February at interviews. 👍
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I am the opposite.
GPA 3.1
PCAT 90th% composite

My high school had very few AP classes and I was not prepared in the least for the rigors of Texas A&M Undergrad. It took me a little while to get adjusted and I made a few bad grades. I have been making 3.4 and above every semester since and my GPA barely goes up 🙁

I am hoping that they do weigh heavily on the PCAT to balance out my bad GPA but I have been frightened by people on the UT thread saying that the PCAT is the least weighted in the admissions process compared to GPA, Com. Service, etc... Does anyone know if this is true for UT?
 
SampleSam said:
I am hoping that they do weigh heavily on the PCAT to balance out my bad GPA but I have been frightened by people on the UT thread saying that the PCAT is the least weighted in the admissions process compared to GPA, Com. Service, etc... Does anyone know if this is true for UT?
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Here's the point breakdown from last year. I don't know if they've changed it or not.

15 points - PCAT
15 points - GPA
10 points - Recommendations (all 3 of them together)
10 points - Essay (done on the day of the interview)
25 points - Interview itself

That leads to a total of 75 points on the board.
 
pharm B said:
Here's the point breakdown from last year. I don't know if they've changed it or not.

15 points - PCAT
15 points - GPA
10 points - Recommendations (all 3 of them together)
10 points - Essay (done on the day of the interview)
25 points - Interview itself

That leads to a total of 75 points on the board.
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does being out of state resident and no bachelor degree also play in the point breakdown
 
So I e-mailed TAMU Kingsville about my credential check and no one has responded back to me yet. Does anyone know if they are out of the office for a couple of weeks for the holiday?
 
NervousForSure said:
So I e-mailed TAMU Kingsville about my credential check and no one has responded back to me yet. Does anyone know if they are out of the office for a couple of weeks for the holiday?
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Most likely their offices don't reopen from the holidays until tomorrow, Monday.
 
ispeshaled said:
Most likely their offices don't reopen from the holidays until tomorrow, Monday.
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Classes don't start back up until the 10th but I think they are in the office tomorrow. I would not anticipate interview invites and until after the application window closes. I think interviews will be in March sometime also. Just a heads up to all those applying. Good Luck.
 
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