THE WAMC thread (what are my chances?)

[avuong]

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Hi OP,

each school will have different policies on how they handle retakes. Some consider both, some average the two.
If you do well from now on and get a high PCAT, your chances will be good.

Why did you get a bachelors in business? Are you sure Pharmacy is what you want to do with your life?
Best of Luck either way!

 

[pfizerguyy]

Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well.



b. Overall GPA
3.1

c. Math/Science GPA
3.2

d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.4

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
Just took it on Jan 24th.

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
2 years walgreens pharmacy, and 3 years hospital pharmacy


h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
2 from science professors at the university, 1 from pharmacist that was an alumni at the school I am applying to

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
~350 hours, me and my relative started a group that has focused on helping find donors for blood cancer patients, it is a pretty big group now with ~50 members.

j. Self-perception of interview skills
I just did a mock interview with some pharmacy students that are attending the school I want to get into, they all gave me either 4/5 or 5/5 saying that I definitely sold them.


Please let me know what my chances are of getting in. Thank you

 

[Storm90]

Where are you applying to?

 

[pfizerguyy]

Texas Tech, UofH, TSU, and A&M

 

[dima123]

Hi OP,

each school will have different policies on how they handle retakes. Some consider both, some average the two.
If you do well from now on and get a high PCAT, your chances will be good.

Why did you get a bachelors in business? Are you sure Pharmacy is what you want to do with your life?
Best of Luck either way!

Originally my plan was to get into corporate law. Being that I started working in a pharmacy since 12th grade, I thought it wasn't for me at first but have come to love working at one.. Junior year of College I decided I don't want to get into law school and just finished up my classes got the degree which I think won't hurt and Now am doing my sciences in hopes of one day becoming a pharmacist. My business background will help me once I'm out of school and looking for positions other than being a retail pharmacist. Hopefully one day I will be able to put my finance background into good use and run my own pharmacy chain or chains..thanks on the luck😀

 

[Pharmist]

GPA: 3.24 Pharmcas
PCATS: 76/74 lowered to 71/69 after the 2008 re-scale (beware that Pearson does this and will not notify you about it!!)
Pharmacy Technician for 1 year, CPhT
B.S. degree from an ACC school
minimal volunteering

For the Class of 2013 (08-09 app. cycle) -

Accepted: Wingate, Shenandoah, UNC
Interview: Belmont (declined invite)
Rejected: Campbell

 

[elitud4]

Hello everyone,

I'm new around here, and first of all, please let me say that you guys are simply awesome!!!
So, I want to apply to pharm school for 2010 class. My choices are: UIC, Midwestern, Chicago State and Creighton-online, so far. Unfortunatelly, I cannot leave Chicago yet (have 2 small kids and my husband has a good job here and it's hard to take risks relocating considering this situation).
My big concern now is that I have a BA but it is in Film & Video😀. It's a long, long story... wanted to make (did some shorts) documentaries - social issues themes: How to prevent getting homeless, Foster Home children, Street children etc. I always wanted to make people suffer less... if possible. Any one with similar story? Are they going to get puzzled because of this?
I currently work for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy - pharmacy policy and regulation, (it's being 3 years already), and this helped me a lot with my hidden desire to became a pharmaicst as I had lots of influence from my family and friends who work in the field (pharmacy, medicine).
My GPA is 3.27, (did pretty good on science classes: As and B+s, and I want to start getting the rest of my prerequisites in June this year, and also pharmacy volunteer sometime this Summer. Already involved with church work - educational materials for children, museum orientation tours etc. Didn't take PCAT yet...
Also if I got some old classes (2001) - they're on my undergrad degree, will the admission comittee consider those, or I have to retake them? It would be kind of nasty... English Comp I and II or Geography are mainly the same today, aren't they?😀
Thank you guys and good luck to all of us!!!👍

 

[Phoenix585]

If the classes are from 2001 you might have a problem. Some schools have a time requirement on when you take your science classes and other require all pre-req's to have been done in the last 5 years. You'll need to ask each individual school. My friend is in this boat, most the schools she has talked to told her she needs to redo everything that is not current. You could easily take these at a community college (less money for you to spend on classes you've already taken). Hope this helps.

 

[elitud4]

If the classes are from 2001 you might have a problem. Some schools have a time requirement on when you take your science classes and other require all pre-req's to have been done in the last 5 years. You'll need to ask each individual school. My friend is in this boat, most the schools she has talked to told her she needs to redo everything that is not current. You could easily take these at a community college (less money for you to spend on classes you've already taken). Hope this helps.

Thanks a bunch! I'll check with the schools then!🙂

 

[durrrrr]

Hello everyone,

I'm new around here, and first of all, please let me say that you guys are simply awesome!!!
So, I want to apply to pharm school for 2010 class. My choices are: UIC, Midwestern, Chicago State and Creighton-online, so far. Unfortunatelly, I cannot leave Chicago yet (have 2 small kids and my husband has a good job here and it's hard to take risks relocating considering this situation).
My big concern now is that I have a BA but it is in Film & Video😀. It's a long, long story... wanted to make (did some shorts) documentaries - social issues themes: How to prevent getting homeless, Foster Home children, Street children etc. I always wanted to make people suffer less... if possible. Any one with similar story? Are they going to get puzzled because of this?
I currently work for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy - pharmacy policy and regulation, (it's being 3 years already), and this helped me a lot with my hidden desire to became a pharmaicst as I had lots of influence from my family and friends who work in the field (pharmacy, medicine).
My GPA is 3.27, (did pretty good on science classes: As and B+s, and I want to start getting the rest of my prerequisites in June this year, and also pharmacy volunteer sometime this Summer. Already involved with church work - educational materials for children, museum orientation tours etc. Didn't take PCAT yet...
Also if I got some old classes (2001) - they're on my undergrad degree, will the admission comittee consider those, or I have to retake them? It would be kind of nasty... English Comp I and II or Geography are mainly the same today, aren't they?😀
Thank you guys and good luck to all of us!!!👍

Hey did you have an interview at Chicago State University on Wednesday 2/18? I kinda remember talking to someone who had a similar story as you. I wasn't too sure.

 

[fastfoodat2am]

a. Schools you are applying to: UT Austin, Texas Tech (reg admission, not early)
b. Overall GPA: 3.92 (Only one B - in U.S. History II 👎)
c. Math/Science GPA: 4.00
d. GPA in last one or two school years: dropped to 3.92 after last semester because of the history class
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): 91% composite, 92 chemistry, 81-91 on other subjects, 3.0 writing
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: none - i know this is my biggest weakness 🙁🙁
g. Date of application submission: maybe 1-2 weeks or so before their deadlines? I have an interview at UT scheduled soon


h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: past professors both science and non-science, all were very supportive/emphatic in writing them
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Not sure how many hours, but have consistently volunteered on weekends with various college volunteer groups for the past 2 years and high school
j. Self-perception of interview skills: NERVOUS 😱 but I feel like I'm friendly/sociable/not awkward or stiff, and have been trying to read up on the schools/current pharmacy info
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: not bad? eh, not sure. i had gone to my college's writing center to improve it which helped, but not sure how strong it is overall.

So what's really getting me down is the lack of pharmacy experience that I know many schools (especially UT) really like to see. 🙁 I have shadowed a pharmacist before (which is where I really learned that I wanted to do this), but it was only once, and it's been tough trying to get a job as a tech/getting more shadowing done because I've got some personal family issues where I commute back to my parents frequently to take care of them. I've got more time this semester, and I've applied to many places as well as am waiting on responses from pharmacists on shadowing, but I doubt I'll get anything in before my interview with UT which is coming up soon.

All in all....do you think the other factors are enough to make up for this incredibly bad weakness? What are my chances? =/

 

[elitud4]

Hey did you have an interview at Chicago State University on Wednesday 2/18? I kinda remember talking to someone who had a similar story as you. I wasn't too sure.

Not the same person; I wish I interviewed with Chicago State already😀
But thanks anyways!!

 

[dematt30]

Hi can someone tell me what my chances are at any school?

I have

science gpa 3.34
gpa 3.2

Worked at air force research lab for year
did research with professor for 1 year

Pcat should be in this week or the next...

A's in Orgo and General
B+ and A in biology and genetics

Only flaw is C in physics and C in evolution

No pharmacy experience

 

[dematt30]

And LOR from molecular biology professor and organic chemistry professor

 

[I wish]

Overall GPA as of Fall 08: 3.41

C orgo
B- Chem 2
B- Bio 1

taking: OC 2, Bio 2
missing Physic 1, Cal 2 and Microbiology
ESL

5 years hosptial related but not pharmacy

Lors from Gen Chem prof and a Dr

MCP-Worcester for 2010 only !!!!

I dont think classes that i am taking and going to take will get more than B.


WAMC and thanks a bunch !

 

[luckyphooey]

a. Schools you are applying to: UT Austin, Texas Tech (reg admission, not early)
b. Overall GPA: 3.92 (Only one B - in U.S. History II 👎)
c. Math/Science GPA: 4.00
d. GPA in last one or two school years: dropped to 3.92 after last semester because of the history class
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): 91% composite, 92 chemistry, 81-91 on other subjects, 3.0 writing
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: none - i know this is my biggest weakness 🙁🙁
g. Date of application submission: maybe 1-2 weeks or so before their deadlines? I have an interview at UT scheduled soon


h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: past professors both science and non-science, all were very supportive/emphatic in writing them
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Not sure how many hours, but have consistently volunteered on weekends with various college volunteer groups for the past 2 years and high school
j. Self-perception of interview skills: NERVOUS 😱 but I feel like I'm friendly/sociable/not awkward or stiff, and have been trying to read up on the schools/current pharmacy info
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: not bad? eh, not sure. i had gone to my college's writing center to improve it which helped, but not sure how strong it is overall.

So what's really getting me down is the lack of pharmacy experience that I know many schools (especially UT) really like to see. 🙁 I have shadowed a pharmacist before (which is where I really learned that I wanted to do this), but it was only once, and it's been tough trying to get a job as a tech/getting more shadowing done because I've got some personal family issues where I commute back to my parents frequently to take care of them. I've got more time this semester, and I've applied to many places as well as am waiting on responses from pharmacists on shadowing, but I doubt I'll get anything in before my interview with UT which is coming up soon.

All in all....do you think the other factors are enough to make up for this incredibly bad weakness? What are my chances? =/

Your credentials are solid. Just get some pharmacy experience, if you can't make a commit to working/finding a tech position, try to find a volunteer position. You should be fine.

 

[fastfoodat2am]

Your credentials are solid. Just get some pharmacy experience, if you can't make a commit to working/finding a tech position, try to find a volunteer position. You should be fine.

Thank you for replying luckyphooey! I am definitely trying this semester, but won't be able to start anything before my interviews. I'm hoping everything else + mentioning my reasoning for being unable to in the past as well as making strides toward getting the experience right now will make up for it...let's hope

 

[elitud4]

Can somebody clarify this for me please?

"Other required credentials:
To possess and maintain a valid Illinois Pharmacy Technician license"😕

It's on Pharmcas, under School Page for Chicago State.

Bunch of thanks!!!

 

[YoungDiesel]

Hey everyone !

I'm applying to UF and LECOM-Bradenton
My overall GPA is 3.5
Science GPA is 3.8
Composite PCAT score of 88
2 years experience as technician in retail setting
5 months experience in a hospital
CPhT
2 solid LOR's: Practicing Pharmacist & Science Professor

PharmCAS application mailed 2/02

supplemental for LECOM was received 2/06
invite for interview @ LECOM received 2/12
interviewed with LECOM on the 24th: felt strong regarding all aspects of the interview.

application for UF was termed complete 2/16
I received an invite via mail for the St. Petersburg campus 2/22
I mailed the interview confirmation the next day.
up to this point I have not heard back from UF (should I follow up with a call... I emailed my decision to accept the interview in addition to mailing the decision).


WAMC?

 

[dangerdog]

a. Schools you are applying to
U Michigan, Ohio State, U Nebraska, U Iowa, Wayne State, Ferris State, Creighton, Drake, Mercer.

Accepted into all. Chose Ohio State due to Ranking, Cost/Residency, and how the faculties/staff bent backwards to make me feel wanted.

b. Overall GPA
3.75

c. Math/Science GPA
3.9

d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.7

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
98% percentile

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
None. See other experience section.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
November.

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
4 LOR. 3 from research supervisors, 1 from favorite undergrad professor.

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Few years of medicinal chemistry research experience for Pfizer.

j. Self-perception of interview skills
Above average. Real life working experience really helped.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Above average. Again, real life working experience lent a lot of concrete examples to write about.

Extra: My impression, GPA and PCAT got me the interviews, and few acceptance without interviews. But it's the work experience in pharmaceutical industry that probably secured admissions into the high ranking schools like U Mich and Ohio State.

 

[kbxc]

I know when I posted on here I was worried that I wasn't going to get a single interview. My final g.p.a. is 3.17 and a 3.0 science. I applied to 10 schools and I've gotten 7 interviews and just received my first acceptance. It's definitely intimidating when you see all the high grades on here worrying about whether they'll get in, but remember it's not all about gpa so don't lose hope.

 

[dusty1920]

I was hoping someone here could explain how pharmacy schools know if you really did all the things you say you did. Do they contact the hospital where you volunteered or does the hospital give you something showing it?

And what about other community service? How do you prove all of that or do you?

 

[PistonFan531]

I know when I posted on here I was worried that I wasn't going to get a single interview. My final g.p.a. is 3.17 and a 3.0 science. I applied to 10 schools and I've gotten 7 interviews and just received my first acceptance. It's definitely intimidating when you see all the high grades on here worrying about whether they'll get in, but remember it's not all about gpa so don't lose hope.

What did you get on your PCAT?

 

[kbxc]

My Pcat was a 84. I had good e.c.'s but not too much pharmacy experience. Only 3 months volunteering in a hospital.

 

[Storm90]

I was hoping someone here could explain how pharmacy schools know if you really did all the things you say you did. Do they contact the hospital where you volunteered or does the hospital give you something showing it?

And what about other community service? How do you prove all of that or do you?

I think it comes across during your interview. I don't know of any school that checks up on your volunteer work or experience or whatnot, but if you say you've done volunteer work for X time or worked in a pharmacy for 2 years, ideally you would have a LOR from someone there or an interesting story when a question is asked. Besides, if you had an interesting story, wouldn't you want to tell it?

 

[luckyphooey]

^ That's true, it is even more true when you claimed to have worked/volunteered somewhere for a significantly long time. For instance, if you worked at pharmacy for 2 years, ideally there should be a LOR from your pharmacist to not only prove this but to provide some information on your work habits/professionalism.

 

[dangerdog]

I was hoping someone here could explain how pharmacy schools know if you really did all the things you say you did. Do they contact the hospital where you volunteered or does the hospital give you something showing it?

And what about other community service? How do you prove all of that or do you?

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT LIE! The consequence can be very dire!

A student at my school lied and got in. But in his P3 year, he got into a minor trouble at one of his rotations. It would have been "don't screw up again", but during the process, the school contacted his former employers for records/references -- the jig was up. He was not only kicked out of the school for lying on his applications, but because he was also a licensed intern, he also had to face the board of pharmacy.

Now he's out of 3 years + tuition, legal fees, and no chance of ever getting admitted into any pharmacy school again (and maybe any of the health professional schools).

 

[PistonFan531]

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT LIE! The consequence can be very dire!

A student at my school lied and got in. But in his P3 year, he got into a minor trouble at one of his rotations. It would have been "don't screw up again", but during the process, the school contacted his former employers for records/references -- the jig was up. He was not only kicked out of the school for lying on his applications, but because he was also a licensed intern, he also had to face the board of pharmacy.

Now he's out of 3 years + tuition, legal fees, and no chance of ever getting admitted into any pharmacy school again (and maybe any of the health professional schools).

Why did the school contact his former employers? Was it because they were suspicious since he "used to work" at a pharmacy but was totally lost at his rotations?

 

[dangerdog]

Why did the school contact his former employers? Was it because they were suspicious since he "used to work" at a pharmacy but was totally lost at his rotations?

No, he was two years ahead of mine. He was involved in something suspect at his rotation site. I can only imaging that money and/or controlled substance discrepancy at his rotation site. He might very well be innocent. There must have been no proof or they would have just arrested him. Besides it might have been one of the techs or even pharmacist. But obviously the new guy is the prime suspect. Due diligence obviously calls for the school to pull his records, check for character reference and past suspicious activities. Obviously any lies lit up.

I was involved in a little problem myself in the first year. Wasn't at my rotation, but was because I got stupid at a drinking party and police came. I had to give a written explanation what happened to the pharmacy board. Thank God I didn't lie on anything and had outstanding background/character reference, so the college didn't even say anything to me.

The point is: you'll never know when you'll get into something small. The board and the college knows nobody is perfect and will let small things slide... except if you lied, it undermines your entire creditability and willingness to change, and they'll deal with you extremely harshly.

 

[Dr.iz-n]

Thanks for the encouragement. It can be very hard to see all the high GPAs, wonderful PCAT scores, and magnificent experiences. Sometimes I believe that people who may ask "what are my chances" and have a 3.9 science and overall GPA, 98 composite PCAT score, and worked a billion years in pharmacy may ask this question because they know they can get the interviews, but may have doubts about how they'll shine in the interview. So they may post their glowing stats but need reassurance that they are capable and competitive. This is just my opinion...

I know when I posted on here I was worried that I wasn't going to get a single interview. My final g.p.a. is 3.17 and a 3.0 science. I applied to 10 schools and I've gotten 7 interviews and just received my first acceptance. It's definitely intimidating when you see all the high grades on here worrying about whether they'll get in, but remember it's not all about gpa so don't lose hope.

 

[dusty1920]

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT LIE! The consequence can be very dire!

A student at my school lied and got in. But in his P3 year, he got into a minor trouble at one of his rotations. It would have been "don't screw up again", but during the process, the school contacted his former employers for records/references -- the jig was up. He was not only kicked out of the school for lying on his applications, but because he was also a licensed intern, he also had to face the board of pharmacy.

Now he's out of 3 years + tuition, legal fees, and no chance of ever getting admitted into any pharmacy school again (and maybe any of the health professional schools).

Ooooh, that really sucks. Yeah of course that's not something I would ever think of doing but I was just curious about the whole deal.

 

[PharmacySS]

a. Schools you are applying to
USC, UCSD, UCSF, UCol, UF, LECOM, UAri, UWash, UOre, UNC
b. Overall GPA
3.54
c. Math/Science GPA
3.6
d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.5
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
80
f. Pharmacy experience obtained
volunteered at FL hospital pharmacy for 2 summers


h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
5
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
FL hospital, Give Kids the World, director in the medical society, member of pre-pharm society, shadowed a nuclear pharm
j. Self-perception of interview skills
great at interviews
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
average

I am going to be applying this June. What do you think my chances are of getting in? Thanks 🙂

 

[dangerdog]

a. Schools you are applying to
USC, UCSD, UCSF, UCol, UF, LECOM, UAri, UWash, UOre, UNC
b. Overall GPA
3.54
c. Math/Science GPA
3.6
d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.5
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
80
f. Pharmacy experience obtained
volunteered at FL hospital pharmacy for 2 summers


h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
5
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
FL hospital, Give Kids the World, director in the medical society, member of pre-pharm society, shadowed a nuclear pharm
j. Self-perception of interview skills
great at interviews
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
average

I am going to be applying this June. What do you think my chances are of getting in? Thanks 🙂

Looks good, if I'm an average public pharmacy school committee member, I would admit you as long as you do ok during interviews. I'm sure you'll get into one of the schools.

But the top tier pharmacy schools (eg. UCSF, UNC) might require higher GPA/PCAT though.

 

[TheIshow23]

b. Overall GPA
3.5 B.S degree

c. Math/Science GPA
3.54

d. GPA in last one or two school years
3.8

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
80

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
2+ years rite aid

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
Not required or accepted at Ferris State COP

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Peer tutor for math and Chem at a local CC, Peer Tutor supervisor/scheduler, Vice-president of a service club. Volunteer with American Red Cross Blood drives

j. Self-perception of interview skills
I feel that am good in these types of situations and am just myself.

I am applying to Ferris State University COP and they are just starting interviews for the entering class of 2009. Supposedly the top 300 candidates get an interview. Hope I get one

 

[JTran10]

GPA: 3.58
1st PCAT: 58
2nd PCAT 79 (January of 2009)
Pharmaceutical Experience: Hospital (1 Year), Retail (3 years), Shadowing
Extracurriculars: Honor Societies, Science Clubs, Organizations outside of school
Community Service: Done many hours in the community and walks for the cure

What are my chances of getting in to pharmacy school? All my interviews were given off my first PCAT score and does anyone have any input on whether schools even though they are in the decision making process will reconsider after seeing my second PCAT score?

MCPHS (Boston) : Waitlisted
University of Pittsburgh: Waiting to hear back
University of Maryland: Waiting to hear back
Temple University: Interview soon
Jefferson: Interview soon

Thanks for all the feedback in advance. I am just very anxious and scared.

 

[luckyphooey]

^ I think you have a really good chance at Temple, you have the grade, the PCAT, the experience, and the extracirrcular activities. If you haven't heard from UMD yet, it might be too late since I think they have sent out all their invites already, but you never know... You might have not been sent an interview invite from them because they were going off from your 1st PCAT.

Overall, with the new PCAT scores, I think you have a very good chance on getting into most of the schools that you have invites for.

 

[nekkote]

Hi,

If anyone could give me some advice that would be greatly appreciated. My GPA is 3.14. My PCAT composite score is 99%. I had a pretty low GPA in college, but the pre-requisites I have taken recently are all A's (i graduated in 1999). My undergraduate thesis was published, and I have been working in a clinical lab as a technologist for the past five years. So I do have some clinical experience. Back in Oct 2008, I became nationally certified as a pharmacy tech and I start a position as a IV pharm tech next Monday. I am worried about my grades and my lack of ECs. I am hoping to get into Creighton distance pathway. What are my chances?

 

[dangerdog]

^
you'll probably get in. your GPA is on the low side, but your superb PCAT, and being degree holder with clinical experience should more than off-set that. But I would still more than just apply to 1 college though. Try 4-5 just to be safe.

 

[luckyphooey]

^^ I agree, your PCAT, degree, and experience, make up for you GPA, which isn't bad at all. You definitely have a very good chance.

 

[pharmlivin]

Help---i have had 4 interviews and no responses-- my stats are

3.4 GPA
3.3 Science
3.6 math
3.5 yrs retail exp
2 yrs health clinic pharm exp
6 yrs research exp---published
2 yrs teaching
60 Pcat comp🙁

interviewed at Temple--mercer---howard---campbell
interviews pending---nova---UB
no response-----LIU----VCU---Upitt

what are my chances--pleas help--I really want temple---interview 1st week in feb--no word as of yet---called and they said i should be hearing soon---i'm losing major sleep---please help

 

[JTran10]

Help---i have had 4 interviews and no responses-- my stats are

3.4 GPA
3.3 Science
3.6 math
3.5 yrs retail exp
2 yrs health clinic pharm exp
6 yrs research exp---published
2 yrs teaching
60 Pcat comp🙁

interviewed at Temple--mercer---howard---campbell
interviews pending---nova---UB
no response-----LIU----VCU---Upitt

what are my chances--pleas help--I really want temple---interview 1st week in feb--no word as of yet---called and they said i should be hearing soon---i'm losing major sleep---please help

I think you should be fine because your stats are very similar to mine if not better than mine. Your experiences will pull you through even though your PCAT is okay. I already got in to Maryland based off my 58% PCAT score, so for temple you should be good to go. Everyone has been telling me you will be fine and that is a true statement. You will be fine!

 

[fxok425]

Hi, I am not sure if I should apply for schools this year (for 2010 class), or should I wait until the next year (for 2011 class)? My big problem is:
1) my background is so far away from pharmacy.
2) I work full time and am taking 2 science courses now. I will still have to take 1 organic, 1 biology in 2009 Fall, and another organic, biology in 2010 Spring to complete the pre-requisites. I have to work full time in this economy. My husband is a post doc devoting himself to science and earn almost nothing. I have a baby and a mortgage.

1. Schools you are applying to
UOP in Stockton (1st), Tuoro (2nd), California Northstate (last choice)

2. Degree: bachelor in architecture 2001, China
master degree in architecture 2004, China
drop Cornell University graduate school in Landscape Architecture in 2005 because I got a job in California. (should I include this in my resume?)

3. Overall GPA
Unknown yet, have to wait for education evaluation (I have no idea how they will calculate the GPA. Most of my undergraduate and graduate classes are in art, not in science. I use my high school physics and calculus for my pre-requisite for UOP.)

4. Math/Science GPA
Unknown yet, have to wait for education evaluation

5. GPA in last one or two school years
4.0 (from community college. I take all my pre-requisites in community college)


6. Pharmacy experience obtained
Jan 2009 - now
clerk in an independent pharmacy, 4hr a week. will take pharm. tech exam in April


7. Number of LORs and source of LORs
Planned:
1 or 2 from the pharmacists in the store I work.
1 or 2 from science professor.
I am wondering if I should get 1 from my professor back in China.

8. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
2008 to now - job captain in architectural firm
2005 to 2008- intern architect in architectural firm
2003 Sep - 2004 Feb - sales associate in skincare store, 30hr a week


9. Volunteer:
2006, Sacramento theater
2008 to now, participant in office community service group ( build house for low-income, make crafts with disabled children)
2008, California marathon race


10, Leadership experience:
2009 leader in chemistry study group
2008 to now Job captain is my title in the office, lead a project from the beginning to the end
2006 to 2008 green leader in office
2002- 2004 director of public relationship in graduate school, China
2003-2004 director of academic club in undergraduate study, China
2003 - 2004 editor of student's magazine, China

9. Self-perception of interview skills
Above average.

10. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Very honest about why I want to change my career - love retail environment, health related work, life experience, family reason

 

[Carboxide]

Hi, I am not sure if I should apply for schools this year (for 2010 class), or should I wait until the next year (for 2011 class)? My big problem is:
1) my background is so far away from pharmacy.
2) I work full time and am taking 2 science courses now. I will still have to take 1 organic, 1 biology in 2009 Fall, and another organic, biology in 2010 Spring to complete the pre-requisites. I have to work full time in this economy. My husband is a post doc devoting himself to science and earn almost nothing. I have a baby and a mortgage.

1. Schools you are applying to
UOP in Stockton (1st), Tuoro (2nd), California Northstate (last choice)

2. Degree: bachelor in architecture 2001, China
master degree in architecture 2004, China
drop Cornell University graduate school in Landscape Architecture in 2005 because I got a job in California. (should I include this in my resume?)

3. Overall GPA
Unknown yet, have to wait for education evaluation (I have no idea how they will calculate the GPA. Most of my undergraduate and graduate classes are in art, not in science. I use my high school physics and calculus for my pre-requisite for UOP.)

4. Math/Science GPA
Unknown yet, have to wait for education evaluation

5. GPA in last one or two school years
4.0 (from community college. I take all my pre-requisites in community college)


6. Pharmacy experience obtained
Jan 2009 - now
clerk in an independent pharmacy, 4hr a week. will take pharm. tech exam in April


7. Number of LORs and source of LORs
Planned:
1 or 2 from the pharmacists in the store I work.
1 or 2 from science professor.
I am wondering if I should get 1 from my professor back in China.

8. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
2008 to now - job captain in architectural firm
2005 to 2008- intern architect in architectural firm
2003 Sep - 2004 Feb - sales associate in skincare store, 30hr a week


9. Volunteer:
2006, Sacramento theater
2008 to now, participant in office community service group ( build house for low-income, make crafts with disabled children)
2008, California marathon race


10, Leadership experience:
2009 leader in chemistry study group
2008 to now Job captain is my title in the office, lead a project from the beginning to the end
2006 to 2008 green leader in office
2002- 2004 director of public relationship in graduate school, China
2003-2004 director of academic club in undergraduate study, China
2003 - 2004 editor of student's magazine, China

9. Self-perception of interview skills
Above average.

10. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Very honest about why I want to change my career - love retail environment, health related work, life experience, family reason

You cannot use high school courses for prerequisites. Also, I don't know of any schools that accept courses taken over 5 years ago.

 

[shadesoftruth]

Hey everyone! Ive long been looming around this site but just never posted. I decided to loose my postginity now! lol So if you guys could help I'd much appreciate it!

So 1st PCAT score

Verbal --------55
Biology--------91
Reading-------58
Quantitative--59
Chemistry-----80
Composite----74

2nd PCAT score

Verbal --------65
Biology--------76
Reading-------80
Quantitative--86
Chemistry-----77
Composite----82

My GPA is around 3.4-3.5
I'm a Sophomore--Public Health major
Experience: Volunteer at my university's Pharmacy
Volunteer at Hospital Pharmacy
Going to get my Pharm Tech cert and work at paid position at the Hospital
Lots more experience but not related to Pharmacy lol

So what are my chances of getting into pharmacy school 4th year without getting a degree? and what are my changes of getting into pharmacy school if I decide to graduate?

Thanks a ton guys! Really appreciate it! 😍

 

[fxok425]

You cannot use high school courses for prerequisites. Also, I don't know of any schools that accept courses taken over 5 years ago.

UOP accepts high scholl courses for physics and calculus. it only require organic chemistry to be taken less than 7 years ago.

 

[PharmDKid89]

I have a 3.2 GPA now, with a combined GPA of 3.34 in the math/science area. Hopefully it will go up towards the end of the semester. PCAT I cannot really tell cuz I don't know how to read the thing, but I think I did ok. Got 3 good LOR's. No pharmacy experience yet but:

1. Am the secretary of the IRC council
2. Advertising Chair of the PEACE organization
3. Done volunteer work at the local hospital/soup kitchen/and animal shelter
4. Member of four different clubs.

Also got an interview from LIU.

Ok, I don't know, but I don't think it looks good 🙁

 

[AdamSanders]

I have a 3.2 GPA now, with a combined GPA of 3.34 in the math/science area. Hopefully it will go up towards the end of the semester. PCAT I cannot really tell cuz I don't know how to read the thing, but I think I did ok. Got 3 good LOR's. No pharmacy experience yet but:

1. Am the secretary of the IRC council
2. Advertising Chair of the PEACE organization
3. Done volunteer work at the local hospital/soup kitchen/and animal shelter
4. Member of four different clubs.

Also got an interview from LIU.

Ok, I don't know, but I don't think it looks good 🙁

Go get some experience now! I was in a similar situation, and shadowing at a local pharmacy helped so much! It is really hard to find a tech job or even shadow around me, so I printed up a list of over 50 pharmacies around me and called each one. I finally found one and would shadow there 1 or 2 times a week after classes for a few hours. I would suggest you do the same ASAP. It really lets you see what it is like in the pharmacy and you get to pick at the pharmacist's brain. Do not even worry about how late it is to get the experience because I wasn't able to get a shadowing position until after I was notified about my first interview. It gave me lots to talk about in my interviews though, and allowed me to see that I really do enjoy being in a pharmacy. Good luck!

 

[inquirer89]

I'll take a stab at this...

-Overall GPA: 3.6 (2 Cs in freshman year but rest are As/Bs)
-Math/Science: 3.41
-PCAT: 74 (second try)

-Pharm Tech ~ 6 months
-Pharmacy Volunteer for 3 years
-Organizer of a Pre-Pharmacy Club at university
-Great Recommendations and Personal Statement (IMHO)

ECs from college: Club sport, religious organization
ECs from last 2 years in high school: NHS, Engineering Honor Society, president of academic club, Capt. of Varsity Sport, other sports, some other leadership positions

Awards in college : Deans list, Academic Achievement Award

Male 🙂)) and a minority (Asian...though this may be a disadvantage)


Applied to only Campbell University due to my specific amount of prereqs that will be finished this summer. They are rolling admissions and their average is 3.45 and 71 PCAT for incoming students. I submitted my application in October but they wanted to see my Fall grades and PCAT from this January. So at least they're interested....but now waiting for interview.

I believe my stats are strong, but there are 2 disadvantages I can think of:
1) Sophomore
2) My current university is not known to be as "academically challenging" as the others in my state...😏


Thoughts? Thanks!

 

[atticus27]

inquirer89
Your app looks pretty well rounded. I'd say you have a decent shot, but having a backup school or two would have been a good idea.

 

[Antimony]

I think it is helpful if people post whether they will have a degree or not. Makes a big difference in ADCOM's eyes.