THE WAMC thread (what are my chances?)

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
Members do not see this ad.
Please help, I need to know based on my stat's what you think my chances are getting an interview invitation and possible acceptance to any of the schools I am applying to!
Schools applying to:
California Northgate
Campbell University
Creighton University
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
MWU Glendale (Interview Waitlist)
MWU Chicago(Interviewed 12/08)
Regis (Interview 2/09)
U. of Colorado
UH Hilo
U. of Incarnate Word
U. of Minnesota
U. of New Mexico
U. of Southern Nevada
b. Overall GPA: 2.9
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.75
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.4, completing Bachelors degree in Biomedical Sciences with Research.
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Bio 64 Chem 72 Composite 55
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 2 yrs Retail, 1 yr Hospital, ICU Clinical Shadowing
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
PharmCAS submitted in early September/ Most secondary applications sent early November.

h. 3 strong LOR's, one committee letter from 3 science professors, one from District Manager of Retail pharmacy, and one from Hospital pharmacy manager.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Worked as a loan officer in the consumer lending department of a financial institution for over 5yrs. Have many volunteer experiences from leadership positions held to International and Domestic Medical Missions over the last 5yrs. I am fluent in Spanish and use it every day of my life! I have also been published twice for research completed!
j. Self-perception of interview skills: I feel pretty confident with my interpersonal and interview skills! I've been offered employment for every position I've ever applied for.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: Maybe average to strong.
 
Last edited:
Your grades are on the low end, especially math/sci, and your PCAT is average at best. It is good that you have a solid GPA over the last two years, and your intangibles are unique. I think being bilingual is a definite asset. With one interview in, you're already doing well, but I think you'll be on the bubble, maybe waitlisted. If you don't get in, definitely improve on your PCAT, apply early, and you're bound to get accepted. Good luck.
 
Hey If it makes you feel better, because I personally felt terrible after reading some of these posts, I have a 2.98 cumulative GPA and like a 2.8 math/science gpa, and just got into an accredited pharmacy school a couple of weeks ago. My PCAT composite was 62, but my math and chemistry scores were significantly higher than the others. I think one of the main reasons why I got in ALTHOUGH my gpa is so low is because I go to a very highly ranked university. People really forget that they take that into consideration. My science classes are a lot more difficult at my school compared to a majority of Universities. They really look at the big picture versus numbers. I know if I went to a lower ranked university I would have easily had a 3.5 at least (because I took summer classes at another school and it was a joke). The average gpa for biology majors at my school is a 2.6, so remember if you are attending a competitive university already and you're taking at least 3 science courses, then they may overlook your lower gpa. Just be sure to apply to schools where you can meet the minimum. GOOD LUCK you will get it somewhere if you really keep on trying I have friends with gpas lower than yours and have gotten into UNC-chapel hill school of pharmacy, #2 in the country. Dont stress 🙂
 
Thank you Storm90 and Ritamargarita for your feedback! I just hope that I will be evaluated on what I have accomplished as a whole, not just for my stats! I think a good Pharmacist is more than just good grades and a High PCAT, although it doesn't hurt to have the whole package! All I can do is stay strong and be persistent in pursuit of my dream! I am my own advocate!
icon12.gif

I wished I would have applied early, I spent way too much time trying to perfect my Personal Essay! I have a friend who applied early who has lower stats than I and doesn't have nearly as many EC's and she was one of the first interviewed for the school whose interview waitlist I am currently on. Although she was waitlisted, at least she wasn't denied, and she still has hope of getting pulled off the waitlist! I, on the other hand, could be on the interview waitlist up until the last interview of the cycle and then really have no chance!
Any advice to help get picked from the interview waitlist? Do you think that it would be appropriate to write a thank you e-mail to admissions for having me for an interview?
 
Last edited:
I wrote every faculty member an actual thank you letter, as well as the practitioner who was in my individual interview. I don't know if any of that helped my acceptance, but it is the polite and professional thing to do.
 
Hi everyone,could any of you help me figure out what my GPA is?!!!I go to York university in Toronto,I just have access to the letter grades,B+,A ,B,...How can I convert them to gpa/4?Ive done a lot of searching here and there,and Ive come up with contradictory answers,so it will be a great help to me,thank you🙂
 
Excel does wonders for figuring out your GPA! All you do is convert your letter grade into a number grade, I believe a B+ is 3.25 or 3.3 and an A- is a 3.7 or something close to that, then multiply that number by the number of semester credits for the class. This will give you Grade Points. Then you add up all of your semester credits and all the Grade Points and then divide the Grade points by the # of credits that should give you your GPA! And it is really easy to do in excel!
 
I always use the system A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0 and D=1.0. +=+.3, -=-.3, for example, B+=3.3, A-=3.7. Gives a good estimate, but it depends on the school.
 
thanks everyone,it was helpful,🙂
 
a.. .SC college of Pharmacy, Mercer, UCSD, West Virginia University, University of Minnesota, Wingate University
b.. .GPA = 3.504
c.. .PCAT = 74 %
d.. .Almost 3 years of Pharmacy Technician Experience (retail and hospital)
e.. .Submitted application October 4th.

3 LOR - Pharmacy Supervisor, Chem. Professor, English Professor
150 documented hours of Volunteer work
Interview will probably be just average
Average personal statement

Can anyone tell me what my chances are? I’d really appreciate it and Happy Holidays to everyone! 🙄
 
I'm beginning to feel like stats have absolutely no bearing on who gets in and who does not. My GPA isn't anything to brag about and I didn't get an extremely high PCAT. I'd say the only thing that sets me apart is military experience. Having said that, I think anyone has a shot at getting in, unless you have a VERY low GPA and low/no PCAT score.
 
Hi there,could anyone help me estimate my chances for being accepted in University of Toronto or UBC pharmacy?I am aware of their stats,but I would like to know if you know anyone with grades similar to mine who has been accepted into any of these schools?

General chem B+
Genral chem B
General Bio C+🙂scared🙂
Physics B
Calc B+
English B
Psyc A

I am taking Orgo chem,Calc2,Genetics and statistics this year and aiming for A,I will write PCAT in Jan,besides I have a BA GPA 3.8 ,but its for 10 years ago,will this be considered?major:Biology.
so what do you think?what would you suggest me to do?I am more interested in these 2 schools ,since it's not easy for me to move,
thx
 
iwh77 said:
Hi there,could anyone help me estimate my chances for being accepted in University of Toronto or UBC pharmacy?I am aware of their stats,but I would like to know if you know anyone with grades similar to mine who has been accepted into any of these schools?

General chem B+
Genral chem B
General Bio C+🙂scared🙂
Physics B
Calc B+
English B
Psyc A

I am taking Orgo chem,Calc2,Genetics and statistics this year and aiming for A,I will write PCAT in Jan,besides I have a BA GPA 3.8 ,but its for 10 years ago,will this be considered?major:Biology.
so what do you think?what would you suggest me to do?I am more interested in these 2 schools ,since it's not easy for me to move,
thx
Click to expand...
I think you need strong PCAT and excellent grades in the remainder of your courses. Where do you live? TO or Vancouver? That also will affect your chances, but I know UofT is very challenging to get in to, and UBC is also very finicky. Right now you have ~3.1 GPA, which is good, but not incredible. I do know earning an A in Organic and Stats will be highlighted on your UBC app.
 
Thanks storm 90 for your time.I also wanted to know what you think of my degree,BA,gpa above 3.7,but I got it 10 years ago,will schools look at it?
 
adidastoes15 said:
a.SC college of Pharmacy, Mercer, UCSD, West Virginia University, University of Minnesota, Wingate University
b.GPA = 3.504
c.PCAT = 74 %
d.Almost 3 years of Pharmacy Technician Experience (retail and hospital)
e.Submitted application October 4th.

3 LOR - Pharmacy Supervisor, Chem. Professor, English Professor
150 documented hours of Volunteer work
Interview will probably be just average
Average personal statement

Can anyone tell me what my chances are? I’d really appreciate it and Happy Holidays to everyone! 🙄
Click to expand...

I think your stats is one of the best ones. Keep your confident.
 
iwh77 said:
Thanks storm 90 for your time.I also wanted to know what you think of my degree,BA,gpa above 3.7,but I got it 10 years ago,will schools look at it?
Click to expand...

10 years is a long time. I think pharmacy school will look at your Pcat strongly to compare you with others.
 
Merry Christmas everyone. Any opinion about my chances would be greatly appreciated.
a. Schools you are applying to: Univ of Tex, Univ of Houston, Texas Tech Univ, A&M
b. Overall GPA: 3.39
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.32
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): comp: 43 (But retaking in Jan '09)
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 1 year in retail; 1 year in hospital
g. Date of appplication sub: primary: Dec 1, secondary: pending :/

h. 3 EXCELLENT LOR'S: Pharmacist, academic advisor, science professor
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: MAJOR volunteering experience
j. Self-perception of interview skills: average
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: average

Thank you!
 
iwh77 said:
Thanks storm 90 for your time.I also wanted to know what you think of my degree,BA,gpa above 3.7,but I got it 10 years ago,will schools look at it?
Click to expand...

MOST programs don't consider grades older than 10 years. It is definitely good, but it likely won't be considered. Also, adcoms may consider what your BA is in. If it's something like Russian literature, it really has no bearing in the pharmaceutical field, but something like finance or accounting would be an asset for you if you went into retail and had your own business.
 
Hi Guys,
I'm an international student, I took 76 credit hours since March 2007 and Overall GPA 3.9, but i got really bad score on PCAT 39 %. Do I have any chance to get to a school that requires PCAT? Be honest ppl 🙂 Merry Xmas
 
BIGVOODOO said:
Hi Guys,
I'm an international student, I took 76 credit hours since March 2007 and Overall GPA 3.9, but i got really bad score on PCAT 39 %. Do I have any chance to get to a school that requires PCAT? Be honest ppl 🙂 Merry Xmas
Click to expand...

I would strongly suggest you take it again and try to shoot around like 60ish..and then you would be fine. Many schools have certain requirements about PCATs and usually require a certain minimum score. I honestly don't think a score like that will guarantee you admission..quite too low even with a impressive GPA..
 
Obviously GPA is great and PCAT sucks. I would say you have a low chance of getting accepted to a school that considers PCAT compared to one that doesn't simply because of the minimum scores considered. Check out the WAMC thread to see similar stories.
 
Last edited:
I agree with retaking the PCAT. If you can score in the 60 range it would be a lot easier for you. I know it is hard as an international student but you have to prove yourself as well.
 
Just a general WAMC question for all who reads this: in your opinion, do you think it's possible for an applicant to have screwed up so much in college that there is no possible way to ever, EVER redeem themselves no matter how hard they tried?

I mean hypothetically speaking, if an applicant has multiple D's and F's on their transcripts but went back to school, retook classes, and got stellar grades for two consecutive years, would that recent effort be enough such that schools would give him/her a chance on an interview? Or do you think multiple D's and F's would be too atrocious that no pharm school would ever look their way, not matter how many years of stellar grades thereafter? (and let's say that they had awesome LORs, volunteer work, pharm experience, personal essay and an above average PCAT).

I'd appreciate an honest answer. Of course "anything is possible" but realisitically, would any pharm school give a person a chance with such a horrific past?
 
To wannaBpharmD-
I think applicants can definitely go back and start over. I think they look at improvement and your dedication to become a pharmacist. I remember attending a speech presented by admission counselor at University of Texas and he said a student was admitted into the pharmacy program with a low gpa (around 2.something). There was a long story behind it, but from what he said, the student did not do well because he/she had to take care of an ill family member. When everything was better again, his retook the classes and did well, but his gpa still suffered. UT stilled admitted him because he tried his best and it showed through his personal essay.

It depends on the personal statement, community service, and other factors as well because becoming a pharmacist is dedication to serving and helping others. so, is the applicant determined to becoming a pharmacist? I am pretty sure if he/she has the passion for pharmacy and determination to retake the classes, the admission community will have a huge consideration for the application.
 
wannaBpharmD said:
Just a general WAMC question for all who reads this: in your opinion, do you think it's possible for an applicant to have screwed up so much in college that there is no possible way to ever, EVER redeem themselves no matter how hard they tried?

I mean hypothetically speaking, if an applicant has multiple D's and F's on their transcripts but went back to school, retook classes, and got stellar grades for two consecutive years, would that recent effort be enough such that schools would give him/her a chance on an interview? Or do you think multiple D's and F's would be too atrocious that no pharm school would ever look their way, not matter how many years of stellar grades thereafter? (and let's say that they had awesome LORs, volunteer work, pharm experience, personal essay and an above average PCAT).

I'd appreciate an honest answer. Of course "anything is possible" but realisitically, would any pharm school give a person a chance with such a horrific past?
Click to expand...

My first 2 years, I had 3 F's and 4 D's. My GPA was disgusting (1.47). But I worked my tail off, graduated with a B.Sc in Biology and finished with a 2.54 GPA (which barely meets the minimum requirements for some programs), but to get to this point, I earned 3.61 over my last two years. I went back and upgraded a few courses because I was instructed to do so by my initial school of choice. Also, in my upper level science courses my GPA sits at around 3.7, which looks really good on a pharmacy application. This "hypothetical" situation pretty much describes my application. Lots of pharmacy experience (8+ years), excellent LOR's, 91st overall on the PCAT (94th comp), volunteer work, etc. I can tell you from experience though that it is an uphill battle and it won't be easy. But it certainly is possible because I got accepted earlier this year. I do however think I am the exception moreso than the rule. If your transcript is mostly D's & F's and you show little/no improvement, you won't get in. Some schools offer grade forgiveness or consider the 2nd grade of a repeated course. Others don't so you have to do your research. Find out which programs cater to your strengths, enough that your GPA doesn't overshadow your other achievements.
 
kyeumweung--thanks for the reply! UT is actually one my top choices so it's definitely a relief knowing they're forgiving =)

storm 90--Congrats on the acceptance! Your story is quite inspiring since it's exactly what i'm going through in my "hypothetical" situation haha! Knowing this definitely gives me motivation to keep moving forward. I just didn't want to keep pursuing if it was ultimately going to be futile.
 
Thanks everyone for your input about my previous post,I was wondering if any of you who's got a high Pcat composit,remembers the percentages in each of the 5 components.I mean when I do practice tests ,do my percentages have to be around 90% to get a pcat of about 85-90 "percentile"!! in Jan.(hitting 90% in vocab for instance is impossible for me😱)
p.s.Storm90,Your post was very inspiring ,👍
 
Storm90 said:
burrito, your grades meet the minimum for most programs, but you come across as a somewhat average applicant (no offense intended). It's good that you improved on your GPA later on. You will need to have minimum C's in all your pre-reqs to be accepted. Your PCATs are okay, but you need a better result then 45% in math & 53% in chem. I think UNM is your best chance. Applying this late in the process doesn't help that much. I was in the same boat as you GPAwise (2.62), but my PCATs were in all in the 90s, and I have years of experience as a retail & hospital tech. If you don't get in this year, I would suggest rewriting the PCAT, doing your research on programs that cater to your strengths and applying early! Good luck!

pharmvp, the schools that don't consider PCATs like good grades and other experiences. You should do fine.
Click to expand...


Really new to this but I'm kind of in the same position. I had the same gpa as an undergrad trying to work full time and attend class (needless to say it wasn't a pretty outcome). I have a BS in Biology with a minor in chemistry and completed a Masters in Biology with a thesis and around a 3.7 while working full time as a microbiologist. I'm planning on the fall 2010 apps and taking the pcat in June. Does anyone know if my masters will help me out any? I applied to 2 pharmacy schools that didn't require the pcat right out of undergrad and well obviously I didn't get it. Any suggestions?
 
I only applied to one school this year and received a rejection, same with the previous year. I don't really know where to apply that will give me a chance. What do you guys think. Any suggestions?
a. Schools you are applying to: next cycle 2010
UCSF, University of Iowa, for now
b. Overall GPA: B.S Biological Sciences 3.0 GPA, MBA in Healthcare management 3.5 so far
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.67 Science, Math: 3.57
d. GPA in last one or two school years: I only have 3 years worth of GPA b/c I graduated in 3 years with my B.S. 3.16
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): taking this in the summer
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 5 years with VA Medical Center, mostly outpatient, but some inpatient experience. CphT
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): planning to submit in June.

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 4, professors business and science professors, and a public health professor. A pharmacists who i've worked with for years.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Evaluate inventions and its business potential. Worked with geriatrics patients for 3 years, and hopefully soon will be working with a company that provides unbiased drug information to pharmacists and physicians.
j. Self-perception of interview skills: good, I've been getting a lot of practice from mock interviews, job interviews, and interviewing undergraduates.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: decent.
 
You have a solid application, except for your sci/math GPA. I really like that you will apply early. You should look into early decision since you're able to apply early. That way you could be accepted in October and have the rest of the year to plan and not go through the stress of multiple applications. I would say though that you have an outside shot at UCSF simply because it's extremely competitive there.
 
Last edited:
So I interviewed at all the schools I applied to last year, but i didn't get into any of them. This year I have already interviewed at one and have three more coming up. I don't know what it is that I am doing/saying that keeps getting me rejections. Any suggestions??
Overall GPA - 3.71
Science - 3.9
BS Biology Minor Chemistry
3 and 1/2 years inpatient pharmacy experience
 
Do they count GPA in last one or two school years? How influential is it in getting accepted? I saw my pharmcas GPA calculation and they divided them into Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior GPAs. Does anybody know why they did that?
 
Really new to this but I'm kind of in the same position. I had the same gpa as an undergrad trying to work full time and attend class (needless to say it wasn't a pretty outcome). I have a BS in Biology with a minor in chemistry and completed a Masters in Biology with a thesis and around a 3.7 while working full time as a microbiologist. I'm planning on the fall 2010 apps and taking the pcat in June. Does anyone know if my masters will help me out any? I applied to 2 pharmacy schools that didn't require the pcat right out of undergrad and well obviously I didn't get it. Any suggestions?
user_online.gif
progress.gif
 
PharmDevo & iwan2bpharmd, you should set up some mock interviews with family, friends or possibly even through your school. I did this at my school with a counselor who videotaped my interview and then we sat down and evaluated it. Really helped.
 
kitty84 said:
Do they count GPA in last one or two school years? How influential is it in getting accepted? I saw my pharmcas GPA calculation and they divided them into Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior GPAs. Does anybody know why they did that?
Click to expand...

They absolutely count GPA over the last 2 years. I don't know of any program that doesn't. This is also a big factor when it comes to acceptance. Some people who start off weak and finish strong can get accepted, but those who start off strong and finish weak, especially in the advanced science courses will have a more difficult time. Also, PharmCAS separates the grades by year to show your trend regarding grades, and it simplifies things for adcoms.
 
Hello, and thanks for your input. I'm a long time reader/first time poster. My Pharmacy prerequisite status is I have finished all the courses except for the O-chem series.

My goal is to apply summer 09:
A.) Schools applying to: Pacific U - Forest Grove, OR
B.) Over all GPA: 3.1 (weighted by AAS-paramedic and Transfer AA. Currently working on Bio degree at a univ.)
C.) Science/Math GPA: 3.4
D.) GPA most recent year in school: 4.0 (I have been out of school for two years working before returning to pursue pharmacy. This was my first year back trying to recover GPA.
E.) I have not taken the PCAT yet.
F.) -Shadow clinical pharmacist 40hrs thus far at large hospital.
-Volunteer at free clinic as Pharm. clerk
G.) N/A yet.
H.)LOR's - Volunteer Pharmacist at clinic, Bio prof, and one work reference.
I.) I've worked as a paramedic for 1.5 years doing 911 transport. I volunteered as a firefighter-EMT for 2.5 years. I've been teaching paramedic skills and ACLS for 1yr.
Clearly I've had one career direction and switched because of a developing interest in pharmacology, pharmacy practice and a more definitive health care setting. I was an academic late bloomer and never considered a career in pharmacy as an option until recently... and I love it.
J. I feel I interview moderately well and have already been spending time forming a personnel statement.
I plan to apply to more schools once I have finished o chem and the PCAT. Does anyone have any suggestions on schools I should look into in the future given my stats?

Thank you for your feedback.
 
yappy said:
Hello, and thanks for your input. I'm a long time reader/first time poster. My Pharmacy prerequisite status is I have finished all the courses except for the O-chem series.

My goal is to apply summer 09:
A.) Schools applying to: Pacific U - Forest Grove, OR
B.) Over all GPA: 3.1 (weighted by AAS-paramedic and Transfer AA. Currently working on Bio degree at a univ.)
C.) Science/Math GPA: 3.4
D.) GPA most recent year in school: 4.0 (I have been out of school for two years working before returning to pursue pharmacy. This was my first year back trying to recover GPA.
E.) I have not taken the PCAT yet.
F.) -Shadow clinical pharmacist 40hrs thus far at large hospital.
-Volunteer at free clinic as Pharm. clerk
G.) N/A yet.
H.)LOR's - Volunteer Pharmacist at clinic, Bio prof, and one work reference.
I.) I've worked as a paramedic for 1.5 years doing 911 transport. I volunteered as a firefighter-EMT for 2.5 years. I've been teaching paramedic skills and ACLS for 1yr.
Clearly I've had one career direction and switched because of a developing interest in pharmacology, pharmacy practice and a more definitive health care setting. I was an academic late bloomer and never considered a career in pharmacy as an option until recently... and I love it.
J. I feel I interview moderately well and have already been spending time forming a personnel statement.
I plan to apply to more schools once I have finished o chem and the PCAT. Does anyone have any suggestions on schools I should look into in the future given my stats?

Thank you for your feedback.
Click to expand...

Your GPAs are decent and you have a lot of experience doing other things, which I think will look very good. Depending on how your PCAT score looks, you'd have a good chance of getting in. Try to be more flexible about where you apply though. Not many people want to go out of state but you should open up your options a little more.
 
After academic update, do the schools know what classes I took and what grades I got in the Fall or they just know the overall GPA for that semester?
 
Vale, did you get into Kentucky? How friendly are they during interview? Do you mind if I ask how much you improved during junior and senior years, especially the last semester? It's okay if you don't want to answer or you can PM me if it's a privacy. I just want to know because I am thinking of Kentucky too.
 
I took the Pcat and received a 67 composite and have 3.2 GPA, I was also the member of Pre-pharmacy club and shadowed a pharmacist for 100+ hours. Here is the deal, I got an interview to shenandoah university and oklahoma state university, i am considering not going to shenandoah due to several reasons.

From what i heard thier average entering class had a PCAT score of 80+. What do you guys think, is my fears justified? or will i be wasting time and money .I dont understand why they even call me for an interivew if they are going to Reject me. I dont have money lying around to fly over there rent a car etc just for them to reject me. If any of yall have similiar experiences with shenandoah please let me know.

Also, does shenandoah take into consideration about the classes that you dont need into thier GPA calculations. I have a Bachelors in microbiology, so i've taken lots of extra classes that are not required for Pharmacy. Having taken all these classes total screwed with my GPA.

Also if anyone has gotten in with my stats or lower please PM me about what schools to apply 2.
Thanks

PS. this is my first thread. Hahaha😀
 
bryannaam, You should go to the interview. Sure, other applicants will have better stats, but stats are just part of what adcoms are looking for. They may see you as way more suited for a seat in their upcoming class than others with higher stats.
 
I'm a pharmacist as well as an off-site instructor for a school of pharmacy. I also take numerous pre-pharmacy and high school students interested in the field. In addition, I write about how to improve your chances of getting into pharmacy school.

The reason I mention this isn't to brag but to show you that what I'm about to say is not theory - it's what can happen.

First of all, too many students get dead-set locked on GPA's. Big mistake.

Yes...your GPA is important. You need good grades but just because your GPA isn't where you'd like it to be don't give up on the idea.

Put yourself in the admission committee's shoes. Do you think they are just looking for brains? No. They are well aware that pharmacists need to be personable, hard working, honest and persistent to make it through school and excel in the profession.

I've a student currently who is applying with a great GPA (3.9). My concern? The student is lacking in social skills and when I asked the student why she was getting into pharmacy I was met with downtrodden eyes...a long, uncomfortable pause and a shrug of the shoulders with some comment about liking chemistry.

Not a good sign. It's also something that I promise you the committee will very much notice.

The point is you can't have a 2.0. But I've known students with as low as 2.8 (granted, this should be the exception rather than the rule) but they did it nonetheless.

If you have interviews at numerous schools go to them all. If you feel your GPA is a factor be prepared in the interview to answer why it isn't higher. Pharmacy instructors and professors and human beings. They walk, talk and put their pants on one leg at a time just like you.

In short, they have faults. They know you do too. It shouldn't stop you from trying to better your life.

To borrow Nike's slogan...Just Do It.

Best,
Curt M. Alexander
www.curtmalexander.com
 
+1 CMA. I have the lowest cGPA I've ever heard accepted (2.62), but again, it's more the exception than the rule. It's nice to hear those who have sub 3.0's aren't out of the running, we just need to work harder to get in.
 
a. Schools you are applying to:
Midwestern (Chicago)
University of Minnesota
Chicago State University
Butler University
b. Overall GPA: 3.21
c. Math/Science GPA: Math 2.73/ Science 3.01
d. GPA in last one or two school years: Roughly 3.10
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite):
Biology 99
Verbal 93
Math 85
Chem 60
Composite 96
 f. Pharmacy experience obtained: none!
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary):
PharmCAS on Jan 5th, it's already been verified, but not mailed yet.
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs:
2, one from a professor, one from my boss, both should be really awesome.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience:
Worked as a research lab technician for 5 years full-time.
j. Self-perception of interview skills
Haven't interviewed yet, but I think i'm pretty good at interviews.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
So-so

** I was on a reality show called Beauty and the Geek (as one of the geeks, of course). do you think i should mention that in any interviews? It certainly would make me stand out!!
 
I'm looking to apply to pharm school this summer for fall 2010..I won't have a bachelors that will be after 3 years of school..my gpa is a 3.26 i'm hoping it will go up to at least a 3.3 after this semester..my science grades are:

chem 101:B-
bio 101: C🙁
chem 102: C 🙁
bio 102: B
orgo 1: B-

I'm doing a service fraternity next semester and shadowing a pharmacist and taking the pcat this summer! what are my chances please give me some input! i'm so worried!:scared:
 
berrisweet712 said:
I'm looking to apply to pharm school this summer for fall 2010..I won't have a bachelors that will be after 3 years of school..my gpa is a 3.26 i'm hoping it will go up to at least a 3.3 after this semester..my science grades are:

chem 101:B-
bio 101: C🙁
chem 102: C 🙁
bio 102: B
orgo 1: B-

I'm doing a service fraternity next semester and shadowing a pharmacist and taking the pcat this summer! what are my chances please give me some input! i'm so worried!:scared:
Click to expand...

I would say your chances are fairly low with no A's in all of your basic science classes. So far I see a downward trend in your general chemistry classes and only a slight improvement in biology. Unless you manage to get an extremely high PCAT score I would consider retaking those C's. That 3.26 is an overall GPA but your science is definitely ~2.5 which won't meet a lot of pharmacy school standards.
 
kmachiavelli, your stats are pretty good, but you'll definitely be competing against individuals with similar/better stats, so whatever you can do to stand out, I would do it. I would also get some experience in a pharmacy setting. That would probably help you a bit.

berrisweet712, what about other science courses? Calculus, physio, cell bio, etc? If you earn B+ or better in all of those, your science GPA will go up and your application will look better. Otherwise, consider redoing anything you earned a C in.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

D
  • Question Question
How hard is it to get into a 'top' pharmacy school in 2024? What are my chances?
Replies
9
Views
9K
RxPreceptor
RxPreceptor
I
What are my chances of getting into a Texas Pharmacy School with a disciplinary action?
Replies
3
Views
3K
MatchaCookie
M
P
Delete thread
Replies
11
Views
3K
PharmacyCat
P
Mr.Smile12
  • Locked
HPSA/SDN Poll: How are you using AI tools?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
M
What are my chances of getting accepted?
Replies
20
Views
5K
FoodstampPharmacist
FoodstampPharmacist
Top