THE WAMC thread (what are my chances?)

[cvsfarmer]

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I am so stress out this quarter and having to take organic chemistry makes it even more stressful. I have been doing well so far as grades goes with A's and B's but now that classes are nearing the end I think for organic chemistry I will be getting a C which is bad right? I plan to apply to schools in California so is a C going to look bad? Is one or two C's bad and would retaking help any or just accept my grades and just apply? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dangerdog]

1 or 2 C's won't hurt you too badly as long as the rest of your profiles glows.

Having said that, in the future it's better to keep the science/math GPA as high as possible. If have to get a low grade sacrifice a humanity course to spend more time on science.

 

[idkwmcr]

applying to Western and UOP
GPA 3.2
no PCAT
6 months Pharmacy Tech experience
primary applications
job shadowing in a pharmacy 2weeks.
volunteer blood bank and hospital but 6 years ago
no BS/BA degree 70units only

 

[atticus27]

applying to Western and UOP
GPA 3.2
no PCAT
6 months Pharmacy Tech experience
primary applications
job shadowing in a pharmacy 2weeks.
volunteer blood bank and hospital but 6 years ago
no BS/BA degree 70units only

Not very likely. No degree plus a below avg. GPA is not doing you any good for these CA schools. You could maybe score an interview with some mind blowing essays/supplementals but probably not even then. Your competing with a lot of Cali residents who will have degrees and way more EC's.

Take the PCAT and APPLY OOS for best chances and earliest admissions or bring up GPA, work towards a degree, and super charge the EC's.

 

[rawrr]

Hi, I'm in Canada, in my first year of undergrad and I'm hoping to get into a BScPhm program here. I was wondering what my chances are for getting into the pharm program here.

I applied at the University of Toronto
overall and sci. GPA are 3.7
PCAT scores (I'll just add the lowest and ones I think are important):
Reading: 73
Bio: 99
Chem: 88
Edit: Composite: 97
Writing: 2/3
about 200 hours volunteering in a community pharmacy

 

[s1mplicity]

Schools you are applying to: UOP (first choice), Northstate, UCSF, UCSD, USC, Loma Linda, Touro, Western. I'll be applying this summer for fall 2010

Overall GPA: 3.65

Math/Science GPA: 3.51

Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): not going to take it

Pharmacy experience obtained: shadowing a pharmacist, member of pre-pharmacy club at school, i'm going to start volunteering at a pharmacy next week, and just passed the ptcb waiting for my license

Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience:
College: volunteered at the local library for over a year, a local head start, and elementary school carnival, member of EOSHA club, I'm going to be a mentor for high school students at a Pre-Health/Public Health Conference
Last 2 years of High school: Vice president of DECA, Historian of DECA, Secretary of Leo, member of 4 different clubs

Self-perception of interview skills: I'd say I'm average, but out of everything this worries me most

Also I'll have a B.S. degree

So what are my chances

p.s. I was wondering most of my pharmacy experience was done this semester, would that look really bad since I squeezed them all into the semester before I apply?

 

[atticus27]

s1mplicity, lookin pretty solid all around. Remember to apply early. Meaning right after the application is available for Fall 2010 I would get everything sent in including any supplemental essays. It's a rat race so get it done early and sit back and wait for the offers to roll in! In fact, I would take a look at the Fall '09 applications and get a head start on writing some of the supplementals the Summer before.

As for interviews, the adcoms aren't looking for the best bull **** artist so the key is to answer everything honestly. From my experience it's better to say something honest that is probably not the "right" answer than some skit you think they want to hear. GL!

 

[cjf]

Good luck everybody. Don't worry about stats too much. You'll be fine!

 

[andy4pharm]

Hey guys,
here my stat:
Overall GPA: 3.2 (Science courses are pretty good compare to other non major courses)
GPA for pre-pharm courses 3.4
Volunteer at hospital (pharm dept): 2 years
Work experience: about 1 month pharm tech
About to graduate for B.S in Bio science (this summer)

So, I about want to apply to pharm schools, and haven't took any PCAT yet. So, should I study and take the PCAT then apply for the pharm schools ?

 

[RXsocal]

Hey guys,
here my stat:
Overall GPA: 3.2 (Science courses are pretty good compare to other non major courses)
GPA for pre-pharm courses 3.4
Volunteer at hospital (pharm dept): 2 years
Work experience: about 1 month pharm tech
About to graduate for B.S in Bio science (this summer)

So, I about want to apply to pharm schools, and haven't took any PCAT yet. So, should I study and take the PCAT then apply for the pharm schools ?

I don't know where you're from but most schools outside of California need the PCAT. In fact, you will need to study hard to score a HIGH pcat score in order to increase your chances of admission. I'd say you need at least a 80th percentile to make sure you make it to at least 1 school of pharmacy. Any score below 70, and you'll need a lot of luck. Good luck!

 

[cschellh]

Hello,

I will be applying for pharmacy school this year for (hopeful) acceptance in 2010.

My boyfriend is actually also applying to pharmacy school, and we were hoping to get into the same one, but we are not in denial, and realize that getting accepted to a pharmacy school is very competitive, yet alone getting into the same one.

Some Hx:

Cgpa: 3.76
M/S: ~3.5
PCAT: Have yet to take, but can't see myself getting lower than 70. Realistically between 70+80.

300 hours of volunteer work in the community, such as meals on wheels, tutoring, and hospice work. I will also have about 30 hours of job shadowing in a pharmacy.

I have ~110 credits, most of which are from a community college in the area. I will have 2 associates when I apply, at least one of them in science. I talked to a lady from one of Ferris and Wingate, and they both told me it would be better for me to just complete classes at my CC, even if I had over 100 credits, bc I had a competitive edge gpa-wise.

My boyfriend has the same stats, except he will have BS w/ a double major in bio and philosophy (same Pcat, volunteering, ECs)

We were thinking of applying to 10 schools to hopefully get into 1 of the same. I know 10 is a lot, but we weren't sure how competitive we we were and how likely/unlikely it is that we get into the same school.


We'll be applying to:

Wayne
Ferris
Lipscomb
Belmont
Wingate
Shenandoah
Hawaii

Not sure where else yet? Any advice on whether 10 is too much/little? And any schools that are chances are better (I realize it's hard to say)?


THANKS!!!! 😀 😀

 

[Carboxide]

a. Schools you are applying to:
U of Michigan, Ferris, Wayne State, University of Georgia, Mercer, U of Colorado, USC, University of South Carolina, Hawaii, UIC, maybe a few backup schools that are candidate schools?

b. Overall GPA
3.25

c. Math/Science GPA
approximately 3.0, but that's a guess.

d. GPA in last one or two school years
Last year: 3.3 average

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
Composite: 82. All scores were in the 80s but Quant was a 52! Will that hurt me?

f. Pharmacy experience obtained
Volunteered at a pharmacy for a semester and will be trying to work this summer.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
I will be applying as soon as admissions open.

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs
Three: two pharmacists (one is the owner) which will be very strong and a professor, which should be good but not excellent.

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
I have an extremely jacked resume - a variety of scientific internships, research experience, and volunteer work. Also a lot of leadership positions.

j. Self-perception of interview skills
I have good interview skills. I am a people person and tend to relate well with others. I'm also good at thinking on my feet.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality
Good. I am a spelling and grammar freak as well 🙂

Thanks for advice - I would really like to be in pharmacy school for F2010!

 

[xxone2trixx]

applying to Western and UOP
GPA 3.2
no PCAT
6 months Pharmacy Tech experience
primary applications
job shadowing in a pharmacy 2weeks.
volunteer blood bank and hospital but 6 years ago
no BS/BA degree 70units only

actually i really do think you have a chance but you need to beef up that experience. Job shadowing isnt gonna do it because you have to make up that GPA somehow in your application. And especially at Western where it is a point system your GPA is only part of it so you need to get as many points as possible from the other parts of the application such as your supps and your LOR. I have a 3.2 and i landed an interview so hope is not lost but you need to do something else besides just shadowing. For me i did clinical research with a few pharmacists at a hosptial so that experience is what i think made me different from many other applicants. Make sure you have good LOR and good extra-curricular. Everyone volunteers, everyone works at a pharmacy. BE DIFFERENT! BE UNIQUE!

 

[IrishHammer]

I've already been interviewed at every school that I applied to, and have been subsequently waitlisted at two of them (the third, I still have not heard back from).

Applied to-
LECOM-E (waitlisted), St. John Fisher (waitlisted), University of Pittsburgh (no word yet)

GPA-3.971
Science/Math GPA-4.000
PCAT- 76% Verbal, 58% Biology, 92% Comprehension, 94% Quantitative Ability, 27% Chemistry, 79% Composite, Writing Scores were 3.0 and 3.5

My pharmacy experience is minimal, I worked at a Target as a pharmacy technician for approximately one month.

I turned in four letters of recommendation to PharmCAS, one by my boss at my school's tutoring lab, two by professors with PhD's in Chemistry, and one by a professor with a PhD in Physics.

I don't feel that my interview went very strongly, though; I don't have much in terms of teamwork anecdotes, whenever I'm in a team of slackers I push them to the side and do all the work myself, and whenever I'm in a team with people who are taking things seriously, there's never any conflict.

I don't feel my personal statement was very strong either, as I have found a plethora of information about the field since then that I feel would have greatly enhanced my statement.

I have already begun to plan for the worst; I have signed up to re-take the PCAT (I hadn't taken Organic or Biology II when I took it the first time, which was why those scores suffered so much), and am currently seeking out a Pharmacy Tech job in order to get more experience. However, I am still curious to hear other people's input on what my chances are.

 

[xshooshix]

cschellh and carboxide:

I got into two schools early on in this semester: Wayne and Midwestern.

cschellh, don't be so over confident on your pcat scores. You haven't even seen and taken the exam yet . I don't want you to be eating your words when you open that letter to find scores that you are not happy about. As admittance pharmacy school gets harder every year, the students applying with you are just as competative, if not more than you.

You cannot apply to Wayne if your physiology class isn't from a 4 year university. They will not take a class from a community college. Aside from that, everything else looks fine. Even if you don't get a good PCAT score, they will still interview you with a 50%+.

Carboxide, everything about your application is fine. I wouldn't even retake the PCAT if I were you. I had the same QA and managed to get 5 interviews this year. You're fine. Applying early is key for all the schools you are applying, except for Wayne. You probably won't get a response from them until December. You will definitely get in Wayne, as your PCAT is within the average range. If you are really paranoid about getting in somewhere, apply to Midwestern in Chicago as a backup. They will accept you right away with stats like yours. Don't waste your time flying all the way to Nevada for the interview for Hawaii. I'm not going to lie, I would even go ahead and apply to UCSF.

 

[Carboxide]

Carboxide, everything about your application is fine. I wouldn't even retake the PCAT if I were you. I had the same QA and managed to get 5 interviews this year. You're fine. Applying early is key for all the schools you are applying, except for Wayne. You probably won't get a response from them until December. You will definitely get in Wayne, as your PCAT is within the average range. If you are really paranoid about getting in somewhere, apply to Midwestern in Chicago as a backup. They will accept you right away with stats like yours. Don't waste your time flying all the way to Nevada for the interview for Hawaii. I'm not going to lie, I would even go ahead and apply to UCSF.

Really?? Awesome 🙂 I was actually considering UCSF but did not think I could get in. Thanks a lot!!

 

[atticus27]

THANKS!!!! 😀 😀

10 schools seems like a good amount seeing as you're trying to score matching acceptances. Likewise what the other person said about predicting your PCAT score. I have seen some seriously smart people humbled by it, but I'm sure you'll do fine.

I don't foresee any major obstacles in your game plan here though.

actually i really do think you have a chance but you need to beef up that experience. Job shadowing isnt gonna do it because you have to make up that GPA somehow in your application. And especially at Western where it is a point system your GPA is only part of it so you need to get as many points as possible from the other parts of the application such as your supps and your LOR. I have a 3.2 and i landed an interview so hope is not lost but you need to do something else besides just shadowing. For me i did clinical research with a few pharmacists at a hosptial so that experience is what i think made me different from many other applicants. Make sure you have good LOR and good extra-curricular. Everyone volunteers, everyone works at a pharmacy. BE DIFFERENT! BE UNIQUE!

Well, you DO think he/she has a chance but let me point out that you have slightly similar stats with better EC's and probably a degree and have so far been shot down by every CA school you applied to mostly w/o interviews. Sure, he/she might score an interview like you but without seriously impressing the adcoms in the interviews his/her app will be continually pushed aside for someone with more competative stats.

Also, because you took the PCAT and applied OOS you were able to score your only acceptance thus far. So I say best bet is to invest in the OOS plan plus CA school tuition is a rip anyways. lol

Sure you could work on the pharm experience and what not but your stats are already getting you to the next level. You just need to capitalize on the interviews. If you don't feel confident on certain subject areas like teamwork read up on positve examples of what not/to do in certain situations.

Hopefully you will get good news from one of your schools but if you have to reapply next cycle hit up some major interview research.

 

[atticus27]

🙂

Your EC's might pull some weight for you at those schools but with a sub par GPA especially a 3.0 science/math gpa I wouldn't be too confident with those public state schools you're looking at and although UCSF(top ranked RX school + heavy clinical base) would be diggin' your research experience they would be seriously doubting your ability to excel with those stats.

Overall, you're doing good. Throw in a couple backups for good measure like you said.

 

[xshooshix]

Really?? Awesome 🙂 I was actually considering UCSF but did not think I could get in. Thanks a lot!!

Yeah, you should check out their thread. I should have applied myself, but I had the same feeling that I would not get in. After reading the thread, the school isn't all about GPA/PCAT. They want well rounded applicants and your research experience will help you get an interview. I DON'T think they will look at your PCAT when it comes to decision making, but having a score in the 80s helps, and USC and UCSF will look at your PCAT score.

 

[extra07extra]

Yeah, you should check out their thread. I should have applied myself, but I had the same feeling that I would not get in. After reading the thread, the school isn't all about GPA/PCAT. They want well rounded applicants and your research experience will help you get an interview. I DON'T think they will look at your PCAT when it comes to decision making, but having a score in the 80s helps, and USC and UCSF will look at your PCAT score.

I totally agree with xshooshix. Schools like UCSF and UCSD are totally not all about GPA/PCAT. I had a below average GPA (3.0/2.9) and never took the PCAT before and I got into both schools. In fact, I don't even have the amount of research experience that you have nor did I have much in terms of EC's. I worked in my professor's lab last semester in school and also this semester (will graduate this June) and that was about it. But I think what really helped me get an interview were the strong letters of recommendation my professors were able to write about me and my desire to pursue pharmacy and also one professor's willingness to speak highly of me as a student and my determination to the schools that I applied to. And because I was able to sell my story to them at my interviews, I was in.

Best of luck!

 

[calpreharmacyll]

I totally agree with xshooshix. Schools like UCSF and UCSD are totally not all about GPA/PCAT. I had a below average GPA (3.0/2.9) and never took the PCAT before and I got into both schools. In fact, I don't even have the amount of research experience that you have nor did I have much in terms of EC's. I worked in my professor's lab last semester in school and also this semester (will graduate this June) and that was about it. But I think what really helped me get an interview were the strong letters of recommendation my professors were able to write about me and my desire to pursue pharmacy and also one professor's willingness to speak highly of me as a student and my determination to the schools that I applied to. And because I was able to sell my story to them at my interviews, I was in.

Best of luck!

sf and sd, which school will u go?

 

[extra07extra]

sf and sd, which school will u go?

I haven't decided yet but I am leaning towards UCSD.

 

[andy4pharm]

Hello,
My GPA is ranged from 3.2-3.3 next quarter, and science course's grades are pretty good. But, i got 1 C in orchem2.
Is there any obstacle ? I gonna take PCAT this summer.
Any suggestion guys ?

 

[Antimony]

It helps if people state whether they will have their degree.

 

[cschellh]

cschellh and carboxide:

I got into two schools early on in this semester: Wayne and Midwestern.

cschellh, don't be so over confident on your pcat scores. You haven't even seen and taken the exam yet . I don't want you to be eating your words when you open that letter to find scores that you are not happy about. As admittance pharmacy school gets harder every year, the students applying with you are just as competative, if not more than you.

You cannot apply to Wayne if your physiology class isn't from a 4 year university. They will not take a class from a community college. Aside from that, everything else looks fine. Even if you don't get a good PCAT score, they will still interview you with a 50%+.

Carboxide, everything about your application is fine. I wouldn't even retake the PCAT if I were you. I had the same QA and managed to get 5 interviews this year. You're fine. Applying early is key for all the schools you are applying, except for Wayne. You probably won't get a response from them until December. You will definitely get in Wayne, as your PCAT is within the average range. If you are really paranoid about getting in somewhere, apply to Midwestern in Chicago as a backup. They will accept you right away with stats like yours. Don't waste your time flying all the way to Nevada for the interview for Hawaii. I'm not going to lie, I would even go ahead and apply to UCSF.

First off, I actually took the PCAT for practice and did the no score option, so I'm pretty familiar. I was supposed to apply last year, but ended up deciding to this year, so I am pretty sure I'll get somewhere in that range. Also, I have taken the physiology course that is required from wayne, at wayne, because I had a scholarship there (a transfer one). I would definitely not say i'm over-confident about anything, I was asking if 10 would be a reasonable amount for someone w/ our stats to hopefully get in..

 

[Earthangel336]

I would definitely address the low GPA because of engineering major in your personal statements.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[ssrose18]

1. Schools you are applying to:
Applied to Creighton Distance Pathway and Auburn University

2. Degree: B.S. Biology, graduated Fall 2008

3. Overall GPA: 3.20

4. Math/Science GPA: (Taking these from Pharmcas)
Biochemistry: 3.25
Math: 3.05
Biology: 3.29
Inorganic Chem: 2.88
Organic Chem: 3.16
Physics: 3.7
Microbiology: 3.0

5. GPA in last one or two school years
Junior Year: 2.93
Senior Year: 3.40

6. Pharmacy experience obtained
Didn't put this on my application because I literally just took it but I passed the PTCE and I am hoping to get a job at a Pharmacy in the next month.

7. Number of LORs and source of LORs
4 LORs, One from Chemistry Professor, 2 from Biology Professors, 1 from Manager at work place (worked at a fast food restaurant as a shift manager)

8. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Worked as a shift manager at a fast food restaurant

9. Volunteer:
Pinnacles National Monument- Helped out in the visitors center and hiked the trials and answered visitors questions/directed them where to go.
RISE (recruitment in science education) -tutoring and teaching about science to underprivileged middle and high school kids at Boys and Girls Club

10, Leadership experience:
Shift Manager at fast food restaurant

9. Self-perception of interview skills
I would say pretty good since I have always gotten a job out of an interview and they are usually very impressed.

10. Overall impression of personal statement quality
I am a very good writer (my PCAT writing score and my grades in Literature classes show that) so I would say that it's pretty good quality.

My PCAT scores however were not the best but they meet the requirement for entrance (and yes I did retake it the first time was even worse):

Verbal Ability 401/50
Biology 418/76
Reading Comprehension 419/75
Quantitative Ability 418/71 (I got 19 last time so a huge improvement!)
Chemistry 395/37 (I did better last time)
Composite 410/64 (I got 43 last time so I am really happy!)

Writing 3.0/3.5

Also I just received an email from Creighton asking me about fulfiling 2 prerequisites that I never had a chance to do while in University. I told them my plans for fulfilling them so I am wondering if they are considering me for admittance. I would much rather go to Auburn but I think Creighton would be a good choice as well because it would allow me to work more hours.

 

[WhiteSnows]

1. Schools you are applying to:
Applied to Creighton Distance Pathway and Auburn University

2. Degree: B.S. Biology, graduated Fall 2008

3. Overall GPA: 3.20

4. Math/Science GPA: (Taking these from Pharmcas)
Biochemistry: 3.25
Math: 3.05
Biology: 3.29
Inorganic Chem: 2.88
Organic Chem: 3.16
Physics: 3.7
Microbiology: 3.0

5. GPA in last one or two school years
Junior Year: 2.93
Senior Year: 3.40

6. Pharmacy experience obtained
Didn't put this on my application because I literally just took it but I passed the PTCE and I am hoping to get a job at a Pharmacy in the next month.

7. Number of LORs and source of LORs
4 LORs, One from Chemistry Professor, 2 from Biology Professors, 1 from Manager at work place (worked at a fast food restaurant as a shift manager)

8. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
Worked as a shift manager at a fast food restaurant

9. Volunteer:
Pinnacles National Monument- Helped out in the visitors center and hiked the trials and answered visitors questions/directed them where to go.
RISE (recruitment in science education) -tutoring and teaching about science to underprivileged middle and high school kids at Boys and Girls Club

10, Leadership experience:
Shift Manager at fast food restaurant

9. Self-perception of interview skills
I would say pretty good since I have always gotten a job out of an interview and they are usually very impressed.

10. Overall impression of personal statement quality
I am a very good writer (my PCAT writing score and my grades in Literature classes show that) so I would say that it's pretty good quality.

My PCAT scores however were not the best but they meet the requirement for entrance (and yes I did retake it the first time was even worse):

Verbal Ability 401/50
Biology 418/76
Reading Comprehension 419/75
Quantitative Ability 418/71 (I got 19 last time so a huge improvement!)
Chemistry 395/37 (I did better last time)
Composite 410/64 (I got 43 last time so I am really happy!)

Writing 3.0/3.5

Also I just received an email from Creighton asking me about fulfiling 2 prerequisites that I never had a chance to do while in University. I told them my plans for fulfilling them so I am wondering if they are considering me for admittance. I would much rather go to Auburn but I think Creighton would be a good choice as well because it would allow me to work more hours.

Auburn is one of the top pharmacy schools. I think you should have pharm experience, and higher Pcat.

 

[ssrose18]

Auburn may be one of the top schools but their average PCAT scores for students admitted are about what I got on mine. I know I should retake the PCAT if I don't get in this year. I just want to know if I have a shot because I haven't heard anything back from them yet and even without pharmacy experience, which I will get I still have a pretty stellar application. Not many people have their BS when they apply. What about Creighton? Since they emailed me with some questions I wonder if that means they are considering me for an interview. They wanted to know how I was planning on fulfilling 2 pre-reqs before a certain date. Which to me gives me an indication that they are considering me but I want to know what everyone else thinks.

 

[b0bbybr0wn]

sup guys, just found this site out today, so I figured I'd find out WAMC. I decided this pharmacy thing late in the game, so I have to wait until the fall '10 semester to go into pharmacy school, even though im graduating with my A.S. in Chemsitry in May of '09.

So, here's my stats:

1. A.S. in Chemistry - 3.92 Overall GPA, 3.81 Science GPA

2. PCAT's - only took them once, planning on taking at least 2 more times. Scores kinda suck imo but:

Verbal - 40%
Biology - 89&
Chemistry - 68%
Reading Comp - 52%
Quantitative - 57%
Composite - 69%

Other: 2.5/2.5

3. Work Experience: A.) Certified Pharmacy Technician, employed as pharmacy tech for past 18 months... B.) Business Machines Specialist at Staples Inc. for 26 months & C++ Certified Computer Technician

4. Tons of volunteer experience and Extracurricular stuff

So in Fall of '09 I'm thinking of applying for fall '10 start at:

USP, Temple, Rutgers, Wilkes, MCPHS, ACPHS, Maryland, Pitt, St. John's Fischer College, and maybe a few others...

What do you think?

 

[bucsaa18]

I am really looking to just get some information here about applying for the Fall of 2010.

I am about to complete my first year, going to take the PCAT in August, and will still need to complete BioII and Orgo I&II which will all be completed by next spring.

My GPA right now is solid at 3.5 and am most likely going to keep that or make it higher by the time this semester and the summer are over.

I will begin working in a Pharmacy in the summer.

I wanted to know if it really is difficult to even get an interview (my first choice school is Mercer) with these kinds of statistics because I have so many things to complete and will just begin with my work experience? Thanks everyone for your help

 

[Rx by mail]

First off, I actually took the PCAT for practice and did the no score option, so I'm pretty familiar. I was supposed to apply last year, but ended up deciding to this year, so I am pretty sure I'll get somewhere in that range. Also, I have taken the physiology course that is required from wayne, at wayne, because I had a scholarship there (a transfer one). I would definitely not say i'm over-confident about anything, I was asking if 10 would be a reasonable amount for someone w/ our stats to hopefully get in..

Take the PCAT over the summer, that way if you don't get the score you want / think you need, then worse case you can retake in the fall.

GPA looks competitive, although a BA or BS carries more weight with most adcoms.

10 schools might be a bit of overkill, focus on appying smart -have you met all the the prereq's, do your stats match the school averages, are you familiar with the program? Do your homework ahead of time and save yourself the pain or expense of applying to somewhere that you don't have a significant chance of getting in.

Take time to work on your app. especially the essay. It needs to be well writing and compelling ty the adcom. It is your first impression, it will make or break getting an interview and get you past the first all important cut. Most pharmacy schools get 10 or more applicants for each seat available, but only interview 2 or 3 for each seat.

Good luck to you both!

 

[cschellh]

Take the PCAT over the summer, that way if you don't get the score you want / think you need, then worse case you can retake in the fall.

GPA looks competitive, although a BA or BS carries more weight with most adcoms.

10 schools might be a bit of overkill, focus on appying smart -have you met all the the prereq's, do your stats match the school averages, are you familiar with the program? Do your homework ahead of time and save yourself the pain or expense of applying to somewhere that you don't have a significant chance of getting in.

Take time to work on your app. especially the essay. It needs to be well writing and compelling ty the adcom. It is your first impression, it will make or break getting an interview and get you past the first all important cut. Most pharmacy schools get 10 or more applicants for each seat available, but only interview 2 or 3 for each seat.

Good luck to you both!

Thanks for the advice!!! I was thinking 10 was kinda overkill, but we don't want to have to apply again next year. All the schools that I've been looking at, we do meet the pre-reqs, and seem to be meeting the averages pretty well. I'm not as familiar with some of their programs as I am with Wayne, or Lipscomb, but I def plan on researching a lot before the interview. My PS should be really good, I've never struggled w/ writing, but I am most worried about not acquiring a BS or BA.. ; but thanks again!!!! 👍

 

[pharmcho]

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.

May I ask where you applied too? And where you interviewed/accepted too? I'm in a similar boat, and want to see what schools are out there other than the ones I researched.

 

[kbxc]

I applied to Nova,Palm beach,lecom-B,thomas jefferson,belmont,chicago state, touro-ny,harding,creighton,and regis. My theory was to apply to the newer schools and schools near my home. I ended up getting 10 interview offers and went to 6.
So far I got accepted at belmont and thomas jefferson
and waitlisted at Lecom, creighton, and Palm beach. Still waiting on Nova.
Good luck!

 

[PistonFan531]

I applied to Nova,Palm beach,lecom-B,thomas jefferson,belmont,chicago state, touro-ny,harding,creighton,and regis. My theory was to apply to the newer schools and schools near my home. I ended up getting 10 interview offers and went to 6.
So far I got accepted at belmont and thomas jefferson
and waitlisted at Lecom, creighton, and Palm beach. Still waiting on Nova.
Good luck!

Would you mind sharing with us your PCAT score?

 

[kbxc]

I got an 84.

 

[dr1989]

my second year at my cc is coming to a wrap (+1 to go before i head off to get my bs in bio)😀

grades so far:
Eng 1/2- C/B
PreCacl-Got a D first time then got an A when retook it
Calc I - D first semester, now will get an A (IP)
Speech-A
History-C
Health-B
Psych-B
Business-B
Drafting-A (IP)
Physics-C right now but i think i can push it to a B (IP)
Lab-A (IP)

GPA to date: 2.9 (without the classes IP) cum (with classes IP) ~3.2

the reason why i have so few classes is that i withdrew from a lot of classes early on (chem, computer programming) due to time issues, and class being not right for me (no idea why i took that prog class!!😕 (basically i spent the first year or so focusing on my supervisor job at my dept store and not focusing on school cause i had NO IDEA what i wanted-so i lacked motivation)

my next two semesters will focus mostly on bio (my strength) and anatomy, physiology, anthro, a sports class, and some arts (for gen ed)

then 2+ years for my bs in bio and i plan on getting my certificate for pharm tech this summer, (surprisingly i aced the practice test) and then maybe getting a job and some volunteering in.🙂

i want to apply at:
usc (i know they dont look at the pcat, but will it help if i pass and get a good score? and how do they feel about research? is it imp?)
ucsd (the gpa says its a 3.7 for admitting class-that looks pretty tough/anyone have any experience)
touro (not segregating or anything-but this isnt an all jew school? i have no prblms with jews but i fear they may deny me since im muslim)
ucsf (obvioulsy the best)
loma linda
western

anyone know anything about loma linda/western? are their programs relatively easy compared to others? hard? what about reputation??

im kinda worried that ill be disregarded since my first two years at my cc were messy-i never used to get lower than a B in high school but i just seem to fell apart in cc. i would miss classes left and right for no reason. looking back, i see that all those Bs should been As. i ruined that for myself. and here i am trying to redeem myself academically.🙁

btw-would it matter if i just settled in getting a BA in bio instead of a BS? (my bs would take like 3 years-so i would be 24 by then) getting that BA would mean less time and getting into pharmacy school faster. (therefore graduating at 26/27)

oh-and im plannin to apply to all california schools-should i take the pcat test and just write it down on my app? or is it something that u dont even bring up?? (since most in cali dont require it)
thanks for the help

oh and i know im being a total newb with all these overwhelming questions but i REALLY appreciate u guys takin the time to answer them!

thanks much!! 😀 😀

 

[Storm90]

I think if you're set on applying to only California schools, you need your GPA up to at least 3.5 cum, and 3.5-4.0 for your science pre-reqs (bio, chem, organic, etc). If the programs you're interested in don't need the PCAT, you can still write it for "fun" and see how you do. If you do well enough, it could give you an advantage if you applied to a program that considers the PCAT. I would however get more of your science courses under your belt before you do.

 

[bp129]

moved

 

[bp129]

srry repeat

 

[tomk]

high school guy: its too early to say what your chances are. post in this thread after you goto school and take organic chem 1.


CC guys with a lot of W's and subpar gpa: At the rate you are going right now, you probably have no chance, especially for california schools that get 2000+ applicants w/o a pcat requirement.

your salvation will come from you getting A's from here on out, High pcat, and pharm experience. but the current pace you have of getting b/c's in what are supposed to be classes that inflate your gpa. You need to do a 180 with how you are approaching your classes/studying/school in general. You have to start taking it more seriously. Trust me, organic chem is a lot harder than history.

 

[nas2011]

a. Schools you are applying to--KU and UMKC
Just had my interviews with both the last two weeks.

b. Overall GPA--3.92

c. Math/Science GPA--4.00

d. GPA in last one or two school years--3.92

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)--

Aug 08
Verbal 406 58%
Bio 405 56%
RC 394 35%
Quant 403 47%
Chemistry 414 67%
Composite 404 51%

Oct 08
Verbal- 393 35%
Bio- 435 91%
Reading- 384 21%
Quant- 413 64%
Chemistry- 425 80%
Composite 410 64%

Jan 09
Verbal: 69%
Biology: 85%
Reading Comp: 57%
Quantitative: 71%
Chemistry 85%
Composite: 79%


3 and 3 on essays
f. Pharmacy experience obtained- Shadowing at nuclear pharmacy and volunteering at hospital last 6months...probably 70hrs


Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs--average LOR's...one from director of pharmacy at hospital, microbio professor, and someone who really knows me that lead all of the volunteering i did the last couple of years
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience--about 200hrs through knights of columbus last couple years, in clubs and doing research for organic professor
j. Self-perception of interview skills--lets just say average.
Overall impression of personal statement quality--pretty good writer

Just wondering what you guys think??
UMKC interviews 250 and acccepts around 110...and KU interviews around 170 and accepts around 105

 

[Monalyce]

I could be mistaken, but...although you are a sophomore, you shouldn't talk about high school activities unless they are ones that you have been in continuously up until now. Everyone I've spoken to from pharmacy schools near me has said no high school anything (activities, LOR, etc.). This may be one of the reasons that less and less students are being accepted with only two years of college - you have had less time to be involved with activities and explore the field of pharmacy.

 

[nas2011]

you talkin about me? lol...well yeah i have been doing the service hours continuously but most in high school...but no one has said anything except you can put down things within the past 3 years or so but i see what your saying...i have put down awards recieved in high school so who knows...but yeah just wondering how i look..whether i look average or above or below that mark

 

[Storm90]

nas2011, I think you should be accepted to both programs, especially seeing the improvement on your latest PCAT results. Congrats, btw. If not, UMKC I know has what seems like a never-ending waitlist, which does change pretty quickly. I went from 25th to 5th in a month, but didn't move after that. They said it was only the 2nd time that's ever happened, so I think you have a pretty decent chance of getting accepted.

 

[rycetrix]

I could be mistaken, but...although you are a sophomore, you shouldn't talk about high school activities unless they are ones that you have been in continuously up until now. Everyone I've spoken to from pharmacy schools near me has said no high school anything (activities, LOR, etc.). This may be one of the reasons that less and less students are being accepted with only two years of college - you have had less time to be involved with activities and explore the field of pharmacy.

I disagree. I had an internship at a hospital in the outpatient pediatrics department during my junior year of high school. I put it on my PharmCAS application and supplementals. I even talked about it during my interview because it did have an impact on my life. And now, I have been accepted to two schools, one of which is the best pharm school in the nation! 🙂 It really depends if you can show that your high school event made relevance into your pharmacy career and if you can portray it in an eloquent manner. 👍

 

[Carboxide]

I disagree. I had an internship at a hospital in the outpatient pediatrics department during my junior year of high school. I put it on my PharmCAS application and supplementals. I even talked about it during my interview because it did have an impact on my life. And now, I have been accepted to two schools, one of which is the best pharm school in the nation! 🙂 It really depends if you can show that your high school event made relevance into your pharmacy career and if you can portray it in an eloquent manner. 👍

That to me would be an exception. The point is to NOT put things like high school clubs and volunteering on there unless they are very specifically pharmacy related.

 

[Monalyce]

Thanks, carboxide, that's exactly what I meant. I too discussed my high school/college job as a Pharmacy Technician: I did not list awards I won or clubs I participated in during high school. Events which impacted your career path and led you to apply to pharmacy school are certainly different and good to talk about.

rycetrix, congrats on acceptance at UCSF.

 

[dr1989]

ok-one quick question

since i have one more year to go at my cc and my gpa is at a ~2.9,
say:

i get like all As and Bs my final year *my last year is basically all my science and math

will schools look past my 2.9 cum gpa for my first two years and see the progress towards a 3.6ish (hypothetically speaking)

that would show that i am improving right? and then if i do great in my ba for bio-thats even better right? i REALLY want to go to UCSD-so im like trying to motivate myself so i can do good in my science classes to up my gpa!!

gotta go study!!!
will check post manana! 😀