THE WAMC thread (what are my chances?)

[MemphisTKOPharm]

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I am going into my senior year and will be taking my PCAT near the end of this upcoming summer.

I began as an engineering major and, being immature as I was, became apathetic to studies and thus had an epic GPA drop, including the blight which would be 2 F's in general chem 2... oof. These I achieved by the promise of switching to a business major... again... oof... I passed, rusty, 2 years later with a B.

After I realized business did not appeal to me, I searched myself and found that I love biology and chemistry and how everything works in the body.

So now: summary

GPA: 3.0
science: 2.9 (including those 2 F's in gen chem 2 and an F in calculus2)
over my biology degree career - 3.3

PCAT- have not taken but generally do well on standardized tests

experience - ~20-30 hrs/week @ a local pharmacy over the past 2 years

community involvement - memphis literacy corp -tutor inner city kids 3 days a week

other items of interest: will be graduating with a major in bio, and minors in both chemistry and japanese
v.p. of japan culture club 2007-2008
general upward academic trend
train muay thai kickboxing on a competition level (I don't know if they care? haha)

I intend to apply to all of the schools in tennessee, as well as hawaii @ hilo, as well as any other schools I see as I research them.

chances... advice... ?

 

[dr1989]

I am going into my senior year and will be taking my PCAT near the end of this upcoming summer.

I began as an engineering major and, being immature as I was, became apathetic to studies and thus had an epic GPA drop, including the blight which would be 2 F's in general chem 2... oof. These I achieved by the promise of switching to a business major... again... oof... I passed, rusty, 2 years later with a B.

After I realized business did not appeal to me, I searched myself and found that I love biology and chemistry and how everything works in the body.

So now: summary

GPA: 3.0
science: 2.9 (including those 2 F's in gen chem 2 and an F in calculus2)
over my biology degree career - 3.3

PCAT- have not taken but generally do well on standardized tests

experience - ~20-30 hrs/week @ a local pharmacy over the past 2 years

community involvement - memphis literacy corp -tutor inner city kids 3 days a week

other items of interest: will be graduating with a major in bio, and minors in both chemistry and japanese
v.p. of japan culture club 2007-2008
general upward academic trend
train muay thai kickboxing on a competition level (I don't know if they care? haha)

I intend to apply to all of the schools in tennessee, as well as hawaii @ hilo, as well as any other schools I see as I research them.

chances... advice... ?

wow you sound just like me from a year ago!😱
i too was planning on engineering and all that physics/insane math not to mention the tedious drawings scared me off. lol.
i only have 1 D on my transcript but im retaking that class.

are you planning to retake any of your F or D classes? because if you pass second time over with at least a B or A (if you can ace it) then that will show significant improvement on your part-and schools always like that

but that science gpa has to be at least a 3.2 or higher IMO
they DO look at the science gpa more than the cum., so that may end up hurting you (again-retake that calculus and chem classes if you havent already)

your EC's look pretty good, just make sure you take the PCAT practice test a couple of times (i believe it has some calculus-not sure) and try to bring that gpa up a bit and you should be fine!

good luck!😀

 

[rycetrix]

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.

Thank you, however, I would also like to add that I included my AP scholar awards for my AP classes I took in high school since I did not receive the certificates until I had already started college.

 

[Carboxide]

Thank you, however, I would also like to add that I included my AP scholar awards for my AP classes I took in high school since I did not receive the certificates until I had already started college.

That doesn't matter. Pharmacy schools don't give a crap about AP - that's why they don't accept them.

 

[Monalyce]

That doesn't matter. Pharmacy schools don't give a crap about AP - that's why they don't accept them.

Most do accept them for some pre-pharm requirements. UMN, Purdue, UIC, SIUE, and UIowa all accept AP scores in lieu of pre-pharm requirements like calculus. Just check with the individual school...for some, having the AP score on your transcript will suffice, others will want the actual documentation from the college board.

 

[Storm90]

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! 😀

2 years @ 2.9 + 1 year @ 3.6 = ~3.13. Would they look past that? I don't know. Even a year of 4.0 will only boost you to 3.26 and you thinking UCSD, who has accepted 60 students/year with a cumulative GPA of 3.67 for each year, I'd say you would have to REALLY wow the adcoms with your intangibles (experience, volunteer work, etc). I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but I would highly suggest applying to other schools in addition to UCSD.

 

[OChemist]

Hi.
Are you allow to retake any classes?
I have a C in chemistry 1, I was working over the summer and taking another class.
Here are my grades

A- Anatomy and Phy 1
A Anatomy and Phy 2
A in English
B+ in Precalculus
C in general chemistry
A in organic chemistry
A- Psychology

I am taking calc 1 next semester.

I really like chemistry, just that I did not have enough time to work with general chem 1 over the summer. I plan to retake it and kick it's butt; Ochem is kind of telling me to. I am taking Ochem2 and getting a A in it. I only thought of pharmacy because this guy in my class got into pharmacy. He and me are kind of good rivals/friends and he calls me the "big boss" ahah.
My ochem professor is telling me to do chemistry research with him, and I want to also do a biology research.

By the way, I only thought of this screenname as a way to protect my identity, and because our professor keeps calling us "my fellow organic chemist"

 

[rycetrix]

That doesn't matter. Pharmacy schools don't give a crap about AP - that's why they don't accept them.

I know they don't really care about AP courses that much (except for those that satisfy pre-reqs or whatever). However, even though I listed those on my application, I still got into UCSF. So it goes to show you that not everything is a "cookie-cutter" process as you think it is. Each person is different and unique and how you express yourself in your application through your essays and such is also important. Good luck to the rest of you.

 

[hope4pharmacy]

GPA: 3.16
science: 2.94

however, my grades have improved over the years, especially in science classes.

will graduate with BA in biology in May, with spanish minor

PCAT- 65 composite, 70s and 80s in all categories except for chemistry, in which i got a 30. ouch!

experience - 2.5 years at community retail pharmacy, certified pharm tech, shadowed at many other types of pharmacies (hospitals, etc.)

community involvement - 4 years big brother big sister program, participated in 4 other clubs at my college that perform community service. Also had a leadership role in one club



Tell me honestly: do i have a chance?
or are the test scores and my gpa just too low?

 

[Destiny2]

I think you have more chance than me. U got a pharm tech certificate and an experience. I don't. I have an interview with drake. It's weird

 

[Destiny2]

GPA: 3.16
science: 2.94

however, my grades have improved over the years, especially in science classes.

will graduate with BA in biology in May, with spanish minor

PCAT- 65 composite, 70s and 80s in all categories except for chemistry, in which i got a 30. ouch!

experience - 2.5 years at community retail pharmacy, certified pharm tech, shadowed at many other types of pharmacies (hospitals, etc.)

community involvement - 4 years big brother big sister program, participated in 4 other clubs at my college that perform community service. Also had a leadership role in one club



Tell me honestly: do i have a chance?
or are the test scores and my gpa just too low?

I think you have more chance than me. U got a pharm tech certificate and an experience. I don't. I have an interview with drake. It's weird

 

[dr1989]

2 years @ 2.9 + 1 year @ 3.6 = ~3.13. Would they look past that? I don't know. Even a year of 4.0 will only boost you to 3.26 and you thinking UCSD, who has accepted 60 students/year with a cumulative GPA of 3.67 for each year, I'd say you would have to REALLY wow the adcoms with your intangibles (experience, volunteer work, etc). I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but I would highly suggest applying to other schools in addition to UCSD.

really? because these are my grades out of my cc.

i still have to go get my bachelors in bio before i apply.
so i still have a bit of time. if i get those As and Bs in my undergrad and in combination with my overall cc gpa-i should be fine.

so where would it be harder to get in-ucsd or ucsf? ive heard many people get into sf with a cum gpa around 3.2-3.3

 

[xxone2trixx]

really? because these are my grades out of my cc.

i still have to go get my bachelors in bio before i apply.
so i still have a bit of time. if i get those As and Bs in my undergrad and in combination with my overall cc gpa-i should be fine.

so where would it be harder to get in-ucsd or ucsf? ive heard many people get into sf with a cum gpa around 3.2-3.3

UCSD is much harder to get into with a low GPA. I think they make their inital cut by GPA so if you dont have like a 3.4 or higher you wont even make it past the initial cut. On the other hand UCSF will give you a chance i got an interview with a 3.25 but then got rejected after the interview. So you have a chance.

 

[kordjames]

I was wondering if I have a good chance at getting into most of the pharmacy schools?


My overall GPA will be around 3.3-3.4. I will have completed about 153 credits in 9 semesters and with a couple summer courses. The thing that worries me is that in my 5th semester, I had transferred to a harder university and had low grades that semester (1.4gpa) which lead me to be ineligible for a semester. Only one course that semester was an important prereq for Pharm schools and it was Physics I which I got a C-. The rest of the courses counted as electives or for my degree. Eventually I re-took the courses I got C-'s and D's on that semester and got good grades. At the same school, for my last 76 credits after that bad semester, I made above a 3.6gpa. I will be having a Chemistry degree and enough prereqs completed to apply to most pharmacy schools.

 

[cschellh]

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.

awesome! good for you! do you have a degree? and what schools did you get interviews/acceptance(s) at?

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[charfdorn]

GPA: 3.16
science: 2.94

however, my grades have improved over the years, especially in science classes.

will graduate with BA in biology in May, with spanish minor

PCAT- 65 composite, 70s and 80s in all categories except for chemistry, in which i got a 30. ouch!

experience - 2.5 years at community retail pharmacy, certified pharm tech, shadowed at many other types of pharmacies (hospitals, etc.)

community involvement - 4 years big brother big sister program, participated in 4 other clubs at my college that perform community service. Also had a leadership role in one club



Tell me honestly: do i have a chance?
or are the test scores and my gpa just too low?

Your chances aren't great. Your pharmacy experience will help, of course, but you HAVE to bring up that Science GPA to at least 3.0. Have you taken Chem more than once? If not, retake it, and get an A. Then take the PCAT again, and hopefully the new Chem info will bring that score up and raise your composite, too. Keep doing the pharm tech thing; another year of experience there can't hurt. My gut tells me you will get accepted if you can get an interview. I'd love to hear what happens!

 

[charfdorn]

It's too late to make an impact on my application this year, but I'd really like advice on what I can do to help for next year if I don't get accepted. I got interviews at Colorado and Regis, but got denied by Regis and am still waiting on Colorado, so I'm working on next year already. I want to apply to between 8 and 12 schools for 2010, and I need to know what one thing I could do to make my application look better.

Positives:
GPA 3.62 overall; 3.91 in last two years; 3.55 in math and science with physics and math being the weak areas there. (These are all the PharmCAS numbers, btw)
PCAT 99 composite

Negatives:
No pharmacy experience
PCAT 3.0/2.5 written
Weak interview skills (I think)

Not sure if they're good or bad:
Nontraditional background (BA in English, older [26] student, but all my prereqs are good and recent)
3 LORs from professors; one is chair of English department, one is retired from teaching, one is now a Dean at a different school; all should be pretty glowing recommendations
In-state applicant for University of Colorado

So, shoot straight with me. Is there an easy fix to my resume, and if so, what? If there isn't one, will the numbers approach (throw a bunch of crap on the wall and see what sticks) work?

 

[Monalyce]

Negatives:
No pharmacy experience
PCAT 3.0/2.5 written
Weak interview skills (I think)

Not sure if they're good or bad:
Nontraditional background (BA in English, older [26] student, but all my prereqs are good and recent)
3 LORs from professors; one is chair of English department, one is retired from teaching, one is now a Dean at a different school; all should be pretty glowing recommendations
(throw a bunch of crap on the wall and see what sticks) work?

The biggest thing I think right off the bat is that you need healthcare, even if it is not pharmacy, experience. Whether it be a job or volunteering, the more exposure to medicine the better. Even working in a research lab that is somehow related to medicine would be good. This shows that you want to work in the field and that you have done all you can to explore it. Try and shadow some pharmacists: it will give you a better idea of what they do and what is necessary to do their job. Be persistent, and think beyond the retail...if you really want to show your commitment and interest in pharmacy, shadow a clinical pharmacist, or a PharmD/PhD, or someone who owns/operates their own pharmacy, etc.

At my university there is a mock interview program which I found to be very helpful. See if there is anything like this available to you. At the very least, you'll feel more confident the next time you interview.

Good luck!

 

[pharmtechgirl26]

It's too late to make an impact on my application this year, but I'd really like advice on what I can do to help for next year if I don't get accepted. I got interviews at Colorado and Regis, but got denied by Regis and am still waiting on Colorado, so I'm working on next year already. I want to apply to between 8 and 12 schools for 2010, and I need to know what one thing I could do to make my application look better.

Positives:
GPA 3.62 overall; 3.91 in last two years; 3.55 in math and science with physics and math being the weak areas there. (These are all the PharmCAS numbers, btw)
PCAT 99 composite

Negatives:
No pharmacy experience
PCAT 3.0/2.5 written
Weak interview skills (I think)

Not sure if they're good or bad:
Nontraditional background (BA in English, older [26] student, but all my prereqs are good and recent)
3 LORs from professors; one is chair of English department, one is retired from teaching, one is now a Dean at a different school; all should be pretty glowing recommendations
In-state applicant for University of Colorado

So, shoot straight with me. Is there an easy fix to my resume, and if so, what? If there isn't one, will the numbers approach (throw a bunch of crap on the wall and see what sticks) work?

First of all, I would like to say...your stats are not bad at all. much better than mine. Would you say you have really strong letters of recommendation?? Definitely try to work on your interviewing skills if you think that is a weakness of yours. Ultimately, I really think this is what got me into Colorado. You have to be confident, smart and funny without seeming arrogant. Find people to practice with. Practice alone in front of a mirror, etc. Also, definitely try to get some experience in the field. Seems like its not hard to become a tech in CO...compared with CA. You just have to get certified, right? not registered with the state board of pharmacy. All this being said, I do think luck has a lot to do with it. and who knows....maybe you will be hearing some great news from Colorado in just a few short days 🙂 I heard the adcom met today!

 

[busyizzy]

.

 

[busyizzy]

. double posted .

 

[triton2010]

2.7cum gpa ucsd
clinical research at hospital
will be getting my tech lic and working in a pharmacy this summer
any chance?

 

[xxone2trixx]

2.7cum gpa ucsd
clinical research at hospital
will be getting my tech lic and working in a pharmacy this summer
any chance?

we need some more info. Where you applying, experience interview skills etc etc

 

[charfdorn]

2.7cum gpa ucsd
clinical research at hospital
will be getting my tech lic and working in a pharmacy this summer
any chance?

You have a chance, but it's a long shot. Do your research and find schools that look at other criteria. You're going to need a great PCAT score. Your pharmacy experience will help you, but it won't cover up that GPA. Any way you can bring it up closer to 3? Also, what is your science GPA? If that's a little higher, it'll help.

 

[az2832]

Applying for Fall 10 admission

No Degree

Cum GPA: 3.18

Math/Sci GPA: 3.05

PCAT: 76 (got 80s and above on math and sci sections but did bad on verbal and reading)

Volunteer work:

-Have volunteered at a Pharmacy for a year now. About 10 hours a week.
-Have worked approxamately 40 hrs a week at my dad's business since college began (I was forced into this and this is mainly why my GPA is on the low side if you add this with the volunteering at Pharmacy and ECs.

ECs:

-Have worked with and donated $1,000 to an education center
-Have worked with and donated $1,000 to a disabled center
-Have tutored middle school children with math over the past year
-Have worked at a soup kitchen over the past four months once a week to prepare meals for the people in need
-Small things like participating in canned food drives, being involved in a homeless count, and donating blood.

So if I apply to like 15-20 schools for Fall 10, do you guys think I would have a solid shot? Or a long shot?

 

[Storm90]

It's too late to make an impact on my application this year, but I'd really like advice on what I can do to help for next year if I don't get accepted. I got interviews at Colorado and Regis, but got denied by Regis and am still waiting on Colorado, so I'm working on next year already. I want to apply to between 8 and 12 schools for 2010, and I need to know what one thing I could do to make my application look better.

Positives:
GPA 3.62 overall; 3.91 in last two years; 3.55 in math and science with physics and math being the weak areas there. (These are all the PharmCAS numbers, btw)
PCAT 99 composite

Negatives:
No pharmacy experience
PCAT 3.0/2.5 written
Weak interview skills (I think)

Not sure if they're good or bad:
Nontraditional background (BA in English, older [26] student, but all my prereqs are good and recent)
3 LORs from professors; one is chair of English department, one is retired from teaching, one is now a Dean at a different school; all should be pretty glowing recommendations
In-state applicant for University of Colorado

So, shoot straight with me. Is there an easy fix to my resume, and if so, what? If there isn't one, will the numbers approach (throw a bunch of crap on the wall and see what sticks) work?

All of your stats are phenomenal, so that isn't a problem. If you're weak on inteview skills, try setting up some practice sessions through the counseling department at your school or somewhere you know. I did that a few years back and it made a huge difference. Otherwise I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be accepted.

 

[Storm90]

really? because these are my grades out of my cc.

i still have to go get my bachelors in bio before i apply.
so i still have a bit of time. if i get those As and Bs in my undergrad and in combination with my overall cc gpa-i should be fine.

so where would it be harder to get in-ucsd or ucsf? ive heard many people get into sf with a cum gpa around 3.2-3.3

I was just saying UCSF and UCSD are the top schools in the country and they are very competitive. I don't know who got in with what, but based on the latest stats from PharmCAS, 3.64 and 3.6 were the average GPAs of accepted students. I'm not trying to deter you, merely suggesting that you don't place your bet solely on these schools. Either way, it doesn't hurt to apply there, and I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Pharmer1988]

I have:
3.5 cum. GPA
3.7 Math/Science GPA
1 year pharmacy experience
+ a few more extra curricular activities
will be writing the PCAT in the summer

I have already applied to a few schools in Canada (that don't require the PCAT), but would like to know my chances if I apply to the US next year.

 

[charfdorn]

I have:
3.5 cum. GPA
3.7 Math/Science GPA
1 year pharmacy experience
+ a few more extra curricular activities
will be writing the PCAT in the summer

I have already applied to a few schools in Canada (that don't require the PCAT), but would like to know my chances if I apply to the US next year.

Unless you apply to top-flight schools only, I'd say your chances are excellent. You'd almost certainly get interviews everywhere you apply.

 

[corporateflea]

Currently a junior @ UC Davis

GPA:3.70
BCMP GPA: 3.8
MCAT: 31
PCAT: ???

Research for 2 years : no publication
School chemistry/bio department tutoring for 2 years
Clinical volunteering: 2 years

I want to go to pharmacy school in Australia. Especially a pharmacy school at Queensland.

What are my chances? What's the stat I need to get into Queensland pharm school?

Thanks

 

[ComradeStalin]

• GPA: 2.9
• PCAT: 97%
• Five years as a CPhT
• Three glowing recommendations: An anatomy professor, an OChem Professor, and a pharmacist.
• 4th year senior with an intended degree in Interdisciplinary BS in Biology
• Not a whole lot of collegiate extracurricular aside from freelance creative writing, and being an officer (Creative Director) in an Asian Film Club.

Brutal honesty: What are my chances?

 

[charfdorn]

• GPA: 2.9
• PCAT: 97%
• Five years as a CPhT
• Three glowing recommendations: An anatomy professor, an OChem Professor, and a pharmacist.
• 4th year senior with an intended degree in Interdisciplinary BS in Biology
• Not a whole lot of collegiate extracurricular aside from freelance creative writing, and being an officer (Creative Director) in an Asian Film Club.

Brutal honesty: What are my chances?

What? Your chances are good! Especially if your Ochem grades are good. I'd apply to several schools because of your GPA, and I think UCSF is probably out of the question, but you have a great chance at getting accepted somewhere.

Extracurriculars don't count for a whole lot if they aren't healthcare-related.

 

[Monalyce]

Extracurriculars don't count for a whole lot if they aren't healthcare-related.

Woah, that's not really true. Involvement, dedication and leadership in any extracurricular is worth something, especially if you can translate it to the kinds of skills a pharmacist will need. Think communication, organization, and reliability.

 

[bigboodi823]

reading these posts has given me hope and a realistic shot of where I might wind up, so first and foremost thanks to all who are posting for your time.

so with out any further delay here it goes.......

I recently graduated from UCSD (June 08) with a 2.5 gpa and a degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Math and Sci GPA around the same with a slight upward trend at the end. I'm not making any excuses for what happened, I just was a slacker all the way through pulling mostly Bs and Cs. But since I've moved home I feel i've gotten things together and will do what is necessary. Just hoping its not going to take 2 more years.

I've been living at home for about a year now taking some classes at a local JC (3: Anat + Lab, Ochem 1 + lab, Micro + lab, expecting A,B,A respectively since semester is almost over).

All classes are in quarter format for old classes taken
Gchem- B-,C,C
Ochem - C-,C,,D(retook and got B)
Bio - B-,B-
Math - B-,C,C+
Eng - A
Speech - B+
Physio - B- (8unit class)
Micro bio - C+,C-

PCAT - 69
verbal - 81
bio - 71
reading comp - 69
quant - 67
chem - 47 (yikes)
writing:
conventions- 4
problem solving 3.5

pharm experience - 2 years upcoming in june, with 1.5 as CPhT
slight research experience (summer internship as a freshman)

also it might seem dubious so please don't scoff at me but I also work for a tutoring company where I help below average children with Math and English since October. I was lazy but being intelligent was not a problem it was more a matter of application.

My plan between now and the upcoming cycle is as follows:

1: Retake PCAT
2: Enquire about possible "academic bankruptcy" options, since some schools won't accept classes for longer than 5 years old.
3: Have some leads for a research position with the NIH in DC, hoping they pull through.
4: maybe reake gchem 1-2+lab

I havent identified a lot of schools but i imagine my pickings are slim. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone out there could offer some additonal input to a first time poster such as myself. thanks in advance

 

[busyizzy]

No one replied to my post...! I'm posting again, because I'm sincerely curious about my chances. I'm wondering if I'm shooting too high or what, and whether I need to lower my standards when I start applying this summer.

GPA: 3.3
science: not sure. I'd say it's probably around a 3.0.
Double degree: BS in biological sciences, and BS in psychology

PCAT - around ... 55 composite? I'm going to study a LOT this summer, and I feel I can definitely bump it up.

experience - 1.5 year volunteering at a hospital pharmacy, worked at a pharmacy in Korea for a summer

community involvement/extracurricular - I had a leadership role in a club (Japansese Student Association), as well as a member of the University Orchestra. I also co-founded a small folk band that goes and plays at nursing homes and such. I also drive in a unique race competition.

Good letters of recs from BioLab prof, pharmacist at hospital I volunteer at, and a chemlab prof.

I want to apply to some really good schools, although I don't think my GPA gives me much of a chance. I was thinking of applying to UChicago and UMD, as well as some of the California schools (UCSF). Also considering Austin, Seattle (UWashington), Thomas Jeff and a few others. Will I have a chance if I raise my PCAT significantly? I plan to dedicate my summer to studying for the PCAT. What about the cali schools who don't look at PCAT scores? Absolutely no chance, shooting too high, or do I have a chance - small or large? Thanks!

 

[Monalyce]

I was thinking of applying to UChicago

Careful! There is a pharmacy school at University of Illinois AT Chicago (UIC)...but University of Chicago is a completely different entity (no pharmacy school, but a highly regarded MBA program, fyi).

 

[Dr.iz-n]

Okay, here goes...I've posted multiple posts regarding my stats, and I've finally did some of my own calculations, and want to provide more specific information to check my viability. Some of my stats have been off in terms of GPA, so decided to calculate it mysefl... Here are some of the stats I have:
1) Have BA and MPH in Epidemiology. Some coursework in Psyc on Graduate level, too
2) 7+ years of community service (volunteering for the Lupus Foundation and hospital volunteer during parts of college)
3) Work experience (7 years in the areas of clinical research, public health)
4) PCAT composite 77 (QA--41, Read--85, Bio--81, Chem 73, Verbal, 78)

5) Now here's the tricky part...I've calculated several GPAs:
1) Common Pre-Pharm Curriculum GPA--2.9 (for schools with academic forgiveness and courses I've taken over, the GPA comes out to 3.1-3.2)
2) Cumulative GPA W/O Grad courses--2.95
3) Cumulative GPA W/ Grad courses--3.2
4) Science GPA w/o Grad courses--2.86
5) Science GPA w/ Grad courses--3.02 (Does Pharmcas TOTAL Science GPA include undergrad AND grad courses in its TOTAL science GPA calculation?)

What are my chances? I'm just curious since I'm interested in Creighton Distance program as my first choice, but also interested in UMKC, SIUE,etc

Thank you!

 

[AwptimusPrime]

Removed.

 

[rycetrix]

reading these posts has given me hope and a realistic shot of where I might wind up, so first and foremost thanks to all who are posting for your time.

so with out any further delay here it goes.......

I recently graduated from UCSD (June 08) with a 2.5 gpa and a degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Math and Sci GPA around the same with a slight upward trend at the end. I'm not making any excuses for what happened, I just was a slacker all the way through pulling mostly Bs and Cs. But since I've moved home I feel i've gotten things together and will do what is necessary. Just hoping its not going to take 2 more years.

I've been living at home for about a year now taking some classes at a local JC (3: Anat + Lab, Ochem 1 + lab, Micro + lab, expecting A,B,A respectively since semester is almost over).

All classes are in quarter format for old classes taken
Gchem- B-,C,C
Ochem - C-,C,,D(retook and got B)
Bio - B-,B-
Math - B-,C,C+
Eng - A
Speech - B+
Physio - B- (8unit class)
Micro bio - C+,C-

PCAT - 69
verbal - 81
bio - 71
reading comp - 69
quant - 67
chem - 47 (yikes)
writing:
conventions- 4
problem solving 3.5

pharm experience - 2 years upcoming in june, with 1.5 as CPhT
slight research experience (summer internship as a freshman)

also it might seem dubious so please don't scoff at me but I also work for a tutoring company where I help below average children with Math and English since October. I was lazy but being intelligent was not a problem it was more a matter of application.

My plan between now and the upcoming cycle is as follows:

1: Retake PCAT
2: Enquire about possible "academic bankruptcy" options, since some schools won't accept classes for longer than 5 years old.
3: Have some leads for a research position with the NIH in DC, hoping they pull through.
4: maybe reake gchem 1-2+lab

I havent identified a lot of schools but i imagine my pickings are slim. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone out there could offer some additonal input to a first time poster such as myself. thanks in advance

Go out of state for sure. California schools are not going to go easy on your 2.5 GPA even if you went to UCSD. Make sure you do well in those classes that you are retaking. I would suggest retaking any subject that you got a C in and aim for the A and do well on your retake PCAT. Aim to raise your GPA to a 2.8 - 3.0 if possible. Continue to work in your pharmacy as that will be your most valuable asset when you are applying.

 

[rycetrix]

No one replied to my post...! I'm posting again, because I'm sincerely curious about my chances. I'm wondering if I'm shooting too high or what, and whether I need to lower my standards when I start applying this summer.

GPA: 3.3
science: not sure. I'd say it's probably around a 3.0.
Double degree: BS in biological sciences, and BS in psychology

PCAT - around ... 55 composite? I'm going to study a LOT this summer, and I feel I can definitely bump it up.

experience - 1.5 year volunteering at a hospital pharmacy, worked at a pharmacy in Korea for a summer

community involvement/extracurricular - I had a leadership role in a club (Japansese Student Association), as well as a member of the University Orchestra. I also co-founded a small folk band that goes and plays at nursing homes and such. I also drive in a unique race competition.

Good letters of recs from BioLab prof, pharmacist at hospital I volunteer at, and a chemlab prof.

I want to apply to some really good schools, although I don't think my GPA gives me much of a chance. I was thinking of applying to UChicago and UMD, as well as some of the California schools (UCSF). Also considering Austin, Seattle (UWashington), Thomas Jeff and a few others. Will I have a chance if I raise my PCAT significantly? I plan to dedicate my summer to studying for the PCAT. What about the cali schools who don't look at PCAT scores? Absolutely no chance, shooting too high, or do I have a chance - small or large? Thanks!

For california schools, PCATs don't matter, however they will still see your score. You definitely need to boost that up into the ~80's range if possible. Some of these schools you are suggesting are top tier and you need something that makes you stand out. If you can secure a retail (paid) pharmacy clerkship/tech position, that may also help you because then you've seen multiple aspects of pharmacy and then you would have something to show for your motivation to go into the profession. If possible, if you received any C grades or lower in any of your classes as an undergrad, retake those and try to get A grades in them. If you can do all that successfully, you will have a decent chance. There have been people accepted to UCSF with a 3.02 - 3.30 gpa (though few), but they stood out as applicants for a reason and you can do it too. Have more confidence and it will take you far. 👍

 

[dothandaraye]

I have finished my BS in Biochemistry 2 yr ago and recently decided to persue pharm.D. Here my stats and please feel free to tell me what I need to do to get ready for Pharmacy school and when I should apply.

a. Schools you are applying to-UOP, UCSF, UCSD,Oregan state U, USN, touro(CA),USC, Western, Wash State U,MCPHS-worcester
b. Overall GPA-3.1**(community college~85 credits), 3.45 (4 yr U~90+credits)
c. Math/Science GPA- ~3.2**
prereq GPAs -
Calculus ===> B,B, C
G-chem==> straight B (CC)
Ochem ==> A+, A,B+(4 yr U)
Physics==> A-, A, B+(4 yr U)
Bios ===> straight B (CC)
Microbio==> A (CC)
Biochem===> i have lots of biochem since its my major (B+,C+,B,A,B(lab), A-) , 4 credits As in research biochem credits
anatomy+physio ( taking this summer)
psychology==> A-, Econ ===> B, Cultural class ===> A, Sociology ===> A-
d. GPA in last one or two school years-not in school last 2 yr, going back to take anatomy and physio this summer cos they are pre-reqs
e. Complete PCAT scores-not taken yet; i think these schools doesnt requires PCAT
f. Pharmacy experience obtained- will start in CVS this june
g. Date of application submission- havent applied yet
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs-5 total (2 professors, 2 bosses, 1 pharmacist)
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
>>>4 yr ago- in community college- founder of Burmese Student Club >>>2 yr ago-back in school- secratary of Golden Gate Honor Society, member of Health Career Organization, undergraduate research project-independent(no publication), Physics and O-chem tutor in UCR learning center
>>>after graduation-
1) Full time job at Clinical toxicology lab- theraputic drug testing using LCMS (anti psychotics and immunosuppressants), trace metal tests using ICP-ms and AA-s (both toxic and theraputics)
2) part time tutoring- AP chem
j. Self-perception of interview skills-working on it, practice ... practice... practice
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality-working on it (somebody can proff read and evaluate my PS? ?)
l. reasons why I want to be a pharmacist- not a big fan of retail, but would like to involve in clinical and nuclear pharmacy if I can get into some company that offers the training.

Since I will finish up my anatomy and physio classes in August, I am wondering if i should apply in 2009 september or wait for another year to apply. If i shall wait for another year, what should I do meanwhile, to improve my chance of getting in.

 

[rycetrix]

I have finished my BS in Biochemistry 2 yr ago and recently decided to persue pharm.D. Here my stats and please feel free to tell me what I need to do to get ready for Pharmacy school and when I should apply.

a. Schools you are applying to-UOP, UCSF, UCSD,Oregan state U, USN, touro(CA),USC, Western, Wash State U,MCPHS-worcester
b. Overall GPA-3.1**(community college~85 credits), 3.45 (4 yr U~90+credits)
c. Math/Science GPA- ~3.2**
prereq GPAs -
Calculus ===> B,B, C
G-chem==> straight B (CC)
Ochem ==> A+, A,B+(4 yr U)
Physics==> A-, A, B+(4 yr U)
Bios ===> straight B (CC)
Microbio==> A (CC)
Biochem===> i have lots of biochem since its my major (B+,C+,B,A,B(lab), A-) , 4 credits As in research biochem credits
anatomy+physio ( taking this summer)
psychology==> A-, Econ ===> B, Cultural class ===> A, Sociology ===> A-
d. GPA in last one or two school years-not in school last 2 yr, going back to take anatomy and physio this summer cos they are pre-reqs
e. Complete PCAT scores-not taken yet; i think these schools doesnt requires PCAT
f. Pharmacy experience obtained- will start in CVS this june
g. Date of application submission- havent applied yet
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs-5 total (2 professors, 2 bosses, 1 pharmacist)
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience
>>>4 yr ago- in community college- founder of Burmese Student Club >>>2 yr ago-back in school- secratary of Golden Gate Honor Society, member of Health Career Organization, undergraduate research project-independent(no publication), Physics and O-chem tutor in UCR learning center
>>>after graduation-
1) Full time job at Clinical toxicology lab- theraputic drug testing using LCMS (anti psychotics and immunosuppressants), trace metal tests using ICP-ms and AA-s (both toxic and theraputics)
2) part time tutoring- AP chem
j. Self-perception of interview skills-working on it, practice ... practice... practice
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality-working on it (somebody can proff read and evaluate my PS? ?)
l. reasons why I want to be a pharmacist- not a big fan of retail, but would like to involve in clinical and nuclear pharmacy if I can get into some company that offers the training.

Since I will finish up my anatomy and physio classes in August, I am wondering if i should apply in 2009 september or wait for another year to apply. If i shall wait for another year, what should I do meanwhile, to improve my chance of getting in.

Try to see if you can get pharmacy experience (whether it be retail or hospital). Additionally, USN requires the PCAT for Fall 2010 applicants (this will be the first year they institute that requirement). Other than that, you have a decent chance of getting into one of the schools you named above so long as you do well on your application essays and gain confidence in your interviewing skills.

 

[dothandaraye]

Thank you very much for replying.... for now, my worst fear will be not having enough pharmacy experience and perhaps interview skills. I wonder if there is any place or organization that offer mock interviews and stuffs.

 

[charfdorn]

Thank you very much for replying.... for now, my worst fear will be not having enough pharmacy experience and perhaps interview skills. I wonder if there is any place or organization that offer mock interviews and stuffs.

Your hardest task is going to be convincing the adcom that you are serious about pharmacy and didn't just jump into it because it pays well and you had most of the classes you would need. Try to sell them on your commitment to the field. Be able to answer the question "why pharmacy?" in an articulate, well-reasoned way. You are going to get that question a *lot* and you can actually blow your chances by not answering it well.

 

[dothandaraye]

😍

Your hardest task is going to be convincing the adcom that you are serious about pharmacy and didn't just jump into it because it pays well and you had most of the classes you would need. Try to sell them on your commitment to the field. Be able to answer the question "why pharmacy?" in an articulate, well-reasoned way. You are going to get that question a *lot* and you can actually blow your chances by not answering it well.

To answer that question honestly, I already have a decent paid job in this drug lab.(well... 50k+ is sufficent for a single i guess...) but I dont feel like I am satisfied, and wanna be something more than that, not because of $$ or what-so-ever. But because I wanna be in profession where I can earn higher respect from peers and bosses. & also become eligible to do more varieties of things such as research, teaching and patient care.
True that, my pharmacist friends make a lot more $. But according to them, they have a lot more tax taken out since they are in higher bracket, minus school loan payments... dosnt make a high leap in net income for studying hard for 4 year. I just wanna be something more than a drug lab tech. Most likely, I wont be regrading like some people that I have seen because of the taxes and school loans that they have to pay back. So it is more about job sactisfactory and how I wanna spend the rest of my life since work is a biggest part of my life. I want to be in this phase of life where I dont have to worry about what's next but just focus on my current career and be satisfied. Although it is not I am not dedicated to be a pharmacist since I am young or what-so-ever, the experience that I went through ensurethat I wanted to be a pharmacist because of above reasons. Ofc, I need to sugar code that answer in the interview. any idea how to do that? ? or any comment is that good enough reason or do I have to give it a little more thought.


Thank you soo soo much for advices; I kinna wish I started doing this during undergrad with all these advisors and such in school; it chould have been easier. but still, I can use this website as my advisor 😀

 

[rycetrix]

😍


To answer that question honestly, I already have a decent paid job in this drug lab.(well... 50k+ is sufficent for a single i guess...) but I dont feel like I am satisfied, and wanna be something more than that, not because of $$ or what-so-ever. But because I wanna be in profession where I can earn higher respect from peers and bosses. & also become eligible to do more varieties of things such as research, teaching and patient care.
True that, my pharmacist friends make a lot more $. But according to them, they have a lot more tax taken out since they are in higher bracket, minus school loan payments... dosnt make a high leap in net income for studying hard for 4 year. I just wanna be something more than a drug lab tech. Most likely, I wont be regrading like some people that I have seen because of the taxes and school loans that they have to pay back. So it is more about job sactisfactory and how I wanna spend the rest of my life since work is a biggest part of my life. I want to be in this phase of life where I dont have to worry about what's next but just focus on my current career and be satisfied. Although it is not I am not dedicated to be a pharmacist since I am young or what-so-ever, the experience that I went through ensurethat I wanted to be a pharmacist because of above reasons. Ofc, I need to sugar code that answer in the interview. any idea how to do that? ? or any comment is that good enough reason or do I have to give it a little more thought.


Thank you soo soo much for advices; I kinna wish I started doing this during undergrad with all these advisors and such in school; it chould have been easier. but still, I can use this website as my advisor 😀

I think you need to give it a little more thought. You need to show why you want to switch careers after having a stable job. You need to show that you are interested in pharmacy (and to earn higher respect from your peers is not a valid reason for admissions). Indicate what steps you have taken to show your progression into the pharmacy field. Once you do all these things, you can begin to apply these thoughts into a well-structured personal statement and be able to back yourself up during an interview when the interviewers ask, "Why pharmacy?" or "Why do you want to be a pharmacist?".

 

[citychris]

Hi, I looked around and couldn't find an applicant with my exact profile and school choice.

a. Schools applying to: UCSF, UCSD, USC, University of Arizona, USN, University of Utah
b. Overall GPA: 3.6 (Will graduate w/ honors degree in Biochem)
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.5 (B's in OChem)
d. GPA in last two years: 3.5
e. PCAT: 92 composite (88 Chem)
f. Pharm Experience: CPhT, 6 months of work experience
g. Date of Application (submitting for 2010 by August)

h. 4 LORS: Biochem advisor, research mentor, lab employer, and retail pharmacist
i. Volunteer/Work: 3 years of lab experience (1 yr OChem, 2 yrs Biochem), Big Brothers Big Sisters (1 yr)
f. Interview skills: Medium-Strong
g. Personal statement: Average

By the way, I am a Nevada resident (i.e. out of state applicant for all but one school). So with this profile do I have a pretty good chance at getting in at one of these schools, or should I apply to some less prestigous colleges? I would especially like to hear from those who were accepted to the schools listed. I really appreciate the feedback.

 

[rycetrix]

Hi, I looked around and couldn't find an applicant with my exact profile and school choice.

a. Schools applying to: UCSF, UCSD, USC, University of Arizona, USN, University of Utah
b. Overall GPA: 3.6 (Will graduate w/ honors degree in Biochem)
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.5 (B's in OChem)
d. GPA in last two years: 3.5
e. PCAT: 92 composite (88 Chem)
f. Pharm Experience: CPhT, 6 months of work experience
g. Date of Application (submitting for 2010 by August)

h. 4 LORS: Biochem advisor, research mentor, lab employer, and retail pharmacist
i. Volunteer/Work: 3 years of lab experience (1 yr OChem, 2 yrs Biochem), Big Brothers Big Sisters (1 yr)
f. Interview skills: Medium-Strong
g. Personal statement: Average

By the way, I am a Nevada resident (i.e. out of state applicant for all but one school). So with this profile do I have a pretty good chance at getting in at one of these schools, or should I apply to some less prestigous colleges? I would especially like to hear from those who were accepted to the schools listed. I really appreciate the feedback.

You have an excellent chance and your PCAT score is very good. Is the LOR from your biochem advisor actually a professor that you took a class from? You should get a LOR from a faculty professor who can vouch for your academic skills. Otherwise, the other LORs are fine. Improve your interview skills by trying out mock interviews (usually provided by your school or job fairs) and your personal statement needs to be more than just average. Make your personal statement stand out and show what you have to offer to these schools. With these stats, you have a high chance of landing an interview for sure, but its up to your interview skills to see if you can claim an acceptance (I was accepted to UCSF and USN, interviewed at USC but waitlisted, and interviewed at UCSD but rejected...so my advice is coming from experience). Have confidence in yourself and it will take you very far. 👍

 

[AwptimusPrime]

I am currently a junior in high school and am looking into applying to a pharmacy school next year, particularly those schools offering the 0-6 programs. At this time I am mainly looking into (1) Rutgers, (2) USP, (3) UD-Jefferson. Also, even though these schools don't require LOR's or essays, should I still send them in? Futhermore, what about SAT II? Do I need to or should I take them?

My current high school GPA is about 3.8-3.9 weighted (decimal in between) and I am going to be retaking the SAT in October, as I didn't do so well the first time around. What is a "decent" score for the SAT?

Math/Science Courses Taken/Taking:
Honors Biology
Honors Chemistry
Honors Physics
AP Chemistry
AP Calculus AB
*Note* Honors = Highest possible level besides AP.

Courses to be taken next year:
AP Calculus BC
AP Economics
Possibly AP Gov. and Polit.
Possibly Honors O Chem

Additionally, I am looking towards receiving college credit (12-14 credits) from the University of Delaware by taking 4 summer courses. Courses include: Intro to Sociology, Spanish II, INTRO TO SOC & CULT ANTHROPOLO, and American Political System. Basically these cources are part of the free elective requirement for the UD-Jefferson pharmacy program and so I trying to finish some pre-reqs.

So if you are currently enrolled in either Rutgers or USP, please post any recommendations and comments based on the information I have presented.

 

[ashleyann]

Hello! I'm currently a junior in high school as well. I live in Florida so my top two choices would be: UF and FAMU.

Science/Math Classes Taken:
IB Biology
IB Chemistry
AP Biology
Environmental Science
Algebra I Honors
IB Geometry
IB Algebra II
Integrated Math

Math/Science Classes for Next Year:
Analytical Geometry
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
AP Chemistry

My overall GPA is a 3.1
My math/science GPA is a 3.8

Experience: 1+ year as a Pharmacy Technician at Walgreens
Community Service: 100 hours at the hospital, 50 in other event

I haven't taken the SAT, and I just took the ACT two weeks ago.
On a practice ACT I scored 21 but, that was a while ago.

What are my chances?