THE WAMC thread (what are my chances?)

[Charlemagne]

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Same here! LOL.

Almost all applicants have 3.85+ cumulative GPA and 165+ on LSAT (Which would be roughly equivalent to a 95 composite on the PCAT).

If you go below either of those metrics more or less, welcome to McGeorge School of Law, hope you like ambulance chasing.

Hell, why not become a doctor while you're at it! Then, you can swat the law students away when they ask if the patient has been given heparin or other similar drugs.

" Hi, I'm Robert A. Goldwater. If you've been prescribed X without your knowledge and experienced unwanted side effects, you may be entitled to a settlement."

 

[calisoca]

a. Schools you are applying to
dont know yet...
b. Overall GPA: <3.0
c. Math/Science GPA: <3.0
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.0?
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): AUG 2009
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: pharmacy volunteer, inpatient and outpatient, working at chain pharmacy
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): end of AUG, after PCAT
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 1 microbio, 1 Ochem professor, pharmacy manager?
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: hospital volunteer. church missions?,
j. Self-perception of interview skills: good if not nervous
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: about my hardships during UG. kinda seems like im complaining, hopefully not.

im just doing this cuz all u others with 3.8 GPAS complaining are just being ridiculous.

This thread is here to give you an honest opinion about your chances. That being said, when you write that your cgpa is <3.0 you've defeated the purpose entirely. Nobody can give you accurate advice with such vague information; however, I will say with a cgpa under 3.0 (and it must be way under being that you're too embarassed to reveal it) your chances are pretty poor. Moreover, your most recent coursework boasts a B- average--this looks anything but promising to an admissions committee.

Perception of interview skills: "Good if not nervous"...? I can't imagine anybody not being nervous before a pharmacy school interview, so you might be in for some trouble. Work on getting your GPA to a competitive range before you start worrying about interviews though. Good luck

 

[charfdorn]

Did I miss something? I didn't think your criminal record had any effect on your application. I did a background check to get into school, but I don't remember anything of the sort until I was already accepted. That doesn't mean you won't have to explain it at some point, but I thought the place to disclose that was after your acceptance, not before. Can someone confirm or deny this?

 

[dahopeful]

Will an arrest on my record effect my chances of getting into Pharmacy School, even if there was no conviction??


Background:
I'm 20 and my brother is 19. So me and my brother had an altercation, and I used a flashlight in self defense and ended up cutting his head. I felt really bad as I was only trying to defend myself after he had attacked me. Well he was already angry and decided to call the police and press charges. I was arrested and bailed out by my family. My brother feels very guilty admits he was in the wrong.

I have very good grades and am known as the good kid in the family. My brother is addicted to crystal meth and was coming off the drug at the time of the incident. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

edit- Note: This was a felony arrest for assault with a deadly weapon...

You can pay a few dollars and obtain your own criminal background record (you have to go to the police department that arrested you) and see if it shows up on there. More than likely it will show that you was arrested. Depending on how long ago this was, you can request that it be expunged.

I say it depends on how long ago it was because you may have to talk to the DA. You can speak with him or her and tell them the situation that occurred between you and your brother. Tell what you learned from the situation. Talk about the positives you done since, and the positives you plan to do in the future. Tell him or her how having the arrest on your record may hinder you from getting accepted into pharmacy school.

Best of luck

 

[solzont]

a. Schools you are applying to: Midwestern glendale, and UofA
b. Overall GPA: 3.61
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.48
d. GPA in last one or two school years:
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite):
verbal 38
reading 68
math 81
bio 71
chm 58
comp 65
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 3 years Certified pharm tech exp, and 5 months volunteer work at a childrens pediatrics emergency room
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): August 2009

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 4 total for UofA but only 3 for Midwestern seeing since thats all they allow they are all strong. 3 come from pharmacist 1 from a pharm Manager, and one from a pharmacist who worked at a large hospital that did the highering of residents. The other is my microbio professor.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: 5 months
j. Self-perception of interview skills: I get nervous when i talk to people in settings such as these. I am hoping i do well here.
k. Additional Inf

I just want to know if you think i am ok and can get into one of these schools or need to take the pcat test again.
I also have an A frist Organic chm semister and B+ second
A+ in calc 1 and A in calc 2
I have one C in Cell bio and a C+ in biochm--- my brother died in afganistan fighting a war which i am opposed to when i got these so i was not in my right mind.
My personal statement is really strong and everyone seems to like it so far.

I'm not the most qualified to judge your PCAT scores, you'll want to check the cutoff for accepted students at your school of interest. However, the rest of your application looks good from the limited information here.

I am a veteran, and my heart goes out to you and your family. I do want to caution you against deflecting responsibility for poor performance onto other people/circumstances, don't play the victim card. It's OK to say, "I had trouble focusing after my brother died in Afghanistan." But, you should be able to follow it up with, "...I refocused myself to achieve..." Like it or not, adversity will be commonplace in your time at Pharmacy School and life in general. Hopefully nothing will compare to losing a brother, and that's my point. I think you will do yourself more of a service by focusing on how you overcame that adversity than blaming your poor grades on it. Believe me, if well-written the correlation between your adversity and drop in performance will be implied by the story, you shouldn't have to state it explicitly.

For interviewing, do mock interviews, I'm dead serious. There are sample questions all over the web. What I did was grab a list of pre-med questions from university web sites (there were over 184 on one site!) and started writing out the answers to the most challenging of them; about 60 total. You'll be surprised what you discover about yourself and choice of profession once you do that. Next, have a professional that doesn't know you ask you questions from the list you provide. This is very similar to a closed-file interview. If you can do 5+ of these, you'll be set! I was.

 

[Dave4468]

Thank you everyone for your responses.

I would be VERY relieved if someone clarified that they only do background checks AFTER you are accepted. I just came back from an appointment with my attorney and he said that the actual arrest will most likely never come off of my record.

Also, for the person who asked, the flashlight was not a maglite, I probably would not have hit him if it was. Heres a link to how it looked like, it was a cheap little thing and it was also very light in weight as it had no batteries in it.
http://media.digikey.com/photos/Energizer Photos/5109IND.jpg

Oh and yea, it looks like I did confuse "affect" with "effect," whoops! 😳

 

[Passion4Sci]

Thank you everyone for your responses.

I would be VERY relieved if someone clarified that they only do background checks AFTER you are accepted. I just came back from an appointment with my attorney and he said that the actual arrest will most likely never come off of my record.

Also, for the person who asked, the flashlight was not a maglite, I probably would not have hit him if it was. Heres a link to how it looked like, it was a cheap little thing and it was also very light in weight as it had no batteries in it.
http://media.digikey.com/photos/Energizer Photos/5109IND.jpg

Oh and yea, it looks like I did confuse "affect" with "effect," whoops! 😳

I can't see how that can at all be construed as a deadly weapon.

What the ****.

 

[Dave4468]

Oh and for more of a background on the whole story, just for those who are curious...



I went in my brothers room to take back stuff that had stolen from my family. Every time you can go into his room, you can likely find something that he has stolen. Sure enough, I found the flashlight and told him I'm taking it back. As I was walking away he ran over to me and starting attacking me. He was in a rage and can be a pretty dangerous person when hes coming off of drugs. He got me in a position where he was trying to bring me to the ground, thats when I used the flashlight and hit him about 2-3 times in the head.

He let go and I was shocked to see blood (I didn't think I hit him that hard and I was trying to use the "blunt" part of the flashlight) so I ran into the bathroom, and got a wash cloth and tried to help him. But he was too upset and beligerant so he used a neighbors phone to call the police. He also refused to wipe off the blood so the "police could see what I did to him." He had to get three staples in his head, but thankfully he is OK and the only pain he gets is from touching that part of his head. I would say the pictures the police had taken were a little exaggerated at the time.




Right now, my brother feels very guilty and knows he wasn't in the right state of mind at the time. He knows how much I care about trying to get into Pharmacy school and he does not want this on my record.

Also, if it matters, my brother is 6ft tall, 180 pounds and I'm 5'4", 130 pounds.

 

[dahopeful]

The police probably should have charged you with assault and battery here. The police had the evidence (the pics of your brother's head). The police had the weapon (the flashlight). The reason the case may not have gone to trial is because the police charged you with the wrong crime.

Anyways, I used to volunteer for my city's district attorney (DA). I seen people come in and get their records expunged all the time. For example, there was one case where this 22 year old guy had robbed a man when he was 18 years old. He requested that his record be expunged. The guy had gone to a community college and had maintained a 3.9 GPA and graduated with an associate degree. In addition, he did volunteer work, such as volunteering at his old high school to help at-risk students. He wanted to join the military, but was afraid that his record would hold him back. The DA expunged his record.

Most of the cases I seen get expunged was one time offenders. You are not an offender, because you haven't been convicted of a crime. You just have an arrest on your record. In addition, you also have the person who called the police on you. You can get your brother to write a statement about what happened. Your job is simply to convince the DA that you are not a threat to society.

It cost $20 in my city to request that your record be expunge. The worse thing they can say to you is no. If the DA approves your request you will not have to explain to anyone (pharmacy schools or future employers) about the arrest because it won't be on your record anymore (and the words expunged will not be on your record either).

 

[koercive]

Expunged records still show up in government databases (state board of pharmacies).

OP, you may or may not be asked about it during interviews (you will need to disclose it on pharmCAS and the supplemental applications). You may run into problems with your state board of pharmacy, but like others have said here, it's not as bad as having a drug conviction. If I were to guess, you would have to file an appeal with your state board of pharmacy. You can call them and find out how your arrest will affect you.

 

[dahopeful]

Expunged records still show up in government databases (state board of pharmacies).

OP, you may or may not be asked about it during interviews (you will need to disclose it on pharmCAS and the supplemental applications). You may run into problems with your state board of pharmacy, but like others have said here, it's not as bad as having a drug conviction. If I were to guess, you would have to file an appeal with your state board of pharmacy. You can call them and find out how your arrest will affect you.

Thank you for the correction, but I was under the impression that if the military couldn't see it then the pharm board can't as well. I know the only time the military will scrub ones background is if the job requires security clearance... hmmm, prehaps pharm schools do the latter option.

 

[luke123]

I'm not the most qualified to judge your PCAT scores, you'll want to check the cutoff for accepted students at your school of interest. However, the rest of your application looks good from the limited information here.

I am a veteran, and my heart goes out to you and your family. I do want to caution you against deflecting responsibility for poor performance onto other people/circumstances, don't play the victim card. It's OK to say, "I had trouble focusing after my brother died in Afghanistan." But, you should be able to follow it up with, "...I refocused myself to achieve..." Like it or not, adversity will be commonplace in your time at Pharmacy School and life in general. Hopefully nothing will compare to losing a brother, and that's my point. I think you will do yourself more of a service by focusing on how you overcame that adversity than blaming your poor grades on it. Believe me, if well-written the correlation between your adversity and drop in performance will be implied by the story, you shouldn't have to state it explicitly.

For interviewing, do mock interviews, I'm dead serious. There are sample questions all over the web. What I did was grab a list of pre-med questions from university web sites (there were over 184 on one site!) and started writing out the answers to the most challenging of them; about 60 total. You'll be surprised what you discover about yourself and choice of profession once you do that. Next, have a professional that doesn't know you ask you questions from the list you provide. This is very similar to a closed-file interview. If you can do 5+ of these, you'll be set! I was.

I do appreciate you taking time to let me know what you think. Especially seeing since you were the only one to do so. I did not mention the fact that he died in my personal statement. I don't mean to sound like I am blaming him for my poor grades in bio chm. Because obviously it was my fault for not doing well. I have called both UofA and midwestern. However, i got mixed reviews, UofA told me I should apply and not bother wasting my money on taking the pcats again, but Midwestern told me that i was ok but there is a chance that the verbal could keep me from getting in. I found that weird because UofA told me they dont even look at the verbal or reading comp. I am also a resident of arizona so i think that helps my chances with UofA.

 

[Monalyce]

I mean is it even possible to get into any of the schools is listed without any volunteer/extracurricular experience? I posted my stats previously. I do have excellent grades and only lack a few classes as far as pre-reqs. are concerned. I am very worried about this....

I can't really speak for the other schools. Good luck!

 

[cheeseboy2]

Schools you are applying to:
UCSF, Western, UOP, UCSD, USC, Touro, California Northstate (should I even apply considering it doesnt have full accreditation yet?), Loma Linda (I'm not Christian...how am I supposed to get a letter from a spiritual advisor?...Should I even apply?)

I actually need suggestions on finding good out-of-state schools that I would have a good shot getting into considering my stats.


Overall GPA:
3.3 (at UCI)

Math/Science GPA:
between 3.0-3.2

GPA in last one or two school years:
~3.3

Complete PCAT scores (or just composite):
Planning to take it in August and in October if necessary (how long does it take to get your scores?)

Pharmacy experience obtained:
Worked in a Leader Pharmacy for 7 months with over 250 hours of experience.

Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary)
Plan to submit within 2 weeks

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:

Number of LORs and source of LORs:
1-Pharmacist
2- Microbiology Professor. PhD
3- P.I. for Research PhD

Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience:
3 months at Hoag and will continue
3 years on school a capella team.....not pharmacy related at all ofcourse

Self-perception of interview skills:
I think with practice I can do fine. I am a good conversationalist.

Taking all of this into consideration, what do you honestly think are my chances?

Thank you.

Yo nsp531,

I'm not a pharmacy student or anything, but I can say that I had similar stats to what you had when I applied last year. I had a 3.23 gpa from UCSD, similar ECs, and I applied to the exact same list of schools that you have listed. I got an interview from Northstate and got in, but didn't get anything from any of the other schools. I decided not to go to Northstate because of the whole accreditation dilemma.

I'd highly highly recommend taking the PCAT asap and applying to out of state schools. The UC system does an awesome job at teaching sciences and I pulled off a 94% comp, which makes up for the mid/low gpa. I'm hoping that I have better chances in out-of-state schools or can get lucky and stay in CA.

It takes 6 weeks to get the scores I think. If you e-submit and have the CID number, then I believe the schools will receive your app and can look back at your scores when they come in, so there is no delay.

I hope this helps, good luck!

 

[KDT3]

a. Schools you are applying to: University of Florida, University of North Carolina, University of Texas, University of Southern California, University of California at SF, and all other florida schools (I live in FL)
b. Overall GPA : 3.63
c. Math/Science GPA : 3.8
d. GPA in last one or two school years : 3.85
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite) : composite 89
f. Pharmacy experience obtained : Hospital Pharmacy shadowing and Intensive Care Unit Pharmacist shadowing, approximately 20 hrs each
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) : 08/2009

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 5 total, 3 from professors, 1 from advisor, 1 from pharmacist
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience : Summer Tennis Camp Volunterring, ~60 hrs, and had a part time job freshmen year for about 2 months
j. Self-perception of interview skills : average?
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: good, unique pharmacy inspirations

Thanks for all adivce!

 

[samuraix]

a. Schools you are applying to : USC, UCSD, UCSF, UOP, Western
b. Overall GPA: 3.94
c. Math/Science GPA: 4.00/ 3.95
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.95
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): not planning on taking PCAT
f. Pharmacy experience obtained : 3 months of hospital pharmacy shadowing/ volunteerg.
Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) : PharmCAS submitted in June, UOP supplemental submitted in tier 1, USC submitted on Aug 3. The other 3 supps have not been submitted because the schools don't have rolling admission.
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs : 4
1. Molecular Bio Professor
2. Microbio Lec and Lab Professor
3. Pharmacist
4. Social worker from hospital (also volunteer coordinator)

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: American Red cross outreach (1.5 years), basketball head coach (3 months), badminton assistant coach (2 years), hospital volunteer ( 1.5 years)
j. Self-perception of interview skills: with practice I'll be ok
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality : it's ok, not sure if it'll stand out though

I'm not confident with the supplemental essays because I'm busy with summer school and can't seem to focus on revising them much. Please give me your input. Thank you!

 

[etz617]

What are my chances?

a. Schools you are applying to - Auburn University, Samford University, probably some out of state schools to improve my chances

b. Overall GPA - 3.088 (91 hours)

c. Math/Science GPA - 3.134 (56 hours)

d. GPA in last one or two school years - Fall 06: 3.154, Spring 07: 3.0, Summer 07: 4.0, Fall 07: 3.25, Spring 08: 2.143, Summer 08: 4.0, Fall 09: 2.875, Summer 09: 4.0

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Not taken yet, projected composite in the 80s(I'm a competent test taker)

f. Pharmacy experience obtained: none, seeking to shadow one in fall when I move back to school

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): asap? lol

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: none yet, don't know my professors well enough. Working on this. Advice?

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Many volunteer hours via church, boy scouts, my fraternity. Member of Beta Beta Beta, Alpha Epsilon Delta, brother of Lambda Chi Alpha, Chemistry Club, Environmental Science Club, Math Club (note: no leaderships positions held). Will graduate with degree in Cell&Molecular Biology in Spring 2010, hope to have my cumulative gpa @ 3.4 by then

j. Self-perception of interview skills: Depends on attitude and quantity of interviewers. I will be nervous regardless, but moreso if theres a team of people assaulting me with questions and judging everything I say. Otherwise I'm very personable, well spoken, broad vocabular, etc.

k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: Not written yet, will be last thing I do. I wouldn't say I'm a talented author, but I know what I'm doing when it comes to writing.

I know I probably do not have a competitive chance right now(well, maybe I do at the schools I'm applying to haha), just seeing what I need to improve on and what my peers think. Maybe put off application a year and improve my resume.

 

[Monalyce]

I know I probably do not have a competitive chance right now(well, maybe I do at the schools I'm applying to haha), just seeing what I need to improve on and what my peers think. Maybe put off application a year and improve my resume.

My initial response is: save your money and apply for Fall 2011.
My tips: volunteer or get some healthcare exposure, whether it is pharmacy or not. Shadow any pharmacists you can. Take on a leadership position this year, one that you can put some time into. Study for that PCAT. Keep your grades up.
As far as LORs: if you don't have any letter writers in mind, this is a warning sign to me. Good LORs are a reward for effort...use the year and get to know professors, a pharmacist (perhaps one you can shadow regularly over the year!), or a work/volunteer supervisor.
I don't mean to come off harsh, but a year used well (see above) could definitely improve your application.

 

[rycetrix]

a. Schools you are applying to : USC, UCSD, UCSF, UOP, Western
b. Overall GPA: 3.94
c. Math/Science GPA: 4.00/ 3.95
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.95
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): not planning on taking PCAT
f. Pharmacy experience obtained : 3 months of hospital pharmacy shadowing/ volunteerg.
Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) : PharmCAS submitted in June, UOP supplemental submitted in tier 1, USC submitted on Aug 3. The other 3 supps have not been submitted because the schools don't have rolling admission.
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs : 4
1. Molecular Bio Professor
2. Microbio Lec and Lab Professor
3. Pharmacist
4. Social worker from hospital (also volunteer coordinator)

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: American Red cross outreach (1.5 years), basketball head coach (3 months), badminton assistant coach (2 years), hospital volunteer ( 1.5 years)
j. Self-perception of interview skills: with practice I'll be ok
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality : it's ok, not sure if it'll stand out though

I'm not confident with the supplemental essays because I'm busy with summer school and can't seem to focus on revising them much. Please give me your input. Thank you!

You're good to go, but you really need to work on those essays. Don't give the admissions committees anything to look down at you for. Emphasize your pharmacy experience, even if it was only for three months in the hospital setting. Talk about your experiences in your essays with those three months (at the time of applying, I only had two months experience at retail). Make sure they get the essence of how you chose the pharmacy profession and show your genuine reasoning for it. I think the theme word is to be genuine. Good luck.

 

[etz617]

My initial response is: save your money and apply for Fall 2011.
My tips: volunteer or get some healthcare exposure, whether it is pharmacy or not. Shadow any pharmacists you can. Take on a leadership position this year, one that you can put some time into. Study for that PCAT. Keep your grades up.
As far as LORs: if you don't have any letter writers in mind, this is a warning sign to me. Good LORs are a reward for effort...use the year and get to know professors, a pharmacist (perhaps one you can shadow regularly over the year!), or a work/volunteer supervisor.
I don't mean to come off harsh, but a year used well (see above) could definitely improve your application.

Yeah getting experience with a healthcare setting is my number one priority right now, aside from making A's and graduating. Trying to bring my science GPA up to a 3.4, and I'm taking the PCAT in October(I'm not trying to be arrogant by assuming I can achieve a composite score in the 80s my first try, I'm just good at standardized tests).

The LORs... it's not that I don't work hard, which I do. It's just that I have large classes that are hard to get individual attention in. It also doesn't help that I'm rather independent as far as studying and work goes. I don't often go to my professors for help. It's just difficult to build a relationship, and I'm not sure how to go about it. Same for building a relationship with my schools of choice.

I think I may just apply to the instate schools this year to see if I can get an interview because it can't hurt.

edit: I also wasn't 100% determined to get into pharmacy school until the past year, so this also attributes to my weak resume.

 

[Shiznitz]

a. Schools you are applying to: USC, UCSD, WESTERN, TOURO, UOP, NORTHSTATE, PURDUE, WASHINGTON STATE

b. Overall GPA: 3.125

c. Math/Science GPA: 3.462

d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.7

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): N/A

f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 100+ VOLUNTEER HOURS AT KAISER.

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

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 6. 2 FROM PROFESSORS, 2 FROM PHARMACIST, 1 RESEARCH PROF., 1 FROM VOLUNTEER SERVICES

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: IN HIGH SCHOOL: WORKED AT FOODCOURT, IN COLLEGE: WAITER SINCE 07. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH LAB ASSISTANT.

j. Self-perception of interview skills: ILL DO FINE. HOPEFULLY.

k. Additional Inf: INVOLVED IN SPECIAL PROJECT. CERTIFIED PHARMACY TECH

THANKS EVERYONE!

 

[Chewey]

a. Schools you are applying to: UCSF,UCSD,USC,UOP,Western U, Touro and Northstate

b. Overall GPA: 3.211 (got my BS in 3 years only)

c. Math/Science GPA: 3.1

d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.2

e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): N/A

f. Pharmacy experience obtained: None so far.

g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): Late September

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 1 from cell biology professor whom I've done research with for 2 years. 1 from volunteer coordinator at a local dental clinic and 1 from pharmacist (hopefully).

i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Undergrad lab assistant at UCI. 100+ volunteer hours at a free dental clinic. Secretary/receptionist at a commercial bank and worked at Macy's for a short while.

j. Self-perception of interview skills: Need some practice.

k. Additional Inf: Im trying to get my pharm tech license now so i can find a job.
I got a summer fellowship for doing independent research, in cell biology, at UCI and presented my work in 2007.
I have a BS in biology, however, I am taking additional courses at a community college to fulfill the pre-reqs for pharm school. I will finish them by spring 2010.

What are my chances of getting in for 2010?

Should I even apply for 2010 (application will be late) or is it wiser to apply for 2011 entering class?

Thanks!!!

 

[Monalyce]

The LORs... it's not that I don't work hard, which I do. It's just that I have large classes that are hard to get individual attention in. It also doesn't help that I'm rather independent as far as studying and work goes. I don't often go to my professors for help. It's just difficult to build a relationship, and I'm not sure how to go about it. Same for building a relationship with my schools of choice.

By effort I don't mean working hard in class...I mean taking the time out to get to know professors. I went to an university with 50,000 students! It's a much more real world type situation, in that you have to make things happen for yourself! The professor isn't going to take time out to get to you know you. I rarely needed help from professors either, but I found ways to have conversations with them about their professional interests, etc. Start at the beginning of the semester, because professors can tell when students start showing up, brownnosing for a LOR. This means, choose to get to know professors that you have legitimate interest in getting to know, or learning more about their area of expertise. Hope this helps.

 

[617]

ezt617 "The LORs... it's not that I don't work hard, which I do. It's just that I have large classes that are hard to get individual attention in. It also doesn't help that I'm rather independent as far as studying and work goes. I don't often go to my professors for help. It's just difficult to build a relationship, and I'm not sure how to go about it. Same for building a relationship with my schools of choice."

We have over 200 students in most of my science classes also. I do not go to any professors' office hours but they all know me because I always sit in the 1st row for the whole school year. Sometimes they ask you to model for their lectures and that how they know your name.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

Any input is appreciated:

SCHOOLS 2010 cycle:
-NSU (Nova)
-PBA (Palm Beach Atlantic)
-LECOM (Bradenton)
-UF (all Florida campuses)

-Touro (Vallejo, CA)
-California Northstate
-University of the Pacific

STATs:
-GPA: 3.3 (science is the same)
-Bach. degree conferred May 09 (Biology w/ chem and psych minors)
-PCAT: 93 percentile
-Hospital pharmacy volunteer
-Starting MBA degree Fall 2009
-Part time job
-College cheerleader (community & volunteer work, school ambassador)

*For the 2009 cycle I applied at two schools (very last minute) and was conditionally accepted at one, but I could not finish the prerequisites in time.

*Improvements on application: I now have pharmacy experience, a degree, and more involvement in school activities with cheerleading, etc.

THANK YOU!

 

[etz617]

Thanks guys, this kind of advice is why I love this forum(been reading awhile, never posted until now)!

 

[nervoushabits]

Ok, so don't bash me for wanting to be a pharmacist, but I'm having issues. This last year, I completely messed my grades up and then some. Now, this summer, I think I've just made the hole that I put myself in even larger. I have no idea how this has happened, but now I have the following grades to suffer with:
Gen Bio I/II: A/B
Gen Chem I/II: B/B
Calc I/II: B/B
Ochem I/II: C/Failed
A&P I/II: D/Withdrew
Physics I/II: C+/ still to be determined, however I'm scared that the curve is going to put me at a D+ from a C.

I have a lot of pharmacy experience (4+ years) plus job shadowing in several areas of pharmacy, good LORs, and I'm going to be taking the PCAT this month. I also have a lot of campus involvement and volunteer hours.

IS THERE ANY HOPE?!!
I don't know what to do, besides retake these classes. I've just royally messed up. 🙁

 

[wannabpharm]

Improvize and apply next year

 

[MJ4eva14786]

Any input is appreciated:

SCHOOLS 2010 cycle:
-NSU (Nova)
-PBA (Palm Beach Atlantic)
-LECOM (Bradenton)
-UF (all Florida campuses)

-Touro (Vallejo, CA)
-California Northstate
-University of the Pacific

STATs:
-GPA: 3.3 (science is the same)
-Bach. degree conferred May 09 (Biology w/ chem and psych minors)
-PCAT: 93 percentile
-Hospital pharmacy volunteer
-Starting MBA degree Fall 2009
-Part time job
-College cheerleader (community & volunteer work, school ambassador)

*For the 2009 cycle I applied at two schools (very last minute) and was conditionally accepted at one, but I could not finish the prerequisites in time.

*Improvements on application: I now have pharmacy experience, a degree, and more involvement in school activities with cheerleading, etc.

THANK YOU!

Hello Tinkerbell,

Your PCAT score can get you in all those schools that require GPA and PCAT. But as for those campuses that don't require PCAT, GPA is good but not competitive enough for California schools. Schools in California (or anywhere in the Western block) have an average of 3.4 and higher acceptance GPA so one needs to be on the upper end. A few might get by but to be sure that you have a shot, one needs to be above the rest. Also, if you are applying out of state to those schools.. less than 10% get accepted.

Rest of your credentials are top notch! Your overall application including your GPA can get you interviews&#8230;but acceptances (for California schools).. that I don't know.

New improvements:

1.) Pharmacy Experience is good.
2.) Degree is excellent. Though I think they prefer more Chemistry majors than Biology? Someone can correct me on this.

Yeah very last minute is not a good idea&#8230;I know since I did it the first time I applied. I suggest you have your PharmCAS and supplemental applications in by the end of next week in order to get the admissions process going with the schools you are applying too (If you haven't done so already). At some schools, they already have 50-100 applications already for Fall 2010.

If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.

Hope this helps...

 

[MJ4eva14786]

Ok, so don't bash me for wanting to be a pharmacist, but I'm having issues. This last year, I completely messed my grades up and then some. Now, this summer, I think I've just made the hole that I put myself in even larger. I have no idea how this has happened, but now I have the following grades to suffer with:
Gen Bio I/II: A/B
Gen Chem I/II: B/B
Calc I/II: B/B
Ochem I/II: C/Failed
A&P I/II: D/Withdrew
Physics I/II: C+/ still to be determined, however I'm scared that the curve is going to put me at a D+ from a C.

I have a lot of pharmacy experience (4+ years) plus job shadowing in several areas of pharmacy, good LORs, and I'm going to be taking the PCAT this month. I also have a lot of campus involvement and volunteer hours.

IS THERE ANY HOPE?!!
I don't know what to do, besides retake these classes. I've just royally messed up. 🙁

Hello Nervoushabits,

There is hope...Anyone can retake classes and get by but won't get in.

If you can follow the formula presented below, you will not only retake courses but also succeed far greater than others.

1.)Retake Organic II and devote 10-15 hours each weekend day in the library using such studying tactics as follow:


a.Using a dry erase board (if available) to work out synthesis reactions.
b.Studying with 1 other individual who is of similar or better capability as yourself. The collaborative effort is what I found helpful!
c.Get the ACS Organic chemistry Cumulative exam study guide. It helps a lot!

You will end up with no less a B in Organic II if you do the above procedure. Guaranteed! Schools separate students with high organic grades than others and give them preference. Be that student! If you can show that you can improve from a C -> B. That is something!

2.)As far as A&P is concerned, since you have already taken it, I suggest taking them over again. I myself only took part 1 as I wasn't serious about applying to schools that required it. Sorry I don't really have any study procedures for this as I didn't really study for it myself. I ended up with a B.

3.)Physics is a must for all schools wherever you go in the USA. Take non-calculus based if you took Calculus-based. Your math background seems strong enough to handle the physics that is taught in I and II though II is significantly harder. Use cliff notes Physics book to help you with formulas and conceptual items in order to help you progress in class. I used this method and I got a A/A- in Physics I and II.

Pharmacy experience is good but not required though the courses are REQUIRED. You now have experience so you should cut back on work hours (if you are able to) and focus more on the study aspect. Experience is tested during the interview process mostly but in order to get that interview, you need to show the grade.

PCAT is another thing that is significant. Any of us who would reply to a poster who hasn't taken the PCAT wouldn't be able to give a clear idea of the chances an individual has (except for applying to California and other schools that don't require PCAT). 70 or above is being a contender for interview and for admissions purposes.

I had a friend who was in a worse situation and he turned it around (took him 2-3 semesters) and now he is in medical school. It is possible.

Try using the tactics and procedures above and you will succeed and get at your goal of becoming a pharmacist. This goal-driven personality is what a pharmacy school looks for! Do it and show them you're worth it!

Best of luck!

 

[wannabpharm]

hello,I would like to know my WAMC
a. Schools you are applying to:
Midwestern- IL,Purdue, UIC, U of Maryland, ferris state, nova southeastern, open to suggestions on more or less schools to apply to
.b. Overall GPA: 2.91
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.96
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 2.9- I am a sophomor
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite):
I am taking it this at August.
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Pharmacy volunteer and job shadowing for 4 months,
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) Plan on submitting it on August 15

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs:
1-Pharmacist
1-Biology Prof
1-Chemistry prof
1- Math prof
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: college mentor- 1 year + present, Pre-pharmacy club member 1 year +
j. Self-perception of interview skills: confident
k. Additional Inf: excellent Personal stmt.
Concerns: all A except D in orgo 2 ( repeated to get B) , C in enlish 1+2 and C in bio 2

 

[achop2]

a. Schools you are applying to: UK, Belmont, UIC, Mercer (probably many more, but these are my favorite)
b. Overall GPA: 3.1 (will be brought up to 3.2)
c. Math/Science GPA: ~ 3.2
d. GPA in last one or two school years ~
Last two years: 3.4
Last year: 3.41
This year: 4.0!
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): 63%ile, retaking again this October
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Just started volunteering at a local hospital pharmacy
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): ASAP! will be sending out this month

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 2 so far, one from an English professor (will be solid) and one from organic chemistry professor (another solid one). Will ask the pharmacists I volunteer with to write me one?
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Plenty, I have volunteered at Red Cross, a local hospital (over 200 hours), a retirement home, ---> all in high school. In college, I volunteered at a childrens hospital, worked with other organizations, was a part of Alpha Phi Omega (a volunteer service organization), Habitat for Humanity, and Project Health (a volunteer organization on campus that works with local hospitals and other health care facilities)
j. Self-perception of interview skills: Very good. I am confident and friendly.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: Working on right now, but it should be stellar.

I already have a B.S. in Psychology, and working on B.S. in Biology (only two classes away!!!). I also have an underage DUI (I am an idiot, but plan to convey how I've changed since then in my personal statement).

 

[Carboxide]

hello,I would like to know my WAMC
a. Schools you are applying to:
Midwestern- IL,Purdue, UIC, U of Maryland, ferris state, nova southeastern, open to suggestions on more or less schools to apply to
.b. Overall GPA: 2.91
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.96
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 2.9- I am a sophomor
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite):
I am taking it this at August.
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Pharmacy volunteer and job shadowing for 4 months,
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) Plan on submitting it on August 15

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs:
1-Pharmacist
1-Biology Prof
1-Chemistry prof
1- Math prof
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: college mentor- 1 year + present, Pre-pharmacy club member 1 year +
j. Self-perception of interview skills: confident
k. Additional Inf: excellent Personal stmt.
Concerns: all A except D in orgo 2 ( repeated to get B) , C in enlish 1+2 and C in bio 2

Your chances are very poor. With a VERY LOW GPA and no bachelor's, you stand no chance at Purdue. I would not even apply as it does not take the PCAT. You have no volunteer work or pharmacy experience. To get accepted at any other school you will need a 90+ PCAT. Apply to many brand new schools (I would apply to AT LEAST 10-15 schools, if not more) and do not expect to get accepted this year.

 

[calisoca]

hello,I would like to know my WAMC
a. Schools you are applying to:
Midwestern- IL,Purdue, UIC, U of Maryland, ferris state, nova southeastern, open to suggestions on more or less schools to apply to
.b. Overall GPA: 2.91
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.96
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 2.9- I am a sophomor
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite):
I am taking it this at August.
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Pharmacy volunteer and job shadowing for 4 months,
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) Plan on submitting it on August 15

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs:
1-Pharmacist
1-Biology Prof
1-Chemistry prof
1- Math prof
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: college mentor- 1 year + present, Pre-pharmacy club member 1 year +
j. Self-perception of interview skills: confident
k. Additional Inf: excellent Personal stmt.
Concerns: all A except D in orgo 2 ( repeated to get B) , C in enlish 1+2 and C in bio 2

Purdue's minimum out-of-state GPA requirement is a 3.55 so don't waste your money on it.

 

[cheeseboy2]

a. Schools you are applying to: Most CA schools, VCU, UTenn, Palm Beach, Howard, U Colorado Denver, Midwestern (AZ), Creighton, Shenandoah
b. Overall GPA: 3.31 (graduated with BS from UC San Diego)
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.27, 3.19
d. GPA in last one or two school years 3.88
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Bio: 90, Chem: 91, Comp: 94
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Volunteered at two different hospital/clinics for 100 hours each. I have a Pharm Tech license but have not worked with it.
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): E-submitted 06/19/09. Supplementals completed around June/July.

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 1) & 2) Both head Pharmacists of hospitals I volunteered at - both strong LORs. 3) Microbio professor - probably weak LOR. 4) VP of biotech lab I worked at - should be strong.
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Head of on-campus Christian fellowship for 2 years, Bible study leader and speaker for 2 years, have been overseas doing community work in the Philippines, Ecuador, and Mexico. Have professional job experience in Pharmaceutical and Biotech labs.
j. Self-perception of interview skills: I feel I am friendly and an above average interviewee.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: I'm not great at writing (3.0s on PCAT) but I had it proofread and restructured to be decent.

I am a CA resident who is reapplying 🙂

Thanks for your help!

 

[jduong]

a. Schools you are applying to: U of Maryland, Rutgers, Long Island U, Touro, U of Pittsburgh, Hampston, St. John Fisher
b. Overall GPA: 3.51
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.31
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.48 Science, 3.58 Non-science
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Will be taking it in August, but I seem to be scoring in the 90+ percentile on the PCAT practice tests
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: None really, except volunteering in the infusions department in the hospital
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): Primary: 8/1/09

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 2 Biology professors, 1 Japanese Professor
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Volunteered in a hospital for 2 years, did an international volunteer program in Australia with the Australia department of environment and sustainability, research centered on microbiology for one year, certified EMT-B, I also tutored in Japanese for 2 years
j. Self-perception of interview skills: pretty good, I'm a good talker and can fill up and silences

I'm actually applying to medical school but decided around May 2009 to also apply to pharmacy school as an alternative, hence the lack of pharmacy experience. As to the PCAT, I've taken the MCAT, which in my opinion is harder than the PCAT, so I feel confident about my test taking ability come August 22nd.
Any opinions about my school choices or anything else are welcome! I don't know anyone else going through this process or has gone through it.

 

[AceofSpades85]

a. Schools you are applying to: UF, Mercer, LECOM, UH of Hilo, FAMU, Howard Uni, Midwestern. If anyone knows other schools that I should apply based on my stats, please let me know!
b. Overall GPA: My undergrad GPA was 3.07 in Nutirtion but I'm doing an MS in Pharmaceutical Outcome and Policy and it's GPA is an 3.52
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.67 but if they consider my MS as science courses and not non-science, then it would be a 2.77
d. GPA in last one or two school years: I've been doing my MS for the past year and the GPA is 3.52
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Taking it in August
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 2 years as a Pharm Tech at retail stores
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): Finished with my Primary (hopefully submit in the next few days) and will start on secondary

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 1 pharmacy manager, 1 professor of my MS class who is also the dean of the program, and waiting on another pharmacy manager to complete it
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Volunteered at hosiptal for a semester in the pharmacy dept, mentored 4,5 and 6th grade math and english for one semester
j. Self-perception of interview skills: With practice, I am confident in my answers
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: I think I did a good job!

 

[Monalyce]

a. Schools you are applying to: UK, Belmont, UIC, Mercer (probably many more, but these are my favorite)
b. Overall GPA: 3.1 (will be brought up to 3.2)
c. Math/Science GPA: ~ 3.2
d. GPA in last one or two school years ~
Last two years: 3.4
Last year: 3.41
This year: 4.0!
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): 63%ile, retaking again this October
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: Just started volunteering at a local hospital pharmacy
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): ASAP! will be sending out this month

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 2 so far, one from an English professor (will be solid) and one from organic chemistry professor (another solid one). Will ask the pharmacists I volunteer with to write me one?
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Plenty, I have volunteered at Red Cross, a local hospital (over 200 hours), a retirement home, ---> all in high school. In college, I volunteered at a childrens hospital, worked with other organizations, was a part of Alpha Phi Omega (a volunteer service organization), Habitat for Humanity, and Project Health (a volunteer organization on campus that works with local hospitals and other health care facilities)
j. Self-perception of interview skills: Very good. I am confident and friendly.
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: Working on right now, but it should be stellar.

I already have a B.S. in Psychology, and working on B.S. in Biology (only two classes away!!!). I also have an underage DUI (I am an idiot, but plan to convey how I've changed since then in my personal statement).

Disregarding the DUI completely, I would say you have a good chance at UIC, especially if you are in-state.

 

[MJ4eva14786]

a. Schools you are applying to: UF, Mercer, LECOM, UH of Hilo, FAMU, Howard Uni, Midwestern. If anyone knows other schools that I should apply based on my stats, please let me know!
b. Overall GPA: My undergrad GPA was 3.07 in Nutirtion but I'm doing an MS in Pharmaceutical Outcome and Policy and it's GPA is an 3.52
c. Math/Science GPA: 2.67 but if they consider my MS as science courses and not non-science, then it would be a 2.77
d. GPA in last one or two school years: I've been doing my MS for the past year and the GPA is 3.52
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Taking it in August
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 2 years as a Pharm Tech at retail stores
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): Finished with my Primary (hopefully submit in the next few days) and will start on secondary

Additionally, the following will help us gauge your chances but are more optional:
h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 1 pharmacy manager, 1 professor of my MS class who is also the dean of the program, and waiting on another pharmacy manager to complete it
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Volunteered at hosiptal for a semester in the pharmacy dept, mentored 4,5 and 6th grade math and english for one semester
j. Self-perception of interview skills: With practice, I am confident in my answers
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: I think I did a good job!

Area of Concern: Math/Science GPA. You must redo some of the main courses (i.e. General Chem, Organic Chem, Calculus, Prob/Stats) in order to get make that M/S GPA more attractive otherwise chances are slim.

Otherwise you have an outstanding application to be presented to the Pharmacy admissions committee. Just get above a 70 on your PCAT overall and you are set.

 

[MJ4eva14786]

a. Schools you are applying to: U of Maryland, Rutgers, Long Island U, Touro, U of Pittsburgh, Hampston, St. John Fisher
b. Overall GPA: 3.51
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.31
d. GPA in last one or two school years: 3.48 Science, 3.58 Non-science
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite): Will be taking it in August, but I seem to be scoring in the 90+ percentile on the PCAT practice tests
f. Pharmacy experience obtained: None really, except volunteering in the infusions department in the hospital
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary): Primary: 8/1/09

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 2 Biology professors, 1 Japanese Professor
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: Volunteered in a hospital for 2 years, did an international volunteer program in Australia with the Australia department of environment and sustainability, research centered on microbiology for one year, certified EMT-B, I also tutored in Japanese for 2 years
j. Self-perception of interview skills: pretty good, I'm a good talker and can fill up and silences

I'm actually applying to medical school but decided around May 2009 to also apply to pharmacy school as an alternative, hence the lack of pharmacy experience. As to the PCAT, I've taken the MCAT, which in my opinion is harder than the PCAT, so I feel confident about my test taking ability come August 22nd.
Any opinions about my school choices or anything else are welcome! I don't know anyone else going through this process or has gone through it.

Areas of Concern: None.

You have an excellent outlook onto Pharmacy schools that you are applying to. One thing should be noted though. ONE cannot determine their performance on the PCAT accurately by taking the practice exams. Maybe it is just me but I took the practice exams and I scored much higher than I did in the real exam. Keep reviewing the material constantly till couple of days before the PCAT exam and then cool your mind and focus in on the main target on that following Saturday.

Good luck!

 

[Oh2BAPharmD]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this fourm, I wish I would have know about it earlier. I'm feeling down and discouraged because I feel like I have no chance of getting into pharmacy school and pharmacy is my life it is all that I know. I have seven years of experience, 5 years retail and 2 years hospital. I do a little bit of research experience with a pharmacy school professor also. I am planning on applying for fall 2010 but I graduate with a BA in Biology and a BA in chemistry in May 2010. As of right now I have an over all GPA of 2.89 which in my opinion is poor compared to graduating highschool with a 4.2 GPA. I take the PCAT at the end of this month. I got C's and B's in my pharm preqs it took me a while to adjust how to study in college because highschool was such a breeze for me and it was a college prepatory school too. Last semester I was able to master studying effectively and got a 3.3 but I feel like its too late if I get strait A's this semester and in spring 2010 I will be at a 2.95. DO I HAVE ANY CHANGE OF GETTING ACCEPTED TO PHARMACY SCHOOL I was planning on applying to UMB, UIC,mercer, univeristy of texas-houston, does anyone know if thoes African American schools like howard or xavier accept white people? This is not to offend anyone I just honestly want to know if I have a chance

 

[Oh2BAPharmD]

Physics I B+
Organic I C, lab A
Organic II B, lab A
Bio I C
Bio II C ( got C in both labs)
Anatomy w/lab B
Gen Chem I w/ lab C
Gen Chem II C+ lab B
Calculus C- (I'm retaking this)
Economics B

I will be taking microbiology, physiology, and physics II in the fall I feel like I should get A's or B's in thoes classes

I'm vice president of my sororoity which is public service based
I am Pharmaceutical Research Assistant
I've been working in pharmacy since I was 16 I'm now 23
I'm a leadership mentor for highschool girls
I have tons of community service hours

 

[267106]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this fourm, I wish I would have know about it earlier. I'm feeling down and discouraged because I feel like I have no chance of getting into pharmacy school and pharmacy is my life it is all that I know. I have seven years of experience, 5 years retail and 2 years hospital. I do a little bit of research experience with a pharmacy school professor also. I am planning on applying for fall 2010 but I graduate with a BA in Biology and a BA in chemistry in May 2010. As of right now I have an over all GPA of 2.89 which in my opinion is poor compared to graduating highschool with a 4.2 GPA. I take the PCAT at the end of this month. I got C's and B's in my pharm preqs it took me a while to adjust how to study in college because highschool was such a breeze for me and it was a college prepatory school too. Last semester I was able to master studying effectively and got a 3.3 but I feel like its too late if I get strait A's this semester and in spring 2010 I will be at a 2.95. DO I HAVE ANY CHANGE OF GETTING ACCEPTED TO PHARMACY SCHOOL I was planning on applying to UMB, UIC,mercer, univeristy of texas-houston, does anyone know if thoes African American schools like howard or xavier accept white people? This is not to offend anyone I just honestly want to know if I have a chance

Definitely you have a chance according the rest of your profile. I was in UCSF information workshop and they have accepted someone with a GPA of 2.8 last year UCSF is the one of the best pharmacy schools in US). Try to get all A's in your upcoming courses, and highlight the other strong points on your profile in your applications! Good luck!

 

[Oh2BAPharmD]

I thought about getting my masters but a lot of thoes programs require a minimum undergad gpa of 3.0 thats another part of the reason I feel screwed I thought about a Masters in Health Care Administration if pharmacy school didn't work out (I really hope it does). Do I have a better shot at getting my masters? I thank you ALL for your responses this is really helping me out a great deal THANK YOU!

Another person suggested that I should wait to apply so that my upward trend in my upcoming classes could be reflected on my pharmacy school application...I actually thought about that to but was not sure

 

[bsarver]

I am a high school senior and want to go to pharmacy school. I have a 3.79 GPA and a 26 on the ACT. I am going to be taking the ACT over again in September to hopfully get a better score.

I am going to apply to Drake, Findlay, Ohio NOrthern, and St. Louis. What are my chances?? Are my stats good enough??
Thanks.

 

[HayMay18]

Well yeah your stats are good, and you could get into pre-pharmacy, but you still have to take at least two years of pre-reqs and then apply to pharmacy school. You can't get into pharmacy school right out of high school. It's more important how you do in your pre-reqs than what you did in high school. High school will only get you into pre-pharm.

 

[siltears]

If you want to go directly into a pharmacy program, you should go for a 0+6 program. Which is basically a program that lets you into pharmacy school, except you do your pre-reqs during that program. I don't actually know which schools offer that, but I have heard taht OHSU does? I don't know. But your GPA is pretty good (though you should try to raise it to a 3.8 in your senior year) and also do some AP/IB classes (cause it shows that you can handle university level classes, and also if you do well enough you can skip these classes, plus it will give you a better base than regular classes). Also your ACT isn't that great...sorry to break it to you. You should try at least for an 28, preferably above a 30...GOOD LUCK~~ Also..go around and ask to be a volunteer, if you are a senior than you should be older than 18, so some places are more likely to let you volunteer as a tech. This will show that you are actually aware about pharmacy. If you can't than you need to at least volunteer somewhere, even if it is just tutoring at your school. Shows that you are involved, because face it...now-a-days a good GPA just isn't enough. SIGH...

 

[ChainHeal]

maybe it's just me, but I don't think a 3.79 GPA from a high school is that competitive.

 

[267106]

I thought about getting my masters but a lot of thoes programs require a minimum undergad gpa of 3.0 thats another part of the reason I feel screwed I thought about a Masters in Health Care Administration if pharmacy school didn't work out (I really hope it does). Do I have a better shot at getting my masters? I thank you ALL for your responses this is really helping me out a great deal THANK YOU!

Another person suggested that I should wait to apply so that my upward trend in my upcoming classes could be reflected on my pharmacy school application...I actually thought about that to but was not sure

What about a Master's in Biochemistry? I know a pharmacy student who had a master's degree in Biochem. Anyways' I think it worths to try your chances for 2010 too, hopefully you will get in, even if you won't, at least you would have an idea about what to do for the next application cycle!

Ciao

 

[rrw57]

a. Schools you are applying to: UF, Ohio state, Mercer, UCSD, Nova
b. Overall GPA: 3.5
c. Math/Science GPA: 3.65
d. GPA in last one or two school years: ~3.7
e. Complete PCAT scores (or just composite)
Verbal - 72
Bio - 75
Reading - 48
Quant- 81
Chem - 88
Composite- 79

f. Pharmacy experience obtained: 1 year at a CVS
g. Date of application submission (PharmCAS/primary and secondary) : should have it done by the end of august

h. Number of LORs and source of LORs: 3- 2 pharmicists and one physics teacher
i. Non-pharmacy work and/or volunteer experience: 800 mile bike ride for people with disabilities. Numerous visits to instituions that provide housing for people with disabilities
j. Self-perception of interview skills: Fair
k. Overall impression of personal statement quality: not quite sure but ive been working pretty hard on it.

Any feedback would be awesome thanks!!