To apply or not to apply?

[rush1210]

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Hope to get some insight from you all.... Here's my dilemma. I applied to a few schools last year, did not get into any. My grades at the time were: 70 PCAT, 2.89 GPA. Initially I wanted to retake the PCAT and reapply this year. However, I still have no pharmacy experience, tryna get a job or volunteer in my area is a nightmare and no ECs. Hopefully, I will be getting my BS in May. My question is should I wait till next year and hope to get some experience or should I apply now, with PCAT score still the same and GPA at ~3.1?

 

[sdgirl1507]

Where are you thinking of applying?

 

[rush1210]

Just about any school where I meet the minimum requirements but my top choices are
University of Maryland
Temple
Touro
Palm Beach
SUNY Buffalo
Creighton
Howard

 

[PharmDKD]

Are those the same schools that you applied to last year? Also, from what I have heard, the earlier you turn in your applications the better your chances are of getting in. Have you turned in any of your apps yet?

 

[greatdeals225]

definitely need to get some sort of experience, since your GPA is not as high as it should to be competitive.

 

[rush1210]

PharmDKD: I applied to only 2 of those schools last year. I tried to do the "apply early" thing but I was having trouble getting LORs coz I'm attend a LARGE university.

greatdeals225: I am trying by all means to get the experience.

Thanks for your input!

 

[aboveliquidice]

Are those the same schools that you applied to last year? Also, from what I have heard, the earlier you turn in your applications the better your chances are of getting in. Have you turned in any of your apps yet?

I agree w/ PharmDKD - Early=better if you are applying to schools with rolling admissions. ED programs and rolling I think is your best bet. Knowing that you have a weak GPA, defnitely spend the time to up your stats.

Apply to the schools you really like if you are so inclined. you may be able to show a trend of academic improvement - and it also shows true interest in their specific programs. However, it may be a waste of money w/o stellar LORs and PCAT.

If I were you - I would hold of until next year (if you can). Do you have a BS/BA???

Here is a list of stuff to work on for next year:

1 - Getting a BA
2 - Get involved w/ research or good Extra Currics
3 - Slamming the PCAT either in January or June
4 - Getting a Jump start on PharmCAS. It opens in June or July, get it done and select your best chance ED program. Also select an ED or rolling admissions program that is NOT pharmcas. That will allow you at least 2 options for an early in.

Doing this stuff might not get ya in - but it would certainly help. I know how you feel - My PCAT was not all that impressive either. Keep your head up, and get working on what you can.

~above~

 

[rush1210]

Thanks aboveliquidice,
-I should be getting a BS in May
-Still working on a research opportunity
-Shooting for the June PCAT, January still an "if"
-I definitely plan on getting an early jump on my application!

 

[TryYourBest]

I think you should wait until next year and I believe you will be a very competitive applicant next year after finish you BS, experience and higher GPA, higher PCAT!!.