I'm a freshman at UH does anyone have any advise about what I should be doing right now? Or any tips?
thanks
Most definitely mate. Right now, you primarily need to be worried about your GPA. Try to do as well as possible in all of your classes and if you're struggling, get help EARLY!!! Develop good study habits (these will come in VERY handy in pharmacy school).
Also, you want to start getting involved in different organizations, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. UH likes to see that you were involved in different things and volunteer work is pretty much a must (there is no specific amount of hours you need but just do something you like and stick with it).
Also, get to know you're professors early on. Email them questions or go to their offices during their office hours. If you're nervous or can't really find something to ask them about, ask them a question that you already know the answer to. That's what I used to do!! You just want them to recognize you so that when it's time for you to find a professor (math or science) to write you a letter of recommendation, you have two or three to choose from (all of whom kinda sorta know you). If you don't take the time to get to know your professors or at least visit them a few times, chances are you won't get that great of a recommendation letter (but it's possible).
You can also start getting to know a pharmacist. If you don't work in one or can't find one to work in, just go to a local pharmacy (Krogers, HEB, Randalls, Walgreens, CVS, Target, etc.) and ask the pharmacist if you can come in a few times a month a shadow them for a few hours. If you give the excuse that you're thinking of applying to pharmacy school and just want to see how it is, many of them will agree to let you shadow them.
It may be a bit early to start studying for PCAT being that you're only in your second semester of freshman year but I suppose you can start if you have nothing better to do. I don't know how long you're planning on taking to complete your undegrad or if you're going for a BS or not so I can't really recommend a certain time to start studying. But many ppl take it the October of their Sophmore year when they are in the middle of taking Organic I. But it's really up to you.
So in summary, I recommend you do the following in the order I have listed:
1. Get the BEST grades possible. The most difficult task a student could ever face in college is bringing up a low GPA.
2. Join Organizations, Extracurriculars, and Volunteer Activities
3. Get to know your profs (math and science preferably)
4. Get to know a pharmacist (s)
5. Study For PCAT
I may have forgotten something but I'm not quite sure. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask. Take care and good luck!!
