Very frustrated applicant

[monica949]

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I am a Pharmacy applicant applying to schools now for the second year in a row with so far, no success. Since my decision to go back to school to prepare for a Pharmacy program, I've taken all of the prereqs with a 3.6 GPA. ( 3.5 in organic chem, 4.0 in biochem, 4.0 in Calc, 3.5 in Physics, 4.0 in anat/phys). I have also retaken some social science and English courses that I'd taken long ago since after all, these courses were over 8 years old.

As an undergraduate just out of high school, I REALLY REALLY destroyed my academic transcript because, honestly at that time, I did not care, nor did I have any solid career goals. I took over 200 units in junior college and state University combined, earned a B.A. in a social science related field, and scarred my academic record with countless C's, several D's and a few F's. (there were some A's and B's as well but....you get the picture). The point is, at this point, over 10 years later, after having taken all of these recent courses related to Pharm, with a high GPA, and PCAT scores of 78th percentile, which is acceptable, I am still finding that these Pharm schools blindly refer to "overall GPA" which in my case, is still below a 2.8, if a school is going to count all of my screw ups from before. PharmCAS of course counts all of the first scores earned, even if courses were retaken for a better grade, which led me to apply to schools that don't participate in PharmCAS, again without SUCCESS, since they probably look at lifetime GPA as well, and count all that mess into the overall. I thought Pharm schools look at upward improvement, but I guess not. There is only one school, as I understand that offers academic forgiveness, meaning that scores before the past 5 years are not counted in your GPA calc if you so choose, but I mean how many people are gonna be applying to that one?? Probably a LOT, including me. Any suggestions? Is there ANYONE whose found themself in the same or similar situation???🙁🙁

 

[yappy]

wow, what a depressing story. It seems like you have done well in the prereqs, which are most important to your pharmacy education, and it has not resulted in success. Were you granted any interviews? Do you have any experience/volunteer time as a pharm tech? What schools did you apply to?
What is unfortunate is it seems like you may have less of a shot than some 20 y/o from a CC who doesnt have a 4 year degree, doesnt have as much life/work experience, and may not as done as well in the prereqs as you have. Sounds like we need admission reform!

 

[UES Girl]

I am a Pharmacy applicant applying to schools now for the second year in a row with so far, no success. Since my decision to go back to school to prepare for a Pharmacy program, I've taken all of the prereqs with a 3.6 GPA. ( 3.5 in organic chem, 4.0 in biochem, 4.0 in Calc, 3.5 in Physics, 4.0 in anat/phys). I have also retaken some social science and English courses that I'd taken long ago since after all, these courses were over 8 years old.

As an undergraduate just out of high school, I REALLY REALLY destroyed my academic transcript because, honestly at that time, I did not care, nor did I have any solid career goals. I took over 200 units in junior college and state University combined, earned a B.A. in a social science related field, and scarred my academic record with countless C's, several D's and a few F's. (there were some A's and B's as well but....you get the picture). The point is, at this point, over 10 years later, after having taken all of these recent courses related to Pharm, with a high GPA, and PCAT scores of 78th percentile, which is acceptable, I am still finding that these Pharm schools blindly refer to "overall GPA" which in my case, is still below a 2.8, if a school is going to count all of my screw ups from before. PharmCAS of course counts all of the first scores earned, even if courses were retaken for a better grade, which led me to apply to schools that don't participate in PharmCAS, again without SUCCESS, since they probably look at lifetime GPA as well, and count all that mess into the overall. I thought Pharm schools look at upward improvement, but I guess not. There is only one school, as I understand that offers academic forgiveness, meaning that scores before the past 5 years are not counted in your GPA calc if you so choose, but I mean how many people are gonna be applying to that one?? Probably a LOT, including me. Any suggestions? Is there ANYONE whose found themself in the same or similar situation???🙁🙁

I have a couple thoughts:

1. How many schools have you applied to total in each cycle? Given your stats ( and I know you seem to think that your older coursework doesn't count, but unfortunately it factors in ) you need to apply IMO to at least 6-7 schools. I would apply to at least 10 if I was in your position and I would choose newer less established schools pharmcas or non-pharmcas, that just opened up and are less picky.

2. You talk nothing about your ECs. What does your overall application look like ?
-What kind of community service activities have you done ?
-Do you have any pharmacy experience or experience in the health care field ?
-Are you a certified tech perhaps ?
-Have you done any teaching, tutoring or or mentoring in recent years since you became interested in career in pharmacy ?
- Have you pursued any research projects or worked in the science lab since completing your pre-reqs ?
- Were you a member of any pharmacy related clubs or any sort of academic organizations ?
-Have you involved yourself in any pharmacy related projects that would demonstrate to the adcoms your desire to attend their particular pharmacy school - for example volunteered or helped out pharmacy students at your local pharmacy school for some health fair.

These are just some things in your application that I would be looking for if I was an adcom.

Obviously you are a passionate, determined and a goal oriented individual since you didn't let the experiences of first year cycle to deter you away from your dreams and that is very admirable. This application cycle is still not over, have you heard back from every school you applied to ?

 

[CK8652]

There is only one school, as I understand that offers academic forgiveness, meaning that scores before the past 5 years are not counted in your GPA calc if you so choose

Southern Nevada? Don't alot of schools not accept pre-reqs that are 7years or older? Have you been physically calling schools up to explain your GPA to someone on the admissions counsel? Some admissions have so many applications, that they just toss out very low GPA's or entrance exam scores without reviewing their application as a starting point. I know this is not the case everywhere, but when you have 1000 applications to go through, if 700 of the applications are over 3.0 and 70PCAT, why would they give consideration to a 2.5 GPA and 78 PCAT?

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I knew a med school student that was on an admissions counsel and he wouldn't even look at the application unless it met basic 3.0 and X MCAT score.

I'd try calling all the schools, try to talk to someone on the admissions that understands your situation and can maybe push your application up the totem a bit.

 

[rxlea]

I am in almost the EXACT position you are, except this is my first year applying, and I've had one interview and am on a waitlist right now (other interviews not until the new year). I have my degree in Psychology. Please please send me a private message if you want some advice from someone who can actually relate.

 

[monica949]

Southern Nevada? Don't alot of schools not accept pre-reqs that are 7years or older? Have you been physically calling schools up to explain your GPA to someone on the admissions counsel? Some admissions have so many applications, that they just toss out very low GPA's or entrance exam scores without reviewing their application as a starting point. I know this is not the case everywhere, but when you have 1000 applications to go through, if 700 of the applications are over 3.0 and 70PCAT, why would they give consideration to a 2.5 GPA and 78 PCAT?

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I knew a med school student that was on an admissions counsel and he wouldn't even look at the application unless it met basic 3.0 and X MCAT score.

I'd try calling all the schools, try to talk to someone on the admissions that understands your situation and can maybe push your application up the totem a bit.

My mom suggests the same thing alot. That since I am not the "ideal" applicant to just sit behind a computer and send in apps to several schools and wait to be contacted, I should put forth some effort to speak to people at different schools, and try to get them to understand my situation. Unfortunately, being that I live here in San Diego area, I am close to some of the hardest schools to get into across the United States, all of which have full accreditation, and recieve a ton of apps a year. I've applied to some East Coast schools that have pre-candidate status. As a matter of fact, with the exception of Mercer and USN, all of the schools to which I've applied this year have pre-candidate status and are very very new. I contacted the admissions lady over at Mercer before the application cycle even started this year, and explained my situation, trying to get some feel for whether or not to invest my resources in applying, since after all, I only have so much $$ to devote to app fees each year. She seemed pretty encouraging and I proceeded to apply, but have recently learned that my application there doesn't look too good. As the Dean's response to my email: " there are concerns regarding your overall GPA"......which I though I'd discussed prior to applying. ANYWHO.....I do have one interview this year with a school that is pre-candidate status, and that's pretty much my only hope. I've considered going for a second bach in Chemistry if all else fails........maybe that will help, although realistically, from what I've calculated, I could take 100 more units and a 4.0 all through and my GPA would not be that great.

 

[monica949]

I am in almost the EXACT position you are, except this is my first year applying, and I've had one interview and am on a waitlist right now (other interviews not until the new year). I have my degree in Psychology. Please please send me a private message if you want some advice from someone who can actually relate.

You sound like you're in a similar situation. My bachelor's degree was also in Psych. I will contact you.

 

[monica949]

I have a couple thoughts:

1. How many schools have you applied to total in each cycle? Given your stats ( and I know you seem to think that your older coursework doesn't count, but unfortunately it factors in ) you need to apply IMO to at least 6-7 schools. I would apply to at least 10 if I was in your position and I would choose newer less established schools pharmcas or non-pharmcas, that just opened up and are less picky.

2. You talk nothing about your ECs. What does your overall application look like ?
-What kind of community service activities have you done ?
-Do you have any pharmacy experience or experience in the health care field ?
-Are you a certified tech perhaps ?
-Have you done any teaching, tutoring or or mentoring in recent years since you became interested in career in pharmacy ?
- Have you pursued any research projects or worked in the science lab since completing your pre-reqs ?
- Were you a member of any pharmacy related clubs or any sort of academic organizations ?
-Have you involved yourself in any pharmacy related projects that would demonstrate to the adcoms your desire to attend their particular pharmacy school - for example volunteered or helped out pharmacy students at your local pharmacy school for some health fair.

These are just some things in your application that I would be looking for if I was an adcom.

Obviously you are a passionate, determined and a goal oriented individual since you didn't let the experiences of first year cycle to deter you away from your dreams and that is very admirable. This application cycle is still not over, have you heard back from every school you applied to ?

That is a good point. I have very little in the way of EC's. I worked at a Savon Pharmacy a couple years back for about 3 weeks between coursed, as a clerk. Aside from my limited involvement with the Leukemia society, I haven't much else to boast about. I've pretty much focused entirely on the academic portion, and haven't left time for work or other types of community involvement.

 

[monica949]

wow, what a depressing story. It seems like you have done well in the prereqs, which are most important to your pharmacy education, and it has not resulted in success. Were you granted any interviews? Do you have any experience/volunteer time as a pharm tech? What schools did you apply to?
What is unfortunate is it seems like you may have less of a shot than some 20 y/o from a CC who doesnt have a 4 year degree, doesnt have as much life/work experience, and may not as done as well in the prereqs as you have. Sounds like we need admission reform!

yes, very depressing. For me at least 🙁

 

[kidkay]

:cry:

 

[rxlea]

That is a good point. I have very little in the way of EC's. I worked at a Savon Pharmacy a couple years back for about 3 weeks between coursed, as a clerk. Aside from my limited involvement with the Leukemia society, I haven't much else to boast about. I've pretty much focused entirely on the academic portion, and haven't left time for work or other types of community involvement.

This is what you need to change. You need EC's- and EC's/experience that matter. Do you work at all right now? If you have a poor GPA, then you need to "balance" it out with experience and EC's. Otherwise, your application may not be considered. YOU SHOULD apply to schools that use PharmCAS. Apply to as many as you can afford. Think of the opportunity cost here. Did you apply to UofA this year? As far as Cali schools go, yeah you're gonna have a hard time- they get over 1000 apps every year (or so I have read). You also need an AWESOME personal statement. Have you had yours proofread? What about your LOR's? Where are they coming from?

 

[monica949]

This is what you need to change. You need EC's- and EC's/experience that matter. Do you work at all right now? If you have a poor GPA, then you need to "balance" it out with experience and EC's. Otherwise, your application may not be considered. YOU SHOULD apply to schools that use PharmCAS. Apply to as many as you can afford. Think of the opportunity cost here. Did you apply to UofA this year? As far as Cali schools go, yeah you're gonna have a hard time- they get over 1000 apps every year (or so I have read). You also need an AWESOME personal statement. Have you had yours proofread? What about your LOR's? Where are they coming from?

Yes I am trying to get a tech job at local pharmacies but haven't had a SINGLE response. I'll keep trying. I've asked several pharmacies if I could volunteer, but they apparently "don't do that anymore". I submitted my personal statement this year without having it proofread. I just focused intensely on attempting to "explain" the past. My LORs came from my Biochemistry professor who is extremely kind and willing to speak for students, but the other one came from a counselor that barely knows me at a local CC. I don't work at the moment and the last job that I held was for about six months at an "online" University. Which one is UofA? University of Alabama?

 

[UES Girl]

Yes I am trying to get a tech job at local pharmacies but haven't had a SINGLE response. I'll keep trying. I've asked several pharmacies if I could volunteer, but they apparently "don't do that anymore". I submitted my personal statement this year without having it proofread. I just focused intensely on attempting to "explain" the past. My LORs came from my Biochemistry professor who is extremely kind and willing to speak for students, but the other one came from a counselor that barely knows me at a local CC. I don't work at the moment and the last job that I held was for about six months at an "online" University. Which one is UofA? University of Alabama?

As constructive crisitism based on the information you provided, I would say you need to at least go through the list I suggested and attempt to get experience in every single area.

From my limited knowledge of application process, applicants are ranked for admissions and hence considered for interview not only based on their GPA/PCAT but also based on ECs. How heavy involvement into EC is emphasized varies as it seems by each school.

You having virtually no ECs is a major disadvantage of your application. Remember not only you are in the tough situation because of your GPA, but lack of ECs brings your application down even further. Realize that you are applying against applicants who may have several hundreds of volunteer hours, people who have mentored/taught/ TAd their undergrad courses since most were science majors, people who had vast experiences in different health care settings - pharmacies/hospitals/clinics, people who were members of various clubs. You really really need to step up your game and make time to involve yourself in more ECs.

People that get into notoriously hard CA schools, have experience in every single one of those areas in some form or the other. I'm just trying to stress that in your position havings ECs is crucial.

Put yourself in a position of the adcom - adcoms are usually faculty or staff at a given school. All they are trying to determine is if you are fit to attend their school academically and if you appear on your application to be passionate about the profession. Imagine a professor for let's say pharmaceutical chemistry looking over you application - what does he see ? What shows that you are interested in the profession of pharmacy ? What experiences can he look at that will demonstrate to him you are comitted to the health care field ?

 

[rxlea]

Yes I am trying to get a tech job at local pharmacies but haven't had a SINGLE response. I'll keep trying. I've asked several pharmacies if I could volunteer, but they apparently "don't do that anymore". I submitted my personal statement this year without having it proofread. I just focused intensely on attempting to "explain" the past. My LORs came from my Biochemistry professor who is extremely kind and willing to speak for students, but the other one came from a counselor that barely knows me at a local CC. I don't work at the moment and the last job that I held was for about six months at an "online" University. Which one is UofA? University of Alabama?

University of Arizona. They have 7 essays in their application which presents an opportunity for you to talk about your strengths. However, the deadline has already passed. With your situation, their application process would give you a greater chance at an interview. Your interview can seal the deal. You just gotta "get your foot in the door".

In your personal statement, I wouldn't FOCUS on what happened, but mention it and what you have done about it. You should talk about your commitment to your goal and give examples of your commitment- your personal statement should come with a bit of imagery, if you will. Something to remember. Use your colorful past to your advantage here. It is your opportunity to express your true passion and desire. Do NOT phrase things like an excuse. Own up to it. It converys accountability and personal responsibility. I will proofread your statement if you want. You still have time to submit to PharmCAS but you need to get on it!

 

[JJVmom]

My mom suggests the same thing alot. That since I am not the "ideal" applicant to just sit behind a computer and send in apps to several schools and wait to be contacted, I should put forth some effort to speak to people at different schools, and try to get them to understand my situation. Unfortunately, being that I live here in San Diego area, I am close to some of the hardest schools to get into across the United States, all of which have full accreditation, and recieve a ton of apps a year. I've applied to some East Coast schools that have pre-candidate status. As a matter of fact, with the exception of Mercer and USN, all of the schools to which I've applied this year have pre-candidate status and are very very new. I contacted the admissions lady over at Mercer before the application cycle even started this year, and explained my situation, trying to get some feel for whether or not to invest my resources in applying, since after all, I only have so much $$ to devote to app fees each year. She seemed pretty encouraging and I proceeded to apply, but have recently learned that my application there doesn't look too good. As the Dean's response to my email: " there are concerns regarding your overall GPA"......which I though I'd discussed prior to applying. ANYWHO.....I do have one interview this year with a school that is pre-candidate status, and that's pretty much my only hope. I've considered going for a second bach in Chemistry if all else fails........maybe that will help, although realistically, from what I've calculated, I could take 100 more units and a 4.0 all through and my GPA would not be that great.

To help w/your EC....
I just left the San Diego area and had a great experience as a Red Cross volunteer at a US Naval Hospital pharmacy on a Marine Corps base. There are many military pharmacies in the San Diego area. Contact the San Diego chapter of the American Red Cross. It's also great b/c you don't have to commit to a set amount of hours, and since they don't fall under state regulations, you don't have to be a licensed tech. I did everything a tech did, and it was learn as you go. Just know that it takes a couple months to get started due to attending orientation which is only given once/mth and being cleared through the hospital. Good luck! PM me w/any questions.

 

[desklamp]

I am a Pharmacy applicant applying to schools now for the second year in a row with so far, no success. Since my decision to go back to school to prepare for a Pharmacy program, I've taken all of the prereqs with a 3.6 GPA. ( 3.5 in organic chem, 4.0 in biochem, 4.0 in Calc, 3.5 in Physics, 4.0 in anat/phys). I have also retaken some social science and English courses that I'd taken long ago since after all, these courses were over 8 years old.

As an undergraduate just out of high school, I REALLY REALLY destroyed my academic transcript because, honestly at that time, I did not care, nor did I have any solid career goals. I took over 200 units in junior college and state University combined, earned a B.A. in a social science related field, and scarred my academic record with countless C's, several D's and a few F's. (there were some A's and B's as well but....you get the picture). The point is, at this point, over 10 years later, after having taken all of these recent courses related to Pharm, with a high GPA, and PCAT scores of 78th percentile, which is acceptable, I am still finding that these Pharm schools blindly refer to "overall GPA" which in my case, is still below a 2.8, if a school is going to count all of my screw ups from before. PharmCAS of course counts all of the first scores earned, even if courses were retaken for a better grade, which led me to apply to schools that don't participate in PharmCAS, again without SUCCESS, since they probably look at lifetime GPA as well, and count all that mess into the overall. I thought Pharm schools look at upward improvement, but I guess not. There is only one school, as I understand that offers academic forgiveness, meaning that scores before the past 5 years are not counted in your GPA calc if you so choose, but I mean how many people are gonna be applying to that one?? Probably a LOT, including me. Any suggestions? Is there ANYONE whose found themself in the same or similar situation???🙁🙁

I was in a similar situation. As a dumb undergrad (albeit at a top tier school) I totally did not focus at all and also destroyed my GPA. However, out of college, I now work in the pharmaceutical industry and finished a Masters in pharmacology with a 3.7 and a PCAT composite of 95. What i have found is, sadly, that no one cares, and it's all about the numbers. I have received no interview invites at all from the state of California. Therefore, if you screwed up once in your life, you are basically boned for applications because schools would rather give an interview to someone fresh out of community college or the worst state school in the nation, but had a 3.9 GPA.

I suppose if you were able to find a job as a pharmacy tech (good luck with that in California) and worked there for years, you may be able to catch a break. Additionally, apply very early. Sorry, I am a little bitter and equally frustrated.

 

[monica949]

I was in a similar situation. As a dumb undergrad (albeit at a top tier school) I totally did not focus at all and also destroyed my GPA. However, out of college, I now work in the pharmaceutical industry and finished a Masters in pharmacology with a 3.7 and a PCAT composite of 95. What i have found is, sadly, that no one cares, and it's all about the numbers. I have received no interview invites at all from the state of California. Therefore, if you screwed up once in your life, you are basically boned for applications because schools would rather give an interview to someone fresh out of community college or the worst state school in the nation, but had a 3.9 GPA.

I suppose if you were able to find a job as a pharmacy tech (good luck with that in California) and worked there for years, you may be able to catch a break. Additionally, apply very early. Sorry, I am a little bitter and equally frustrated.

I do appreciate your willingness to provide advice despite being in a frustrating situation yourself. With such a high graduate GPA, I'd just apply to some of the best out of state schools if I were you. I guess California is where EVERYONE wants to be. Of course I'm not really in a position to be advising🙁 Good luck.

 

[monica949]

To help w/your EC....
I just left the San Diego area and had a great experience as a Red Cross volunteer at a US Naval Hospital pharmacy on a Marine Corps base. There are many military pharmacies in the San Diego area. Contact the San Diego chapter of the American Red Cross. It's also great b/c you don't have to commit to a set amount of hours, and since they don't fall under state regulations, you don't have to be a licensed tech. I did everything a tech did, and it was learn as you go. Just know that it takes a couple months to get started due to attending orientation which is only given once/mth and being cleared through the hospital. Good luck! PM me w/any questions.

I will definitely look into that. Thank you🙂

 

[rxlea]

I do appreciate your willingness to provide advice despite being in a frustrating situation yourself. With such a high graduate GPA, I'd just apply to some of the best out of state schools if I were you. I guess California is where EVERYONE wants to be. Of course I'm not really in a position to be advising🙁 Good luck.

For the record (and with all do respect) not EVERYONE wants to be in California 🙂 In fact, being a "city girl", I would sooner move to the rural south 🙂 There are better places to be than in California. You have to look at all your options 🙂

 

[monica949]

For the record (and with all do respect) not EVERYONE wants to be in California 🙂 In fact, being a "city girl", I would sooner move to the rural south 🙂 There are better places to be than in California. You have to look at all your options 🙂

I agree. I'm just surprised at the fact that California schools, even those that barely opened fill up so quickly. I don't think that they have better schools, so I assumed it must be the California weather....I'd personally want to live in Boston if I could have gotten into MCPHS. I've lived in California my entire life and don't think it's anything special.

 

[UES Girl]

I agree. I'm just surprised at the fact that California schools, even those that barely opened fill up so quickly. I don't think that they have better schools, so I assumed it must be the California weather....I'd personally want to live in Boston if I could have gotten into MCPHS. I've lived in California my entire life and don't think it's anything special.

If I was to guess I would say it has something to do with not wanting to move away from the family. I love my mom dearly and being really close to her - like going out to dinner or to see a movie on the rare occasion when I have free time has been wonderful and kept me sane through hardships of the school.

Average applicants entering our school are about 25, so at this point most are either in serious relationships, engaged or have a family. People don't want to separate from their loved ones and go live at another end of the country when they can be close to home. 😉

 

[monica949]

If I was to guess I would say it has something to do with not wanting to move away from the family. I love my mom dearly and being really close to her - like going out to dinner or to see a movie on the rare occasion when I have free time has been wonderful and kept me sane through hardships of the school.

Average applicants entering our school are about 25, so at this point most are either in serious relationships, engaged or have a family. People don't want to separate from their loved ones and go live at another end of the country when they can be close to home. 😉

Makes sense. I would also love to stay close to my mom if I were to have a choice. I was mainly referring to applicants from across the country, though, not just people that live in Cal.😎

 

[indizzzle]

I am a Pharmacy applicant applying to schools now for the second year in a row with so far, no success. Since my decision to go back to school to prepare for a Pharmacy program, I've taken all of the prereqs with a 3.6 GPA. ( 3.5 in organic chem, 4.0 in biochem, 4.0 in Calc, 3.5 in Physics, 4.0 in anat/phys). I have also retaken some social science and English courses that I'd taken long ago since after all, these courses were over 8 years old.

As an undergraduate just out of high school, I REALLY REALLY destroyed my academic transcript because, honestly at that time, I did not care, nor did I have any solid career goals. I took over 200 units in junior college and state University combined, earned a B.A. in a social science related field, and scarred my academic record with countless C's, several D's and a few F's. (there were some A's and B's as well but....you get the picture). The point is, at this point, over 10 years later, after having taken all of these recent courses related to Pharm, with a high GPA, and PCAT scores of 78th percentile, which is acceptable, I am still finding that these Pharm schools blindly refer to "overall GPA" which in my case, is still below a 2.8, if a school is going to count all of my screw ups from before. PharmCAS of course counts all of the first scores earned, even if courses were retaken for a better grade, which led me to apply to schools that don't participate in PharmCAS, again without SUCCESS, since they probably look at lifetime GPA as well, and count all that mess into the overall. I thought Pharm schools look at upward improvement, but I guess not. There is only one school, as I understand that offers academic forgiveness, meaning that scores before the past 5 years are not counted in your GPA calc if you so choose, but I mean how many people are gonna be applying to that one?? Probably a LOT, including me. Any suggestions? Is there ANYONE whose found themself in the same or similar situation???🙁🙁

Apply to the University of Arizona because they look at pre-pharmacy coursework instead of the other social sciences class you have taken. Plus, with the low applicant pool this year and last, you have a really good shot at getting in.

 

[Soon2BPharmacst]

 

[monica949]

\
I don't appreciate people with screen names like yours coming in posting some stupid face trying to show off....this is a pre-pharmacy forum..if you're so happy and blessed to already be in "Pharmacy School", there should be know need for you to have to go around making "faces" at posts like this one.....

 

[pharm B]

You should poke around on the internet and start researching some more schools. My condolences on your having to be in California. That's a rough situation even before you start talking about getting into pharmacy school. 😉

I was surprised when a rep from a local pharmacy school said that all coursework older than 5 years was not considered in their calculation of my application GPA. It's not posted anywhere on their site that they do it that way, but a phone call was all it took to find out. So the "academic forgiveness" schools may not be as few and far between as you think.

 

[ASuw]

thats very depressing 🙁 since u have done so good in the pharm prereqs. I dont see why the 6 years old gpa matters. People change, and so does there goals and achievements. I think they should not consider 5 years old gpa.

 

[pharm B]

thats very depressing 🙁 since u have done so good in the pharm prereqs. I dont see why the 6 years old gpa matters. People change, and so does there goals and achievements. I think they should not consider 5 years old gpa.

And here I thought I was going to cheer you up. 😕

 

[Soon2BPharmacst]

Screen names like mine? I'm not very optimistic so to try to be more optimistic I made up that screen name. If you look at the bottom of my post it says that I edited my post to repost in another thread. Since no one responded I thought maybe I wouldn't get much feedback on this post and was going to post my own...

This was my original post:

I'm in a similar situation and I'm glad someone understands how I feel. I don't have a degree but I do have a diploma from a Technical College (totally not related to Pharmacy). My GPA was high for the diploma. My first semester of undergrad for pre-pharm, I completely messed up my GPA. I'm still struggling to pull it back up. I hate sending my transcript from that one school to another school. It's fairly discouraging but I am really trying to bring up my GPA. My GPA is also below 3.0 but I am determined to bring that up by having nothing less than a B. If I do that I will be able to bring up my GPA to at least a 3.0 but unfortunately they won't see that when I'm applying for school now. I'm almost done with everything to be sent but I'm so scared about my GPA and I have to retake the PCAT this month. I'm going crazy while simultaneously trying to be optimistic . I will only have the pre-reqs done for 2 of the schools of my choice and plan to apply to both. One is in pre-accredidation status though. The pharmacist who is writing one of my LORs graduated from one of those schools. At work I always ask about her experiences and she loved it. I'm hoping that they will take that into consideration that she's a graduate from that school, she has confidence in me and she believes that I would succeed.

Any advice for me so I can calm down a little?

I apologize if I didn't want to take over your post and to start my own.

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I don't appreciate people with screen names like yours coming in posting some stupid face trying to show off....this is a pre-pharmacy forum..if you're so happy and blessed to already be in "Pharmacy School", there should be know need for you to have to go around making "faces" at posts like this one.....

 

[Soon2BPharmacst]

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I don't appreciate people with screen names like yours coming in posting some stupid face trying to show off....this is a pre-pharmacy forum..if you're so happy and blessed to already be in "Pharmacy School", there should be know need for you to have to go around making "faces" at posts like this one.....

If I was so happy and blessed to be in pharmacy school...why would I post the "scaredy" smiley? There's so many other smilies to choose from...I'd think if I was so happy I would have posted a happy one. If I was in Pharmacy School, I wouldn't still have pre-pharmacy on here.

 

[diastole]

Maybe you'll get into that school with academic forgiveness. I was in a similar situation. Although my overall GPA was a bit higher, I had 5 Fs which was really ugly on my transcript. I only applied to USN and got in. If I didn't, my plan was to work on the holes in my profile so I would be a really strong candidate despite my old transcripts. If you don't get in this year, I'd keep working to improve the other areas you do have control over. You can't change the past but you can keep making yourself a stronger applicant. Good luck.

 

[monica949]

If I was so happy and blessed to be in pharmacy school...why would I post the "scaredy" smiley? There's so many other smilies to choose from...I'd think if I was so happy I would have posted a happy one. If I was in Pharmacy School, I wouldn't still have pre-pharmacy on here.

Dear S2B,

Forgive me for lashing out at you yesterday...I was exceptionally frustrated yesterday...and I mistook you for one of those Pharm students that like to go around poking fun at frustrated prepharmers like myself...I've seen it in many threads :/ sorryyyy

Anyhow, your situation doesn't sound half bad and you have a valuable recommendation from a Pharmacist which counts alot....

You should do way better retaking the PCAT since you now are aware of the time rush and could practice before the Jan test date which should be a couple weeks away?

Good luck with you!

 

[confettiflyer]

being that I live here in San Diego area,

random question...are you from SD or from south oc (949)?

 

[monica949]

Maybe you'll get into that school with academic forgiveness. I was in a similar situation. Although my overall GPA was a bit higher, I had 5 Fs which was really ugly on my transcript. I only applied to USN and got in. If I didn't, my plan was to work on the holes in my profile so I would be a really strong candidate despite my old transcripts. If you don't get in this year, I'd keep working to improve the other areas you do have control over. You can't change the past but you can keep making yourself a stronger applicant. Good luck.

I did apply to USN, Diastole...I am waiting, but not too hopeful, since I'm thinking that I have fierce competition, and after all, they can only let in so many people.....I hope to get into USN since it is closer to California and offers an accelerated 3 year program..but have shifted my focus at this point to schools that have precandidate status....that's awesome that you go into the only school you applied...didn't have to spend a fortune on transcript fees and airline tickets (assuming interviews)...good luck in your program🙂

 

[monica949]

random question...are you from SD or from south oc (949)?

I'm originally from South OC...but moved to this area a couple years ago....haven't change my cell number either

 

[monica949]

You should poke around on the internet and start researching some more schools. My condolences on your having to be in California. That's a rough situation even before you start talking about getting into pharmacy school. 😉

I was surprised when a rep from a local pharmacy school said that all coursework older than 5 years was not considered in their calculation of my application GPA. It's not posted anywhere on their site that they do it that way, but a phone call was all it took to find out. So the "academic forgiveness" schools may not be as few and far between as you think.

Ya, some of them will tell you that the relevant coursework must be recent....but they'll also look at the overall that PharmCAS calculated, and they'll completely go by it..

 

[pharm B]

Ya, some of them will tell you that the relevant coursework must be recent....but they'll also look at the overall that PharmCAS calculated, and they'll completely go by it..

The school I'm referring to doesn't use PCAS. That might actually be a good direction for the OP to look in, to find schools that have "different" GPA policies (like academic forgiveness, etc).

 

[Soon2BPharmacst]

Dear S2B,

Forgive me for lashing out at you yesterday...I was exceptionally frustrated yesterday...and I mistook you for one of those Pharm students that like to go around poking fun at frustrated prepharmers like myself...I've seen it in many threads :/ sorryyyy

Anyhow, your situation doesn't sound half bad and you have a valuable recommendation from a Pharmacist which counts alot....

You should do way better retaking the PCAT since you now are aware of the time rush and could practice before the Jan test date which should be a couple weeks away?

Good luck with you!

I understand. I'm frustrated too. I have had this week long headache and I'm not sure if I'm good enough to get in Pharmacy school for this cycle. This is my first time applying and if I don't get in this year I may have to retake some of my classes I took in 2005. Good luck to you as well! 😀

 

[monica949]

The school I'm referring to doesn't use PCAS. That might actually be a good direction for the OP to look in, to find schools that have "different" GPA policies (like academic forgiveness, etc).

that's true

 

[WhiteSnows]

I know this idea is crazy but have you applied to more than 10 schools? I think your chance of getting an interview much more if you apply to more school.

One of the trick to get attention from school is to apply early, as early as you can. There is one school that I know that emphasize strongly on pre-pharm classes is University of Florida. Have you tried applying to them yet? Have you had any pharmacy experience? If not, I think you should have some in this meantime. What I mean is you have to try to your best best to improve any possible area that you have. I know you are very frustrated. However, I have seen a few individuals in this forum who applied 8 times to get in. This sounds crazy but it is real story.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

I know this idea is crazy but have you applied to more than 10 schools? I think your chance of getting an interview much more if you apply to more school.

One of the trick to get attention from school is to apply early, as early as you can. There is one school that I know that emphasize strongly on pre-pharm classes is University of Florida. Have you tried applying to them yet? Have you had any pharmacy experience? If not, I think you should have some in this meantime. What I mean is you have to try to your best best to improve any possible area that you have. I know you are very frustrated. However, I have seen a few individuals in this forum who applied 8 times to get in. This sounds crazy but it is real story.

University of Florida is a great pharmacy school... they do mainly look at your pre-pharm GPA I believe... BUT if you are out of state they basically state that you should have around a 3.6+ GPA and a 90 percentile PCAT to be competitive. Because it's a state school they give preference to Florida residents I believe... BUT it's worth a try.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

For the record (and with all do respect) not EVERYONE wants to be in California 🙂 In fact, being a "city girl", I would sooner move to the rural south 🙂 There are better places to be than in California. You have to look at all your options 🙂

You sound just like me! I've lived in south Florida my whole life and did my undergrad in Miami... I just don't get the whole attraction to the big cities in the sunshine states. I wouldn't mind going to Cali because I have family there, but I REALLY like the deep south country states. University of Florida is in northern Florida which is a lot different than south Florida, and I also applied to two schools in Georgia. If I don't get accepted then I'll probably be moving to Tallahassee until I can re-apply next year because it is really affordable there. My dad used to live in Georgia and I loved riding horses, 4 wheelers, fishing, and having bon fires and doing all that stuff. Idk that's just me though... I think sometimes people always think the grass is greener on the other side. I used to be so dead set on staying in Miami in the big city but after a while it got kind of old. I wouldn't mind living in another big city for school, but I think the experience is more of what you make of it no matter where you are.

 

[monica949]

I know this idea is crazy but have you applied to more than 10 schools? I think your chance of getting an interview much more if you apply to more school.

One of the trick to get attention from school is to apply early, as early as you can. There is one school that I know that emphasize strongly on pre-pharm classes is University of Florida. Have you tried applying to them yet? Have you had any pharmacy experience? If not, I think you should have some in this meantime. What I mean is you have to try to your best best to improve any possible area that you have. I know you are very frustrated. However, I have seen a few individuals in this forum who applied 8 times to get in. This sounds crazy but it is real story.

I agree with the applying early. I applied pretty early this year but lagged out getting my transcripts sent, so ...... It turned out to be not so early

I haven't thought about the U of Florida, and it's probably too late at this point. I will keep them in mind for the future. I've applied to 7 ( for 2010). Wow I hope you don't mean that they applied for 8 years 🙁........that would really be a huge discouragement

 

[UES Girl]

I agree with the applying early. I applied pretty early this year but lagged out getting my transcripts sent, so ...... It turned out to be not so early

I haven't thought about the U of Florida, and it's probably too late at this point. I will keep them in mind for the future. I've applied to 7 ( for 2010). Wow I hope you don't mean that they applied for 8 years 🙁........that would really be a huge discouragement

Looks like opening this thread has helped you a lot to identify what mistakes you made this year (PS, not applying early enough). I am confident if you fix those next year, select more school for applying and enhance your application, you'll get admitted. Don't loose hope. 🙂

 

[Passion4Sci]

Loose 😳

 

[monica949]

Looks like opening this thread has helped you a lot to identify what mistakes you made this year (PS, not applying early enough). I am confident if you fix those next year, select more school for applying and enhance your application, you'll get admitted. Don't loose hope. 🙂

Thanks, Cheburashka