Waitlisted, need advice.

[TechthenpharmD]

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So I was planning to apply next cycle but on a whim I went ahead and applied. My stats weren't the greatest 3.1 cum,3.2 science, 6 w's. 5 years as a technician at a chain and am currently. Pcat was god awful:40 cum 81 chem 67 bio. Second attempt was even worse. So needless to say I wasn't that hopeful for interviews this cycle let alone an acceptance.

To much surprise I received four interview invites, I was ecstatic. I have gone to three of them so far and sadly was wait-listed at all three. My next interview is march 12, but feel like all I'm going for is to be put on the waitlist once again.

I am currently in my junior year of my bio bach. Degree. So besides finishing that, do you guys have any advice on how to improve to possibly move from waitlisted to acceptance? Or improving for future cycles?

 

[Wallace12]

Maybe retaking the PCAT, I know it sucks but I did it. I went from 50 to 91 comp (I think it was part to do with stress and being more relaxed the second time). I was also waitlisted but have since been removed and accepted to my top choice. You could still easily be accepted this cycle though, don't stress over the waiting game! Just focus on school or whatever hobbies you love. But if you don't get accepted this year I think retaking and improving your PCAT would help and possibly completing your bachelors, if the schools you applied to prefer that. Good luck and stay optimistic!

 

[MLH]

Do you even know 100% that it's because of your stats or you applied and interviewed late in the cycle? I don't know where you applied or when!?? to be able to give you more input..you eh on pcat but if youre applying to programs that don't put that much weight into pcat then maybe work on your interview. Your stats have to meet requirements or why did they even give you an interview..I suggest (if you don't get off waitlist) finish Bach strong. Attend open houses to school of choice and network!network! Get to know admissions ask how to become a better candidate. ...improve your personal statement...send thank you email to interviewers. When you stand weak with numbers you have to make it up by standing out as a person. You need to get them to know you and your determination.. great way is to network and attend open houses...?! Good luck! Go to your last interview not already defeated in your mind that your not good enough they can sense it. You need to in a positive not over powering way make them see you might not look great on paper but you are great in person and when it comes down to it in front of patients that's what they will see not scores on a paper. Oh btw if you applied late apply super early next cycle.

 

[TechthenpharmD]

Do you even know 100% that it's because of your stats or you applied and interviewed late in the cycle? I don't know where you applied or when!?? to be able to give you more input..you eh on pcat but if youre applying to programs that don't put that much weight into pcat then maybe work on your interview. Your stats have to meet requirements or why did they even give you an interview..I suggest (if you don't get off waitlist) finish Bach strong. Attend open houses to school of choice and network!network! Get to know admissions ask how to become a better candidate. ...improve your personal statement...send thank you email to interviewers. When you stand weak with numbers you have to make it up by standing out as a person. You need to get them to know you and your determination.. great way is to network and attend open houses...?! Good luck! Go to your last interview not already defeated in your mind that your not good enough they can sense it. You need to in a positive not over powering way make them see you might not look great on paper but you are great in person and when it comes down to it in front of patients that's what they will see not scores on a paper. Oh btw if you applied late apply super early next cycle.

I applied back in mid October. So, I don't think I was to late into the cycle.

 

[Sugoi Travis]

I don't think it's so much your stats (although PCAT score can definitely be polished) but your ability to interview. I'm more concerned about how you showed yourself to the admissions committee on those interview days.

 

[TechthenpharmD]

I don't think it's so much your stats (although PCAT score can definitely be polished) but your ability to interview. I'm more concerned about how you showed yourself to the admissions committee on those interview days.

Well my first interview went bad because I had no idea what to expect however, the other two were ok in my opinion anyway. There's a couple questions I stumble on like those " give us an example of when.." Questions. Any tips I can take with me to my next one?

 

[chemguy79]

Well my first interview went bad because I had no idea what to expect however, the other two were ok in my opinion anyway. There's a couple questions I stumble on like those " give us an example of when.." Questions. Any tips I can take with me to my next one?

Mock interviews, hands down. IMO, You should have a roll-a-dex of interview answers to hypothetical questions like that so you don't completely stumble through questions of that sort. It's similar to a job interview; You should have a list of questions that you can ask your interviewer (depending on the tone of the interview) to show interest. Personally, I'd rather come off as slightly scripted versus the contrary where you ramble and desperately try to form an answer to a question that you weren't expecting.

 

[TechthenpharmD]

Mock interviews, hands down. IMO, You should have a roll-a-dex of interview answers to hypothetical questions like that so you don't completely stumble through questions of that sort. It's similar to a job interview; You should have a list of questions that you can ask your interviewer (depending on the tone of the interview) to show interest. Personally, I'd rather come off as slightly scripted versus the contrary where you ramble and desperately try to form an answer to a question that you weren't expecting.

I guess I should just keep adding to my list. After the first interview, I practiced all those questions given there for the next interview. Still was surprised with other questions that weren't asked previously. I have a generic list of questions that I practice, just seems like there's always something they will ask I wasn't prepared for lol.

If I don't get In this cycle least I know what to expect now. Thanks guys!

 

[radio frequency]

Your chem and bio are acceptable on the PCAT. Was a specific section difficult for you? I find they place less stock in the non-science and non-math sections, so perhaps your PCAT is ok.

Your story makes me think you need to focus more on interviewing. If you're getting invited to interview but not accepted, it may mean your interview skills just need some work. Practice is important; maybe practice with somebody else as the interviewer so you can get used to the feeling.

Also, there's still a high chance you'll get in off the wait list for at least one of these three schools. Many people choose to defer schooling or are accepted to multiple schools, then decline a few later. You have good odds; just do your best!

 

[TechthenpharmD]

Your chem and bio are acceptable on the PCAT. Was a specific section difficult for you? I find they place less stock in the non-science and non-math sections, so perhaps your PCAT is ok.

Your story makes me think you need to focus more on interviewing. If you're getting invited to interview but not accepted, it may mean your interview skills just need some work. Practice is important; maybe practice with somebody else as the interviewer so you can get used to the feeling.

Also, there's still a high chance you'll get in off the wait list for at least one of these three schools. Many people choose to defer schooling or are accepted to multiple schools, then decline a few later. You have good odds; just do your best!

The verbal section was my worst. The other one I had difficult with was math section, not due to material, but the time was killing me.

 

[radio frequency]

The verbal section was my worst. The other one I had difficult with was math section, not due to material, but the time was killing me.

Here's the key to the math section:
Don't work through the problems fully. Find ways you can rule the obviously wrong answers out. Rule them out; select the remaining answer, and move on. If you work every problem, you will never have enough time.

Verbal is pretty much impossible to study for, I think. You either know your vocabulary or you don't. I wouldn't worry about that section though as most schools seem to not care about your English...

 

[TechthenpharmD]

Here's the key to the math section:
Don't work through the problems fully. Find ways you can rule the obviously wrong answers out. Rule them out; select the remaining answer, and move on. If you work every problem, you will never have enough time.

Verbal is pretty much impossible to study for, I think. You either know your vocabulary or you don't. I wouldn't worry about that section though as most schools seem to not care about your English...

Thanks for the advice! If I do not get in this cycle I will definitely try that out.

 

[nickotine]

If you got invites to interviews, I think your stats have met the requirement. I think if you nail the interview, you will have a very good chance of getting accepted. I don't know what school you are applying to, but you can find interview questions here on SDN and make sure you do your homework on those interview questions. You need to have strong answers and have examples to back up your answers. Since you said you worked for 5 years at a retail chain and are still working, you need to be ready to provide examples from work or life to answer your interview questions. You have better GPA than I and I probably have just as many W's and I got accepted, so I think you still have a shot if you have a strong interview. I agree with others that your PCAT still have room for improvement but at this point, I think you need to really prepare for your next interview. Even if you don't get in this cycle, this is valuable experience for you to know where you need to improve and become a stronger candidate next cycle. Good luck.

 

[TechthenpharmD]

If you got invites to interviews, I think your stats have met the requirement. I think if you nail the interview, you will have a very good chance of getting accepted. I don't know what school you are applying to, but you can find interview questions here on SDN and make sure you do your homework on those interview questions. You need to have strong answers and have examples to back up your answers. Since you said you worked for 5 years at a retail chain and are still working, you need to be ready to provide examples from work or life to answer your interview questions. You have better GPA than I and I probably have just as many W's and I got accepted, so I think you still have a shot if you have a strong interview. I agree with others that your PCAT still have room for improvement but at this point, I think you need to really prepare for your next interview. Even if you don't get in this cycle, this is valuable experience for you to know where you need to improve and become a stronger candidate next cycle. Good luck.

Thanks I'll keep this in mind.

 

[pharmerjohn]

Like others have said, bringing up your PCAT composite score will definitely give you more of an advantage for next cycle. However, for this cycle, the only thing you can really do is nail you next interview in March. How did you prep for your interviews? Did you look at the interview feedback section of this site for the specific schools that you're interviewing at? Not every school has the same interview style or questions, so try to get a feel for how they interview, then practice. In fact, make sure you get plenty of practice. Practice in front of the mirror, your family members/friends, dog/cat, etc... Good luck!

 

[TechthenpharmD]

Like others have said, bringing up your PCAT composite score will definitely give you more of an advantage for next cycle. However, for this cycle, the only thing you can really do is nail you next interview in March. How did you prep for your interviews? Did you look at the interview feedback section of this site for the specific schools that you're interviewing at? Not every school has the same interview style or questions, so try to get a feel for how they interview, then practice. In fact, make sure you get plenty of practice. Practice in front of the mirror, your family members/friends, dog/cat, etc... Good luck!

thanks for the link! I've had some of the pharmacist at my work quiz me per say on interview questions. Fingers Crossed there will be no surprises!