Wanted:ADVICE!!!

[stelllareve]

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Heres the spill:
I recently graduated and got my BS from a university, Ive been thinking of going into Pharm for a while and have been taking most of the pre-reqs that are required, though I still need about 3 courses left (which ill take probably at a jc). My gpa ISNT very good at all, though I do have ALOT of volunteer work, research, pharmacy experience, clubs etc. I know Im probably not going to get accepted for fall 2006, though Im still going to apply.

heres my questions:
1. does your chances in getting into a california pharm school increase if you apply as a re-applicant?
2. What can I do in the mean time to bring up my gpa (or to look better towards the admissions) when most of my pre-req courses have been taken already with a grade higher than a C-? retake them again and try to get an A?.. or should i take random biology courses?
3. should I try to get a masters degree 1st and then apply?

So my main concern is - how to improve myself and be a better competative applicant compared to everyone else with a 3.5 gpa.

Pls help me!

 

[NYCillini]

Here's my 2 cents.....

It seems a little ridiculous to me to go through the hassle of obtaining a MS degree in something you don't enjoy and can't see yourself pursuing a future in...just in mere hopes that it will increase your competitiveness for pharm school. Use your degree as something to fall back on and make it something you can live with..... that way you won't be terribly upset with yourself if the pharm school plan doesn't work out.

In my case, I got in with just a BS in Food science and Human Nutrition and already have a career as a Clinical Dietitian. I'm perfectly happy with dietetics but I know that by adding a pharmacy education to my background it will only increase my opportunities and boost my overall satisfaction with my career.

 

[teena524]

There are two basic types of pharmacy schools (in tri-state area). One that doesnt care who you are or who recognizes you and looks only at numbers (PCAT & gpa) and one that wants to get to know you (teacher recommendations and essay). HOwever, being that Pharmacy schools are soo hot these days and getting more and more difficult to get into.. i suggest you prepare as early as possible.

1. does your chances in getting into a california pharm school increase if you apply as a re-applicant?

I know MANY people who re-applied the next year to the same school and got in. They were on the waiting list and never got accepted. They improved their gpa after a year and since they attended that University, they showed their face as much as they could at the Pharmacy school and they knew them by name. California however- im not that familiar with.. i hear its a lot more difficult given the stats of acceptances.\

2. What can I do in the mean time to bring up my gpa (or to look better towards the admissions) when most of my pre-req courses have been taken already with a grade higher than a C-? retake them again and try to get an A?.. or should i take random biology courses?

I re-took classes and it made a vast change. My gpa went from a 2.9 to a 3.4. Its all about gpa when the admissions board is weaving out weak applicants. If you have the time- re-take those classes and it'll help in the long run as well. But time is everything.

3. should I try to get a masters degree 1st and then apply?

A master's degree isn't necessary at all.. its actually insane.. think of it this way. there are highschool students being put right into the pharamcy program right after highschool. You don't need all that to get in. It would be understandable if you were sure of your major.

All those extra things are good.. but its only something to add in your interview. If your passionate about it.. they can see that

- from a girl who has been through the whole process and turned back -