I have a quick question... this is kinda straying off the topic of western BUT since those who got into SC are also checking up on this thread...i was just asking for their personal opinion.....
1. How did you guys get into USC?
2. If you don't have a STRONG gpa or science gpa... (mine being slightly above 3.0 w/ a BS) what can I do that will help me improve my chances of getting in next year if i dont get in anywhere this year??
I know I need to apply early but also perhaps take my PCATS. Is there anything else? I retook some classes i did poorly in and I am going to try to get my tech licence also... but does that help?
I'm just looking for some more advice... THANKS
Farmercyst-
Sorry if i had offended you in any way, but thanks for making that decision to call in on Monday! i'm sure everyone here will appreciate it!
I have a quick question... this is kinda straying off the topic of western BUT since those who got into SC are also checking up on this thread...i was just asking for their personal opinion.....
1. How did you guys get into USC?
2. If you don't have a STRONG gpa or science gpa... (mine being slightly above 3.0 w/ a BS) what can I do that will help me improve my chances of getting in next year if i dont get in anywhere this year??
I know I need to apply early but also perhaps take my PCATS. Is there anything else? I retook some classes i did poorly in and I am going to try to get my tech licence also... but does that help?
I'm just looking for some more advice... THANKS
. It's very nice of you guys and I'm sure you will make someone here very happy.
Here's another Trojan lurking in the Western thread. Yeah, I would consider taking the PCAT because USC does look at the PCAT so if you can do well on it, it will make up for a lower than average GPA. You can always get some more pharmacy experience. I would recommend working as a volunteer or tech in a hospital. Take one or two classes at a CC this summer and/or fall to improve your GPA. And yes, be an early bird.
Btw, just want to give props to Happyface68 and Farmercyst for giving up their waitlist spots
I know of someone with ~3.0gpa who got into USC this year, but this person had alot of other steller extracurriculars to back him up: leadership, pharm experience, confident interview. So if your grades are not as great as they can be, you need to show the adcom your ability to contribute to the field of pharmacy through your actions. Also, USC seems to favor applicants who are pursuing a bachelor's degree.
Western said they would start calling people from May 1st until the first week of school and I havent heard of anyone getting called from the alternate list. This is going to be a long summer. I think it was my GPA that held me back last year. For one thing, I did better in my upper divs my senior year. I took challenging core science courses and did fairly well in them. I also retook a few pre-reqs at my local JC to increase my science GPA.
Graduating with a bachelors definitely helps too, especially if your GPA isn't that high. I didn't have mine yet at the time of applications last year. I believe Western gives 5 extra pts. to applicants that already have a bachelors at the time of applying.
Lastly..INTERVIEWS! They are SO crucial to the admissions process and I cannot stress that enough. I was really nervous last year and rehearsed my answers so much that it was sounded memorized. This year was different and I felt good about all my interviews. All they really want to see is if you're normal and if you'd make a good fit. Don't talk too much. Answer their questions and don't go off on a tangent. Watch your Likes and Umms. They want to hear you be passionate about your achievements and about pharmacy. As long as you are yourself, and remember to practice with a friend/career center, you should be in good shape.
Lastly, be confident, yet humble at the same time.
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