What kind of random things/achievements about you can help?

[rs37982]

So obviously the pharm schools look at GPA, PCAT, pharmacy experience and stuff. I have the GPA, I have the PCAT score, however I have pretty much no experience at all.

Basically I was just wondering what type of random things and achievements can be helpful to you and make you stand out or look good? Just for an example, if you won a state level competition in a sport or instrument you play or something.

For me, I've always loved film and screenwriting as a hobby, and a short I wrote as a teenager caught the attention of an independent film producer online, who asked me to shoot it. It's not a huge successful film or anything, but the fact that I have a credit to a tiny, short film out there is pretty outstanding. I know it has absolutely nothing to do with pharmacy, but should I bring this up in an interview/personal statement? Would it help me? Or should I just leave it out? Any thoughts?

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[Pojman]

If during an interview you are asked about yourself, you could certainly add the things that you mentioned. It would only not help you if you present yourself in a strange or goofy manner during your interview.

I have one of the rarest hobbies that I have ever known.. I raise ant colonies under controled observation in my home. But when I tell people about it, I speak in confidence and show a true joy/interest in the hobby. It all just depends on how you communicate.

Good luck.

 

[Sugoi Travis]

Put that down in your application and when it comes up during interviews, exhibit your passion for film-making and screenwriting. You'll score points for setting yourself apart from the crowd. It would be a detriment if you didn't put it in imo.

 

[tommyVoltage]

I was in a touring band endorsed by Pepsi/Frito Lay, random clothing companies, and everything else. My personal statement is more about life experience since I already have a BS and have been working for a year, so I might have a sentence or two about it. Screenwriting is something different, but don't write a page about it.

 

[rs37982]

Quick question... where on the application would I put this? The personal statement's prompt is specific to why you want to do pharmacy, so how would I bring up my screenwriting hobby? Where else on the application do you put this stuff?

 

[swarles]

Quick question... where on the application would I put this? The personal statement's prompt is specific to why you want to do pharmacy, so how would I bring up my screenwriting hobby? Where else on the application do you put this stuff?

You can put it as an extracurricular.

 

[drugdealer2b]

you can put it in extracurricular. or in one of those "what makes you unique" personal statements if it made a big impact in your life. I think it'll set you apart from the cookie-cutters.

 

[rs37982]

You can put it as an extracurricular.

You can put hobbies as extracurriculars? I thought those were for organizations and clubs, not just random hobbies or achievements.

 

[AlexSC]

You can put hobbies as extracurriculars? I thought those were for organizations and clubs, not just random hobbies or achievements.

I thought the same thing as well. I don't think its for random hobbies. But hey, if that's all you got then put it down. Having SOMETHING in that area is better than nothing.

 

[kcha90]

I would avoid putting hobbies in the Extracurriculars section. You can mention your interests during the interview.