What PCAT score do I need

[Amakk]

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Hi all! New to the forum and have a quick question. I am currently taking the last of my pre reqs and have a 3.69 gpa. I am confident I will receive an A in each of my 5 classes that I am currently taking, which will boost my Gpa to around a 3.8. What PCAT score do you guys think is needed to get accepted into any pharmacy school in Texas. I've been working as a tech for two years but in regard to medical experience that's about it. I am really worried I won't be accepted anywhere. What do you guys think? Thanks so much for any input!

 

[TheBlaah]

Well, considering your GPA is pretty good and you have two years of tech experience, you have some leeway with your PCAT score. Taking a quick look at the average admitting GPA (3.6) and PCAT (85), I'd say your goal is to get at least an 80 on the PCAT. Then nail the interview.

 

[Amakk]

Well, considering your GPA is pretty good and you have two years of tech experience, you have some leeway with your PCAT score. Taking a quick look at the average admitting GPA (3.6) and PCAT (85), I'd say your goal is to get at least an 80 on the PCAT. Then nail the interview.

Does it change anything that my high gpa is from a community college?

 

[CMUchicka]

Does it change anything that my high gpa is from a community college?

Depends on school you want to go. Some private school won't care if you did all your pre req. at community college, where as some presitigious state schools would prefer you do all science prereq at 4 year university. That's what i heard when i was doing my undergraduate

 

[oogens]

A lot of schools will want to see pre-reqs done at a 4 year, even if you didn't get a bachelor's ( though it doesn't hurt)

Find some schools you're interested in and see if they require a 4-year for math/sci.

And just try and get the highest possible on the PCAT, I recall it being fairly straighforward

 

[TheBlaah]

Does it change anything that my high gpa is from a community college?

Probably, depends on the reputation of the college and if the pharmacy school recognizes it. But it's not a dealbreaker; there's no written rule regarding admissions about what school you're from. It's just something they may keep in the back of their minds.

 

[Raadiance]

There are so many pharmacy schools in Texas that you'll be bound to get into one if you apply to all of them, especially with your high gpa and pharm tech experience. Now if you want to go to a more prestigious one such as UT Austin, Tech, Houston, etc., it might be more difficult because you did complete all of your pre-reqs from a community college and I know that UT Austin in particular really wants you to complete science/math at a 4 year university. That being said, when I interviewed at Houston, there was someone there from a community college (not sure if he/she got in) so you should get an interview from most places if you get an 80+ on the PCAT. Hope this helps!

 

[Amakk]

Dang it, I didn't know cc made a difference at all. Also, because I don't have my bachelors, are my chances dropped even lower? Or are they not too worried about that.

 

[Raadiance]

The less prestigious colleges such as TSU, North Texas, and Tyler probably don't care too much about community college classes. A bachelors would obviously help, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker. If you do well on the interview then you should get in. I didn't have a bachelors degree and got accepted to Houston and UT Austin, but I did complete all my science/math courses at a 4 year university. For now, just focus on getting a 85+ on the PCAT if you want a shot at the higher ranked schools.

 

[Sugoi Travis]

If your CC classes were up to par with the classes universities offer, then you should have no trouble getting even a 90+ composite with your GPA.

 

[Amakk]

Thank you so much guys! I just really hope I get accepted into atleast one. Do any of you recommend any specific leadership or volunteer work I should get into?

 

[Sugoi Travis]

Thank you so much guys! I just really hope I get accepted into atleast one. Do any of you recommend any specific leadership or volunteer work I should get into?

I'd recommend an actual job at either a retail chain, hospital, or wherever you want to go pharmacy-related. Working while in school is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

 

[Amakk]

I'd recommend an actual job at either a retail chain, hospital, or wherever you want to go pharmacy-related. Working while in school is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

I'm actually already working as a pharmacy technician. I was wondering if perhaps anyone had some research or other leadership ideas in mind that would look good on my application.

 

[DevinPJ]

Dang it, I didn't know cc made a difference at all. Also, because I don't have my bachelors, are my chances dropped even lower? Or are they not too worried about that.

Like everyone has said, it doesn't matter for most schools. They may look at your GPA with a little less regard, but a 3.8 at a community college is still really good. That being said, I've taken a couple of classes at a community college, but I took 95% of my classes at my 4 year university and the community college was much easier. I'm sure the schools will know this when looking at your application and consider it a factor.

I really wouldn't worry about it though. Just aim for a 70-80 pcat score (depending on the pcat average of the schools you want to apply to) and you'll be fine. A 70 is very doable. I got a 76 the first time I took the pcat without studying for it at all.

 

[pharma012]

Not too positive about the others in the state, but I know for a fact that neither UT Austin nor Texas Tech care whether or not you did your pre-requisite coursework at a community college. However, there are certain courses that they require that can only be completed at a 4 year university. For the most part though, especially with UT, they look for good communication skills, your knowledge about pharmacy and your ability to contribute to the industry. Stellar grades are fantastic, but they definitely aren't everything.

 

[sajimar25]

This is off-topic but I wanted to give it a try and see if someone can help. Has anyone here gone to UTSA?

I've applied to TSU for 2017 and I have an interview in November. The only pre-req. I am missing is Medical Terminology. I live in San Antonio currently and I got my B.S. In Biochemistry from SUNY Binghamton in 2010. I can take the class I'm missing at Univ. of Texas at San Antonio, but the only Medical Terminology class there is offered through the Kinesiology Dept. TSU said they won't accept it.

For any other students that went to UTSA, how did you fulfill the Medical Terminolgy pre-req? Where did you take it?

Thanks!