What to do??

[Sana101]

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Hey, I just graduated from high school and am going to KU in the fall. I really don't know if I should go to KU or UMKC though, I know UMKC is a one year pre rep school while KU is 2 years. I'm really confused! I know I like both schools but don't know which would be the one for me?? Has anyone gone to either school and have any advice to offer??

Also, I called like A MILLION pharmacies to see if they had a pharm tech or sales associate position open in their pharmacy but everyone if full! 👎 I really think I need some experience before I apply to pharm school, but would it kill my chances if I don't have any, b/c seriously its like impossible to get any position right now

Thanks for reading and please please help! 😱

 

[Passion4Sci]

Hey and welcome to SDN.

First of all, I'd like to clarify a couple of things.

Is UMKC (What is that exactly?)'s prep school ALSO a university? As in, you go to the preparatory portion for one year, then do 4 years of university study (Like at KU?) Or is it UMKC ---> KU, or just KU? So please clear that up.

As far as pharmacy experience goes, you're right on track starting so damn early!! Many of us have to rush to get our work exp/volunteer time/shadowing time in a couple of years at best so you're way ahead.

I recommend checking with local hospitals and getting onto waiting lists for volunteer work. They are very popular and as such have many people wanting to do the same thing in the pharmacies there, however they also need the help, and many hospitals can accomodate as many as thirty volunteers! So... that's an avenue.

Above all else, focus on getting excellent grades in the pre-requisite courses and everything else will fall into place. Also, fret not if you are an academic achiever, because lots of SDNers have been 1 school, 1 acceptance with zero pharmacy exp. because they had sterling academics... So if that's your boat, float it.

Good luck and don't forget to update us.

 

[IrishRxMan]

Both schools are good, and it really doesn't matter which one you end up at. I would do all the pre-reqs for UMKC in your first year and apply while doing the rest of the pre-reqs for KU. If you don't get into UMKC you can always reapply the next year. It might be beneficial for you to just wait until the fall of your second year to start applying b/c a lot of the sophomore level courses you will take will help you on the PCAT.

As far as getting experience, I would go to independent pharmacies and see if you can volunteer at one. They are a little easier to do this at b/c they are the boss and can do what they want instead of a big chain like Walgreens or CVS. I remember another more local chain Key Rexall up there in Kansas when I was stationed there which might also be a good place to hit up. Also, it's a way to get your foot in the door. If you've been volunteering for a while and they know your personality and suddenly a position comes open, you would most likely be the first pick. This is the way that a lot of people get jobs in the independent world. The other way is knowing someone that knows someone.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Both schools are good, and it really doesn't matter which one you end up at. I would do all the pre-reqs for UMKC in your first year and apply while doing the rest of the pre-reqs for KU. If you don't get into UMKC you can always reapply the next year. It might be beneficial for you to just wait until the fall of your second year to start applying b/c a lot of the sophomore level courses you will take will help you on the PCAT.

As far as getting experience, I would go to independent pharmacies and see if you can volunteer at one. They are a little easier to do this at b/c they are the boss and can do what they want instead of a big chain like Walgreens or CVS. I remember another more local chain Key Rexall up there in Kansas when I was stationed there which might also be a good place to hit up. Also, it's a way to get your foot in the door. If you've been volunteering for a while and they know your personality and suddenly a position comes open, you would most likely be the first pick. This is the way that a lot of people get jobs in the independent world. The other way is knowing someone that knows someone.

Tiny derail: Fort Riley sucks.

 

[IrishRxMan]

I totally agree...the only area around Ft. Riley that was nice was Manhattan. I left there as soon as I could. I was there from Dec '96 to Jan '03. It's the post that the Army forgot.

 

[Sana101]

Both schools are good, and it really doesn't matter which one you end up at. I would do all the pre-reqs for UMKC in your first year and apply while doing the rest of the pre-reqs for KU. If you don't get into UMKC you can always reapply the next year. It might be beneficial for you to just wait until the fall of your second year to start applying b/c a lot of the sophomore level courses you will take will help you on the PCAT.

As far as getting experience, I would go to independent pharmacies and see if you can volunteer at one. They are a little easier to do this at b/c they are the boss and can do what they want instead of a big chain like Walgreens or CVS. I remember another more local chain Key Rexall up there in Kansas when I was stationed there which might also be a good place to hit up. Also, it's a way to get your foot in the door. If you've been volunteering for a while and they know your personality and suddenly a position comes open, you would most likely be the first pick. This is the way that a lot of people get jobs in the independent world. The other way is knowing someone that knows someone.

hey, yeah I think i might go to KU but make sure i do UMKC's pre reqs like u suggestd. Hopefully everything will work out 4 the best! I'm going 2 take your advice up and look at some independent chains too. i hope i find something. thanks!!!!!!

 

[Sana101]

Hey and welcome to SDN.

First of all, I'd like to clarify a couple of things.

Is UMKC (What is that exactly?)'s prep school ALSO a university? As in, you go to the preparatory portion for one year, then do 4 years of university study (Like at KU?) Or is it UMKC ---> KU, or just KU? So please clear that up.

As far as pharmacy experience goes, you're right on track starting so damn early!! Many of us have to rush to get our work exp/volunteer time/shadowing time in a couple of years at best so you're way ahead.

I recommend checking with local hospitals and getting onto waiting lists for volunteer work. They are very popular and as such have many people wanting to do the same thing in the pharmacies there, however they also need the help, and many hospitals can accomodate as many as thirty volunteers! So... that's an avenue.

Above all else, focus on getting excellent grades in the pre-requisite courses and everything else will fall into place. Also, fret not if you are an academic achiever, because lots of SDNers have been 1 school, 1 acceptance with zero pharmacy exp. because they had sterling academics... So if that's your boat, float it.

Good luck and don't forget to update us.

yeah umkc is university, it has 1 year pre reqs so its a 5 yr pharmacy school. im going 2 make sure i strive for good grades even if i dont get any experience , but i know its really competitive so ill try 2 get some volunteering in my
boat 2. thanks so much!!!

 

[aboveliquidice]

Tiny derail: Fort Riley sucks.

Mental note - avoid Fort Riley...