What would you do...?!?

[kirang]

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Hey!!

Well, The reason for this post is to get a advice from UNBIASED people who maybe in the same situation as me. So, here goes... I'll try to keep it short and sweet!

I want to pursue my prereqs for pharmacy. I currently hold 2 degrees from a CSU I have a Bachelors and Masters both related to Public Health.

Any who, my GPA is alright in both however, I want to venture into pharmacy. The ONLY 2 schools I'm looking at applying to UOP and Touro since its close to home...

I plan on taking my pre-reqs at a JC because I cannot take anymore units at CSU since I've exhausted all options as a student the only way I can return is if I apply to another masters program or enroll in Open University which costs 4x as much. (Considering I have loans for both of my degrees I could really take a break!)

What would ya'll recommend I do..? I plan on getting strictly A's and B's in all my classes... so I'm shooting for a GPA of 3.60 also, I have over 300+ hours of work in a Pharmacy as well as with numerous pharmaceutical companies, I have published papers, thesis, and have worked with the CDC and other National renown organizations....

What to do....and would there be any advice for those specific schools mainly Touro? Would taking my pre-reqs at a Junior College hurt my application? Any honest advice is GREATLY appreciated!!!

Thank-you!

 

[mrblah]

taking pre-reqs at a jc/cc won't hurt your application, regardless of where you apply. In fact many non-traditional students go this route and have very good success.

I don't know why you would just stick to touro and uop considering there are 8 pharmacy schools in california, but I guess you have your reasons.

good lucki

 

[kirang]

Thanks!! I live in Northern CA I really don't want to move down south. Also, I heard Touro is the easiest school to get into.... any anyone confirm or deny this?

 

[kirang]

Oh, and can I add mess that is my life... I was accepted to UOP to receive a second bachlors in Bio-Chem...but I don't want to pay 40gs for pre-reqs...would me going to UOP be better than a JC???

 

[52PharmD]

Who told you Touro is easy to get in?

I know someone from UC with 3.5 can't get in
Too many people wanna stay in Norcal😱

 

[fenixtnlfan]

Honestly going to a CC with the amount of stuff you have on your resume will not be a problem. People who only take the min pre-reqs at a CC and never step into a university can get in to pharm school. You are fine!

 

[mrblah]

Oh, and can I add mess that is my life... I was accepted to UOP to receive a second bachlors in Bio-Chem...but I don't want to pay 40gs for pre-reqs...would me going to UOP be better than a JC???

in the end, it doesn't matter where you go for pre-req as long as the school is accredited. If you want to spend 40g's per year or if you want to spend 15 dollars per unit, its up to you.

I went to a JC for my pre-req, I have no regrets, no debts, and had zero problems getting into pharmd. school.

P.S. there are no "easy pharmacy schools" to get into in California. They are all pretty competitive. Although some are more famous than others.

 

[Drug Doc]

Take your pre-reqs at a jc. And since you're asking me what i would do in your shoes, i would also apply to ucsf. is there a reason you aren't applying there (given that you listed Touro and UOP as close to home)?

 

[kirang]

Thank you so much!! I'm sorry if that sounded completely arrogant and pompous it wasn't my intent. I guess I wanted to know what school would be best in terms of admissions with someone of my background? Thank-you for all the advice!

I've also decided to split of up course work so I'll take Chem,Bio, Calculus, Physics at a CSU and Anatomy/Phys, Micro, Econ at a JC... 👍 or 👎 ???

 

[kirang]

I guess the thought of "UCSF" scares the you know what out of me! HAHA! I'm so nervous that I won't get in that I'm not even setting myself up for that possibility. Plus, I really don't want to take an extra 2 years of Calculus and Physics...otherwise all the classes are the same...

I've read most all the posts on this site and have read stories about students that are in the UCSF program and I envy them! I just don't think I have what it takes to be admitted into a school of that stature...

 

[sle3pyguii]

Have you taken any science classes in undergrad? Remember, those are factored into your science GPA also.


Taking the classes at a JC shouldn't be a problem seeing how you've already finished your degrees.

If you want to stay in norcal, apply to UCSF. Why does UCSF scare you? Because it's a top-ranked school? Rankings mean almost nothing once you get your license.

You won't know if you stand a chance unless you apply. I heard/read somewhere that UCSF likes non-trads. With your multiple degrees and pubs, you should be competitive if you have a decent GPA.

 

[Farcus]

your resume is great but you'll need heck of a time explain them why having such an establish career or background you want to switch all of the sudden. But I suppose that wouldn't be very hard for you.

 

[diastole]

I guess the thought of "UCSF" scares the you know what out of me! HAHA! I'm so nervous that I won't get in that I'm not even setting myself up for that possibility. Plus, I really don't want to take an extra 2 years of Calculus and Physics...otherwise all the classes are the same...

I've read most all the posts on this site and have read stories about students that are in the UCSF program and I envy them! I just don't think I have what it takes to be admitted into a school of that stature...

Why not give it a shot? The worst that can happen is that they won't accept you and you weren't going there anyway if you don't apply. Your ego might be a little bruised but otherwise you will be okay. If you do apply, you just might get in. Wouldn't that be cool? If you really don't want to take the extra calculus and physics that's one thing but don't pass up the opportunity because you are scared of not getting in.

 

[OleMiss2012]

I guess the thought of "UCSF" scares the you know what out of me! HAHA! I'm so nervous that I won't get in that I'm not even setting myself up for that possibility. Plus, I really don't want to take an extra 2 years of Calculus and Physics...otherwise all the classes are the same...

I've read most all the posts on this site and have read stories about students that are in the UCSF program and I envy them! I just don't think I have what it takes to be admitted into a school of that stature...

I had two previous degrees and took all my pre-reqs at a CC and got accepted. I got in to two schools the third year I applied and I applied to a lot more schools than I did the first two years. If you're worried about not getting in, you need to apply to more schools. My suggestion to anyone is to apply to as many schools as possible. Apply everywhere and don't be that picky about where you go. I lucked out and got my second choice (Go Rebels!!!). A Pharm D is a Pharm D. I call it the "shotgun approach". It's all a matter of numbers. The more schools you apply to, the better your chances of getting admitted.

Based on your last statement, it doesn't sound like you're very confident of yourself. You need to get that out of your system before any interviews!!!!!!!

Good luck.

 

[kirang]

Its not much of a switch of careers I've always loved medicine its my passion... I actually have my MPH and have taken biochem, epi, numerous science classes...but none that can coincide as a prereq. My GPA is 3.10 undergrad and a 3.56 grad... It's pretty crappy... BUT, I'm hoping to get no less than a 3.6 with my prereqs... should I even bother with pharmacy? I'm becoming soo discouraged as the days go by... 🙁

But, I never thought about the prospect of apply to UCSF but, I'll defiantly give it a try...if I survive the prereqs 😱

 

[Drug Doc]

Ok, I can understand not wanting to take the extra prereqs. Your list seems like a b*tch as is. However, if you're just giving up cause you're intimidated then . UCSF is an amazing school, but don't let people make you feel like an acceptance there is an impossible feat. Due to their ranking and prestige, I actually feel like UCSF has more flexibility in who they choose. Unlike other schools I came across while I was applying, UCSF doesn't eliminate you just cause of your grades. If you are well rounded and have eye catching things on your resume then you are just as competitive as the crazies with 4.0 gpa's.

 

[OleMiss2012]

... should I even bother with pharmacy?

That depends...


People always ask me
"Son what does it take
To reach out and touch your dreams?"
To them I always say

Are you hungry?
Are you thirsty?
Is it a fire that burns you up inside?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Are you eating, sleeping, dreaming
With that one thing on your mind?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Cause if you want it all
You've got to lay it all out on the line

Can you feel it?
Can you taste it?
Can you hear it ohhh knocking at your door?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Are you eatin', sleepin', dreamin'
With that one thing on your mind?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Cause if you want it all
You've got to lay it all out on the line

- By Tim Mcgraw

 

[diastole]

To the op, you sound like me before I returned to CC to update my prereqs. I knew that getting into pharmacy school was competitive and I was afraid to even tell people I wanted to be a pharmacist because what if I didn't get in. Then I started taking classes and those fears faded away. You have to focus your energy on what you can control which is your classes. Once you start acing your classes, you will feel much better.

 

[kirang]

Thanks for all the advice. I guess until I'm actually head first into my classes I'm going to be nervous! I've actually bought all my books for next semester and I've been reading the chapters to get ahead...But, knowing the difficulty of the courses I'll only be ahead by the first lecture ha! Also, I’ve made my decision not to go to UOP to complete my prereqs but some how I feel like I made the biggest mistake of my life… anyone else ever been in this situation? 😕

 

[aboveliquidice]

Thanks for all the advice. I guess until I'm actually head first into my classes I'm going to be nervous! I've actually bought all my books for next semester and I've been reading the chapters to get ahead...But, knowing the difficulty of the courses I'll only be ahead by the first lecture ha! Also, I’ve made my decision not to go to UOP to complete my prereqs but some how I feel like I made the biggest mistake of my life… anyone else ever been in this situation? 😕

After the military - I had a choice to go to a 4 yr university rather than a CC - I chose the CC because it was cheaper - I took most of my prereqs there. In the end - it mattered not at all.

One thing I would caution you on. If you have a question that is school specific - do NOT base your decisions upon what your read from SDN. This forum is a great tool to connect and learn - and I swear by it - but information from the Horse's mouth is priceless. You contact UOP and Touro and ask them whether or not going to a CC or a 4 yr university will hurt your application. It accomplishes (2) things:

1. You open a line of communication with the schools in question. Getting your name known at a school is indispensable.

2. You get a concrete answer to your question - removing any possible would of, could of, should of from the equation.

Good luck - and keep the community informed of your progress...

~above~

 

[kirang]

Great advice! I've been in real close contact with Touro, UOP, UCSF and they have all said that it makes no difference where prereqs are met. 😀

Here's what I got back from Touro for anyone else thats in the same situation as me!

Kiran,

The comparison between University and Community College coursework rages on. The best advice I can give you is, no matter where you take the courses, do well in them. University or Community College, it is difficult to argue against an "A" grade.

Steve Davis

===========================================

Mr. Steven Davis
Assistant Director of Admissions
Touro University - California
www.tu.edu (Click on "Prospective Students)

 

[jyw003]

who said touro was easy?

 

[ffpickle]

kirang, i am always interested to hear people's reasons for switching from another field into pharmacy...

you mentioned you worked at the cdc, published numerous papers, etc. sounds like you have a great thing going, so why the change of heart?

by the way, best of luck, you sound like an amazing candidate, so don't get discouraged. and remember, there is no substitute for hard work.

 

[kirang]

Well, I’ve always wanted to be connected to the medical field. I just graduated with my MPH and jobs in this field are slowly becoming rare due to funding being cut from the state. I only have a few options: 1. Work for the City/State Health Dept 2. Nonprofit I love my field I enjoy it. BUT, there is zero job stability.

But, my biggest reason for wanting to pursue this now is I love the aspect of what a pharmacist does; not only for a patient but for society in general. Yes, a doctor treats a patient but without the actual prognosis or “Rx” the person may have issues. I love the fact that pharmacist deal with a variety of patients not just one specialty. I also, love research and am wanting to actually work with pharmaceutical companies and would love to use my research skills with my knowledge of medicine. I would have the best of all worlds and use ALL my degrees not just one if I get an opportunity to use it!

Plus, all else fails I can teach, work retail (so I can raise a family), or venture into other programs. I just love the versatility of this field and I truly enjoy learning about medicine and diseases. So, that’s why I decided to go into pharmacy hope that makes sense….

 

[IrishRxMan]

Kirang, your resume is very impressive and you will definitely stand out from the usual crowd. Most applicants will have a bachelor's, possibly a masters. But you have experience using your degrees. I would save your money and go to a CC/JC. I did most of my pre-reqs at a CC and I got in. I don't have quite the work experience you do, but I do have 8 years in the Army as my work experience. I would also apply to UCSF. Like it was said before, you just may get accepted and wouldn't that be a great day for you to get that letter in the mail?!

 

[Aggie07]

So the school you went to allowed you to take biochemistry without having taken basic biology or chemistry and ochem? Am I the only one who thinks that's kind of odd? I'm not saying I don't believe you, I just find it kind of strange.

 

[kirang]

Well, Biochem was apart of my major. Also, as a graduate student I had to take a couple science classes which included Epi, biostats.

As an Undergrad I had to take Bio,Chem but they were the courses that were for non-science majors basically the classes that everyone had to take as per G.E. requirments.

I wouldn't lie about my background there's nothing to gain or lose by saying I've done something when I haven't. 🙂

THANKS, for the advise! I wish I had Army experiance jeez, that would put anyone above the rest! I'm not focusing on the schools I'm applying to, but my coures for this next year! Only time will tell what this next year brings!!!

Thank-you for all the advice!!

 

[kampungboy]

I think all that experience and academic background is lacking an ingredient for pharmacy schools, and that would definitely be community service. When you go for community service and actually interact with the community, you will experience something that is so different than what we are so used to. We all take things for granted, and volunteering to help other people for free, will really give you a sense of appreciation and passion for the community...
so for those of you with a lot of experiences in a pharmacy, research, academic work.. take some time to try volunteering and just offering your service to people who are not so fortunate....

it will really pay off...

🙂