When should I apply? And Do I even have a chance?

[Manga092]

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I just joined today and this is my first time posting in a forum, ever. So please be nice to me 🙂

1. I am graduating with my A.S. degree this May. Then I am going off to a diff school to get my B.S. degree. Which will take another two years. So I plan to attend pharmacy school Fall 2015. Which month of which year should I start applying for that school year? I want to know when is the best time to so that I can have the best chance.

2. I graduated 2009. I was accepted into the pre-pharmacy program at a university. I failed two semesters there and got kicked out. Since 2010, I have been attending a community college. Over there, my grades have been sucky. I take full time classes. Out of the 4-5, I fail 2 and pass with a C with the other 3. My current GPA is a 2.3 at that community college. But calculating my first university, this community college and another community (I took 2 summer classes at) is a 1.9. I know I have NO chance at pharmacy school right now. But I plan on getting over a 3.0 this spring semester. Then the next year, I plan on doing well. I am graduating this may with a A.S. degree in Biology and I am transferring to a 4-year to get my B.S. degree which is an additional 2 years but I'm trying to finish up earlier. I also plan on doing well on my PCAT. I also have been working at pharmacy as a technician for 7 months now. So I just want to know if there is anyone out there like me? Or what do you guys suggest I do? Etc. I just need help. I feel really bad because it normally takes people 6 years to become a pharmacist. It's taken me 4 years for A.S. Plus 2 for B.S. Plus 4 for Pharm.D = 10! Unless, I can somehow get into the 3-year Pharm.D program. I feel hopeless but being a pharmacist is my dream!

Advice?

PS. My grades are bad.. not because I'm too stupid to understand the material. But because I was way into having fun, slacking off by not doing the work or studying. I'm lazy and a huge procrastinator. Pharmacy is my only career option, tbh.

 

[kcha90]

I just joined today and this is my first time posting in a forum, ever. So please be nice to me 🙂

1. I am graduating with my A.S. degree this May. Then I am going off to a diff school to get my B.S. degree. Which will take another two years. So I plan to attend pharmacy school Fall 2015. Which month of which year should I start applying for that school year? I want to know when is the best time to so that I can have the best chance.

2. I graduated 2009. I was accepted into the pre-pharmacy program at a university. I failed two semesters there and got kicked out. Since 2010, I have been attending a community college. Over there, my grades have been sucky. I take full time classes. Out of the 4-5, I fail 2 and pass with a C with the other 3. My current GPA is a 2.3 at that community college. But calculating my first university, this community college and another community (I took 2 summer classes at) is a 1.9. I know I have NO chance at pharmacy school right now. But I plan on getting over a 3.0 this spring semester. Then the next year, I plan on doing well. I am graduating this may with a A.S. degree in Biology and I am transferring to a 4-year to get my B.S. degree which is an additional 2 years but I'm trying to finish up earlier. I also plan on doing well on my PCAT. I also have been working at pharmacy as a technician for 7 months now. So I just want to know if there is anyone out there like me? Or what do you guys suggest I do? Etc. I just need help. I feel really bad because it normally takes people 6 years to become a pharmacist. It's taken me 4 years for A.S. Plus 2 for B.S. Plus 4 for Pharm.D = 10! Unless, I can somehow get into the 3-year Pharm.D program. I feel hopeless but being a pharmacist is my dream!

Advice?

Pharmacy is probably not right for you. Think carefully.

 

[Manga092]

Pharmacy is probably not right for you. Think carefully.

I don't believe that it isn't right for me.
I know why my grades are bad and it's simply because I was foolish. I am a huge procrastinator. Never studied or did the work. But I know what I'm capable of.

So any other advice for me, please?

 

[SnMagnifique]

I don't believe that it isn't right for me.
I know why my grades are bad and it's simply because I was foolish. I am a huge procrastinator. Never studied or did the work. But I know what I'm capable of.

So any other advice for me, please?

I'd say if you really want to do Pharmacy, you really need to retake the Pre-Pharmacy prerequisites again. This will show the schools that you don't give up and that you've learned from your past mistakes. You should do research on the schools that look at the highest grades or even look at the ones that meet closely with your Science cGPA. If you can show that your grades are at least somewhat competitive (i.e. above a 3.0 gpa) then you have a shot at an interview. Truthfully, the interview is where you can sell yourself. If you can sell yourself and show the interviewer that you really had the passion and drive for Pharmacy... then you will get in even if your stats are not as stellar as your fellow peers. I would advise that you get your Bachelor's degree before applying. You can show the schools an upward trend. This really looks good. Some school will look at your overall performance... so definitely do things that will make you stand out. You probably should get involved in clubs and volunteering at hospitals and etc.

If you want it bad enough, you just have to study hard and work on your weaknesses. Even if someone tells you that you can't do it, you're the only person that knows yourself. Good luck and well wishes to you!!

 

[bumpntrunk]

Well you are in a similar situation to myself. The question is how bad do you want it. I was way into having fun and procrastinating and managed a gpa worse than yours. It took me four more years, with a 3.75 of nothing but science courses to resurrect my gpa/sGPA to almost a 3.0. I was also working full time and raising a family so you can do it faster if you have more time to take more classes per semester. Nothing is impossible but it is a matter of cost vs benefit. Also can you truly get almost all A's which is what you need to do to fix what you have already done.

 

[Pharma-Sis]

Your...first time...huh? *perverted labored breathing*

LOL, I kid. Well, I joined a month before and I've been lurking for the most part. This forum is quintessential for those on the way to their health care path. And with the low GPA situation let me tell you, you've got an uphill battle coming your way. Make sure to do stellar in your upper level courses. Like it's been mentioned, you need to do your pre-reqs over. Try to take upper level sciences when going for your Bachelor's and ace those courses to prove that you can handle the sciences on paper. I, too, am a procrastinator and I had some difficulty with Calculus I. Not only have I dropped the course twice and failed it the third time around but I managed to pass with a B. I've got some other D/F's and retook those and somewhat saved my GPA.

Depending on what schools you are trying to go for would you have a chance still. Some schools don't even blink in your direction if you have a sub-par GPA. Go for the Pharmacy institutions that look at the whole package versus your GPA grades. Me being a Florida girl and only staying here, majority of the schools here do the overall package evaluation. But ask around here and you'll get a receptive response for what schools to consider.

You need to network as well. Get buddy-buddy with one science professor at least and get involved with the community if you aren't already. The fact that you are working as a technician is very good. (I wish I could but there's the freaking complications of my state board saying I have to go through a certified education curriculum. I only have 25 hours of experience and that was my time in high school) An LOR from a pharmacist is extremely helpful in your pursuit of Pharmacy. So I hope you've been a shining example of an employee for your boss to give you a letter.

Like you've mentioned you need to do stellar on the PCAT or consider schools who don't require the test.

Another aspect to consider is your writing skills. If you do not consider them strong, sharpen up on them because a lot of schools want a personal statement. Also interviewing skills are a must too.

APPLY EARLY! Sorry, I had to type that out in caps. It's really important because when schools see that you are definitely interested by applying as early as they allow applications to be sent in. Your GPA may be low but applying early does give you another edge over the applicant pool. Many schools use the PharmCAS system. But for the ones who don't and use their own system of applications, just check out a thread of the respective school and see what's the deal with their application.

tl;dr First research the schools you want to apply to then use this website to see what the stats are and when/how to apply. Retake pre-reqs and nail the upper level courses of sciences. Network with your institution's science professors and your pharmacist for good LORs. Apply early. If your school uses PharmCAS that would be in the summer. Knock the PCAT out of the water. Seriously. Sharpen up your writing and interviewing skills if you feel their aren't up to par.

I wouldn't be concerned with the length of time it takes for you to get your Pharm.D especially if this is your ultimate career goal. The point is as long as you get there in the end. 🙂

Take it from me, I feel we have a similar situation. There have been people who've applied and got accepted with worse academic stats so you definitely aren't alone. Heck, I thought I wasn't even going to get anything with the crappy stats I had. But I've already got an interview for one next week. You just gotta know the schools well enough to see which ones will give you a fair shake.

 

[The Recoverer]

So please be nice to me 🙂

This is the internet, we can tear you up if we wished to. hahah. but in all seriousness, the best advice is the hardball. Nice sugarcoated advice never got anyone anywhere.

 

[The Recoverer]

Then the next year, I plan on doing well.
Really? This is much easier said than done. You did just say you failed several courses earlier and got kicked out. I wish the best for you but you gotta look at things prospectively.

Advice?

PS. My grades are bad.. not because I'm too stupid to understand the material. But because I was way into having fun, slacking off by not doing the work or studying. I'm lazy and a huge procrastinator. Pharmacy is my only career option, tbh.

I think pharmacy is the only career option you SHOULD NOT pursue. Just giving you my honest opinion. I don't sugarcoat. You'll never make it through pharmacy school with those attributes

 

[Pharma-Sis]

This is the internet, we can tear you up if we wished to. hahah. but in all seriousness, the best advice is the hardball. Nice sugarcoated advice never got anyone anywhere.

That is so quote worthy.

 

[Manga092]

Your...first time...huh? *perverted labored breathing*

LOL, I kid. Well, I joined a month before and I've been lurking for the most part. This forum is quintessential for those on the way to their health care path. And with the low GPA situation let me tell you, you've got an uphill battle coming your way. Make sure to do stellar in your upper level courses. Like it's been mentioned, you need to do your pre-reqs over. Try to take upper level sciences when going for your Bachelor's and ace those courses to prove that you can handle the sciences on paper. I, too, am a procrastinator and I had some difficulty with Calculus I. Not only have I dropped the course twice and failed it the third time around but I managed to pass with a B. I've got some other D/F's and retook those and somewhat saved my GPA.

Depending on what schools you are trying to go for would you have a chance still. Some schools don't even blink in your direction if you have a sub-par GPA. Go for the Pharmacy institutions that look at the whole package versus your GPA grades. Me being a Florida girl and only staying here, majority of the schools here do the overall package evaluation. But ask around here and you'll get a receptive response for what schools to consider.

You need to network as well. Get buddy-buddy with one science professor at least and get involved with the community if you aren't already. The fact that you are working as a technician is very good. (I wish I could but there's the freaking complications of my state board saying I have to go through a certified education curriculum. I only have 25 hours of experience and that was my time in high school) An LOR from a pharmacist is extremely helpful in your pursuit of Pharmacy. So I hope you've been a shining example of an employee for your boss to give you a letter.

Like you've mentioned you need to do stellar on the PCAT or consider schools who don't require the test.

Another aspect to consider is your writing skills. If you do not consider them strong, sharpen up on them because a lot of schools want a personal statement. Also interviewing skills are a must too.

APPLY EARLY! Sorry, I had to type that out in caps. It's really important because when schools see that you are definitely interested by applying as early as they allow applications to be sent in. Your GPA may be low but applying early does give you another edge over the applicant pool. Many schools use the PharmCAS system. But for the ones who don't and use their own system of applications, just check out a thread of the respective school and see what's the deal with their application.

tl;dr First research the schools you want to apply to then use this website to see what the stats are and when/how to apply. Retake pre-reqs and nail the upper level courses of sciences. Network with your institution's science professors and your pharmacist for good LORs. Apply early. If your school uses PharmCAS that would be in the summer. Knock the PCAT out of the water. Seriously. Sharpen up your writing and interviewing skills if you feel their aren't up to par.

I wouldn't be concerned with the length of time it takes for you to get your Pharm.D especially if this is your ultimate career goal. The point is as long as you get there in the end. 🙂

Take it from me, I feel we have a similar situation. There have been people who've applied and got accepted with worse academic stats so you definitely aren't alone. Heck, I thought I wasn't even going to get anything with the crappy stats I had. But I've already got an interview for one next week. You just gotta know the schools well enough to see which ones will give you a fair shake.

I did read the whole thing! Thank you so much for all your advice.
I'm confused on how early to apply. Like if I want to attend Fall 2015, should I apply Fall 2014? Or Summer 2014?
How many schools do you think I should apply to? I honestly feel like I should apply to 50!

 

[Manga092]

Well you are in a similar situation to myself. The question is how bad do you want it. I was way into having fun and procrastinating and managed a gpa worse than yours. It took me four more years, with a 3.75 of nothing but science courses to resurrect my gpa/sGPA to almost a 3.0. I was also working full time and raising a family so you can do it faster if you have more time to take more classes per semester. Nothing is impossible but it is a matter of cost vs benefit. Also can you truly get almost all A's which is what you need to do to fix what you have already done.

Yeah, I figured I need to get all A's or B+ to get my GPA up to where it needs to be! Thanks for your input 🙂

 

[Manga092]

I'd say if you really want to do Pharmacy, you really need to retake the Pre-Pharmacy prerequisites again. This will show the schools that you don't give up and that you've learned from your past mistakes. You should do research on the schools that look at the highest grades or even look at the ones that meet closely with your Science cGPA. If you can show that your grades are at least somewhat competitive (i.e. above a 3.0 gpa) then you have a shot at an interview. Truthfully, the interview is where you can sell yourself. If you can sell yourself and show the interviewer that you really had the passion and drive for Pharmacy... then you will get in even if your stats are not as stellar as your fellow peers. I would advise that you get your Bachelor's degree before applying. You can show the schools an upward trend. This really looks good. Some school will look at your overall performance... so definitely do things that will make you stand out. You probably should get involved in clubs and volunteering at hospitals and etc.

If you want it bad enough, you just have to study hard and work on your weaknesses. Even if someone tells you that you can't do it, you're the only person that knows yourself. Good luck and well wishes to you!!

Thank you! I can't retake all of my pre-reqs but I am retaking 3 of the major ones this summer. Then for my higher level classes, I am hoping to do very well. 🙂

 

[Pharma-Sis]

I did read the whole thing! Thank you so much for all your advice.
I'm confused on how early to apply. Like if I want to attend Fall 2015, should I apply Fall 2014? Or Summer 2014?
How many schools do you think I should apply to? I honestly feel like I should apply to 50!

Hey not a problem.😎

Pretty much. Class of 2015 would be applying June/July 2014 at the earliest per PharmCAS. For independent application systems it could be anywhere between June-December at the earliest of 2014.

Honestly, it's up to you. If you can afford it then go for it. I think five schools is good enough but more doesn't hurt either. Try to start researching the schools now and see which ones would look at the whole package ordeal versus strong emphasis on grades. Applications are mad expensive so narrow your choices by location, state vs private, how their curriculum would best serve you. That sort of deal.

 

[Manga092]

Hey not a problem.😎

Pretty much. Class of 2015 would be applying June/July 2014 at the earliest per PharmCAS. For independent application systems it could be anywhere between June-December at the earliest of 2014.

Honestly, it's up to you. If you can afford it then go for it. I think five schools is good enough but more doesn't hurt either. Try to start researching the schools now and see which ones would look at the whole package ordeal versus strong emphasis on grades. Applications are mad expensive so narrow your choices by location, state vs private, how their curriculum would best serve you. That sort of deal.

I am looking up schools right now. Since applications are expensive, I will apply to as many as possible where I think I might even have a chance.

The only thing I'm confused on is how will I know if the schools look at the whole package rather than just strong grades?

I would prefer to apply to schools in the Fall 2014 only because since my GPA is low, it would give me extra time to take more classes and raise my grade.

You've been a big help! Thanks for replying, always appreciated 🙂

 

[Pharma-Sis]

An indeed difficult question to answer but from my point of view I know all Florida Schools look at a well rounded individual versus emphasis on GPA.

I'm pretty sure LECOM is one of those schools despite both of their locations all believe (Erie, PA and Bradenton, FL) in the holistic applicant. I have a B.S., 2.9 PharmCAS overall/science GPA, 25 hrs of Pharmacy Experience, 100 hrs of hospital experience, a fair amount of community service and extracurricular activities, a PCAT score of < 50% Percentile composite and I got an interview for LECOM Bradenton.

You take a good look at these Pharmacy School Discussion Threads and other posters will let you know the details of a school from their experience. I didn't find out about LECOM until I curiously clicked on the thread early January now look. They are the first school to contact me back for an interview. XD

Better yet, why not start a thread that would ask this question you are asking? You can get a better response from the general consensus. I'm not too familiar with out of state schools.

You're welcome hon! :3 Glad I could be of assistance.

 

[Manga092]

An indeed difficult question to answer but from my point of view I know all Florida Schools look at a well rounded individual versus emphasis on GPA.

I'm pretty sure LECOM is one of those schools despite both of their locations all believe (Erie, PA and Bradenton, FL) in the holistic applicant. I have a B.S., 2.9 PharmCAS overall/science GPA, 25 hrs of Pharmacy Experience, 100 hrs of hospital experience, a fair amount of community service and extracurricular activities, a PCAT score of < 50% Percentile composite and I got an interview for LECOM Bradenton.

You take a good look at these Pharmacy School Discussion Threads and other posters will let you know the details of a school from their experience. I didn't find out about LECOM until I curiously clicked on the thread early January now look. They are the first school to contact me back for an interview. XD

Better yet, why not start a thread that would ask this question you are asking? You can get a better response from the general consensus. I'm not too familiar with out of state schools.

You're welcome hon! :3 Glad I could be of assistance.

Sorry, one more question: did you apply for pharmacy AFTER you got your B.S. or while you were getting it? Because I don't want to wait until after I get my B.S. to apply because that'll set me back ANOTHER year and that's one year of doing nothing. How was your time frame?

 

[Pharma-Sis]

^After although not a whole lot after. Just one year. Although you can still apply the year you are anticipating your Bachelor's and transition right from undergrad into pharmacy schools.

My time frame of application? Or schooling altogether?

Okay since I'm stuck here at work for another 2.5 hours I'll give you the total schooling timeline.

2006 Graduated High School
2009 Graduated Junior College (I wasted an extra year here due to bad advising)
December 2011 Graduated Undergrad University
Jan/Feb 2012 Started Networking with past professors and pharmacists
May 2012 Started Working Full Time (The job market is bad here in So. Flo. I was lucky enough to get this job)
October 2012 Started PharmCAS application (Learn from my mistakes start the summer of 2014)
November 2012 Started FAMU application since they didn't use PharmCAS, Got back in contact with my sources of LORs to ask them to supply the LORs, also got all of the transcripts to be sent to PharmCAS and FAMU. Registered for January PCAT.
December 2012 E-Submitted as well as paid for two out of three PharmCAS colleges. Sent in the application package by Christmas Eve to FAMU.
January 2013 Got verified by PharmCAS as well as e-submitted for LECOM. Did the supplemental applications for the colleges as well as took the PCAT.
Februrary 2013 Got results from PCAT. Got a call from LECOM for an interview.
March 2013 Attending interview for one school so far.

 

[scienceguy13]

I think pharmacy is the only career option you SHOULD NOT pursue. Just giving you my honest opinion. I don't sugarcoat. You'll never make it through pharmacy school with those attributes

Ring Ring... Hello, Kettle? It's Pot, just wanted to say that you're black.

 

[JohnFe]

Be mature and be serious with your classes.

Good luck ! 😀

 

[kcha90]

Ring Ring... Hello, Kettle? It's Pot, just wanted to say that you're black.

A good point.

 

[The Recoverer]

Ring Ring... Hello, Kettle? It's Pot, just wanted to say that you're black.

hahah wow. This was actually posted?

"I'm lazy and a huge procrastinator. Pharmacy is my only career option, tbh." So OP is implying that since they are lazy and procrastinate, pharmacy is the only career they are capable of because that's all pharmacists do. seriously. Get your head straight. OP has no chance unless he takes another few years to fix his act. I'm not sorry for sounding harsh.

Personally, I think he should get his B.S. before applying because it shows adcoms he is able to comprehend the material. students who get into pharm school with only the min pre reqs usually have a stellar GPA. my $0.02

 

[scienceguy13]

hahah wow. This was actually posted?

"I'm lazy and a huge procrastinator. Pharmacy is my only career option, tbh." So OP is implying that since they are lazy and procrastinate, pharmacy is the only career they are capable of because that's all pharmacists do. seriously. Get your head straight. OP has no chance unless he takes another few years to fix his act. I'm not sorry for sounding harsh.

Personally, I think he should get his B.S. before applying because it shows adcoms he is able to comprehend the material. students who get into pharm school with only the min pre reqs usually have a stellar GPA. my $0.02

Meh, I don't really care... Just saying you're not really in a place to judge, considering you had a crappy GPA yourself. You should also probably stop acting so high and mighty since you haven't even started pharmacy school yet. People could be mean to you too, and say that since you can't even manage to get a B average in undergrad that you'll never make it in pharmacy school. Classes are only going to get harder, blah, blah, blah. Again, don't care that much, just thought it was funny that you're judging pre-pharm students now with low GPA's.

 

[xtsukiyox]

OP, why do you feel pharmacy is the only career choice for you? I have to admit, I kind of scanned, but perhaps your post was phrased a bit injudiciously. Did you mean that it's the only field you see yourself having a career in (after having been a tech for 7 months)?

I think the first thing you need to do is buckle down and apply yourself to your classes. You need to get your GPA in the proximity of 3.0, at least. If you have had bad semesters, think of it from an adcom's perspective: can this person do well? You need to prove you can do stellar in your classes going forward with a full course load. Past performance is a good predictor of future performance, and you need to make it easy for someone to say yes to your academic past.

Regarding time frame - I had no idea what I wanted to do or what pharmacy was all about when I got out of high school. So, I spent 6 years at community college trying to figure that out before pharma school. Not everyone makes a straight line in life. I envy the people who did, but I also value my life experiences I wouldn't have gotten any other way.

 

[JohnFe]

hahah wow. This was actually posted?

"I'm lazy and a huge procrastinator. Pharmacy is my only career option, tbh." So OP is implying that since they are lazy and procrastinate, pharmacy is the only career they are capable of because that's all pharmacists do. seriously. Get your head straight. OP has no chance unless he takes another few years to fix his act. I'm not sorry for sounding harsh.

Personally, I think he should get his B.S. before applying because it shows adcoms he is able to comprehend the material. students who get into pharm school with only the min pre reqs usually have a stellar GPA. my $0.02

👍 Even though I was lazy, I managed to get a BS. Also, I hate being that straightforward. 😛

 

[Manga092]

hahah wow. This was actually posted?

"I'm lazy and a huge procrastinator. Pharmacy is my only career option, tbh." So OP is implying that since they are lazy and procrastinate, pharmacy is the only career they are capable of because that's all pharmacists do. seriously. Get your head straight. OP has no chance unless he takes another few years to fix his act. I'm not sorry for sounding harsh.

Personally, I think he should get his B.S. before applying because it shows adcoms he is able to comprehend the material. students who get into pharm school with only the min pre reqs usually have a stellar GPA. my $0.02

When I said I was lazy and a huge procrastinator, I didn't mean that is why pharmacy is my only career option. Those are two completely different points. Pharmacy is my only career option for many reasons. And I'm lazy/a procrastinator on my own. Anyone can change. I'm sorry you understood it as a reasoning for this career choice.

 

[Manga092]

OP, why do you feel pharmacy is the only career choice for you? I have to admit, I kind of scanned, but perhaps your post was phrased a bit injudiciously. Did you mean that it's the only field you see yourself having a career in (after having been a tech for 7 months)?

I think the first thing you need to do is buckle down and apply yourself to your classes. You need to get your GPA in the proximity of 3.0, at least. If you have had bad semesters, think of it from an adcom's perspective: can this person do well? You need to prove you can do stellar in your classes going forward with a full course load. Past performance is a good predictor of future performance, and you need to make it easy for someone to say yes to your academic past.

Regarding time frame - I had no idea what I wanted to do or what pharmacy was all about when I got out of high school. So, I spent 6 years at community college trying to figure that out before pharma school. Not everyone makes a straight line in life. I envy the people who did, but I also value my life experiences I wouldn't have gotten any other way.

I might've phrased that wrong. Pharmacy is my only career option because I don't see myself doing anything else. I've wanted to be this since I was 12. And after being a tech, I realized this is really what I wanna do. Plus, I want to be in the medical field but I get nauseated/faint when seeing blood, etc.

Me being lazy and a procrastinator has NOTHING to do with my career choice. Those two sentences just ended up being next to each other.

Thank you for your input! I will definitely keep that in mind 🙂

 

[Manga092]

Meh, I don't really care... Just saying you're not really in a place to judge, considering you had a crappy GPA yourself. You should also probably stop acting so high and mighty since you haven't even started pharmacy school yet. People could be mean to you too, and say that since you can't even manage to get a B average in undergrad that you'll never make it in pharmacy school. Classes are only going to get harder, blah, blah, blah. Again, don't care that much, just thought it was funny that you're judging pre-pharm students now with low GPA's.

Thank you for sticking up for me! 🙂

 

[Manga092]

Be mature and be serious with your classes.

Good luck ! 😀

That's what I have to do. I realize now that I fooled around too much and it's time to get serious. 🙂

 

[The Recoverer]

Meh, I don't really care... Just saying you're not really in a place to judge, considering you had a crappy GPA yourself. You should also probably stop acting so high and mighty since you haven't even started pharmacy school yet. People could be mean to you too, and say that since you can't even manage to get a B average in undergrad that you'll never make it in pharmacy school. Classes are only going to get harder, blah, blah, blah. Again, don't care that much, just thought it was funny that you're judging pre-pharm students now with low GPA's.

I'm not judging anyone LOL. You're the one to talk. And yes, everyone has told me I was screwed basically. I went though it too.

I'm cocky and I can't really change that. my GPA was like a 2.3. Imisread his comment into thinking that pharmacy was his only career choice. People were mean to me, and I'm glad they were because they've given me some good constructive criticism instead of telling me all this "oh just change and try hard and you'll do great" BS lmao!

 

[The Recoverer]

Thank you for sticking up for me! 🙂

Yes, thanks for sticking up for Manga, he will change now and get straight A's. That's all he;s gotta do. I'm so done with this thread

 

[Pharma-Sis]

...Wow. I didn't really think the thread would turn out this way.

Awkward...

 

[Manga092]

Yes, thanks for sticking up for Manga, he will change now and get straight A's. That's all he;s gotta do. I'm so done with this thread

I'm a female...

 

[JohnFe]

I'm a female...

Work it sister 👍

 

[Manga092]

Yes, thanks for sticking up for Manga, he will change now and get straight A's. That's all he;s gotta do. I'm so done with this thread

Well, since your grades were low. What did you do to get accepted to pharmacy school? Genuine question.

 

[Manga092]

...Wow. I didn't really think the thread would turn out this way.

Awkward...

Right. Wtf?

 

[Sugoi Travis]

I really shudder in thought at the way some pre-pharm students who just got accepted into pharmacy school and a few current pharmacy students articulate themselves on these forums. Either it's harsh, unnecessary criticism, or borderline elitism.

If you're going to be so quick and impatient as to give extremely blunt advice, rather than crafting a response that is not so forceful but still clearly brings the same exact message across, then how are you going to compose yourself when you're in front of a pissed off individual or have to deal with multiple people who don't necessarily agree with your train of thought?

In all seriousness, OP could have done a much better job in constructing her post since it leaves us in wonder about her stance on pharmacy as a field. But aside from that, if an individual wants to pursue pharmacy, by all means he/she is entitled to do so. I won't even dare come close to having my first typed sentence be "pharmacy is not right for you." If he/she wants to pursue pharmacy this badly, then they must be mentally prepared to put in an enormous amount of work and time, potentially having to go through multiple application cycles before getting into a school. Only time will answer that for us in the end.

 

[Manga092]

I really shudder in thought at the way some pre-pharm students who just got accepted into pharmacy school and a few current pharmacy students articulate themselves on these forums. Either it's harsh, unnecessary criticism, or borderline elitism.

If you're going to be so quick and impatient as to give extremely blunt advice, rather than crafting a response that is not so forceful but still clearly brings the same exact message across, then how are you going to compose yourself when you're in front of a pissed off individual or have to deal with multiple people who don't necessarily agree with your train of thought?

In all seriousness, OP could have done a much better job in constructing her post since it leaves us in wonder about her stance on pharmacy as a field. But aside from that, if an individual wants to pursue pharmacy, by all means he/she is entitled to do so. I won't even dare come close to having my first typed sentence be "pharmacy is not right for you." If he/she wants to pursue pharmacy this badly, then they must be mentally prepared to put in an enormous amount of work and time, potentially having to go through multiple application cycles before getting into a school. Only time will answer that for us in the end.

Thank you for this post, I totally agree with you 🙂
But I am genuinely wondering, since I am the OP, how else would you have wanted me to construct my post? (For future reference)
I am extremely scared of having to go through multiple application cycles!

 

[kcha90]

If you're going to be so quick and impatient as to give extremely blunt advice, rather than crafting a response that is not so forceful but still clearly brings the same exact message across, then how are you going to compose yourself when you're in front of a pissed off individual or have to deal with multiple people who don't necessarily agree with your train of thought?

You're saying this on the assumption that this is actually a good place to find credible advice. People who post on here are anonymous, and not necessarily qualified to voice their opinions at all! I feel bad for people who are actually dependent on this forum. I would hope that someone who wants to be a pharmacist is competent enough to answer questions (like OP's) on their own. A lot of people on this forum want to be a pharmacist but don't realize that they're not a good fit. Everyone likes to think GPA is not that important but it is a pretty good indicator of your academic performance and study habits. If you're pulling C's in general biology and chemistry, do you really think you should have patient's lives in your hands, when their lives depend on your understanding of advanced biochemistry and drug-disease interactions? Call it elitist because it is. Some people just can't handle the fact that they won't be able to handle the rigors of pharmacy school and a pharmacy career.

Also, everyone is entitled to disagree, because I am just another person who's voicing an opinion. But let reality speak for itself. If you succeed, great. If you fail, can't say I didn't tell you so.

 

[Sugoi Travis]

Thank you for this post, I totally agree with you 🙂
But I am genuinely wondering, since I am the OP, how else would you have wanted me to construct my post? (For future reference)
I am extremely scared of having to go through multiple application cycles!

I'm sure you're aware of this, but people are very, very quick to jumping down your throat if you say anything negative about yourself. Explaining that you're lazy and a big procrastinator is basically throwing horse crap into a high-powered fan, except you're two feet from the fan and getting all of it flying at you.

However, the first step on your path to achieving your goals is understanding your problem. You say that you're lazy and procrastinate a lot. Not trying to sound sarcastic, but it's a good thing that you realize that. Now, you have to think about what you need to do to pull yourself out of the mess that you put yourself into. What do you like about pharmacy? How badly do you want to become a pharmacist? How far are you willing to go to pursue this dream?

There is no doubt that an insurmountable amount of work will be needed to get yourself out of this hole. You might not get into pharmacy school during this cycle and maybe not even the next cycle. This is the most important thing for you to realize. As much as this might sound like a Sisyphean/Herculean task, it must be overcome somehow. You are guaranteed to be met with people who will say that you are not fit for pharmacy, but you have to put that aside and think about your own personal motives. Like I said earlier, how badly and how far are you willing to pursue pharmacy as a career? Only time will give you the answer.

I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

You're saying this on the assumption that this is actually a good place to find credible advice.

We had a discussion awhile back about this same exact topic. If I recall correctly, I asked you to tell me of an online forum where I can find serious individuals who are serious about pharmacy. You didn't give me an answer; why is that?

You basically sold me on the idea that this place is not the place to be for credible advice. I still post here because I feel there are serious pre-pharm students who are serious about pursuing pharmacy. I don't know how credible other people are when giving advice, but that isn't going to stop me from interacting with people who might be genuinely interested in going into pharmacy.

Besides, this is just me, a pre-pharm student, talking with another potential pre-pharm student. Take my advice with a grain of salt.

Oh and I'm gonna ask this question again because I want to drill it into your brain: where can I find an online forum where I can find serious individuals who are serious about pursuing pharmacy?

 

[kcha90]

Oh and I'm gonna ask this question again because I want to drill it into your brain: where can I find an online forum where I can find serious individuals who are serious about pursuing pharmacy?

If you want to learn about pharmacy, consult real sources. Professionals and pharmacy schools are good places to start. I'm talking about real correspondence with people who are not anonymous and whose opinions you value/trust. What makes you think that an online forum, or even the internet itself, is legit? And if you talked to some actual admissions directors, you would find what their opinion of SDN is.

 

[JohnFe]

We had a discussion awhile back about this same exact topic. If I recall correctly, I asked you to tell me of an online forum where I can find serious individuals who are serious about pharmacy. You didn't give me an answer; why is that?

You basically sold me on the idea that this place is not the place to be for credible advice. I still post here because I feel there are serious pre-pharm students who are serious about pursuing pharmacy. I don't know how credible other people are when giving advice, but that isn't going to stop me from interacting with people who might be genuinely interested in going into pharmacy.

Besides, this is just me, a pre-pharm student, talking with another potential pre-pharm student. Take my advice with a grain of salt.

Oh and I'm gonna ask this question again because I want to drill it into your brain: where can I find an online forum where I can find serious individuals who are serious about pursuing pharmacy?

👍 I like the pre-pharm/students/pharmacists interaction. It helps you to be a better communicator. There is no need for silly arguments. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and voice. If you disagree, you have the right to do so. Never let it get to you and you will be fine. There are times that you have to deal with difficult co-workers, patients or people in general. But you just have to be the bigger and better person to be understanding and respectful. 🙂

To the OP: Best of luck to you! Work on your flaws and you will get in. Apply broadly 😀

If you want to learn about pharmacy, consult real sources. Professionals and pharmacy schools are good places to start. I'm talking about real correspondence with people who are not anonymous and whose opinions you value/trust. What makes you think that an online forum, or even the internet itself, is legit? And if you talked to some actual admissions directors, you would find what their opinion of SDN is.

My real life friends are current pharmacy students. I have gone to a lot of information session: WesternU/USC/UCSF/UCSD. And I try my best to give a general advice to pre-pharms.

There are good and bad things to do/write in this forum. I chose to help those who have questions that I can answer instead of spreading negativity or instigating flares.

 

[Conflagration]

Meh, I don't really care... Just saying you're not really in a place to judge, considering you had a crappy GPA yourself. You should also probably stop acting so high and mighty since you haven't even started pharmacy school yet. People could be mean to you too, and say that since you can't even manage to get a B average in undergrad that you'll never make it in pharmacy school. Classes are only going to get harder, blah, blah, blah. Again, don't care that much, just thought it was funny that you're judging pre-pharm students now with low GPA's.

In all seriousness, don't take him lightly. When he says you've got to get your act together, he's not kidding. So, work for it!

Will it be easy? Nope. But if you want it, and you want it bad, you need to give it your all.

 

[Manga092]

In all seriousness, don't take him lightly. When he says you've got to get your act together, he's not kidding. So, work for it!

Will it be easy? Nope. But if you want it, and you want it bad, you need to give it your all.

Lol why are you laughing? Confused 😛 What's so funny?