which is more important

[uwmissy]

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Which do you consider "more important":

-taking more (not required for pharm app) upper level science classes, but cum gpa is lowered a little or stable at about 2.8

-raising my cum gpa by taking non science classes





i was initially a chemistry major, but my gpa is already so low (2.87 from just my uni... but w/ CC credits its 2.97) and i knew the other chem classes (physical chem, etc) were gonna bring my gpa down. so i took a big risk and changed my major to economics in hopes of bringing my gpa up to at least 3.0. you guys think i should've just stuck with chem... or you think what i did is okay too? 🙁

 

[117296]

Which do you consider "more important":

-taking more (not required for pharm app) upper level science classes, but cum gpa is lowered a little or stable at about 2.8

-raising my cum gpa by taking non science classes





i was initially a chemistry major, but my gpa is already so low (2.87 from just my uni... but w/ CC credits its 2.97) and i knew the other chem classes (physical chem, etc) were gonna bring my gpa down. so i took a big risk and changed my major to economics in hopes of bringing my gpa up to at least 3.0. you guys think i should've just stuck with chem... or you think what i did is okay too? 🙁

Schools will look at your cumulative science GPA, which economics does not count towards. You should take more science classes or retake the ones you have already taken.

 

[omnione]

Given that many schools have either concrete or mental cutoffs at 3.0, then you should see to it that your GPA is above that mark even if it means taking more manageable courses instead of taking all upper-level science courses.

It's all about finding limits. You want to balance a good GPA with a challenging schedule. Overexerting yourself with all M.S. level courses could blow your GPA in vain if you don't know what you get yourself into and adcoms will see through the strategy of taking a bunch of freshman basket weaving classes.

 

[TxBd948]

I don't think your doing yourself any good by switching to economics. You may be getting a higher GPA, but you're not preparing yourself for the PCAT or pharmacy school nearly as much. My advice to you would be to stick with science classes and try to pad your lower GPA with good ECs, LORs, and a good PCAT score.

 

[fenixtnlfan]

I don't think your doing yourself any good by switching to economics. You may be getting a higher GPA, but you're not preparing yourself for the PCAT or pharmacy school nearly as much. My advice to you would be to stick with science classes and try to pad your lower GPA with good ECs, LORs, and a good PCAT score.

Well, you still have to take all the courses for pre-reqs to get into pharmacy school. Those classes will prepare you for the PCAT and pharm school. Whatever major you do make sure you enjoy it, and its not just to raise your GPA. Economics involves a lot of math, so if aren't good at math and are not enjoying it, your GPA will probably suffer too. If economics is something you enjoy, there are a lot of places in pharm that you can use what you have learned...so it could make you a more interesting candidate than the science major. If you have low grades in your pre-req classes, retake them. Also think about taking a few upper division science classes to prove you can handle a harder curriculum. Those things can only make your app stronger.

 

[futurerxguy]

Your cumulative GPA is borderline for some schools to even be considered. If they pull your application and see a cum. of 2.8, they may just pass completely without looking at anything else. That lowers your chances for an interview greatly. I would pull the GPA to a MINIMUM of 3.0, however you can do it. Retake courses (anything with a C or lower), take a couple of basics you'll need for pharmacy school (like MicroEconomics which should be an easy A).... etc. The fact is that you will need a as high a science gpa as you can get, but if you do not have the cumulative to be accepted for the school, then even the science gpa may become secondary temporarily. Upper division coursework may look good to some, but no one will see the upper coursework that you took if you do not have the minimum GPA for them to "open" your folder. Hope this provides some help with the situation. Best of luck as you pursue pharmacy!

Sincerely,
Shawn (futurerxguy)