Would appreciate some input to my pharm quals

[immunoshield]

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Ok. So here it goes.

I'm a recent UCSD graduate (class of '11) in Biochemistry/Chemistry with a Management Science minor who's currently working at an immunodiagnostics company called Inova.

Some quick info:
-cGPA: 2.95
-Science GPA: 3.1
-Upper Div GPA: 3.25
-Research position in a molecular bio lab for 5 months and a volunteer position at the San Diego Center for Algae Biotechnology for a month, but no publications 🙁
-Pharm tech certified but have not used it to work in a pharmacy setting.

Biggest downsides:
-Was on academic probation for my second year due to insufficient credits not for having a <2.0 GPA, but for not having sufficient course credits in a year (at that time, I didn't know GPA wasn't the only thing one could be put on AP for).
-Failed Genetics due to testicular cancer treatment I had to undergo, but came back to pass it with a B+.

Currently...
-Have not taken the PCAT yet.
-Have not taken some Pharm prereqs like Microbiology, Public Speaking, Toxicology and others due to my major's chemistry core concentration. I'm hoping to take these courses at a community college in the fall of this year (2012).
-Have been working at the current company (Inova) as an RnD Associate basically developing diagnostic tools that detect autoantibodies associated with immunological diseases (with the help of researching published works) under the direction of a PhD scientist.

Some personal info..
-As mentioned, I've battled testicular cancer during my 3rd year of college. Although I was extremely immature before this 'reality check', it served to change my life around to improve my gpa a bit (was a low 2.4 at the end of my second year).
-Apart from that, I've battled social anxiety, inherited bad hearing, speech impediment (doing better with a speech therapist), costochondritis, hyperhidrosis, and depression (doing better on most of these issues).

So, I don't know if my personal info says anything about my character development, but I'm mostly hoping for some input whether or not pharmacy is in my future, and if so, what school should I aim for that I'd have a chance at. Thanks for the input and I don't mind any harsh criticism since I've been through some scary situations in my life already.

 

[kcwang]

"I'm mostly hoping for some input whether or not pharmacy is in my future"
I think you're the only one who can answer that. I can only give you some suggestions.

If you are applying for pharmacy school, dont put this on your application "I've battled social anxiety, inherited bad hearing, speech impediment (doing better with a speech therapist), and depression (doing better on most of these issues)."

Since you had to undergo cancer treatment during your undergrad, I believe you have a valid "excuse" for your GPA. However, get an upward trend of gpa for the rest of your pre req. courses. Get a good score for your PCAT, that would help prove your academic readiness for pharmacy school.

Continue with your research/work experience. I would suggest getting pharmacy related experience now.

As for the school, start looking for any school that interest you even those that you dont think you have a chance of acceptance. I would suggest 1~2 backup schools. Give the school a call, show your interests.

As for the academic probation during second yr, dont mention that unless you have to. If you do, focus more on how you have improved and learned from your mistake.

Just my suggestions and my honest opinion. Good Luck