Traditional vs. Non-Traditional students

Question: Why would a CC student who takes 1 to 2 classes at a time and work part time to full time job(s) be considered a poor predictor of success for pharmacy school? I hope pharmacy schools take into consideration that not all students (especially while the economy is down) have the means to attend a University full time. Many students I know have families, work, and still manage to do well in 2 science classes per semester.

Are you implying that some Non-traditional pre-pharmacy students are currently at a disadvantage compared to traditional full time students?


Answer: A disclaimer: I am answering this based on my committee experience only which may not reflect the opinion of every committee. Let's start with this: every application is unique and is judged uniquely. When we are discussing an applicant, we don't begin by saying, "Who would perform better in our program - Applicant A from the 4 year school or Applicant B from the community college?". Each applicant is judged independently and a decision in made based on the merits of each. Please understand that a student with a lower GPA from a high ranking 4 year school (who may also have great references, experience, PCAT scores) could be chosen over a student from another university or CC with stellar grades but poor recommendations, PCAT, etc. Grades matter, but we have to consider much more than GPA alone. Course load is something that is important to many of us. Yes, we realize that many applicants have jobs, families, etc and cannot attend school full time. Is having a lesser class load a poor predictor? Many committee members would say so.

My example using an applicant from an elite 4 year univeristy with marginal grades was simply to say that I wouldn't use poor grades from such an institution as a reason to keep someone out. That being said, we have offered admission to many qualified CC and non traditional students. I have personally interviewed many excellent candidates (who are now great pharmacists) that did their schooling at community colleges.

Something that we see occasionally is the 4 year university student who seems to take all of their difficult coursework (ie, Orgo, Biochem, etc) during the summer or at a CC rather than during the regular school calendar at their university. This can raise eyebrows with committee members and I would generally discourage it.

Please let us know if you have additional questions on this topic. pharmacyschooladmissions@gmail.copm