What are my chances of getting into pharmacy school - low GPA, high PCAT

Question: I have a cumulative GPA of 2.71, a composite PCAT score of 90, and about a year of pharmacy tech experience. I realize my GPA is very weak and not exactly competitive. Now I was wondering how strict is the minimum GPA requirements? I understand this will most likely vary between schools, but does that mean my application will automatically be rejected if I apply to schools that have a minimum GPA greater than mine? Applications are expensive and I just want to make sure I have a chance to a school before I apply. 


Answer: Great question. Every school is different and will look at this differently.  Our school has a minimum GPA requirement, but every year we interview and offer admission to some students who do not meet the minimum.  An example might be an older applicant who is changing careers - he/she might have failed out of college as a freshman, only to resume 10 years later and do exceptionally well.  The overall GPA in a case like this (which is so weighed down by F's a decade ago), may never meet a school's minimum threshold.  I have always felt that we should probably throw that first year out the window and see what he/she has accomplished since.


In your case, AdComs are going to want to see your prereq grades.  If you achieved decent grades in Science and Math related courses and had a relatively full semester load, that helps you out.  A 2.71 means you're a C+ level student.  If I review an application with a couple of C's and a couple of B's, I'm not going to automatically disqualify your application simply because you didn't meet the minimum.  I would hope other schools would not either. Obviously, you will be downgraded compared to some of your peers who performed better in those courses, but you can make up for it in other areas (such as by having a strong PCAT, pharmacy experience).


I would encourage you to contact schools where you plan to apply and ask them for their guidance.  Establishing dialogue with an Admissions counselor go really help when AdComs are making their decisions.


Good luck.