from near failure to pharmacy

Hello aska!!!

I’ve finished my second year for life science at UofT St.George and have always wanted to get in to Leslie Dan pharmacy. My grades 1st year were all 50s and 60s 1st semester and 70s 2nd semester and I did not even take a full course load (3.5 credits instead). I was horrified after my 1st semester and barged into my registrars office for the 1st time, without an appointment, in tears. I’m upset at myself for not trying harder, sucks that I wasn’t able to wake up and pull myself together. Personal stress had a lot to do with it, and I also kept a weekend job that hurt me time wise. I’ve driven myself crazy about my low marks because I feel like they’ve hindered me for pharmacy and they’ve made me feel stupid as hell compared to others that have higher marks. In second year my marks were mostly 70s, a couple 60s and a couple high 80s, and I took a full course load. I’m keen to try my very best in my 3rd year to get high marks.

I’m wondering if my chances of getting into Leslie Dan are disrupted by my low marks? Also, does the faculty get rid of any low marks when considering you (as Med School does)? I heard somewhere that they take off your 1st year marks if you apply in 3rd year?

Thanks a lot for your time, I’ve spent a lot of time reading your replies to other people’s questions and you’re awesome.

Laurel-is-sad

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Laurel-is-sad

Since you’ve read past posts — most likely the most recent ones — I’m sure you’ve already seen me tell people over and over that your first year grades don’t make or break the rest of your academic career. Everyone has a horrible first year and the grades to prove it, so fret not!

Seriously. October of my first year, I was considering transferring to Seneca, and I thank my lucky stars every day that I did not.

So do those early 50s and 60s disrupt your chances for getting into Pharmacy? I say not at all!

I mean, what reaaaally matters is the later grades (which I’m sure you’ve also read many times before). While yes, those first year marks DO contribute to your CGPA, you seem to be working toward the greater goal now, so I think you should be on a steady rise!

But do be careful to not slack off or get distracted because all of your grades matter — especially if they’re part of the academic requirements.

Although Pharmacy says they just want a 70 average, remember that this IS a competitive program and just a 70 isn’t going to be enough. According to their FAQ, they only take 240 students a year and usually get about 600 applicants. Likewise, know that they want you to be able to handle a full course load of 5.0 FCE and still maintain some good grades, so keep on track.

Best,

aska(-is-sleepy)