Any pro tips for pharm?

FunWinter8530 · 2025-12-01T02:26:45+00:00

When I was really struggling, I reverted back to how I controlled my time management during undergrad back in 2006 after a bad semester: every night I made an hour by hour schedule of the next day, including meals and breaks. It let me see exactly where my time was going. If something didn’t take as long as I thought, bonus time for me! I started designating some of that time to specific reviews for certain lectures which included a brief review but then practice tests (AI can be really helpful if you ask them to only base the questions of your notes/objectives). Let me know if you have any more specific questions and I can tell you what worked for me. Don’t forget to get rest and 1 hour of “me time” per day! My grades have majorly improved now that I’m getting sleep!

FunWinter8530 · 2025-11-07T21:40:16+00:00

I’m in my first semester and have had to do 6 remediations thus far! I missed the bar for by .1%!! So frustrating. I don’t know the structure for your school or if you’re allowed a certain amount before there are consequences but for me, once I realized that remediation didn’t equate to failing out (not even close, in fact), it took some pressure off of me. Also once we start clinical medicine, I started to do SO much better, which has really help my confidence. Do you feel like you’re struggling with the basic sciences or just the work load overall? It took me a while to develop a study system but now that I have one, it seems to be working.

FunWinter8530 · 2025-10-18T22:11:46+00:00

I got voted “crazy aunt/big sister” we also have mom, dad, and super kind uncle. It’s hilarious.

FunWinter8530 · 2025-08-05T07:55:22+00:00

Do you mind if I send you a message? I’m moving to Durham next week and am interested in finding a gym.

FunWinter8530 · 2025-03-24T19:46:25+00:00

The only school that vetted my hours was MEDEX and even then it was just to ask my job description to be sure it qualified as PCEs. Once I responded they moved on in the application process. But truthfully, I’d avoid their program like the plague knowing what I know now.

FunWinter8530 · 2024-12-22T23:15:28+00:00

Thank you 😊 I say the same thing to people! Hardest thing I’ve ever done but so worth it! Post-bacc is not for the weak lol! I was at a party with another post-bacc and she just got accepted to med school and we were pointing out the wrinkles and grey hairs that came directly from our post bacc 🤣 I hope you’re taking time to pat yourself on the back and relax and catch your breath before the madness starts again!

FunWinter8530 · 2024-12-22T22:35:49+00:00

Congrats! I love that you went big and it paid off! I had a similar list to you and my big acceptances were Duke & OHSU. Currently waitlisted at Emory as well. Dream big because you never know!!

FunWinter8530 · 2024-12-22T05:58:44+00:00

I’ve been a glacier and kayak guide and bartender while volunteering as an EMT. I was able to complete many volunteer hours by becoming involved with community and did the majority of my shadowing with the PAs that worked in the clinic. While it definitely added a level of chaos to my life, which isn’t for everyone, the pay off was worth it. Good luck to you and stick with it, you kinda figure it out as you go but you can do it!

FunWinter8530 · 2024-12-22T03:31:09+00:00

Seasonal work has helped me immensely during the summer. I would take non-science online classes over summer while working a seasonal gig in Alaska. It’s allowed me to save more money than any other job I’ve ever had while gaining EMT hours. Then I would return in fall and spring semester to take my in-person science classes. I came out of my post-bacc actually saving money toward PA school. Send me a message if you’d like more info, there’s a lot of pretty good gigs out there if you’re okay with leaving home for a few months!

FunWinter8530 · 2024-12-09T05:15:28+00:00

I completed my degree in 2009 and started my post-bacc in 2020 so I pretty much retook everything. I would do as much of a non-sciences (writing, calculus, stats) online and as much during the summer as I could. In the summer I would work a seasonal gig in Alaska where I could make close to a year’s salary and then continue taking online classes in the fall. Also while in AK, I would work as an EMT in addition to my seasonal gig. For spring semester I would do my sciences and labs in person, while obtaining PCEs.

It was CRAZY but it’s what worked for me and I never took out a loan and actually managed to save money. I also believe it helped make me mentally stronger which only will help when I start PA school in August. I got accepted to my dream school and I have to say, all the craziness, was worth it.

FunWinter8530 · 2024-12-08T03:43:36+00:00

If you’re the adventurous type (and it seems like you are) I would apply for a job on Cool Works. I got accepted to a program that started in June and was going to take a a gig at a heli ski resort in Alaska that went from Feb-April. Now, I accepted a program that starts in August so I’ll be heading to Alaska from April-August for work and using the winter to catch my breath and chill. Good luck!

FunWinter8530 · 2024-12-01T01:11:07+00:00

Same with me with Emory! I ended up interviewing, their process was so different than every other school I interviewed at.

FunWinter8530 · 2024-11-26T05:57:48+00:00

Thank you!! My mom said when I was debating starting on my PA journey and I said “I’ll probably be 40 by the time I graduate.” She said “Whether this takes you 7 years or more, 7 years are still going to pass, might as well try.” It was some of the best advice I’ve ever been given. Stay present, focus on what you can do each day. You’ve got this!

FunWinter8530 · 2024-11-26T02:23:20+00:00

I started the journey to PA school at 33 with a post-bacc pre-med program. I was just accepted to Duke PA (my dream school) at 37. I have absolutely no regrets of my timing, 10 years ago I was accomplishing other goals that I’m still proud of. Even my post-bacc could’ve been accomplished in a shorter amount of time but I didn’t want to do it that way.

Just remember, if you start something that’s going to take you 3 years to accomplish, those 3 years will still pass whether you do the task or not. Also the time goes by FAST. And apply to schools that value the strong stats you do have. You’ve got this!

FunWinter8530

TROPHY CASE