Hi, I am considering the options for grad school in JP or EU. I am currently an undergrad at CSULA with 3.1 gpa, probably landing on 3.4 or slightly higher when graduate, trying to get into pharmacology grad school. But I am not sure how they evaluate gpa, like how does it look with a 3.1 or 3.4 gpa.
I know things are a lot different in Japan particularly (entrance exam etc.), so any suggestion on gpa and preparation are more than welcome !
Not my area of expertise, but I do know that in the UK there are bunch of types of pharma grad school, and they typically want a pharma undergrad, and Ireland wants a related degree plus couple of years relevant experience before applying. DK anything about the Japanese situation.
Thank you! Since my school does not offer undergrad degree in pharmacology, do any UK schools accept students with bio major? I do volunteering in a research lab, will that helps me in any way?
There are so many schools & programs that I would imagine so- esp if you have a lot of chemistry to go with the bio- but you will have to research it. One way to do that for the UK is to go to the UCAS website and do searches for pharma postgrad programs and see what program you actually want / qualify for. For Ireland, check the websites of UCC, UCD, TCD & Maynooth to see what programs fit your interests and background.
One thing to be aware of is that there is getting in, there is staying in and there is finishing successfully. Look at the level of prep that the other students will have (in all 3 places)- be sure that your academic base is strong enough. At least in the UK & Ireland, students will have done their subject intensely (no gen eds, no unrelated classes).
Also be sure that the purpose of the program aligns with your purpose in getting the degree. For example, at TCD there are Masters in Pharmacology for Hospital pharmacy, Community pharmacy, Pharmaceutical manufacturing, Pharmaceutical research, etc. If the aim of the Masters is to prepare you for a research career in the pharmaceutical sector in Ireland, then unless you have a legal right and a life plan to work in Ireland that’s not going to be the ideal degree for you.