Don't Slum It This Summer; Your Guide to Summer Productivity

With summer vacation approaching, many of you are probably wondering, “What can I do over the summer break to continue preparing for pharmacy school?” With all of the extra time most people have, summer is a great opportunity for lots of different pre-pharmacy prep! Here are some of the things I’ve done in the past, and will continue to do this summer.

Consider studying for/taking the PCAT

Like I said above, without having classes to worry about (unless you’re taking a summer course) summer is a great time to focus on other things. Studying for the PCAT could take up the time of a summer class alone! If you are thinking about taking the PCAT, follow this link for more info.

I’m taking the PCAT again this summer, and I recommend studying for at least 2 hours a day leading up to the exam.

Spend more time volunteering

Did you have a place you liked to volunteer, but didn’t have as much time during the semester as you would’ve liked? Now is the time to start again! Since summer hasn’t officially started, now is the time to be contacting organizations (hospitals, food pantries, etc.) to find out their summer availability for volunteers.

Set up shadowing

Want to learn more about the pharmacy profession, or see what different careers in pharmacy could be like? Contact the hospitals or clinics near you and see if the pharmacists are willing to have you shadow them for a day! Most of the pharmacists I’ve been in contact with love to help students, and are more than happy to have you shadow. If shadowing isn’t an option for them, they will likely at least be willing to answer any questions you have. I’m excited to hopefully shadow some inpatient pharmacists this summer!

Visit Schools

If you’re applying to pharmacy schools in the Fall, summer is a great time to take a weekend trip and visit some schools! Look at the websites of schools you might be interested in attending, and see if they have any Preview Days or Open House dates listed!

RELAX!

Finally, take some time to relax a little bit!! You worked hard this last semester, and deserve a break! Whether that is taking a vacation, or just allowing yourself some you-time each week, take the summer to recharge your mind, and body.

That’s all I’ve got for this week!

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have!

Allison :)