University of Maryland Thread [Archive] - Student Doctor Network Forums

binghamkid

11-06-2007, 06:49 PM

hey utterdevotion, i think i remember you as the one who looked over my PS. thanks for that again.
1) cali is a pain to become an in-state student, how easy for you to become an in-state student after ur P1 year?
2) like i said on my msg, does UMB has a specific breakdown in terms of how much they weigh in each category? gpa, pcat, extracurricular activities, LOR, etc.
3) finally, do they do rolling admission? if u remembered, how long did it take them to respond you for an interview after u submitted your supplemental app?

1. I was already instate; but from what I know from others it is VERY hard to get in-state here. I know of one classmate that even after buying a house in MD, he still didn't get in state. If you have further Cali/in-state related questions, binghamkid is a great resource.

2. We are not allowed to answer the breakdown question...sorry!

3. We are not on rolling admission. I was contacted in January regarding an interview date. Pretty much they send out the interview invites in batches, after the fixed deadline date of Dec 1st.

Good luck with everything!! Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with :)

islander01

11-06-2007, 08:34 PM

1. I was already instate; but from what I know from others it is VERY hard to get in-state here. I know of one classmate that even after buying a house in MD, he still didn't get in state. If you have further Cali/in-state related questions, binghamkid is a great resource.

2. We are not allowed to answer the breakdown question...sorry!

3. We are not on rolling admission. I was contacted in January regarding an interview date. Pretty much they send out the interview invites in batches, after the fixed deadline date of Dec 1st.

Good luck with everything!! Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with :)

i am sure you got interviews from other schools before ur UMB's one. what schools u got interviews from? Besides the in-state tuition reason, anything particular u like about UMB?

misterpockets

11-07-2007, 06:13 AM

Is anyone hearing from U of M about an interview?

I wanna do the PharmD/MBA, it's gotta be insanely hard though!

binghamkid, do you know anyone in that program?

kidlove

01-14-2008, 07:44 AM

I haven't heard anything from Maryland, i wonder anyone else heard anything yet for transfer applicants :)

thanks

kidlove

01-15-2008, 07:30 AM

I just got an interview invitation! :D

hello18

01-15-2008, 08:07 AM

I just got an interview invitation! :D

me too... probably gonna cancel though...

Oaktownhomeboy

01-15-2008, 08:50 AM

I got my interview invitation this morning as well.

exsell

01-15-2008, 09:04 AM

I got my interview invitation this morning as well.
did you get the invitation via email?

hello18

01-15-2008, 09:15 AM

did you get the invitation via email?

yes

AbsoluteEthanol

01-15-2008, 02:36 PM

LoonyLuna

01-15-2008, 02:38 PM

I just got an interview invitation! :D
So, quick question. If I haven't received an invitation, does that mean that I (probably) won't be getting an invite? Because...it seems like a lot of schools are sending out invites to everyone at the same time and I highly doubt that I'll be getting an invite later.

:(

kidlove

01-16-2008, 12:10 AM

MrNiceThai

01-16-2008, 07:32 AM

kikiaj1029

01-16-2008, 07:37 AM

I am waiting too. :confused:

AbsoluteEthanol

01-16-2008, 01:58 PM

1908PharmD

01-16-2008, 02:11 PM

me too... probably gonna cancel though...

hello18, dang, you are everywhere! Can you please lend me your stats so i can get some? :D;)

k0ni

01-16-2008, 02:57 PM

binghamkid

01-19-2008, 05:46 PM

Is anyone hearing from U of M about an interview?

I wanna do the PharmD/MBA, it's gotta be insanely hard though!

binghamkid, do you know anyone in that program?

Sorry for the late response, I missed this post. I do know people in the PharmD/MBA program. It isn't impossible. As a matter of fact, it's the most popular dual degree program at UMB Pharmacy. I am planning on doing that degree as well, but I'm waiting for them to implement the UMCP MBA program, which is harder but gives you a better MBA.

binghamkid

01-19-2008, 05:52 PM

Binghamkid, could you tell us about some of the nice perks or pros about attending UMB. I was offered an interview there, but I've already been accepted to a school much closer to home. I'm still a little undecided about whether to attend the interview or not as it will cost me over $300, but since you attend there I was hoping you could give me (us) some insight. thanks man.

I will tell you that UMB is a very very amazing school. The faculty is always supportive if you want them to be, and you have a very close-knit network with your upperclassmen. You get A LOT of opportunities to explore, do research, find internships, etc. etc. I am the first year class president, and I can tell you I'm kept extremely busy because I'm always running everything doing about 100 things at once. It's very rewarding, but as it is a top 10 institution, the coursework definitely keeps you busy. You will study a LOT for your exams.

As for me, I spent far more than $300 to go to UMB's interview =) I'm from California. I can tell you I don't regret it at all. UMB has an excellent experiential rotation department, and you can get a lot of opportunities to explore what you want to do in the career of pharmacy. It also helps that the school's reputation is very solid; you won't have trouble finding a very nice job.

Cons about the institution? Like all schools, no place is perfect. UMB is in Baltimore; it's not the safest city in the world. We do have excellent security guards and police patrols and even a free night-time caravan service that takes you almost everywhere you need to go. There is SAFE housing available if you so choose; you can also opt for much cheaper housing where you may live in areas where crime is higher. I can tell you that if you are smart about what you do and where you go, nothing wrong will happen.
In addition, sometimes I feel the classes are scheduled badly where sometimes we'll have one day with only two hours of class...and the next day we'll go from 9 to 4. Doesn't really make sense, but it only happens occasionally. It definitely doesn't detract from the experience. I love my fellow classmates, and it's a lot of fun to be with them in class.

However, if you are from North Carolina, and you got accepted to Chapel Hill...go to Chapel Hill =) I know someone who goes there is on SDN and she sounds like she's enjoying herself =). Unless, of course, you just want to see what Baltimore is like and see if it is to your liking.

binghamkid

01-19-2008, 05:54 PM

Hey guys, I too received an email this morning. Super excited about interviewing at Maryland. Is there anything in particular that we should know about the city of Baltimore? What is it like there? I'm from southern california (san diego).:thumbup:

First off, congratulations =)

Second, DRESS WARMLY =D especially since you're from california (I am too). It's cold over here now, so unless you're like used to sitting on top of a snow mountain in your spare time, you're probably not used to the weather yet. I know I'm not, and I've already had my share of cold days. City of Baltimore isn't the safest place, and not always the prettiest. Aside from that, I would recommend that you evaluate the school on its scholastic merits and opportunities. If you need more assistance, please PM me I'll be more than happy to help =)

binghamkid

01-19-2008, 05:57 PM

i am sure you got interviews from other schools before ur UMB's one. what schools u got interviews from? Besides the in-state tuition reason, anything particular u like about UMB?

I had three interview offers: Howard, UMB, and University of Oklahoma.

As for tuition, I'm actually out of state. My girlfriend Utterdevotion is in-state. She sometimes uses my computer so that's why you have that post way above there that says I'm instate. I like UMB because of its opportunities to get into many different types of pharmacy practice. They have experential programs that go far and beyond the required hours for licensing, so you get lots of time to really determine what you want to do. They ensure that you are always on top of your schoolwork, and they have lots of support to make sure you pass your classes. If you want to know more, just read my other posts in this thread.

binghamkid

01-19-2008, 06:02 PM

could you also explain the difference between Shady Grove and Main campus please! the school's webpage is not ENTIRELY clear on that! from what i hear the Shady Grove campus is nicer/better/more convinient???

thanks for all your help!

Shady Grove is a distance-education campus; in other words, lectures are conducted via recorded webcast. It has its advantages: you get a lot more freedom to do your own thing during the day, since you are only required to report to the Shady Grove campus for exams and report to the Baltimore campus for lab days. The disadvantage of Shady Grove is that its far from Baltimore, where the majority of your classmates are. In addition, it makes it harder to meet your coursemasters face-to-face to ask questions.

Please note that while they are two campuses, they are ONE program. You start your 4 years together as one class, and you finish as one class. As class president, I find myself trying to constantly coordinate so that both campuses are brought together during social events. It's not an easy thing to do, but the school wants both campuses to be perceived as equals in every way. Shady Grove tends to be better for individuals with families and jobs that they aren't planning to give up. Baltimore is better for those who aren't good at independent studying and really rely on going to school to keep up.

I like the Baltimore campus; it's more lively, and I have a lot of opportunities to meet the administration, the professors, the upperclassmen, and my fellow classmates. That is not to say Shady Grove isn't fun. It totally is and I know some really great people from that campus who are equally smart, if not smarter, than the people at Baltimore.

Utterdevotion

01-20-2008, 07:42 AM

i am sure you got interviews from other schools before ur UMB's one. what schools u got interviews from? Besides the in-state tuition reason, anything particular u like about UMB?

Oh dear, I'm very behind on this thread!
I went to interviews at: Shenandoah and Wingate. And declined interviews to Mercer and WVU.

I like UMB because here, everyone wants you to succeed. The professors are friendly and open; I have no problems stopping by their office to ask questions/get advice. Also, the general policy is that professors answer emails 24-48 hours afterwards. We have class liaisons to address any class issues. We get emails about internship and job opportunities, and forums about career options. And everyone wants to/will help you out! :) Also, I like how it's one of the smaller schools; allowing for more professor-student interaction.

PS. Thanks for putting me out there binghamkid -___-

Utterdevotion

01-20-2008, 07:45 AM

So, quick question. If I haven't received an invitation, does that mean that I (probably) won't be getting an invite? Because...it seems like a lot of schools are sending out invites to everyone at the same time and I highly doubt that I'll be getting an invite later.

:(

I'm not entirely sure, since they send out interview invites in batches; I'm not sure if they have finished all the invitations. Secondly, even if they have sent them all out, there are still students who will get accepted and decide they don't want to come to UMB. If there is a need, they will continue to pull from the application piles.

Good luck!

binghamkid

01-20-2008, 07:50 AM

Oh dear, I'm very behind on this thread!
I went to interviews at: Shenandoah and Wingate. And declined interviews to Mercer and WVU.

I like UMB because here, everyone wants you to succeed. The professors are friendly and open; I have no problems stopping by their office to ask questions/get advice. Also, the general policy is that professors answer emails 24-48 hours afterwards. We have class liaisons to address any class issues. We get emails about internship and job opportunities, and forums about career options. And everyone wants to/will help you out! :) Also, I like how it's one of the smaller schools; allowing for more professor-student interaction.

PS. Thanks for putting me out there binghamkid -___-

Anytime, anytime =P

kidlove

01-20-2008, 09:11 AM

binghamkid

01-20-2008, 11:31 AM

Thank you so much for all the advices. It sounds like Maryland is a great school.

I will be attending the interview in Feb., but I am not sure as where to stay. Do you think staying near inner Harbor will be better because I can walk to the school? I don't think I would like to rent a car because parking is really expensive there. :)

Thank you again

If you are attending the interview in february, i would just look at any of the hotels in the vicinity. Inner harbor is fine, but you won't want to walk to school in your nice clothes. Take a cab, trust me. The last thing you need is to be flustered and tired when you walk through the door.

If you want a cheaper place, there are a few motels and inns outside of Baltimore about a 10-minute drive out. I would just take a cab there. When I came to Baltimore, I stayed in the Quality Inn. It worked out well enough. Cab fare was like $12 including tip one way.

Best of luck on your interview! =) If you have any questions we'll be more than happy to help.

kidlove

01-20-2008, 03:56 PM

If you are attending the interview in february, i would just look at any of the hotels in the vicinity. Inner harbor is fine, but you won't want to walk to school in your nice clothes. Take a cab, trust me. The last thing you need is to be flustered and tired when you walk through the door.

If you want a cheaper place, there are a few motels and inns outside of Baltimore about a 10-minute drive out. I would just take a cab there. When I came to Baltimore, I stayed in the Quality Inn. It worked out well enough. Cab fare was like $12 including tip one way.

Best of luck on your interview! =) If you have any questions we'll be more than happy to help.

Thanks!

So do you suggest what kind of transportation that I can use to go from Baltimore Airport to Inner Harbor? :)

AbsoluteEthanol

01-20-2008, 03:59 PM

thank you for the help! i'll be there on the 26th interviewing!

binghamkid

01-20-2008, 05:09 PM

Thanks!

So do you suggest what kind of transportation that I can use to go from Baltimore Airport to Inner Harbor? :)

Airport taxi is fine. It costs about $25 to 30. Alternatively, you can take the light rail for $1.60 to the baltimore street stop, but i don't know if you want to do that on such an important day.

binghamkid

01-22-2008, 09:12 AM

thank you for the help! i'll be there on the 26th interviewing!

Good luck this saturday! You'll do swell I'm sure! Unfortunately I'm on retreat that weekend, so I won't be assisting in the interviews on the 26th.

Don't panic =) be natural, and you'll do great!

miceheart

01-22-2008, 09:05 PM

Thank you so much for all the advices. It sounds like Maryland is a great school.

I will be attending the interview in Feb., but I am not sure as where to stay. Do you think staying near inner Harbor will be better because I can walk to the school? I don't think I would like to rent a car because parking is really expensive there. :)

Thank you again

When I interviewed, I lived the holiday Inn in the inner harbor. And I walked over to school. In the morning, that was not too bad. But if it is in the afternoon, the sun went down in baltimore pretty. 5 ish is already kind of dark out there so be carefully.

U Maryland is great school. Our classmate are so good and helping eath other out. We will have review section conducted by our classmate and lots students shared their study files and learning tips to all the classmate. It feel so warm.
I am glad that you got the interview and I will be on the 26th morning section interview and see you then. Welcome to Baltimore!

kattster

01-24-2008, 12:40 PM

FYI: Another batch of interview invites just went out. I know b/c I just got an e-mail this morning! Woo hoo! :thumbup:

k0ni

01-24-2008, 06:58 PM

I got an interview invite too!! Seriously, I almost died of excitement because I saw the invites for Colorado & Maryland in my inbox at the same time. Haha~

LoonyLuna

01-24-2008, 09:14 PM

I got an interview invite too!! Seriously, I almost died of excitement because I saw the invites for Colorado & Maryland in my inbox at the same time. Haha~
congrats! I'm still waiting :(

binghamkid

01-25-2008, 06:27 AM

Congrats to those of you with new interview invites =)

kikiaj1029

01-25-2008, 06:33 AM

Congrat people who got invitation.
I am still waiting :confused:
This is killing me when everyone gets their invitation but not me.

What are your stats those of who got your invitation?
and does anyone get rejection from UM?

LilN88

01-25-2008, 09:38 AM

hey, im new to SDN, but I just got an interview invite too!! my first one so far so yay. anyone going on feb 16th?

mrd1080

01-25-2008, 11:18 AM

Hey guys.. just got my email invite yesterday...I've already been accepted to another school and since I live in CA, I'm curios as to how good U of Maryland is? Anyone can give feedback?

binghamkid

01-25-2008, 06:11 PM

Hey guys.. just got my email invite yesterday...I've already been accepted to another school and since I live in CA, I'm curios as to how good U of Maryland is? Anyone can give feedback?

You should read the other messages in this post (I really don't want to re-write everything). UMaryland is a top 10 school, and with it comes the expectation and pride of one. (There is a reason nearly 15 to 20% of each class comes from california/west coast)

k0ni

01-25-2008, 07:36 PM

To those who received interview invites-- What days are you going? I still haven't called back to set a day. My work schedule is killing mee!

Why is Maryland so far away from Hawaii?! Lol..

binghamkid

01-25-2008, 07:59 PM

To those who received interview invites-- What days are you going? I still haven't called back to set a day. My work schedule is killing mee!

Why is Maryland so far away from Hawaii?! Lol..

You should call quickly =) The interview is much more important than work, in my opinion. I can tell you there are lots of people who would love to have your spot.

Best of luck to those of you with interviews =) And good job to those of you who already interviewed =)

Oaktownhomeboy

01-25-2008, 07:59 PM

I got my interview invite as well. I'll be interviewing on the 16th. Anyone else?

NIV

01-25-2008, 10:59 PM

I have an interview on the 16th in the afternoon.

AbsoluteEthanol

01-27-2008, 05:47 PM

had the interview yesterday at 12:30 pm and i was sincerely impressed with the friendly students and faculty. good luck to everyone!

spacepoints

01-27-2008, 06:09 PM

I was there yesterday as well for the afternoon section and I couldn't agree more with Absolute. I just hope for an acceptance offer. Good luck to everyone who has an interview.

binghamkid

01-27-2008, 08:29 PM

Congratulations on your interview =) I'm glad that my fellow students represented our school well. We look forward to welcoming you should you receive your acceptance!

If you have any questions that might help with your decision making process of where you want to go, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure you had many questions answered by the students and faculty, but as always, new things will come up =)

jawnly211

01-29-2008, 06:43 PM

nice thread going on

im currently finishing my last yr here at maryland

let me tell you guys about my experience here

im originally from socal too.....big time culture shock.......BIG TIME!!!!!!! but it really opens your eyes to "the other side" of the country........

i actually interviewed at maryland just because i had a few friends in the DC area i wanted to visit.......but while i was out here, i met some great people at the interview and the faculty and course work seemed great.........i killed the interview too.........the key is to just be yourself, don't come in thinking you are all that, become a leader and ask a lot of questions.........be HONEST

i got accepted a couple days after via email.........

i moved here not knowing where i would live for the next 4 years.........i decided to take the advice of the "then SGA president" and live in a small city called owings mills........it was pretty convenient to live there since i took the subway from owings mills to lexington market..........im not sure how i did it for 3 years.......sure its not the safest thing to do or the most sanitary, but i just put on my ipod and studied during the 30 minute commute........very helpful on exam mornings

everyone at the school is there to help you.........from faculty to your classmates..........you came in as a family, you graduate as a family.........NO ONE is there to FAIL you.......if you get into maryland, you will succeed.........unless you are a total terd and fail yourself.........that's the honest truth

to get through, you just concentrate on the "next thing"...........don't overwhelm yourself with all the assignments........just do what you are told and finish the next assignment before starting the next..........time management is crucial in pharm school..........learn it now before you work later

for those who want to a dual pharmD/MBA........do not hesistate and do it........its demanding but its very very very attainable.........more attainable now rather than 6 years from now AFTER you have graduated.........i regret not doing it 4 years ago, but i hope to after i graduate in may

i also worked at walgreens as an intern over the past couple years..........great experience..........very very tough neighborhood, but u learn to develop thick skin.........

my final year has been great.........the rotations i have been on have been the best..........great learning experiences.........i met so many excellent pharmacists.........the career fair was beneficial too..........every major company will come to our school and you have the chance to interview with them all..........finding a career after pharm school is not a problem...........the problem is choosing which offer to take

well, sorry this is so damn long, but i think said everything i needed to say

for all the people from out of state who are thinking about coming here..........from my point of view, you will definitely grow as a person and APPRECIATE where you are from a lot more.........i can't wait til i move back to LA in may, but i would not have it any other way

i currently live south of baltimore.........in between bmore and DC.........about 10 minute commute to school.........extremely safe area, brand new construction........closer to DC and virginia

if anyone needs furniture, tv, bed, desk, kitchen table, dressers, pots, pan, dishes, or even a car, let me know!!!!!!!!! i am selling it all before i move back........

good luck on your interviews and in yourpharmacy careers

jacst3r

01-29-2008, 07:52 PM

binghamkid

01-29-2008, 07:55 PM

i just did my interview last weekend. it went great... everyone was so helpful and nice! i'm really interested in the Shady Grove campus... does anyone know people from the Shady Grove campus I can speak to?

I want to get a real honest opinion on how effective are those webcast lectures...

Lol, every student in the class gets access to the webcast lecture. I can tell you they're very effective. If you are very good about learning yourself, there's no reason you can't do well in school based on the webcast lectures. The benefit for Shady Grove really is that they just don't have to sit in lecture (we're not required to do so in Baltimore either, but quite a few of us do just so our lecture hall doesn't look empty).

jacst3r

01-29-2008, 08:22 PM

seems like UMB students are very tightly bonded. what about the Shady Grove students? does everyone just go about and do their own thing?

binghamkid

01-30-2008, 06:49 AM

seems like UMB students are very tightly bonded. what about the Shady Grove students? does everyone just go about and do their own thing?

They are very united as well, but because most Shady Grove students tend to have families or day-time jobs, they interact less frequently than the Baltimore students. It's also tricky because both Baltimore and Shady Grove are one class, so it takes a lot of effort to ensure both classes are united together.

AbsoluteEthanol

01-30-2008, 09:23 AM

jawnly211

01-30-2008, 10:44 AM

i think there may be school housing.......its not too safe though.......nor convenient to any grocery, gas, etc........but plenty of students to live in the apts downtown.......all within walking distance to class

as for working, i worked my 3rd and 4th year of pharm school.........just pick up a shift on the weekends..........very easy to do and everyone is hiring students

paying for school? if you are out of state, you will definitely use student loans........i always paid out of pocket for undergrad but gradschool is a different story.........many people also take out private loans to help pay for cost of living.........look at the school's financial aid webpage

binghamkid

01-30-2008, 02:17 PM

hey guys, i 3 more questions! i was just wondering:
1)is school housing available? if so, why did you live off campus, in a small city? is that a cheaper option?
2)how did you pay for school?
3)your classmates told me that working during your first year is very realistic; however, i didn't meet anyone who was year two+, is it possible to work years 2 through 4?

thank you very much for all your wonderful help:D
1) There are two options for school housing, Fayette square and pascault row. A lot of people live off campus because it's significantly cheaper. The tradeoff is safety and convenience.

2) School is always paid off by loans (and they guarantee you'll get loans to help you out)

3) Working is definitely possible, but our recommendation is that you don't work unless you have to, because you will get plenty of experience through your rotations. If you need money, just borrow it through your loans, or pick up a job with very few hours (just enough to cover some food expenses and stuff)

pcat master

01-30-2008, 08:18 PM

can anybody tell what kind of question will they ask at the time of interview?
i have no idea can anybody help me please

Utterdevotion

01-31-2008, 06:05 AM

can anybody tell what kind of question will they ask at the time of interview?
i have no idea can anybody help me please

I would suggest looking at the interview feedback (under databases up top) for some ideas on questions.

Good luck! :)

Retriever09

02-05-2008, 04:16 PM

kikiaj1029

02-06-2008, 06:33 AM

Hi,
I just received my interview invitation:love:. I am so excited about MD interview, I've heard so many good things about it. Is MD doing a rolling admission? If not, I want to choose a later date in Feb. Thanks.

Yey!
Same here =)
I just got my invitation yesterday.
I didn't really expect it because I thought it is really late to get invitation. but hey! I got a chance!!!
I would probably go there on 22nd.
Is it better to interview earlier? cuz I have to choose between 15th and 22nd for interview dates and I think 15th is too soon for me=)
Let me know if you know anything about this!

Retriever09

02-06-2008, 07:38 AM

Yey!
Same here =)
I just got my invitation yesterday.
I didn't really expect it because I thought it is really late to get invitation. but hey! I got a chance!!!
I would probably go there on 22nd.
Is it better to interview earlier? cuz I have to choose between 15th and 22nd for interview dates and I think 15th is too soon for me=)
Let me know if you know anything about this!

Hey,

Congratulations:hardy:, I just called to set up the date and time for the interview, but Ms. Brenda is sick and out for the day. I am gonna be attending on 22nd, too. Where will u be coming from?

binghamkid

02-06-2008, 07:48 AM

Yey!
Same here =)
I just got my invitation yesterday.
I didn't really expect it because I thought it is really late to get invitation. but hey! I got a chance!!!
I would probably go there on 22nd.
Is it better to interview earlier? cuz I have to choose between 15th and 22nd for interview dates and I think 15th is too soon for me=)
Let me know if you know anything about this!

My word of advice generally is the earlier the better, BUT if you are a strong candidate, it has no influence whatsoever. I know lots of people who were accepted from the last interview date, and many more who came off the waitlist. So don't sweat it =) Go out there and have fun!

kikiaj1029

02-06-2008, 09:56 AM

Hey,

Congratulations:hardy:, I just called to set up the date and time for the interview, but Ms. Brenda is sick and out for the day. I am gonna be attending on 22nd, too. Where will u be coming from?

yeah i called her this morning and I couldn't talk to her. I left a messege. Anyways, hmm I don't think I am a 'Strong' candidate so, it would be better to interview early as possible..The thing is I have another interview on 16th and i thought 15th is not a good date for me. I mean the distance is not really matter cuz both schools are near from me ( im from northern VA). What should I do. =(

AbsoluteEthanol

02-06-2008, 01:01 PM

still waiting for my acceptance letter

k0ni

02-06-2008, 05:56 PM

LoonyLuna

02-06-2008, 06:09 PM

I was doing some research on Baltimore and read that the city has the 2nd highest crime rate for large cities in the US.. Any thoughts? I've never been to a big city before. :( How is the area around the school?
I think as long as you're smart about where you are and who you're with, you'll be fine, i.e. don't go out randomly at 3/4 am alone into some dark alley, always bring pepper spray with you, and travel in large groups, preferably with a man you can trust. :)

Utterdevotion

02-06-2008, 06:49 PM

yeah i called her this morning and I couldn't talk to her. I left a messege. Anyways, hmm I don't think I am a 'Strong' candidate so, it would be better to interview early as possible..The thing is I have another interview on 16th and i thought 15th is not a good date for me. I mean the distance is not really matter cuz both schools are near from me ( im from northern VA). What should I do. =(

I would suggest calling her again tomorrow. Getting an interview date is most important for you, so leaving a message is not as great as getting in touch w/ her in person! :)

Utterdevotion

02-06-2008, 06:56 PM

I think as long as you're smart about where you are and who you're with, you'll be fine, i.e. don't go out randomly at 3/4 am alone into some dark alley, always bring pepper spray with you, and travel in large groups, preferably with a man you can trust. :)

As LoonyLuna said - you just have to be safe; crime is something that happens in every city. You just have to be careful in Baltimore! But as you will learn once you arrive here, the safest place in Baltimore is Inner Harbor. And the second safest place is the campus. I utilize the caravan and police escort services at night, and always walk with a friend when I go to areas that are not as safe. But I've never have that kind of fear stop me from going somewhere or doing something that I want to do within the city.

Hope that helps!

binghamkid

02-06-2008, 08:07 PM

As LoonyLuna said - you just have to be safe; crime is something that happens in every city. You just have to be careful in Baltimore! But as you will learn once you arrive here, the safest place in Baltimore is Inner Harbor. And the second safest place is the campus. I utilize the caravan and police escort services at night, and always walk with a friend when I go to areas that are not as safe. But I've never have that kind of fear stop me from going somewhere or doing something that I want to do within the city.

Hope that helps!

Naturally. It's usually ME you end up taking around to all the places that are not as safe:meanie:.

But in all seriousness to everyone else, it's safe if you are smart about what you do. If you choose to walk around alone at 11pm west side of MLK...well, that's your call. There are options if you take the time to use them =)

Utterdevotion

02-06-2008, 08:12 PM

Naturally. It's usually ME you end up taking around to all the places that are not as safe:meanie:.

But in all seriousness to everyone else, it's safe if you are smart about what you do. If you choose to walk around alone at 11pm west side of MLK...well, that's your call. There are options if you take the time to use them =)

Per request of someone *cough*
Binghamkid is indeed "the coolest guy around"! And without him walking me around, scary old men would be asking for my phone number and giving me evil brownies! ....

Happy now? :)

binghamkid

02-06-2008, 08:13 PM

Per request of someone *cough*
Binghamkid is indeed "the coolest guy around"! And without him walking me around, scary old men would be asking for my phone number and giving me evil brownies! ....

Happy now? :)

Lol sure that works :thumbup: but no need to try to suggest that i asked you to do so...gosh you make it sound so rigged!

Utterdevotion

02-06-2008, 08:16 PM

Lol sure that works :thumbup: but no need to try to suggest that i asked you to do so...gosh you make it sound so rigged!

That's because it IS!!!
PS I just wanted to use this:

:corny:

binghamkid

02-06-2008, 08:18 PM

That's because it IS!!!
PS I just wanted to use this:

:corny:

Yea sure...now you're suggesting I'm fat. :rolleyes:

This is way more entertaining than learning about fertility.

kidlove

02-07-2008, 12:57 AM

I was doing some research on Baltimore and read that the city has the 2nd highest crime rate for large cities in the US.. Any thoughts? I've never been to a big city before. :( How is the area around the school?

I've never lived in a big city either but I got to visit Baltimore and although it was a shock to see the bad side, it was also an exciting place due to all the things that you can do there as well. So give it a try and see if you would like to live there. All large cities have high crime rates. All cities have the bad and the good. Just don't go to the bad side, I think everything is going to be fine. Part of me kind of thinks it is exciting to live in a place like this because you will have to learn how to defend yourself which probably will help you later in life in one way or another. Like people said... if you hit rock bottom, there is only one way to go... it's going up. So if you can live in one of a highest crime rate in the nation and survive, you're going to be tough and probably taken seriously *literally*.

k0ni

02-07-2008, 03:13 PM

Lol. I'm sure it will be a real eye-opening experience.. Maybe I'll pick up pepper spray just in case. Although knowing me, I'd probably panic and spray in any random direction. :laugh:

Terp

02-07-2008, 05:53 PM

Hey people!! I'M A STUDENT AT THE SHADY GROVE CAMPUS. Seems you all have alot of questions about Shady Grove and I'd be happy to answer any for you.

To begin with, the distance learning is AWESOME. The quality of the lectures via the server is very good. And you can do it whenever, wherever. Alot of students from the west coast didn't come back after winter break for a week or two because they were doing their work at home. You can also obviously do this at the Baltimore campus though because everyone has access to the lectures.

PROS: Rockville, Maryland (where the SG campus is) is a much nicer, more affluent area than Baltimore. The crime rate on campus is actually ZERO. You have to be careful in Baltimore, bottom line. Baltimore has one of the highest crime rates in the nation.

Since our group of students is smaller (40 as compared to 120), we ALL hang out. There are no cliques. We go out in Washington, DC alot. We go to alot of happy hours during the week and clubs on the weekends. People are always hosting poker nights or some random "hey its tuesday" party. And everyone is invited.

As mentioned by others, Shady Grove is also ideal for people that have families or jobs, just because the area is nicer. That is not to say that all the students DO, because I myself do not.

Also, you will be the second class at Shady Grove (I am in the first) so there will be 80 of us next year. We are excited to meet everyone!!!

CONS: You don't get alot of direct interaction with your professors (but I have never done that anyway) or "most" of your other classmates. It's slightly harder to be an active part of any school group or society, but not enough to deter you from doing it. I am a part of a fraternity that meets ALOT and I manage just fine. People carpool to Baltimore if necessary and there are plenty of nice classmates that will let you crash on the couch :)

It's harder not to have a car. A bunch of people don't, but since it's not directly IN the city, you have to catch a ride alot.

OK that was alot of stuff, if anyone has any questions feel free to PM me.

Lastly, GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

pharmkid22

02-07-2008, 07:08 PM

binghamkid

02-07-2008, 09:22 PM

For those who have already interviewed with University of MD School of Pharmacy...what kind of interview questions did they ask? What kinds of questions did you guys have to answer on the essay portion of the interview?

If you're looking for sample questions, I would check the interview feedback portion of the forums. For fairness purposes, essay topics are not allowed to be given out on studentdoctor forums.

AbsoluteEthanol

02-08-2008, 09:20 AM

binghamkid

02-08-2008, 08:28 PM

adrenaliss

02-09-2008, 10:35 AM

WOW, at last! someone from shady grove with some real input! my one and only concern is the social scene. I know I'm not going to pharmacy school to party; however, to me, personally, social scene is absolutely paramount. I'm a very outgoing person and I love to have a good time. I feel like if I'm going to spend 4 year somewhere it might as well be fun!

just seems like being on a real campus would provide me with more opportunities to meet all kinds of different people... but then again, you did bring up a great point about shady grove being more closet knit... ahhhhhhhhh decisions, decisions.
Just like you, the social scene is a key part of what i look for in a school where i'm going to be spending 4 years or more of my life. I'm a Cali party girl from LA and live my life by the whole cliche, "I work hard to play hard." I'm a first year student at the Shady Grove campus (with no car BTW) but I make it a point to socialize with students from both campuses.

Baltimore does have a social scene, (inevitable with so many students) but since the city's in the ghetto (think USC environment - school's relatively safe, but smack in the middle of the ghetto), the nightlife is mostly dive bars, wing nights, and house parties - not really any hot clubs around if that's your venue of choice. The scene doesn't really change much. The people are a good time of course, but the parties are about the same. With drink specials like $1 beers, meals around $5 and such you get more bang for your buck, but less variety to choose from. Pay for a cab/walk to most places. If you are familiar with the SF city, Bmore is kind of like that but without the prominent gay community. It's got the little niches of places to go. Around campus the environment is pretty comfortable since most of the patrons are members of the university or hospitals in the area. Fed Hill is like Berkeley, with the cutesy feel of the small stores aligned down the street. Mt. Vernon is home to many of the "clubs" in Bmore, or basically the area where the richer people of Bmore and Hopkins students live. Fells point is like the Bourbon Street of Bmore. Inner Harbor is the main touristy area by the water with a couple restaurants and across the street from the Gallery mall.

DC/Rockville area has a different social scene. Because we're a smaller group over here, we tend to hang out more often than the kids in Bmore (study daily in the library, eat out together, going out like every week, or multiple times per week). I live literally across the street from the DC metro, so when we go out we try to change things up each time. There's the Bethesda scene with young professionals from around the area, free poker tournaments, and happy hours. Adams Morgan is your equivalent to like a Hermosa Beach or Pacific Beach (for all you Cali ppl) type dive bar street with delicious jumbo pizza and hot dog places and lots of themed type of places to go. Dupont Circle is the hotspot of nightlife in DC with most of the hottest clubs and bars of all different types of music genres. And then there are those days when we go sightseeing - White House, national monuments, Smithsonian, other museums. If you have a lovely significant other you want to take out to dinner, or just want a nice dinner for a special occasion, there are over 100 highly rated restaurants in and around DC with probably 10 fold more variety than Baltimore. Of course there are tons more places in DC to name, but you get the idea. The con is that DC area is more pricey than Bmore so you would probably be spending about the same amount of money if you were to go out to a club in CA (avg $8/mixed drink or $4/beer). Take the metro to get to all these places. There are also the nights where we just have like house "gatherings" (i wouldn't call them parties just yet since there are only like 40 of us) - game nights, poker, rock band, potlucks, etc.

So there are social scenes at both places, but very different in style.

If anyone else wants a comparison of both campuses, I'm probably your best bet if you're looking for a straight forward answer. I'm here to just give you the info, not to coax you to choose my campus..that's your choice. just pm me :)

UMBSGstudent

02-09-2008, 04:21 PM

binghamkid

02-09-2008, 08:07 PM

Hi! I’m currently a student at the University of Maryland Baltimore-School of Pharmacy at the Shady Grove (SG) campus.
I’ve been reading the posts and I’m really excited people are interested in the SG campus. It just seems you aren’t getting an accurate portrayal of what it’s like to be a SG student from those at the Bmore campus.
So, here’s some information about me and the SG campus. Be advised this isn’t everything just a brief introduction.
I’m a non-traditional student, meaning I didn’t go to college until I was in my mid-twenties. I completed all my prerequisites at a local community college in Western Maryland. I have Associate Degrees in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, and Business Administration. My GPA was 3.75 and my PCAT was 86.
I was accepted to the University of Maryland-School of Pharmacy and had the opportunity to choose between the Baltimore and SG campus. I choose SG because I didn’t want to have to relocate to Bmore. Currently, I live approximately 20 minutes from campus and usually crash at another student’s place before an exam or after a Happy Hour excursion into DC. There are a number of us who hang out together on a regular basis. We are not all married with kids; however, they are some.
I’m a member of the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP), the American Pharmacist’s Association (APhA), and was recently initiated into a professional pharmacy fraternity at UMB.
The SG/Rockville area can be described as a suburb on the DC/Metro area; therefore, the cost of living is a bit more expensive here than in Bmore. But, safety is not as much of a concern at the SG campus as it is in Bmore. The area has a number of Metro stops, which makes going to DC quick and easy. A typical Metro ride is 10-30 minutes depending on where you are going in DC.
The SG/Rockville area is a hub for biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms such the Human Genome Sciences, MedImmune, Avalon Pharmaceuticals, Gen Vec, etc. The major national pharmaceutical associations including American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) and the American Pharmacist’s Association (APhA) and federal agencies including the National Insitutes of Health and the FDA are based in DC. So, if you are considering pursuing a career in industry SG might hold some interesting prospects.
Whoa…this post turned out to be longer than I thought. I’ll post again soon; however, in the mean time if you have questions about the SG campus, please contact an SG student. The Bmore students have only been to the SG campus once during orientation and have a limited scope of knowledge about the distance learning pharmacy program and life here in Rockville.
Thanks!

I definitely second the part about the baltimore students only having a limited idea about the way of life over in Rockville =) It's just hard to visit our counterparts over there, especially if you don't have a car. However, I would definitely make a point that it isn't a competition between two campuses. Both campuses are designed to work together as one, which is why everyone gets equal access to recorded lectures (including Baltimore students). Exams are set up so that there can be no ambiguities in testing conditions (we have multiple choice exams for that reason), and test dates will be moved around to ensure fairness at both campuses. Since it is the first year, we still haven't quite figured out exactly how to get both campuses together consistently, but I know the administration is working hard to make improvements to the system. Part of the reason is that because Shady Grove is a distance learning campus, it allows everyone to almost live wherever they choose; this makes it more difficult to coordinate social events between both campuses because you can't really just pick a halfway point and go from there. Another part of the reason is simply transportation: No one likes to go from one campus to the other. Finally, the way the culture currently is at Baltimore is that only the first year class have a better clue how Shady Grove operates and why we NEED to have certain things (like our recorded lectures, synchronous meetings, etc.); it'll get better as future years come along and the changes are finally complete.

The administration will stress that you start out as one class (both Baltimore and SG), and you finish as one class. The nice thing is that the administration has set up representation for Shady Grove in the class officer positions as well as the newly-founded DCPA organization =) You do get your voice heard, even if it feels like (currently), that they're fighting an uphill battle. But as with anything new, that's what improvements are for. At the very least, the administration is trying to make changes.

AtomicLuv

02-09-2008, 08:51 PM

Hey everyone,
when you all say parts of Baltimore are dangerous, can this be compared to how parts of Brooklyn (NYC) are dangerous? Or is it worse than that? I'm just curious if anyone has any ideas. :p

adrenaliss

02-10-2008, 06:38 AM

AtomicLuv

02-10-2008, 04:01 PM

hey hey

I will be going to interview in maryland soon, and I was wondering if anyone could tell me, is the greyhound station in a "bad" area? Like is it safe to arrive there at 6:45pm to take a cab to my hotel? It's really hard for me to get a sense of what its like with murder and crime statistics because I've never been there and statistics are just numbers. Like what is the feel/atmosphere like there? I'm just worried about the trip from the station to the hotel so if anyone could share their experience or anything like that...it would be well appreciated.

also, if there are so many students in each class, do lectures or classes ever feel crowded or anything like that?

one more thing, isn't baltimore relatively warm? I looked up temp averages, and its A LOT warmer than upstate ny...can anyone give me some hints?

looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
thanks! :D

AbsoluteEthanol

02-10-2008, 08:02 PM

jawnly211

02-11-2008, 09:57 AM

Just like you, the social scene is a key part of what i look for in a school where i'm going to be spending 4 years or more of my life. I'm a Cali party girl from LA and live my life by the whole cliche, "I work hard to play hard." I'm a first year student at the Shady Grove campus (with no car BTW) but I make it a point to socialize with students from both campuses.

Baltimore does have a social scene, (inevitable with so many students) but since the city's in the ghetto (think USC environment - school's relatively safe, but smack in the middle of the ghetto), the nightlife is mostly dive bars, wing nights, and house parties - not really any hot clubs around if that's your venue of choice. The scene doesn't really change much. The people are a good time of course, but the parties are about the same. With drink specials like $1 beers, meals around $5 and such you get more bang for your buck, but less variety to choose from. Pay for a cab/walk to most places. If you are familiar with the SF city, Bmore is kind of like that but without the prominent gay community. It's got the little niches of places to go. Around campus the environment is pretty comfortable since most of the patrons are members of the university or hospitals in the area. Fed Hill is like Berkeley, with the cutesy feel of the small stores aligned down the street. Mt. Vernon is home to many of the "clubs" in Bmore, or basically the area where the richer people of Bmore and Hopkins students live. Fells point is like the Bourbon Street of Bmore. Inner Harbor is the main touristy area by the water with a couple restaurants and across the street from the Gallery mall.

DC/Rockville area has a different social scene. Because we're a smaller group over here, we tend to hang out more often than the kids in Bmore (study daily in the library, eat out together, going out like every week, or multiple times per week). I live literally across the street from the DC metro, so when we go out we try to change things up each time. There's the Bethesda scene with young professionals from around the area, free poker tournaments, and happy hours. Adams Morgan is your equivalent to like a Hermosa Beach or Pacific Beach (for all you Cali ppl) type dive bar street with delicious jumbo pizza and hot dog places and lots of themed type of places to go. Dupont Circle is the hotspot of nightlife in DC with most of the hottest clubs and bars of all different types of music genres. And then there are those days when we go sightseeing - White House, national monuments, Smithsonian, other museums. If you have a lovely significant other you want to take out to dinner, or just want a nice dinner for a special occasion, there are over 100 highly rated restaurants in and around DC with probably 10 fold more variety than Baltimore. Of course there are tons more places in DC to name, but you get the idea. The con is that DC area is more pricey than Bmore so you would probably be spending about the same amount of money if you were to go out to a club in CA (avg $8/mixed drink or $4/beer). Take the metro to get to all these places. There are also the nights where we just have like house "gatherings" (i wouldn't call them parties just yet since there are only like 40 of us) - game nights, poker, rock band, potlucks, etc.

So there are social scenes at both places, but very different in style.

If anyone else wants a comparison of both campuses, I'm probably your best bet if you're looking for a straight forward answer. I'm here to just give you the info, not to coax you to choose my campus..that's your choice. just pm me :)

great post above!!!!!!

bmore is definitely a blue collar city....alot of cheap bars, wing nights, 50:1 guy to girl ratio nights........as for the crime? its inevitable.......living in the outer suburbs is not bad.........during my four years, i never thought about living in the city........probably the best, and safest, decision i ever made........traffic isn't too bad........and you can always take the metro into the city.........

shady grove campus in rockville is in montgomery county......one of the most affluent counties in the US......pretty much a suburb of DC.......i have friends in NoVa and visit them occasionally to go out......the night scene in DC >>>>>> bmore......DC is a nice mix of people from all around the US........great singles scene.......alot of young professionals.........extreme opposite of bmore, where the majority of people grew up there, went to high school there, and want to move away........

all you people at the SG campus, if you need any furniture or even a CAR!!!!!! let me know.......private message me........im moving back to LA this may and need to sell EVERYTHING........pass the word to your classmates down there

misterpockets

02-11-2008, 12:01 PM

Thanks for all the awesome information everybody.

Do any current students know of any other students who sought after maryland residency status? was anyone successful?

I'd like to go to UM, but out-of-state tuition is so expensive!!

thanks.

jawnly211

02-11-2008, 01:07 PM

i did

and boy was it tough

honest truth......if you are a female, your chances are 100 times greater to get in state status

you apply and ONE DUDE makes the decision........its HIS WORD

i applied second yr but i didnt change my license to MD for > 1 yr.......he canceled my application due to that.......although i found 4 other classmates who applied, ALL FEMALES, who did NOT change their driver's license, and had their status switched to in-state

another classmate worked 25 hours a week to meet the salary requirements........he was denied 3 times..........oh yea, he was a male

i got lucky though since my wife found a job with maryland school systems.........all i had to do was reapply after my MD driver's license was valid for 1 year..........

when you come here.........change ur car title, license plate, driver's license, bank account.........EVERYTHING to maryland.........even say you have family here and you will stay here after graduation..........that's the best way

or, if you are a dude, get a sex change

good luck!

misterpockets

02-11-2008, 06:02 PM

thanks for the info!

binghamkid

02-11-2008, 08:30 PM

Terp

02-12-2008, 07:44 AM

jawnly211

02-12-2008, 12:57 PM

it's VERY hard to change, because let's be honest, the school doesn't want you to pay them LESS money. on the other hand though, i've heard of some ridiculous cases of people getting in-state tuition (haha maybe they were all girls?) i'm actually an out-of-state first year student applying for in-state this year so wish me luck..... but i'm a chick, so apparently i have a better chance :p

bottom line: this **** is expensive either way!!

oh yes........the "dude" first denies you via letter

you can appeal by setting up an interview to state your case :idea:

i think this is where a majority or the "females" win the battle :love:

.........like i said.......i know 4 guys who tried.........ALL DENIED :thumbdown

i know of 10 girls who all appealed.........and ALL were granted after the face to face meeting......... :confused:

hey! i only speak the truth :D

AbsoluteEthanol

02-12-2008, 09:11 PM

:laugh:oh yes........the "dude" first denies you via letter

you can appeal by setting up an interview to state your case :idea:

i think this is where a majority or the "females" win the battle :love:

.........like i said.......i know 4 guys who tried.........ALL DENIED :thumbdown

i know of 10 girls who all appealed.........and ALL were granted after the face to face meeting......... :confused:

hey! i only speak the truth :D

were the dudes ugly?:laugh:

njac

02-12-2008, 10:42 PM

I'm not sure how bad Brooklyn is, but in Baltimore you will see homeless people, hear about muggings at gunpoint, cars stolen, the crime rate is about a murder per day. Much of this violence comes from the drug trafficking and burglary that goes on around the streets in Baltimore. But be assured that there are plenty of resources to ensure your safety, just as long as you're smart enough to use them and use your better judgment when walking the streets alone. The campus has its own police force aside from the one for the city of Baltimore, so you'll see policeman patrolling the campus area on a daily basis. There are also security guards inside the doors of every building to ensure that only university students and faculty enter the buildings.

I did a rotation in Baltimore this summer. I never felt unsafe even as a little white girl walking around. While there are a fair # of shootings you have to look at who is doing the shooting and who is getting shot. A significant number of these are between gangs/drug dealers. they aren't going out to (I'm brainfarting on the nice neighborhood where my friend lives sort of near Pimlico - up the hill and in the trees) the nicer neighborhoods and mugging you on your way in the house from the car.

Obviously you have to be careful but I think the numbers are a little deceiving. One of my favorite memories from this summer was watching outside movies in the evening in Little Italy.

I stayed almost 45 miles away (with family) and commuted every day by car (MARC train timing was a little off for me). Traffic really wasn't all that bad. I was disappointed I had very little interaction with UMD Pharmacy students at all. I mostly saw medical students and residents.

UMBorVCU

02-13-2008, 12:34 PM

not fer 16 but 15 hhhehhehee

hopefully I see you next August

pharmkid22

02-13-2008, 06:16 PM

after you interview with the school, how long do applicants wait till they hear whether theyve been admitted or not? also, how will they let you know whehter uve been admitted or not? :confused:

magenta1

02-13-2008, 09:27 PM

i had my interview 10/13 and was emailed acceptance 10/16

binghamkid

02-14-2008, 07:36 PM

after you interview with the school, how long do applicants wait till they hear whether theyve been admitted or not? also, how will they let you know whehter uve been admitted or not? :confused:

I found out in about two weeks by email.

Oaktownhomeboy

02-14-2008, 08:04 PM

Flying out 2morrow for my interview Sat Morning. Anyone else interviewing this SAT?

Brockololly

02-14-2008, 08:31 PM

I'm driving down from upstate NY tomorrow- a nice 5.5 hr drive for my interview Sat AM. Should be fun!

Oaktownhomeboy

02-17-2008, 01:39 PM

Just got home from my whirlwind weekend in Baltimore. I think the interview went well. Everyone was very nice and approachable. Just gotta wait until March to see if I get in or not.

kikiaj1029

02-17-2008, 04:38 PM

I found out in about two weeks by email.

Okay. did you apply for early?

does anyone receive their accetance letter after interview even though you didn't apply for early?
because they said they are not doing rolling admission.
if I have my interview this Friday, is it like last interview or something which will have less chance to get in?
I had 4 different options to choose for interview date and i wanted to do early, but i had something going on last sat, so I confirmed my interview on this Friday. Please let me know guys.

Mini6280

02-17-2008, 06:27 PM

oh yes........the "dude" first denies you via letter

you can appeal by setting up an interview to state your case :idea:

i think this is where a majority or the "females" win the battle :love:

.........like i said.......i know 4 guys who tried.........ALL DENIED :thumbdown

i know of 10 girls who all appealed.........and ALL were granted after the face to face meeting......... :confused:

hey! i only speak the truth :D

Can I get Maryland residency & in-state tuition after first year if my wife gets a full time job & works for a year in MD (but not in D.C. right?) and we get the MD license plate/driver's license/bank acct ? Is it possible for her to interview with the dude after an appeal?

Mini6280

02-17-2008, 06:43 PM

binghamkid

02-18-2008, 06:42 AM

Okay. did you apply for early?

does anyone receive their accetance letter after interview even though you didn't apply for early?
because they said they are not doing rolling admission.
if I have my interview this Friday, is it like last interview or something which will have less chance to get in?
I had 4 different options to choose for interview date and i wanted to do early, but i had something going on last sat, so I confirmed my interview on this Friday. Please let me know guys.

No I did not. I did interview in mid-February though, so I found out beginning of March.

Mini6280

02-18-2008, 07:21 AM

No I did not. I did interview in mid-February though, so I found out beginning of March.

Thank you for answering all our questions! Another question about parking. For the interview where is the best place to park? Thanks!

jawnly211

02-18-2008, 02:03 PM

Can I get Maryland residency & in-state tuition after first year if my wife gets a full time job & works for a year in MD (but not in D.C. right?) and we get the MD license plate/driver's license/bank acct ? Is it possible for her to interview with the dude after an appeal?

you should change your driver's license and plates >1 yr before applying......

that was my only hold up.......i think i changed my driver's license in like spring 1st yr.........i applied fall second year for in state and he said it has not been a FULL YEAR..........i appealed with the names of 4 FEMALE classmates who got switched to in-state status who did NOT EVEN CHANGE THEIR LICENSES AT ALL.........i still got denied..........because i have Y chromosome

so be sure to switch up everything a year before you apply.........

he finds ANY EXCUSE to deny you.........if you are a guy

Utterdevotion

02-18-2008, 08:50 PM

Thank you for answering all our questions! Another question about parking. For the interview where is the best place to park? Thanks!

I would suggest parking in Lexington garage. If you're going down 395 (Martin Luther King) turn a right at Saratoga St and then an immediate right onto Pine. About one block on your left, you will see the Lexington Garage. Let the person at the front know you're here for an interview and you get the student parking fee (don't remember how much that was). The school is another block down the street, so about a 2-3 minute walk.

Utterdevotion

02-18-2008, 08:54 PM

What are synchronous meetings? Can you do distance learning in real time and phone in or use an intercom to ask the professor a question while he is lecturing? If not, what kind of interaction can you have with professors? (Office hours if at Baltimore campus? or telephone/email from Shady Groove?)

We have recorded lectures that the Shady Grove campus can watch. Usually lectures are posted in about 1-2 hours after the recording. There are organizational meetings that are synchronous in which there's a camera set up on both campus so we can interact.
Most professors here do not have office hours, but rather have an open door policy, though they prefer you to email them before you come in since many are busy with research, etc. Shady Grove students can come down to see the professors, contact them through email, and they do have telephone numbers if that is what you would like to do as well. Many of the professors go down to Shady Grove at least one time. But there are faculty at Shady Grove that are in charge of a certain class so that if you have any questions regarding the coursework, you can just ask the professor at the Shady Grove campus.

I'm sure a Shady Grove student will also try to answer this question with better detail.

Hope that helps!

kidlove

02-18-2008, 09:32 PM

Thank you for answering all our questions! Another question about parking. For the interview where is the best place to park? Thanks!

If you live in a hotel within walking distance, I think it's reasonable to walk. Otherwise, a taxi is also very available as well. I don't know about parking though.

binghamkid

02-19-2008, 04:07 PM

Thank you for answering all our questions! Another question about parking. For the interview where is the best place to park? Thanks!

If you check your interview packet, they should have told you that you can park in Lexington Garage and pay $4. The garage is about 2 minutes from the pharmacy building.

binghamkid

02-22-2008, 05:08 AM

If any of you are dorky and do check this prior to your interview day of (I know some of you do =P), please be careful when you walk or drive today. The roads are supposed to be very icy.

Baby steps get you there the safe and slow way!

AbsoluteEthanol

02-22-2008, 03:36 PM

binghamkid

02-22-2008, 07:51 PM

hey guys, this is a pre-req questions, I'm actually really freaking out...

for anatomy and physiology, i have a 6quarter unit pysio lab, a 4quarter unit physio lecture and a 4 semester unit anatomy class. does this suffice the 6semester/10 quarter hour physio/anatomy pre-req?

also for biochem, i have a 4quarter unit biochem class, does that suffice?

i'm definitely calling in to ask on monday, but i was freaking out BIG time because i JUST REALIZED THIS NOW!!!!! can anyone answer?

thank you! :scared::scared::scared:

The A&P you are good for.

Biochem you need to take one more course. I believe you need 4 semester units of biochem? the conversion factor is 0.66 semester units = 1 quarter unit. Therefor you would need 6 quarter units. However, since you're on the quarter system, I believe you're safe and can enroll in a biochem course in spring.

AbsoluteEthanol

02-23-2008, 01:26 AM

The A&P you are good for.

Biochem you need to take one more course. I believe you need 4 semester units of biochem? the conversion factor is 0.66 semester units = 1 quarter unit. Therefor you would need 6 quarter units. However, since you're on the quarter system, I believe you're safe and can enroll in a biochem course in spring.

thank you for your prompt response binghamkid, you're the best! i think I'm okay on the biochem as well, i just read the school's webpage and they say to convert quarter into semester units you multiply by .66, thus 4*.66 = 2.64. The website goes on to say that anything over .5 may be rounded up, thus 2.64=3 (the required semester units). hooray..... I THINK!:idea:

binghamkid

02-23-2008, 10:27 AM

thank you for your prompt response binghamkid, you're the best! i think I'm okay on the biochem as well, i just read the school's webpage and they say to convert quarter into semester units you multiply by .66, thus 4*.66 = 2.64. The website goes on to say that anything over .5 may be rounded up, thus 2.64=3 (the required semester units). hooray..... I THINK!:idea:

Haha, you're welcome! I'm glad you don't have to stress out over it =) You should hear from the school in a little while I imagine, so good luck =) Last year we found out around beginning of March. I know they added an additional interview date on the 29th of February, so it may be pushed back a week.

Just to be on the safe side, I would still call on Monday and ask for them to verify that you are ok and get them to send you an e-mail confirmation that they've verified you are ok on your prereqs. Last year we had that issue for a couple students, and the only reason we were saved was because we could prove we got an e-mail A-OK from someone in the office who had checked our file.

Spirala

02-25-2008, 01:25 PM

UMBorVCU

02-26-2008, 10:35 PM

anyone interview on the mid Feb get the answer yet? waiting is killing me, I check my email hundred times a day :( . I got in VCU but still want to know the result from UMB

kidlove

02-26-2008, 11:40 PM

I haven't heard anything but I was interviewed in the beginning of Feb.

Utterdevotion

02-27-2008, 04:16 AM

Thanks for all the information. What is a typical week like for a SG student in terms of Labs or test that need to take. That is what is the maximum amount of time on campus for in-class activities? Thanks Spirala

I'm sure a SG student would be better at answering this - but in the meantime...
as far as I know, they have study hours designated at the university (i believe they are not required times, but a good time to come in, be with classmates, and get help from professors).
Last semester SG students came up to baltimore twice for their labs. This semester, both their labs are on the same day.
Their tests are at the SAME time as us (exams at 730am, quizzes at whatever time we have them).
Some organizations, including SGA, also have synchronous meetings so they can come into SG and also participate in the meetings.
Aside from that, they can come into SG campus/come up to Baltimore as much or as little as they would like.

Spirala

02-27-2008, 05:43 AM

I'm sure a SG student would be better at answering this - but in the meantime...
as far as I know, they have study hours designated at the university (i believe they are not required times, but a good time to come in, be with classmates, and get help from professors).
Last semester SG students came up to baltimore twice for their labs. This semester, both their labs are on the same day.
Their tests are at the SAME time as us (exams at 730am, quizzes at whatever time we have them).
Some organizations, including SGA, also have synchronous meetings so they can come into SG and also participate in the meetings.
Aside from that, they can come into SG campus/come up to Baltimore as much or as little as they would like.

Thanks, UD. I am applying for next year 2009 and I have read a lot of posts especially from you which have been insightful and helpful. I would like to do ED I will be doing my PCAT in June. I really would like to go to MD, what can I make sure I do so that I get in? I dont know my overal gpa yet since I have done a number of programs. However I know I did badly when I transfered to a 4 year Univ. for my Jr & Sr year at UCLA for a BS in CompScience (gpa:2.1). Apart from that I have two associates (Math(gpa:3.3) & Health Infor Technology(gpa:3.6)), 2 masters (Comp Sci(gpa:3.6) & Health Infor Management (gpa:3.3)). Now I am doing my chem & Bio preq at another school (3.5). What are my chances? What should I aim for my PCAT. thanks!

luckyphooey

02-27-2008, 07:26 AM

I am also planning to apply to Maryland ED. I just took my PCAT for the first time in Jan and got a composite of 88 with a 94 and 92 in Biology and Chemistry respectively. I have talked to a MD representative and know that the minium PCAT is 80 with no less then 60 on Bio and Chem. Do you think that this is competitive enough for Maryland? Should I retake? Since I didn't study much for this test and know that I can do better if I really applied myself. I just need to improve in Quantative (67) and Verbal (71), which I know I can do. I got a 84 in reading and 4/4.5 in writing which I hope can make up for my poor verbal score.

I am currently working toward a Gen Bio bachelor. I have 99 credits (not including this semester which is another 13 credits). I did most of pre-req at a Community College (due to financial reasons). Got my Bio 1 & 2 credits from AP. Took Biochem (A+) and Cell Bio (A+) at my current 4 year college, I really worked hard that semester because I wanted to prove to the adcom that I can handle the courseload at a 4yr school. I am currently taking Mammalian Physiology and Biometric (to fulfill my Stat requirment). I have gotten all A's and only 3 B's so far, 2 in my first semester from two History classes (:sleep:) and 1 in Gen Chem 1. I would also have had 1 year of experience at a retail pharmacy when it comes time to apply.

I really really hope that I make a good candidate for Maryland. It is my top choice because it is in-state for me and it doesn't hurt that it is also a top ranked pharmacy school. If accepted, I think I will choice the Shady Grove campus.

Thank you in advance for your feedbacks.

Spirala

02-27-2008, 07:34 AM

luckyphooey

02-27-2008, 07:48 AM

Wow your PCAT sounds good to me!! I havent taken it so I dont know what to expect. I guess both of us will be doing ED for MD, its my first choice too. They have an infor session coming up in April, I am hoping to attend it. What was your study strategy for the PCAT? How long did u study for and did you just go over past questions or did you read notes and do questions? Thanks for the input. I too would prefer the Shady Grove option.

I actually brought a lot of books but I didn't study long enough to finish them all. I brought the Kaplan book, Cliffnote 5 Practice Exam, Barron PCAT, and Cracking the AP Biology by Princeton (since it helped me get a 5 in Bio). I only got around to finishing the Kaplan book ( I begin studying 3 weeks before the exam so as to keep it fresh in my head...hahaha). I went over my Gen Chem notes (which meant re-reading some section of the textbook). I wish I had gone over more Organic. For math, I totally flunked since I am a hardcore calculator-dependent and my knowledge in Stat & Prob is almost nonexistent. I also recommend going over your old Calulus notes (Kaplan does a horrible job with the Quantative section). I think, however, the best way to study is to retain what you have learned in your pre-req classes so that when it comes time to study it will come fast and naturally. Good Luck!:luck:

AbsoluteEthanol

02-27-2008, 10:33 AM

Utterdevotion

02-29-2008, 05:31 AM

luckyphooey

02-29-2008, 06:25 AM

I want to clarify to everyone that's reading - I do NOT answer "do you have a chance/what are your chances/how does my stats look" type of questions.
I am not on the admissions committee - and if I was, I would not be able to answer you anyway. I help do interviews, but I can't tell you how we do them.

I have NO idea what it takes. It changes per person, per situation, per the people who evaluate your application and your interview. One person could have a 3.99 GPA and 99% PCAT and not get in. And you could have aperson w/ a 2.5 GPA but still get in. What does that mean?

So what do you ideally need? It's what you've known, and we've said many many times. You need at LEAST the min. PCAT. You need a good GPA, extracurriculars, health/pharmacy experience, and leadership. Be a well rounded student, and EXCEL on your interview.

I would gladly answer any other questions....
Good luck everyone!

Oh sorry, my question was more about getting advice for whether or not I should retake the PCAT, as I can only imagine it gets even tougher/more competitive every year.

Utterdevotion

02-29-2008, 06:36 AM

Oh sorry, my question was more about getting advice for whether or not I should retake the PCAT, as I can only imagine it gets even tougher/more competitive every year.

The post wasn't particularly pointed to you, so don't worry too much about it. If you have the min. PCAT score then you can apply. If YOU think the rest of your application is a bit weak, then think about retaking it. Take charge of your situation. Even if we all gave you assurances that your PCAT is fine, would you settle? I would hope not, because in the end, it's you making that decision and it's you that is responsible for it. So sit down and evaluate. Are you satisfied with your application? If you're not, then you know what to do.

Spirala

02-29-2008, 06:37 AM

I want to clarify to everyone that's reading - I do NOT answer "do you have a chance/what are your chances/how does my stats look" type of questions.
I am not on the admissions committee - and if I was, I would not be able to answer you anyway. I help do interviews, but I can't tell you how we do them.

I have NO idea what it takes. It changes per person, per situation, per the people who evaluate your application and your interview. One person could have a 3.99 GPA and 99% PCAT and not get in. And you could have aperson w/ a 2.5 GPA but still get in. What does that mean?

So what do you ideally need? It's what you've known, and we've said many many times. You need at LEAST the min. PCAT. You need a good GPA, extracurriculars, health/pharmacy experience, and leadership. Be a well rounded student, and EXCEL on your interview.

I would gladly answer any other questions....
Good luck everyone!

I apologize being new in the forum and with time I believe I will learn how to coin my questions not to offend anyone. I am aware that no one is a decision maker on applications and I ask questions with this assumption however there tends to be some people in our forum who have a good feel of the process and I was hoping to gain from that. Thats what the forum is for right if not I apologize again.

pharmaholic22

02-29-2008, 06:39 AM

I know st johns university doesn't accept transfers for the pharmacy program but if i transfer there as a regular student and then apply for pharmacy program..will il be eligible then...

I have done my pre pharmacy courses in a 2 year school

Utterdevotion

02-29-2008, 06:51 AM

I apologize being new in the forum and with time I believe I will learn how to coin my questions not to offend anyone. I am aware that no one is a decision maker on applications and I ask questions with this assumption however there tends to be some people in our forum who have a good feel of the process and I was hoping to gain from that. Thats what the forum is for right if not I apologize again.

No Spirala, it's ok!
I'm not offended. Please, please don't be afraid to ask questions! Even if you think they are stupid, because they're not. Everyone, including myself is guilty of asking these sorts of questions as a pre-pharm. We're here to help you, and guide you. If you've read my posts then you know that I only hope to help as many people as possible into pharmacy school, that truely wish to go there.

And with that, I just wanted to tell you the truth - we honestly can't help anyone with that sort of question. If anyone on SDN were to help answer that question, how accurate is it? and how helpful do you think it would be for you?

Does that kind of make sense?
I hope I didn't scare you off :(

Spirala

02-29-2008, 07:13 AM

No Spirala, it's ok!
I'm not offended. Please, please don't be afraid to ask questions! Even if you think they are stupid, because they're not. Everyone, including myself is guilty of asking these sorts of questions as a pre-pharm. We're here to help you, and guide you. If you've read my posts then you know that I only hope to help as many people as possible into pharmacy school, that truely wish to go there.

And with that, I just wanted to tell you the truth - we honestly can't help anyone with that sort of question. If anyone on SDN were to help answer that question, how accurate is it? and how helpful do you think it would be for you?

Does that kind of make sense?
I hope I didn't scare you off :(

No worries I am not going anywhere until I get a rejection letter from UMB:eek:. I can speak for myself .. I am not looking for "accuracy" but I am looking for "hope"..When you give us hope it goes a long way UD..you may not be aware of this but I am sure through your own unbiased thoughts and suggestions and speculations it has driven and encourage a number of people to apply and work hard on getting in into the pharmacy school that matters. You should be very proud of that. It would not be fair to hold you accountable for advice that did not work in my favor, I would never do that to you.

Originally i didnt know that Univ MD did ED even if you havent completed your prequisites, Howard wants you have completed them. I just found out a month ago. I know this question has been asked many times but is there really an advantage applying ED with respect to UMB? I dont know if any official statistics have been posted that you are aware of but do you happen to know what percentage of EDs get an acceptance letter? I am just reaching out for all the reassurance I can get..If you don't know thats fine. thanks

Utterdevotion

02-29-2008, 07:28 AM

Originally i didnt know that Univ MD did ED even if you havent completed your prequisites, Howard wants you have completed them. I just found out a month ago. I know this question has been asked many times but is there really an advantage applying ED with respect to UMB? I dont know if any official statistics have been posted that you are aware of but do you happen to know what percentage of EDs get an acceptance letter? I am just reaching out for all the reassurance I can get..If you don't know thats fine. thanks[/QUOTE]

Early decision can do many things:
First, it shows the admissions staff that you REALLY want to go here!
At the same time, ED students could be the best of the bunch. There's a need to be selective because there's only a certain number of spots open.
But if you do not get accepted ED, you will be put into the regular admissions pile. And they will look at your application a second time. That second time could make all the difference for you!

Not completing your pre-reqs is a policy that applies both to ED and to regular admissions.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

luckyphooey

03-01-2008, 11:31 PM

So wait, I am confused now. So can you apply to Maryland ED without first finishing all your pre-reqs?

misterpockets

03-03-2008, 03:24 PM

anybody heard anything>?

binghamkid

03-04-2008, 04:37 AM

So wait, I am confused now. So can you apply to Maryland ED without first finishing all your pre-reqs?

Yes you can. But, you must finish your pre-reqs before matriculation.

Utterdevotion

03-04-2008, 04:48 AM

Yes you can. But, you must finish your pre-reqs before matriculation.

oooo you used matriculation :P

binghamkid

03-04-2008, 05:54 PM

oooo you used matriculation :P

I always wanted to know what it was like to sound fancy =P

Fatpharm

03-06-2008, 06:28 PM

For all y'all that got acceptance letters and have to choose where to go, I would choose Shady Grove. It is going to be a huge mess in Baltimore with the new building construction starting in the summer. The Shady Grove campus is very nice and brand new. Having a program called mediasite will eliminate the need to go to lectures and you can learn at your pace. Just don't get behind.

teclhie

03-06-2008, 07:37 PM

exsell

03-07-2008, 10:22 AM

did anyone receive acceptance yet?:confused::confused:

mpag13

03-07-2008, 10:38 AM

I'm still waiting to hear from UMB...in the meantime I just have a couple questions. Where would be the safest place to live in baltimore thats close to the school? I'm the type of person who cannot study in my own apmt so i'd probably be walking alot at night.
Also, do you know anyone who's doing the pharmd-phd? When do people usually start the phd portion? At my interview they said you can start anytime, but the website now says they dont have a REAL pharmd-phd but you can do it sequentially. And do you really need to take the gres or do you just fill an application?
Thanks!

AbsoluteEthanol

03-07-2008, 12:32 PM

jawnly211

03-08-2008, 06:20 AM

I'm also very concerned about housing! Have any UMB students lived in housing provided by the school? If so, any comments in regards to the quality of the housing? Being out of state.... WAYYYYY out of state is so hard :(

and you should be very concerned with housing........

when i moved here, from wayyyyyy out of state, i was in the same position as a lot of you

i decided to live outside of the city........luckily i shipped my car........btw, im selling mine in a couple months for cheap!!!!!!!! so if you are in the market for a car let me know!!!!!!!!

shameless plug out of the way.........i decided to move to some little suburb called owings mills...........its about 15 miles NW of the school, but the good thing was i lived about 1 minute from the metro and just took the sub into school everyday..........did that for three years then moved last summer to hanover, about 10 miles south of bmore, near DC..........my commute is about 20 minutes on the days i have classes.........very easy drive up 295 right into campus.........

baltimore just didn't seem too safe for me and my wife........no offense to the city, but i'm used to palmtree lined streets and mountain views.........there are a few apts within a mile radius of the school, but definitely stay EAST of MLK........trust me

but living outside of campus is perfectly fine.........you just goto bmore for classes, then you "escape" back to "normalcy"............:laugh:

but if there was a SG campus back in 2004, there would be no hesitation.........i would 110% choose that option..........montgomery county, northern virginia, DC nightlife is definitely more attractive for you 20-somethings

AbsoluteEthanol

03-09-2008, 05:35 PM

and you should be very concerned with housing........

when i moved here, from wayyyyyy out of state, i was in the same position as a lot of you

i decided to live outside of the city........luckily i shipped my car........btw, im selling mine in a couple months for cheap!!!!!!!! so if you are in the market for a car let me know!!!!!!!!

shameless plug out of the way.........i decided to move to some little suburb called owings mills...........its about 15 miles NW of the school, but the good thing was i lived about 1 minute from the metro and just took the sub into school everyday..........did that for three years then moved last summer to hanover, about 10 miles south of bmore, near DC..........my commute is about 20 minutes on the days i have classes.........very easy drive up 295 right into campus.........

baltimore just didn't seem too safe for me and my wife........no offense to the city, but i'm used to palmtree lined streets and mountain views.........there are a few apts within a mile radius of the school, but definitely stay EAST of MLK........trust me

but living outside of campus is perfectly fine.........you just goto bmore for classes, then you "escape" back to "normalcy"............:laugh:

but if there was a SG campus back in 2004, there would be no hesitation.........i would 110% choose that option..........montgomery county, northern virginia, DC nightlife is definitely more attractive for you 20-somethings

thank you yet again jawnly, i appreciate all of your input! i'm from san diego california (i think you're familiar with the impecable cleanliness of the city) and I felt the B-more culture shock as well. Shady Grove does seem like, at least location-wise, a better option; however, my parents will be helping me out with a lot of my living expenses and they, as first generation Eastern-European immigrants, have a highly pejorative view on online education... so unless I'm forced to go to SG I will probably end up at B-more...

AbsoluteEthanol

03-10-2008, 08:46 AM

Hey class of 2012, just got my official acceptance. See you on august 25th!:D

Oaktownhomeboy

03-10-2008, 09:06 AM

Who hoo!!! I just got my acceptance letter!!!

kidlove

03-10-2008, 09:40 AM

Hey class of 2012, just got my official acceptance. See you on august 25th!:D

Congrats!! :)

kidlove

03-10-2008, 09:52 AM

Did you get an email or a letter? :)

Thanks

kattster

03-10-2008, 10:01 AM

kidlove: e-mail

E-mail acceptances are Sweeeeeeet. I just got the e-mail too and it's my first acceptance of this cycle. About time!! Yeah!

AbsoluteEthanol

03-10-2008, 11:18 AM

hey incoming class, congrats again, please friend me on myspace at:

www.myspace.com/fellon (http://www.myspace.com/fellon)

particularly those people who interviewed on january 26th, you guys were all awesome! can't wait to see you all.

oh and i got an email too

teclhie

03-10-2008, 11:26 AM

Got my acceptance.....Most likely gonna go there...=)

knightbil

03-10-2008, 11:35 AM

Did anyone who had the interview on Feb 16 get the acceptance letter already?

teclhie

03-10-2008, 11:38 AM

Did anyone who had the interview on Feb 16 get the acceptance letter already?

me

spacepoints

03-10-2008, 11:38 AM

Sweet! Got my acceptance email this morning too. I am very happy to be a part of the class of 2012!!!! :)

knightbil

03-10-2008, 11:40 AM

To teclhie (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/member.php?u=140684) :

So what time did you get the acceptance today? this morning or afternoon?

teclhie

03-10-2008, 11:46 AM

morning...im in SoCal

kicksjunkie

03-10-2008, 11:52 AM

knightbil

03-10-2008, 11:54 AM

i am in Indiana and still waiting too

waiting is killing!!!

EMichInDc

03-10-2008, 11:54 AM

I got my acceptance this morning too!! :)

Now I have to decide between UMB and Temple...

LBC girl

03-10-2008, 12:21 PM

I just got accepted to UMB today too! :) I chose the Baltimore campus.

kidlove

03-10-2008, 12:26 PM

.. does this mean if you don't get the email, you probably haven't been accepted? :rolleyes:

Spirala

03-10-2008, 12:44 PM

knightbil

03-10-2008, 12:47 PM

so i just called the office School of Pharmacy at UMB
the officer said there will be emails sent between today and next week
and there are still spots remaining at this moment!
they are not filled fully yet!

AbsoluteEthanol

03-10-2008, 01:22 PM

Congrats to all who have been accepted!!!
Some of us are applying next year and I know some of you have done this in other forums but those of you who have been accepted do mind posting your stats (Gpa and PCAT score) pllleeeassse. It will give some of us hope that we too have a chance of getting accepted. Thanks!

GPA:2.8 (science and overall)
PCAT: 99 (99 in everything except reading)
EC's: 6 years of toxicology research, 1 year retail pharmacy, 1 year hospital pharmacy volunteer, 2 more volunteer orgs for conservation of wildlife and refugee resettlement.

judging by my GPA I think everyone here has a great chance of making it, good luck guys!

EMichInDc

03-10-2008, 01:29 PM

Congrats to all who have been accepted!!!
Some of us are applying next year and I know some of you have done this in other forums but those of you who have been accepted do mind posting your stats (Gpa and PCAT score) pllleeeassse. It will give some of us hope that we too have a chance of getting accepted. Thanks!

PCAT: 95 Composite (Lowest subscore was an 80)
Overall GPA: 3.54
Science GPA: 3.28

I have a bachelors degree (in Biochemistry) and good leadership/extracurriculars, but no pharmacy experience or research experience.

Good Luck! :)

LazySnail

03-10-2008, 01:37 PM

Hi,
I wonder, whether University of Maryland accept international students. If they do, what's the ratio?

teclhie

03-10-2008, 02:03 PM

GPA: 3.1
PCAT 93
Mathematics Applied BS
3 Years Research (2 abstract publications), 3 years Retail Pharmacy, EMT Licensed, lots of other Miscellaneous Crap

Maryland is a big research school/emphasizes diversity and alot of nontraditional routes of pharmacy so keep that in mind ......

teclhie

03-10-2008, 04:01 PM

Ok Im starting to tihnk about going to Shady Grove (better environment and DC?) I originally planned on going to Baltimore because my sister is a P2 there. Im really wondering about the difference in life between SG and Balt. Since SG is primarily online, what sort of interaction with other students are there and extracurriculars will be offered? Is it hard to "meet" people or what?

misterpockets

03-10-2008, 07:13 PM

congratulations everybody that got accepted!

Oaktownhomeboy

03-10-2008, 07:52 PM

I interviewed on Feb 16th and got my acceptance email this morning as well.

Science gpa - 2.5
Overall gpa - 2.86
PCAT Score - 83 composite.

3 Years of Retail Pharmacy experience

spacepoints

03-10-2008, 09:57 PM

My stats:

GPA: 3.39
sGPA: 3.91
PCAT: 95 composite
B.A. in Music
5 months retail pharmacy work, EMT-B volunteer, no research

LilN88

03-11-2008, 12:38 AM

I just got my acceptance yesterday too =) Still deciding whether to accept it or not, still waiting for my #1 school :scared:

Spirala

03-11-2008, 05:40 AM

Thanks everyone for your stats!! This will serve as a good reference for those of uswho are still trying to be class of 2013! :D Please keep on posting your stats as you get your acceptance letters. Congrats to all of you once more!!!

knightbil

03-11-2008, 06:31 AM

Can any international students (stuyding in the U.S. less than 3 years) who got accepted post their application profile here as well?

UMBorVCU

03-11-2008, 08:58 AM

I just got my acceptance yesterday too =) Still deciding whether to accept it or not, still waiting for my #1 school :scared:
Hi

What is your #1 school? I got accepted to VCU and UMB, still can't make up my mind, where are you from?

luckyphooey

03-11-2008, 05:44 PM

Congrats everyone! I can't wait to be accepted next cycle.

kikiaj1029

03-11-2008, 05:52 PM

yey!! I also got my acceptance letter via email ! :D
So exciting!!!!! I chose Baltimore campus and now I don't know where I will live. Can anyone tell me what housing choice is popular? And if there is website about offcampus housing, can you please let me know?? :confused:

I also applied VCU and UMB. I am still waiting for VCU acceptance letter.
I really want to know which school is better, VCU or UMB?

Mini6280

03-11-2008, 08:47 PM

Yes you can. But, you must finish your pre-reqs before matriculation.

I saw this on the Maryland pharmacy website FAQs:

38) How many do we interview?
We will interview approximately 300 candidates and offer acceptance to approximately 240 students in admitting a final class of 160 applicants.

Is this true? 240 accepted? Love to hope that's true b/c I haven't received any news yet I'd love to come to Baltimore.:luck:

djaborgen

03-12-2008, 12:42 AM

i got my acceptance email too.

gpa 3.49
pcat 83 (brought down by a 43 in reading comp! ha! (ouch??) )
6 month pharm experience
bs in biochem
1 year research

BUT....i'll free up a spot tomorrow by declining (i accepted yesterday, but THINGS DONE CHANGED)

LilN88

03-12-2008, 04:17 AM

Hi

What is your #1 school? I got accepted to VCU and UMB, still can't make up my mind, where are you from?

Hey, I'm from Illinois so I was hoping to get into a school in state. I interviewed with midwestern ccp couple weeks ago and still waiting to hear back from them. I have an interview with uic march 26th and that's my #1 choice so now I don't know what I should do b/c the deposit for UMB is due soon :(

Where are you from?

exsell

03-12-2008, 08:48 AM

Congrats to those who have been accepted and to those who will soon recieve acceptance. THe wait is finally over!!:hardy:
I also received letter of acceptance on Monday.. :clap: :banana:

For those who are class of 2012 , There is a Facebook group called Maryland Pharmacy Class of 2012. THere is also a group called University of Maryland Baltimore.

It would be supercool to Join and meet our fellow classmates.:luck:

p.s. I'm open to make friends to feel free to shoot me a message :laugh:

AbsoluteEthanol

03-12-2008, 10:20 AM

hey guys, sasha here, from san diego california! i'll be looking for someone to split a 2 bedroom with! who needs a reliable, sociable, garrulous, awesome roomie!?

miniest

03-13-2008, 01:27 PM

binghamkid

03-13-2008, 08:07 PM

I saw this on the Maryland pharmacy website FAQs:

38) How many do we interview?
We will interview approximately 300 candidates and offer acceptance to approximately 240 students in admitting a final class of 160 applicants.

Is this true? 240 accepted? Love to hope that's true b/c I haven't received any news yet I'd love to come to Baltimore.:luck:

Generally yes, it does come pretty close to that, but what they do first is offer it to the first 120 (who get their choice of campus). Then they offer the remaining spots to the rest of the people on the list (40) to fill up the remaining campus spots (whether it be Bmore or Shady Grove). After that, it's the waitlist. So the first 160 are guaranteed, and since some of them aren't goint to accept, it more or less goes to about 240 people (so about 80 down the waitlist).

That's not to say that you should take it easy at the interview, because if they decide to reject you, you don't even get on that waitlist.

AbsoluteEthanol

03-13-2008, 10:47 PM

I am in. ^^
I had an interview on Jan 26th in the morning.
I was really impressed with faculty members and the students i met during interview. U of Maryland is one of the top schools but i decided to go to U of Maryland because of the people there.
I chose shady grove campus.
and i will see you all on august~:)

is here anyone who had interview on jan 26th?

i interviewed on the 26th in the afternoon! Holla!

I'm so freaked out about housing.... i need a safe neighborhood, close to a gym, 2 bedroom and a solid FREAKING ROOMATE!!!!!

Bingham: How did you choose where to live, well the June6th orientation help orrrrr is it something that should be done on my own? i think housing is absolutely paramount to my success at UMB! Looking forward to meeting you and thanking you for all the help in person buddy =-)

Mini6280

03-14-2008, 11:06 AM

Generally yes, it does come pretty close to that, but what they do first is offer it to the first 120 (who get their choice of campus). Then they offer the remaining spots to the rest of the people on the list (40) to fill up the remaining campus spots (whether it be Bmore or Shady Grove). After that, it's the waitlist. So the first 160 are guaranteed, and since some of them aren't goint to accept, it more or less goes to about 240 people (so about 80 down the waitlist).

That's not to say that you should take it easy at the interview, because if they decide to reject you, you don't even get on that waitlist.

Thanks for the info! I interviewed on Feb 22 but have not heard anything yet. Did anyone else interview on Feb 22? If so did you get your acceptance letter? Congrats to everyone who got in!!!!!

exsell

03-14-2008, 02:13 PM

Thanks for the info! I interviewed on Feb 22 but have not heard anything yet. Did anyone else interview on Feb 22? If so did you get your acceptance letter? Congrats to everyone who got in!!!!!

I also interviewed on the 22nd. Got my acceptance on Monday. Goodluck and congrats in advance!!:D

binghamkid

03-14-2008, 08:16 PM

i interviewed on the 26th in the afternoon! Holla!

I'm so freaked out about housing.... i need a safe neighborhood, close to a gym, 2 bedroom and a solid FREAKING ROOMATE!!!!!

Bingham: How did you choose where to live, well the June6th orientation help orrrrr is it something that should be done on my own? i think housing is absolutely paramount to my success at UMB! Looking forward to meeting you and thanking you for all the help in person buddy =-)

First of all, congrats on being accepted =) Housing is relatively easy. You have two on-campus (sort of) options, Fayette Square and Pascault Row. You can submit applications for either one, though Pascault is harder to get into. Fayette is more expensive, but is comparable to the nicer living you're accustomed to from California. If you feel that you can live in an off-campus apartment on your own, you can use craigslist, or the university apartment listings. It's a balance between safety, proximity, cost, and quality of the place you live in. Let me know by PM if you have any questions!

calbear81

03-14-2008, 11:17 PM

So where is everyone leaning towards for housing? On campus or off campus? Also, is anyone thinking of buying since the market is easier to enter and the interest rates are pretty low? I'm looking at the Federal Hill and Fell's Point neighborhoods.

Kusa

03-15-2008, 07:38 AM

Hey Congratulations for everybody who got in!!
I did my interview on 29th of February and still waiting to hear from the school. Did anybody from the last interview date hear from the school yet? I hope I am one of the next batch. :D

Pinkdolphine

03-18-2008, 08:54 PM

jlpharm02

03-19-2008, 02:58 PM

I was interviewed at Maryland back in February. I was told that we will be notified of acceptance/rejection in mid March. I see on this forum that some people already heard from them last week, but I have not heard anything from them yet. Should I call to the school to find out? (I have heard that you should not call the school to ask these things) The wait is killing me since they haven't even said I was rejected/on waitlist or what not.

AbsoluteEthanol

03-19-2008, 05:57 PM

I am so excied to attend U of Maryland SOP!:banana:

Has anyone sent deposit and received confirmation?

I was debating between U of Maryland and my home state school, but I decided to go to Maryland because I fell in love with the school & Maryland! :love:

sent the deposit today.... no reply yet LOL!

hey, is anyone going to be living in Fayette Square?

anyone here attending the june 6th orientation?

jacst3r

03-19-2008, 06:41 PM

I mailed my deposit along with a delivery confirmation a week ago. Emailed Brenda two days ago to ask for confirmation and she replied today that they have received my money.

exsell

03-19-2008, 11:36 PM

sent the deposit today.... no reply yet LOL!

hey, is anyone going to be living in Fayette Square?

anyone here attending the june 6th orientation?

>>> May attend June 6 orientation

>>>Turned in deposit although they havent taken the money from my account:rolleyes:

Is there anyone who interviewed on Feb 22 and is attending this Fall?

lilD

03-21-2008, 10:30 PM

hi all! i interviewed on Feb 16th, and I heard back from Maryland March 10th...

I definitely accepted and I am so excited to meet everyone in the fall...

does anyone have any recommendations for off-campus apartments? I heard of the avalon, mumsey, does anyone have info on these or others that are deemed relatively safe, with gyms, comfortable, walking distance, etc?

thanks:)

Utterdevotion

03-21-2008, 10:52 PM

I'm also very concerned about housing! Have any UMB students lived in housing provided by the school? If so, any comments in regards to the quality of the housing? Being out of state.... WAYYYYY out of state is so hard :(

i interviewed on the 26th in the afternoon! Holla!

I'm so freaked out about housing.... i need a safe neighborhood, close to a gym, 2 bedroom and a solid FREAKING ROOMATE!!!!!

does anyone have any recommendations for off-campus apartments? I heard of the avalon, mumsey, does anyone have info on these or others that are deemed relatively safe, with gyms, comfortable, walking distance, etc?

thanks:)

Sorry to be behind a bit on replies guys!

I'm currently living in Fayette if any of you have any questions. :)

It's pretty expensive here in Fayette, but its close to school (not as close as pascault row though). It's nicer than pascault - There's free coffee, free printing (as long as you provide paper), a small gym, a fax machine and an atm downstairs. The rooms and kitchen are bigger too. But you pay for the luxury...as a poor college student :P

It's safe here - there's security 24 hours a day and they do rounds every few hours. And there's a 4 way security in the building - you have to swipe to get through the gate, the door, the elevator, your apartment door, and again if you lock your room even.

I know of students living in off-campus. I would definitely suggest coming up here to look at the different apartments. Don't just pick them from the list; come and see if you like it, and if its a safe and comfortable area for you.

I've toured through a few of the off campus housing, if anyone wants to PM or ask me about them. The good ones are about the same price as fayette (if not a bit more, such as Redwood). I've heard good things about the harbor apartments as well.

Utterdevotion

03-21-2008, 10:56 PM

hey absolute! i'm in san diego too! still waiting to hear from the school though..

congrats to all those who've been accepted!!

for those of you already attending umb and living off-campus, how is the parking situation? is it difficult to find parking? are the permits valid for the entire year? how much are they?

thanks!

I'm not off-campus but I can still answer your question :)
Most of the off-campus students buy a parking permit for the semester in which you get hole-punched for everytime you go in. You pay for the permit (the punch card, ahead of time. Each entry into the garage is around $3-4). You can park all day, but you cannot leave it there overnight. Most of them park in Lexington garage since that's the closet one to the school. It does get packed so you should try to arrive a bit early since you don't circle 10 floors before you find a spot.

For those that are wondering - if you live on campus (through Fayette or Pascault) you can also pay for parking in Lexington (or within fayette if you live there). Fayette's fee is $55 a month, and more if you want to park within fayette. Pascault is cheaper (not sure on the price).

AbsoluteEthanol

03-22-2008, 08:44 AM

Sorry to be behind a bit on replies guys!

I'm currently living in Fayette if any of you have any questions. :)

It's pretty expensive here in Fayette, but its close to school (not as close as pascault row though). It's nicer than pascault - There's free coffee, free printing (as long as you provide paper), a small gym, a fax machine and atm downstairs. The rooms, and kitchen are bigger too. But you pay for the luxury...as a poor college student :P

It's safe here - there's security 24 hours a day and they do rounds every few hours. And there's a 4 way security in the building - you have to swipe to get through the gate, the door, the elevator, your apartment door, and again if you lock your room even.

I know of students living in off-campus. I would definitely suggesting coming up here to look at the different apartments. Don't just pick them from the list, come and see if you like it, and if its a safe and comfortable area for you.

I've toured through a few of the off campus housing, if anyone wants to PM or ask me about them. The good ones are about the same price as fayette (if not a bit more, such as Redwood). I've heard good things about the harbor apartments as well.

Thank you! I submitted my application to fayette a few days ago. Hopefully, I can live there too! seems like a great little set up

binghamkid

03-22-2008, 10:39 AM

Sorry to be behind a bit on replies guys!

I'm currently living in Fayette if any of you have any questions. :)

It's pretty expensive here in Fayette, but its close to school (not as close as pascault row though). It's nicer than pascault - There's free coffee, free printing (as long as you provide paper), a small gym, a fax machine and atm downstairs. The rooms, and kitchen are bigger too. But you pay for the luxury...as a poor college student :P

It's safe here - there's security 24 hours a day and they do rounds every few hours. And there's a 4 way security in the building - you have to swipe to get through the gate, the door, the elevator, your apartment door, and again if you lock your room even.

I know of students living in off-campus. I would definitely suggesting coming up here to look at the different apartments. Don't just pick them from the list, come and see if you like it, and if its a safe and comfortable area for you.

I've toured through a few of the off campus housing, if anyone wants to PM or ask me about them. The good ones are about the same price as fayette (if not a bit more, such as Redwood). I've heard good things about the harbor apartments as well.

*pat pat* a little slow there =P I already answered the question =D *dodges all the hurled items*

Utterdevotion

03-22-2008, 10:43 AM

*pat pat* a little slow there =P I already answered the question =D *dodges all the hurled items*

No you didn't! You only answered ONE. HMPH :mad:

I think my answers were way better anyway! What do you guys think? ;)

binghamkid

03-22-2008, 10:46 AM

Congrats to those of you who were accepted! I'm sure you are all as excited as I am to be able to meet everyone!

One of the best ways to do that is the New Student Orientation on June 6th. I'm sure most of the in-state students are planning to attend, but I highly encourage the out-of-state students to attend as well! It will give you an opportunity to meet your new classmates, put names to faces, and also to meet a few of your faculty and upperclassmen as they give you a taste of what to expect in your first year. While you won't receive anything concrete (you get all the information again in August orientation), it's an opportunity for you to explore the city a bit and look for housing (if you aren't interested in Fayette Suites or Pascault Row).

As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to PM me!

binghamkid

03-22-2008, 10:47 AM

No you didn't! You only answered ONE. HMPH :mad:

I think my answers were way better anyway! What do you guys think? ;)

Yea yea, figures =P Always one-upping me!

Utterdevotion

03-22-2008, 10:48 AM

Yea yea, figures =P Always one-upping me!

Exactly! Plus, stop trying to suck up to the first years - you know they will like me more :D

binghamkid

03-22-2008, 10:50 AM

Exactly! Plus, stop trying to suck up to the first years - you know they will like me more :D

You just wait, I'm going to carry you out of the room to make sure they don't see you =P

Oh wait, I don't have to =P they can't see you over their chairs anyway =D

*ruuuuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnns*

Utterdevotion

03-22-2008, 11:07 AM

You just wait, I'm going to carry you out of the room to make sure they don't see you =P

Oh wait, I don't have to =P they can't see you over their chairs anyway =D

*ruuuuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnns*

:eek: MEANIE!!!!! *points!* See how mean he is????

AbsoluteEthanol

03-22-2008, 12:20 PM

you were both equally helpful and i owe both of you guys lunch!

p.s. get a room!

calbear81

03-24-2008, 12:47 AM

does anyone have any recommendations for off-campus apartments? I heard of the avalon, mumsey, does anyone have info on these or others that are deemed relatively safe, with gyms, comfortable, walking distance, etc?

thanks:)

Hey lilD,

I found these two "fancy" apartments that are near campus:

zenithapts.net

39WestLex.com

Hope that helps.

AbsoluteEthanol

03-24-2008, 10:35 AM

Hey lilD,

I found these two "fancy" apartments that are near campus:

zenithapts.net

39WestLex.com

Hope that helps.

oh yeah, those look pretty sick! I especially like 39 West Lex, a complimentary limousine service from the appartment to pharmacy school is exactly what i need!:laugh:

lilD

03-24-2008, 11:17 AM

oh yeah, those look pretty sick! I especially like 39 West Lex, a complimentary limousine service from the appartment to pharmacy school is exactly what i need!:laugh:
hahah I wish I could have a limousine take me to class!!! lol.

thanks for the help! as much as I like those apartments tho, I think they are a little outta my price range:(. i definitely do not want to pay more than $1000/month, especially if i have a roommate.

UMBorVCU

03-24-2008, 06:26 PM

calbear81

03-24-2008, 06:41 PM

hahah I wish I could have a limousine take me to class!!! lol.

thanks for the help! as much as I like those apartments tho, I think they are a little outta my price range:(. i definitely do not want to pay more than $1000/month, especially if i have a roommate.

Hey lilD,

The Zenith which looks like it's literally across the street from campus has 2 bedroom units for $17xx

http://units.realtydatatrust.com/UnitAvailability/default.asp?mid=155104&ils=439&tname=Default&blnAvailableAlerts=True&blnROGrid=False&startURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ezenithapts%2Enet%2Fred irect%2Ephp%3Fils%3D439%26propid%3D22985%26beds%3D 2

You can split with a roomate and it'll come out to within your budget. Utilities will most likely push it over a bit but at least you're in a good location with some nice amenities.

ntrn15

03-24-2008, 07:11 PM

Can current students recommend housing choices (B’more campus) for married couples? I’m thinking of apartments (1BR) along the light rail lines or suburbs <15 min by car. Thanks!

herbyfresh

03-24-2008, 07:50 PM

any one chose SG campus here? I will live off campus ( my house will be 2 exits away from campus so 10 min drive :) I am from VA but has family's house in MD so no rent phew, any one study in SG want to form group study please let me know, soooo soon :) but I am so exciting

Greetings, I chose SG campus. I just got my acceptance last Thursday! I am out of state and need to find a place to stay. Got to study for a test first, though:mad:

AbsoluteEthanol

03-24-2008, 08:13 PM

can the current students answer this question please:

is it just me or are all/vast majority of the students married/engaged???

Vr6

03-24-2008, 10:08 PM

Can current students recommend housing choices (B’more campus) for married couples? I’m thinking of apartments (1BR) along the light rail lines or suburbs <15 min by car. Thanks!

To be honest, it doesn't really matter where you live assuming that you have access to a car everyone in a while. Most people don't even go to class. Every single lecture is recorded and is available to you. As a matter of fact, videos are better since u get to stop and rewind if the professors are too fast. I've personally only been to class for handing in assigment/labs/quizzes/tests. Probably 4-5 times a month. I am at the baltimore campus. How much did you want to spend on rent per month? i could make some suggestions based on that.

can the current students answer this question please:

is it just me or are all/vast majority of the students married/engaged???

I am also a P1, i know a few of my classmates are engaged and married, but the majority of them are not. The average age was 24 i think, my other classmates could probably back me up.

AbsoluteEthanol

03-25-2008, 09:19 AM

binghamkid

03-25-2008, 12:13 PM

thank you UMB students, you guys are so helpful, could you answer another question for me please?

could you break down a typical school day? how long do classes typically go for? where/when do you study? how many hours of studying per week do you feel are necessary to sufficiently prepare yourself for midterms/quizzes/finals?

thank you again guys, i look forward to meeting all of you in june/august!:D

If you are on the Baltimore campus and you DO go to class, then a typical first year day starts out at 9 a.m. and goes till about noon (give or take an hour). If you have labs, it's in the afternoon. If you have exams, they are at 7:30 a.m. Then you have all your organizations which have meetings, commitments, part time work if you so choose, etc. etc. etc. So you definitely can have a full day even if you only have two or three hours of class.

You study whenever you feel like; most people find a place that suits them. Some people like the lecture halls, others like to find a coffee shop; others attend review sessions, while some people prefer isolated studying. Since I'm a pretty techy person, I like to study in my room since I can use my dual-monitor to study effectively. But of course, that's just me and I"m probably really dorky anyway.

The amount of studying varies from person to person. Some people only cram before the exam, and manage to do just fine, while others can study for days on end and still not do well. It depends on the individual. However, from my experience, if you have had a strong background in the material, you can probably get away with about 8 to 10 hours of studying per exam. It's really up to you. Pharmacy school isn't easy though, so don't think that just because the schedule is light that you will get a break, because you don't. Between the school work, your extra curriculars, and having fun with your classmates...it adds up. You will find yourself out of time to study, so be careful =)

As for me, I try to attend class every day, but there are some weeks with two or three exams in a row where I feel that I can't afford to miss out on the extra hours of studying. Second year is supposedly 10 to 20 times worse than first year, but I"ll let you know once i get there =P First year is definitely manageable though, and it's mainly a year to get everyone on the same page. I find myself doing decently in my classes given the amount of time i study, but it can vary from person to person. There is a limit to how much you can study; I don't believe that studying any longer would have allowed me to do any better on any of my exams, so don't feel you have to sacrifice your commitments to focus exclusively on school.

I'll leave the typical Shady Grove day to a Shady Grove classmate =)

binghamkid

03-25-2008, 12:20 PM

can the current students answer this question please:

is it just me or are all/vast majority of the students married/engaged???

Not many are married/engaged actually...As far as I know, in the first year class, I only know of about 15 individuals who are actually engaged/married.
There are many others who are in current relationships, and even a few cute ones which developed during school. But there are lots of people who ARE single, so if you are single, don't worry about it! There's lots of opportunities! (If you need help getting hooked up with a second year guy/girl, just let me know, I'll help you out =D j/k j/k j/k!) Just like they say for pharmacy school, there's lot of experiences, so don't feel that you have to grab someone your first year in. You will get the opportunity to meet other healthcare professionals; who knows, you might end up dating a first-year dental student that you meet at a social mixer.

There are people who do get engaged DURING their four years here though...I can think of about 8 or 9 people offhand who are newly engaged/married/had kids in the upper classes. But hey, it's life and it's to be expected.

binghamkid

03-25-2008, 12:23 PM

Can current students recommend housing choices (B’more campus) for married couples? I’m thinking of apartments (1BR) along the light rail lines or suburbs <15 min by car. Thanks!

If you are looking for a 1BR apartment for married couples, you might try some of the off-campus apartment complexes like Redwood apartments. I would imagine you want something a little more isolated than a typical rowhome. You can also try Zenith, Avalon lofts, and a few others as well, because they might have apartment options that are isolated as opposed to the typical shared rowhome/shared apartment fare. I don't believe Fayette Suites will let you use a 1BR studio for married couples, but you can always call to check.

AbsoluteEthanol

03-25-2008, 01:54 PM

binghamkid

03-25-2008, 02:08 PM

wow, just three hours of lectures per day that's pretty sick! i guess i should probably look into some part time work... maybe 15 hours per week for some minute expenses, like a gym membership LOL.

also glad to hear that not everyone is tied down in a serious relationship, not because I'm looking forward to hooking up with people, but because in my personal experience married people -- are pretty god-damn boring and too into each other to give someone new a chance (as a friend even!).

Lol, don't underestimate those 3 hours of lecture. I can tell you that those 3 hours of lecture give some of my classmates quite a bit of a struggle come exam time. The problem isn't that it's hard, it's that you have a lot of material to review for each exam; and given the amount of time spent on review, you fall behind. On weeks with two or three exams back-to-back or every other day...you can see where you can fall behind 8 or 9 lectures pretty quickly, and it doesn't get any easier after that. You also have group work, papers, and labs on top of all that to turn in. But, it is completely manageable. So don't fret =)

As for working, it's up to you. Some people choose to work and do just fine. If you're working for money, keep it light, because come exam time or when you're starting to look to get involved with on-campus leadership with your organizations, you'll find yourself spread thin. I know that with my schedule, I don't really have time to work at all.

As for married people, they are some of the coolest people I know =) While they aren't able to hang out late at night like we are, if you get to know them, they have a lot to say and are very very nice =) As you will find when you come to school, it's not good to generalize, because you'll be quite surprised. You can be friends with people you choose to be friends with =) Whether they're married or not has nothing to do with it. Just don't expect them to stay out partying till midnight. If you sit in pharmacy hall studying or chitchatting though, you're bound to run into people who are engaged/married, and you will have the chance to see how amazing they are. Just takes a chance is all.

bubblechasincat

03-27-2008, 09:51 AM

AbsoluteEthanol

03-27-2008, 10:32 AM

hi guys,

my letter is asking to call and indicate which campus site i would like - i had been to baltimore and not yet been to shady grove (what is it like?) i personally like the program at shady grove, and now i am not sure how to pick =/ any suggestions/opinions on pros and cons of each program?

any feedback would be appreciated

well I visited the SG campus and I did think that the living environment is definitely nicer, safer, cleaner...etc. But I decided on Baltimore for a few reasons:

1) I come from layed back southern california and I wanted to experience living in a hectic, busy, industrious city for a change.
2) Most SG students choose SG because they feel like it's more flexible; however, I feel like Baltimore campus allows for maximum flexibility; I can attend lectures AND/OR view them online, while SG students can only choose the online version!
3) Although the SG campus is very close-knit, I felt like I would still be able to meet many more interesting people in Baltimore, not only pharmacy students, but also medical, law, dentistry etc....

So based on those 3 things I decided that Baltimore is for me!

jawnly211

03-27-2008, 12:22 PM

congrats to the class of 2012

btw: im still selling everything i own in bmore.......desk, tv, car, bed frame, hangers, lamps, dressers, couch, table and chairs, bookshelves, pots and pans, toaster, clocks, laser printer, shelving, storage crates, plastic bins, anything and everything you will buy for your student career, i have!

im selling for hella cheap

please let me know what u need

Nottingham

03-28-2008, 06:16 AM

Question about pre-reqs, I apologize if this has been asked already but I think I read MOST of this thread. I can see on the website that UMD requires a speech class and requires 4-6 semesters of humanities. Does the speech class count toward the humanities credits or is it separate? I guess the same thing will apply to the economics classes, right? Thanks :)

bubblechasincat

03-28-2008, 11:20 AM

AbsoluteEthanol

03-28-2008, 01:01 PM

hi AbsoluteEthanol

thank you for your reply. i edited my question after realizing there are some postings on this forum about the differences and pros/cons of each campus. i appreciate it! still hesitating but for sure I have a better idea now

no problem, i just really think it depends on what YOU want out of your pharm school experience and also on your personally.

me, personally, I'm an intelligent person, but a highly undisciplined student, so if my lectures were strictly online I would definitely not keep up with them. are you coming up for the june 6th orientation, if so, im looking forward to meeting you :)

jlpharm02

03-28-2008, 01:09 PM

Yay! I got my accetance e-mail yesterday.

GPA 3.5
PCAT 86 composite
Biology and Chemistry PCAT scores around 80
2 yrs at independent pharmacy, 3 months at retail pharmacy, 2 yrs at a doctor's office, and some volunteer experiences

AbsoluteEthanol

03-28-2008, 01:14 PM

Utterdevotion

03-28-2008, 04:45 PM

Congrats on getting into UMD!! :)

I want to say something that may seem to be off topic, but it's good random advice:
I think that it's important to get to know your classmates, upperclassmen, your professors, and the administration, because pharmacy is a very small profession. Networking is very important; you never know when you need that contact, or when knowing a professor could help you get a recommendation, a job, an internship, etc.

It's also important to be involved while you're in school, which encompasses getting involved in organizations, or other things that relate to the school and/or the profession. Organizations give you a spin, and a dynamic, to what could be a stressful 4 years of your life. It gives you experience, opens your eyes to a part of the profession you may not already know, it helps you network, and it's fun too!

I hope you guys do not get the impression that the school approves of Baltimore students who have decided to only come to school when there are exams/labs/assignments due; or that many of our Baltimore students choose to do so. A very good majority of us do attend classes.

PS. AbsoluteEthanol - signatures don't come up as much when you quote a previous user (it's strange, I know haha)

Pinkdolphine

03-30-2008, 08:58 PM

On average, how many organizations do UMB pharm students participate in?:)

binghamkid

03-30-2008, 10:07 PM

On average, how many organizations do UMB pharm students participate in?:)

On average? I'd say maybe 2 or 3 actively.

In terms of leadership positions, most end up taking between 1 to 2. The crazier students take 3.

The important thing is not to get overwhelmed with your extracurriculars and your schoolwork.

Vr6

04-01-2008, 10:55 AM

Congrats on getting into UMD!! :)

I hope you guys do not get the impression that the school approves of Baltimore students who have decided to only come to school when there are exams/labs/assignments due; or that many of our Baltimore students choose to do so. A very good majority of us do attend classes.

Approved by the school or not, its the truth. Just stating what i've seen personally.

on many many occasions the professors have said, "wow 18 people in class" or "today is better, there are 25 of you here" majority would be there are at least 60 in class everyday.

Just giving people a heads up. tho i do agree with you, it is very important to get involved and interact with your peers/faculty.

qluren

04-03-2008, 05:46 PM

So glad to get accepted to U Maryland at Shady Grove today.

Two questions to upper classmates:
1) How is the housing situation near University at Shady Grove? Seems like no one talked about that before. Which apartments should i look for in Rockville? Actually I am from Canada so I have no experience about locating an apartment there.

2). On the acceptance letter, it said we could transfer to the waitlist of Baltimore campus with forfeiting the spot on Shady Grove. What's the chance to obtain a spot in baltimore campus at this moment, early April?

Thanks for your response.
:)

jasmine0211

04-04-2008, 03:02 PM

I'm using my cousin's account to post since I am too lazy to create one myself.

Congrats to everyone who got into the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. I am a University of Maryland School of Pharmacy alumni..Maryland Brand Pharmacist:D You are very lucky to be accepted to this school.

It is VERY, VERY clinical and you will study your butt off. However, graduating from this school will open doors to you. The Naplex will seem like a joke. My advice to students is to study and keep all of your notes.

You will encounter a lot of good teachers but the EXCELLENT ONES which you should definitely pay attention to are:

Haines
Sturpe
Dalby
Summers
Watson
McPherson
Noel
Coop

Do you need to buy every single book? No. I'd recommend getting started on studying your Pharmaceutical Calculations because it is self taught (dunno if it's still self taught now).

The area: Nothing much to do in Baltimore because the Harbor gets old. You will probably be spending much of your time in Columbia MD. I recommend Red Robins. If you're into Indian food, go to Akbhar. Especially go during lunch for all you can eat Indian food. It is so heavenly.

They will teach you things that you will use in your pharmacy career over and over again. So what did graduating from this school give me? Making 140 - 150k job working 3 days a week in a sunny, hot, mid-southern state.

Was it worth the pain and suffering of pharmacology? HELL YEAH

You're going to a top ten school...be proud. You're going to hate pharmacy by the time you're in your second semester of pharmacy school but once you interview, you're going to see the true value of your education

AbsoluteEthanol

04-04-2008, 03:09 PM

I'm using my cousin's account to post since I am too lazy to create one myself.

Congrats to everyone who got into the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. I am a University of Maryland School of Pharmacy alumni..Maryland Brand Pharmacist:D You are very lucky to be accepted to this school.

It is VERY, VERY clinical and you will study your butt off. However, graduating from this school will open doors to you. The Naplex will seem like a joke. My advice to students is to study and keep all of your notes.

You will encounter a lot of good teachers but the EXCELLENT ONES which you should definitely pay attention to are:

Haines
Sturpe
Dalby
Summers
Watson
McPherson
Noel

Do you need to buy every single book? No. I'd recommend getting started on studying your Pharmaceutical Calculations because it is self taught (dunno if it's still self taught now).

The area: Nothing much to do in Baltimore because the Harbor gets old. You will probably be spending much of your time in Columbia MD. I recommend Red Robins. If you're into Indian food, go to Akbhar. Especially go during lunch for all you can eat Indian food. It is so heavenly.

They will teach you things that you will use in your pharmacy career over and over again. So what did graduating from this school give me? Making 140 - 150k job working 3 days a week in a sunny, hot, mid-southern state.

Was it worth the pain and suffering of pharmacology? HELL YEAH

You're going to a top ten school...be proud. You're going to hate pharmacy by the time you're in your second semester of pharmacy school but once you interview, you're going to see the true value of your education

awesome to hear from an alum, just out of curiosity, which year did you graduate?

heartbreaker

04-05-2008, 08:11 PM

It is VERY, VERY clinical and you will study your butt off. However, graduating from this school will open doors to you. The Naplex will seem like a joke. My advice to students is to study and keep all of your notes.

What do you mean by "very clinical?"

Also, I have a few questions regarding Shady Grove:

1) How often do Shady Grove students meet? Do students meet each other on a daily basis to view the lectures at the Shady Grove campus or do students view the lectures online?

2) This question was asked a few posts above me, but no response was given. Are there any recommendations for nearby housing?

Overall, I'm a little concerned about the "distant learning" program. Though I'm going to school for my PharmD degree, I would like to interact and meet new people. It's difficult when I'll pretty much be at home watching lectures all day.

binghamkid

04-06-2008, 02:51 PM

So glad to get accepted to U Maryland at Shady Grove today.
2). On the acceptance letter, it said we could transfer to the waitlist of Baltimore campus with forfeiting the spot on Shady Grove. What's the chance to obtain a spot in baltimore campus at this moment, early April?

Thanks for your response.
:)

Can't answer your first question, sorry. I'm not around SG area. I can tell you that the Baltimore campus is currently filled. The only way a spot opens up is that if someone decides late season to drop. Generally...there's not that many.

kattster

04-06-2008, 11:31 PM

I'll be giving up my Baltimore spot tomorrow morning. Was lucky enough to get into a school where I'll be able to pay in-state tuition. They have yet to deposit my $800 though even though it was sent around the middle of march. What's up with that?

knightbil

04-16-2008, 02:06 PM

AbsoluteEthanol

04-16-2008, 03:18 PM

i just noticed that there is a huge population of UMB C/O 2012 students on SDN, yet this thread gets rarely posted on... what a shame :scared:

jacst3r

04-16-2008, 08:38 PM

Hi! I just got accepted to the Shady Grove campus today! Here I have some questions for any SG students:

1.) How long does it take to travel from Shady Grove to Baltimore on weekdays? What are the public transports available?

2.) Can I still do a dual degree program (e.g. MBA or MPH) as a Shady Grove student?

3.) Is it difficult to find any internship or research compared with students at Baltimore?

4.) Would the 4th year clinical rotation be the same to both SG and baltimore students?

5.) Where does a SG student usually live in the Rockville area? or in the close proximity?

Thank you very much!

Since my acceptance to Shady Grove last month I've been contacting people from shady grove trying to get some answers... I dont have answers to all your question but hope this will help a little...

1) During my interview I drove to Shady Grove from Baltimore. It took me about 20 min without traffic.

2) You can still do a dual degree program at Shady Grove. I think they are trying to have more contracts with other schools at S.G. so you wont have to travel to baltimore (not sure if its gonna happen this year). As far as MBA is concern, i was told that you can do most of your MBA courses online and only need to go to U Baltimore occasionally.

3)With its proximity to DC, Shady grove students can easily get internships at national organizations like NIH or FDA...and many other big research facilities... that seems pretty cool to me.

4) dont know

5)Some SG student told me they live near the metro line to DC (runs North-south through town center of Rockville and other cities). The environment around school did not seem too busy when I visited, but then again, it was at night. But after looking at google map, if you live near the metro line you would definately be in a very convenient area where things are more lively.

Knickerbocker

04-16-2008, 08:56 PM

I'd recommend looking at reviews:

http://www.apartmentratings.com/

knightbil

04-16-2008, 10:06 PM

Thank you very much!

Do you have any idea there are any food courts, gym, or shopping centers in the Shady Grove area or nearby? or I can only have them in WDC?

Also where are you going to live in the coming fall? Can you give me your contact (email or MSN)?

Also I have a weird question...

On the FAQ webpage about the SG campus I found the following:
"The official name is the Universities at Shady Grove. The campus is part of the University Systems of Maryland........"

So what are we going to write down in our resume? The Universities at Shady Grove? Or the University of Maryland?

Anyone can help!

Since my acceptance to Shady Grove last month I've been contacting people from shady grove trying to get some answers... I dont have answers to all your question but hope this will help a little...

1) During my interview I drove to Shady Grove from Baltimore. It took me about 20 min without traffic.

2) You can still do a dual degree program at Shady Grove. I think they are trying to have more contracts with other schools at S.G. so you wont have to travel to baltimore (not sure if its gonna happen this year). As far as MBA is concern, i was told that you can do most of your MBA courses online and only need to go to U Baltimore occasionally.

3)With its proximity to DC, Shady grove students can easily get internships at national organizations like NIH or FDA...and many other big research facilities... that seems pretty cool to me.

4) dont know

5)Some SG student told me they live near the metro line to DC (runs North-south through town center of Rockville and other cities). The environment around school did not seem too busy when I visited, but then again, it was at night. But after looking at google map, if you live near the metro line you would definately be in a very convenient area where things are more lively.

heartbreaker

04-17-2008, 08:48 PM

Do you have any idea there are any food courts, gym, or shopping centers in the Shady Grove area or nearby? or I can only have them in WDC?

Also where are you going to live in the coming fall? Can you give me your contact (email or MSN)?

Also I have a weird question...

On the FAQ webpage about the SG campus I found the following:
"The official name is the Universities at Shady Grove. The campus is part of the University Systems of Maryland........"

So what are we going to write down in our resume? The Universities at Shady Grove? Or the University of Maryland?

Hey knightbil, i was wondering the same thing about the "Universities at Shady Grove" title, but i'm positive that we would be considered graduates of the University of Maryland Pharmacy school. The SG campus encompasses not just the Maryland Pharmacy school students, but students from many other maryland universities as well (thus it is not titled umaryland).

I'm also curious to know if the shady grove campus has any gym facilities free for its students to use?

by the way, knightbil...are you a male or female? i'm also looking for housing near shady grove....

knightbil

04-18-2008, 12:44 AM

Hi Heartbreaker!

Actulally I sent 3 emails to ask different staffs about the above issue, but I asked in a more specific way concerning 1) graduation certificate, and 2) resume. However different staffs gave me different answers...:confused:

Here are their reponse:

Brenda: graduation certificate would state that we are student at
University of Maryland at Shady Grove

Juliana: certificate: would NOT specify the Shady Grove campus - JUST University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy. Resume: we will write "University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy "

Dr. Congdon (Dean for SG campus): certificate: May only say "University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy", not 100% sure if the graduation certificate will specify the campus or not, but my (her) gut thinks it does not. Resume:
May include the campus at which you were based, which would be "Shady Grove Campus".

So I sent the email to the Dean for Academic affairs asking this today, I hope he will reply me asap.

There are a gym and a cafe at the SG campus

I am also looking for housing around that area, but I want to decide it later in April or in early May. I am a guy. How about you? Just PM me if you want to rent an apartment or wut

Hey knightbil, i was wondering the same thing about the "Universities at Shady Grove" title, but i'm positive that we would be considered graduates of the University of Maryland Pharmacy school. The SG campus encompasses not just the Maryland Pharmacy school students, but students from many other maryland universities as well (thus it is not titled umaryland).

I'm also curious to know if the shady grove campus has any gym facilities free for its students to use?

by the way, knightbil...are you a male or female? i'm also looking for housing near shady grove....

bubblechasincat

04-18-2008, 12:57 AM

when i was there for the interview, i was told by the students at the baltimore campus that the certificates from both campuses will be exactly the same. anyone heard otherwise?

Hi Heartbreaker!

Actulally I sent 3 emails to ask different staffs about the above issue, but I asked in a more specific way concerning 1) graduation certificate, and 2) resume. However different staffs gave me different answers...:confused:

Here are their reponse:

Brenda: graduation certificate would state that we are student at
University of Maryland at Shady Grove

Juliana: certificate: would NOT specify the Shady Grove campus - JUST University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy. Resume: we will write "University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy "

Dr. Congdon (Dean for SG campus): certificate: May only say "University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy", not 100% sure if the graduation certificate will specify the campus or not, but my (her) gut thinks it does not. Resume:
May include the campus at which you were based, which would be "Shady Grove Campus".

So I sent the email to the Dean for Academic affairs asking this today, I hope he will reply me asap.

There are a gym and a cafe at the SG campus

I am also looking for housing around that area, but I want to decide it later in April or in early May. I am a guy. How about you? Just PM me if you want to rent an apartment or wut

knightbil

04-18-2008, 08:03 AM

So here is the final answer from the Dean for Academic Affairs:

"There is one Pharm.D. program, irrespective of campus location.
Your diploma will not specify a campus."

Hope this helps.

AbsoluteEthanol

04-18-2008, 08:27 AM

knight and bubble, did you guys choose the SG campus or was that the only option available to you guys, just out of curiosity?

heartbreaker

04-18-2008, 09:05 AM

Wow, that would not make any sense for them to designate a campus name on our certificate, because it's the SAME exact program. they only differ by the way they cast their lectures. unlike LECOM, which has a 3-year program at their PA based campus and a 4-year program at their FL campus. also, uf has a similar program to maryland (uf has satellite campuses in orlando, jacksonville, tampa, etc and their main campus in gainesville), yet it is the same exact program. they dont differentiate the title of the school or campus in which you graduate.

bubblechasincat

04-18-2008, 12:31 PM

knight and bubble, did you guys choose the SG campus or was that the only option available to you guys, just out of curiosity?

hi ethanol (haha)

i chose the SG campus cuz I didn't like the area when i was at the baltimore campus (I actually thought some areas were quite scary =/). I am very much of a study-on-my-own-er and consider myself pretty good at time management and disciplining myself - doing further research showed me that the rockville area is good to live in. oh and i also have to take my bf's job and preference into consideration - he can be transferred to MD and rockville is closer to his job if he were to transfer

when i got accepted there are still spots left in baltimore (i didnt know they were gonna be gone so fast until i read about it on the forum haha) - i think it is all about your preference and how determined you are in wanting to do this =) i am excited about the program and we are gonna have to work very hard no matter what :)

miniest

04-18-2008, 03:06 PM

I used to live in Montgomery Village, Maryland (until last November).
For the people who are looking for the housing around the SG campus, I think west side of 270 freeway would be better and safer place to live. Personally i liked germantown area.

I am at southern California now, so will move back to Maryland in early August. I am also looking for the house. If anyone has some questions about the SG campus, i might have some answers for you. :laugh:

Even though it is a online campus, I wish we build a strong relationship as a classmate.

see you all in August. :biglove:

knightbil

04-18-2008, 03:41 PM

I was assigned the SG campus, but I am already VERY satisfied with the fact that U of Maryland (a top 10 school & the 4th oldest Pharm. School!) is willing to accept me. Here is my background:

I am actually an international transfer student from Hong Kong just new to U.S. last August. Originally I have to take 2 years pre-requisite coursework, but I completed MOST of them in 1 year time in the U.S. (of coz I also took some of them in my homecountry, but they just count a little). So I only have 1 semester academic result for the school to evaluate me. (remember that we had to submit our application in November!)

I got GPA 4.0 in last semester, and 84th percentile in PCAT, but I do NOT have a bachelor degree, I do NOT have any volunteer experience, I do NOT have any work experience, and I even could NOT speak English well during my interview. Also it is well known that Pharm schools in the U.S. tend not to accept international students, not to mention a prestigious public school.

Fortunately, the one who interviewed me is also not a native speaker, and his/her English is even worse than mine! XD (I want to keep the name of my interviewer as a secret!), so I can understand his/her accent and I could communicate with him/her.

I am so proud I am going to be a U of Maryland student. Both campuses environments are excellent, and all Pharm.D. students in these 2 campus would be excellent too! We should get united and appreciate each other all the time regardless of where we came from or where we will go, because after all, we are all Maryland Brand Pharmacists.

knight and bubble, did you guys choose the SG campus or was that the only option available to you guys, just out of curiosity?

qluren

04-18-2008, 06:00 PM

Hey,
Nice to see you guys here.
I am also considered as an international student from mainland China and was assigned the SG campus. I took my undergrad at U of Toronto in Toronto, Canada.

Knightbil, have you received your prerequisite evaluation sheet? I only got an acceptance letter. besides that, nothing else.

Is it too early to look for a housing around the campus?

Qinglu

[quote=knightbil;6536107]I was assigned the SG campus, but I am already VERY satisfied with the fact that U of Maryland (a top 10 school & the 4th oldest Pharm. School!) is willing to accept me. Here is my background:

AbsoluteEthanol

04-18-2008, 06:05 PM

qlure and knightbill, i was born in russia, although i've lived in the states for over 15 years now!

i'm very impressed with your guys' command of the english language, goes further to show how intelligent you guys are.

congratulations on the acceptance!

qluren

04-18-2008, 06:57 PM

LOL. Thanks.
AbsoluteEthanol, are you in South California?
Then I live closer to Maryland than you do. No matter of my permanent address in Toronto, Canada or my current address in Durham, NC.

Hope to meet you in orientation soon.
Qinglu

qlure and knightbill, i was born in russia, although i've lived in the states for over 15 years now!

i'm very impressed with your guys' command of the english language, goes further to show how intelligent you guys are.

congratulations on the acceptance!

knightbil

04-18-2008, 11:12 PM

I guess everyone just received his/her acceptance letter. I don't either have the evaluation form either.

The earlier to find housing the better...

Hey,
Nice to see you guys here.
I am also considered as an international student from mainland China and was assigned the SG campus. I took my undergrad at U of Toronto in Toronto, Canada.

Knightbil, have you received your prerequisite evaluation sheet? I only got an acceptance letter. besides that, nothing else.

Is it too early to look for a housing around the campus?

Qinglu

[quote=knightbil;6536107]I was assigned the SG campus, but I am already VERY satisfied with the fact that U of Maryland (a top 10 school & the 4th oldest Pharm. School!) is willing to accept me. Here is my background:

sebpp5

04-20-2008, 08:33 PM

I've been accepted to the SG campus, however, I am trying to decide if I would prefer to hold out for the Balt campus. My acceptance letter informed me that if I can choose to remain on the wait list for the Baltimore campus if I prefer, but it does not clearly state how the wait list works and I need clarification before I make a decision. Does anyone know how a situation like this works? If I choose to return to the wait list in hopes of gaining acceptance into the Balt campus will I be placed on the wait list where I was or will I become last in line?

:confused:

Also, in trying to decide between the campuses, any advice? I like different aspects of each campus. I feel more drawn to the Balt campus because I am interested in a dual degree and Ms. Conrad told me I would have to travel btw the campuses in order to achieve that goal. Has this been attempted by anyone yet at the SG campus?

Utterdevotion

04-20-2008, 08:43 PM

I'm not sure if the policy has changed since last year, but as far as I know, if you decide to go on the waitlist for the Baltimore campus, you will be removed from your spot at the SG campus. I'm assuming you will be placed at the end of the waitlist, and if any accepted Baltimore student decides to withdraw his/her acceptance, then the next person at the top of the list will be able to get in. But of course, the best way to get an accurate answer is to call the office on Monday!

Hope that helps a bit!

AbsoluteEthanol

04-22-2008, 10:56 AM

Hey guys, i have a question about medical/dental insurance. how much is it and who provides it?

Utterdevotion

04-22-2008, 11:01 AM

Hey guys, i have a question about medical/dental insurance. how much is it and who provides it?

The plan for the university is under CareFirst. You can have a primary doctor, but most people will go to the school health center which is covered under this insurance.

The lists of costs are here:
http://www.umaryland.edu/health/costs/
You pay by semester (billed by the school), NOT monthly.

There are other links on that page, to help you learn more about the insurance.

If you are still covered by some other type of insurance, you do not need to buy the school insurance; just sign a waiver and turn in the necessary paperwork.

Hope that helps!

heartbreaker

04-22-2008, 01:51 PM

you read my mind absoluteethanol.

so for shady grove students, we have an option to choose a primary doctor in the network under the school's insurance?

Gom

04-23-2008, 10:18 AM

Do international stdents qualify for in-state tuition at shady grove?I applied to the program but im not sure how they classify in-state and out-state residency. I have a friend who is international student and pays in-state tuition at the universities at shady grove. I m international student, and i am wondering how that works.
Help Please

jlpharm02

04-28-2008, 10:18 AM

I chose the Shady Grove campus because it is close to where I live and work, and I really love the area. It's clean, safe and quiet. I have been living in the area for a while now and I have no complaints about it except the rush-hour traffic on 270 and 495.
If you guys are looking for housing, you may want to look into housing in Gaithersburg or Germantown as well. Usually, housing in Rockville tends to be more expensive. I live in Germantown and it is only 15 minute drive to the school. Good luck to you all!

I guess everyone just received his/her acceptance letter. I don't either have the evaluation form either.

The earlier to find housing the better...

[quote=qluren;6536597]Hey,
Nice to see you guys here.
I am also considered as an international student from mainland China and was assigned the SG campus. I took my undergrad at U of Toronto in Toronto, Canada.

Knightbil, have you received your prerequisite evaluation sheet? I only got an acceptance letter. besides that, nothing else.

Is it too early to look for a housing around the campus?

Qinglu

bubblechasincat

04-28-2008, 12:45 PM

The earlier to find housing the better...

would it be too late to look in june (welcome day)

Nyatheart

05-06-2008, 01:16 AM

Hello UMB Students,
Not really much of a forum/blog person, but recently my friend showed me this great site. Would have come in real handy before my interview. Anyhow, initially I was accepted into the SG campus, but after visiting, I decided that I don't have the self discipline to pursue an online graduate career. I contacted brenda and within two days, she got back to me with an open spot at Bmore. I honestly didnt know what to think when I first came down for my interview, but after interacting with some of the students, faculty and others, i was really impressed with their pride and unity. As for living in a city, I grew up in brooklyn, new york so i wont have the luxury of experiencing a "culture shock" like the rest of you but i look forward meeting new intelligent people. I have sent in my deposit but I am still struggling in deciding where to live. I know that its almost impossible to get a place in pascault (please excuse the spelling) and the only option for on campus housing is fayette. Does anyone know what type of living situation in fayette is best? How do i try to live with another fellow pharmacy student and not a dental or medical student? Also am I late with this process or is there still a lot places available?
Well i look forward to hearing from all of you and i would just like everyone that there is presently a group on facebook called "Maryland Pharmacy Class of 2012" so if you guys like check it out and join. I am pretty sure I will be attending the june 6 orientation so hopefully see some of you there. PLease dont hesitate to comment or ask questions

lata

sebpp5

05-07-2008, 03:37 PM

I ended up rolling the dice on trying to get into the Baltimore campus and it worked out in my favor... less than 4 days after informing Ms. Conrad of my decision, she got back to me with a seat opening!

:luck:

I hope to be at the June Welcome Day... my cousin will be moving in June to D.C. and I hope to help her move in addition to spending time to look for a place to call home (can't argue with having a free place to crash while looking for an apt). I have considered applying to live at Fayette (student housing) but I am still up in the air about living {where/roommate(s)?}.

knightbil

05-10-2008, 04:55 PM

Hey guys! Currently I am looking for some apartments in the areas of Fallsgrove, King farm, as well as the ones in Rockville. I will most probably look for the ones close to the metro stations...

I am trying to find someone who can share an apartment with me..

AbsoluteEthanol

05-11-2008, 08:24 PM

what's up guys! i just got notified of my roomate's identity at fayettes square on friday. I'm super excited to be starting, i just want to start now and get it over with ASAP!

i'm going to be there june 6th for sure!

AbsoluteEthanol

05-11-2008, 09:45 PM

oh and one more question to the students please!

when is our white coat ceremony? is this during the late August orientation? or in september sometime?

sebpp5

05-12-2008, 06:05 PM

oh and one more question to the students please!

when is our white coat ceremony? is this during the late August orientation? or in september sometime?

The checklist for incoming students states, "September 5 (Fri) White Coat Ceremony @ Shady Grove Campus [4:30pm-6pm]". I wonder if this is the ceremony for both campuses or if Baltimore will have one on a different date...

AbsoluteEthanol

05-12-2008, 06:28 PM

The checklist for incoming students states, "September 5 (Fri) White Coat Ceremony @ Shady Grove Campus [4:30pm-6pm]". I wonder if this is the ceremony for both campuses or if Baltimore will have one on a different date...

right, i read it too, and that was my question, i appreciate you restating it

ntrn15

05-12-2008, 07:38 PM

Hey fellowes,
I believe both campuses will have the same white coat ceremony (at Shady Grove). It makes no sense to separate us as we are indoctrinated into the pharmacy profession. After all, we are in the same class - class of 2012.

Oh, please contact Ms. Conrad with your measurements if you do not plan to attend the welcome day on June 6th. I believe that is when they will take measurements for your tailored white coat. I got this info from class of 2011 off the facebook.

jawnly211

05-13-2008, 05:35 AM

congrats to the class of 2012

you will NOT regret your decision to choose the university of maryland

i had a great 4 years here.......met a grip of excellent people (classmates and professors)

do not feel intimidated about the program........everyone is here to help you graduate

the only way you will fail is if you don't put in the work.......but i'm sure you are all dedicated students and to our profession, so that will not be a problem

you will not have to study 24-7 in order to succeed.......but you will definitely have to put in your fair share of time........have fun with it and enjoy the experience..........join organizations, gain experience by working, hang out with your classmates.........

ok, on to the good part.........

i still have all my furniture for sale.........bed, desk, dressers, tv, tv stand, bookshelves, sofa, kitchen table and 4 chairs, EVERYTHING........everything was bought back in 2004 brand new from ikea.........i'm moving back to LA in mid-june so please let me know if you need anything.........i took pictures of everything and have a word document list of it all..........selling things for over 50% off what i paid for..........i just need to get rid of it all since i am taking nothing back with me

please private message me if interested

thanks and congrats!

jiiniix2

05-19-2008, 11:07 AM

is anybody on the waiting list?? the wait is torture lol.

exsell

05-19-2008, 05:16 PM

is anybody on the waiting list?? the wait is torture lol.

not on the waiting list, but I feel your pain.:o Hang in there. I'm sure things will turn out for the best for you !

if u need support and encouragment, that is what we are here for :love:

jiiniix2

05-19-2008, 05:47 PM

thanks, that's why I love coming here <3

umbpharm2012

05-20-2008, 12:50 AM

Utterdevotion

05-20-2008, 08:41 AM

oh and one more question to the students please!

when is our white coat ceremony? is this during the late August orientation? or in september sometime?

Hi everyone - sorry for the late replies.

Your white coat ceremony will be WITH Shady Grove. And it is in September, sometime after school starts. Last year, we had it at the Baltimore campus, this year, it will be down in SG.

You guys will get fitted (or send your measurements) during Welcome Day. Be careful about your size! It's not like the normal sizes. They are all kind of short, so it's more about the width and arms length that you prefer.

Let me know if you have any questions, I'll be around during Welcome Day!

Utterdevotion

05-20-2008, 08:51 AM

Hi does anyone know which books will be required in P1 for UMB students? It would be great if you could tell me the ones which will be used extensively in the first year of pharmacy school!
Thank you!

Most of us don't buy any books. The only book that 99% of us bought our first year is the calculations book because you'll need it again to review for the NAPLEX. During Welcome Day, and again during Orientation they will go over the books that are recommended to buy. It's really up to how comfortable you feel with the material given in class. Most professors' exams come from their lectures, so the textbook is more of a resource when you don't understand something. The most useful books for me is the biochemistry book (especially since I never took biochem), and the PDA book for the spring. Also, some of the professors this year asked questions out of the Context of Healthcare class, and Study Design class books.

My suggestion is to find a few friends and split the cost of one book. It's doubtful that you will need it for the full time that you are studying for an exam. Plus it saves you money! The books can be bought at our school store, or you could just wait until you get into school. There will be postings from the 2nd-4th years on blackboard that will list their books for sale, and you may even get some books from your school big. I wouldn't worry too much about it. I would definitely suggest you buy used books, and from Amazon since it's cheaper.

If you have any other questions, just let me know!