Hi All,
First of all, thanks for all the help and advice for the past year or so. This place has been a godsend for me during this application season. With this cycle winding down, I now face a potentially life changing decision before me in choosing which pharm school to go to, and was wondering if its still possible to get some last ditch help and advice before the whole thing ends.
I have finally narrowed it down to three schools I believe would give me a good education. They are as mentioned in the title: University of Colorado at Denver, University of Utah, and University of Minnesota. Full disclosure: I currently live in California and have lived here all my life, so this will be the first time I will go out of state for an extended period of time. I have very little to no exposure to those above three states, save for the (very) brief one day tours Ive had for interviews, which is not enough. Out of the top of my head fro, I can think of the various strengths and drawbacks each school has from talking with students during interviews:
UC Denver: out of state ~33K per year plus fees, ~140-150K over 4 yrs
In state: ~21K per year plus fees, ~80-90K over 4 years
(+) =
Very good city to live in. Most sunny days in America. Excellent outdoors
New renovated, expanded campus
Stresses clinical collaboration with other healthcare professionals like nurses, doctors, etc.
Team based learning
Out of state tuition can be remedied by deferring admissions
(-)=
Despite Denvers quality, Anschutz campus considered unsafe
Maybe rumors, but heard school still overemphasizes retail aspects
Lowest ranked of the three, 23rd according to US News
If I dont live in Colorado prior to entering the class, aka no deferring, no chance to get in state tuition
Entry classes staffed by unenthusiastic faculty
UMinn: out of state ~36K per year, ~150-160 K over 4 yrs
(+)=
Ranked top 3rd in nation, US News
Great, livable city to be in. Active college town atmosphere
High emphasis on clinical aspects and patient/drug management
Progressive state, internships ostensibly less about drug counting and more about therapy and consultations
(-)=
City and state still stuck in the last Ice Age
0% chance to obtain in state tuition, since I did not live in Minn. for familial reasons prior to entering school.
UofUtah: out of state ~37-38K per year, ~160-170K over 4 yrs
in state ~20K per year, ~80-90 K over 4 yrs
(+)=
Its Mormon town, so very safe, very stable. Great outdoors
Good clinical emphasis
Relatively straightforward to become a state resident, need only ~1 year.
If able to receive in state status, tuition lowest compared w/ UC Denver, UMinn
Close to California
(-):
Its Mormon town, so very boring and staid.
If unable to receive in state status, tuition is highest of all three (!)
Grumblings and worries about USN South Jordan opening and saturating already tight area
Campus a bit old and decrepit
Nonetheless, I have still have alot of questions remaining. I narrowed it down to these four:
1. The most pressing matter for me is tuition and debt. I understand all three will be expensive, but there's still a large gradient from UMinn to Uof Utah. Which of these schools, relative to their out of state tuition and regardless of how high/ low it is, would give me the most bang per buck?
2. Which school has the highest post grad residency placement rates? I ask this because I have been unable to find those stats online
3. I have heard interning during pharmacy school have progressively gotten more difficult due to market saturation, not to mention getting jobs after graduation. Which of the three schools currently have the least market saturation?
I understand the good days are over, but would still prefer one where getting a position isn't impossible.
4. Which of the three schools have the best alumni networks? I heard personal connections are vital, so that's why I'm asking
Since I'm out of state for all three, I have little exposure to them other than a limited interview. I am truly torn between these three and would greatly appreciate any help or advice that could help break my current deadlock.
Thanks!
First of all, thanks for all the help and advice for the past year or so. This place has been a godsend for me during this application season. With this cycle winding down, I now face a potentially life changing decision before me in choosing which pharm school to go to, and was wondering if its still possible to get some last ditch help and advice before the whole thing ends.
I have finally narrowed it down to three schools I believe would give me a good education. They are as mentioned in the title: University of Colorado at Denver, University of Utah, and University of Minnesota. Full disclosure: I currently live in California and have lived here all my life, so this will be the first time I will go out of state for an extended period of time. I have very little to no exposure to those above three states, save for the (very) brief one day tours Ive had for interviews, which is not enough. Out of the top of my head fro, I can think of the various strengths and drawbacks each school has from talking with students during interviews:
UC Denver: out of state ~33K per year plus fees, ~140-150K over 4 yrs
In state: ~21K per year plus fees, ~80-90K over 4 years
(+) =
Very good city to live in. Most sunny days in America. Excellent outdoors
New renovated, expanded campus
Stresses clinical collaboration with other healthcare professionals like nurses, doctors, etc.
Team based learning
Out of state tuition can be remedied by deferring admissions
(-)=
Despite Denvers quality, Anschutz campus considered unsafe
Maybe rumors, but heard school still overemphasizes retail aspects
Lowest ranked of the three, 23rd according to US News
If I dont live in Colorado prior to entering the class, aka no deferring, no chance to get in state tuition
Entry classes staffed by unenthusiastic faculty
UMinn: out of state ~36K per year, ~150-160 K over 4 yrs
(+)=
Ranked top 3rd in nation, US News
Great, livable city to be in. Active college town atmosphere
High emphasis on clinical aspects and patient/drug management
Progressive state, internships ostensibly less about drug counting and more about therapy and consultations
(-)=
City and state still stuck in the last Ice Age
0% chance to obtain in state tuition, since I did not live in Minn. for familial reasons prior to entering school.
UofUtah: out of state ~37-38K per year, ~160-170K over 4 yrs
in state ~20K per year, ~80-90 K over 4 yrs
(+)=
Its Mormon town, so very safe, very stable. Great outdoors
Good clinical emphasis
Relatively straightforward to become a state resident, need only ~1 year.
If able to receive in state status, tuition lowest compared w/ UC Denver, UMinn
Close to California
(-):
Its Mormon town, so very boring and staid.
If unable to receive in state status, tuition is highest of all three (!)
Grumblings and worries about USN South Jordan opening and saturating already tight area
Campus a bit old and decrepit
Nonetheless, I have still have alot of questions remaining. I narrowed it down to these four:
1. The most pressing matter for me is tuition and debt. I understand all three will be expensive, but there's still a large gradient from UMinn to Uof Utah. Which of these schools, relative to their out of state tuition and regardless of how high/ low it is, would give me the most bang per buck?
2. Which school has the highest post grad residency placement rates? I ask this because I have been unable to find those stats online
3. I have heard interning during pharmacy school have progressively gotten more difficult due to market saturation, not to mention getting jobs after graduation. Which of the three schools currently have the least market saturation?
I understand the good days are over, but would still prefer one where getting a position isn't impossible.
4. Which of the three schools have the best alumni networks? I heard personal connections are vital, so that's why I'm asking
Since I'm out of state for all three, I have little exposure to them other than a limited interview. I am truly torn between these three and would greatly appreciate any help or advice that could help break my current deadlock.
Thanks!