Thanks for opening it up. I guess I have a couple questions.
I'm taking a shot at early decision and have my pharmcas stuff verified, with a couple missing pieces (pcat score, 1 LOR). So here's the question
1. Does the university ever start the interview process before having all the pieces? I ask because I've seen a few folks indicate such things happening for them at whatever school.
I'm actually not sure, but I don't think Maryland looks at incomplete applications. I'm not incredibly familiar with the operations of the Admissions Office, so I can't tell you with any degree of certainty. Give Patrice Sharp or JuliAna Brammer a call, and they'll be more than happy to give you a more accurate answer.
2. I attended an open house and heard/read something about there being specific "pathways" open for students' application, both for the course of study
and for your P4 rotations. Can you elaborate on this/share what the pathways are?
Yes, students have the option to apply to one of three pathways -- research, pharmacotherapy, and geriatrics. A pathway is simply an opportunity to further explore a topic area of interest in a mentor-guided structure. The three pathways have different requirements for admission, though they roughly have a similar timeline. Generally one would apply for a pathway after the fall semester of the P2 year, though depending on the pathway, there may be some differences.
All the pathways have a similar structure. You take elective courses that are geared to that particular pathway, and you engage in research with a faculty member in that area. I am in the research pathway, and I have to take some graduate research methods courses. At the end of the didactic course work, I will also have to do a rotation in research, and I'll be expected to write a thesis. I'm not sure if a thesis is required for the other pathways, though I think it is.
Not sure if I addressed everything you were looking for regarding pathways...
3. Is Early decision only for super applicants with ultra scores etc? Been trying manage my expectations (3.6), 90% on PCAT, 7 years of non-pharmacy work as an engineer)
I don't have any experience with early admissions, but 90th %ile PCAT and 3.6 PharmCAS GPA are very competitive stats for virtually all pharmacy schools across the country. Most applicant have some pharmacy experience, though. Shadowing is a good option for a working professional like yourself. Hospital pharmacies are open 24/7, 7-days-a-week.
Interestingly, I started out in engineering myself (Industrial and Systems), and the student who interviewed me at interview day was also an engineer. Personally, I've found that slightly older individuals who have more diverse backgrounds make good, mature students.
Your stats should be competitive enough to get an interview (at least I think so). Best of luck!
4. Do graduates have a good shot at the many residencies in Baltimore?
I'd say yes. The hospitals around the area don't take preference for students from any particular schools. Most residency programs really look at the applicants pretty holistically. They want to make sure they get the best resident for their program. That being said, University of Maryland does well in placing students into residency programs locally and nationally. If you look at the residency matching stats nationally, you'll find that the average match rate for applicants is 67%. Maryland has a much higher rate at 85%. Many of our residents match locally and in other states like California. Maryland offers extensive student leadership and research opportunities that help students get an edge in the application process. Also, I feel like it's fairly easy to get a job as a student here, and that helps in residency applications too.
5. What's the actual yearly tuition (I've surfed the sites and I get anything from 20 to 26k/yr)
In-state: $21,761
Out-of-state: $38,182
Source:
http://www.umaryland.edu/media/umb/af/sa/phar.pdf
6. Tell me (us) about the education -- what classes are the killers, what's the workload?
I probably have more but I'll stop.
I think the education is outstanding. I can't comment of your curriculum specifically though. Last year a new curriculum was established for the P1 students. (I was a P2 student, and we were the last class to have our curriculum.) Many courses are still the same. The heart of the new curriculum is the AST series of courses (when I took these classes they were called PP&T, but it's the same general concept) followed by Pharmacotherapy. The killer classes in my mind were the cardiology component of our PP&T course and Microbiology and Antibiotics (MicAb). Pharmacotherapy is supposed to be rough too. I'll be taking that this year.
The work load is reasonable and challenging. We take many classes in a single semester, and thus we have many exams in a semester. The hardest thing is the constant exams. Oh, and be prepared for lots of group work.
Hope this helps!
Edit: Oh, and Pharmacy Law is supposed to be tough too.
