6 year PharmD vs 3-4 year after BS

[c671189]

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Hello, I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me.
I am a Senior in high school that has applied to five schools for the 6-year PharmD program: Northeastern University, Mass College of Pharmacy in Boston, Simmons, University of Rhode Island, and University of New England. From the colleges I've heard from, which is everyone exept the last two, i have been accepted. But now I have a problem.... I cant afford these schools!
I applied because I thought they might give me scholarships, which they did, but its still not enough!

Do you suggest that I take the risk and take out loans, possibly like 200 grand in loans. Or go to a state school for free and then apply for a graduate program for pharmacy, like a 3-4 year program at MCPHS worcester.

I was wondering if anyone might know more about how competitive the schools I have been accepted to are, compared to how competitive the graduate-like programs are. (I dont want to pass up my only change of acceptance)

any adivice would be helpful, Thanks

 

[doublea0508]

As a senior in college, I understand what you are going through. I also will be attending a 0-6 phramacy school and will probably need loans. I think if you are really passionate about pharmacy and don't want to worry about taking the PCAT or trying to apply and wait to get into pharmacy school, I would stay in the 0-6. However, if not, I would just go to a college and then apply to pharmacy school. Its all up to you

 

[doublea0508]

ttt

 

[Toomeke]

...that's associated with 0-6 schools?

And why do you need a BA? Most (and I believe all) schools don't require a BA.

From my perspective, knock out the prereqs at a community college WHILE you are also getting experience by either working, volunteering, or shadowing at a pharmacy (preferably a hospital pharmacy). At the end of those 2-3 years, apply to pharmacy schools for whom your prereqs apply that are either 3 or 4 year programs and, depending on where you get accepted, go to the one that best fits your situation.

Pharmacy is going to cost lots of $$$$$ - no getting around that. But 0-6 programs are charging you a lot more for courses that are literally just prereqs for standard 4-year programs...prereqs that can be completed much cheaper at community colleges. Don't pay more than you have to.

Good luck.