A Bit Of Dilemma In Choosing!!!

No one can tell you what to choose, but perhaps we can put your criteria (which are widely varied!) in some order.

Your concerns seem to be (in the order you listed):
- which one might be of better or worse in influencing a residency?
- you want a clinical position (by that I'm assuming you want hospital work?)
- possibly Pharm D/MBA
- possibly another undefined dual degree
- money
- impact of research on the part of the school

IMO.....now is too soon to be thinking about a residency. You are obviously very competent, otherwise you wouldn't have so many choices. Given that, I'm assuming you'll be equally competent when you graduate so you can pursue a residency in the field of study you want. You don't even know where that might take you since you're not yet in the field.

The dual degree thing is important now! If any of the schools you have listed offer a dual degree in what you're interested in (either MBA, MHA or PhD) & you want that - go there. Its not likely you'll get the opportunity to transfer. That doesn't mean you can't pursue those degrees later - you certainly can - they will just be separate & apart from your PharmD.

Money is a concern which only you can answer. Each of us has our own sources of payment for schooling, risk tolerance for loans & is often age dependent & our stage in life (SO &/or children).

Finally, the research orientation of the school itself is not a drawback at all, in fact, is often an advantage since you would have the opportunity to be exposed to drug development at its very basic stage. USC is also research oriented & I cannot speak to Western, but I don't think it receives too much NIH funding actually. I'm aware of the research of UNC & it is significant & I can't speak at all of VCU/MCV. Who knows if this is a path you might find interesting?

As for working in CA - if you're able to pass the exams, you'll be able to work here. However....more & more you'll have to be able to excel - not just be adequate to have a job beyond that of the basic entry level pharmacist.

So....you need to decide whether you want that dual degree (whichever it might be), what your financial risk tolerance is & do very well in school - no matter which school you attend. Then....you need to be prepared to take competency tests - not just pass the state board exams & be prepared to stay current.

Good luck - its sounds as though you'll do well whichever school you decide.

 

Moving to pre-pharmacy as this is a school choice question.

 

.

 

What a blessing. You have choice between multiple schools. I had a choice between two schools and ultimately made the decision based on the location (my hometown), finances (chose the more expensive school) and the curriculum (chose the one with an integrated curriculum over the one that offered more electives, but focused on a more clinical approach (still wondering about that decision)). Ultimately, it came down to my impression of the school during interviews. I'm 90% sure I made the right decision.

Good luck - you won't go completely wrong with any decision you make.