A few questions about 0-6 programs vs 2-4 programs

[HerHer]

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Right now I am trying to find some info about the programs offered in pharmacy schools.
I've been browsing online and people have said that 0-6 programs are ideal for students going straight into pharmacy from highschool.

A few questions I have as of right now about the 0-6 programs:
1) will the 0-6 programs provide everything you need to know including the pre-req courses for pharm?

2) If i take AP chem/ AP bio before graduating highschool, will I be better prepared for the program?

3) Generally speaking, do you have to score well on SATs and ACTs to enter these schools?

About the 2-4 programs:
1) What would be the cons of choosing this type of program over a 0-6 besides having more opportunities to pursue something different?


Thanks in advance

 

[bacillus1]

1) will the 0-6 programs provide everything you need to know including the pre-req courses for pharm?

Yes, you will get the prerequisites as a part of the 0-6 program. That's why they're 6 years and not 4.

2) If i take AP chem/ AP bio before graduating highschool, will I be better prepared for the program?

I think you will be, but it isn't entirely necessary. It will help you get out of bio and chem in the first year if you so desire, so you can free up your schedule or start a minor or take some electives that you'd otherwise take later.

3) Generally speaking, do you have to score well on SATs and ACTs to enter these schools?

Well, yes. Exceptionally, no. For the SAT (reading+math), I would say a 1300 is sufficient for St. Johns, USP or MCPHS. Probably more for Rutgers and some of the "conditional acceptance" programs, where only some of the seats are 0-6.

About the 2-4 programs:
1) What would be the cons of choosing this type of program over a 0-6 besides having more opportunities to pursue something different?
Cons: you have to compete to be admitted into the professional phase
Pros: they're typically cheaper.

 

[Argentium]

1) will the 0-6 programs provide everything you need to know including the pre-req courses for pharm?

Yes, you will get the prerequisites as a part of the 0-6 program. That's why they're 6 years and not 4.

2) If i take AP chem/ AP bio before graduating highschool, will I be better prepared for the program?

I think you will be, but it isn't entirely necessary. It will help you get out of bio and chem in the first year if you so desire, so you can free up your schedule or start a minor or take some electives that you'd otherwise take later.

3) Generally speaking, do you have to score well on SATs and ACTs to enter these schools?

Well, yes. Exceptionally, no. For the SAT (reading+math), I would say a 1300 is sufficient for St. Johns, USP or MCPHS. Probably more for Rutgers and some of the "conditional acceptance" programs, where only some of the seats are 0-6.

About the 2-4 programs:
1) What would be the cons of choosing this type of program over a 0-6 besides having more opportunities to pursue something different?
Cons: you have to compete to be admitted into the professional phase
Pros: they're typically cheaper.

Most seats at Rutgers are 0-6 actually. And yes a strong SAT score is typical here.

 

[THE MTL]

1) will the 0-6 programs provide everything you need to know including the pre-req courses for pharm?

Yes, they provide you with everything you need for pre-reqs. All the courses are there and even your first semester that complete your schedule for you.

2) If i take AP chem/ AP bio before graduating highschool, will I be better prepared for the program?

Yes, I strongly advise this. However, do not take the AP exam and skip the courses. The worse that can happen is you retake the courses in college and have an easy A or B+. I took AP Chem, Bio, and Calc.

3) Generally speaking, do you have to score well on SATs and ACTs to enter these schools?

Generally speaking you have to get a good score but it does NOT have to be outstanding score like Ivy league level that wants 30 ACT, 2200 SAT, etc.

What needs to be outstanding is your TRANSCRIPT! Do well in your classes. Rutgers pharmacy rejected someone who got 1500 (math+reading) on SAT because they got a D in their biology class.

About the 2-4 programs:

1) What would be the cons of choosing this type of program over a 0-6 besides having more opportunities to pursue something different?

I'm in a 0-6 year program. And while they do have a min GPA requirement, its fairly easy to maintain. You dont have to worry about PCATs, applying to school thru PCAS, recommendation letters, having a near 4.0 GPA, and stressing yourself out.

0-6 year once you're in, you're in. And if you get out, then its on you. But 2+4 has nothing guaranteed.