Advice Needed!

[enchanted]

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Hi everyone,

I’ve recently got accepted into ACPHS for their 2+4 years program and I’m still in the process of deciding if I should go or not. If I don’t take the offer, I’ll be graduating in December 09 with a B.S. in Biology. For the remaining of the semester I can apply for pharmacy schools in my state, TX, which is way cheaper than Albany and it is only 4 years. So a total will be 5 years IF I get accepted. On the other hand, if I go to Albany, I have to retake all of my sciences classes. My math, English and other classes got transferred as electives so 24 hrs credits of electives for 6 years are covered. The amount of debt I’ll be in once I graduate from Albany would be 200k+. In order to go into P1, I have to maintain a GPA of 3.0, interview and take the PCAT (advisor said they’re aiming for 300, which is not hard to do). Albany is a private school and I’ve been in a public school system for 4 years now so I don’t know how that works.

I’ve been thinking for the past week about this and still can’t decide if I want to stay for another year or take the chance to go to Albany. Any advice or opinion? Thanks!

 

[aboveliquidice]

If you are accepted - Pay the deposit - I see that you are still waiting on your final status at (2) other schools. So nothing is set in stone yet.

My decision would be based on whether or not Albany's program is a definite "in". It sounds like you still have to apply before your 3rd year of the program - even if you are in the program. That would be unacceptable to me.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do...

 

[Transformer]

It doesn't sound like it's a definite in. You have to retake the PCAT and interview again. The good part about going there is your application will be favored if you earn an excellent GPA and a decent PCAT score.

I've heard there is a high attrition rate at Albany because of the 2+4 program. I'm not sure what the percentage is right now but 2+4 students have commonly been known to drop out. To fill that void, Albany brings in transfer students.

If you don't mind retaking your general sciences again. Or if you really want to attend Albany, then go for it. Just make sure you maintain a high GPA. Albany is known to focus a lot on an applicant's GPA.

good luck.

 

[applejuju]

dont do it. You are not even officially "in" yet and taking all your science classes over is just a plain waste of time. Wait for the other 2 and even if you dont get in, a BS in biology is much better than having to do 2 more years of undergrad.

 

[Nelson]

Retaking science classes, plus 200 G's worth of debt? I say finish your B.S., it will make you a stronger applicant next year. Just be as well rounded an applicant as possible, find whatever weak spots you have in your application and turn them into strong points. You should get in if you are diligent.

 

[Pharmacyy]

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently got accepted into ACPHS for their 2+4 years program and I’m still in the process of deciding if I should go or not. If I don’t take the offer, I’ll be graduating in December 09 with a B.S. in Biology. For the remaining of the semester I can apply for pharmacy schools in my state, TX, which is way cheaper than Albany and it is only 4 years. So a total will be 5 years IF I get accepted. On the other hand, if I go to Albany, I have to retake all of my sciences classes. My math, English and other classes got transferred as electives so 24 hrs credits of electives for 6 years are covered. The amount of debt I’ll be in once I graduate from Albany would be 200k+. In order to go into P1, I have to maintain a GPA of 3.0, interview and take the PCAT (advisor said they’re aiming for 300, which is not hard to do). Albany is a private school and I’ve been in a public school system for 4 years now so I don’t know how that works.

I’ve been thinking for the past week about this and still can’t decide if I want to stay for another year or take the chance to go to Albany. Any advice or opinion? Thanks!

I would never do it. You did not get into the pharmacy program. You basically got in the school as a "undergrad". You still have to take PCATs and hope you get into there pharmacy program.