Community College or university?

[chelu]

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Hello all,
I have a question. I just recieved my degree and have a few other pre-req's I have to take. Should I take the classes at the University I graduated from or from a near by community college. Do pharmacy schools take notice that I switched from a University to a community college?

Moreover, my first two years of community college sucked as far as gpa, but but my university gpa was a 3.1. Because of my community college gpa my cumulative gpa is fairly low. So, should I just go ahead and take the class at the University level just to get that gpa up?

 

[kwakster928]

there is no problem taking those pre-reqs at community college. it is certainly understandable, because 1. you are no longer eligible for federal loans anymore 2. it is cost saving. if anyone asks you tell them, you already had a degree, already have a job and needed to start paying off your loans. therefore, you needed a place where tuition is reasonable, but not sub-par in quality of education you get. in conclusion, its ok. good luck.

 

[dontworry]

There are some posts that deal with this topic if you search the forum. I took courses at the local CC, but that was because the school said it was ok to take them there. I would suggest maybe contacting the schools you are applying to and asking if they accept CC courses, how they feel about them? From what other people have posted, not all schools are CC credit friendly and may look down upon them.

 

[charmi87]

Hi I have some different situation here.............
I came frm india last year and in NJ, they required me to do an ESL and I have 1 class left luckily........i m planning to pharmD. and in NJ, only,rutgers offers it. But i am so confused abt where to finish prepharmacy ....................in my community college or University

 

[ItsAboutTime]

Hi I have some different situation here.............
I came frm india last year and in NJ, they required me to do an ESL and I have 1 class left luckily........i m planning to pharmD. and in NJ, only,rutgers offers it. But i am so confused abt where to finish prepharmacy ....................in my community college or University

If thats where you are planning to go and can afford it, it will be better to do it in Rutgers.Better still try to join their 0-6 program.It is very difficult to get into Rutgers from outside.

If you are open to attending school anywhere in USA and can get good PCAT score, it does not matter.

 

[attia]

i think go to Rutgers it will be better
u dont have to worry abt transering prob and stuff
not that i think CC is bad cause i go there
but if i could go back and start over i would go to something like rutgers and temple
and if u keep good gpa rutgers might just take u right away without any extra requremnets so it will be good idea to go to rutgers keepp a good gpa and get in to some extracriculum activities and even try pharamacy experience somewhere ......if u can do all that stuff ....best of luck

 

[reverb508]

I'm in precisely the same predicament. I'm from Massachusetts and my options are either Northeastern or MCPHS. I started plotting out my next three semesters (Summer, Fall and Spring) at my community college so that I'll have all the pre-reqs done come Fall 07.

Things were going great until I read the FAQ on MCPHS' website. Apparently, they look more favorably upon credits from a 4 year institution. That is pretty rediculous since CC's were created with the transfer student in mind. I'm still on the fence, should I take the pre-reqs at my CC anyway, or should I transfer to UMASS and then tranfer to Pharmacy school from there? Why do they need to make things so difficult? I should be worried about my studies, not where I'm going to study.

 

[Snowcat]

Same here. I'm taking my last year of pre-reqs at my CC next year. Strangely enough, my reason for transferring out to CC is because I think that they can provide me with a better education than the one I'm currently receiving. Also, I'd like to transfer to the UC or CSU system after the year is up and if I haven't gotten into pharmacy school by then.

Funny thing is, the teachers I've encountered at CC are actually interested in students learning the material. A good number of teachers at my 4-year university are either tired of teaching, and act as if teaching is a necessary evil that gets in the way of their research and publishing.

 

[AngelEyes82]

Same here. I'm taking my last year of pre-reqs at my CC next year. Strangely enough, my reason for transferring out to CC is because I think that they can provide me with a better education than the one I'm currently receiving. Also, I'd like to transfer to the UC or CSU system after the year is up and if I haven't gotten into pharmacy school by then.

Funny thing is, the teachers I've encountered at CC are actually interested in students learning the material. A good number of teachers at my 4-year university are either tired of teaching, and act as if teaching is a necessary evil that gets in the way of their research and publishing.

I agree! I wasn't a bio or chem major in undergrad so I had a whole bunch of pre-reqs to make up for and so I went the community college route. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of instruction! I'm actually still in touch with some of my teachers from my CC. More pluses about the CC system (at least for the school that I went to):

1. the classes tend to be a little bit smaller than at the university level so the instruction is a little bit more indivdualized.
2. the professors aren't as driven by the "publish or perish" mentality so they actually have the time to devote to you.

 

[bstopharm]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum and I was hoping that some of you could kindly help answer a few questions i have. My question is - does it matter to adcoms if i retake my courses at a community college as opposed to a 4 year college? What are the pros and cons? I have a BS in Biology, with a not to stellar gpa - so i am trying to bring it up. Thanks in advance.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

You know, honestly, most of the advice on here about "what do the admin folks look for" is typically bunk. Each admin board is different. None of us will have a good blanket answer for the question. Now if you narrow it down to a certain school, then maybe a person with experience with that particular school could help.

 

[kikidun21]

Its best to take your courses at a four year college. Most admission committee do not think highly of community colleges, because they are not considered competitive.

The perference of each institute is different. However you should give yourself the best chance of gaining acceptance, no matter which school you decide to apply to.

Howard COP
Class of 2011​

 

[Farmercyst]

Most of my credits are CC, but I'm also getting a BS, so I don't know if my situation is representative of adcom opinions on this topic. I was interviewed at 3 of the 4 schools I applied to. I got rejected from Oregon State today, LLU without interview mid-march. I have yet to hear from USC, though based on that thread I should tomorrow. Western didn't send an acceptance email so I think when I hear from them (probably tomorrow as well based on the Western thread) I'll probably be waitlist or HOLD . I personally don't think it has anything to do with the fact that most of my prereqs are from CC. For me it's because I have very few recent ECs and no experience. My guess is my grades got me the interviews, regardless of where they were from. The rest of my application is what will keep me out if I don't get in this year.

 

[aboveliquidice]

It really depends on the schools in question.

I know that the University of Florida does not care at all where your credits came from (4yr vs CC) - however Pacific University gives special weight to high GPAs from a 4yr University vs a similar GPA at a CC. Due to the important nature of this question - you really should contact the schools in question and pose the question directly - then follow up in the schools thread here on SDN - typically your not the only one interested in this info...

~above~

 

[WVUPharm2007]

Its best to take your courses at a four year college. Most admission committee do not think highly of community colleges, because they are not considered competitive.

Howard COP
Class of 2011​

The more people I see walk in to pharmacy school, the more I realize that isn't really the case at all. If the PCATs match the GPA, they don't care if you went to Bubba County Community College or Big State University. Now if you have a huge GPA and a small PCAT, they may question it a bit. I'm pretty sure more of the land grant institutions are like this. Of course, I could be wrong, because, like everyone else on this forum, I don't know every admin comm on the continent.

 

[pharmDorbust]

The more people I see walk in to pharmacy school, the more I realize that isn't really the case at all. If the PCATs match the GPA, they don't care if you went to Bubba County Community College or Big State University. Now if you have a huge GPA and a small PCAT, they may question it a bit. I'm pretty sure more of the land grant institutions are like this. Of course, I could be wrong, because, like everyone else on this forum, I don't know every admin comm on the continent.

The admission committees do care where your coursework came from. This is a fact. I was informed by two schools, namely Nova Southeastern University and Campbell Univerisity, that my 3.55 GPA from a CC was not competitive enough. I have a 86 composite on the PCAT. Both schools recommended that I take more courses at a 4 year school and reapply for 2008.

The question was, "does it matter to adcoms if i retake my courses at a community college as opposed to a 4 year college?"

The answer is: YES

Each school is different. However if it matters to some school, why would you consider it. Some schools consider a 60 composite on the PCAT. But we do not take the exam aiming for this score because we know that its not competitive enough for most schools. So why is this any different. Pharmacy school is already very competitive. As applicants we should do whatever we can to make ourself stronger. This does not include retaking courses at a Community College.

 

[dginrit]

I did 2 years at CC and finishing a year at 4 year and I just got accepted to OU so it really just depends on the school.

 

[sleepymeko]

I cannot make up my mind. OK, so nowdays applicants have a B.S. correct? But there are also applicants who spent 2-3yrs in community college. Regardless of my findings, I cannot make up my mind. I thought maybe doing CC for two years, transferring to a university and applying during my junior year. And if I do not get accepted, I can just earn my B.S. and then try pharmacy school again. That is of course, my plan. But the problem is... university is expensive and I could probably save more money studying at a CC for three years, etc. But then again, I don't want to be stuck. At the end of my third year at CC I will have 90units, and only 60 of those units are transferable to university. I'm driving myself mad

Thoughts, complaints, rants, suggestions?

The pharmacy school at the top of my list is Husson. I'm not interested in UCSF or Californian schools. I already live in SoCal and I would like to get out as soon as possible.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Your safest bet is to go to a CC for your lower division, then transfer to a university and complete a Bachelor's degree.

I think this is the case for many reasons, including:

1) Back-up plan. Maybe you'll hate pharmacy, and you don't want to deal with only have an AA/AS, do you?

2) Competitive edge. All other things equal, a 4-year degree shows you can complete rigorous college course-work (Provided you do well, of course).

I usually only suggest CC-only route to folks who can't otherwise complete a BA/BS (E.g., they got a degree earlier in their lives, so they can't get loans and such for a 2nd bachelor's).

 

[Monalyce]

+1.

Take advantage of the financial aid and finish your degree at a university.

The only potential caveat here is it *may* be harder for you to maintain volunteer work, extracurriculars, etc. if you switch schools after two years. Don't let these things fall by the wayside. You'll need to show ongoing involvement and leadership to produce a stellar pharmacy school app.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

You should do the 2 years at a community college but count on transferring to a university if you aren't accepted right away. I'm not saying that you won't be, but just in case you should embrace the chance to work on a degree since it is harder to get accepted after only 2 years of pre-reqs.

 

[sleepymeko]

Thanks for all the suggestions--university does sound like a better idea. I'm constantly changing my mind about pharmacy anyway; as of now I'm leaning more towards neuroscience... I already have about five backup plans as is... I'm pretty anal when it comes to things like this.

 

[andrewexd]

Your safest bet is to go to a CC for your lower division, then transfer to a university and complete a Bachelor's degree.

I think this is the case for many reasons, including:

1) Back-up plan. Maybe you'll hate pharmacy, and you don't want to deal with only have an AA/AS, do you?

2) Competitive edge. All other things equal, a 4-year degree shows you can complete rigorous college course-work (Provided you do well, of course).

I usually only suggest CC-only route to folks who can't otherwise complete a BA/BS (E.g., they got a degree earlier in their lives, so they can't get loans and such for a 2nd bachelor's).

I'm in the same boat as you sleepy... I want to take all my pre-reqs at a community college than transfer to a pharm school but my problem is that if I don't get in I don't want to major in a science. I'm also really interested in economics and doing an econ major + pharm pre-reqs would be the best of both worlds for me. I guess my dilemma is whether or not I should do pre-reqs for econ and transfer to a UC or pre-pharm and try to get into a pharmacy school... 🙁

now the obvious question is why don't I just major in a science ? well honestly If I don't end up at pharmacy school, econ will have more job options for me than a biology degree or whatnot.

 

[Endospore]

I am interviewing right now for Pharmacy, but last year when I called several schools for information, the FIRST question admissions asked was are my prereq's cc or university? Interesting for all of you who are thinking cc. I would DEFINITELY call where you want to go and get their opinion.

 

[twinspharm]

I am interviewing right now for Pharmacy, but last year when I called several schools for information, the FIRST question admissions asked was are my prereq's cc or university? Interesting for all of you who are thinking cc. I would DEFINITELY call where you want to go and get their opinion.

Agree, I have heard that pharm schools don't want to see pre-req science classes taken at cc colleges. Also I have asked this question at pharmacy schools I was looking into, and they told me the same thing. With how competitive it is something like this could loose one their seat.

Call ahead of time before you find out the hard way

 

[torres1708]

I want to know if the schools you are applying too, take into consideration the fact that a prospect did his/her undergrad work in a community college or a university?
Some people I know are applying to a pharmacy program have received their pre requisites from a community college in which the classes are much easier, and thus have a much higher GPA, while I have taken the same coursework at a university with harder curriculum and have a lower GPA. Just would like to know if this is taken into account? Again, no disrespect to people going to community colleges.

 

[twinspharm]

I want to know if the schools you are applying too, take into consideration the fact that a prospect did his/her undergrad work in a community college or a university?
Some people I know are applying to a pharmacy program have received their pre requisites from a community college in which the classes are much easier, and thus have a much higher GPA, while I have taken the same coursework at a university with harder curriculum and have a lower GPA. Just would like to know if this is taken into account? Again, no disrespect to people going to community colleges.

Yes they look at it. Also the quality of education will be reflective in your PCAT scores.

 

[annievu]

I want to know if the schools you are applying too, take into consideration the fact that a prospect did his/her undergrad work in a community college or a university?
Some people I know are applying to a pharmacy program have received their pre requisites from a community college in which the classes are much easier, and thus have a much higher GPA, while I have taken the same coursework at a university with harder curriculum and have a lower GPA. Just would like to know if this is taken into account? Again, no disrespect to people going to community colleges.

Again, I heard from some threads that GPA is not the only factor that the adcoms consider...other things are PCAT (if u apply to schools that require PCAT, if not, maybe and only maybe that they'll take a look at it), your pharmacy work experience related, your letter of recs, your personal statement, extracurricular activities that showed you're strong in leadership or in community involvement...i have a friend who did all of the pre-regs in community college with a BS in computer science and she got accepted in a CA school...she got mostly straight A's...but she also excel in numerous of things i listed above...i think there are always other things that balance off of ur poor GPA in university...so go find those things u can excel in...

 

[HSbF6]

How many people think that taking pre-reqs at a community college hurt your chances of getting into pharmacy school?
How many of you have gotten into pharmacy school through a community college?

 

[rxellie]

i have 4 friends that took their pre-reqs at a community college and they all got in..i took some of my pre-reqs at a community college too but am getting my bachelors degree too.

 

[rxlea]

i have 4 friends that took their pre-reqs at a community college and they all got in..i took some of my pre-reqs at a community college too but am getting my bachelors degree too.

It really, really depends on the school. I took most of my pre-reqs at CC and got accepted, but I did complete a 4 year degree in 2006. Many schools say on their websites whether or not they prefer university credits. Just because they prefer it, though, doesn't mean you wouldn't get in- esp if you have a strong GPA. I think the most important thing to do (if you're going to take your pre-reqs at CC) is to do some great EC's and get some pharmacy experience.

 

[Filler]

My take on it would be...(drum roll)

Go to a Uni and get a B.S. My personal take is that, although a CC is cheaper, you miss out on the college experience. Besides, having a B.S. leaves your options open. (Unless of course your a non-traditional student or have serious financial issues, in which case disregard everything I've said)

 

[Passion4Sci]

The only, only, only time I advocate going to a CC and then to pharmacy school is if you have a BA/BS already in another discipline and you just need to knock out the lower division pre-requisites. Reason being is that you've proven by the fact you have been conferred a bachelor's that you can handle upper division coursework.

A person with only CC credits is lacking a large portion of their curriculum vitae, IMO.

 

[rxellie]

My take on it would be...(drum roll)

Go to a Uni and get a B.S. My personal take is that, although a CC is cheaper, you miss out on the college experience. Besides, having a B.S. leaves your options open. (Unless of course your a non-traditional student or have serious financial issues, in which case disregard everything I've said)

i totally agree!! i had to take some classes at CC because i am a non-traditonal student but i am glad that i am getting my BS. the upper level classes have prepared me for pharmacy school. and the college experience is worth it!!

 

[scavok]

It doesn't matter.

My education consisted of an incomplete computer science program, an incomplete art program and nothing but prerequisites at my local community college. I had no community service, volunteer time or anything that says I 'play well with others.' I had no degree (not even an associates). Most schools will recognize quality when they see it in an application (through essays, grades and scores) and in person during an interview. Not bragging or anything but they aren't idiots and can tell the difference between someone who coasted through CC as opposed to a hard working student who just couldn't afford a university.

I went to a CC and had a 3.8 GPA, but backed it up with a 91 PCAT and 5 years in a retail pharmacy. I took a big chance and wrote very informal essays full of my experiences in life and in pharmacy work and applying the two aspects to expectations of future performance rather than focusing on university experience and how I want to change the world or whatever...

I applied to 2 schools, the University of Colorado and the University of Washington. CU's interviews are run different from most in that they consider everyone equal if they make it to the interview process. Once at that point your grades don't matter and its just how well you present yourself 1-on-1 compared to everyone else (the interviewer has your name and nothing else, not even a copy of your application or GPA). UW was the complete opposite and had 4 interviewers at the same time, each with a complete copy of my application, essays, scores and grades and did their best to tear me apart on them. In both aspects of either judging myself as I was or in being scrutinized for everything I'd done (or not done) I was accepted to both!

 

[BallerinaRx]

I'm starting my pre-reqs next year, and thinking of going the community college route as I already have a BS and an MBA - plus save me a lot on the student loan front. The school I'm aiming for (UIC) doesn't state whether they prefer university or community college credit - but the fact that I've already done well at a regular university and gotten an MBA, plus (hopefully) stellar pre-req grades, should help.

Unfortunately I can't afford to quit my job to do pre-reqs at a regular university so pre-reqs while working at a community college is my only option if I want to pursue this career.

 

[rxlea]

I'm starting my pre-reqs next year, and thinking of going the community college route as I already have a BS and an MBA - plus save me a lot on the student loan front. The school I'm aiming for (UIC) doesn't state whether they prefer university or community college credit - but the fact that I've already done well at a regular university and gotten an MBA, plus (hopefully) stellar pre-req grades, should help.

Unfortunately I can't afford to quit my job to do pre-reqs at a regular university so pre-reqs while working at a community college is my only option if I want to pursue this career.

You have to work with what you've got. Since you have a BS and MBA, I think you should be fine. The important thing is doing really well in your pre-reqs and getting a great PCAT score.

 

[renetto]

How many people think that taking pre-reqs at a community college hurt your chances of getting into pharmacy school?
How many of you have gotten into pharmacy school through a community college?

It all depends on the schools you plan on applying to. There are some that will tell you that you have a better chance of behind accepted if you do THEIR curriculum and that CC classes are second rate to them. There are some that want their high PCAT and GPA regardless of where you took them and there are some that are a mixture of both.

There really is nothing set in stone when it comes to CC classes, you need to contact the schools you plan on applying to concerning this.

 

[phathead]

I'm starting my pre-reqs next year, and thinking of going the community college route as I already have a BS and an MBA - plus save me a lot on the student loan front. The school I'm aiming for (UIC) doesn't state whether they prefer university or community college credit - but the fact that I've already done well at a regular university and gotten an MBA, plus (hopefully) stellar pre-req grades, should help.

Unfortunately I can't afford to quit my job to do pre-reqs at a regular university so pre-reqs while working at a community college is my only option if I want to pursue this career.

Yea... that's all fine and dandy accept that 4 of the schools I applied to stated all science pre-reqs had to come from a 4 year university.

It depends on the area of the country you are in. Some areas, CCs are a fine substitute for a 4 year Uni. In other areas, CCs are nothing more than an extension of high school and are viewed as such.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Woopps I missed this post.

I got accepted and got 3 interviews with a good amount of CC units on my transcripts.

That said, I am in CA which has articulation agreements with many universities, and Transfer Admission Agreements, which guarantee that curricula are up to snuff.

 

[Sugadarlin]

As some of the others have stated, it depends on where you are and the schools you plan on applying to. I also have my BA and MBA and I took some of my pre-reqs at a CC but in California it is very clear what is transferrable to the University level. There were some of my pre-reqs that I could not take at a CC because they were considered upper division courses. I suggest that if it is possible, you enroll as a post bac student and hopefully find classes that are feasible for your work schedule.

I'm starting my pre-reqs next year, and thinking of going the community college route as I already have a BS and an MBA - plus save me a lot on the student loan front. The school I'm aiming for (UIC) doesn't state whether they prefer university or community college credit - but the fact that I've already done well at a regular university and gotten an MBA, plus (hopefully) stellar pre-req grades, should help.

Unfortunately I can't afford to quit my job to do pre-reqs at a regular university so pre-reqs while working at a community college is my only option if I want to pursue this career.

 

[Trunks9807]

Closed.

 

[SlainDane]

I don't know how unusual this situation is, but here it goes.

I started out a psychology major with a good portion of it completed, then switched to biology (I wanted to pursue psychopharmacology).

A depression started the semester before any of my science classes. My grades at the university were not stellar...C in Biology I, D in Physics II, and two W's from Organic Chemistry II. The other classes I got B's in (Biology II, Ochem I with lab, Ochem II lab, Physics I). So as you can see, I didn't take that many science courses. I had to go inpatient my second year of science curriculum (a complete withdrawal from the university). After I got out, I switched back to psychology for the sake of finishing a bachelor's degree ASAP. The reason for that was because of pressure from family and my mental health team :-\

So my question is: how would the adcoms look at this sequence of majors (I did get a BA in psychology)? Is it something significant to bring up in a personal statement? I am worried they might view the major change as a cop-out. In this case, is it better to go back to the university or to just take CC classes?

 

[Pharmacist Zoom]

How many people think that taking pre-reqs at a community college hurt your chances of getting into pharmacy school?
How many of you have gotten into pharmacy school through a community college?

According to me it reallly doesn't make a difference if u complete your prereqs from a CC or a University only thing which matters is how you carry yourself as a student.

 

[PharmEXP]

From what I've read on this forum, many applicants have completed their pre-req's at CC and got accepted into pharmacy school. I personally completed mine at University, but looking back, I might have strongly considered taking my pre-req's at CC because it is much cheaper and I'd imagine fairly easier...

If you choose to go CC route, make sure your desired pharmacy schools accept CC credits for pre-req fulfillment.

 

[rxlea]

ohh geez... another useful thread.

you betchya! /"Fargo" accent

now play nice!

 

[muztaba]

ohh geez... another useful thread.

you betchya! /"Fargo" accent

now play nice!

I cannot post a new topic.. please can any body tell me what is the reason beyond this??