Ferris Vs. Michigan State Vs. Wayne [Pharmacy/Michigan]

[Dzialo]

Hello, and I am extremely interested in Pharmacy, I even applied for a Pharmacy Tech Job to get some experience for when I apply.

I would like to stay within Michigan, and was wondering, what of these 3 Colleges would you suggest? I really don't care about it's ranking, etc.

I was speaking with a local Pharmacist and she went to Wayne. However, she said that Ferris is more easier when it comes to their Pharm.D Program, but she did not go there because 'it's no where in corn fields'; she says.

Wayne is just about 30 mins away form me driving, and I do prefer urban cities, but it doesn't mind if I can get accepted into a school.

U of M seems like it would be hard to get into... Lol. And I really don't have interest to go there.

I did see on the Ferris website that they have a Pre-Pharmacy Degree, I would like to go there and get that, and then apply to their Pharmacy School.

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I was also worried about my high school GPA, I did really had for 2 years, F, D, C's... and I was wondering if this will affect me. However, I am getting much better grades now. But my High GPA still isnt that great.

However, I thought perhaps I could get a Pre-Pharmacy Degree at my Local College or something, and try really hard there to get a good GPA.

I really don't want to go to a 4 year Uni, just 2 years for Pre-Pharm, and then a 3 year program for my Pharm.D

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[Elbuenohombre]

First off, let me say that I am not familiar with Ferris State. I can only answer your questions with regards to U of M and WSU.

Wayne State will not look at your high school grades, whereas U of M does.

My school, Eastern, has a "pre-pharmacy curriculum", but it doesn't result in a degree. WSU and U of M will not care if you have some pre-pharm degree. What they want to see if that you completed all of their pre-requisites. It would be advantageous to check both websites.

Neither U of M nor WSU offers a 3 year PharmD curriculum - only four years.

Whilst it is POSSIBLE to be accepted after only two years of college, it is very unlikely. At U of M, I think at least half of those accepted have a bachelor's. And 40% of WSU's P1s have bachelor's. Both schools will want to see that you have a high PCAT score of at least 75th%tile as well as a competitive GPA.

WSU is all about the GPA and PCAT. U of M looks at the whole applicant. U of M wants to see that you have patient care experience and extracurriculars.

 

[Dzialo]

First off, let me say that I am not familiar with Ferris State. I can only answer your questions with regards to U of M and WSU.

Wayne State will not look at your high school grades, whereas U of M does.

My school, Eastern, has a "pre-pharmacy curriculum", but it doesn't result in a degree. WSU and U of M will not care if you have some pre-pharm degree. What they want to see if that you completed all of their pre-requisites. It would be advantageous to check both websites.

Neither U of M nor WSU offers a 3 year PharmD curriculum - only four years.

Whilst it is POSSIBLE to be accepted after only two years of college, it is very unlikely. At U of M, I think at least half of those accepted have a bachelor's. And 40% of WSU's P1s have bachelor's. Both schools will want to see that you have a high PCAT score of at least 75th%tile as well as a competitive GPA.

WSU is all about the GPA and PCAT. U of M looks at the whole applicant. U of M wants to see that you have patient care experience and extracurriculars.

4 years really isnt for me - regarding my BS.

I was hoping that I can just do 2 years of Pre-Pharm Classes and getting a high GPA for those classes at my Community College, I even work at CVS as a tech know, so I hope that shows that I would really like to become a Pharmacist, and then soon seek some Clinical Experience.

Since I say that Ferris offered a Pre-Pharm Program for 2 years, I thought perhaps I could just do that, and then get into a Pharamacy School somewhere; preferbaly within Michigan.

I have looked at some practive PCATS, and I feel they are rather easy. The math and Science was not really that hard, however; I should brush up on my Bio. My Local Pharmcist said that test was like an "IQ Test" and she went to Wayne.

I have taken

AP Chem + [I have some Organic Chem Books and Course Work I do at home]
AP Phsyics
AP Calc
1 Bio Class.

And I feel that was pretty easy, a few hard questions here and there, I am now an A Student after some recent refinments, so I do feel I could score 90+. So I am really trying hard to do well on the PCAT so help me without a BS and just the Pre-Pharm. So I can take on large course loads.

 

[PharmPrincess]

U of M over the years (2003 to now) have added additional classes to their entrance requirement, so yes, as one poster said, it is easy to get in after two years, but with the added classes, its like you're so close to obtaining a bachelors anyways cuz its over 60 credits. And that just happened in the last 5 years.

WSU recently added a class that is part of the requirement for entrance this year, so who knows if they will end up adding more over the years.

So before one is considering applying, make sure you have all the required classes planned out or already taken so that you're prepared and not surprised at the last minute.

Just as a caution, in addition to adding more courses, you may find out that the university is changing the 2 year pre-req to a B.S. for entrance, so by the time you finish your required classes you may need a degree. There are some universities that already are doing that, so make sure you look up the school before applying or in planning your school courses.

 

[cschellh]

4 years really isnt for me - regarding my BS.

I was hoping that I can just do 2 years of Pre-Pharm Classes and getting a high GPA for those classes at my Community College, I even work at CVS as a tech know, so I hope that shows that I would really like to become a Pharmacist, and then soon seek some Clinical Experience.

Since I say that Ferris offered a Pre-Pharm Program for 2 years, I thought perhaps I could just do that, and then get into a Pharamacy School somewhere; preferbaly within Michigan.

I have looked at some practive PCATS, and I feel they are rather easy. The math and Science was not really that hard, however; I should brush up on my Bio. My Local Pharmcist said that test was like an "IQ Test" and she went to Wayne.

I have taken

AP Chem + [I have some Organic Chem Books and Course Work I do at home]
AP Phsyics
AP Calc
1 Bio Class.

And I feel that was pretty easy, a few hard questions here and there, I am now an A Student after some recent refinments, so I do feel I could score 90+. So I am really trying hard to do well on the PCAT so help me without a BS and just the Pre-Pharm. So I can take on large course loads.

I know a bit about those schools, I'm from MI and will be applying to Ferris + Wayne. If you don't have a bachelors, there is essentially no point in applying to U of M. Something like 2 % w/o it get into the program, and I got that info from a packet they sent me. As for Ferris- a lot of people who get into there go to CC's. But you are expected to have a high gpa/pcat i believe. seems like 3.6+ 75-80+ (ROUGHLY, don't quote me). As for Wayne, I sent them an email and they said that I should be "fine" (whatever that means) in applying/probably getting in if I have a 3.75 gpa (associates in general science), and a 70+ pcat.

Hope that helps!

 

[Carboxide]

Ferris and Wayne State are more retail-oriented and U of M is going to be more research-oriented as well. To graduate from U of M's pharm.d program, you must complete a research project. I BELIEVE U of M also requires 3 years of pre-reqs.

 

[SuziLovesSydney]

I know a bit about those schools, I'm from MI and will be applying to Ferris + Wayne. If you don't have a bachelors, there is essentially no point in applying to U of M. Something like 2 % w/o it get into the program, and I got that info from a packet they sent me. As for Ferris- a lot of people who get into there go to CC's. But you are expected to have a high gpa/pcat i believe. seems like 3.6+ 75-80+ (ROUGHLY, don't quote me). As for Wayne, I sent them an email and they said that I should be "fine" (whatever that means) in applying/probably getting in if I have a 3.75 gpa (associates in general science), and a 70+ pcat.

Hope that helps!

i'm a pharm student at UM and yeahhh not sure where you got that info, but it's wrong. 30% of my class, including myself, do not have a degree, def NOT 2%. info straight from my class orientation packet.

 

[SuziLovesSydney]

Ferris and Wayne State are more retail-oriented and U of M is going to be more research-oriented as well. To graduate from U of M's pharm.d program, you must complete a research project. I BELIEVE U of M also requires 3 years of pre-reqs.

UM is very research oriented, but they are doing a lot to be more evened out with clinical and community. basically, becoming more well-rounded than the other 2 schools. UM does not require 3 years, it is just very hard to finish all your pre-reqs in less than 3 years, and to do it well. it is doable though, there are a couple in my class that only did 2 years.

also you do have to complete a research project at UM. this is very unique to our program which definitely sets UM grads apart from everyone else in a very, very good way.

 

[spartan10]

lol that person DEFINITELY heard that BS from Dean Perry because she told me the same crap!

UM is very research oriented, but they are doing a lot to be more evened out with clinical and community. basically, becoming more well-rounded than the other 2 schools. UM does not require 3 years, it is just very hard to finish all your pre-reqs in less than 3 years, and to do it well. it is doable though, there are a couple in my class that only did 2 years.

also you do have to complete a research project at UM. this is very unique to our program which definitely sets UM grads apart from everyone else in a very, very good way.

 

[AKN16]

lol that person DEFINITELY heard that BS from Dean Perry because she told me the same crap!

Dean Perry, oh man what an idiot! UofM's pharm school is pretty sad to be honest. It's high ranking is mainly due to the fact that it's a research institution and not one that specializes in creating a pharmacist(one who works in retail, etc). I've seen a lot of pharm schools and their buildings and Michigan's is by far the saddest looking.

To the original poster, choose the pharm school based on what you want. If you want the research experience go to UofM. If you want to be a pharmacist go to Wayne, Ferris, or somewhere else.

 

[evilolive]

Dean Perry, oh man what an idiot! UofM's pharm school is pretty sad to be honest. It's high ranking is mainly due to the fact that it's a research institution and not one that specializes in creating a pharmacist(one who works in retail, etc). I've seen a lot of pharm schools and their buildings and Michigan's is by far the saddest looking.

To the original poster, choose the pharm school based on what you want. If you want the research experience go to UofM. If you want to be a pharmacist go to Wayne, Ferris, or somewhere else.

Eh, speak for yourself. The education we get here is pretty sharp in creating pharmacists - I'm sorry we're not the retail mill you were looking for. That little insult aside, about a third of our class ends up going into community practice.

 

[konkan]

Ferris and Wayne State are more retail-oriented and U of M is going to be more research-oriented as well. To graduate from U of M's pharm.d program, you must complete a research project. I BELIEVE U of M also requires 3 years of pre-reqs.

Wrong. Ferris is retail oriented, WSU puts more emphasis on hospital practice, and UM is all research, pharm. industry and stuff.

 

[evilolive]

Wrong. Ferris is retail oriented, WSU puts more emphasis on hospital practice, and UM is all research, pharm. industry and stuff.

Well, I'd actually put our strongest emphasis on clinical practice. Research is there if you want it, but surprisingly not many people take that option.

 

[AKN16]

Wrong. Ferris is retail oriented, WSU puts more emphasis on hospital practice, and UM is all research, pharm. industry and stuff.

True dat!

 

[ffpickle]

i'm a pharm student at UM and yeahhh not sure where you got that info, but it's wrong. 30% of my class, including myself, do not have a degree, def NOT 2%. info straight from my class orientation packet.

Could both of these things be true?

If there are 75 students, of which 30% have no degree, then there are 22.5 students without a degree in the class.

If there were 1125 non-degree applicants and only 22.5 end up matriculating, then this is 2% of that applicant pool which is consistent with what the other person said above.

 

[nehaj]

Hey everyone. I am a pre-pharmacy student in Michigan. I just sent in my primaries PharmCAS application to all the Michigan pharm schools, but I am a little concerned about U of M. I got an e-mail from the dean and she said that she is concerned about me taking the PCAT without having a genetics class or anatomy. I don't think my anatomy or genetics is that bad. I have been studying quite a bit of biology. And she says I don't have as much patient oriented experience. I didn't think I was lacking so much which makes me quite apprehensive. Any suggestions? I am also applying to wayne and ferris? I saw someone's post about wayne looking more at GPA and PCAT score. I have a high GPA, and will be takign my PCAT in august.

 

[20YearsOfSnow]

I took the PCAT before taking genetics or anatomy and I got a 99 composite (with a 97 I think in bio?). It all depends on what you already know.

 

[deleted329060]

Hey everyone. I am a pre-pharmacy student in Michigan. I just sent in my primaries PharmCAS application to all the Michigan pharm schools, but I am a little concerned about U of M. I got an e-mail from the dean and she said that she is concerned about me taking the PCAT without having a genetics class or anatomy.

wow, an email from the dean that's not a mass email? that's pretty impressive for a dean to be THIS involved

 

[KayGee87]

wow, an email from the dean that's not a mass email? that's pretty impressive for a dean to be THIS involved

She's actually the Assistant Dean/Chair of Admissions Committee. But still, it's impressive how much time and effort she puts forth toward giving feedback to EVERY applicant. I seriously don't know how she does it, especially since it seems like she runs a one-person show.

 

[GreyFox2002]

Ferris and Wayne State are more retail-oriented and U of M is going to be more research-oriented as well. To graduate from U of M's pharm.d program, you must complete a research project. I BELIEVE U of M also requires 3 years of pre-reqs.

Completely false about Wayne State. As a matter of fact, retail is pretty much trashed through out the curriculum, and clinical/hospital practice is heavily emphasized. Don't know much about Ferris State.

I don't get the big deal about U of M's research project. Wayne State's pharmacy program has huge health system affiliations with several hundred pharmacy specialists eager to take on a student interested in a project. Most students wind up doing at least one......

 

[Agathil99]

Hello i was wondering if MSU offers a pre-pharmacy program?

 

[Umichpharmacyguy]

With regard to the Ferris vs Michigan vs Wayne question, I can only answer in regard to Michigan.

 

[GottaGetThatMD]

With regard to the Ferris vs Michigan vs Wayne question, I can only answer in regard to Michigan. If you are a student considering these 3 institutions, I would highly advise against attending Michigan. I am a current Michigan student studying pharmacy, and coming to Michigan was the biggest mistake that I have ever made. This school is all about the name. At the end of the day, and after speaking with many students from Wayne and Ferris, I feel at a huge disadvantage with the education I've received. While we spend hours and hours learning the molecular structure of drugs, other institutions learn the therapeutic uses of these drugs and how to utilize these in practice; ask any pharmacist and they will tell you that you will never use the knowledge of molecular structure in practice. The administration at U of M doesn't care about any of the students, only with preserving their image, so if your class ever comes to the administration with a genuine concern, they will say that they are looking into it, yet will never respond.

The U of M will advertise highly that they have the best scholarships in the entire country. This is true. However, what they failed to mention to us, is that they were going to add on a spring and summer term to our 4th year of eduction, and therefore charge Michigan students an extra $12,000 and out of state students an extra $20,000. This was new this year, and they never mentioned this to us, so technically the "best scholarship program in the country" actually cost everyone a few thousand when all was said and done. That's right, despite all of their scholarships, I actually lost money attending this school because they suddenly decided to add a full tuition of charges to every student. The funny thing is, the administration says that they told all the students that this increased tuition was happening when we were at our orientation, yet you will not find a single student who remembers this. They say that we are just forgetful... you will find this BS any time that you try to talk to the administration about anything, they just don't care.

If you have any interest whatsoever in community pharmacy, don't even consider this college. The U of M completely looks down on community pharmacists, although they are the most visible pharmacists to the general public, and those who are most likely to make a difference in the utilization of medicinal therapy. You will hear for the next 4 years how this college is training you to be more than "just community pharmacists," but the funny thing is that you will be less prepared for a job in the real world than your Ferris and Wayne State counterparts in just about any discipline.

If you doubt what I am saying, just take a look at the U of M pharmacy building. Take a stroll through. We do not even have enough space in our building and have to walk across campus for many of our P2 and P3 classes, which we have in Couzens Hall, a dormitory. Additionally, although there have been complaints about the poor internet connection in many of the main classrooms of the pharmacy building, there have been no improvement whatsoever over the past several years. I get better web connectivity in restaurants around campus than I do at the college of pharmacy, even though we are required to use the internet for much class work.

I will say, that there are some great professors at the U of M. That is this college's 1 saving grace... a handful of exceptional teachers. The vast majority of the professors, however, are adjunct faculty, and they are clinical pharmacists at the hospital and teach on the side. You can tell that many of them don't really care about teaching, they just do it because they're required to. You will hear countless professors try to teach us something, yet are disgusted when they find out that we don't know something that they feel should be common knowledge that other professors should have taught us. This is because they are all adjunct and have no knowledge whatsoever of the curriculum or what we have learned. They also have no teaching background and frankly are awful at it. I feel that this is the best way to describe my education... a bunch of professors telling me what I should have learned, but have not.

The U of M College of Pharmacy is a failing institution. Administration is complete garbage and nobody cares about students. We have been falling in rank over the past several years and I promise you that this will continue. Additionally, student donations to the college are falling and were at an all time low this year, which I also promise you will continue... students are just not satisfied with their education. Don't take my word for it, contact any third or fourth year student before you consider attending this program. They will tell you that everything I've said is the truth. Don't make the same mistake I did, go to Ferris or Wayne State.

I think he said Michigan STATE, not Michigan.

But your thorough response was very nice and genuine and it can probably apply somewhat to Michigan State. Go Blue!