High School Student going directly into pharmacy school

[FuturePharm21]

Hi, I'm new here. I'm a high school senior who would like to become a pharmacist. I have been applying to pharmacy programs 0-6, 2+4, a high school senior who could directly enter from high school to pharmacy school without taking the PCAT. I already did get accepted to St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Albany College of Pharmacy, 0-6 program. I think I'm planning on attending St. Louis COP, but I'm not really sure because I'm waiting for other admission decisions from Butler, Drake, and etc. I was just wondering how are these 6 year programs in your opinion? What pharmacy school would you recommend out of the ones mentioned? What do you think of St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Albany College of Pharmacy? Good or bad pharmacy schools? Any help/comments will be appreciated. Thank you.

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[Strutter]

From what I know it takes ATLEAST 6 years to get a degree in pharmacy.

One route that I know a lot of us on here are taking is:

2 - (?) years of majoring in something (Eg. Majoring in Biology is MOST helpful from what I've read)
PCAT
4 years of Pharmacy School

That's SIX years total. NOT 5. NOT 4. Why not 5? It takes ATLEAST 2 years to prepare for the PCATs, and you don't want to finish half the courses you need to study for the PCATs, do you? 😉

Of course not! That's why you need a MINIMUM of 2.

I'm in gr. 11 right now. I'm glad to see a fellow high schooler on this forum, too. 🙂

GL

S

 

[hmmmmm]

From what I know it takes ATLEAST 6 years to get a degree in pharmacy.

One route that I know a lot of us on here are taking is:

2 - (?) years of majoring in something (Eg. Majoring in Biology is MOST helpful from what I've read)
PCAT
4 years of Pharmacy School

That's SIX years total. NOT 5. NOT 4. Why not 5? It takes ATLEAST 2 years to prepare for the PCATs, and you don't want to finish half the courses you need to study for the PCATs, do you? 😉

Of course not! That's why you need a MINIMUM of 2.

I'm in gr. 11 right now. I'm glad to see a fellow high schooler on this forum, too. 🙂

GL

S

uh you're wrong

it takes only 1 yr of uni to complete most pre req. 2 if you plan on taking some ochem which might help you on the pcat, but if you're smart only 1 yr needed.

furthermore, there are schools that offer 3 yr pharm education

if you're smart, you can be a pharm in 4 yrs.

 

[PharmDY]

uh you're wrong

it takes only 1 yr of uni to complete most pre req. 2 if you plan on taking some ochem which might help you on the pcat, but if you're smart only 1 yr needed.

furthermore, there are schools that offer 3 yr pharm education

if you're smart, you can be a pharm in 4 yrs.

I believe the fastest is 5 years, not 4, unless u know firsthand of someone who finished all of their prereqs in 1 yr, which is not possible. i believe all pharm schools require u to take ochem before going into the pharmd program, regardless if u are straight from high school or plan on attending community college for ur prereqs. there's no way someone can finish ochem within the first yr because gen chem is the prereq for ochem and that takes one year to finish. you're right--some schools offer 3 yrs. UOP is one of them and they have a 0-5 program. It's a 2+3 only if you have a high SAT score.

oh, and u dont need to be majoring in anything. just finish prereqs for pharm schools --u can be undecided for all they care.

good luck!

 

[Strutter]

I believe the fastest is 5 years, not 4, unless u know firsthand of someone who finished all of their prereqs in 1 yr, which is not possible. i believe all pharm schools require u to take ochem before going into the pharmd program, regardless if u are straight from high school or plan on attending community college for ur prereqs. there's no way someone can finish ochem within the first yr because gen chem is the prereq for ochem and that takes one year to finish. you're right--some schools offer 3 yrs. UOP is one of them and they have a 0-5 program. It's a 2+3 only if you have a high SAT score.

oh, and u dont need to be majoring in anything. just finish prereqs for pharm schools --u can be undecided for all they care.

good luck!

Well put. It does take 2 years if you want to do ochem. And I think it's worth the second year to put in it because the ochem portion does weigh a bit in the PCAT. And every single mark counts.

 

[veyep]

uh you're wrong

it takes only 1 yr of uni to complete most pre req. 2 if you plan on taking some ochem which might help you on the pcat, but if you're smart only 1 yr needed.

furthermore, there are schools that offer 3 yr pharm education

if you're smart, you can be a pharm in 4 yrs.

Do you minde telling me how your are going to finish
G-chem I
G-chem II
O-chem I
O-chem II
Biology I
Biology II
Physiology
Anatomy
Physics 6
Physics 7
2 English classes
Volunteering
Many require BA or BS

and if you don't have all of these you have almost no chance because people with BA, BS or even their masters are competing with you and they will take them.

and many more in one year? it is impossible. even if it was possible not everything works out all the time. you might be smart but you can't take 4 tough classes in one semester and sometimes no matter how smart you are you just don't get certain things. And you have to at least have 2 years worth of units. It is way more complicated than what you are saying.

 

[Bugieman]

I believe the fastest is 5 years, not 4, unless u know firsthand of someone who finished all of their prereqs in 1 yr, which is not possible. i believe all pharm schools require u to take ochem before going into the pharmd program, regardless if u are straight from high school or plan on attending community college for ur prereqs. there's no way someone can finish ochem within the first yr because gen chem is the prereq for ochem and that takes one year to finish. you're right--some schools offer 3 yrs. UOP is one of them and they have a 0-5 program. It's a 2+3 only if you have a high SAT score.

oh, and u dont need to be majoring in anything. just finish prereqs for pharm schools --u can be undecided for all they care.

good luck!

I know people who have finished the pre-reqs in 1 year. Do well on the bio and chem AP tests takes out your whole first year of gen chem and bio. Then just take ochem and microbio your first year and you're done with the pre-reqs. Then you could enroll in a 3 year program and finish up in 4 years.

 

[babetrang]

I know people who have finished the pre-reqs in 1 year. Do well on the bio and chem AP tests takes out your whole first year of gen chem and bio. Then just take ochem and microbio your first year and you're done with the pre-reqs. Then you could enroll in a 3 year program and finish up in 4 years.

Depends on where you apply to. There are pharmacy schools that do not accept AP credits. LECOM is one of them.

 

[FuturePharm21]

I think you misunderstood me. I know how long it takes after high school to become a pharmacist. In fact, I have been accepted to STLCOP and Albany for the 6 year program. I was just wondering how are these 6 year programs in your opinion? What pharmacy school would you recommend out of the ones mentioned in my first post? What do you think of St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Albany College of Pharmacy? Good or bad pharmacy schools?

 

[jessica525]

I think you misunderstood me. I know how long it takes after high school to become a pharmacist. In fact, I have been accepted to STLCOP and Albany for the 6 year program. I was just wondering how are these 6 year programs in your opinion? What pharmacy school would you recommend out of the ones mentioned in my first post? What do you think of St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Albany College of Pharmacy? Good or bad pharmacy schools?

lol yeah i was wondering where this was going....

 

[FuturePharm21]

ea

lol yeah i was wondering where this was going....

Yeah same here. So any help anybody? 🙁

 

[upstate ny 308]

Hi,

I'm a senior at a small high school in upstate NY. I did early decision to Albany Pharmacy and found out around thanksgiving I got in. I will tell you, as someone who as grown up in the area, Albany Pharm has an OUTSTANDING program. They're reputation just about says it all. Plus, if you can get into the 0-6 your in even better hands because most pharmacy schools are very strict on letting in transfers. Look into Albany a little better, they have full career placement so you are guaranteed a job by the end of your 5th year. If you stick with it they will get you through. I also applied to Massachusetts college of Pharm, and i visited them over the summer, but they don't seem to care about the students a lot. If you call the admissions ofic eor e-mail someone it takes them like a month to get back to you. little things like that... but def. look into Albany some more, and you don't have to take a PCAT which is a plus!

 

[buddybud164]

FuturePharm21:

Hi, I am also a high school senior that has applied to STLCOP and I was just wondering how you got an admission decision so fast? Their deadline for Early Decision is December 15th and to my knowledge, they don't make decisions on a rolling basis. So...how did you get accepted so fast?

Also, I don't doubt that Albany College of Pharmacy is a great school, but I have searched the Top Pharmacy Schools List and I found one by the US News and World Reports that states that the STLCOP is around 28th in the Country. As far as 0-6 goes, I think that STLCOP is one of the best. But of course, if you decide to go to Albany, by all means go ahead (eliminate some of the competition at STLCOP lol).

 

[akaykay]

uh you're wrong

it takes only 1 yr of uni to complete most pre req. 2 if you plan on taking some ochem which might help you on the pcat, but if you're smart only 1 yr needed.

furthermore, there are schools that offer 3 yr pharm education

if you're smart, you can be a pharm in 4 yrs.

If I were an adcom, I definitely would not accept a student who only completed 1 year of prereqs. Sure it's not impossible to do it, but what does that really say about the applicant.....they're rushing. And I'm pretty sure they'll rush through pharmacy school, not really absorbing the material but just regurgitating it. Besides, life isn't always that easy. Unexpected circumstances happen and we may need to take some time off or slow down. Not to forget those extracurricular courses that I think are important for students to take like another language. So my advice is to not rush the process because once you finish school its all work work work and you may regret the times you could have had to experience college life and youth in general

 

[Pharm88]

Hey FuturePharm21,

I am currently a 1st year at StLCOP. It is really an awesome school. The professors here are very enthusiatic about teaching and actually want you to learn (which is different from what I've seen at other schools). Everyone is very helpful, even the upperclassmen (I was fairly surprised at this). Plus, the campus is great too! I can't speak for the Albany College of Pharmacy, because I never applied or visited there. But I can tell you that StLCOP is a great opportunity (not the ACOP would'nt be). From what've I have gathered talking to recent graduates and 5th years around campus, you are basically guaranteed a job right out of college. Hopefully that helps!

On a side note: As the semester winds down (actually its over for me😀!), it's surprising to see how fast it went by. This time last year I was freaking over getting excepted. I thought they had all but phased out 5 year programs... Hm.. interesting to know!

 

[THE MTL]

Hey, im also a high school senior.

Rutgers and Northeastern are the top of my list.

 

[AngelaCL]

I really wish I had decided to go the 0+6 route and started in pharmacy... I'd be almost done by now! Honestly, whereever you go you will get a good education and plenty of job offers, so pick the best atmosphere/your favorite town/your best financial aid and scholarship package.

 

[doublea0508]

I am also a high school senior and have applied to both 0-6 and 2+4.. I have also applied to a couple 3+3 with guarntee entry to Pharm School. I hope everything is going well with the application process!

 

[upstate ny 308]

Hey,

Albany Pharmacy's early decision deadline was Nov. 1st, i had sent everything in about a week before the deadline, and i got my acceptence letter right around thanksgiving. I would check out the pharmacy school your looking at. It really all depends on where you live and who'll give you the best financial aid package. If they have a 0-6 program too thats great. Nice to actually find other high school seniors on here!

 

[rcfuller]

I applied for regular decision at Albany College of Pharmacy so I won't know if I got accepted there until early 2008. I should be getting a letter from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in the next week or so.

What were your grades which got you into Albany? I'm just curious. I'm also a high school senior.

 

[doublea0508]

Wow Albany seems to be a top choice for many of you.. thats kool. My top school is Ohio Northern. I just interviewed there yesterday and hopefully I will get some good news at Christmas!

 

[FuturePharm21]

I'm surprised people actually responded to this post since nobody was answering my questions before.

upstate-Thanks for your response. I have to agree with you about Albany COP having an outstanding program and reputation. The guaranteed job is a huge plus, which I didn't know about until now. I'm still deciding on where to go because I applied to few other schools that offer 0-6 programs-MCPHS is one of them and I will be getting a response soon from these schools. I won't be too sad if I do get rejected by these pharmacy schools (I hope that's not the case though) that I'm waiting on since I have two great pharmacy schools that I could attend. You make a good point about visiting the pharmacy school. I may visit STLCOP in a couple of weeks since I live in Illinois and the drive is only 5 hours away from my house. I agree about the financial aid package and how close you live to the college you want to go to. I'm going to find out if I get any scholarships from Albany and STLCOP soon, so that's another factor before I make my decision.

buddybud-I was wondering the same thing before. I was shocked when I got an acceptance letter late in November since I thought I would have to wait until mid December and STLCOP doesn't do rolling admissions. I'm assuming I got a notification early because I applied early-beginning of September. Good luck!

Pharm88-Thanks for your help. Can you tell me how rigirous the curriculum is? Is it like AP Classes that you took in high school if you did take any? Is STLCOP what you imagined it to be? Do you have to maintain a certain GPA in STLCOP or how does that work?

THEMTL-Good luck! I applied to Northeastern as well.

rcfuller-I got mostly A's/B's, few C's, no D's/F. Good luck to you as well.

doublea0508-Good luck! I was planning on applying to Ohio Northern, but then decided not too and applied to STLCOP instead.

Good to see High School Seniors on here.

 

[upstate ny 308]

I applied to MCPHS early action too... i think they mail out decisions this friday, hopefully by early next week we'll find out. Good luck on your college search, let me know if u get into MCPHS too!

 

[Pharm or MD]

I was wondering if any of you have looked into going to school in Europe. I have many friends who have gone to some of the best European Schools and have told me that the programs are great. They have Med Schools and Pharmacy Schools. According to them there are so many benefits to going to schools in Europe especially now since most of the countries are part of the European Union. The schools have been in existence forever. They are approved by the US department of education with american standards and students are even able to obtain student loans through FAFSA (Stafford)from the US. So basically its just like going to school here in the United States with the benefit of paying a lot less for tuition. Tuition would be a lot cheaper in Europe compared to here.
I am seriously considering it now.....you also will get to travel all around Europe during breaks which I dont think i will ever get chance to do otherwise...I think it will be a great experience to learn other cultures as well....I think you all should think about it too 🙂.....

 

[buddybud164]

FuturePharm: I am not kidding, but you seriously applied to every pharm school I applied to! Lol, except for Albany, but I was planning to apply there too. What a coincidence.

I've also visited STLCOP, and I have to say, even though they are an AWESOME pharmacy school, their campus is really really tiny. It is basically 3 buildings and a patch of grass in the middle, I am not kidding! After your visit you will be like "Woah, that dude on the internet was right!" lol

Also, I was wondering how much you knew about the reputation of MCPHS because I applied there but I'm not sure if they're better than STLCOP or not. I think i've heard some bad stuff about them too.

 

[koercive]

I got into the 6 yr program at uop and decided against it. instead, i'm at my 4th year at uci , and i'm glad i didn't take the 6 yr program. why? I had a lot of fun (got involved on campus positions, a good amount of partying, joining a frat) with less coursework and better grades than I would have received going to UOP. Imo, shaving off one or 2 years isn't worth it.. just my 2c

 

[hmmmmm]

I believe the fastest is 5 years, not 4, unless u know firsthand of someone who finished all of their prereqs in 1 yr, which is not possible. i believe all pharm schools require u to take ochem before going into the pharmd program, regardless if u are straight from high school or plan on attending community college for ur prereqs. there's no way someone can finish ochem within the first yr because gen chem is the prereq for ochem and that takes one year to finish. you're right--some schools offer 3 yrs. UOP is one of them and they have a 0-5 program. It's a 2+3 only if you have a high SAT score.

oh, and u dont need to be majoring in anything. just finish prereqs for pharm schools --u can be undecided for all they care.

good luck!

Do you minde telling me how your are going to finish
G-chem I
G-chem II
O-chem I
O-chem II
Biology I
Biology II
Physiology
Anatomy
Physics 6
Physics 7
2 English classes
Volunteering
Many require BA or BS

and if you don't have all of these you have almost no chance because people with BA, BS or even their masters are competing with you and they will take them.

and many more in one year? it is impossible. even if it was possible not everything works out all the time. you might be smart but you can't take 4 tough classes in one semester and sometimes no matter how smart you are you just don't get certain things. And you have to at least have 2 years worth of units. It is way more complicated than what you are saying.

If I were an adcom, I definitely would not accept a student who only completed 1 year of prereqs. Sure it's not impossible to do it, but what does that really say about the applicant.....they're rushing. And I'm pretty sure they'll rush through pharmacy school, not really absorbing the material but just regurgitating it. Besides, life isn't always that easy. Unexpected circumstances happen and we may need to take some time off or slow down. Not to forget those extracurricular courses that I think are important for students to take like another language. So my advice is to not rush the process because once you finish school its all work work work and you may regret the times you could have had to experience college life and youth in general

you can in canada

 

[rcfuller]

rcfuller-I got mostly A's/B's, few C's, no D's/F. Good luck to you as well.

I'm in pretty must the same boat as you. I had all A's, some B+'s, and one C+ from a calculus class I took at the University of Buffalo when I was a junior. I plan on retaking the calc class because I didn't have my priorities right at the time and messed up pretty badly. I have a 94% overall average throughout high school and a 3.0 college gpa because the calc class brought down the couple other courses I took.

 

[fungikid]

you can in canada

You better apply soon, because schools here are thinking of adding more courses to the prerequisites (i.e. stats, a second-year course here).

 

[ButlerPharm.D.]

If you have have questions regarding Butler feel free to send me a message.

 

[Pharm88]

Pharm88-Thanks for your help. Can you tell me how rigirous the curriculum is? Is it like AP Classes that you took in high school if you did take any? Is STLCOP what you imagined it to be? Do you have to maintain a certain GPA in STLCOP or how does that work?

Sorry it took so long to respond! Anyways, the semester has so far been easy. Of course, as of right now, all of my classes have been review. But next semester should prove slightly more difficult. As far as the curriculum, you can look at it on the school's website, but to sum it up: its a pharmacy school, they won't give you a degree on a silver platter. 😛 I know in the second year you have to take Organic Chemistry, which I have heard is extremely difficult. STLCOP was the only school I applied to (I know stupid of me) but it fits me well. I really like the small size of the school. Maybe if the campus was a bit bigger... but all around it's what I imagined to be. Yes you need to maintain a certain GPA. I think it is a 2.1 the first two years then it bumps up to 2.3, but don't quote me on that. You also need to keep a 3.0 to keep your scholarships. There is also a few letter grade requirements. I think you can only have 1 D the first semester and thats it. After that you must stay above a C-, anything lower and you will need to retake the course.

buddybud164: To clarify, I believe we have 6 buildings total! Yes, a whole 6 buildings! It is a small campus, but it is almost a community in itself. You know most people you see, which I liked because I think its better to actually know the people you see around you instead of somewhere that you see upwards of 5,000 people a day and have no idea who they are! The quad in the middle of the campus is awesome. You guys have no idea how much goes on (at least it seems like it). Every Wednesday we have an ultimate frisbee match on the quad, which is my favorite.

I can't speak about anyother of the schools that you applied to. I kind of wished I would have looked at more schools just to see what else is out there, but I am definitely happy with my choice! Hope that helps.

p.s. - Merry Christmas!

 

[THE MTL]

I got into the 6 yr program at uop and decided against it. instead, i'm at my 4th year at uci , and i'm glad i didn't take the 6 yr program. why? I had a lot of fun (got involved on campus positions, a good amount of partying, joining a frat) with less coursework and better grades than I would have received going to UOP. Imo, shaving off one or 2 years isn't worth it.. just my 2c

I believe you can still have alot of fun in a 6 year program. The first two years are similar to what you been doing. So it should be plenty of time for partying. Also most ppl who go into Pharmacy are smart and the pre-professional phase is relatively easy compared to the other phase.

Also, two extra years in school adds up to about 70,000 in tution and 200,000 in two years of salary. Leaving you at a net of -270,000. Alot of money. IMO.

 

[pharming0-6]

Wow Albany seems to be a top choice for many of you.. thats kool. My top school is Ohio Northern. I just interviewed there yesterday and hopefully I will get some good news at Christmas!

Ohio Northern is a GREAT place to go to school-beautiful campus and good professors

 

[asiandude77]

I just found out this morning!

Go Gators!

 

[asiandude77]

So if you are asian and reside in Florida, apply!!!

Apply early!!! there will be another round of interviews next month!!!

Asians = Chinese Japanese Koreans Vietnamese

 

[doublea0508]

O yes I forgot to mention the I have been accepted into Ohio Northern's 6 year program on chirstmas eve... it made my christmas!😎

 

[Snake Doctor]

If you don't come from a family with a background in pharmacy, make sure you shadow some pharmacists before you make a decision. Don't be tempted by the money, but see it for yourself because you'll be doing this for the next 30 years or so of your life. Keep in mind that there's like 30 different fields of pharmacy (or whatever that number is according to Pfizer), so there's a lot of flexibility within the field. Personally, I got into UOP's pre-pharm program from H.S. but decided not to do it because I realized that I might not enjoy it. Looking back, that wasn't the smartest move (even though I chose to attend a world class institution) if I ever decide to reconsider the field. For example, the average gpa for science majors at my institution is under 3.0 and that is definitely not competitive. I suggest you do all you can to get in via HS if this is truly what you want. Getting in from HS is ALOT easier and less stressful than going the traditional route where you stress over your grades and ECs with quite a bit of uncertainty. If you are shadowing some pharmacists, send that as an update to the admission office to know you are serious about the profession. Good luck!!

P.S. UOP has a 5 year 2+3 program for the pharmD degree

 

[Snake Doctor]

I got into the 6 yr program at uop and decided against it. instead, i'm at my 4th year at uci , and i'm glad i didn't take the 6 yr program. why? I had a lot of fun (got involved on campus positions, a good amount of partying, joining a frat) with less coursework and better grades than I would have received going to UOP. Imo, shaving off one or 2 years isn't worth it.. just my 2c

Good point! But keep in mind that success in H.S. doesn't guarantee success (my definition of success in this instance would be admission to pharm school) in College (for the OP). Also, it depends on which institution these seniors decides to attend in order to translate into your success. I mean, bypassing a spot in the school of pharmacy to attend a top insitution like Cal/UCB is extremely foolish due to grade deflation. Hope all these seniors realize what the stakes are when they make their decisions. I'm glad you're having fun AND getting the good grades at UCI 🙂