Looking for some input

[hcats]

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Hey all, I've been kind of lurking these forums for a while now and have always found the info that has been posted here helpful. I was wondering if I could get some opinions from your guys on a decision I have to make in the next week or so. I've been fortunate enough to be accepted at several programs that are all appealing to me in several ways but I am having difficulty settling on one in particular. I figure maybe if I listed what I liked/disliked about the programs and heard some other points of view it might help with the process. So here goes:

UCSF
Pros:
Very good reputation
Well established
Nice campus with accessible amenities
High placement rate into residencies
Cons:
Extremely expensive to live in the city
I'm not really a "big city" person
Larger class size (though not really that big)

UCSD
Pros:
High residency placement rate
Fast growing reputation
Could live with my parents
Small class size
Cons:
Relatively young program
Expensive (if I didn't live with my parents)

Oregon State University
Pros:
Seems more helpful to students (i.e. helps find internship programs, jobs, etc.)
Beautiful campus and surrounding city
Cheap city to live in
Established in the area
Smaller class size
Offers PharmD/MBA
Cons:
Residency placement rates are significantly lower than the other 2 (though I don't know if this is a reflection of the student's ideals or the school's, I assume the former)
Further away from family

Those are the main issues I'm juggling in my head at the moment, if more pop into my head I'll update the lists. I'd be paying instate tuition for the CA schools which is comparable to the OR out of state so that's basically a wash. Another problem I'm having is that I'm torn about where I'd like to live eventually. I've always had a soft spot for Oregon but since I've been away from my family in San Diego for over 5 years now I do feel an urge to return to my roots. Anyhow, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks =)

 

[Kwiz]

If you're good, you'll get a residency coming from any of those schools. UCSF has higher board pass rate though doesn't it? That's really not something you'll have to worry about though at any of those schools. Maybe try thinking about where are you most likely to succeed. For ex. Let's say hypothetically that three PGY1 residencies just opened up at your dream location and your dream work setting. Then let's say UCSF, UCSD, and Oregon grads hypothetically got exclusivity to those three. Knowing what you know about UCSF, will you be that one person to get it? How about at UCSD? Oregon?

Just something to consider that myself and a few of my friends found helpful

 

[AmbitiousRX]

Definitely UCSD vs UCSF.

 

[hcats]

Thanks for the replies guys, I really appreciate it.

 

[rollen57]

So what did you decide? just curious.

 

[hcats]

Haven't decided yet...hoping to arrive at one this Friday, would like to hear some more opinions from others if anyone feels like offering their two cents. =)

 

[xtsukiyox]

Just in case this plays a role at all... I don't think there's not much to go out and do in Corvallis, Eugene, or Salem, especially compared to your other two choices. Portland is feasible for a day trip, but not necessarily if you want something to do on a weeknight. I think it would be a lot easier to live in the other two cities if you have a car, but I don't know much about the area around OSU specifically (or how accessible public transit is).

 

[rollen57]

Here are my 2 cents. Good luck:

From what I know about UCSD and UCSF, they are both very good schools with very high rankings. I would not worry too much about UCSD having a relatively new program because it has long been known to be a good science/medical campus and they have a good ranking (which improved again in 2012). I think your main issues should be if you want to live at home or not. A couple things you should consider is your financial situation and if you family (or significant other) needs you to help them out by being close by. If it seems like you need to stay home, then UCSD is your choice. However, if you want to move out, it seems from your comments you would rather go to Oregon. UCSF can be great and all but if you are miserable or unhappy there that will affect your concentration, enthusiasm, stress, and grades overall.

Another thing I would consider (which is not a huge deal but can be helpful) is where you would want to establish your career in the long run. If you plan on living in San Diego eventually, then if you go to UCSD you will make more connection in the community there (via professors, internships, etc...). Same thing in regards to Oregon and UCSF.

Lastly, if you know for sure you want to get an MBA too, then Oregon is the best bet in my opinion because UCSF and UCSD do no offer PharmD/MBA. However, if you are unsure, then I would just disregard this issue because it will make your decision alot harder. I personally think if you have not decided on an MBA yet, you probably will not go after one because it will be alot more confusing to set it up while your in the middle of your PharmD program.

I personally had a choice between UCSF and USC but will choose USC because I live in Los Angeles and I rather stay home. I already lived away from home during my undergraduate years and I do not want to worry about rent, possibly disruptive roommates, food, money, etc... If I had moved out to UCSF then I would probably had to find a job/internship during school and I hear it is hard to find a pharmacy job in UCSF because it is highly saturated.

There are my opinions and Congrats on the schools you got into!

 

[hcats]

Thanks for the very thoughtful reply rollen57, very helpful. =)

 

[ShindyK2]

Oregon State University
Cons:
Further away from family

You're such a dork that you just called that a con.

 

[xtsukiyox]

Lastly, if you know for sure you want to get an MBA too, then Oregon is the best bet in my opinion because UCSF and UCSD do no offer PharmD/MBA. However, if you are unsure, then I would just disregard this issue because it will make your decision alot harder. I personally think if you have not decided on an MBA yet, you probably will not go after one because it will be alot more confusing to set it up while your in the middle of your PharmD program.

If you're not decided on an MBA program, keep in mind that there are plenty of MBA programs you can pursue once you have your PharmD as well. Being in the banking field, I know lots of people who worked 8-5 & took an evening MBA program. It's definitely doable.

You're such a dork that you just called that a con.

Not all of us are 18 & hate our parents.

 

[hcats]

Just wanted to thank you all once more, I have decided to attend UCSD this fall! 😀