My experience has been disheartening and a struggle. I am in the group of students (there are more than at least 60 out of the 300) who are struggling to keep that marvelous 10k scholarship even with the low GPA requirement (2.2 to stay out of academic probation and 2.5 to keep scholarship). Believe me, the low GPA should be a warning sign. Yes we are allowed to get D's but trust me you'll be fighting for that D. We have lost many students after the 1st semester, I believe around 50.
Our professors have mentioned the fact that the group who just took the naplex practically bombed the stats. So they are trying to become more "strict" with giving out points. We get curves but they aren't enough to cushion you in anyway. I was a cum laude, 2 honor society student working two jobs in undergrad while in a biology program. This school has changed my entire life in a negative way. However, I will stay and make it out in a timely fashion.
I'm sure the warning posts have scared everyone away but then you get sucked in with that beautiful scholarship and a quick view of the "city". That was me 😀. Worcester is not a fun area even though they say its a "college town" because there are 12 colleges. The food choices are below subprime - if that even exists. The fun activities/nightlife is non existent due to the residents who don't want change to come to their town. They have shut down all the fun things on Main St. and moved them to Water St. Even with that improvement, many call Worcester a ghost town because after 5pm - everyone leaves and goes to their own town.
I was accepted to multiple schools including the nearest 3 year program - University of Saint Joseph and I do regret not attending USJ. My stats were okay - i was a pharm tech and I worked another job as well. I was on eboard and active on campus during undergrad. My PCAT was mid range. I did research in undergrad.
A few suggestions:
1. look at the stats of the school (the stats that actually matter for getting a career once you graduate)
2. visit Worcester, drive around a bit, find places you like and write them down because the city won't change
3. Check out the housing options - most of us want to live in Foster but we can't get in because its in such high demand. 379 main is a good option but nothing out here is cheap. There are apartments for $500/room with 3 rooms that are about 10 minutes away but its up a very steep hill and during the winter it gets worse.
4. Understand that the work you put in will be at least 5 times more than you have expected.
LOOK AT OTHER OPTIONS FOR SCHOOLS. DO NOT APPLY TO THIS SCHOOL JUST BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T TAKE THE PCAT.
5. If you do decide to attend this school.... take a piece of advice and learn ALL of the top 200 drugs w/ generics and indications. (it will save you a ton of time and heart ache for one our your classes)
6. prepare yourself in the summer, or even now if you can, for the workload. Ask people if they know subjects and topics.
7. become friends with the upperclassmen because they will be your "mentors".
Side note about the "mentors": our school does not have a tutoring system like other schools where you can schedule an appointment online with various tutors and meet at a time in a tutoring center. We have mentors who are the upperclassmen (P2). Just like us, they will be studying/cramming and scrambling around to survive. Sometimes they do neglect us, as the previous classes have told us that they would help their underclassmen tremendously. We haven't received that special treatment I guess.
8. If you are of a certain ethnic or cultural background, you can certainly make friends and study groups a lot easier. We have a VERY diverse class which is great.
9. We have a new Dean and I was told the curriculum and other things are changing rapidly so your class may not be the same as ours.
10. Look at the curriculum now and look at the credit load - compare it to a normal undergrad credit load. Example: Our biochemistry is 2 credits but it feels like 4 credit work because it is and it is crammed into a 15 week semester.
11. THIS IS IMPORTANT - know that you will have at least 2 exams every week, most often back to back. Sometimes you will have 3 exams. You cannot neglect any material.
12. Once you are behind in the work, you are behind forever unless you a. pull a couple of all nighters b. forget acing that exam and focus on the new material being taught or c. you miraculously find another option like creating a 36 hour day or stopping time.
13. Not everyone is friendly and willing to give advice, once you get in, know who you are working and dealing with.
14. The organizations are obviously great for your resume but please choose wisely and know what you want to do before you start. If you don't know what type of pharmacist you would like to become - DO YOUR RESEARCH NOW (like now, like yesterday)
15. We take exams like robots, be prepared for the stress. If you have anxiety and/or etc - you should seek options of coping with your doctor before starting so you are prepared.
16. Flood my inbox with (reasonable) questions. No I cannot give you answers to the exams. No I don't have material for you. No I cannot tutor you because I honestly can't keep up myself. BUT I will be honest and I understand where everyone is right now because I was once there.
Hope this helps and sorry it was so long.