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- Mar 25, 2008
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Hello! I desperately need your help. I am going to be making a final decision in a couple of days, and was wondering if any of you had input to help me along. I have basically narrowed it down to Chicago and Baltimore. Please, if you have any words of wisdom, I could definitely use them. I have been procrastinating because I don't want to make a decision, but I feel that I must (it's freaking April). It's only fair to open up a spot at either school for some poor student in painful process of waiting. Both school are top 10 schools, and curriculum content is largely determined by the accreditation board, so I'm not too concerned about the quality of education or prestige, finding a job, things like that.
Here are my reasons --
UIC: I am from the suburbs of Chicago. I am completing my undergrad here in a month, and I absolutely love the city of Chicago. From the food to the nightlife, entertainment, theaters, museums, art, music culture and the PEOPLE, this is the city for me. I've done my fair share of traveling and I am proud to say that Chicago is my home and one of the greatest all-around cities in the world. I have a sister at UIC who will be a P4 next year, someone who could act as a mentor and guide. My best friend is also entering the class of '12, so if I chose to stay in Chicago, the living situation would not just be doable, but very enjoyable. I have many friends who are also currently in pharmacy school, so networking (which I've already started) would be quite easy. I have met many of the professors, one of them my honors fellow who I have been corresponding with for the past three years as an undergraduate. I am also quite comfortable with many of the deans, as I've had mandatory visits every semester as a part of an undergraduate program I was in. My parents are about 20 minutes away and I try to make it home once a month, or once every two months at least, to see them (they're amazing). I am so happy right now, with nearly every facet of my life, that I am ecstatic at the thought of sticking around. I would spend about $80,000 for four years (housing included).
UMB: Perhaps it's time for some change? I love mixing things up and adjusting to new situations. I went to Baltimore for the first time for my interview, and although I did see some sketchy neighborhoods, the location of the school itself was fine (I'm from Chicago -- there is definitely a ghetto here too -- just gotta know the boundaries). The faculty and staff were so great, and the volunteer student ambassadors were amiable. Being politically involved, I think it's great that D.C. is only a few hours away, and students regularly take trips down there to lobby. I am pursuing a dual Pharm.D./J.D. degree, and can't name a better place to attend school than Baltimore, as far as opportunity and networking go. The cost would be a bit more in Baltimore as well, in comparison to UIC's in-state tuition (I estimate ~$160,000+). I don't know anyone, besides the few people I met at the interview (first interview date -- and the two that I have kept in touch with have both declined the invite so that leaves me with no one). Housing would definitely be an issue. I'd have to fly up there a couple times this summer to iron things out, although I'm not too concerned about it. From what I've read on these boards, UMB goes above and beyond in terms of exploring various pharmacy practices (so that we choose the right field) and the faculty is really there for the students, wanting them to succeed, making sure they succeed, and acting as bubbling fountains of sagely advice for us to sip from... yum. Sounds amazing.
Anyway, I just don't want to stay for the wrong reasons... whatever those may be. I felt that I may have made a mistake choosing UIC over UMich for undergrad, as much as I love my current life. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Feel free to PM me!
Here are my reasons --
UIC: I am from the suburbs of Chicago. I am completing my undergrad here in a month, and I absolutely love the city of Chicago. From the food to the nightlife, entertainment, theaters, museums, art, music culture and the PEOPLE, this is the city for me. I've done my fair share of traveling and I am proud to say that Chicago is my home and one of the greatest all-around cities in the world. I have a sister at UIC who will be a P4 next year, someone who could act as a mentor and guide. My best friend is also entering the class of '12, so if I chose to stay in Chicago, the living situation would not just be doable, but very enjoyable. I have many friends who are also currently in pharmacy school, so networking (which I've already started) would be quite easy. I have met many of the professors, one of them my honors fellow who I have been corresponding with for the past three years as an undergraduate. I am also quite comfortable with many of the deans, as I've had mandatory visits every semester as a part of an undergraduate program I was in. My parents are about 20 minutes away and I try to make it home once a month, or once every two months at least, to see them (they're amazing). I am so happy right now, with nearly every facet of my life, that I am ecstatic at the thought of sticking around. I would spend about $80,000 for four years (housing included).
UMB: Perhaps it's time for some change? I love mixing things up and adjusting to new situations. I went to Baltimore for the first time for my interview, and although I did see some sketchy neighborhoods, the location of the school itself was fine (I'm from Chicago -- there is definitely a ghetto here too -- just gotta know the boundaries). The faculty and staff were so great, and the volunteer student ambassadors were amiable. Being politically involved, I think it's great that D.C. is only a few hours away, and students regularly take trips down there to lobby. I am pursuing a dual Pharm.D./J.D. degree, and can't name a better place to attend school than Baltimore, as far as opportunity and networking go. The cost would be a bit more in Baltimore as well, in comparison to UIC's in-state tuition (I estimate ~$160,000+). I don't know anyone, besides the few people I met at the interview (first interview date -- and the two that I have kept in touch with have both declined the invite so that leaves me with no one). Housing would definitely be an issue. I'd have to fly up there a couple times this summer to iron things out, although I'm not too concerned about it. From what I've read on these boards, UMB goes above and beyond in terms of exploring various pharmacy practices (so that we choose the right field) and the faculty is really there for the students, wanting them to succeed, making sure they succeed, and acting as bubbling fountains of sagely advice for us to sip from... yum. Sounds amazing.
Anyway, I just don't want to stay for the wrong reasons... whatever those may be. I felt that I may have made a mistake choosing UIC over UMich for undergrad, as much as I love my current life. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Feel free to PM me!
