The sky is falling on me...literally...

[p4rosm]

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After many sleepless nights, I think maybe I should post this question up and maybe somebody is able to help.

I'm an international student, and I always thought my family would be able to support me through pharmacy school, but now it seems like they wouldn't be able to.

Scholarships are not something I could look into because 'US-citizen' is one of their top list requirements.

I'm not qualified for students loans, and I can't get private loans because I don't have a cosigner. I have been trying to ask around many people but they just don't want to cosign for such a huge sum of money.

No support, no scholarships, no loans, I'm literally helpless. Can anybody here that has been in the same situation give me an advice of what to do or at least what you think? I just can't seem to think straight now. Thank you!

 

[R2pharmD2]

Is trying for a pharmacy school in your home country an option?

As a side note, I am appalled by the misuse of the word "literally" in the title of this thread

 

[Its Z]

You might be better off getting into a PhD program. I doubt you'll find a job as a PharmD without a green card anyways.

 

[quimicosoy]

After many sleepless nights, I think maybe I should post this question up and maybe somebody is able to help.

I'm an international student, and I always thought my family would be able to support me through pharmacy school, but now it seems like they wouldn't be able to.

Scholarships are not something I could look into because 'US-citizen' is one of their top list requirements.

I'm not qualified for students loans, and I can't get private loans because I don't have a cosigner. I have been trying to ask around many people but they just don't want to cosign for such a huge sum of money.

No support, no scholarships, no loans, I'm literally helpless. Can anybody here that has been in the same situation give me an advice of what to do or at least what you think? I just can't seem to think straight now. Thank you!

Hey, sorry to hear that, but to tell you the truth if you are in that particular condition you should give up. Pharmacy school is all about money, they want your money, badly. You are in the worst position possible competing against thousands of students with full rights for getting those loans, which in turn, pharmacy schools love it. At the end, you could be the most qualified student in the planet, but money rules here in US. Sorry for being so sincere, but I guess you should look at some other LESS EXPENSIVE options.

 

[pharmschooler]

You might be better off getting into a PhD program. I doubt you'll find a job as a PharmD without a green card anyways.

I'd second this. Some PhD programs pay you to attend rather than the other way around. They tend to be filled with international students too...I doubt it's a coincidence.

The use of "literally" in the title made me cringe, too.

 

[PumpkinSmasher]

After many sleepless nights, I think maybe I should post this question up and maybe somebody is able to help.

I'm an international student, and I always thought my family would be able to support me through pharmacy school, but now it seems like they wouldn't be able to.

Scholarships are not something I could look into because 'US-citizen' is one of their top list requirements.

I'm not qualified for students loans, and I can't get private loans because I don't have a cosigner. I have been trying to ask around many people but they just don't want to cosign for such a huge sum of money.

No support, no scholarships, no loans, I'm literally helpless. Can anybody here that has been in the same situation give me an advice of what to do or at least what you think? I just can't seem to think straight now. Thank you!

I agree with the other posters. PhD program is probably the way to go or reassess career goals and think of other professions.

Like Z said, you do not want all those loans anyway, because finding someone to sponsor a greencard is going to be very difficult, especially when there are tons of qualified citizens to fill positions.

 

[MindOverMatter]

Had a friend in school with a similar situation. Fortunately, she had an uncle who paid for her way through school on a loan. Unless you know somebody that can afford to pay for your schooling, you are really out of options here. And also, as previously stated, employers will have to give you a green card, which isn't a very good selling point. Good luck.

 

[Its Z]

Or maybe you're a good looking girl and someone will marry you...and you can get the green card and citizenship. The American way!

👍

 

[bp2313]

Have you ever thought of nursing? Cheaper and almost guarantee a work visa. Return to pharmacy later if it remains your passion.

 

[apteryx]

Or maybe you're a good looking girl and someone will marry you...and you can get the green card and citizenship. The American way!

👍

That's how my wife got her's.

Note to single guys: Estonian chicks are bangin'.

Other note to single guys: Filing paperwork for permanent residency is expensive.

 

[Its Z]

That's how my wife got her's.

Note to single guys: Estonian chicks are bangin'.

Other note to single guys: Filing paperwork for permanent residency is expensive.

Sounds like Russian Bride story...

Expensive? Wait till she divorces you and goes back home to get her real husband.


I kid.

 

[Its Z]

have you ever thought of nursing? cheaper and almost guarantee a work visa. return to pharmacy later if it remains your passion.

lol...


Not!

 

[MountainPharmD]

What a dissapointing thread! I was hoping to read an interesting story on how the sky actually fell on someone. False advertising! I want my money back!

 

[Its Z]

What a dissapointing thread! I was hoping to read an interesting story on how the sky actually fell on someone. False advertising! I want my money back!

shut up you fool! did you not get enough entertainment reading the Russian Bride post??

 

[deleted289008]

After many sleepless nights, I think maybe I should post this question up and maybe somebody is able to help.

I'm an international student, and I always thought my family would be able to support me through pharmacy school, but now it seems like they wouldn't be able to.

Scholarships are not something I could look into because 'US-citizen' is one of their top list requirements.

I'm not qualified for students loans, and I can't get private loans because I don't have a cosigner. I have been trying to ask around many people but they just don't want to cosign for such a huge sum of money.

No support, no scholarships, no loans, I'm literally helpless. Can anybody here that has been in the same situation give me an advice of what to do or at least what you think? I just can't seem to think straight now. Thank you!

What if your parents took a loan back at home and used it for your schooling?

 

[museabuse]

After many sleepless nights, I think maybe I should post this question up and maybe somebody is able to help.

I'm an international student, and I always thought my family would be able to support me through pharmacy school, but now it seems like they wouldn't be able to.

Scholarships are not something I could look into because 'US-citizen' is one of their top list requirements.

I'm not qualified for students loans, and I can't get private loans because I don't have a cosigner. I have been trying to ask around many people but they just don't want to cosign for such a huge sum of money.

No support, no scholarships, no loans, I'm literally helpless. Can anybody here that has been in the same situation give me an advice of what to do or at least what you think? I just can't seem to think straight now. Thank you!

Sorry about your situation. I think it would be the dumbest move for someone to cosign for you, unless you can get a green card. If your thinking an employer will sponsor your green card, your wrong. I know a coworker who has been trying to find employer to sponsor green card as a pharmacist, and no one is doing it. He found employers that sponsor his work visa, but after 4 years he is screwed. He either has to move to another country or go back to school or go back to home country and apply to come here on a different visa that allows him to get a green card, but that would take several years. If you come here on a student visa, it is hard to become a citizen and stay here if employers aren't sponsoring green card. You would think that intelligent hard working US schooled immigrant should be able to apply for citizenship on his own without sponsorship, but that is not the case if you came here on a student visa.


Luckily he had a cosigner for his loans, but the person that cosigned for him might be screwed if he cant get a green card after 4 years. Marriage is not an option for him(he is gay) unless he gets a fake marriage but that is risky and hard to do.

 

[p4rosm]

Or maybe you're a good looking girl and someone will marry you...and you can get the green card and citizenship. The American way!

👍

Some guys told me " You are very pretty but I'm afraid I can't marry you". Is that the American way too? 🙂

 

[p4rosm]

PhD seems to be a better route, but I have to get the master first, then PhD. It will take a total of six years. I'm not sure if I will survive.

My parents can get some loans but not much, and I don't want them to sell of all their property in order for me to fulfill my passion.

Even the SNDers, who are the most encouraging people I have ever known, tell me to give up; I know there's not much that I could do about my situation. have exhausted all my options.

Thank you for all your advice. I really appreciate it.

I will be giving up my spots at a couple of schools, so good luck to those who are patiently waiting.

Good luck to all of you who are already in the profession.

 

[pharmschooler]

PhD seems to be a better route, but I have to get the master first, then PhD. It will take a total of six years. I'm not sure if I will survive.

My parents can get some loans but not much, and I don't want them to sell of all their property in order for me to fulfill my passion.

Even the SNDers, who are the most encouraging people I have ever known, tell me to give up; I know there's not much that I could do about my situation. have exhausted all my options.

Thank you for all your advice. I really appreciate it.

I will be giving up my spots at a couple of schools, so good luck to those who are patiently waiting.

Good luck to all of you who are already in the profession.

Good luck to you. I feel like I've seen PhD programs within pharmacy schools that don't require a prior masters...just something to look for.

This is not meant as an attack, so please don't take it negatively, but why do you want to attend a PharmD program in the US, anyway?

I've been really curious why international students would choose to study pharmacy in the US, because often they'll have to take further tests when returning to their own country, plus the drugs available are different in different places. Is there a benefit to studying pharmacy within the States that I'm unaware of? It seems like it would be better to study within the country you will practice in...unless there's a misguided belief out there that getting a PharmD will automatically qualify you to stay in the US when you finish...

 

[Medwell]

Good luck to you. I feel like I've seen PhD programs within pharmacy schools that don't require a prior masters...just something to look for.

This is not meant as an attack, so please don't take it negatively, but why do you want to attend a PharmD program in the US, anyway?

I've been really curious why international students would choose to study pharmacy in the US, because often they'll have to take further tests when returning to their own country, plus the drugs available are different in different places. Is there a benefit to studying pharmacy within the States that I'm unaware of? It seems like it would be better to study within the country you will practice in...unless there's a misguided belief out there that getting a PharmD will automatically qualify you to stay in the US when you finish...

I'm really curious about this too, especially since tuition for international students in the US is at least 10 times higher than tuition for these same students in their home country.

 

[Its Z]

American Education is a highly sought after intellectual capital in the world. It is a major investment for foreign students to come to the US for that coveted US diploma. Sure, American students go oversees to study somewhat but I would bet Education is one area where we don't suffer a trade deficit.

American students rarely grow up wishing an oversees education.. but I bet you many students around world wish they could study in the US.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Its Z]

Some guys told me " You are very pretty but I'm afraid I can't marry you". Is that the American way too? 🙂

No, that's a typical Men way.

 

[SpirivaSunrise]

American Education is a highly sought after intellectual capital in the world. It is a major investment for foreign students to come to the US for that coveted US diploma. Sure, American students go oversees to study somewhat but I would bet Education is one area where we don't suffer a trade deficit.

American students rarely grow up wishing an oversees education.. but I bet you many students around world wish they could study in the US.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

I agree completely if we're talking collegiate and advanced degrees.

In my opinion (and from what I witnessed personally), the K-12 level of education in the US is quite lacking compared to many other advanced countries...

 

[Its Z]

I agree completely if we're talking collegiate and advanced degrees.

In my opinion (and from what I witnessed personally), the K-12 level of education in the US is quite lacking compared to many other advanced countries...

Not in some of the DFW public school district's GT and Magnet programs.. consistently ranked in the US..

 

[SpirivaSunrise]

Not in some of the DFW public school district's GT and Magnet programs.. consistently ranked in the US..

I'm talking as a whole...of course the best school districts in the US are going to compete.

 

[confettiflyer]

Have you ever thought of nursing? Cheaper and almost guarantee a work visa.

bwahhahaha, yay for 5 year old advice that is no longer relevant

 

[confettiflyer]

In my opinion (and from what I witnessed personally), the K-12 level of education in the US is quite lacking compared to many other advanced countries...

if US kids were like their japanese counterparts and went to school 12hrs/day & 6 days/week in uniform, that would probably close the gap (and solve the juvenile delinquency problem in places like philly).

 

[owlegrad]

What we really need are more poor houses and jails. 😉

if US kids were like their japanese counterparts and went to school 12hrs/day & 6 days/week in uniform, that would probably close the gap (and solve the juvenile delinquency problem in places like philly).

 

[confettiflyer]

What we really need are more poor houses and jails. 😉

too expensive, we just need parents to NOT speak to their kids with a 4th grade vocabulary and, ya know...value education. that so much to ask? i guess so.

 

[owlegrad]

Then they should do it, and decrease the surplus population!

too expensive, we just need parents to NOT speak to their kids with a 4th grade vocabulary and, ya know...value education. that so much to ask? i guess so.

Too much of a strech? I was going for a thing there, but I think I might have messed the mark.

 

[confettiflyer]

Then they should do it, and decrease the surplus population!





Too much of a strech? I was going for a thing there, but I think I might have messed the mark.

lol i'm not that dense

a bit early for christmas references? haha

 

[owlegrad]

lol i'm not that dense

a bit early for christmas references? haha

Yes, but some themes are timeless. The real question though is, is it too early for Christmas in July references?

 

[MountainPharmD]

American Education is a highly sought after intellectual capital in the world. It is a major investment for foreign students to come to the US for that coveted US diploma. Sure, American students go oversees to study somewhat but I would bet Education is one area where we don't suffer a trade deficit.

American students rarely grow up wishing an oversees education.. but I bet you many students around world wish they could study in the US.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Wrong you fool! As a little MountainPharmd I dreamed of going to Calcutta to get my education. I always dreamed of going here http://www.jadavpur.edu/
Damn Indians wouldn't let me in. Something about over saturation and to many foreigners taking all the jobs.

 

[armorking]

PhD seems to be a better route, but I have to get the master first, then PhD. It will take a total of six years. I'm not sure if I will survive.

My parents can get some loans but not much, and I don't want them to sell of all their property in order for me to fulfill my passion.

Even the SNDers, who are the most encouraging people I have ever known, tell me to give up; I know there's not much that I could do about my situation. have exhausted all my options.

Thank you for all your advice. I really appreciate it.

I will be giving up my spots at a couple of schools, so good luck to those who are patiently waiting.

Good luck to all of you who are already in the profession.

There are also Pharm.D./Ph.D. programs that can help pay for part, if not all, of the Pharm.D. It doesn't hurt to look at that route either. It may take longer but if pharmacy is your passion, there is still a way.

 

[Ghibli]

PhD seems to be a better route, but I have to get the master first, then PhD. It will take a total of six years. I'm not sure if I will survive.

My parents can get some loans but not much, and I don't want them to sell of all their property in order for me to fulfill my passion.

Even the SNDers, who are the most encouraging people I have ever known, tell me to give up; I know there's not much that I could do about my situation. have exhausted all my options.

Thank you for all your advice. I really appreciate it.

I will be giving up my spots at a couple of schools, so good luck to those who are patiently waiting.

Good luck to all of you who are already in the profession.

For most science PhD programs you apply directly to the PhD program even if you don't have a masters degree. As you progress you will be awarded a masters degree as part of your program. In addition, for most PhD programs the tuition is taken care of and you get paid to work as a teaching assistant. Yes it can take up to 6 years (depending on your project) but it really is not a bad option to look at.

 

[museabuse]

I'm really curious about this too, especially since tuition for international students in the US is at least 10 times higher than tuition for these same students in their home country.

I think most foreign pharmacy students are hoping to stay here.

 

[Its Z]

Wrong you fool! As a little MountainPharmd I dreamed of going to Calcutta to get my education. I always dreamed of going here http://www.jadavpur.edu/
Damn Indians wouldn't let me in. Something about over saturation and to many foreigners taking all the jobs.

You're a loser.

I had a full ride to Jadavpur. Turned them down though... their golf program stunk.

 

[Its Z]

i think most foreigners are hoping to stay here.

fify

 

[medicalCPA]

To the OP,
I was in your situation three years ago, and I chose to go to grad school.

I'm currently conducting an experiment in lab, and will have to leave it here for now, but I will make a longer post with my experiences when I am able to take a break.

 

[medicalCPA]

After many sleepless nights, I think maybe I should post this question up and maybe somebody is able to help.

I'm an international student, and I always thought my family would be able to support me through pharmacy school, but now it seems like they wouldn't be able to.

Scholarships are not something I could look into because 'US-citizen' is one of their top list requirements.

I'm not qualified for students loans, and I can't get private loans because I don't have a cosigner. I have been trying to ask around many people but they just don't want to cosign for such a huge sum of money.

No support, no scholarships, no loans, I'm literally helpless. Can anybody here that has been in the same situation give me an advice of what to do or at least what you think? I just can't seem to think straight now. Thank you!

So to respond to your post...I won't tell my entire story here, because it was pretty much identical to what you're facing now. But the long and short of it is that those who told you to give up on pharmacy are right. It is difficult to hear such advice now, and even more difficult to heed it, because it seems like you would be giving up on your dream. However, you're fighting a losing battle.

There is no rational person, outside of your immediate family, who would be willing to be on the hook for the $150,000-$200,000 it would take to train you to be a pharmacist. Moreover, there is no U.S. pharmacy school that offers scholarships large enough to make an appreciable dent in those costs. If you refuse to acknowledge this now, you're setting yourself up for a lot of heartache. At least if you switch careers, you may be able to pursue pharmacy some time in the distant future when (hopefully) you can afford it.

Sorry that I cannot offer you more hope than that, but the one advice I can give you is that "this too shall pass." I became depressed, fell ill, and lost my appetite while I was going through your situation in 2008/2009, but now I'm getting paid to go to school and performing research under the guidance of an incredible mentor and in the company of some wonderful people. Grad school may have been my fall back plan, but I'm glad I'm here. Just hang in there, and as time passes, what seems like a big deal now won't seem like such a big deal.

One last thing. William Penn said, "Only trust thyself, and another shall not betray thee." I wish someone had told me this two years ago. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[pali Kaur]

My heart goes out to you....
I was in the same situation about a month ago. So, I can understand what you are going through. Fortunately, I found a co-signer for the private loans which I am very thankful for.
Are you here on student visa? Did you do your bachelors here?
You know, phd doesn't seem that bad idea (as medicalCPA did) If I wouldn't have gotten a co-signer, I would have gone on Phd path. plus when you have phd (or before, i am not sure) you get your green card very quickly. You will file your green card in EB1 category in which you get your green card within a year. After that, if you want, you can go to pharmacy school.

Good luck and best wishes. Keep us posted about what you decide.