Transferring schools?

[Jennay41]

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How hard is it to transfer between pharmacy schools? Only one pharmacist or pharmacy student I've ever talked to has done this. She spent a year at Iowa, didn't like it so she transferred to Midwestern and ended up graduating from there. Has anyone else ever transferred or know anything about the process? I'm planning on going to UIC and I have until 4/17 to send the check. I'm sure I want to go there right now given my choices are UIC and SIUE with Midwestern, Drake, and Iowa still pending. I guess I'm just getting cold feet because this is such a huge decision for the next 4 years of my life. But what if I absolutely hate Chicago? On the other hand SIUE isn't fully accredited and I'm pretty sure I won't like being in Edwardsville for 4 years. Help!

 

[KARM12]

How hard is it to transfer between pharmacy schools? Only one pharmacist or pharmacy student I've ever talked to has done this. She spent a year at Iowa, didn't like it so she transferred to Midwestern and ended up graduating from there. Has anyone else ever transferred or know anything about the process? I'm planning on going to UIC and I have until 4/17 to send the check. I'm sure I want to go there right now given my choices are UIC and SIUE with Midwestern, Drake, and Iowa still pending. I guess I'm just getting cold feet because this is such a huge decision for the next 4 years of my life. But what if I absolutely hate Chicago? On the other hand SIUE isn't fully accredited and I'm pretty sure I won't like being in Edwardsville for 4 years. Help!

Every school has different requirements for transfer students. The one thing I will tell you that transferring is generally not a good idea. It all depends in how your classes transfer over. Every school, while teaching the same things, sets up the curriculum a bit differently. I know that sometimes you can have your graduation set back a year. One girl in my class transfered from Kentucky and ended up having to repeat much of first year because we take classes she didn't take there. She did get out of some of the other classes, but overall it is gonna take her 5 years instead of 4 due to the transfer. It all depends on how similar the programs are and how the school you apply to transfers those credit. Overall, it is not recommended.

 

[sdn1977]

Jennay41 - Sorry I don't know anything about the schools you listed or the cities. I've known people to transfer, but only for extreme personal reasons. But, I would ask you why you are having such a hard time with the initial decision? Is there anything on a personal level which draws you to one or another? Do you have an SO which you are leaving or a job which otherwise you might have continued in on a part time basis? Is money an issue for any of these areas? Those all would be things which would make me consider my choice.

Otherwise, I'd consider all of them a life experience & an opportunity I would never have again in my life. A reason to move to a place I might never have considered to be a part of an educational process few have an opportunity to take part in - try thinking of it in those terms & then four years doesn't seem like such a long time. I have lived all my life in CA & sometimes wish I could have seen what life in Chicago, DesMoines, Miami, or Podunk wherever might have been like. What is there to hate - weather - ok...so only 4 winters, 4 summers - not so long. Traffic - ok...so you could be in LA. But...you might have an opportunity to meet your SO...or meet folks who could introduce you to a great career opportunity.

One last thing to consider - what is the last time you can withdraw & still obtain a refund? My daughter put deposits on all 9 of the medical schools she was accepted to - nearly $1000 & didn't withdraw from 8 until the last minute just to be sure. She ended up all the way across the country not knowing anyone & is having the best time she's had her whole college career. Life is very short - since I'm more than halfway done with my adult life, I'd say experience all the opportunities that come your way! I wish you all the best of luck & hope you find there is nothing which you hate wherever you go!

 

[Caverject]

It won't happen with SIUC until at least they establish themselves with their first graduating class.

 

[spacecowgirl]

Honestly? It's really difficult. I did have extreme personal reasons for wanting to transfer but I still decided it wasn't worth it in the end. Of the four schools I talked to, two wouldn't take transfer students period. Their classes were full. Two said I would have to repeat my P2 year in addition to taking a few more prereqs. Grad programs are nearly impossible to tranfer into/out of. I would make your initial decision very carefully. Ultimately, I haven't regretted not transferring, I've made it work. If it's a matter of losing a couple hundred $ of your deposit money, it's worth making the right decision because it will cost you a lot more if you change your mind later.

 

[ultracet]

you'd be repeating another year here too

 

[nikkai]

I go to UIC

There are days where you'll absolutely hate it here (usually during a week filled with exams and projects)

And there are days when you can't imagine yourself anywhere else.

I believe these concepts apply to any school. It kinda depends on if you see yourself living in a more urban environment or more of a suburban environment (and I know I just jacked the spelling of 'burbs).

G'luck 👍

 

[pharmtard]

as much as I looked around also most pharmacy schools straight up "don't accept transfer students" as quoted from all theri websites. I'm having a hard enough time just trying to set up externships elsewhere.

 

[ghabpharm]

Jennay41 - Sorry I don't know anything about the schools you listed or the cities. I've known people to transfer, but only for extreme personal reasons. But, I would ask you why you are having such a hard time with the initial decision? Is there anything on a personal level which draws you to one or another? Do you have an SO which you are leaving or a job which otherwise you might have continued in on a part time basis? Is money an issue for any of these areas? Those all would be things which would make me consider my choice.

what would be considered "extreme personal reasons." would marriage/children be a good enough reason?

 

[patmcd]

what would be considered "extreme personal reasons." would marriage/children be a good enough reason?

I doubt it, but most schools decide on a case by case basis so you never know.

 

[ultracet]

what would be considered "extreme personal reasons." would marriage/children be a good enough reason?

nope
a lot of people are in that circumstance