Trend? where do most pharmacists go to college?

[211792]

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Hi,

I am a rising senior in high school who is considering what colleges to apply to. I have mostly been looking at liberal arts school, but some instinct of mine tells me that this decision is not compatible with my goal to become a pharmacist.

In short, do (elite) liberal arts colleges prepare you well for the PCAT/school of pharmacy application?
Where do people usually go to college to complete the prerequisites? state u's? ivy's lol?

Thanks in advice!!

PS: I would like to obtain my BS degree before apply to school of pharmacy.

 

[OleMiss2012]

I don't think it really matters that much as long as you complete the pre-reqs. A lot of people try to keep it as affordable as possible. No need for an Ivy League school. A state Univ. should be fine. The pre-reqs include some classes that will lead to a degree in Bio. As competitive as it is to get in a PharmD program, it's a good idea to get a degree first. 👍 Apply everywhere when you decide to apply to Pharm School. Don't limit it.

For the most part (except for the verbal, reading, and writing), the pre-reqs should prepare you for the PCAT. Good time management, and good test taking skills are important too.

Good luck!


PS: I found a thread that you might find helpful: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=538711

 

[fenixtnlfan]

Yep, you can go anywhere you want. Though picking a school with a strong science department and maybe a pre-pharm program would be to your advantage.

 

[RxWildcat]

I think most people go wherever is cheapest and most convenient for them, so usually a state U or a CC.

 

[njac]

I say go to the best college you can - some people know at 17/18 what they want to do, but I started college as a physics major.

Obviously you don't want ridiculous debt, but if you do choose to be a pharmacist you'll still be able to pay off your loans.

But go where will make you the happiest. Enjoy your college years. Also, some schools don't accept certain prereqs from CCs (ie: UNM wants your ochem from a university) so make sure you look into that if you do choose to take that route.

 

[mustang sally]

I think a state public school is best for both financial and educational reasons. There are many people on here who defend community college, but you are probably better off avoiding it if you can. Going to community college might not hurt you, but it probably won't help you either (especially as pharmacy admissions are becoming increasingly more competitive).

I went to a private liberal arts school and am going to pharmacy school in the fall, so a private school definitely won't hurt you for going to pharmacy school. Depending on the school, they may even have a very rigorous science curriculum. I would suggest looking at whether the school is a big name for prepping students for med school or not. A private school that is known for putting a lot of the student body into med school will usually have an excellent science program (be prepared though because the classes will be difficult).

The biggest disadvantage to liberal arts schools is the cost. If you can afford to pay for it upfront, then it is not an issue. I had a scholarship and my parents covered the difference. If you are going to be taking loans out though, then I would suggest going to a state university. Another disadvantage to liberal arts schools is if you want to do research. A liberal arts school may say they do "research", but they are usually not true research schools like the state U's.