I'm reviving this age-old (ok, maybe 7-ish year-old) debate between the three most competitive CA schools. I've read through countless threads (see links below), but am looking for updated perspectives, especially now that UCSD is maturing. This is what I've gathered so far:
UCSD
Pros:
-more personalized attention (small class size)
-newer facilities (young school)
-beautiful area
-cheaper tuition
-clinical focus and preparation for the future of pharmacy
-pass/fail system
Cons:
-arguably too small (small class size)
-school and alumni network not quite as established yet (young school)
-particularly/unnecessarily rigorous curriculum??
-volatile nature of public education budget crisis
USC
Pros:
-plenty of activities/leadership opportunities (large class size)
-established/well-connected throughout SoCal and beyond
-plenty to do in the city
-balanced focus (clinical, community, managed care, etc)
-plethora of dual degree programs, if interested
Cons:
-expensive tuition
-politics within class and unfair/questionable advantages (large class size)
-not-so-great surrounding area
UCSF
Pros:
-arguably the most respected pharmacy school in the country
-amazing city (in my opinion)
-happy medium of class sizes
-strong clinical focus
-cheaper tuition
Cons:
-expensive city
-volatile nature of public education budget crisis
As you probably noticed, there are some aspects that can be viewed as a pro or a con, depending on the person. The school I am most uncertain about is UCSD. Currently this is my only acceptance out of these three, but in case I have to make a difficult decision in the near future, I want to start thinking about this now. Although UCSD did not leave a great impression during the interview, I still need to consider it carefully.
My most pressing questions about UCSD are:
1) Is the curriculum really that much more difficult than other schools, like some people suggest? I'm sure classes with med students must be TOUGH, but I wonder if the pass/fail system helps. I also heard that some of the curriculum is unnecessary, though the school claims that they are preparing students for the "future" of pharmacy.
2) On that subject, is the pass/fail/honors system a good thing or a bad thing? To fill everyone in, apparently at UCSD, all classes are pass/fail, and some have an added "honors" distinction for the top students. Sure, it must be less stressful if you want to just pass, but isn't it more difficult to distinguish yourself when you apply for residencies later? The only way to do that academically is to secure as many "honors" designations as you can, which sounds even MORE stressful than the letter grade system.
My thoughts on USC:
-the alumni network really is amazing (yes, it does make a difference). my friend who's currently in pharmacy school says that it really comes down to whom you know. But I also know UCSF has a great network, as well.
-it is expensive, and the school seems like it has to worst financial aid available to students. However, given the present budget crisis with public education, tuition is becoming increasingly comparable to the UC's.
-I actually don't mind the area as much as other people do, and I do love LA. But it's still not that nice compared to these other two...
-Because the class size is so big, there are bound to be some unfair advantages given to people who are better connected and have access to past exams (through an organization or fraternity). Unfortunately, I know this happens for a fact. I'm just curious how true it is at other schools
My thoughts on UCSF:
-it's hard to turn down this school as long as you like the city and the student vibe. It's extremely well respected and provides excellent clinical preparation in a city with several distinct, diverse communities.
-the only other thing I can think of, besides the budget/tuition issue noted above, is that the city itself is expensive to live in. Lots of taxes everywhere, and pricey, albeit delicious, restaurants
I also understand that where you go to school has enormous implications for career opportunities later. But I would be completely happy working in any of these areas, so that doesn't factor into my decision as much. While cost definitely does matter, and I will have to pay for everything myself, I also want to have a good experience IN pharmacy school and think about the opportunities available when I get OUT. Any and all input from pre-/current pharmacy students and alumni is welcome. Thank you SO much in advance!!! 🙂
Some useful references/reading:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=878726
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=797229
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=260212
P.S. Also, just for fun, feel free to take the poll and comment below with YOUR choice! 😉
UCSD
Pros:
-more personalized attention (small class size)
-newer facilities (young school)
-beautiful area
-cheaper tuition
-clinical focus and preparation for the future of pharmacy
-pass/fail system
Cons:
-arguably too small (small class size)
-school and alumni network not quite as established yet (young school)
-particularly/unnecessarily rigorous curriculum??
-volatile nature of public education budget crisis
USC
Pros:
-plenty of activities/leadership opportunities (large class size)
-established/well-connected throughout SoCal and beyond
-plenty to do in the city
-balanced focus (clinical, community, managed care, etc)
-plethora of dual degree programs, if interested
Cons:
-expensive tuition
-politics within class and unfair/questionable advantages (large class size)
-not-so-great surrounding area
UCSF
Pros:
-arguably the most respected pharmacy school in the country
-amazing city (in my opinion)
-happy medium of class sizes
-strong clinical focus
-cheaper tuition
Cons:
-expensive city
-volatile nature of public education budget crisis
As you probably noticed, there are some aspects that can be viewed as a pro or a con, depending on the person. The school I am most uncertain about is UCSD. Currently this is my only acceptance out of these three, but in case I have to make a difficult decision in the near future, I want to start thinking about this now. Although UCSD did not leave a great impression during the interview, I still need to consider it carefully.
My most pressing questions about UCSD are:
1) Is the curriculum really that much more difficult than other schools, like some people suggest? I'm sure classes with med students must be TOUGH, but I wonder if the pass/fail system helps. I also heard that some of the curriculum is unnecessary, though the school claims that they are preparing students for the "future" of pharmacy.
2) On that subject, is the pass/fail/honors system a good thing or a bad thing? To fill everyone in, apparently at UCSD, all classes are pass/fail, and some have an added "honors" distinction for the top students. Sure, it must be less stressful if you want to just pass, but isn't it more difficult to distinguish yourself when you apply for residencies later? The only way to do that academically is to secure as many "honors" designations as you can, which sounds even MORE stressful than the letter grade system.
My thoughts on USC:
-the alumni network really is amazing (yes, it does make a difference). my friend who's currently in pharmacy school says that it really comes down to whom you know. But I also know UCSF has a great network, as well.
-it is expensive, and the school seems like it has to worst financial aid available to students. However, given the present budget crisis with public education, tuition is becoming increasingly comparable to the UC's.
-I actually don't mind the area as much as other people do, and I do love LA. But it's still not that nice compared to these other two...
-Because the class size is so big, there are bound to be some unfair advantages given to people who are better connected and have access to past exams (through an organization or fraternity). Unfortunately, I know this happens for a fact. I'm just curious how true it is at other schools
My thoughts on UCSF:
-it's hard to turn down this school as long as you like the city and the student vibe. It's extremely well respected and provides excellent clinical preparation in a city with several distinct, diverse communities.
-the only other thing I can think of, besides the budget/tuition issue noted above, is that the city itself is expensive to live in. Lots of taxes everywhere, and pricey, albeit delicious, restaurants
I also understand that where you go to school has enormous implications for career opportunities later. But I would be completely happy working in any of these areas, so that doesn't factor into my decision as much. While cost definitely does matter, and I will have to pay for everything myself, I also want to have a good experience IN pharmacy school and think about the opportunities available when I get OUT. Any and all input from pre-/current pharmacy students and alumni is welcome. Thank you SO much in advance!!! 🙂
Some useful references/reading:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=878726
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=797229
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=260212
P.S. Also, just for fun, feel free to take the poll and comment below with YOUR choice! 😉
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