UF PharmD program

[REmomof6]

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Hello everyone,
As you can see by my username I'm old. At least I believe thats what i'm labelled by the younger folks(my son)... I prefer "mature adult". Haha!!!

Ive worked at Cvs and love retail pharmacy and decided to go back to school after over 10yrs away from school. Now I would like any feedback about Pharmacy school. The good and the bad. Because of location(Orlando, Fl) UF is my 1st choice and USF my 2nd. I am not sure how my age (35) will affect my acceptance into the program,but my grades are good i've only had one "C" and that was in ChemI. So far my grades are A's,B's in my science and math classes.

I want to post a few questions about UF PharmD program.

I am currently trying to complete my pre-req at valencia before applying for the pharmD. I will finish in Spring of 2013. I would like someone who is currently attending the UF PrarmD program to please respond.

Science is not one of my strengths, but i can study and understand the materials. What is the classload like at UF? How much is hands on and how much is strictly science? If I do well in all my pre req science classes;will I do okay? How much new material are introduced (like new concept not tought in the pre req science or math classes)? What do you think I should master in Chemistry,biology and etc(like should i master reactions,gas laws or whatever)? what do you think my chances are based on my age? Do you see any students presently in their 30's in the program? How hard was the Pcat?

Please respond with any information. Thank you all.....

 

[owlegrad]

First of all, welcome to SDN.

Second, you would not be the first person to go that route, I have at least one classmate older than you. So it is possible certainly. BUT...it is a hard route for sure. I hope you have a strong support system in place.

It just so happens that a certain nocturnal avian creature might go to UF COP Orlando campus so if you have specific questions, feel free to post them, maybe that classy bird can answer them. 😉

 

[owlegrad]

What is the classload like at UF? How much is hands on and how much is strictly science? If I do well in all my pre req science classes;will I do okay? How much new material are introduced (like new concept not tought in the pre req science or math classes)? What do you think I should master in Chemistry,biology and etc(like should i master reactions,gas laws or whatever)? what do you think my chances are based on my age? Do you see any students presently in their 30's in the program? How hard was the Pcat?

OK here I go:

The classload is ridiculous, particularly in the second year. The second year is our "notorious" year.

Almost nothing in the first year is hands on except for IPPE. The rest is mostly science.

In terms of admissions - Yes, certainly. In terms of getting through the program, probably. UF has a great success rate.

It's all new - nothing in prereqs is about drug therapy. Maybe I don't understand the question because it makes no sense to me. No new math concepts are taught though exactly.

It doesn't matter what you major in, just do well in the prereqs.

Has nothing to do with age.

I already answer that. Yes.

It seemed easy to me. YMMV.

 

[pharmerbird]

It just so happens that a certain nocturnal avian creature might go to UF COP Orlando campus so if you have specific questions, feel free to post them, maybe that classy bird can answer them. 😉

Owlegrad I've been seeing you on studentdoctor for quite sometime(I was a former lurker) and didn't know you were at UF orlando campus! that is my top choice when I apply (next year). mind if i ask what your stats were upon acceptance?

 

[owlegrad]

Owlegrad I've been seeing you on studentdoctor for quite sometime(I was a former lurker) and didn't know you were at UF orlando campus! that is my top choice when I apply (next year). mind if i ask what your stats were upon acceptance?

I don't mind, but I don't really remember. I am not (trying to) be snide, it just is not something I have committed to memory.

My relevant GPA was something like 3.5ish or perhaps a touch better, PCAT was 80 something composite, no relevant experience, no EC's to speak of. I did have a pharmacist's LOR. Did my prereqs at a CC. I got in everywhere I applied which was everywhere except A&M. Many of my classmates are more impressive than me (4 year degrees, better stats, experience, etc) and some are less so. Its a mix.

Anything else? You have to have more questions than that about how our program works, ins and outs, etc. You can PM me if you want, although I would prefer to keep this in the open forum.

EDIT: I think I used to have it in my sig (UF COP C/O2013 Orlando or some such) , but I took it out. I like to pretend that I am anonymous.

 

[pharmerbird]

Yes! Lots more questions actually. How exactly does the teaching process work? I know that they do the satellite videos but is there a way to actually see a professor or TA if need be?

How often are you required to go to class per week? And how often are you usually there by free will?

How does testing work? And how often are you usually tested?

Is the curriculum the EXACT same as the main campus?

How many students are in your class and how is the environment? Do you all get along, have become friends, enemies, don't even talk to eachother?

 

[owlegrad]

Yes! Lots more questions actually. How exactly does the teaching process work? I know that they do the satellite videos but is there a way to actually see a professor or TA if need be?

How often are you required to go to class per week? And how often are you usually there by free will?

How does testing work? And how often are you usually tested?

Is the curriculum the EXACT same as the main campus?

How many students are in your class and how is the environment? Do you all get along, have become friends, enemies, don't even talk to eachother?

Much better! Some questions I can sink my teeth into.

The teaching process varys by professor. Some classes are pretty passive with just studying notes/watching lectures and all. Others require class discussions and more involvement. You can drive to Gville if you want. You can also email, call, use the dissusion board, etc. I have done all of the above and always been happy with the result.

It varies by week and also what year you are in. First years have it the best. I am never there by free will. I only go for scheduled activities. If you have been to an open house, you would understand. No reason to be there for any other reason.

If you have ever taken a proctored exam, you know what to expect. All our exams, quizzes, tests, etc. are taken on campus and they are always proctored (we have some online weekly quizzes that we do not have to go to campus for, but they are the exception not the rule). Again it varies by year. Second years have it the worst in term of testing schedule. I am a "rising" 3PD now (meaning I finished my second year), so I cannot attest to that personally, yet.

Yes. There is one tiny exception for IPPE in the first year, but trust me, no one cares about that one tiny difference. We actually have it better than our main campus hombres. It is too minor and to technical to spell it out here. Just take my word for it - its the EXACT same.

About 60. We get along great. We are very fortunate though, some of the upperclasses have had "issues". We have no major issues. We are close. We have study groups, share notes, FB Group, etc. If there are enemies I am not aware of them.

Keep the questions coming!

 

[pharmerbird]

Awesome!! I'm a UCF student who commutes an hour to the campus. UF orlando is my top choice. I am not in the position to move whatsoever but it seems like the Orlando campus is a positive experience, no?

Are there a lot of intern opportunities in the Orlando area, or do most students find them outside of Orlando?

Why did you choose the Orlando campus?

You said that there is a mix of students there, but are most students pre-req UF students, UCF students, students from the Orlando area?

The whole idea of not actually going to a lecture seems intimidating to me as I have never taken online classes. What is it a weird transition for you? Or were you already prepared?

 

[DelawareStudent]

Hello everyone,
As you can see by my username I'm old. At least I believe thats what i'm labelled by the younger folks(my son)... I prefer "mature adult". Haha!!!

Please respond with any information. Thank you all.....

REmomof6 - I wouldn't even worry about your age. Keep in mind that you're never too old to make a change, and old is used pretty loosely here.

If you start navigating a few of the threads in the forum (Particularly http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=814925) you'll see that you there are many more like you.

I myself spent many years in the military followed by many more years in sales and marketing before deciding to return to school for pharmacy. 3 years ago I was in exactly your same boat, and now I'm sending in my applications for the Fall 2012 class.

You'll be surprised by how much easier school is the second time around. It's still tough at times (I've worked full time + maintained my family life while going to school), but you'll find the perseverance and wisdom you acquire with age really helps. Lower your shoulders and push through, and you'll make it happen.

I'll be 34 when I graduate.

Good luck!

 

[REmomof6]

REmomof6 - I wouldn't even worry about your age. Keep in mind that you're never too old to make a change, and old is used pretty loosely here.

If you start navigating a few of the threads in the forum (Particularly http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=814925) you'll see that you there are many more like you.

I myself spent many years in the military followed by many more years in sales and marketing before deciding to return to school for pharmacy. 3 years ago I was in exactly your same boat, and now I'm sending in my applications for the Fall 2012 class.

You'll be surprised by how much easier school is the second time around. It's still tough at times (I've worked full time + maintained my family life while going to school), but you'll find the perseverance and wisdom you acquire with age really helps. Lower your shoulders and push through, and you'll make it happen.

I'll be 34 when I graduate.

Good luck!

It is so encouraging to see i'm not alone. You are so right it is somewhat easier, because i am focused and know exactly what I want to achieve,but it is a challenge ballancing everything.
Good luck on your acceptance!! You will do great. Keep me updated when you recieve your 1st acceptance letter.

 

[REmomof6]

OK here I go:

The classload is ridiculous, particularly in the second year. The second year is our "notorious" year.

Almost nothing in the first year is hands on except for IPPE. The rest is mostly science.

In terms of admissions - Yes, certainly. In terms of getting through the program, probably. UF has a great success rate.

It's all new - nothing in prereqs is about drug therapy. Maybe I don't understand the question because it makes no sense to me. No new math concepts are taught though exactly.



Thank you so much for answering. I'm sure I will have more questions coming your way soon. You are a great help to many on this forum keep up the great work and again Thanks!!!🙂

 

[hillwilliam]

When I was working on pre-reqs, I was worried about bias against older student.

I was 40 when I went thru the admissions process. I applied to 6 schools, 3 of them ranked top 10, and was invited to interview at all 6 schools. I interviewed at 2 schools and was admitted to both. I declined the interview and withdrew my application from the other 4 schools.

Based on my experience, I do not believe the ad coms are bias against us old folks with good stats and well-rounded applications.

 

[owlegrad]

Thank you so much for answering. I'm sure I will have more questions coming your way soon. You are a great help to many on this forum keep up the great work and again Thanks!!!🙂

I am glad someone thinks so!

But seriously, what a nice thing to say. Thanks. 😳

Awesome!! I'm a UCF student who commutes an hour to the campus. UF orlando is my top choice. I am not in the position to move whatsoever but it seems like the Orlando campus is a positive experience, no?

Are there a lot of intern opportunities in the Orlando area, or do most students find them outside of Orlando?

Why did you choose the Orlando campus?

You said that there is a mix of students there, but are most students pre-req UF students, UCF students, students from the Orlando area?

The whole idea of not actually going to a lecture seems intimidating to me as I have never taken online classes. What is it a weird transition for you? Or were you already prepared?

Perhaps this would go smoother if we started numbering the questions. Anyway, here goes:

Yes, very positive. The faculty are great, I love my classmates, and we have ample parking. Seriously - ample parking. 👍

Paid summer internships are tight in Orlando. If you want to work year round or can travel a bit, you can easily find work though. And spots do exist in Orlando for sure, but they are more ample if you are not in Orlando proper. We have a job fair every year, I HIGHLY recomend comeing prepared with a CV and polished interview skills. We actually have workshops in advance to help with both of these. UF really tries to help you succeed. 👍

I didn't, it choose me. Seriously, I picked Gville, but was placed in Orlando instead. I am glad though, I am closer to home and I have enjoyed my time here so far.

UCF is the single largest group for obvious geographical reasons, but we are a diverse group. Not many UF undergrad folks, just a few. The rest come from CC's or other colleges.

You get used to it very quickly, I promise. I cannot even imagine getting up at 8am to go to class everyday anymore. The worst part for me is trying to concentrate on lecture on my computer. It is pretty easy to get FB distracted. But you get used to it. Like I said, I would have a hard time going back. The annoying thing is when you have to be on campus all day and then you get home and have a day's worth of lectures to watch. 👎 But that is why God created 2x speed.

Keep the questions coming.