UMB vs U of M SOP

[sunfreeze96]

I'm trying to decide which would be a better shot for me to apply early decision and was wondering if you guys could help me out.
I'm a biochem major, currently 3.4 gpa
had 2 years of research at NIH (wet lab) and 1-year research at USDA regarding data analytics. I don't have a pharmacist's recommendation, but I will be receiving strong letters of recommendation from both labs.
I took the PCAT this July and I got composite 96 (90 bio, 99 chem, 67 reading, 92 math).
As for leadership, I founded a chapter of a national organization in my sophomore year and had it grow throughout the years consistently. We're planning to have a conference of 500 people in our university this winter, and I'm the committee chair.

If I apply to U of M, do you guys think I have a solid shot at getting in? If not, I'd rather apply early to UMB... If you have any pieces of advice or any other school suggestions please let me know. I don't know who to ask or what to do at this point.

Thanks in advance!

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[NextStepTutor_4]

Hi @sunfreeze96! Given that you've had research, letters of recommendation, leadership experience and a strong PCAT score, it is probable that you have a good shot at your school of choice. Remember there are other factors that include doing well on essays, having a strong resume, and preparing for interviews. There's always some uncertainty when applying for certain schools. I remember applying to the top school in the nation but also had a backup school in my hometown that was ranked significantly lower. I ended up getting into the top school and accepting that offer as a regular decision.

Just make sure you do your best! Good luck! 🙂

 

[HipHopHippo]

I got into U of M class of 2022 with similar stats. Average PCAT for Class of 2021 was 86th percentile and 3.5 GPA. Being higher on PCAT balances out on lower GPA. I had similar leadership experience (I.e. establishing a chapter of a national organization) but with less attendance (~150 students). No research experience.

Will you have a Bachelors when you matriculate? They don’t require it but I think it’s preferred. I received an interview invitation at the tail-end of the cycle, if your personal statement and LORs are good you will very likely receive an interview if you apply ED. I have 3 years of community pharmacy experience as a certified tech but pharmacy experience is definitely not required. U of M requires a thesis in the P3 year so research experience is definitely as valuable as pharmacy experience.

Their LOR requirements are fairly unique from what I experienced. The only requirement is a supervisor in a research setting or at a job. No pharmacist or STEM professor LORs required. Two PIs’ LORs will look very good.

IMO, apply for U of M’s ED. At the interview they said like 40% of the class gets a merit scholarship from the schools endowment (paid for by alumni, like 3 separate grants from the Walgreen family and multiple pharmaceutical companies to give you an idea of who you’ll brush shoulders with at recruitment fairs and networking events). They were the only school that talked about lowering their tuition. The FAFSA process was an afterthought while it was a key part every other school’s presentation. The interview day definitely gave off the vibe that you weren’t just a piggy bank that they can extract loan money from.

The College of Pharmacy alumni are very involved and networking with them is built into attending the school. They weren’t the only school that mentioned alumni but the strength of their alumni network was a core part of the interview day presentation that other schools didn’t talk about. On top of that, you have to take electives at the other professional schools at the university and all of U of M’s professional schools are as highly ranked and thus offer more networking opportunities for non-community pharmacy fields. The alumni network of the university in general is also one of the strongest I’ve heard of.

 

[BC_89]

If both accredited here’s what you do:

Apply to most-tuition-friendly-institution.