University at Buffalo Early Assurance

[tt22204]

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Hi,

I'm a freshman and I want to get into UB's PharmD program through the Early Assurance program where I have to maintain a 3.5 GPA in math and science courses. I would appreciate it if people who got into the pharmacy program at UB whether through Early Assurance or through a PharmCas application could answer some of my questions:

1) How hard is it to maintain a 3.5GPA in math and science courses? Is there just a midterm exam and final exam that determines your grades? Is 3.5GPA a grade of around 85%?

2) What is the average class size for undergraduate science and math courses?

3) If I maintain the GPA I still have to pass the interview. How difficult is the interview, do most people get rejected here or is it fairly straightforward? Is there a written test with the interview?

4) For Canadian students, is it difficult to make the change to an American University? Do you get lost in classes because you haven't been through the American curriculum?

Thanks in advance for all your help.👍

 

[bwsalvas]

tt22204-

First of all, welcome to UB. You'll like it here.

Second... I'm a p2 (class of 2011). I was accepted to the school through my pharmcas application.

How hard is it to maintain a 3.5? Well, I couldn't do it. Not everyone can and people do get in with lower gpa's (although I wouldn't recommend that path). Do your best and see where it takes you.

I would say an 85 is closer to a B+ which is a 3.33 . 3.5's are no walk in the park.

Each course different... In general and organic chemistry they typically have final grades split between tests and labs. In general chem homework was due each week and there were sometimes quizzes as well. Physics was similar- but some class's grades do depend on tests alone: Each course is different.

Now the interview... In my opinion if you have a desire to become a pharmacist and aren't doing it for your parents or for the money you will be just fine in the interview. The school is just trying to assess whether or not applicants' hearts are truly in the health professions.

For question #4... I'm a New Yorker and can't help you too much with that one. I will say that the Canadian students do not seem to have any problems here that I have ever seen or heard of.

Good luck- If you have any other questions ask!

 

[tt22204]

tt22204-

First of all, welcome to UB. You'll like it here.

Second... I'm a p2 (class of 2011). I was accepted to the school through my pharmcas application.

How hard is it to maintain a 3.5? Well, I couldn't do it. Not everyone can and people do get in with lower gpa's (although I wouldn't recommend that path). Do your best and see where it takes you.

I would say an 85 is closer to a B+ which is a 3.33 . 3.5's are no walk in the park.

Each course different... In general and organic chemistry they typically have final grades split between tests and labs. In general chem homework was due each week and there were sometimes quizzes as well. Physics was similar- but some class's grades do depend on tests alone: Each course is different.

Now the interview... In my opinion if you have a desire to become a pharmacist and aren't doing it for your parents or for the money you will be just fine in the interview. The school is just trying to assess whether or not applicants' hearts are truly in the health professions.

For question #4... I'm a New Yorker and can't help you too much with that one. I will say that the Canadian students do not seem to have any problems here that I have ever seen or heard of.

Good luck- If you have any other questions ask!

Hi, thank you so much for your reply and for making my transition to UB easier. I appreciate your help. I would just like to ask one more question: Is a 3.5GPA impossible or do you feel that it is attainable if enough effort is put in. I know this is a very broad question and it depends on a lot of things but I would appreciate any help. Thanks once again.

 

[webbiest]

Hey..i got into the program by early assurance..It is possible if you pay attention to classes like bio 200, organic chemistry and physics..physics is the hardest because you are required to take calculus based physics for early assurance...pay closer attention to bio 200 if you get fourtner as your professor

 

[ttopping]

Hi, thank you so much for your reply and for making my transition to UB easier. I appreciate your help. I would just like to ask one more question: Is a 3.5GPA impossible or do you feel that it is attainable if enough effort is put in. I know this is a very broad question and it depends on a lot of things but I would appreciate any help. Thanks once again.

Hey, welcome to UB! I got in through early assurance, keeping the 3.5 is hard but definitely attainable, you just have to stay motivated. I didn't start off so well (got a C in evolutionary bio / bio 200) but that was because I hadn't figured out what worked for me in terms of studying. Once i figured that out it was really up to me and how much I wanted to get in.

I had to work hard to bring up my GPA but it was worth it to get in through early assurance. I didn't have to worry about applying with alot of other students and competing. It was a competition with myself in terms of getting the grades I needed.

Important point: do your research in terms of the professors for each class, it matters more than you think. Of course if you put the effort in you'll do well regardless but especially for cell biology, calculus, and organic, it helps if you have a good professor. Either ask around or ratemyprofessor.com is a good tool.

Hope this helps. Good luck and if you have any other questions just ask! (by the way i'm also a p2 with bwsalvas - class of 2011)