University of Maryland Thread

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Nyatheart said:
Hey,

I was wondering if anyone knew whether or not the June 6th Welcome day was formal attire or just casual. Dont want to walk in w/ shorts on, while everyone is all suited up and what not lol. Let me know. Thanxx🙂
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Though it is never stated, I would suggest coming in semi-formal attire. Last year I had the same question and just to be safe I came in semi-formal. Turns out 90% of the class thought the same thing! So at least I didn't stand out 😛
 
Hey guys, I had a question about the June 6th new student day orientation:

i have many various questions, especially, but certainly not limited to: the dual degree program (pharmd/mba), health insurance, and some financial issues as well. Will there be counselors available to us on this day, or is this merely a social gathering? Since I'm coming up all the way from California, I feel it is important for me to be able to meet with counselors on that day, i doubt I'll have any other time to meet up with them.

or would you suggest i make an appointment with a counselor now?


THANK YOU MUCH!!!
 
AbsoluteEthanol said:
Hey guys, I had a question about the June 6th new student day orientation:

i have many various questions, especially, but certainly not limited to: the dual degree program (pharmd/mba), health insurance, and some financial issues as well. Will there be counselors available to us on this day, or is this merely a social gathering? Since I'm coming up all the way from California, I feel it is important for me to be able to meet with counselors on that day, i doubt I'll have any other time to meet up with them.

or would you suggest i make an appointment with a counselor now?


THANK YOU MUCH!!!
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There will be a small presentation about financial aid, but I doubt you'd have the time during welcome day to ask them questions. You could always call them, they are very nice on the phone (me = 1/2 hour phone call once). You get out of welcome day pretty late though, so I'm not sure if they'll be able to meet with you - you could always call and see what happens!

As for dual degree, health insurance, etc you could ask us (the students) during the student panel, and when you get some free time to look at organization tables. If not, you can just PM one of us 🙂
 
I have question about housing and parking at baltimore. Since I have absolutely NO IDEA about this city, I have so many concerns.
I am spending all my days to find apartments near school. Could anyone recommand some apartments near there? Another thing is... while I was looking for apts, I had noticed that parking is one of major problems in that area. Some apt requires you to pay over $100 per month for parking space!! I am planning to live very near to school so I can use other transportation other than my own vehicle like buses, or even walking to school. Is there any parking space/lot that is affordable and the place where I can park my car safely?
 
kikiaj1029 said:
I have question about housing and parking at baltimore. Since I have absolutely NO IDEA about this city, I have so many concerns.
I am spending all my days to find apartments near school. Could anyone recommand some apartments near there? Another thing is... while I was looking for apts, I had noticed that parking is one of major problems in that area. Some apt requires you to pay over $100 per month for parking space!! I am planning to live very near to school so I can use other transportation other than my own vehicle like buses, or even walking to school. Is there any parking space/lot that is affordable and the place where I can park my car safely?
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Living in P-row and Fayette - parking isn't over $100 if you want to park it in Lexington Garage. For Fayette, I pay $55/month; and I walk to school since it's only like 3 blocks away.

There's been a lot of good advice about housing on your facebook group - take a look 🙂

Good luck!
 
Hey guys! I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this but.... I want to apply to Maryland for Fall 09 but not sure if I qualify. What were your GPAs/PCATs/EC, etc...


Thanks 😉
 
I have a computer question guys, the class website says that we need a laptop with either Windows XP Pro or Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition. The website goes further to say that Vista Basic will NOT be supported. My laptop has Windows Vista Home Premium, does anyone know if this version of Vista is supported?

Thank you VERY much!


p.s. Sharpiee, here's my breakdown:

2.8 Overall, 3.2 Science GPA, 99% PCAT, 6 years research, 6 years healtchare related work, 1 year retail pharmacy, 1 year clinical pharmacy volunteer. I think that pretty much sums me up
 
AbsoluteEthanol said:
I have a computer question guys, the class website says that we need a laptop with either Windows XP Pro or Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition. The website goes further to say that Vista Basic will NOT be supported. My laptop has Windows Vista Home Premium, does anyone know if this version of Vista is supported?

Thank you VERY much!
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I'm not sure how many of us can actually answer that question. When we were coming in - only XP pro was allowed. You'll get a chance to get IT questions answered during Welcome Day, if not - you could always call them 🙂

PS - you have awesome stats ^^
 
"the website goes further to say that Vista Basic will NOT be supported. My laptop has Windows Vista Home Premium, does anyone know if this version of Vista is supported? "

I am not an IT tech at maryland but I can say your version of windows vista home premium is supported. The different versions of Vista are Ultimate, business, home premium, home basic, business, and lastly enterprise. All these versions of vista are essentially the same and differ mostly in the presence of absence of administrative and networking options, and visual aero effects. So even if you have Vista basic and have a problem with it the IT tech department should still be able to help you out since they will be familiar with the Vista operating system.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/default.mspx


by the way is anyone traveling from nyc and trying to get to maryland for the orientation? i would like to know how they are going to get there and back
 
Last edited:
I just got accepted to the Shady Grove campus on Tuesday!!

See you guys on Welcome Day!!
 
Last edited:
Many thanks to all the current students who made it out June 6th, you guys were very helpful!

Is it August yetttttt?🙄
 
Hi everyone!

I couldnt make it to the Welcome day as I am currently outside the country.🙁 Did you guys go over anything important?? It would be great if you could let me know! Also I am going to be living in Fayette square. I just wante to know how safe the area is. If any current student could put in their input that would be great!🙂

Thanks for all the help so far guys!!
 
hi all! are there any current students here that are already living at fayette square? specifically in the historic residence.. ?

i'm flying out there from CA tomorrow and i'm hoping to take a peak at the area i'll be living in.. i called the office to ask if i could take a look, but they told me all the historic units are still occupied..

anywho.. if anyone is currently living in a historic unit and is willing to show me their place, please let me know!!

also, does anyone know much about the public transportation system? after the first year, i'm planning to move to silver spring to join my fiance.. and if possible, i'd like to be able to take the metro to school..

thanks!! 🙂
 
I'll be adding as I think of some more things to say 😛
Some of these you may have already learned from Welcome Day, but in case some of you were not there...

Books:
- You are "required" to buy the biochemistry book. Many of the lectures go hand in hand with it, but you CAN do without the book.
- The context of healthcare book is useful only because they like to ask questions out of the book.
- There are two puzzles from Dr. Shapiro (drug chemistry) that are due the first day of class (not sure where you're suppose to find them?)
- The human bio book is a good resource though I personally have never used it.
- Don't buy your books yet, wait until you ask your big. Your big is an upperclassmen, usually a second year that is your personal help. Every first year is paired with a "big" to help with any adjustments. We also give you old tests and great advice 😀 He/she may also have some old books they could pass along.

Things to learn:
-Though I did learn my amino acids (which is tested on your first biochemistry exam about a month into school) - looking back at it, I wouldn't do it again. Trust me, you'd want your summer break. Once pharmacy school starts, it will never really end 😛
- I work retail as a tech, but if you've never had pharmacy experience before, I WOULD suggest starting to learn the top 100 drugs over the summer (though take it easy!). Each lab that you have, you will be tested on 25 drugs. If anyone would like last year's list please PM me (and yes the list does change a little bit each year).
-And YES you can work during the school year. Yet as many opinions you may get on this question, ultimately it is YOU that will have to gauge yourself and whether or not you can handle it. I would suggest not working your first semester only because you'll need time to adjust to the schedule, and you'd miss out on all the fun meetings/rush events (with free food!!!). There is no better time than your first semester to get to know the school, and try out all the organizations to see which ones you like.

Other advice:
- Take it easy this summer.
- Don't procrastinate. Anything that can be done early (learning your drugs, writing your human bio papers, learning your amino acids) do them early so that when your schedule gets rough, you'd have some more time to do the more important things (like study! 😛)
- Don't skip class, and/or fall behind watching lectures unless you absolutely have to. I'm guilt of this too - it's great that everything is all recorded. But sitting on your butt in front of your computer taking notes for 6 hours straight of lectures, it is NOT fun. Cramming never works anyway...
 
kicksjunkie said:
hi all! are there any current students here that are already living at fayette square? specifically in the historic residence.. ?

i'm flying out there from CA tomorrow and i'm hoping to take a peak at the area i'll be living in.. i called the office to ask if i could take a look, but they told me all the historic units are still occupied..

anywho.. if anyone is currently living in a historic unit and is willing to show me their place, please let me know!!

also, does anyone know much about the public transportation system? after the first year, i'm planning to move to silver spring to join my fiance.. and if possible, i'd like to be able to take the metro to school..

thanks!! 🙂
Click to expand...

I don't live in historic (in tower), so no help there, sorry!
The light rail is very cheap, around $2 I think? And you can ride it/get off and on as many stops as you like for a period of time. The train system is NOT like it is in DC; you still have to walk a great distance to get certain places, since the light rail pretty much runs on howard street only in downtown.
At the same time, there are buses, though I don't know how safe you may feel riding them.
There is the marc train that can take you from silver spring station to camden yards, and then you'd have to find your way from camden to the school. It's a pretty long way, the marc train is not the safest transportation 😛

Good luck with that though! I'm from SS and I definitely understand the annoyance with going back and forth.
 
just for those people still hoping to get in, it seems like there is still a chance. i got an email saying they are reconsidering people and will be giving phone interviews. i declined since i'll already be going somewhere else. that means there must be a spot open for someone else. good luck!
 
hi so i just got referred here by someone and i am really freaking out about my PS so i saw this thread and so if any one in umb pharmacy school will love to help me out in reviewing and critiquing it, that will be awesome!!!! 🙂 thanks
 
seriously??? thanks a lot, what email address can i send it to?
 
Just wondering if anyone else noticed that the White Coat Ceremony is now at Baltimore instead of Shady Grove. 😕
 
NIV said:
Just wondering if anyone else noticed that the White Coat Ceremony is now at Baltimore instead of Shady Grove. 😕
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Yea, I saw it last night and was wondering if they actually changed it or if they just copied and pasted stuff from last year and forgot to change it lol. It would make more sense for it to be in Baltimore since more students go there.
 
Not sure if this is a question for UMB admissions department, I am applying to UMB SOP Fall 2009 and have taken Chemistry I and II approximately 6 years ago. I know I need to repeat the course since the classes have to be taken within the last five years. I have resigned from my job to attend school full-time next semester. My schedule for next year consists of A&P I, Physics I, and Bio II. I wanted to know if it would be beneficial for me to take Chem I next semester instead of waiting until next summer 2009. I know my schedule is rigorous next semester and I didn't want to add an additional class although it's a retake and I initially received an A in it. But I don't want Maryland to place my app on the bottom since I will not complete Chem I & II until the summer. What's your advice or opinion? I don't want to risk my GPA either. I heard you can get a conditional acceptance into the school, but not sure how true this is. Thanks.
 
What was your job title? If your job was related to science or pharmacy field, you may not need to retake your classes. Maryland is willing to waive the 5 year expiration date on all your classes if you've been working in science/pharmacy field since graduating from college.

Some of my classes were a little older than 5 years. Because I've been working as a pharmacy technician since getting my Bachelors in 2006, Maryland will waive the expiration date on my classes and give me a chance.

It's best you email or call the admissions department since everyone's situation is different.
 
i was just wondering, does UMB give extra consideration if u apply as early decision candidate?
 
lsexie said:
i was just wondering, does UMB give extra consideration if u apply as early decision candidate?
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Not sure what you mean by "extra consideration" but if you apply early decision and don't get in, you will be put into the normal admissions pile, and most likely reviewed again. Therefore, it gives you kind of a "second chance."

But on that same note; if you're a strong applicant, you WILL get in regardless. But, just because you are applying early decision doesn't mean they will be more lenient w/ your application; just the opposite, they will be much much more tough. The good thing about early decision is that it shows admissions that you really want to go to our school!
 
hm, I never really could comprehend why someone would apply as an early decision. I mean, it's definitely great to be set on one school, we all have a dream school, but getting into pharmacy school is more competitive than ever, why would you limit yourself so much?
 
Hey guys, I was just wondering when we will be assigned our "BIG" and is the process entirely random, or is it possible to choose your "BIG"?
 
AbsoluteEthanol said:
Hey guys, I was just wondering when we will be assigned our "BIG" and is the process entirely random, or is it possible to choose your "BIG"?
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You will most likely get assigned your big in early/mid august by our 2nd year president. If you DO have a preference on a big, you can send her an email/facebook her (I'm sure she's already facebooked everyone by now lol). She usually assigns them by similar interests.
 
Hi everyone - It's a new application cycle so I'm bumping this thread up.

Please feel free to post any questions you have about Maryland. This way, everyone can benefit, not just those who PM me!

Thanks!
 
Utterdevotion said:
Hi everyone - It's a new application cycle so I'm bumping this thread up.

Please feel free to post any questions you have about Maryland. This way, everyone can benefit, not just those who PM me!

Thanks!
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Hello! Thanks for doing that! I actually have a quick question for you. When I went to visit Maryland school of pharmacy I was told that you are automatically granted an interview if you meet certain GPA and PCAT requirements. Do you know what those cutoffs are?
 
alenadoma said:
Hello! Thanks for doing that! I actually have a quick question for you. When I went to visit Maryland school of pharmacy I was told that you are automatically granted an interview if you meet certain GPA and PCAT requirements. Do you know what those cutoffs are?
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I think you misunderstood our admissions coordinator- There is a point system to being granted an interview. It includes GPA and PCAT requirements, along with other things. As to what is part of the point system, and how the applications are evaluated, I can't tell you. Sorry!

I can tell you that you MUST meet minimum requirements for GPA and PCAT.
GPA is a min 2.5, and our PCAT is 80% cumulative; in which on that single exam must have at least 60% on chemistry and biology.

Hope that clears it up for you!
 
Utterdevotion said:
Hi everyone - It's a new application cycle so I'm bumping this thread up.

Please feel free to post any questions you have about Maryland. This way, everyone can benefit, not just those who PM me!

Thanks!
Click to expand...

i just interviewed last friday....the waiting is killing me (Even though its only like 3 weeks) I hope I hear something soon!🙄
 
LinaBeana said:
i just interviewed last friday....the waiting is killing me (Even though its only like 3 weeks) I hope I hear something soon!🙄
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Congratulations on your interview!! Did you apply early decision?
 
Spirala said:
Can you share your stats with us please? thanks!
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PCAT-87 Composite, with 95 in Bio and 95 in Chem
GPA: 3.6 overall, 3.8 science
Graduated in May from University of Maryland-College Park with 2 Bachelor's Degrees-BS in Psych; BA in Government and Politics
I have been working at a pharmacy for ~9 months
Volunteered with the Red Cross at blood drives and at my campus pharmacy
Member of a few student organizations on campus; Iranian Students Foundation and Women's Rugby, some BS honor societies...
hope that helps 🙂
 
Hey,
So I interviewed at Maryland a little over a week ago (early decision) and admissions told us that they would make a decision by the end of this month or early Nov..but today I got an email saying that due to vacation days and scheduling conflicts, they can't meet and make a decision until the 2nd week of november. I don't mind the wait to find out if I got in but I think it's a little inconsiderate to the students because it only leaves us 1-2 weeks to apply to other schools and we can't even apply to the schools with the Nov 3rd deadline.

Do you think it'd be unwise to email someone like Juliana Bramer and tell her my concerns...would it even change anything, or would they think "wow this person is so eager to apply to other schools"? And also, would applying that late affect my chances of getting into other schools since some schools may look at applications as they come in..?

Thankss!
 
noahsark415 said:
Hey,
So I interviewed at Maryland a little over a week ago (early decision) and admissions told us that they would make a decision by the end of this month or early Nov..but today I got an email saying that due to vacation days and scheduling conflicts, they can't meet and make a decision until the 2nd week of november. I don't mind the wait to find out if I got in but I think it's a little inconsiderate to the students because it only leaves us 1-2 weeks to apply to other schools and we can't even apply to the schools with the Nov 3rd deadline.

Do you think it'd be unwise to email someone like Juliana Bramer and tell her my concerns...would it even change anything, or would they think "wow this person is so eager to apply to other schools"? And also, would applying that late affect my chances of getting into other schools since some schools may look at applications as they come in..?

Thankss!
Click to expand...

First- Congrats on getting an interview!

If you are really concerned about it, I would email Juliana but emphasize the fact that you DO really want to come to Maryland, but that you're worried about the need to apply to other schools if things don't go as planned with Maryland. It's a legitimate concern. As for your other schools, if they are on rolling admission, then turning in your application late would be a problem. Again, your first priority is to get it cleared with Juliana before you apply anywhere else.

Good luck!
 
Utterdevotion said:
I think you misunderstood our admissions coordinator- There is a point system to being granted an interview. It includes GPA and PCAT requirements, along with other things. As to what is part of the point system, and how the applications are evaluated, I can't tell you. Sorry!

I can tell you that you MUST meet minimum requirements for GPA and PCAT.
GPA is a min 2.5, and our PCAT is 80% cumulative; in which on that single exam must have at least 60% on chemistry and biology.

Hope that clears it up for you!
Click to expand...
So they don't accept anything below 80 percentile on PCAT? they just reject it?
second, what toelf score do they ask for? can it be waived?

Thanks.
 
Utterdevotion said:
First- Congrats on getting an interview!

If you are really concerned about it, I would email Juliana but emphasize the fact that you DO really want to come to Maryland, but that you're worried about the need to apply to other schools if things don't go as planned with Maryland. It's a legitimate concern. As for your other schools, if they are on rolling admission, then turning in your application late would be a problem. Again, your first priority is to get it cleared with Juliana before you apply anywhere else.

Good luck!
Click to expand...


Thanks for your response! I actually just got an email from UMB again saying they're meeting this week after all and we'll find out at the end of this week or early next week. ahhh so nervewracking haha
 
I am applying to UMB the first time, a little surprised by the fact that UMB didnt confirm with me that my application was completed or such... (But I know its completed because i just saw my check to UMB was cashed!) I wonder if thats what they normally do, that they dont confirm anything with you until the deadline comes? Should I call them to check my application status? I think this is unusual since all other schools im applying to do send confirmation email. Thanks guys.
 
PharmRx77 said:
I am applying to UMB the first time, a little surprised by the fact that UMB didnt confirm with me that my application was completed or such... (But I know its completed because i just saw my check to UMB was cashed!) I wonder if thats what they normally do, that they dont confirm anything with you until the deadline comes? Should I call them to check my application status? I think this is unusual since all other schools im applying to do send confirmation email. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

When I applied, I did get a confirmation email when they received all my information including the supplemental. Since you are worried, I would suggest calling the Admissions office.
 
PharmRx77 said:
I am applying to UMB the first time, a little surprised by the fact that UMB didnt confirm with me that my application was completed or such... (But I know its completed because i just saw my check to UMB was cashed!) I wonder if thats what they normally do, that they dont confirm anything with you until the deadline comes? Should I call them to check my application status? I think this is unusual since all other schools im applying to do send confirmation email. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...


I DID receive a confirmation email after submitting the supplemental application. PharmCAS hasn't sent out my app yet so I don't know if I'll get another one or not.
 
Nottingham said:
I DID receive a confirmation email after submitting the supplemental application. PharmCAS hasn't sent out my app yet so I don't know if I'll get another one or not.
Click to expand...

You're right. I DID get an automatic email immediately after i submitted the online supplemental application. But I expected an email from the Admissions office confirming that my application is complete. I emailed them asking about my app. status a week ago, but no word from them at all. But I just saw my check to UMB cashed this morning. Oh well, maybe i am too worried...
 
I don't think I ever got a confirmation email that my application was complete.
 
It was weird. I got an automated response after I submitted my supplemental stating they received my PHARMCAS app, but not exactly my supp. Then it gave me instructions to complete the supp if I hadn't done so already.
 
pkp said:
It was weird. I got an automated response after I submitted my supplemental stating they received my PHARMCAS app, but not exactly my supp. Then it gave me instructions to complete the supp if I hadn't done so already.
Click to expand...

i applied early decision to umab and i never got a response that they received my supplemental application. i just checked my bank account to make sure they received/cashed my check. so if you sent in your check with the supplemental, i wouldnt be too worried about it. 🙂
 
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