University of Maryland Thread

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Waitlisted as well...Found out via email.

What's a safe number for us to have if we really are hoping to go to this school?

Waitlisted as well :[. I guess have as many as you can. I only have one school to possibly fall back on.
 
me too. woo! time to form a waitlist club.

im actually not bummed at all...one of the best schools in the country didnt flat out reject me? win!

also i no longer plan on going there....
 
Do you guys think the waitlist #30 will be pulled out?
I know around 240 got the accepted letters for the 160 spots last year.
I'm about to make deposit $750 to another school and got no idea whether I can get it back if I get accepted to U of Maryland later on.
$750 is huge for me!!
 
Wait-listed. Do you guys know how many applicants are waitlisted? Is there any chance to get in?????
 
Wait-listed. Do you guys know how many applicants are waitlisted? Is there any chance to get in?????

Did you ask Patrice what number you were on the list?
 
Wow, from the looks of it, they are just sending out waitlisted emails. Good luck to everyone here.
 
I hope you all get get in. Three hundred get interviews and 240 get accepted; which means 80 are on the waitlist since 160 are guaranteed. I know that a couple of people turned down their acceptances but I strongly doubt that many more will be turning theirs down as most of the acceptances were sent out a month or so ago. And the tuition deposits were due just 2 weeks later.
 
Hi, I've been waitlisted as well and I am totally bummed about it. I REALLY wanted to get into UM. I checked the school website and it said everyone who is on the wait list usually gets in. How true is that? Is there still some hope for me? Again I am extremely bummed 🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁
 
On the FAQs page there is this small tidbit:

We will interview approximately 300 candidates and offer acceptance to approximately 240 students in admitting a final class of 160 applicants.
Yay?
 
Congrats once again for all of those who have been accepted and for those who are waitlisted I am sure there is still much hope for you. So far a facebook account has been created for the class of 2013 and not everyone has signed up but so far a minimum of 73 people have signed up who have been accepted (the other 2 are Juliana and Patrice) Its a great way to meet people who will be in your class so I will encourage you to sign up so we can start networking. It seems we have a very interesting class!
 
Just finished my faculty interview yesterday because of the snow cancellation!

I'm really nervous, but I'm hoping for the best 😀
 
Those of you who are waitlisted, pls post your stats.
My stats:
GPA = 3.79
PCAT = 68% (composite)
no experience in pharmacy
 
waitlisted as well.

i wanted to know - when you reply to the waitlist email, are you suppose to just reply saying "yes, i want to be waitlisted", or should it be one of those "yes, i love U of Maryland, here's all the reasons I will keep waiting" emails?

stats:
GPA: 2.75/4.0 scale in bioengineering at UPenn
PCat: overall 96%
 
A quick question for those who mailed out deposits, are we supposed get a confirmation email saying they've received the check? I mailed out mine on Monday, and still haven't heard any word about them receiving it. Also, I haven't heard any word about my prerequisites yet either. They told me I'd be hearing from them early this week about fulfilling my requirements, and still nothing! 😱 I hope this is a good sign and not a bad one...
 
A quick question for those who mailed out deposits, are we supposed get a confirmation email saying they've received the check? I mailed out mine on Monday, and still haven't heard any word about them receiving it. Also, I haven't heard any word about my prerequisites yet either. They told me I'd be hearing from them early this week about fulfilling my requirements, and still nothing! 😱 I hope this is a good sign and not a bad one...

When I sent in my deposit a while back, they never confirmed receiving it, so I contacted Patrice through email... turns out they got it within a few days of me sending it but just didn't let me know? I'm pretty sure they got it though. It did take them a while to cash it too.

I haven't heard anything about pre-reqs either... :xf:
 
Hi Frigo,

I didn't contact Patrice. I just ssent email that I accepted the waitlist offer. May be they send a letter stating where in the waiting list we are. I heard from a current student that some students in the waiting list were admitted last year. But, since I was waitlisted in four schools last year and got a rejection, I have already given up, I am going to join a nother pharmacy school which was my 2nd priority. Good luck to everybody.



Did you ask Patrice what number you were on the list?
 
When I sent in my deposit a while back, they never confirmed receiving it, so I contacted Patrice through email... turns out they got it within a few days of me sending it but just didn't let me know? I'm pretty sure they got it though. It did take them a while to cash it too.

I haven't heard anything about pre-reqs either... :xf:

I got an email today regarding my remaining prequisites from Juiliana. As for my deposit it was cashed almost immediately.. I was surprised!
 
^ Ahhh, I am still waiting for the email about the pre-reqs. I wonder when I will get mine...
 
I just got an email from Patrice Sharp saying they've received my deposit and that I'll be getting an email about my requirements next week. Hopefully everything will work out. Now I just have to worry about filling out my FAFSA and finding housing. :scared:
 
Woohooo, I just got an email from Juliana saying I have completed my pre-reqs.
 
There is def still hope for those who were waitlisted. I can think of atleast 3 people in my class that were offered admittance in AUGUST last year. if you really want to go there, stay on the wait list. i know that its a ton of money to put up for another school's deposit, but it could still happen 🙂 dont lose hope yet, atleast you werent rejected!
 
Hey
I was looking up apartments in and around Baltimore..but I dont know which areas are good. Can someone tell me areas in Baltimore to live in..or nice areas outside of Bmore. I see that Elkridge is close, is that ok?

I am just looking for a safe, reasonable priced apartment that accepts dogs that is either close enough to walk to class or ride/drive. Also is parking an issue on campus...expensive?? Any pharmacy student now recommend commuting to class??

Thank you!!

I gettin super EXCITED!!! Can't wait to June...welcome day!!😀:soexcited::biglove:
 
I've lived in Baltimore all my life and have begun the search for a place to live that's close by too. I was considering Federal Hill, but some of the better areas are going to be pricey. What's good about the location of the school, is that it's maybe only 3 minutes from I-95, so you could live somewhere that's about 15+ miles away and still get to school in around 20-30 minutes even with craptacular Baltimore traffic. Elkridge is okay, it's a little farther south. I'd say it'd take you about 30 minutes to get to school. You could also try Catonsville. It's about 15 minutes from school, plus my undergrad school is there and lots of students have apartments in that area.
 
I am from out-of-state and am considering living in the Fayette Square complexes (specifically the historic ones) and read some mixed reviews about living there online. Can anyone that has lived there provide information about their experience and safety of the housing? Thanks so much!
 
where do you suggest living next year fayette square or pascault row?

Hi everyone! I've been busy (second year, what a bummer) and then there was Spring Break. Bear with me as I begin answering some of the unanswered ones...

I wish I kept a copy of all my answers (especially this one because I've answered it a least 5 times)

Fayette Square:
- My view on pharmacy school is that it's hard enough, why not be comfortable where you sleep and study. So if you were to ask for my preference it would be Fayette (even though it's so expensive)
- Very pretty, very comfortable but SO expensive
- about 2 blocks from the school (about 3-5 minute walk)
- If you are a living room type of person (some people like to just stay in their rooms) 4 bedrooms is the best. It's cheapest and you get the biggest kitchen and living room - There are 2 bathrooms and 4 sinks. My 4 bedroom room was bigger than the 2 bedroom. Depending on which room you get in a 2 bedroom, you can have your own bathroom (only perk I see). I feel that the 3 bedroom apartments have the least space (they share 1 bathroom though you have 3 sinks).
- You have to supply your own floor lights because there isn't a lot of it in the living room and none in the bedrooms.
- Historic vs Towers: The main difference is convenience and extra comfort. Towers is where all the extra things are: the vending machine is on the 2nd floor, the gym is on the 2nd floor, the FREE coffee/hot water for tea machine is in the lounge, the FREE office that contains a free fax machine, computers, and a printer you can use (have to supply your own paper). All the even floors have laundry machines and all the odd number floors have the study lounges (the study lounges are great!). Historic was not originally built for an apartment so some of the rooms are not equally sized, and it's not as pretty as the towers (hence cheaper rent). So if you're not lazy (like I am 😛) then historic is the way to go! Oh, almost forgot - Historic has only twin beds. Towers are full beds. If you live in a 2 bedroom or a single they are queen size beds.

Pascault Row:
- SO CLOSE to school. Just one block from Pharmacy Hall and just across the street from Pharmacy Learning Center. It's great to hang out in PLC and study there with classmates since your apartment is so close
-Rent is Cheaper!!!
- There are no elevators. Most of the 2 bedroom apartments are on the 5th floor, which means you'd have to climb up all of them (trust me, I live there, and it's not that bad because you get used to it)
- There is 3 laundry machines on the basement floor that the entire building uses (that is not so good if you live on the 5th floor...)
- Everything is kind of old in P-row. The floor will creak and my stove doesn't work very well.
- You have to buy a lot of your own things: microwave, desk and chair for your room (Fayette supplies these)
- You have to wash your own dishes because there's no dishwasher (also given in Fayette)
- The walls are thin so you could potentially hear your roommate and your neighbors

(ok I'm biased for Fayette. But you have to realize that if you pay more money of COURSE things are going to be better!)

My suggestion for off campus housing is to come up to Baltimore and walk through some of them. I especially like Redwood, and the houses across MLK off Scott St is safe.
 
This initial session, scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2009, will provide a basic overview of information useful for incoming students.

Is anyone planning to attend this? Will it be necessary or useful? I'm not sure if I want/can spend the $$$ to fly out from CA and find a hotel again

As ccpharmd has said before, one of us has answered what information will be covered during Welcome Day.

Here are a few things I do want to say about coming:
Welcome Day is a great opportunity to start getting to know people. You'll have a heads up on how your classes will work, where buildings and classrooms are, and getting to know your fellow classmates, upperclassmen, professors, and faculty. And I mean, don't you want to meet me? I mean, you have been interacting with me and you don't even know my name 😉

Welcome Day (for the last 2 years at least) is the only time you can try on the different sizes for your White Coat. Otherwise, I believe you will have to email in your estimated size. The sizes are really weird....
 
To address the issue of a car:

Baltimore: I currently live in Baltimore and here is the REAL deal. You need a car. Yes, alot of people from out of state our first year didn't have a car. But now most of them do. Let me tell you why 🙂

You don't need a car to walk to campus, the library, even Lexington Market if you're in the mood for cheap food.

But you WILL need a car for:
- Groceries: I know of only know of a SuperFresh that is decent but requires walking 20-25 minutes to get there (and it's not the safest part of town). Or you could order your food online (Peapod, they are great!)
- How will you live if you don't go have fun: All the malls, the GOOD places to eat, and bars in fells point are too far to walk. Fed Hill is closer, about 15 minute walk so that's great 🙂
- You'll have a bigger range of possible rotation places. If you don't have a car, you'll be limited to rotations in the Baltimore area where you can take a taxi, light rail, or walk to.
- You'll be able to drive to conferences and convention meetings (and trust me, there are a lot of those)

But yes, it's expensive to park here. It's $55/month if you live in Fayette, and $4 a day if you're a commuter.

Can you survive first year without a car? Absolutely! Because you'll make friends with people with cars 🙂 So the decision is up to you!

Shady Grove:
I'm from Montgomery County so I know this area pretty well. And it's true, you can't go ANYWHERE without a car. But the best part is, you will never have to worry about someone breaking into your car if you park in the bad part of town 😛 And you never have to pay for parking because it's a suburb area!

Good luck with the decision making...

PS. 4th years like to sell their cars when they leave, so you might get lucky!
 
I have a question for the accepted students. When they say they'll check over your transcripts to see if you'll have all the pre-requisites completed, how stringent exactly will they be? My concern is that they require all of the pre-requisite coursework to have a grade of a C or above, and for one of those classes, I have a C-, and I'm not taking that class over this semester. However, the issue there is that I reported in January on my PharmCAS academic upgrade that this class is one of the classes I was taking this semester, but I haven't let them know that I dropped the class, and I haven't updated my PharmCAS about this either. (Would I have to pay more money to update my PharmCAS about not taking this class?) So once they find out, will they require me to retake it over the summer at a community college or something if they deem that grade unacceptable? Or will they simply overlook that one minor problem and take into account that I do go to a more prestigeous and rigorous university? Hopefully it's the latter, given the fact that they've already accepted me.

Besides that, I'll be fulfilling their 6 credits of human anatomy and physiology requirement this semester, but I'm only sure about one of my classes satisfying this requirement. The other class I'm not sure if they'll count as a physiology class or not. Should I contact someone to ask about this or should I just wait to see if they bring up the issue?

I hope Juliana was able to address this issue with you!!

Just so everyone knows: Requirements are strict here in terms of pre-req classes. If you didn't pass, you must take it again before the school year begins. I've heard of administration taking back their acceptance if someone doesn't finish their pre-reqs. There are rare times when another higher level class can substitute for a pre-req so if you have concerns, Juliana would be a good person to talk to.
 
Thank u for answering all of these ?'s

I was wondering if u recommend any areas in Baltimore to live in..that I can either ride the trains/buses into campus?? Also I am interested in living outside of Baltimore because my roommate is going to work in D.C. Are there any areas outside of Bmore u recommend???

Thanks😀
 
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For number of exams per week, sometimes there are none, one or two. Two can be very common, so don’t get behind! As for lab – we only had two labs first semester which were a few hours each, and 2nd semester we had 1 lab which was like 4 hours. Group work varies – but I would say im generally on campus 3-4 days a week. I live close so its not a big deal, but we have a few people who come from Baltimore, Columbia etc so it is more annoying for them.

For lectures, there are about 4 lectures per day, sometimes less (especially fridays) so its about 15 - 20 lectures a week. You can watch them in fast speed which is 25 minutes per lecture, but I usually watch in fast speed and stop constantly to take notes – so the lectures wind up taking 30 –45 mins, depends on your personal habits.

Parking situation is usually not bad. there are about 3 huge lots and they are in the middle of building a parking garage, which should be done by next august. Basically parking is not an issue, but the main lot obviously fills up fastest, so you might have to walk from the further lots. It is nice when we come for tests at 730am (oh yeah, all tests are at 730am!!) and the lots are completely empty. There are no parking permits or anything so you don’t have to pay. They have public events on campus (I think theres a big auditorium?) which is why parking can be so randomly full.

Living in Baltimore- I would check the beginning of this thread bc I remember seeing that topic frequently

Keep in mind that even though we have some good lulls in our schedule where things are not hectic, and some people may read Magenta's description and think it doesn't sound so bad, it is VERY important to TIME MANAGE. Pharmacy school is not easy. it is do-able and worth-while. And without proper management, it will be difficult. Learn to stay on top of your lectures!!!! Learn to find time for your projects, exams, quizzes, etc, and most importantly - find time for yourself.

Get involved in organizations and have fun! Because otherwise, pharmacy school is rather boring studying day in and day out.
 
Accepted on Monday!! WWOOOOHOOO😀

Does anyone have any suggestions about which campus to pick?? I have never been to the SG campus, but I dont like the idea of distance learning and the 3 hr delay on lectures. For an out of state student do you think I should pick the Baltimore campus??

But still waiting for Denver :xf:

I believe I've answered the question between the 2 campuses on this thread... if you can't find it please PM me and I'll talk to you about it!
 
Hey bingham kid, am aslo interested in UMB, but i really wanna go to USC or UCSF. so since u r from cali wat is ur take on those 2 schools? and also how in the pharmd/mph program over at umb? do u think i should get my bachelor's degree before appying to pharmacy school or just take my requirements and apply.


Those are two great institutions as well. The PharmD/MPH program isn't as well-developed as one would like, but it is suitable for those who just want a dual degree. You don't need your bachelor's degree, but I found that it helps a lot.

California schools don't take PCAT scores, so you'll have to count on a solid GPA to get in.
 
Has anyone gotten off
 
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At 6:15 pm I got an email that my financial aid award letter is available on SURFS. I can log into SURFS fine, but I cannot see the award anywhere. It just says, "No award information available." Does SURFS only update certain times of day? Could there perhaps be a delay in financial aid uploading it and it being there? I will contact financial aid about it if it doesn't show up, but since it is a Friday...if anybody has any insight that would be great!
 
What exactly is needed to apply for financial aid? I've already filled out a FAFSA and mailed the school my parents' W2 forms and tax forms. Is there a separate application sheet that I need to fill out to mail to the school?
 
"No award information available." --> have you submitted all the required info. For me, they asked me to submit "proof of citizenship" and some loan application.
 
I have two questions. First, does it matter if you fail a class this semester after you've already been accepted? I already got the email for my pre-req's and everything checked out fine with my only requirement being to finish microeconomics this semester. But I am taking my fourth physics class this semester and I missed one of three tests which is worth 20% of my grade. Unfortunately, the professor does not do make-up exams under ANY circumstances (he even stated that he didn't care if you were sick on the brink of death--you would have to take on with everyone else or not at all). Anyways, I am not doing so hot in the class and it is possible that I might failt the class or get less than a C. My concern is if that will affect your acceptance status at all. I mean I already have passed my physics pre-req requirement and wil easily pass the last one but this is will probably look bad on my transcript.

Secondly, besides sending my FAFSA to the school, what else would I have to I have to do to apply for financial aid?

Any info would be helpful. THanks!!!
 
How do you know if you have to send in extra information for financial aid? Did you they send you an email or do you have to check SURFS?
 
Check the SURFS. Under financial aid, click on awards or something like that.
 
I have two questions. First, does it matter if you fail a class this semester after you've already been accepted? I already got the email for my pre-req's and everything checked out fine with my only requirement being to finish microeconomics this semester. But I am taking my fourth physics class this semester and I missed one of three tests which is worth 20% of my grade. Unfortunately, the professor does not do make-up exams under ANY circumstances (he even stated that he didn't care if you were sick on the brink of death--you would have to take on with everyone else or not at all). Anyways, I am not doing so hot in the class and it is possible that I might failt the class or get less than a C. My concern is if that will affect your acceptance status at all. I mean I already have passed my physics pre-req requirement and wil easily pass the last one but this is will probably look bad on my transcript.

Secondly, besides sending my FAFSA to the school, what else would I have to I have to do to apply for financial aid?

Any info would be helpful. THanks!!!


I called them to ask if I could drop one of my non-preq classes this semester and they said it was fine. I dropped my ethics class because it was on steriods and required SO much time and reading that it was affecting the classes that I DO need.
 
I have two questions. First, does it matter if you fail a class this semester after you've already been accepted? I already got the email for my pre-req's and everything checked out fine with my only requirement being to finish microeconomics this semester. But I am taking my fourth physics class this semester and I missed one of three tests which is worth 20% of my grade. Unfortunately, the professor does not do make-up exams under ANY circumstances (he even stated that he didn't care if you were sick on the brink of death--you would have to take on with everyone else or not at all). Anyways, I am not doing so hot in the class and it is possible that I might failt the class or get less than a C. My concern is if that will affect your acceptance status at all. I mean I already have passed my physics pre-req requirement and wil easily pass the last one but this is will probably look bad on my transcript.

Secondly, besides sending my FAFSA to the school, what else would I have to I have to do to apply for financial aid?

Any info would be helpful. THanks!!!


As long as you sent in your FAFSA on time, you don't have to worry about financial aid.

As for your coursework, it generally is a good idea to check with Juliana about that. While it is not part of your prerequisite work, you may have to justify why you are doing poorly in that course. Most schools don't accept D's and F's in courses, and it may raise questions. Just to be safe, I would double-check with Juliana and it wouldn't hurt to get a note from the professor that affirms why you missed that exam. Alternatively, if it's not too late to drop, you can drop the course.
 
At 6:15 pm I got an email that my financial aid award letter is available on SURFS. I can log into SURFS fine, but I cannot see the award anywhere. It just says, "No award information available." Does SURFS only update certain times of day? Could there perhaps be a delay in financial aid uploading it and it being there? I will contact financial aid about it if it doesn't show up, but since it is a Friday...if anybody has any insight that would be great!


Just because they've updated an award letter doesn't mean they've put the information up. You might also check with the year. Since you are coming in, you will be looking for aid in the year 2009-2010. Generally, Financial aid isn't determined until sometime during summer. I wouldn't worry about it at all. You will have more than enough time (even during the summer) to get it sorted out.

Hope that helps!
 
Thank u for answering all of these ?'s

I was wondering if u recommend any areas in Baltimore to live in..that I can either ride the trains/buses into campus?? Also I am interested in living outside of Baltimore because my roommate is going to work in D.C. Are there any areas outside of Bmore u recommend???

Thanks😀


Good places outside of Baltimore include the Columbia, Catonsville, and Arundel Mills areas. You can also try living in Dundalk (I've known a few students who do that) or Owings Mills.

The main thing is that as a first year, you will want to be on campus as much as possible to make friends and get involved with the community. Riding trains/buses can be a hassle when you have to come in early for an exam, and being involved with organizations can make it tough for you to get to campus. Sometimes there are events and meetings that go into the evening, and riding trains/buses can be bothersome while a student who lives on campus just has to walk 5 to 10 minutes max to get to school or to get home.

If you're not interested in any of that, then you can just live wherever you like, but from my point of view, you're going to be missing out on a lot of the pharmacy school experience.
 
I have a question. Can I apply to UMB as an international student? What are my chances? Thanks
 
Has anyone gotten off the awful waitlist!!!!!!!!!!!! Does anyone know usually what months people get off the waitlist. Umb is my 1st choice, i do not want to put a deposit at another school and then lose the money. in-state tuition is definitely great!!!!!!!!!

The wait list has started moving but I'm not sure how long it'll take for people to get off it.


I have a question. Can I apply to UMB as an international student? What are my chances? Thanks

Yep they can. Here's a link to the international applicants page on UMB's website for more information.

http://www2.pharmacy.umaryland.edu/admissions/pharmd/applying/internationalapps.html
 
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