I'm trying to decide between OSU & UM (and perhaps UMB) and having a tough time...any help would be appreciated.
I know OSU has an easier process to become in-state than UM, but this is a non-factor for me, because I cannot ever obtain in-state status at either school. I like the dual degree opportunities at OSU but UM is closer to home & they do offer *every* 3rd and 4th yr students some scholarship money, thereby reducing my costs.
well, here's how the OSU scholarships work.
I've got about $5K scholarship at OSU for my P2 year for a 3.7 GPA in P1.
🙂 That $5K is split into $1.5K need-based scholarship, and $2.5K merit based scholarship + $1K schering plough scholarship (merit based, top 20% of the class invited to apply). These are managed by the college of pharmacy, and you fill out 1 very short 1 page form to apply for all of them. In contrast, my girlfriend with a 3.1-3.2 GPA only got the $1.5K need-based scholarship. There are scholarships not managed by the college, you'll have to apply on your own.
I didn't get any scholarship for P1 probably because I had been working after undergrad so grads were old. OSU undergrad who went straight in might get something for P1 as well. Also to note, my P3 scholarship stayed the same even though I got a 3.85 GPA in my P2 years (maybe they need a 3.9 for then next bump up?). We'll see, since I have a 4.0 for P3 right now

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The combined degree takes an extra year at OSU. I also wanted to do the Pharm.D/MBA combo when I first came in, but have since changed my mind. But I will be finishing Pharm.D with a business minor (20 credits of business electives), which I hope will make it easier for me to apply for part-time MBAs down the road if I choose.
U of M is also a top 5 school, so you can't go wrong with that either. I had worked for Pfizer in Ann Arbor before Pharmacy school, and it's good small/medium city to live in. For $, look at the total-cost. Ann Arbor is/was a bit more expensive to live in, but saving on 1st year in-state tuition made up for it. Back in 2005, it was a toss up in total cost, don't know about now. Good luck.
🙂