Western (CA) or UOP (CA)

[lac0nicd]

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Hi everybody! I just got in the wait list for UOP and is now in conflict. I am all set for Western until I received the call that I got in UOP. I've done my research and "what-if" scenarios... I just wanted additional input/comments because both schools have its pros and cons.

Western vs UOP:
Western: Block schedule / 4 year program (more emphasized in studies, less hectic curriculum)
UOP: 3 year program (does anybody know if students were fine in balancing internship/maybe paid internship/activities like organizations and maybe professional greek groups)

Western: So-Cal based (Im a So-Cal girl which means I could commute to Western and still kind of enjoy So-Cal regardless of the busy schedule I will be having)
UOP: Nor-Cal (means I have to find a cheap apartment and probably less sights to see in Stockton)

Western: More expensive (interest accumulation wise) when I calculated
UOP: Cheaper in terms of interest accumulation in the future since its a 3-yr vs 4-yr program

Western: I could work in the summer (hence help to pay for tuition)
UOP: Not sure if working is doable due to the "accelerated" program. (any inputs of anyone who knows anyone who can balance work school activities in UOP would be helpful!)

I wanted to go to a school with more connections for maybe residency purposes. I'm unsure what type of pharmacy profession I want yet (although Ive worked in retail and volunteered in a hospital as a pharmacy assistant so I have an idea of how both works)
Western: I tried to do research but it seemed like Western has less organizations/professional Greek groups.
UOP: More established, more connections

Any comments/inputs will be appreciated!

 

[Pharm3110]

I went to interviews at both schools. In my preference, I liked UOP more because their staffs and students are more friendly and helpful than Western's. I would go to the one that is cheaper. If you currently live in the proximity of Western, you would likely save money on rent, even though tuition is more expensive. Do your math again and figure out. Keep in mind though, if you decide to go to UOP, prepare yourself to a tremendous amount of stress. I don't have experience for myself but I have a friend who is a current P2 and he is stressed out a lot. I'm not trying to be discouraging, nearly 200 grads come out of UOP every year, just a friendly heads-up. 🙂

 

[PharmDr007]

@Pharm3110 i like how you mention nearly 200 grads come out each year. A lot of the threads for UOP say that there are a quite of few students that actually fail though. One even said that only 160/200 made it to graduation on time. Do you mind asking your friend if this is true and how manageable the curriculum is? Thanks

 

[Pharm3110]

I know some may not graduate in time (like in several other pharmacy programs) but 160/200???? That is quite crazy. I just asked my friend about it but he hasn't answered yet. We'll see. And about how manageable the curriculum is, it is possible if one can handle the stress and the acceleration. A lot of school-related activities and joining a frat can be very demanding, which can consume quite a chunk of study time. But again, many people have gotten through it. My friend suggested forming a study group and helping each other out, because it's quite overwhelming to keep everything all to yourself. He studies every night and reviews his materials on the weekend. It's all about time management and prioritizing, he said.