Why did you choose your school?

[k1451372]

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I am just curious why people chose the schools they applied to, got in to, and/or deciding to go to? Was it the area, the program, is it the only one in your state, etc.
I personally just chose some schools in the south. I had my top choices that I knew a lot about and had visited the campus but then there are others I just applied to just in case. I have begun declining some of the interview offers and on some of the schools I feel the need to make sure I don’t want to attend them before I just disregard… I think my curiosity is getting the better half of me.

 

[fiorio]

Ohio state is my top choice
1. in a medium big city, columbus is very liberal compare to other midwest cities.
2. huge campus, 50000 students, diversity
3. great program
4. everybody accepted has a Bachelor degree, so i know my peers are all mature and professional (hopefully)
5. staffs there were so nice duing interview, everything seems organized
6. i wanna leave far away from my mother but not too far from my family, 3 hours drive is far enough to keep my mom visiting every day, she is very controlling and i had enough, she's been pushing me go to purdue recently.
don't laugh, this is a very important reason.
7. osu has a huge medical center, larger than the medical center at Indiana University Medical school, so the rotation site is right in campus
8. a lot of electives options
9. after one year i can pay in state tuition
10. what else? i just wanna be there

 

[pharmgrl5]

My schools of choice are:

University of Kansas - it's close to home, wouldn't have to move or anything, plus it's a good school and I'm comfortable with the possibility of going there.

University of Washington - I have an aunt who lives right outside Seattle so that's a plus, I love Washington and it's lush greenery, and we've been considering for a few years about moving there anyway so it was a natural choice to look at applying there.

University of Missouri Kansas City - That's my bottom of the list school, it's still nearby home, we would have to move but not far, it's basically on the list "just in case".

 

[eelo]

4. everybody accepted has a Bachelor degree, so i know my peers are all mature and professional

I think you forgot the "laughing-hysterically" smiley face after that one

 

[fiorio]

4. everybody accepted has a Bachelor degree, so i know my peers are all mature and professional

I think you forgot the "laughing-hysterically" smiley face after that one

hopefully they are. 😀 I really can't say that for sure.
ok, i am saying this because i was jealous that last application cycle some kids I know with two year pre-pharm but (much) lower GPA than mine got accepted, some even without any pharm tech experience.

but anyway, there is always unfairness in anywhere.

 

[k1451372]

Wow fiorio! You have great stats I can't believe you had to reapply. I hope you get into Ohio but if not congrats on the schools you got accepted to.

 

[fiorio]

Wow fiorio! You have great stats I can't believe you had to reapply. I hope you get into Ohio but if not congrats on the schools you got accepted to.

thank you, that's the nicest thing i have ever heard this week!🙂
i was too naive last application cycle, no experience about applying at all.
right now, i can be a pre-pharmacy advisor, been through too much.

 

[eelo]

hopefully they are. 😀 I really can't say that for sure.
ok, i am saying this because i was jealous that last application cycle some kids I know with two year pre-pharm but (much) lower GPA than mine got accepted, some even without any pharm tech experience.

but anyway, there is always unfairness in anywhere.

Whoa now, don't assume that because you didn't get in, there was something "unfair." Admissions committees are pretty fair; it's in their best interests to be fair. Clearly, those applicants brought something to the table that you were unwilling or unable to bring. That's not a question of fair or unfair, it's just what it is. Their overall presentation (application, stats, interview, etc) was stronger than yours.

But it if makes you feel better to scream "Unfair!" then by all means, knock yourself out.

 

[yazzman]

1. its in my home town...( live less than 10 minutes away)
2. Great reputation and excellent staff
3. state-of-art building
4. 3 year program and then done

Those are the reason I chose UOP...I guess choosing a school is personal preference....I think you have to ask your self what is important for you to have during your pharmacy school years and what do you want to obtain from your experience....

 

[fiorio]

Whoa now, don't assume that because you didn't get in, there was something "unfair." Admissions committees are pretty fair; it's in their best interests to be fair. Clearly, those applicants brought something to the table that you were unwilling or unable to bring. That's not a question of fair or unfair, it's just what it is. Their overall presentation (application, stats, interview, etc) was stronger than yours.

But it if makes you feel better to scream "Unfair!" then by all means, knock yourself out.

#1: do u got anything against me?
#2: u don't know any stories I know about a particular school.
#3: if you really think everything is fair, that is in your dream land.
#4: if some idiot who got C all the way through pre-pharm still got accepted because his parents work for some big drug company, which will donate a huge fund to the school. I think it is UNFAIR.
if some medicore kid's parents are friends with faculties in some pharm schools and his parents' friends coincidentally are the faculties interviewed him, and he got in. I think it is UNFAIR.
if some school strongly favor their own pre-pharm kids, I can't do anything about it.
#5: I accept the fact that unfairness exists in this world no matter where. I accept the fact that my parents can't bring "anything extra" to the table but support me with everything else they can. I accepted the fact that I have to suck it up and boost up my competiveness in order to increase my chance.
#6: All I said is truth.

But it if makes you feel better to think the pharmacy school admission world is fair and beautiful then by all means, whatever.

 

[LoonyLuna]

#1: do u got anything against me?
#2: u don't know any stories I know about a particular school.
#3: if you really think everything is fair, that is in your dream land.
#4: if some idiot who got C all the way through pre-pharm still got accepted because his parents work for some big drug company, which will donate a huge fund to the school. I think it is UNFAIR.
if some medicore kid's parents are friends with faculties in some pharm schools and his parents' friends coincidentally are the faculties interviewed him, and he got in. I think it is UNFAIR.
if some school strongly favor their own pre-pharm kids, I can't do anything about it.
#5: I accept the fact that unfairness exists in this world no matter where. I accept the fact that my parents can't bring "anything extra" to the table but support me with everything else they can. I accepted the fact that I have to suck it up and boost up my competiveness in order to increase my chance.
#6: All I said is truth.

But it if makes you feel better to think the pharmacy school admission world is fair and beautiful then by all means, whatever.

No fighting, por favor. I agree with both sides. I can see why watching a pharmacy school accept someone with stats lower than yours (and getting in with connections) would upset someone, though I also know that pharmacy schools are looking for more "well rounded" individuals now.

I've personally met fiorio two days ago and I think he's a genuine guy, really sweet, kind, and especially supportive. I say so because I've been freaking out and sending him a ton of private messages regarding one of our recent interviews and rest assured, he's a good guy.

eelo, I'm sure you're not bad yourself 🙂

best of luck, both of you.

 

[yazzman]

I've personally met fiorio two days ago and I think he's a genuine guy, really sweet, kind, and especially supportive. I say so because I've been freaking out and sending him a ton of private messages regarding one of our recent interviews and rest assured, he's a good guy.

eelo, I'm sure you're not bad yourself 🙂

best of luck, both of you.

This outburst is very scary. I cant see where he is a genuine sweet tender special kind guy....This guy must not have much life experiences because life is full of more disappoints than anything else. Calm down fiorio...im sure no one here is out to get you

 

[LoonyLuna]

well, I think anyone would get upset if they were personally attacked...it's never fun when you receive a quick-reply from someone mocking what you've said.

 

[fiorio]

This outburst is very scary. I cant see where he is a genuine sweet tender special kind guy....This guy must not have much life experiences because life is full of more disappoints than anything else. Calm down fiorio...im sure no one here is out to get you

outburt? scary?😱 I thought it was very rational discussion. i guess I talk differently from other people, i talk the same way that Kathy Griffin trashes celebrities, and some people just don't get it. 😛
i'm fine, i'm not even pissed, i don't get pissed that easily. I bet you don't wanna see me when I am really pissed.
however, my life is full of more craps than anything else, but i'm still positive most of the time.

 

[UES Girl]

well, I think anyone would get upset if they were personally attacked...it's never fun when you receive a quick-reply from someone mocking what you've said.

I don't think Eelo was personally attacking him - from all the advice eelo's given me - I understand that he's been an adcom for over a decade so he probably has an idea of what adcoms are looking for in sucessfull applicants. It's more like Eelo was saying - hey, it sucks that you didn't get accepted - but maybe it's because there were more qualified candidates than you at that time and place. Sure people get accepted because of connections/parents - but it doesn't happen left and right, majority of candidates get into the school on their own.

 

[yazzman]

well, I think anyone would get upset if they were personally attacked...it's never fun when you receive a quick-reply from someone mocking what you've said.

Not knowing the guy...I could not see your discription of him by reading his outburst...(honest, sweet,......etc)...That is why I posted the response

 

[UES Girl]

outburt? scary?😱 I thought it was very rational discussion. i guess I talk differently from other people, i talk the same way that Kathy Griffin trashes celebrities, and some people just don't get it. 😛
i'm fine, i'm not even pissed, i don't get pissed that easily. I bet you don't wanna see me when I am really pissed.
however, my life is full of more craps than anything else, but i'm still positive most of the time.

Guys, you are fighting over nothing - can't we all just get along ?

 

[yazzman]

outburt? scary?😱 I thought it was very rational discussion. i guess I talk differently from other people, i talk the same way that Kathy Griffin trashes celebrities, and some people just don't get it. 😛
i'm fine, i'm not even pissed, i don't get pissed that easily. I bet you don't wanna see me when I am really pissed.
however, my life is full of more craps than anything else, but i'm still positive most of the time.

From my prospective, you comeoff like your on the edge in your post...Reading eelo's post initially and then yours, I just thought he touched a nerve with you and I can feel your anger in your post ..that is all......good luck.....😳

 

[bwsalvas]

I chose the University at Buffalo originally because I am from New York and it just seemed economical.

It didn't take long for me to really like the school. I've met some of the greatest people here...and from all kinds of backgrounds.

That was pre-pharmacy, and after two years I found myself applying to other schools as backups to the original Buffalo idea. I interviewed elsewhere....got in....thought about changing things up...After some some soul searching I realized that I really truly like it here.

Its all good.

Go UB.

 

[fiorio]

I chose the University at Buffalo originally because I am from New York and it just seemed economical.

It didn't take long for me to really like the school. I've met some of the greatest people here...and from all kinds of backgrounds.

That was pre-pharmacy, and after two years I found myself applying to other schools as backups to the original Buffalo idea. I interviewed elsewhere....got in....thought about changing things up...After some some soul searching I realized that I really truly like it here.

Its all good.

Go UB.

I also applied UB but I didn't go to the interview. After experiencing the big snow in Indiana this year, I decide not to experience the huge snow in Buffalo.

 

[LoonyLuna]

redundant comment, my bad

 

[LoonyLuna]

I agree with the getting along thing.

 

[confettiflyer]

Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Ranked by importance

1) Pre-accreditation status achieved
2) Very impressed with the associated university hospital (the fact that it even has an associated hospital is a plus).
3) I loved the city of Philadelphia on my initial visit, proximity to other cities/areas to explore over the next 4 years (dutch country, NYC, the rest of the east coast, easy access to JFK and cross pond flights -- I travel a LOT).
4) Job opportunities for the significant other much greater than other campuses I considered.

 

[fiorio]

From my prospective, you comeoff like your on the edge in your post...Reading eelo's post initially and then yours, I just thought he touched a nerve with you and I can feel your anger in your post ..that is all......good luck.....😳

alright, I still have anger towards one particular school (not gonna say which one). It was my goal for 2 years, then last year got rejected i was bitter and depressed, and i thought, "alright, i am not good enough, try again" but then after hearing some "stories" I was not very happy. in fact I heard some rumour about that school during my first semester pre-pharm year, and it seems to be true.

After everything happen, I can still bounce back and re-apply, but that school will not be my goal anymore, I admit that I can't get over the feeling. Not because they rejected me, but the unfairness. I don't have any this sort of feeling towards any other school rejected me. I know why I got rejected. I did NOT assume that school XYZ reject me because something unfair happened right away, until hearing those stories and a lot of things does make rumor real. and I know that I got rejected because I didn't know how to "beautify" my application.

anyway, i agree that admission commitee should be fair and everybody should be treated equally. If one candidate is excellent and got accepted, I am happy for him/her. but if one got accepted because of their parents, it is normal for me to be jealous and unhappy. it is normal human being feeling.

PS: I am not saying all the adcom are unfair. I only know about one school.
and Eelo, if u have been fair as a adcom then keep the good work.

 

[omnione]

I was accepted into Creighton, Iowa, and Wingate.

The main reasons for going to Creighton are:

1. Location: Omaha has two medical schools here with two pharmacy schools. I prefer larger cities over little Iowa City and Wingate, NC (though Wingate is close to Charlotte). I felt more at home in Creighton and Omaha in general. I'm also close to my family in Lincoln.

2. Creighton's laptop/technology program: I'm a techie guy so having a curriculum that revolves around the Internet and laptop usage fit my style.

3. Creighton's emphasis on clinical pharmacy: Creighton likes to think that hospital and community pharmacy are both clinical. My friends over at nearby University of Nebraska-Medical Center don't get as much emphasis on counseling and medication management (not a bash). I like pharmacy for the interaction so Creighton offered more of a people friendly.

These seem like small details but these are really the main things that distinguished Creighton. It was a tough decision and I really would've loved to go to either Wingate or Iowa. Iowa had the reputation for good job placement and alumni and Wingate was a teaching oriented school where every teacher was there to teach only. It was like a little community. The decision was tough.

 

[Omegadramon]

1) Cheap
2) Extremely Cheap
3) Not to far from home
4) Hella Cheap

 

[yazzman]

1) Cheap
2) Extremely Cheap
3) Not to far from home
4) Hella Cheap

what is the name of your school

 

[boxdesker]

I am just curious why people chose the schools they applied to, got in to, and/or deciding to go to? Was it the area, the program, is it the only one in your state, etc.
I personally just chose some schools in the south. I had my top choices that I knew a lot about and had visited the campus but then there are others I just applied to just in case. I have begun declining some of the interview offers and on some of the schools I feel the need to make sure I don’t want to attend them before I just disregard… I think my curiosity is getting the better half of me.

It was more a process of choosing the options available than actually picking the "right match".

1)NO PCAT: School could not require the PCAT. You can call me lazy--and maybe you'd be correct--but taking the time to prepare and relearn all of the gen bio and gen chem/ochem nonsense was a main factor. I'm ready to move on and learn more useful/practical things.
2)SAME HOMESTATE: School needed to be in CA. Lucky for me, CA schools don't require PCAT, so steps 1 and 2 worked together fairly well. Being close to home is necessary just to be able to go home if I ever need to.
3)PREREQS: No biochem, no physio, no interpersonal comm, no calc helped me narrow it down further.
4)WHAT'S LEFT: UCSD and UOP. Guess which schools I applied to.

I understand that my reasons for selecting these schools are nowhere near as "glamorous" as most of you, but my method works--until I get a FAT rejection from both schools.👍

 

[boxdesker]

It was more a process of choosing the options available than actually picking the "right match".

1)NO PCAT: School could not require the PCAT. You can call me lazy--and maybe you'd be correct--but taking the time to prepare and relearn all of the gen bio and gen chem/ochem nonsense was a main factor. I'm ready to move on and learn more useful/practical things.
2)SAME HOMESTATE: School needed to be in CA. Lucky for me, CA schools don't require PCAT, so steps 1 and 2 worked together fairly well. Being close to home is necessary just to be able to go home if I ever need to.
3)PREREQS: No biochem, no physio, no interpersonal comm, no calc helped me narrow it down further.
4)WHAT'S LEFT: UCSD and UOP. Guess which schools I applied to.

I understand that my reasons for selecting these schools are nowhere near as "glamorous" as most of you, but my method works--until I get a FAT rejection from both schools.👍

I also applied to UCSF and said I would take physio during the summer if I got accepted.

 

[rxlynn]

6. i wanna leave far away from my mother but not too far from my family, 3 hours drive is far enough to keep my mom visiting every day, she is very controlling and i had enough, she's been pushing me go to purdue recently.
don't laugh, this is a very important reason.
:

I don't think that's a bad reason at all. I also had a very controlling mother, and I firmly believe by the time you have a bachelor's and are either working or pursuing a graduate degree, it's time to cut the apron strings. You need to be supporting yourself as much as you can and making decisions on your own, which is hard to do if the parents want to weigh in on every little thing. Unfortunately, the only thing that really worked for me was getting married - after that she seemed to think that it was more up to my husband to monitor me😡

 

[phuang06]

1) Make a list of all the pharmacy schools in the US
2) Print it out on paper
3) Take a push pin in right hand
4) Close eyes
5) Spin paper around to ensure blind test
6) STAB paper
7) School chosen!

how convenient!

 

[jonnyboi303]

applied to Colorado, Washington, and UCSF

Colorado - my home state and where all my friends are and also home for some awesome boarding. also good programs for both PharmD and PhD

Washington - nice city, has a good program, and is also number one for research. also has a concurrent PharmD/PhD program

UCSF - Same as Washington but number one for PharmD instead of PhD

For both Washington and UCSF, both are on the west coast, and for some reason I really like the west coast. That was probably the biggest reason for choosing those two, though obviously not the only reason. It is the reason though, for why I didn't apply to any non-west coast schools besides Colorado

 

[WVUPharm2007]

It was the cheapest option and Morgantown is way too much fun....

 

[k1451372]

Interesting reasons guys! Well hope all of ya'll got into the schools you wanted🙂

 

[labrat024]

Midwestern CCP

1. I like the fact that it is a small private school and is only for health professionals: PharmD, DO, PA, PT, OT, PsychD, and biomedical sciences. There are also some classes taken with these other colleges.

2. The school is rather new and has modern facilities.

3. The PharmD curriculum is very well designed and has a good flow. There is a great choice of professional electives that will satisfy my quest for knowledge and help me specialize in the field of pharmacy that I choose to pursue.

4. The school is about 10-15 minutes from home and in a nice area.... rush hour traffic would be much less stressful than if I needed to drive downtown to UIC.

5. The cost is a bit pricey, but that isn't holding me back.....that's what loans are for.

6. They accepted me.....so I like them

 

[faulkner41]

i chose harding because they are a Christian University (as i went to a Christian University for undergrad) and i know many people that go there... i recently got accepted so i love them for that...

however... samford and auburn and still my top two choices that i am still waiting to hear from...

 

[Ethyl Methyl]

I chose University of Houston for the following reasons:

1. More than 50 years in the business
2. Extremely high Naplex pass rate
3. Residency programs with ongoing research
4. Texas Medical Center affiliations
5. Excellent teachers (some of whom hold patents and head groundbreaking research.)
6. Quality graduates (Current president of Texas Board of Pharmacy is a UH grad, president of Texas Pharmacy Asscoc. is also a UH grad and pres of Texas Health Systems Pharmacists is also a UH grad)
7. I live in Houston, so it's going to be cheaper too.
8. Diversity. I love meeting people from different culture and religious background--makes life interesting.

 

[k1451372]

bump

 

[Rumplestiltazepam]

I was already at OSU and it was cheapest way for me to finish school. I also really like the faculty.

 

[Hels2007]

Can't beat in-state tuition... The main reason I went to my own in-state school was low cost, and the fact that it was a school with small class but a lot of great opportunities for rotations & internships around the country. I never regretted my decision, and I had quite a few people envy me. 😛