I have just been admitted to UMD, class of 2022 starting my fall semester as a freshman this year. My parents really want me to go to this school, but it doesn’t have the right program for me. I want to do 3 years of prerequisites for pharmacy school, and then go straight to it. For example, UMBC has a pre-pharmacy program that has a student take 3 years of prerequisites for PharmD, and then complete 4 years to get the PharmD. I know UMD doesn’t have that, but I’m wondering if I’m allowed to do only 2-3 years. Probably not right? I would have to earn my full bachelor’s degree in chemistry at UMD. Is there any other option for me?
Why not just go to UMBC? Also a great school, a little cheaper, more merit $. If they have better program for the major you want, why not go?
Pharmacy schools are looking for students to have the prerequisite classes (chem, physics, A&P, etc.) but don’t care what their major is. Students can apply to pharmacy school after 2 years of college. Many students who attend community college are offered spots in pharmacy schools.
@Astro77 sorry for not responding until now. My parents don’t want me to go to UMBC, even though it has the exact program for me; they see it as a status thing… It would definitely be cheaper than UMD, and they offered me a good amount of scholarship money.
@momofabby I would like to attend a community college to save money and time too–my cousin went to community college (montgomery college) and was able to get into USG (universities at shady grove) for nursing. I know that you have a great chance of getting accepted into pharmacy school no matter where you go, but again. My parents have status issues. I’m currently being forced to go to UMD, which is pretty sad. I’m thinking of just getting my bachelor’s degree in biology and then attending pharmacy school–maybe that way I wouldn’t be rushed/stressed.
Thank you both for replying to me though!!! 
My DD is going to attend UMD, but UMBC is also a great school. Maybe the success of their basketball team this year will help your parents with the “status” issue? Good luck.
@BurningSmirk To continue the ^^^ post. UMBC is actually as good as UMDCP for its core majors. Here is a recent article after the NCAA win last week, and it may help your cause: “Never heard of UMBC? MIT has. And Cal Tech. And Harvard. And Stanford…” http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-0317-umbc-virginia-ncaa-20180317-story.html Show it to your parents.
You are correct in Montgomery College. Was a student there.
@amNotarobot but that’s not what he’s talking about. Before that upset a lot of people have never heard of UMBC. And now they’re known for beating Virginia but besides that they just don’t have that rep like UCBerkley or GTech or Michigan or the ivies.
Did you get into the 3-3 pharm program?
@Daisy50 Apparently the OP is a Marylander and so am I. Many of the parents in our own state look down on its own schools without further research (I met one pair of parents a few years ago who did not want their son to go to UMBC and turned out the school actually filled in very quick that their son received a letter of not rejection or denied but informing they had filled its class by early April). So my response was not to everyone but the OP and parents and students in the state of MD.
@amNotarobot I’m also a Maryland student. I chose not to apply to UMBC because personally I felt that I would get a more traditional college experience at UMD and UMD is ranked a lot higher for my intended major. If OP’s parents are paying for their college then I say UMD is a good choice and they most likely have more resources like clubs or internships than UMBC. If they aren’t then that really sucks and I’m sorry OP. My friend is actually dealing with the same situation but opposite. She wishes to attend UMD but her parents want her to go to UMBC because they believe that she wouldn’t be successful at UMD (She is in the top 6% of a class of 400 students)
@Daisy50 interesting about your friends parents concern. My S is a solid A/B grade student in regular classes (no honors but rigorous hs). We were surprised with his umd acceptance. He was fortunate but I am also concerned that it may not be the best environment for success. Both UMBC and UMCP are great options for the OP, just hard to choose which path.
@Daisy50 I understood what your point. But for some students, the small campus/close community environment at UMBC might be a idea choice than UMD at CP. Besides, UMBC is specialized in biomedical and few of the majors for a prospective students than just being accepted to UMD at CP with a major that is not that employable in the future. D applied college last year and both the UMD and UMBC were on her list. Also my self was a former accepted transfer to UMD, but instead went to UMUC. Upon graduation, passed my professional license exam first try. So they are all excellent colleges in my mind.
Personally, I believe you should go where they have the program you want. You are paying for an education and to learn skills for your career…
Maybe remind your parents that UMBC is an Honors University, my brother attended UMBC and noted it as being extremely challenging, especially in the STEM majors. You wouldn’t be lacking in education by going to UMBC, but instead, you would be receiving more major/career-specific learning and experience. Which in my opinion is way more valuable over a name. Going to a school where you will be happy and feel like you’re growing is so much more important, it will motivate you to work harder and apply yourself. Ultimately, it’s your choice, your parents aren’t the ones going to college, you are.