I’m interested in studying Pharmacy, but cannot decide which school to go with…
UMich (Preferred Admission into the Pharmacy school) does have a “higher national pharmacy rank” than Rutgers, but Rutgers (Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy) is a 0+6 pharmacy school, meaning that no PCAT is required and that a PharmD is guaranteed within 6 years
UMich is a great school too, but the thing is that the pharmacy program there is a 2+4 one, which means PCAT is required for all applicants - meaning that it is NOT 100% guaranteed that I would be able to attend the Pharmacy school after 2 years…
Basically, both are schools that I would really like to attend, but I cannot decide on which one to commit to
You really can’t go wrong with either of them. If they are really so evenly matched that you can’t decide, flip a coin. If you flip the coin and you get a result that makes you want to go 2 out of 3, then choose the other school. Go with whichever one will make you more happy. You will work harder at a school you love, even if it means having to study for the PCAT. That’s my suggestion, I hope you make the right choice!
PS. pm me if you have any specific questions about the Rutgers program, I know a few people currently in it
I’m torn. I’d say UM would offer a great college experience, but I’m big into knowing that you are into the program you want. For example I know a number of people who went to UM hoping to get into Ross and they did not so that is a risk.
I think Michigan is a better option if cost of attendance is not a concern. Everything except for the uncertainty of admission into the program points to Michigan. But getting into the Pharmacy program at Michigan is not that difficult. It is more difficult to get into Michigan as an undergraduate applicant than it is to get into the Pharmacy school. If you are comfortable with science, chemistry in particular, you should not have too much trouble getting into the Pharmacy program. Other than that, Michigan is a better option. It is a better university overall with a stronger international reputation, it has a stronger Pharmacy program and should you choose to change fields, Michigan will likely be a better option. Also, campus life is richer at Michigan, and Ann Arbor is a nicer town than New Brunswick.
I agree with that. I can see maybe (and its a big maybe) paying more for a school that has guaranteed you admission to the professional school. But here the one that has done so is less expensive. Pharmacy in general is not a degree where pedigree matters. They want a license.
Do you know a lot of pharmacists? I know several and they all appear to be miserable. Initial pay is good but it doesn’t climb much from there. And the market is flooded with pharmacists (because colleges increased their enrollments/new colleges opened up). Just things to consider. Good luck.
After three months of careful thought, I have made a decision to commit to Rutgers!
Thank you again - all the comments and suggestions have helped me tremendously!
