UCSD vs. Berkeley vs. UOP for undergrad pharmacist

College Search & Selection
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I have been seeing many similar discussion to this one, but none of them really fits my situation. I want to become a pharmacy. I wanted to become a pharmacy since I was a kid. I have been taking many community colleges throughout my high school racking up around 45 units. I also have passed two AP’s with a 4 or higher, two with a 3’s and another 2 which I will take soon. In general regardless of where I go for undergrad, I will only need two years for undergrad. I have already made sure that all my credits transfer other than UOP where I would lose some of my AP credits.

I got into UOP’s 4-3, Berkely’s Chemistry, and UCSD Chemistry and Biology. Even if do take UOP’s 4-3, I will still apply to different pharmacy schools as I have read that UOP’s grad has a somewhat hard time getting jobs compared to better pharm schools (lets say UCSD).

Cost is a very important part as I prefer to rack up a large amount of large before I really have to. I will need 40k of loans at UOP for two years, which includes all cost. At both UC’s, I will have my whole tuition covered by the state meaning I would have money from scholarships and grants to use for living expenses (this is not including dorms and meals) 10k for Berkeley and 2.5k for UCSD.

Location is another thing I have considered, but I say location as in just opportunities for research, jobs, and interns. At UOP is am very limited jobs and interns as it is located in Stockton and most of the jobs and interns are location in SF, which is a good 2hrs away. Berkeley has many jobs, interns, and research on-campus as well as in SF which is a 30min drive. UCSD has the most advantage for its location as Scripts Research Institution is located extremely close to UCSD and there are many research and interns for pharmacy at UCSD.

I do plan on taking the PTCB to become a pharm tech right after I graduate from college meaning I would be working as a pharm tech(if I can find one)(does anyone know how hard or easy it to get a job?), I will also do a good amount of research when I can like during the summers and societies which can help me like UCSD’s pre-pharm society.

Which undergrad school would be the best to apply to?

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I’ve actually heard that UOP’s pharm school is really broad and has a variety of things compared to other pharm school.
I don’t think UOP is worth it however. UOP is great for the 5 or 6 year program but anything longer is a bit too costly and there’s not enough benefits.
I would go with UCSD It’s incredibly hard to get a good gpa in Berkeley especially in the sciences and because you’re not guaranteed a spot at a pharm school, a good gpa is necessary. I’m not saying UCSD is a piece of cake but I’ve heard it’s a bit easier. It also seems like UCSD is cheaper?
One thing that I think maybe UOP may be better at is the internships. Not because of its location but because it’s easier to stand out at UOP. Berkeley would be probably the hardest. You’re also going to have to compete with grad students as well as bucket loads of people who are incredibly gifted in biology and chemistry.
I am kinda confused about what you said for UCSD’s pharm school. I don’t know if this is true for UCSD but I have heard it’s harder to get into professional/grad school that you went for your undergrad and in the States, this isn’t usually recommended.

From reading your post, it also seems like you’re leaning towards UCSD though.
(I’m sorry if this isn’t all that coherent. I’m kinda blanking out right now from lack of sleep)

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UCSD would probably be the cheapest out of the choices, because The living expenses in SD and cheaper than Berkeley and without a doubt UOP would be the most expensive. As to clear up your confusion, there are many pharmacy schools that REQUIRES a BS or BA degree before being able to apply to their school. And yes, I am leaning towards UCSD for the sake of cost and atmosphere of the the two UC’s. Berkeley is just too competitive and cut throat for me (I have heard this from many teachers and friends, who are attending Berkeley).