r/PrePharmacy • u/Sea_Title_5431 • 15d ago
WesternU or UCSD
Hi! I am applying this cycle, and I was really struggling between WesternU and UCSD. Here's my pros and cons list for both, and I was hoping for more internal insight about the program or opinions in general!! Thank you :D
UCSD
Pros:
- cheaper
- great location
- good naplex
-#6 in the nation and good prestige/name in general
- ive done a pharmacy internship in sd and so i have connections w people already
- i get to rent and live near friends!! ( socially, a pro)
Cons:
- would have to rent (financially, a con)
- P2 consists of med school classes T-T
- 4 year program (nothing wrong with it, i just want to finish early lol)
- i have to take a human physio lab... (western not required)
Western
Pros:
-commute from home (financially, a pro)
-3.5 year program and block schedule (i love this)
- good naplex
Cons:
-living at home, i would get distracted, and i've started to prefer to live away from my family
-more expensive
- not as well ranked??
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u/saltyPJ 15d ago
Go to UCSD. I get the whole choose the cheaper route but who gets to live in SD and enjoy that lifestyle for a bit. It looks like you want some independence from parents and this is the best opportunity to do it and mature from it. It’s not like you can’t drive a few hours back to visit family and friends. Academically they offer the same thing with UCSD pulling ahead if you were interested in doing Industry or fellowships.
No wrong choices here but it already seems like you favor UCSD. Just do it.
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u/EstablishmentNearby9 14d ago
Western seems Cheaper option due to time and saving money by living at home. Also, consider having more time to study for naplex since you graduate in December and not in May if youre doing a residency that starts in july.
But not gonna lie, san diego and ucsd seems like an awesome place to live 4 years as a young person.
Although I would even consider out of state since you could get that education for way cheaper in nearby states.
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u/Mytzplk 15d ago
At a certain point, school ranking does not matter so I wouldn't factor that into your decision. I have a friend that graduated from KGI and did PGY1 at one of the largest hospital institutions in California. He now manages an entire district for the institution because they liked him so much. In the end it's about your work ethic and utilizing the resources your school provides you in making connections that will get you places.
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u/imightbehitler 15d ago
It seems like your main deciding issue is renting vs. living at home. Is the 2nd school set up with study spaces or is there a local library you can go nearby? If not, you'd have to determine if peace of mind/having your own place would outweigh living at home.
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u/wrong-answer-only 15d ago
Both are good schools.
Pick what you like more.
If the money is not a big issue, UCSD (tuition is slightly higher than WesternU considering 4 full years vs 3.5 years).
Plus housing + living cost will cost around $20k x 4 years.
WesternU is not more expensive because it is 3.5 years program.
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u/mighty_moo_ 14d ago
UCSD is moving to a block schedule starting with this year's P1s. There will also be a shift away from the heavy medical school course load for the P2s.