University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis
Saint Louis, MO, USA

Reviews

University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis

Alexis from Murrieta, CA

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As a 1st year, a lot of what is being covered right now is review. However, since pharmacy is the only major, everything taught here has a pharmacy spin on it. This helps me realize that I am actually at school to become a pharmacist. I feel like we are learning a lot, and at a good pace.
Am enjoying being here
I love the atmosphere of the school, it's very personable and it seems like the professors really want you to succeed and do well. It's also nice that everyone is doing the same thing, or has already done it. The downside is that it is a small school, so drama will happen most likely. As a girl, some other girls can be cliquey or rude to you, but you have to accept that some people are like that and then find truly geniune people to spend time with. I joined CRU, and all the people there are awesome! Also, classes are not all that easy, most of my time consists of studying.
Bang for the buck
The school is in the central west end and there are lots of restuarants/shops within walking distance. Also, if you live in the dorms, classes are really close so you can be to class easily within five minutes. The cafeteria is also connected to the dorms so no need to walk through the cold/rain/snow to get food. I fly a lot back home and the metro is adjacent to the school, so after class I walk with my suitcase and take the metro to the airport. It's so convenient! Also, at this school you don't have to take the PCAT or apply to be admitted into the professional program. The best part is you earn your Pharm D. in 6 years!
Tips for prospective students
Apply for early decision because it is difficult to be admitted under regular decision. Also, make sure you really want to be a pharmacist. We've had about three people drop out within the first half of the semester because they found out pharmacy isn't what they want to do. It's not as bad here as people make it out to be. As long as you don't procrastinate you should do well.
Great for these types of students
Hardworking students will do well here. Procrastinating will make your life stressful here. I did away with the habit and started using a planner, and it has done wonders. This is a great school for people that want to go to a small college.

Bobbie from Saint Louis, MO

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Located in the heart of the Central West End, Saint Louis College of Pharmacy cultivates all aspects of a traditional and modern college atmosphere into its diverse campus. The advanced 7-year program provides students with a chance at earning their Bachelors of Science degree before advancing onward to earning a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree, while getting the chance to apply knowledge into rotations, internships, and part-time jobs. This program is recommended for anyone interested in pursuing an advanced degree in the pharmaceutical field, dedicate their lives to serving others, and overall striving to achieve the best in their field.
Tips for prospective students
A few tips I would provide to those who are looking at applying to Saint Louis College of Pharmacy: 1. Apply early: Early Decision usually begins mid-August and ends before December 1st. 2 Be involved in high school! Do what you are interested in and don't let others discourage you from pursuing what you want to do! Also, being involved helps beef up your resume. 3. Have your college essay edited and re-edited to perfection until you have the best final copy. Your essay is the most important projection the admissions committee has on you and your personality. Take time on this aspect of the application process; don't just ignore the underlying work that goes into developing the most perfect paper! 4. Be inspired. This goes along with #3, but incorporated something real and motivational into your paper that explains your reasoning on why you think you belong at STLCOP. In mine, I described how working in a pharmacy helped me understand how something small as counting the pills in a prescription affected something as big as how often someone would be able to get their dosage of medicines, etc. 5. Have fun! I thought applying to college was one of the most enjoyable things about senior year. It's your time to show off and brag about your talents and achievements, so why not?
Academic Rigor
You have to study to keep up with the curriculum and maintain your GPA to the minimum.
Dorm Life
I highly recommend living on campus. It's the whole learning community environment that helps you get your homework done, or motivates you to start a project before midnight...
Food and Dining
Overall good! I like STLCOP Cafe! There are many options and variety here, but, just like many college cafes, it does get tiring after a while.
What to do for fun
Since our campus is right infront of the MetroLink station, students have year-long access to rides to and from locations in STL. Places like the Delmar Loop, Central West End, and Brentwood-Richmond Heights shopping plazas! the CENTRAL WEST END is the most happening place in STL. There are parades, festivals, tastings, music events that usually frequent this area and not to mention the amazing dining opportunities. When you get tired of the food at the Cafe, you can ALWAYS head down to the coffee stores, local shops, or fancy restaurants in the CWE. It's only 5 minutes walking down the cobblestone path. If you get tired of doing this there's always Forest Park, which is across the street from the college. Forest Park includes STL Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, Ice Rink, the Jewel Box, the Boat House, and many more scenic areas.
Bang for the buck
The seven years are demanding and time-consuming, but it's worth it in the end cause you'll be highly demanded and you'll have had a quality education.
Great for these types of students
Hard-workers, people who are concerned about patient care, those that are good at Math and Science, those that have great people skills, and those that want to advance their degrees!
Clubs and Activities
CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS:
*Black Student Alliance (BSA)
*Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU)
*Catholic Students Organization
*Chess Club
*College Democrats
*College Republicans
*ConjuRings Literary Magazine
*Environmental Action Committee
*EUTS Dance Team
*Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA)
*GEARS (Gaming, Electronics, Anime, Rec, Sci-Fi)
*Global Pharmacists
*Golf Club
*Greek Council
*Gymnastics Club
*International Students Organization (ISO)
*Jewish Student Union
*Outdoor Club
*Pharmakon (School Newspaper)
*Prescripto (Yearbook)
*Roller Hockey
*Society of Apothecaries & Dreamers
*STLCOP Book Club (Booksies)
*STLCOP Pep Band
*STLCOP Strings
*Student Ambassadors
*Student Body Union (SBU)
*Student Organization for Drug and Alcohol Awareness (SODAA)
*Teaching and Learning Cooperative
*Weight Training Club

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
Foundation for the International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC)
Health Professional Student Leadership Council
*Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society
*Rho Chi Society - Beta Kappa Chapter (Pharmacy Honor Society)
Student Alumni Association (SAA)
*Student Pharmacist Association (SPA)
American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP)
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPHA)
Missouri Pharmacists Association (MPA)
National Community Pharmacy Association (NCPA)
Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)
Women's Health Issues Group

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES:
Athletics
Royal Chorale
Theater

Greek Life
GREEK ORGANIZATIONS:
Delta Sigma Theta
Interfraternal Council
Phi Delta Chi
Kappa Epsilon Alpha Omnicorn Chapter (KE)
Kappa Psi (KY)
Lambda Chi Alpha (LXA)
Lambda Kappa Sigma (LKS)
Campus Safety
Since we have such a small campus, you're bound to stumble upon at least one, if not two, security guards patrolling the buildings. The security desk is located in the parking garage and they are always working, 24-7. If you are stuck somewhere and need a ride to the hospital or another campus building, you just call the security desk and their will come pick you up!

HALLIE from ST LOUIS, MO

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
St. Louis College of Pharmacy is one of the best pharmacy schools in the nation. It is very competitive and isn't like your average college. It's small, and the learning is very hands on.
Tips for prospective students
You must put in the time. Dont expect to come here and succeed if you do not want to devote most of your time to studying. I would also suggest to have a little fun. It's important to not get drowned in stress.
Academic Rigor
The faculty push the students to their full potential. The teachers make you apply what you learn, and it is not all memorization. It is essential to study your notes, and keep everything organized.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is pretty much amazing. Here at STLCOP, it is not unusual to meet many new friends in the first week. There are fun activities all the time, and there are always upper classmen to help you out if needed.
Food and Dining
For the most part, the food is delicious. Not only does it taste good, but it is good for you. They have a variety of food every day of the week. The portions are also up to par.
What to do for fun
The area that surrounds STLCOP is wonderful. Central West End is home to many fun stores and places to visit. You can go shopping on Euclid Street. You can also play basketball in the gym. It also seems common for people to hang out in the lobby and watch movies. It's just a fun atmosphere!
Bang for the buck
One down fall of the St Louis College of Pharmacy is that is comes with a high tuition fee. It is one reason why I almost did not choose this school. They seem to charge you for everything.
Great for these types of students
STLCOP is home to many different cultures! So all students are welcome.
Clubs and Activities
STLCOP has many inturmural sports. It has professional fraternities and professional sororities. There are many clubs in which one can join.
Campus Safety
There are security guards on site 24-7. They watch over the main doors, and they are in charge of the parking garage. I feel so so safe on this campus, and I can not stress that enough.

Alexa from Junction City, KS

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
STLCOP is a manageable challenge. You have to work to get your grades, but the feeling of working for them and then getting them is rewarding. Don't consider asking for help a sign of weakness, it's a hard program and everyone knows that.
Tips for prospective students
Get in the habit of studying. For most students their our biggest change is learning how to study, because high school was easy for us. Now that doesn't mean you have to sit down for hours looking at the same book, learn what works for you to retain a mastery of the information.
Academic Rigor
As I said, STLCOP is a challenge, but they offer a lot of resources to help you. Tutoring. mentoring, counselling, stress-relievers, laptops, academic planning, and all of this is free of charge. So learn how to study well and don't be afraid to ask for help before you need it.
Dorm Life
Living on campus is reserved for first and some second years, but the experience was a good one for me. I was able to meet all of my classmates, and if I ever need helped with school or anything else, someone was always down the hall to help.
Food and Dining
Our cafe offers many different options for food, and is willling to make special request so dont worry if you think you have to spend a lot of money to go somewhere and get your food.
What to do for fun
Well it is Saint Louis, there's lots to do. STLCOP is located in the central west end of town so you are able to indulge in the many shops, dining establishments, and hotels all located near-by. The Peabody Opera House, Saint Louis Cardinals Stadium, Delmar Loop, Home of the Saint Louis Blues, Forest Park, the Saint Louis Arch, and the Galleria Mall are all accessible by a short public transit, walking or driving.
Greek Life
Greek Life is offered but there is only one strictly social organization, the rest are professional and therefore are called fraternities, but are open to men and women.
Campus Safety
I know safety is a concern for many prospective families, but campus is safe. Security is always available 24/7. 365, but it is always best to practice safety by using the rule of two, and letting someone know where you're going as it would be in an new area.

Aubrie from Witt, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I feel that I made the perfect decision when I decided to attend the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Everyone here is extremely friendly, and help all around you from the staff and upperclassmen. The good thing is that since everyone here is trying to become a pharmacist, we all know what each of us is going through.
Tips for prospective students
If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it. Everyone is willing to help you and you can even get a private tutor for free. Learn what study habits work best for you. You might need to realize that college is a lot harder than high school. In order to make school less stressful, I would suggest studying a little bit of your school material each day. Rather than you waiting until the night before to cram all of the information into your brain. The last thing I would suggest is that students should get involved. This is a great way to take your mind off of school for a while, and an excellent way to get to know your peers.
Academic Rigor
One thing you may notice while attending this school is that if your friends go to another college it may seem like their school is a lot easier. You need to understand that you are going here to become a pharmacist. Everyone at this school is obviously intelligent, so this school is a bit more difficult than other non-medical schools. Even though things may seem a little tough at time, I can tell you that it honestly isn't that bad. As long as you have good study habits and a schedule, you will be perfectly fine.
Dorm Life
I absolutely loved living in the dorms. It teaches you how to live and get along with someone while sharing a small space, which a skill you will need to keep throughout your entire life. Another great thing is the location of the dorms. If you wake up 10 minutes before your class begins, you can still make it on time. If you want to hang out with your friends, you can just walk down the hallway or take the elevator/stairs to another floor and visit them. Also, the campus is located in the central west end, so you can leave your dorm and have easy access to go out into the city and have some fun.
Food and Dining
The food in the cafeteria is pretty good. Occasionally they have some pretty weird stuff, but a majority of it is good. The only thing I have to complain about with the food in the cafeteria is that I wish there were more healthier options. If you don't like the cafeteria food, you can also take a five minute to a nice place to eat. There are lots of wonderful places in the area that have some really great food.
What to do for fun
There are many different fun things to do. The residence hall has a lobby with a big screen TV where you can watch movies. It also has a Wii, so you can go to the front desk to get a video game to play. In the middle of campus is the quad, which is a an acre of grassy area where you can play sports or just relax on. Another thing on campus is the Rec Room. It has a ping-pong table and pool tables. You can also go to the gym if you enjoy playing sports. If you go off campus, there is a movie theatre not too far away and lots of other great things to do around the city
Bang for the buck
Although this school is pretty expensive (in my opinion), I think that it is worth it. You get to be surrounded by a lot of great people and acquire an excellent education. One of the especially great things about this school is you don't have to take the PCAT and you are finished in six years.
Great for these types of students
If you are intelligent, friendly, and ambitious, this is the perfect school for you.
Clubs and Activities
This school offers a vast majority of involvement opportunities. There are many different clubs, such as outdoor club, GSA, SODAA, and etc.
For sports there are tennis, intramural soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, roller hockey and etc.
Greek Life
I have not been able to join the Greek life yet, since I am only a first year, but I plan to next year. There are several different fraternities/sororities. It's just a matter of deciding if you want to join and which one is the perfect one for you.
Campus Safety
The campus is extremely safe. In order to enter any building you need to swipe your student I.D. Plus, there is a security guard on duty 24/7.