Choosing the right pharmacy school is a deeply personal journey, shaped by factors like cost, location, faculty, and career aspirations. For many students, the decision is more than just academics—it’s about finding a place where they can thrive. In this story, Ben Grosso shares how he navigated the overwhelming list of pharmacy programs, narrowed down his choices, and ultimately found the perfect fit at Shenandoah University School of Pharmacy. His journey highlights the importance of research, self-reflection, and the unexpected moments that make all the difference.
How Did You Choose Your Pharmacy School?
For me, I started with every single pharmacy program in the United States and worked my way through it. Slowly but surely, I eliminated schools based on my preferences such as distance, cost, length, and requirements. I narrowed it down to seven schools, so I applied to all of them and waited to see what happened. I got interview invitations from all of them, so the next step was to attend the interviews and just be myself.
I interviewed with three schools first: Shenandoah University, the University of Toledo, and the University of Charleston. I liked all three schools; the people I interviewed with were very warm and friendly, the campuses were all great, and they were all within my cost range. After a few days, I found out that I had been accepted into all three schools, which was both a blessing and a challenge. I canceled all my other interviews to avoid making my decision harder. The thing that made me choose Shenandoah, though, was the faculty. They offered to show me a tour of the campus on their own winter break, and when I came down, they gave me a lovely tour and offered me an extra scholarship, which sealed the deal. Shenandoah has a great pharmacy program, and the professors here are nothing short of amazing.
Why Did You Decide to Pursue a Career in Pharmacy?
I am a people person. Not in the sense that I need to meet new people all the time, but in the sense that I love people. I enjoy seeing how positive interactions with others can affect their lives. I enjoy making friendships and learning more about people who have different or similar life journeys to mine.
I knew in high school that I wanted to do something in healthcare, but I didn’t know what. With the help of my mom, I researched various healthcare fields. When I came across pharmacy as a career and really looked into it, I stopped looking. Being the most accessible healthcare worker available to the average person, along with being a master of medicine, was a dream for me.
What Advice Would You Give to Future Pharmacy Students?
Do not doubt your abilities. If you are able to get decent grades throughout high school and college, you will succeed in pharmacy school. You will not succeed if you begin to doubt yourself. Also, if you don’t already, value friendships and the connections you make with others heavily. Even if you aren’t a “people person,” making connections with others is a great skill to have when it comes to the outside world.
Also Read : Best Pharmacy colleges in Mumbai – 2024 Rankings
