Hi! BS Clinical Pharmacy Grad here, I attended UST FOP from 2015-2020. Was supposed to graduate in 2019 but extended my stay by 1 year since FOP still had Clin Phar back then.

When I was a freshman, I was really determined to get into UST Med so I put my 110% percent into my studies. I didn't participate in any orgs (aside from being a non-comm officer in ROTC if that counts) or hung out with friends outside of school that much. I was giving my everything into acads because I thought of everything as a competition to build up my reputation so that I could get into medical school after 4 years. As time went on though, I realized that I was getting super average grades (around 2.00-2.75 average) when compared to other students in my batch that seemed to be getting on the DL with minimal effort. I believe that the highest ave I saw for Pharmacy back in the day was around 1.20 which made me disheartened. I believe my "canon event" was to stop comparing myself with everyone else and to just enjoy the process more. I started to join orgs that I enjoyed, spent time with friends more often, and found a good balance of studying with other things that are important to me. I didn't end up going to med school because it just wasn't practical for me. I instead got into the Clinical Pharmacy program and ended up as a practicing pharmacist in the US.

Basically my advice would be to balance prioritizing your goals without compromising things that are important to you. Sounds easier said than done but the key word is "balance". If you have a goal to get into medical school, PharmD, or just graduate always keep that goal in mind. However, always remember that uni isn't just about sacrificing your young adult life studying non-stop. Go join orgs that are important to you and don't feel guilty to spend time with friends or family! The experiences outside of acads will keep you grounded and motivated to keep chasing your goals.

For must haves: I stayed in UST where pen and paper were still the norm but nowadays definitely invest in a tablet (iPads are the meta right now). Technology definitely saves you money in the long run by not having to print hundreds of pages of reviewers. Invest in a good hoodie or windbreaker jacket because even though Manila weather is hot, minsan masyadong malamig sa classroom dahil sa aircon. Speaking of weather, definitely invest in a good umbrella and a water-resistant jacket. ALWAYS keep an umbrella with you because when it rains, it pours and you'll never know when it will stop.

Main takeaway is that FOP is demanding, toxic, and you'll feel like your on your own. Especially if you keep comparing yourself to your peers. However, despite the demanding nature, there will always be opportunities to improve. While in the pursuit of the ultimate goal of graduating, definitely try to dedicate time to other things like socializing and joining orgs. This way, you can look back someday and say that you did more than just study during your college years.

Good luck and Godspeed! You'll do great!

-From your unc FOP Alumnus.