Hello po! I’m currently choosing between UPM, UST, and DLSU biochem for undergrad, and as of now, I am waitlisted at UPM Biochem (hopefully may maiwang slot sa akin, huhu). 

A little bit about me is that I’m interested in pursuing a research career rather than medicine, but I’m still exploring my options and want to understand the real differences between these programs beyond reputation. I’m weighing the pros and cons of the three institutions, and undoubtedly, UPM is my priority because of the free tuition but I’m also considering UST and DLSU because I applied for scholarships (yet still waiting for results). 

After researching online, this is what I learned: 
- Programs under CAS (including biochem) are experiencing conflicts in their laboratory work due to a lack of equipment in the facilities. 
- UPM biochem students lean towards theoretical knowledge and graduate as book smart because of facility conflicts.
- UPM Biochem has good performance in chemist licensure exams as the top 1 of the recent CLE is from UPM Biochem.
- UPM environment in general is taxing due to pollution, lack of nature when compared to UPD and UPLB, and the prevalence of pickpockets in the area.
- Enlistment system is frustrating and may mga pagkakataon na magbeg ang students sa mga prof na kunin sila.
- Maliit lang ang UPM, so hindi na mahirap mag-move to different classes.

P.S. These may be outdated, as the Reddit posts I’ve seen are years old, kaya I want to confirm if these are still valid today.

I’d really appreciate insights from current students or graduates from the UPM Biochem program regarding:

1. Research opportunities (Does the lack of facilities affect research opportunities? How well does UPM biochem excel in terms of research in the sciences?)
2. Internship opportunities (How competitive is it? Are there internship opportunities abroad?)
3. Academics and workload (How prone is it to get burned out?)
4. Professors and mentorship (Are profs good with the subjects that they teach? Is it relatively difficult to get a good thesis adviser?)
5. Facilities (Sapat na ba ang facilities for undergrad research or do students seek labs outside UPM to complete their theses?)
6. Career options in the Philippines and abroad (Was it difficult to find a job after graduation?)
7. Student life outside academics (May time pa ba sa extracurricular life? huhu)

Additionally, how would UPM biochem compare to UST biochem? 
I’ve attended the recent biochem program orientation at UST, and this is the info I learned:

- UST Biochem is the only Level IV PACUCOA-accredited institution in the Philippines (what does this imply?)

- The program focuses on research, exposing students as early as freshman year and providing guidance from profs aligned with their research interests.

- The student population is around 90 per year, and there are only 2 block sections, so everyone knows everyone, which becomes an advantage for student visibility and consultation with profs.

- UST has partner institutions abroad, which allow students to take their internships in Japan, Taiwan, Australia, etc. (Which may be good when seeking job opportunities after grad)

- Classes are from Monday to Saturday with a possibility na may 7AM to 7PM sched and there are quizzes almost every day.

Are these also symmetric to UPM biochem, or does the system drastically differ? Especially in terms of education and research opportunities?

Masasabi ko na I’m torn between UPM and UST biochem, and DLSU is third since, from what I’ve seen online, it leans more towards business courses, so I’m not really sure kung ano ang standing ng DLSU sa sciences.

What can you say about this po? Thank you!

Hello po! I’m currently choosing between UPM, UST, and DLSU biochem for undergrad, and as of now, I am waitlisted at UPM Biochem (hopefully may maiwang slot sa akin, huhu). 

A little bit about me is that I’m interested in pursuing a research career rather than medicine, but I’m still exploring my options and want to understand the real differences between these programs beyond reputation. I’m weighing the pros and cons of the three institutions, and undoubtedly, UPM is my priority because of the free tuition but I’m also considering UST and DLSU because I applied for scholarships (yet still waiting for results). 

After researching online, this is what I learned: 
- Programs under CAS (including biochem) are experiencing conflicts in their laboratory work due to a lack of equipment in the facilities. 

- UPM biochem students lean towards theoretical knowledge and graduate as book smart because of facility conflicts.

- UPM Biochem has good performance in chemist licensure exams as the top 1 of the recent CLE is from UPM Biochem.

- UPM environment in general is taxing due to pollution, lack of nature when compared to UPD and UPLB, and the prevalence of pickpockets in the area.

- Enlistment system is frustrating and may mga pagkakataon na magbeg ang students sa mga prof na kunin sila.

- Maliit lang ang UPM, so hindi na mahirap mag-move to different classes.

P.S. These may be outdated, as the Reddit posts I’ve seen are years old, kaya I want to confirm if these are still valid today.

I’d really appreciate insights from current students or graduates from the UPM Biochem program regarding:

1. Research opportunities (Does the lack of facilities affect research opportunities? How well does UPM biochem excel in terms of research in the sciences?)
2. Internship opportunities (How competitive is it? Are there internship opportunities abroad?)
3. Academics and workload (How prone is it to get burned out?)
4. Professors and mentorship (Are profs good with the subjects that they teach? Is it relatively difficult to get a good thesis adviser?)
5. Facilities (Sapat na ba ang facilities for undergrad research or do students seek labs outside UPM to complete their theses?)
6. Career options in the Philippines and abroad (Was it difficult to find a job after graduation?)
7. Student life outside academics (May time pa ba sa extracurricular life? huhu)

Additionally, how would UPM biochem compare to UST biochem? 
I’ve attended the recent biochem program orientation at UST, and this is the info I learned:

- UST Biochem is the only Level IV PACUCOA-accredited institution in the Philippines (what does this imply?)

- The program focuses on research, exposing students as early as freshman year and providing guidance from profs aligned with their research interests.

- The student population is around 90 per year, and there are only 2 block sections, so everyone knows everyone, which becomes an advantage for student visibility and consultation with profs.

- UST has partner institutions abroad, which allow students to take their internships in Japan, Taiwan, Australia, etc. (Which may be good when seeking job opportunities after grad)

- Classes are from Monday to Saturday with a possibility na may 7AM to 7PM sched.

- There are quizzes almost every day.

Are these also symmetric to UPM biochem, or does the system drastically differ? Especially in terms of education and research opportunities?

Masasabi ko na I’m torn between UPM and UST biochem, and DLSU is third since, from what I’ve seen online, it leans more towards business courses, so I’m not really sure kung ano ang standing ng DLSU sa sciences.

What can you say about this po? Thank you!

Context: I am an incoming first-year biochem student currently living in Mindanao, and according to the primer, confirmation of enrollment is next Monday, May 18, and submission of documents is required to be on-site, with proxy submission not allowed.

My current conflict is that Cebpac tickets are expensive, and I don't have a place to stay in Manila. I thought, okay lang na ipa-LBC ko yung requirements. If it's not allowed, whom should I contact to explain my situation? What is their email address?

Thank you so much

I’m interested in research and potentially pursuing grad school. I don't see myself pursuing medicine, but a lot can change over 4 years of college, and I might consider med school. Which university is more flexible in terms of grad school and med school for biochem?

I’m still exploring my options and want to understand the real differences between these programs beyond reputation. I’d really appreciate insights from current students or graduates regarding:

1. Research opportunities
2. Internship opportunities
3. Academics and workload
4. Professors and mentorship
5. Facilities
6. Career options in the Philippines and abroad
7. Assurance of a stable job after graduation
8. Student life (community spirit and extracurriculars)

I’m interested in research and potentially pursuing grad school. I don't see myself pursuing medicine, but maybe a lot can change within 4 years of college—which university is more flexible in terms of grad school and med school for biochem?

I’m still exploring my options and want to understand the real differences between these programs beyond reputation. I’d really appreciate insights from current students or graduates regarding:

1. Research opportunities
2. Internship opportunities
3. Academics and workload
4. Professors and mentorship
5. Facilities
6. Career options in the Philippines and abroad
7. Assurance of a stable job after graduation
8. Student life (community spirit and extracurriculars)

Hello po! I’m currently deciding between the following programs:

• ADMU Chem
• DLSU Biochem
• UST Biochem

A little bit about me is that I’m interested in research and potentially pursuing a PhD (the specific path is not set in stone yet but maybe somewhere in biology and chemistry), but I’m still exploring my options and want to understand the real differences between these programs beyond reputation. I’d really appreciate insights from current students or graduates in UST and DLSU biochem or maybe ADMU chem regarding:

1. Research opportunities
2. Internship opportunities
3. Academics and workload
4. Professors and mentorship
5. Facilities
6. Career options in the Philippines and abroad
7. Student life (community and extracurriculars)

Specifically, I want to ask

• How early can students get involved in research, and how competitive is it?
• How well does each institution excel in terms of research in the sciences?
• How are the professors in terms of teaching and mentorship?
• How well does each institution prepare students for grad school?

DLSU is renowned for its active research and high-end facilities, but I'm not sure of its standing in science compared to UST. From what I’ve heard, mas lamang ang UST when it comes to science, as DLSU centers more on business, engineering, and tech. I haven’t seen much about DLSU’s standing in biochemistry, and the same goes for UST, since pharma yung mostly nakikita ko.

I don't see myself pursuing medicine; rather, I see myself pursuing research and going to grad school. As of the moment, I'm conflicted between DLSU and UST regarding the education, research, and internship opportunities for science, specifically biochem. However, I am also open to ADMU chemistry kaya I also want to hear insights from students/grads from ADMU

What can you say about this po? Thank you!

For context, I’m a senior high school graduate from a province, and I passed the following programs:

AdMU: BS Chemistry
DLSU: BS Biochemistry
UP Manila: BS Biochemistry
UST BS Biochemistry (planning to submit recon for BS Pharmacy)

I’m currently deciding between Biochemistry and Pharmacy. I’m interested in research and potentially pursuing a PhD, but I’m also considering a more structured healthcare path with clearer job opportunities in the Philippines.

At first, I was certain that I would pursue BS Biochem in college because I had done well in biology and chemistry in high school, and I’m interested in research. I have first-hand experience in life science research in JHS, including microbiology and computational biology, although I am not proficient in highly technical methodologies. I’m drawn to the idea of working in a lab, publishing research papers, presenting them at conferences, and contributing to research; hence, I want to pursue a PhD in bioinformatics to advance my research career. But I’m not yet sure what the day-to-day reality is like. I’ve also considered medicine for its demand and long-term stability. Along with that, I find fulfillment doing volunteer work through community service in our local organization. However, I’m still unsure whether I see myself in a patient-facing role.

I’m also considering Pharmacy as a practical option with a clear career path in the Philippines. While most pharmacists work in clinical or community settings, I'm also exploring research-related roles in the pharmaceutical or clinical field in the long term. However, I’m not sure how realistic it is to pursue research (e.g., pharmaceutical) from a Pharmacy background, so I’d appreciate insights on this.

To be fair, I think it’s too early to conclude that my vision is fixed on a research career, because a lot can change over four years in college. I’ve come across posts saying that research careers in the Philippines can be underfunded or limited, and I’m not sure how accurate or universal that is. Another thing is that I’m unsure about the available opportunities for bioinformaticians locally compared to abroad.

For students and graduates in biochemistry and pharmacy, I want to ask for your insights on my questions:

• What do most graduates from your program end up doing (with and without grad school), and do you feel the degree is practical in the PH job market?
• How well does your program prepare students for med or PhD, and how easy is it to pivot between paths?
• What GWA or achievements are usually needed to achieve a stable career in Med or PhD?
• What was the most difficult or lowest point in your program, and did it ever make you consider shifting?
• For Pharmacy graduates, how flexible is the degree if you later decide to pursue research or graduate studies?
• What are the less talked-about downsides of working as a pharmacist in the Philippines?
• How repetitive or varied is the day-to-day work in Pharmacy?

For the ones who are serious about their research career, I also have the following questions:

• How early do students get involved in actual research, and how do they usually get started?
• What does a typical day in research look like, and how does its stress compare to regular coursework?
• Do undergraduates get meaningful roles in research (e.g., publishing or assisting in studies), or mostly assist with routine work?
• What happens to students who realize they don’t want to do research anymore?
• If you don’t pursue a PhD or a med degree, what realistic jobs are available in the Philippines?
• What skills do you wish you had before starting research?

I know plans can change during college, so I really want to understand what each path looks like in reality, not just in theory.

TL;DR: I’m a SHS graduate choosing between Biochemistry (UP Manila / DLSU / UST) and possibly Pharmacy (UST recon). I’m interested in research and pursuing a PhD (bioinformatics), but I’m unsure about the practicality of a research career in the Philippines vs the stability of Pharmacy.

I’m looking for honest insights on:

• Career outcomes (local + abroad)
• Research opportunities and difficulty
• Flexibility if I change paths (med ↔ research ↔ industry)
• Whether Biochem is worth it without going abroad

For context, I’m a senior high school graduate from a province, and I passed the following programs:

AdMU: BS Chemistry
DLSU: BS Biochemistry
UP Manila: BS Biochemistry
UST BS Biochemistry (planning to submit recon for BS Pharmacy)

I’m currently deciding between Biochemistry and Pharmacy. I’m interested in research and potentially pursuing a PhD, but I’m also considering a more structured healthcare path with clearer job opportunities in the Philippines.

At first, I was certain that I would pursue BS Biochem in college because I had done well in biology and chemistry in high school, and I’m interested in research. I have first-hand experience in life science research in JHS, including microbiology and computational biology, although I am not proficient in highly technical methodologies. I’m drawn to the idea of working in a lab, publishing research papers, presenting them at conferences, and contributing to research; hence, I want to pursue a PhD in bioinformatics to advance my research career. But I’m not yet sure what the day-to-day reality is like. I’ve also considered medicine for its demand and long-term stability. Along with that, I find fulfillment doing volunteer work through community service in our local organization. However, I’m still unsure whether I see myself in a patient-facing role.

I’m also considering Pharmacy as a practical option with a clear career path in the Philippines. While most pharmacists work in clinical or community settings, I'm also exploring research-related roles in the pharmaceutical or clinical field in the long term. However, I’m not sure how realistic it is to pursue research (e.g., pharmaceutical) from a Pharmacy background, so I’d appreciate insights on this.

To be fair, I think it’s too early to conclude that my vision is fixed on a research career, because a lot can change over four years in college. I’ve come across posts saying that research careers in the Philippines can be underfunded or limited, and I’m not sure how accurate or universal that is. Another thing is that I’m unsure about the available opportunities for bioinformaticians locally compared to abroad.

For students and graduates in biochemistry and pharmacy, I want to ask for your insights on my questions:

• What do most graduates from your program end up doing (with and without grad school), and do you feel the degree is practical in the PH job market?
• How well does your program prepare students for med or PhD, and how easy is it to pivot between paths?
• What GWA or achievements are usually needed to achieve a stable career in Med or PhD?
• What was the most difficult or lowest point in your program, and did it ever make you consider shifting?
• For Pharmacy graduates, how flexible is the degree if you later decide to pursue research or graduate studies?
• What are the less talked-about downsides of working as a pharmacist in the Philippines?
• How repetitive or varied is the day-to-day work in Pharmacy?

For the ones who are serious about their research career, I also have the following questions:

• How early do students get involved in actual research, and how do they usually get started?
• What does a typical day in research look like, and how does its stress compare to regular coursework?
• Do undergraduates get meaningful roles in research (e.g., publishing or assisting in studies), or mostly assist with routine work?
• What happens to students who realize they don’t want to do research anymore?
• If you don’t pursue a PhD or a med degree, what realistic jobs are available in the Philippines?
• What skills do you wish you had before starting research?

I know plans can change during college, so I really want to understand what each path looks like in reality, not just in theory.

TL;DR: I’m a SHS graduate choosing between Biochemistry (UP Manila / DLSU / UST) and possibly Pharmacy (UST recon). I’m interested in research and pursuing a PhD (bioinformatics), but I’m unsure about the practicality of a research career in the Philippines vs the stability of Pharmacy.

I’m looking for honest insights on:

• Career outcomes (local + abroad)
• Research opportunities and difficulty
• Flexibility if I change paths (med ↔ research ↔ industry)
• Whether Biochem is worth it without going abroad