Last week, I asked members of the Class of 2018 "If you could offer a single piece of advice to an applicant who is applying to UCSF School of Pharmacy, what would it be? What would you say?" Do you see a common theme in their responses?
"Complete and submit everything that's required in advance. Don't wait for last-minute adrenaline rushes to submit material. UCSF expects you to be responsible and attentive." -M.
"UCSF has one of the most unique supplemental applications. Use the many essays as a chance to really dig deep and express yourself! Be genuine and show them who you really are." -R.
"Make lists! The process of applying can be tedious. There are many aspects to a complete application, each with its own deadline. I found it very helpful to add anything that is required to a checklist, add a due date, and cross things off when complete!" -H.
"Articulate yourself well in the application. If invited for an interview, do not panic. Just be yourself! The more comfortable, confident, and thoughtful you are, the easier your genuine passion for pharmacy will shine through during interview day." -P.
"Follow your heart, be honest and authentic when you answer the questions. Plus, just think about it as a fun way to explore yourself." -P.
"Stay true to yourself and your goals when writing the essays! This helps your true passion shine through and allows the admissions committee to see a picture of who you are that you can reinforce during the interview process". -S.
"Be confident, be prepared, and be yourself." -W.
"Start the application process early. You never know what life will throw at you, and you don't want your chances to be hindered due to a lack of organization." -T.
"Take a deep breath, relax and simply remember why you want to become a pharmacist. Compose a list of experiences you've had that define who you are as a person, integrate them into your essays and let your personality shine through your words." -R.
"Take a deep breath and tell yourself that this is going to be a long race, but one worth running. This is the first step to show UCSF who you are and what you have to offer, so do just that. Don't overcompensate or undervalue yourself!" -R.
"The essays intimidate many applicants, but don't fall for the hype! It's not about writing the essays you think they want to read. Just be 100% honest with yourself, bare your soul without fear, and tell YOUR story. Start early, and revise often." -B.
"Don't mold yourself into what you think makes a "good" applicant. Be confident in your abilities and you'll find your application will tell your unique story on its own. Stay authentic and take advantage of each essay prompt. Every word counts!" -R.
"This process is about getting accepted to a university, however it is also about finding a university that fits you. For the next 4 years you will have to study, learn and grow there, make sure it is a place you want to call home." -K.
"Be genuine! Paint a picture of who you are and how your experiences have led you to pursue pharmacy. Also, explain how UCSF is a good fit for you both academically and personally. Most importantly, the supplemental application WILL take time to complete." -D.
"Preparing for the MMI interviews can be very difficult but not impossible. I found that preparing for a normal one-on-one interview and reflecting on my overall pharmacy experienced helped a lot. Don't forget to just be yourself and be honest!" -N.
"Think about what makes the UCSF different from other pharmacy schools. Is it the diversity? Areas of specialization? Research? If something specific draws you to the school, highlite it in your supplemental application... that's what it's there for!" -J.
"Show what each experience that you've been involved in means to you through vivid stories and examples. You know that you're done with your essays when you feel proud of them and you feel like you've learned something new about yourself through them." -L.
"Be confident! The supplement application may seem long and intimidating, but just remember everyone else is also in the same boat. Showing clear and thoughtful responses about why you chose this profession (or why it chose you!) is important!" -H.
"Don't let fear or preconceived notions about what the admissions committee wants keep you from writing what you truly think and feel. Others will have similar experiences to yours, but they won't have thought and felt the same way about these experiences." -S.
"Believe in yourself and don't let the demeanor of others fool you. Everyone is learning through one confused, effort-filled step at a time." -D.
"I learned what it meant when someone told me to "be yourself" on an application. Rather than trying to write something that I thought the admission panel would like, I focused on telling my story and sharing my passions through my application." -J.
"Always be honest and genuine throughout your application and interview process. If you pretend to be who you think will impress the committee, odds are they will know. Let your unique qualities shine and be yourself." -M.
"Really dig deep down inside of yourself and write from your heart." -M.
"Be confident in yourself and the things that you have done to prepare for pharmacy school. I can't even count how many times I almost talked myself out of applying, because I felt I wasn't the "right" candidate." -J.
"I would say just be yourself. From your application essays to the MMIs on interview day, the best way to truly shine is by demonstrating your own personal talents and unique personality. In my opinion, there really is no substitute for sincerity." -M.
"The required and optional essays on the secondary application are not there to merely make the admission process difficult, but to give you the opportunity to elaborate on your unique strengths. The same is true regarding the interview process." -A.
"Find a way to distinguish yourself from the rest of the applicants and don't be afraid to think outside the box. Your application will be much more stimulating if you portray your individuality through unique experiences and interesting perspectives." -W.
"Be truthful and sincere when filling out the application and answering the essays -- just be yourself! You cannot "game the game" or try to write what you think they want to hear; say what you genuinely believe." -R.
"Work on essay/supplemental application responses early. Both require in-depth responses and take time to complete. Take pride in your responses. Don't be afraid to show who you are. Think outside the box. Be creative. Most importantly, be yourself." -L.
"My advice is to really know and understand why you want to apply to pharmacy school, particularly UCSF." -A.
"Be comfortable with your truest self, and let your story come THROUGH you! Reflect on and be happy with the experiences that have shaped the incredible person YOU have become, and your application will bask in the glory of your awesomeness." -E.
"Don't compromise yourself in telling a story you think others want to hear. It's hard to sell something that isn't real." -E.
"Don't give up before you even try. By focusing on my flaws throughout the application process, I felt defeated and questioned whether it was worth it to continue. Imperfections can give you authenticity, and authenticity is key to your application." -J.
"For essays, start early and reflect on what you want to convey about yourself. At first it may be difficult to step back and analyze your goals and what makes you unique, but if you allow yourself time you can learn a lot from this process!" -D.
"Pay special attention to the supplemental application. 1.) great writing, like great thinking, takes TIME- give yourself enough time to develop your ideas. 2.) They ask because they want to know- use the essay responses to take a risk and share yourself- dig deeper." -N.
"As cheesy as it might sound, be yourself. Let UCSF see who the real YOU is. As someone once told me, "To hide yourself from the world would be a shame. Everyone has a story to tell." So go ahead, share yours! :)" -A.
"Take time to reflect! Before writing my essays or my interviews, I always took time to really reflect upon my experiences. It enriches what you have to say, making your story come across much more sincere and interesting. This helps you stand out." -R.
"Your application is more than your GPA and accumulation of pharmacy experience and volunteer hours -- I know this from personal experience. Don't let any of that hold you back. Convey what drives you to be a pharmacist, and do it passionately." -B.
"How your passions through your essay or interviews. Be honest and write from the heart! Take time to reflect upon the experiences that pushed you to become a pharmacist! You can do it!" -A.
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