As per our interview instructions:
"Because our interview process includes several components (interview, on-site essay, prerequisite review, campus tour, etc.) you should expect to be on the UCSF campus approximately five hours beyond your scheduled time. Please plan your travel accordingly."
What this means:
Check in at your assigned time and expect to remain on campus for approximately 5 hours after that.
What this does not mean:
Check in 5 hours early! =) [Yep, I really can't make this stuff up -- even if I tried.]
Remember: Read your instructions (see previous post), pay attention to details (see previous post), and most of all -- get a good night's rest (see previous post!)
Posts
10 comments:
Joel, you've got to be kidding on this one....I mean, seriously, you've got to be kidding on this one....What else? Oh yeah, i think you're kidding on this one...I mean, come on, your initial screening process and review of applications is supposed to identify those applicants who will partner with you to move the profession forward (your words, not mine), not BACKWARD: unless i'm missing something ,to me that ALSO means those individuals pay MORE THAN CLOSE attention to detail....So again, you've got to be kidding on this one...Someone you identified as a potential UCSF partner THOUGHT his or her instructions meant check-in 5 hours ahead of schedule? Here's what comes to mind right now: You've got to be kidding on this one...If not, and with all due respect to the UCSF community and its excellent reputation, if you're not kidding on this one, what does that say about your assessement techniques? By the way, i am NOT kidding when asking that question....
Woooo
I think you should write an article on how do deal with the anxiety of waiting for a letter :)
Hi Joel! When will you be starting some new posts for the applicants of the Fall 2010 cycle? Your blog is very helpful for calming the nerves of this nervous future applicant.
I know, I know... It's been awhile since I've posted anything. Starting in January, it's just really crazy for a few months... and then it's just a big relief when it's all over (like now). I need to get back in the swing of things. What would you like me to write/post about?
Well joel, here's one for you....How about responding to my February 3, 2009 post putting you to the test, so to speak: Obviously you weren't kidding about that applicant who was interviewing and paid no attention to detail (whatsoever) by being a SUPER early bird, so again what does that say about your assessment techniques? Could you also address the process to appeal a decision of denial for unsuccessful applicants, posted in the FAQ? What i mean is it's not like you are going to bump an admitted student off the incoming class EVEN IF an applicant turned down has SUPER grounds for appeals, it's not even like those filing an appeal would be put on the waiting list ahead of those who are already there, so why bother? After all, if one doesn't get in, one can always contact the admissions office and get feedback on what they need to do to improve their chances the next time around, so what exactly is there to gain by filing an appeal? The last thing i think would be helpful is for you to address this: what would you say, ballpark figure of course, is the yearly average percentage of reapplicants who are successful the next time around? In other words how many learn their lessons and clearly show sincere motivation by taking necessary steps to further develop their qualifications? Or do you get plenty of reapplicants who SIMPLY think you will show compassion because they applied more than once...Thanks in advance, and sorry again for the February 3, 2009 post, but i hope you don't mind being challenged...
dear anonymous..I've read your postings testing joel several times and have to admit it sort of frustrated and stumped me how they could extend an interview to someone clearly lacking in the attention to detail department and with a questionable ability to follow directions. here is my theory: many people who are quite book smart (i.e. can memorize the sh*t out of anything and regurgitate it successfully on an exam) have excellent grades, and very likely good references from their employers but lack common sense. many of these said individuals (and particularly those applying to pharmacy school) are immigrants and thus english is not their first language. so said candidate in joel's example might have looked great on paper and passed the initial assessment, but shown in the interview and essay that he/she is not so great after all. my other theory is that joel completely made up this candidate to avoid anyone actually making this mistake.
Wow you guys are so critical... I know attention to detail is important, but when in doubt, it's much better to err on the side of going early.
There is no harm to anyone, and that person has extra time to take a look around, hang out at the library, or if that person is like me, will have some kind of electronic device on them to keep them occupied with podcasts, audiobooks, internet, etc.
Am I wrong? Should I be taking it as a huge deal?
Awesome = Arriving early and prepared. Strolling around campus and relaxing prior to the interview day starting.
Not Awesome = Not reading the instructions clearly and thinking the letter asks you to arrive 5 hours BEFORE the check-in time, rather than ALLOCATING 5 hours after the interview check in time.
Understood. The "not awesome" makes perfect sense. I think the level of intensity from the first comment threw me off for a second. I'll just leave it at that.
Post a Comment