Name: Chad
Year: Class of 2014
Hometown: Davis, CA (now San Leandro, CA)
Previous institutions attended: Stanford University, CSU
East Bay (post-bac)
Undergraduate Majors: Communication and Sociology
Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions
Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
A big part of the reason why I applied was to see how the
whole system works. I remember when I applied to pharmacy school I was so
fascinated by the admissions process, and I wondered how the Committee made
such tough decisions. But more than that, I felt like I had a lot to offer in
terms of my background as a non-traditional (read: older) student and as a
career-changer. One of UCSF’s strengths is its ability to attract diverse and
dynamic students, and serving on the Admissions Committee gave me the
opportunity to play a role in the process of selecting those students.
What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?
How vehemently the members of the Admissions Committee
argue for the files they’ve reviewed. During our committee meetings, we talk
about the applicants in a group panel format. If one member of the committee
feels very strongly about a particular student, she or he will make those views
very clear. A discussion ensues, and it can be very, uh, lively!
In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes
applicants make?
Failing to see an easy solution to a potential
shortcoming. For example, not retaking a class in which you got a D or an F and
thereby showing us that you have mastered the material. Don’t give us reasons
to doubt your commitment and drive; instead, give us reasons to want to admit
you without reservation!
What stands out to you on an application?
Passion! It is easy to spot it in an application when
it’s there, and it is equally obvious when it’s not. If you have the drive and
determination to become a pharmacist, let it show in your essays and in the
care you put towards assembling your application. Too often applicants will
tell us what they think we want to hear, and in doing so will fail to let their
own individuality and passion shine through. If you are truly passionate about
this path you have chosen, tell us your story and really OWN it!
What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant
or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)
Using flippant or jocular language to the point of being
unprofessional. When you are interviewing for pharmacy school (or any
professional program, for that matter), you need to drop those “Yeah, like,
totally, and stuff…” phrases from your vocabulary. Nerves are understandable,
and we all have those idiosyncrasies that come out when we are nervous. But
remember that you are being evaluated on communication skills, and it is
important to show us that you understand how to communicate
professionally. The same goes for written materials. By all means, use
humor to make your essays quirky and unique, but don’t cross that line between
funny/quirky and inappropriate/unprofessional. Have someone, who can remain
objective, review your application before you submit it (i.e., NOT a family
member or significant other).
What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in
UCSF’s PharmD program?
Commitment, focus, and time management skills – in no
particular order! All of those characteristics are essential to succeed. This
is a very demanding program, and if you drop your focus or are not completely
invested in the final outcome, you will struggle. You also need to be able to
choose your activities and extracurricular commitments wisely. Over-committing
causes a LOT of stress and can negatively impact your academic performance. It’s important
to know when to say no!
What tools or resources would you recommend to
prospective applicants?
Make
FULL use of all the resources that UCSF provides,
from Preview Sessions to campus tours to the Supplemental Application
presentations. Also, talk to as many UCSF alums or current students as
you can to
get a sense of the curriculum and the school as a whole. You need to
know if
UCSF is a good fit for you (and vice versa). On a side note, take
everything you read on public forums with a grain of salt. You’ll hear a
lot of conspiracy theories
etc., so keep an open, yet objective, mind.
What single piece of advice would you give to a
prospective applicant?
Get to know everything you can about the school(s) on
your list. You will be spending a huge chunk of the next 3-4 years at your
school of choice, so be sure it’s the right one for you. Don’t rely on
rankings, reputation, NAPLEX pass rate, etc.
Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD
program?
I was a fairly unusual applicant, since I decided to
change careers in my late 30s (my previous career was in journalism/media). I
think my winding road to pharmacy and previous work experience gave me the
insight to compose a unique and thoughtful application. I also had a solid
academic background (but I was nowhere near a 4.0 GPA). In addition, I wrote my essays from the heart. A big part
of the reason why I decided to change careers was my own experience as a
patient, so that background made it very easy for me to tell my story and
connect it to the broader goal of becoming a pharmacist.
What do you do for fun?
I like to read, travel with my husband John, see movies,
and just relax. When I finish pharmacy school, I’m hoping to get my pilot’s license
(which I started several years ago but had to put on hold as I went back to
school).
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