Transforming the UCSF PharmD Curriculum

So many more details of our new curriculum have been solidified since this video was first produced. But I recently stumbled on it and was, again, reminded of what a great overview/summary it is -- of the direction we are headed with our new curriculum.  While it was intended for our faculty (and shown during a faculty meeting), it can be quite insightful for ANYONE interested in learning more about our transformed curriculum, launching in 2018. Take a look!

Entering Students Offer Advice to Applicants & Prospective Students: 2017 Edition

It's September 1st and I know many are immersed in the application process. It's been several years since I asked ADMITTED/ENTERING students if there's any advice they could provide to FUTURE APPLICANTS.  Several jumped at the chance to help you out. It's certainly easy for me to provide advice, as I always do, but to hear it from those who were in your shoes one year ago -- well, that's golden!

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?

“There is not one single formula to concoct the perfect application. My best advice is to make sure your LORs are from professors/managers that know you very well and will take the time to attest to your character and accomplishments. Good luck!”  -Stephanie

“My million-dollar piece of advice would be to step outside of the "pharmacy" paradigm, and truly think about how other external factors have influenced you to pursue pharmacy. It doesn't have to be related to school, it can be a hobby, person, or interest.”   -Jimmy

“Focus on staying true to yourself and your experiences as you put together your application, and not on trying to fit what you think the admissions committee is looking for. They'll see through it anyway once you get to the interview.”  -Annie

“Take time to reflect on what forces have pushed you the hardest but also how you became a force that positively pushed others. I found my self-worth when I thought about this deeply and how my narrative can one day positively influence my community.”  -Jennifer

“Staring at a blank Word document can be incredibly discouraging. One specific approach I took when writing my essays was to step away from the computer, take out a pen and paper and start freewriting (absolutely anything), the old-fashioned way.”  -Grace

“Breathe, you're going to get through this. Keep calm and let your personality shine. You're ready to take this leap. We have all been where you are right now, you can do this.”  -Nate

“Take a lot of time to think about the essay questions - maybe even about a month of rapid, uncensored brainstorming! It's a great idea to speak/write your mind, completely unfiltered for every question so that you can form the most genuine answer.”  -Rebecca

“Be yourself every step of the way! You are more than a GPA or PCAT score, more than a club leader, more than a [insert science here] major; you have life experiences that make you interesting, and they should be reflected in your essays and during the interview.”  -Jessica

“Think about both why YOU enjoy pharmacy and why the field of pharmacy will enjoy having you. What qualities do you have that make a good pharmacist?  As Sun Tzu said, if you know others and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles.”  -Jina

“Don't take the PCAT lightly! It's your chance to redeem and/or prove your academic ability, in addition to your GPA. Particularly if you did poorly in a certain pre-req, the PCAT can be a way for you to prove that you have learned since and are ready.”  -Michelle

“Although UCSF isn't rolling admissions, still start the application and supplemental early! I can't emphasize that enough. The supplemental required a lot of thought, so starting early and having the time to brainstorm and edit will definitely help.”  -Christina

“Instead of worrying about one particular area of your application that may be weak, focus on the present and how you can strengthen other areas (supplemental essays, PCAT, LORs, etc). View every requirement as an opportunity for you to shine.”  -Julie

“Be as thorough, yet concise, about yourself on your written application as possible. Knowing yourself is an important factor for not only the next step (e.g. the interview) but also your success in the profession.”  -Megan

“Take the time to truly reflect on your personal, academic, and extra-curricular experiences because the lessons you have learned make you unique. Be confident that these moments of personal growth will make you a great candidate for UCSF.”  -Monica

“Give yourself a good amount of time during the application process. The supplemental questions will require brain power and critical thinking. Be true to your experiences leading up to the application and your passion for pharmacy will shine through.”  -Tony

“Be receptive to others' advice, even if it's tough criticism. Learn from your mistakes, but remember to stay positive and focus on what you have instead of what you lack. Let it help you work towards becoming the best candidate that you can be!”  -Cynthia

“Be yourself. Don't pursue activities for the sole purpose of making your application more competitive. Explore your interests, discover your identity. You will find it easier to express yourself in your personal statement and essays.”  -Emily

“Breathe. You don't have to come up with an answer for the essays immediately. Be sure to take your time. Contemplate and write something that embodies your passion and ideals. Your experiences are unique because they're through your perspective.”  -Calvin

“Start early! The supplemental questions are NOT easy and they really force applicants to delve deep and think hard about what inspires and motivates them to choose pharmacy. Take time to think about the questions and draft thoughtful responses!”  -Sharleen

“Tell your unique story. Every applicant has a different way of finding pharmacy. Take advantage of the essays and share your experiences. Be brutally honest and show your passion for the profession. There are no right or wrong answers!”  -Kristine

"Check to see if you embody these important characteristics/skills: oral communication, written communication, intellectual ability, leadership, ethics, empathy, reliability, judgment, interpersonal relations, adaptability, professional appearance.”  -Cindy

“This is a cliché, but be yourself. Understand yourself and your strengths and weaknesses. Think about all your experiences that have shaped your perspective on healthcare and how they impact the change you want to see as a future pharmacist.”  -Sally

“Do not compare yourselves to others, whether it be in grades or extra-curricular activities. The most important thing is being able to look at your own strengths, and see your true value.”  -Nhi

“Believe in yourself, stay aware of deadlines, and be genuine/honest in your personal statements and interviews. Applying to schools can be a stressful - remember to take a deep breath and let your true self shine through!”  -Christine

“Most importantly, an applicant should know why he or she wants to go to UCSF School of Pharmacy. In other words, an applicant should do some research on the school (more than just looking at ranks, average GPA, etc.). Also start the preparation early.”  -Jonathan

“Just be yourself. This is your opportunity to show UCSF who you really are whether it is through writing or through the interview. Remember that you ARE unique in your OWN way.”  -Natalie

“Don't be afraid to be who you are! I have consistently doubted myself throughout the application process by comparing myself to other applicants and thinking I wasn't enough. Be confident because no one else can be a better you.”  -Janelle

Responses from several years ago can also be helpful. Check out the 2014 version here!

In Their Own Words: Reeti

(Note: It's been awhile since I posted a profile from one of our Admissions Committee members -- so I was excited when Reeti jumped at the chance to provide advice to prospective students. First, she's very interested in the admissions process, which always makes for a great committee member. Second, has a background that's a little different than most applicants, which she briefly explains below. This nontraditional background really allowed her to look at applicants who've had varied and diverse experiences. As a result, our entering class is quite unique!) 

Name: Reeti
Hometown: San Jose, CA

Previous institutions attended: UC San Diego; University of Illinois-Chicago
Undergraduate Major: Biochemistry

Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
I come from a nontraditional background compared to the majority of my classmates since I completed a master's degree before starting at UCSF. Those additional few years allowed me the time I needed to figure out what exactly in Pharmacy I wanted to do. I wanted to serve on the Admissions committee so that other nontraditional applications can get the same opportunity I have by coming here.

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?
Thinking that they need to be anyone but themselves. I've always viewed graduate school like a relationship -- the application process being the initial "getting to know you" phase; orientation is like the first official day that you are together; the 3 years of didactic coursework representing the years spent building a strong foundation; the year of rotation is a bit like an engagement and then graduation and residency being like a marriage. If you are willing to put in all this work to end up in a lifelong relationship, then it is best to just be yourself so you know that this is the right fit for you.

What stands out to you on an application?
For me, it's the composition of the entire application. Everything matters and has equal weight. It's important for me to know that, while you can succeed at UCSF academically, you can also find a balance, enjoy your time here, and contribute something to the UCSF community.

What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)
Using a filler word like "um". It's best to either take a breath or pause while you think of the right response as opposed to filling that word in. Also, presenting yourself appropriately. There have been very qualified candidates who have either dressed too casually or dressed well but not bothered to clear their hair away from their face so that interviewers can make eye contact with them. Lastly, when an applicant has chosen to apply here because of the ranking.

What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
Patience, perseverance, flexibility, an ability to grow, being comfortable with the uncomfortable, and being capable of finding balance in your life with activities outside of the program.

What type of student makes the best fit?
Someone willing to learn, who doesn't come in with a completely locked in idea of what they want to do without at least giving all the opportunities that the program has to offer a chance. Regardless of how old you are in the real world, when you enter the pharmacy world, every applicant is a newborn and has the most chances presented to them. If you are completely closed off to all new innovations and career choices, you might regret not trying things out before deciding it's not the best fit for you.

What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?
I found a great list of potential interview questions on several online blogs. It's also important to research the school you are applying to in order to answer that ever important question -- Why here? What do we have that interests you as an applicant? Also, using an online recommendation letter holder (with a small subscription fee) was one of the best things I did.

What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
Again, BE YOURSELF. You are awesome and if you are any version other than yourself, admissions committees will see through it. The worst feeling is pretending to be what you think the program wants you to be and realizing too late that you would have been happier being the true you.

Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?
I believe our program is unique in that grades and extracurricular activities are not the sole factors in an excellent applicant. After 3 years here, I can safely say that I learn as much from my colleagues and fellow students as I do from my professors, and it is their life experiences that make our program what it is. I believe that my time spent in doing my MPH in Epidemiology in the Midwest allowed me to work in a completely different setting and population than I had been accustomed to in undergrad and helped me realize my niche. I think the committee saw that I would be able to bring a public health perspective into our program which is something different and unique, much like our program.

What do you do for fun?
I love working out to get some time away from the stress of school and to practice what we preach as healthcare professionals. I am an avid fan of food and love to cook and experiment, while also expressing my foodie love by trying a new restaurant in San Francisco every week. I have also recently been bit by the travel bug and, inspired by my fellow classmate's amazing travels, have started a Wanderlust List of places to visit.

(To read all previous "In Their Own Words" profiles, click the "committee profiles" label link below!)

Prerequisite Requirements - Moving Forward

A proposal that was in the pipeline for several years can finally be announced.  With the transition to a new curriculum beginning in 2018, our prerequisite requirements have also changed. (Note: This is effective for applicants applying in 2017, for entry in 2018 -- and beyond.)  We've shared these changes with many prospective students already during recent presentations and events. It's always been "proposed" but now it's official! I think you'll like the changes....

I've always believed that sharing the "why" is as important as the "what" so in addition to outlining the changes, I also want to share background information that helped inform our decision to makes these changes.

Physics: (Eliminated)
Eliminated. Zilch. Zero. Nothing. No. More. Physics.  I know many are happy to hear this. It seems to be the one subject that causes much rumbling. Not surprisingly, even the strongest of science students tend to struggle a bit with physics.

Background: The specific concepts of physics are not anticipated for future curriculum content. When and should these concepts arise, they can be addressed within the curriculum as part of introductory or preparation sessions.

Microbiology: (Added)
We now require microbiology with lab.  This shouldn't cause too much alarm since many schools require this -- and MOST of our applicants and admitted students complete this subject anyway.

Background:  Infectious disease therapeutics has become an educational cornerstone to all practicing pharmacists. Whether in the retail, institutional, industry, or research arena, a mastery of the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases by pharmacists remains paramount. Given the extraordinary role that pharmacists play within the discipline of infectious diseases, students should now enter the PharmD program with prior exposure to basic microbiological principles. The ACPE standards also highly encourage this biomedical science subject be addressed in the pre-professional curriculum as a requirement for admission into a PharmD program.

Math: (Changed)
Previously, we required Calculus I and Calculus II.  We now require only Calculus I but have replaced Calculus II with Statistics.  This should be welcome relief for those who aren't to fond of calculus.

Background:  Pharmacists are amongst the many health professionals and scientists expected to evaluate issues in medical and biological sciences that are addressed by collecting and exploring relevant data. The application of this population-based information to decision making regarding individual patient care requires biostatistics, a content area consistently taught throughout the PharmD program and required by ACPE as an element of the core curriculum. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of basic statistics is required so that successful competency of biostatistics can be achieved by our students.

Our current brochure has been updated to reflect these prerequisite changes but we're aware many previous documents (and Course Prerequisite Agreements) don't reflect the updates.

For more information on all our subject area requirements, please visit our Academic Prerequisites page.

As always, if you have prerequisite questions, contact us via email at admissions@pharmacy.ucsf.edu