UCSF School of Pharmacy admissions representatives will, once again, participate in the Virtual Pharmacy School Fair. This is a great (and free!) opportunity to chat with us online and learn more about our PharmD program -- from the comforts of your very own home.
Our chat room will be open during the following dates/times:
Tuesday, October 3, 2017 (8:00am - 5:00pm, PST)
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 (8:00am - 5:00pm, PST)
Register now to attend this FREE event!
(Please note: A dress-code is not required/enforced for this event. I guess, technically, you don't even have to get dressed.)
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Meet with us... in your pajamas!
Labels:
events,
outreach,
presentations
Friday, September 1, 2017
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?
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!
“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!
Labels:
application,
interviews,
tips
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