Name: Mari
Hometown:
Livermore, CA
Previous
institutions attended: UC San Diego, Las Positas Community College
Undergraduate
Major: Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Why did you apply
to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
I’m interested in a career path in Academia, and
understand that admissions play an integral role in the students that
eventually attend the school. Plus, I’ve always been curious about the
behind-the-scenes magic that goes on - especially since UCSF has the MMIs,
which is certainly a non-traditional component of interviewing.
What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?
What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?
When Joel says that the admission committee looks at the
whole applicant, he really means it!
In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?
In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?
I think many applicants are too busy trying to say the
“right thing” rather than giving us answers with content that really tell us
who you are as a person. We don’t want to hear the “buzzwords” that everyone
gives us - we want to know about YOUR story and YOUR motivations.
What stands out to you on an application?
What stands out to you on an application?
While this is also common advice for undergraduate
applications, I feel that having 1-2 meaningful
jobs/extracurriculars/experiences is much better than having a gazillion
different activities. Another thing that makes an application stand out is when
an applicant has 1-2 meaningful jobs/extracurriculars that they believe in.
It’s easy to tell when a person is truly passionate about these experiences because
it really comes out when they’re speaking or writing about it, and doing so
will really make you stand out.
What impresses you about an application/applicant?
What impresses you about an application/applicant?
One thing that really impresses me are applicants who
aren’t afraid to admit that they have a growth area or that they’ve failed, and
have shown resilience despite these hurdles.
What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)
What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)
It drives me crazy when people have generic responses for
certain questions. For example, nearly early every pharmacy school will ask you
some form of the question, “Why do you want to be a pharmacist?”. If you answer, “Well, I want to help people.” I believe
you may have sold yourself short. Physicians, teachers, firefighters, (and the
list goes on and on) all help people, so why pharmacy? These questions are
designed for you to shine, so be thoughtful about questions which may seem
‘basic’.
What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
I think students who are passionate, proactive, and
flexible will do well at UCSF. I find that my classmates who really put their
energy into work that they truly care about really get the most out of the UCSF
experience. Everyone at UCSF wants to help you, but no one will hand you
anything on a platter - be proactive and don’t be afraid to reach out for these
experiences. Last but not least, every day is different, and the UCSF SOP is
very open to change; if you’re not good at adapting or rolling with the
punches, it may be a tough program.
What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?
What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?
One resource that I finds very underutilized is often
people! The best way to learn about a program is by talking to people - current
students, faculty, alumni. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to find out whether
a program is really the best fit for you! Remember, while a school is
interviewing you, you are also interviewing the school.
What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
Be authentic & thoughtful - you should take your
interview and written application as your time to shine!
Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?
Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?
To be honest, I’m still not so sure! My grades in
undergrad were just ok. However, I am an older student, with some interesting
life experiences, so I feel that I may have brought a unique perspective to the
class.
What do you do for fun?
What do you do for fun?
I am a
self-proclaimed eatie,* so I love to go out with the hubby and try out new
restaurants/foods, and watch food shows on Netflix (Chef’s Table & Samurai
Gourmet, anyone?). There’s a lot to explore in San Francisco, so it’s always
fun to walk around when Karl the Fog isn’t visiting. I also like to knit/cross
stitch (and yes, I also have 3 cats).
*Per Urban dictionary:
*Per Urban dictionary:
Eatie: An aficionado of the act of eating and a
celebrant of tasty food. The food need not be gourmet,
have specialized preparation, nor scientific combinations, but simply
be satisfying.
Posts
