3 or 4 Letters: The Dilemma

I'm often asked whether having four recommendation letters makes an applicant better than a applicant with only three letters.

First, stop comparing yourself to others.
Second, stop comparing yourself to others.
Third, stop comparing yourself to others.

Let's unpack this often-asked question....

The facts:

• We require at least three recommendation letters be RECEIVED (by PharmCAS) by the application deadline.
• We do not accept letters outside of the PharmCAS application. All letters must be submitted through PharmCAS. PharmCAS includes helpful information on their website.
• PharmCAS allows up to four recommendation letters as part of an individual's application.
• If four letters are included in your application by the deadline, we will include all four letters in your file.
• We leave it up to the applicant to decide their three (or four) recommenders. This is a decision you must make.
• We won't accept a recommendation letter from a "Friend" or "Family Member". 
• Ultimately, it's the applicant's responsibility to make sure at least three letters are on file by the application deadline.  A complete application, including at least three letters of recommendation, is the responsibility of the applicant. Don't jeopardize your application by assuming your references will submit letters on your behalf. You must follow-up. You must constantly check your application status in PharmCAS. 
• It would be helpful (but not required) to receive a letter from someone who could speak to your academic abilities. (After all, you are applying to an academic program.)
• Recommendation letters are also called references. PharmCAS uses the term "Evaluators". It's all the same. I use these terms interchangeably. 

My thoughts:

• Recommendation letters are one piece of a very large puzzle. It's a very important piece, don't get me wrong (as I discussed in a previous blog post), but it's not the deciding factor in being successful in an admissions process.
• We don't have a system that awards points (or extra credit!) for an applicant that has four letters, instead of three.
• If an applicant has four letters, is that automatically better than an applicant who has three? Absolutely not. Again, absolutely not. For those in the back row: ABSOLUTELY NOT!
• The content of the letters is most important to us. What are the references saying about the applicant? How well do they know them? Are the letters consistent? Do the letters add value to the application? Do the references validate what the applicant has said about themselves?
• I often encourage applicants to include four references with their application. Not because it gives an applicant an advantage, but because I believe in taking advantage of an opportunity. The opportunity here is the ability to submit four references. Why only take three cookies if someone is offering four? (Yes, I love cookies.)
• Some schools require very specific references -- such as a letter from a pharmacist. Maybe you don't know a pharmacist well, but you must submit a pharmacist reference to satisfy another school's requirement. Knowing the pharmacist's letter won't add much value to your application for all schools you are applying to, it could be beneficial to get a fourth letter to help compensate for the pharmacist's letter. (Note: UCSF does not require a letter from a pharmacist.)
• Obsessing over four letters, when you only have three, is a waste of your time. Move on. Let it go (let it goo, let it goo, let it goooo.) 

Closing argument:
I often use a courtroom example when explaining recommendation letters. Imagine you are a lawyer and arguing a case in a courtroom. You have the chance to call three (or four) witnesses to the stand to help support your case. Three very strong witnesses may be all you need. They provide detailed information. They are consistent in their testimony. They know the details of what happened. They add value to the case. They are credible witnesses.  On the flipside, maybe one witness (or two, or three) are "weak". They aren't very convincing. Their memory is hazy. They aren't convincing. They don't add much value to the case. They don't know you very well. In this case, calling a fourth witness to the stand could certainly help your case. 

Case dismissed!

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!

Entering Students Offer Advice to Applicants & Prospective Students: 2014 Edition

As we move into September, I know many applicants are starting to really focus on their UCSF Supplemental Application.  I can certainly provide many nuggets of advice and pointers as you approach this task -- but what better group to ask than those who most recently were in this position.

Last week, I asked members of the Class of 2018 "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?"  Do you see a common theme in their responses?

"Complete and submit everything that's required in advance. Don't wait for last-minute adrenaline rushes to submit material. UCSF expects you to be responsible and attentive." -M.

"UCSF has one of the most unique supplemental applications. Use the many essays as a chance to really dig deep and express yourself! Be genuine and show them who you really are."  -R.

"Make lists! The process of applying can be tedious. There are many aspects to a complete application, each with its own deadline. I found it very helpful to add anything that is required to a checklist, add a due date, and cross things off when complete!" -H.

"Articulate yourself well in the application. If invited for an interview, do not panic. Just be yourself! The more comfortable, confident, and thoughtful you are, the easier your genuine passion for pharmacy will shine through during interview day." -P.

"Follow your heart, be honest and authentic when you answer the questions. Plus, just think about it as a fun way to explore yourself." -P.

"Stay true to yourself and your goals when writing the essays! This helps your true passion shine through and allows the admissions committee to see a picture of who you are that you can reinforce during the interview process".  -S.

"Be confident, be prepared, and be yourself." -W.

"Start the application process early. You never know what life will throw at you, and you don't want your chances to be hindered due to a lack of organization." -T.

"Take a deep breath, relax and simply remember why you want to become a pharmacist. Compose a list of experiences you've had that define who you are as a person, integrate them into your essays and let your personality shine through your words." -R.

"Take a deep breath and tell yourself that this is going to be a long race, but one worth running. This is the first step to show UCSF who you are and what you have to offer, so do just that. Don't overcompensate or undervalue yourself!" -R.

"The essays intimidate many applicants, but don't fall for the hype! It's not about writing the essays you think they want to read. Just be 100% honest with yourself, bare your soul without fear, and tell YOUR story. Start early, and revise often." -B.

"Don't mold yourself into what you think makes a "good" applicant. Be confident in your abilities and you'll find your application will tell your unique story on its own. Stay authentic and take advantage of each essay prompt. Every word counts!" -R.

"This process is about getting accepted to a university, however it is also about finding a university that fits you. For the next 4 years you will have to study, learn and grow there, make sure it is a place you want to call home." -K.

"Be genuine! Paint a picture of who you are and how your experiences have led you to pursue pharmacy. Also, explain how UCSF is a good fit for you both academically and personally. Most importantly, the supplemental application WILL take time to complete." -D.

"Preparing for the MMI interviews can be very difficult but not impossible. I found that preparing for a normal one-on-one interview and reflecting on my overall pharmacy experienced helped a lot. Don't forget to just be yourself and be honest!" -N.

"Think about what makes the UCSF different from other pharmacy schools. Is it the diversity? Areas of specialization? Research? If something specific draws you to the school, highlite it in your supplemental application... that's what it's there for!" -J.

"Show what each experience that you've been involved in means to you through vivid stories and examples. You know that you're done with your essays when you feel proud of them and you feel like you've learned something new about yourself through them." -L.

"Be confident! The supplement application may seem long and intimidating, but just remember everyone else is also in the same boat. Showing clear and thoughtful responses about why you chose this profession (or why it chose you!) is important!" -H.

"Don't let fear or preconceived notions about what the admissions committee wants keep you from writing what you truly think and feel. Others will have similar experiences to yours, but they won't have thought and felt the same way about these experiences." -S.

"Believe in yourself and don't let the demeanor of others fool you. Everyone is learning through one confused, effort-filled step at a time." -D.

"I learned what it meant when someone told me to "be yourself" on an application. Rather than trying to write something that I thought the admission panel would like, I focused on telling my story and sharing my passions through my application." -J.

"Always be honest and genuine throughout your application and interview process. If you pretend to be who you think will impress the committee, odds are they will know. Let your unique qualities shine and be yourself." -M.

"Really dig deep down inside of yourself and write from your heart." -M.

"Be confident in yourself and the things that you have done to prepare for pharmacy school. I can't even count how many times I almost talked myself out of applying, because I felt I wasn't the "right" candidate." -J.

"I would say just be yourself. From your application essays to the MMIs on interview day, the best way to truly shine is by demonstrating your own personal talents and unique personality. In my opinion, there really is no substitute for sincerity." -M.

"The required and optional essays on the secondary application are not there to merely make the admission process difficult, but to give you the opportunity to elaborate on your unique strengths.  The same is true regarding the interview process." -A.

"Find a way to distinguish yourself from the rest of the applicants and don't be afraid to think outside the box. Your application will be much more stimulating if you portray your individuality through unique experiences and interesting perspectives." -W.

"Be truthful and sincere when filling out the application and answering the essays -- just be yourself! You cannot "game the game" or try to write what you think they want to hear; say what you genuinely believe." -R.

"Work on essay/supplemental application responses early. Both require in-depth responses and take time to complete. Take pride in your responses. Don't be afraid to show who you are. Think outside the box. Be creative. Most importantly, be yourself."  -L.

"My advice is to really know and understand why you want to apply to pharmacy school, particularly UCSF." -A.

"Be comfortable with your truest self, and let your story come THROUGH you! Reflect on and be happy with the experiences that have shaped the incredible person YOU have become, and your application will bask in the glory of your awesomeness." -E.

"Don't compromise yourself in telling a story you think others want to hear. It's hard to sell something that isn't real." -E.

"Don't give up before you even try. By focusing on my flaws throughout the application process, I felt defeated and questioned whether it was worth it to continue. Imperfections can give you authenticity, and authenticity is key to your application." -J.

"For essays, start early and reflect on what you want to convey about yourself. At first it may be difficult to step back and analyze your goals and what makes you unique, but if you allow yourself time you can learn a lot from this process!" -D.

"Pay special attention to the supplemental application.  1.) great writing, like great thinking, takes TIME- give yourself enough time to develop your ideas. 2.) They ask because they want to know- use the essay responses to take a risk and share yourself- dig deeper." -N.

"As cheesy as it might sound, be yourself. Let UCSF see who the real YOU is. As someone once told me, "To hide yourself from the world would be a shame. Everyone has a story to tell." So go ahead, share yours! :)" -A.

"Take time to reflect! Before writing my essays or my interviews, I always took time to really reflect upon my experiences. It enriches what you have to say, making your story come across much more sincere and interesting. This helps you stand out." -R.

"Your application is more than your GPA and accumulation of pharmacy experience and volunteer hours -- I know this from personal experience. Don't let any of that hold you back. Convey what drives you to be a pharmacist, and do it passionately." -B.

"How your passions through your essay or interviews. Be honest and write from the heart! Take time to reflect upon the experiences that pushed you to become a pharmacist! You can do it!"  -A.

Are Letters of Recommendation really THAT important?

I hear this question a lot. And it still puzzles me.

I have heard prospective students say that some schools only look at letters of recommendation (let's call them LORs for short) if the applicant is "borderline". Huh? What? Borderline?

Let me put it clearly: LORs are critical in the UCSF PharmD application review process.

LORs are an extension of your application -- not an addition! They are used to evaluate your file, along with your essay answers and academic background/preparation. LORs can often "make or break" an application.

Letter writers are asked to assess many of the characteristics we look for in applicants themselves: written and oral communication skills; leadership; intellectual ability; critical thinking skills; your ability to get along with peers; adaptability; and motivation. Having at least three individuals comment on these areas helps us paint a better picture of you as an applicant. You bet we take LORs into consideration.

Lets consider a few scenarios:

1. Jonathon Q. Applicant: Submits a very strong application. He didn't think the letters mattered much so he didn't care who wrote them. Three letters were submitted on his behalf but they weren't very insightful and the writers didn't really know him well. As a result, the letters were "very average."
2. Maureen Q. Applicant: Submits an above average application that demonstrates strong potential to be a leader in the field of pharmacy. Four letters were submitted on her behalf. These letters were all consistent and detailed in the information they provided: the applicant has the skills necessary to be an outstanding pharmacy student. It was clear the writers knew the applicant extremely well and could provide detailed information about the applicant and her potential to succeed.
3. Terrance Q. Applicant: Submits a strong application. Terrance knew that the LORs were a VERY IMPORTANT component to his application so he took this aspect of the application very seriously. He selected four individuals that knew him very well and could validate much of what he expressed himself in the application. It was important for Terrance to provide a diverse perspective to the Admissions Committee. He selected letter writers that could speak to many different areas (work, academics, personality, passion for the profession, etc.) He knew that he was limited in the amount of space he could write on the application himself -- so he considered the LORs as a way for others to speak about him, in hopes it would make him a more competitive applicant.

If you were on an Admissions Committee, how would you rank the above applicants? 1-2-3? 2-3-1? 3-1-2? Or.................3-2-1!

Consider your application to be like a job interview. Instead of us calling your "references", we ask for letters. Of course you want these letters to be insightful, detailed, specific, thorough, honest and supportive. The references should know you well! After all, if you were applying for a job, you wouldn't provide references who barely know you. So why would you do that with your LORs?

PharmCAS provides applicants with a general outline of what letter writers receive. Utilize the resources on the PharmCAS website to help you decide who should write your letters:

• Preparing to Apply - Evaluations
• List of Questions for PharmCAS Evaluators

UCSF requires at least three LORs but will accept a fourth letter, if submitted. So that's four people speaking on your behalf!

Are you taking LORs as serious as we are? We hope so!