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!

I got the interview! Eeeks! I'm scared. Now what?

(I know the interview process can create a great deal of stress in applicants. This is no secret. We all know this. Given that our program utilizes the Multi Mini Interview (MMI) format can add another layer of stress -- and uncertainty -- in those who participate in our interview process.  I asked several first year students to provide their thoughts on participating in the UCSF interview day. These students are not very far removed from the interview process so, hopefully, their experiences are still somewhat fresh in their minds. Remember, every experience is different. For applicants who participate in our interview day, we provide a comprehensive on-site orientation the day of the interview. We believe the orientation provides interviewees with all the information they need in order to have a successful and productive day. Remember, each person has a different experience. Below are just a few of MANY.  ~Joel)

Steven (Sacramento, CA)
What do you wish you would have known prior to your UCSF interview day?
I wish I had a better plan for how to spend my time waiting when I arrived very early to campus. I mostly wandered around and grabbed a small bite to eat. Most interviewees I saw chose to spend their time anxiously waiting in the lobby with the others. There's no benefit to arriving before your scheduled check-in time. They build in time for you to relax after you've checked in and before the formal program begins.

What was your biggest fear about interviewing at UCSF? Was the fear validated by your experience?
I was afraid of blanking-out or having no idea how to handle an MMI station. It turned out that for each station, I had experienced a similar situation before in my life or was able to think of some way to tackle it.

What surprised you most about the UCSF interview day experience?
I was surprised by the pace of the MMI. It's a very different kind of interview stress -- to handle a situation or question, act it out, then clear your mind for the next room -- instead of dwelling on what you just did.

What piece of advice do you have for someone who is interviewing at UCSF?
UCSF admissions knows much about you from the comprehensive application/essays. Approach the interview as a chance to show off your skill sets and personality in both the MMI and essay portions.

What did you enjoy most about your UCSF interview experience?
I honestly enjoyed the MMI because it was exciting and interesting to see what qualities they were looking for in each person.

Jefferson (Franklin Park, IL)
What do you wish you would have known prior to your UCSF interview day?

I wish I would have known how many candidates were being interviewed with me. I remember feeling overwhelmed and discouraged by the sheer amount of interviewees who accompanied me on my interview day. I decided when I arrived to just stay focused on my own experience and not get overwhelmed by the stress I saw in others. It worked for me!

What was your biggest fear about interviewing at UCSF? Was the fear validated by your experience?

I felt that the quick pace of the MMIs would prevent me from opening up in the small time allotted, but I learned that the MMI scenarios helped me showcase my skills and personality efficiently.

What surprised you most about the UCSF interview day experience?

The level of organization on the interview day impressed me. I remember the day being divided into multiple components such as the interview, the essay, a student chat room, and a campus tour. Combine that with the number of people being interviewed, and I was confident a delay was inevitable. To my surprise, everything went smoothly, which I appreciated because it helped me focus on doing my best.

What piece of advice do you have for someone who is interviewing at UCSF?

I would advise interviewees to think about their experiences (both personal and professional) to find something unique about themselves, something they can use to contribute to the UCSF community.

What did you enjoy most about your UCSF interview experience?

I enjoyed getting acquainted with other candidates during my interview day. Everyone had a story to share about how they ended up at the UCSF interview. While some candidates' credentials intimidated me, I found commonality with many others, giving me confidence that I was where I was supposed to be that day.

Pia (Lakewood, CA)
What do you wish you would have known prior to your UCSF interview day?

I should have realized that the school is situated within a busy neighborhood in San Francisco. A lot of the stress I had during interview day could have easily been avoided had I done some homework familiarizing myself with the location of the school. If you live relatively close to the area, I highly suggest driving to UCSF beforehand, just to familiarize yourself with where the building is and to get a good feel of the streets surrounding the school. If you are planning on taking Muni or BART (public transportation), practice getting to the school once. If you are nowhere close to the Bay Area, even just looking at online maps and locating exactly where the building is, before the interview, could prove to be helpful. 

What was your biggest fear about interviewing at UCSF? Was the fear validated by your experience?

My biggest fear was the MMI format. Why? There were two reasons: (1) I had no clue how to prepare for it and (2) I've always considered myself a terrible interviewer, because I hate the idea of talking about my personality traits and achievements. However, after completing it, I realized that the MMI format was actually advantageous for me. Without going into too much detail, the MMI allowed me to show the admissions committee my true "self," without any pretenses, in ways that the conventional interview could not. The format allows you to "show" instead of "tell." With that being said, please do not be nervous about the MMI. The point of the interview is for the admissions committee to see you as a three dimensional person, not just a grade point average or words on a paper. The MMI is an efficient platform on which the committee can have a feel of who you are. Letting go of your nerves and apprehensions and allowing yourself to be vulnerable could work to your advantage.

What surprised you most about the UCSF interview day experience?

The interview day experience was well organized, and I was surprised by how much effort the school took to accommodate the interviewees and to provide us with opportunities to learn more about the school. I quickly learned during UCSF's interview day that the interview process is also about you, the interviewee, ensuring that the school is the right fit for you. While UCSF School of Pharmacy is the top-ranked pharmacy school, the decision to attend it is a personal one. Fortunately, campus tours and informal chats with current UCSF students are part of the interview process. Not all pharmacy schools provide this. Take advantage of the resources they provide you on interview day. Ask questions and learn whether this school is the right fit for you. Take the campus tour. Look around you and ask yourself whether the campus is a place where you could see yourself succeeding for four years.

What piece of advice do you have for someone who is interviewing at UCSF?

Do not be nervous! I know it is difficult not to be, especially if UCSF is your dream school. However, don’t be that hyperventilating interviewee sitting in the corner practicing potential interview questions. Make friends with other applicants and current pharmacy students you might encounter, and try to have a good time. Remember that the committee invited you here for a reason. Everyone is excited to meet you!

What did you enjoy most about your UCSF interview experience?

I enjoyed how the school organized the day for us. Transitions towards the different stages of the interview were seamless. The school really goes the extra mile to make sure that your interview day is as successful as can be. As long as you take the time to prepare adequately (e.g. dress professionally, be punctual, do some research on the school), expect an organized and well-coordinated day.

Micah (Lafayette, CA)
What do you wish you would have known prior to your UCSF interview day?

I wish I had known how much energy was required to interview. You want to be alert all day, even during the campus tour, so I would get a good night's rest prior.

What was your biggest fear about interviewing at UCSF? Was the fear validated by your experience?

I was afraid I would be asked about detailed questions about the Affordable Care Act or SB493. No, it was not validated – thankfully! 

What surprised you most about the UCSF interview day experience?

The other students were nice. I actually got a ride across the bay from one of the other interviewees. 

What piece of advice do you have for someone who is interviewing at UCSF?

Pace yourself through every portion. I rushed through my essay thinking I wouldn't have enough time to complete it. However, if I'd paced myself better, I would have been able to edit some more and turn in a better essay. 

What did you enjoy most about your UCSF interview experience?

The MMI was a new experience for me, and was also my favorite part of the day.

Brandon (San Francisco, CA)
What do you wish you would have known prior to your UCSF interview day?
That when they tell you not to obsess over the interview and that you really can't prepare (at least not in the conventional sense), they're not lying! It's an important part of admissions, but the school really does want you to enjoy the experience. This day is also your chance to get a feel for the school itself, and you can't focus on that if you're too stressed out over the MMI component.

What was your biggest fear about interviewing at UCSF? Was the fear validated by your experience?
The MMI, of course! It turned out that my fears weren't at all warranted, but nothing short of divine proclamation could have convinced me of that in the weeks leading up to interview day.

What surprised you most about the UCSF interview day experience?
How everyone bends over backward to make the day as pleasant and easy as possible. They know we're all incredibly nervous and stressed-out, and they do everything they can to avoid conveying the menacing, almost judging air you might see at other programs.

What piece of advice do you have for someone who is interviewing at UCSF?
Learn how MMIs work before you show up, but don't obsess about "preparation," per se. Be able to talk intelligently about why you chose the profession and what you hope to 
accomplish, but hey -- if you can't really do that, then you probably won't be interviewing in the first place. And, if something seems to go awry during one MMI, roll with the punches and put it behind you. I thought I really bombed one of my MMI stations, but in the end it turned out not to matter, and here I am!

What did you enjoy most about your UCSF interview experience?
I still cannot believe how much I learned about myself on the interview day. Because of the nature of the MMI and onsite essay, the real you WILL come out -- and this is what UCSF wants to see, not your highly-polished interview persona. The fact that I could be real, that I could be 100% in-the-moment, gave me confidence that I can succeed even in highly stressful situations with patients in the future. You might say it was my first real learning experience of pharmacy school -- and I hadn't even been accepted yet! It still blows my mind.

Mercy (Escondido, CA)
What do you wish you would have known prior to your UCSF interview day?

I wish I would have brought an umbrella...it was raining! Definitely be prepared to dress appropriately.

What was your biggest fear about interviewing at UCSF? Was the fear validated by your experience?
My biggest fear about interviewing was the fact that I was interviewing with a lot of amazing and talented individuals at the best pharmacy school in the nation. Also, it was my first and only MMI I have experienced. My fears slowly slipped away as each part of the MMI progressed. By the end of the day, I realized I shouldn't have been so afraid because the MMI allows you to show more of yourself even more so than any other interview I experienced.

What surprised you most about the UCSF interview day experience?

I was surprised that the MMI wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. The MMI allows you to show who you are in different situations, which allows the committee to evaluate you several times. I thought I didn't do as well in one of the portions, but I still ended up getting accepted! 

What piece of advice do you have for someone who is interviewing at UCSF?
The best piece of advice I can give is to be yourself. I know that's cheesy but its true. Be honest, enthusiastic, and communicate clearly. Always be positive and SMILE! 

What did you enjoy most about your UCSF interview experience?

Compared to other interviews, I believe UCSF allowed me to express more of myself, which is why it was my favorite pharmacy school interview experience.  After the interview, I realized I shouldn't have been so stressed about the MMI because there were four opportunities or mini interviews where the committee could see who I am and how I communicate. Also, I definitely enjoyed the diverse scenarios that were included as part of the MMI! 

Clear. Concise. Logical.

I guess my previous blog post comment in reference to the onsite essay ("we are seeing a LOT of people that need to work on their onsite essay skills") raised some eyebrows. I received three emails (since that was posted) specifically asking about the onsite essay.

I thought I'd take this opportunity to respond here on the blog so I can simply link to this post when/if I receive future questions about this particular aspect of the interview day.

While the actual interview itself is certainly a critical aspect of your visit to UCSF, the writing component is just as important. Your onsite essay should reflect your true writing abilities and preparedness to enter a University of California doctoral-level program. Since our biggest cut in the application process is based on the written/prepared application, you must have demonstrated strong written communication skills on your PharmCAS and Supplemental Application in order to be advanced to the interview stage. Your onsite writing skills shouldn’t deviate too much from what we observed in your prepared materials. Granted the circumstances are different (with prepared materials you have unlimited time to edit/proof versus the timed onsite writing assignment), both your prepared and onsite written essays should reflect strong written communication skills. As stated on the essay form itself, "The purpose is to test your ability to organize and coherently express your thoughts."  Rarely do we discuss the position an applicant takes on an essay topic (unless it's so fantastical that one can't help taking it into consideration.) Instead, we tend to focus on the applicant's ability to write clearly, concisely, and logically with a convincing flow of ideas -- with few grammar/syntax and spelling errors. In addition, the ability to compose an essay that clearly articulates a response to the question with adequate supporting details is key. 

Do we realize you are under pressure? Absolutely! Of course! However, this exercise is not a term paper or multi-page report. It is a fairly simple essay less than one-page in length. If an applicant cannot successfully complete this task, it makes it very difficult to advocate for their candidacy -- not just at UCSF but any doctoral program. 

I'd be curious to hear your feedback so please feel free to leave your comments. But remember, make sure they are clear, concise, and logical.

And because I hate text-only blog posts, here's a picture....

P.S. I used the word "fantastical". How crazy is that?