In Their Own Words: Sam

(Note: I went back and looked at my notes from Sam's interview -- when he applied to be on the Admissions Committee. I wrote "Confident, engaging, and motivated!" These are probably the same characteristics his interviewers saw when he applied to our PharmD program.  These characteristics were certainly evident during his service on the Admissions Committee. As he mentions below, Sam took several gap years before applying. I feel like this period of time allowed him to see candidates in a different light -- particularly those candidates that didn't follow a traditional path to pharmacy school.)

Name: Sam
Hometown: Westminster, California
Previous institutions attended: UC San Diego
Undergraduate Major: General Biology

Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
I applied to be on the admissions committee because I felt, as a “non-traditional” student, I would be able to provide a different perspective for future candidates. Also, I wanted to give back to UCSF because they chose me -- even though I didn’t have pharmacy experience, so I always felt that they looked at candidates holistically which I’m glad turned out to be true.

What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?
I was surprised by how many people were involved in the admissions process. There’s staff, faculty of different fields of pharmacy (not just pharmacists) as well as students! It was great to see the collaboration and respect we all share when discussing candidates.

What stands out to you on an application?
Passion. It’s clear when reading the personal essays and during their interview how much a candidate did their due diligence to answer the big “why pharmacy” question. Pharmacy school is a big commitment, so when push comes to shove, I want to make sure they have that answer to rely on.

What impresses you about an application/applicant?
Gap years! As someone who took 4 gap years myself, I love learning how other candidates found their passion for pharmacy. However, on the flip side, I’m always impressed by students who apply during undergrad because I could never have done that.

What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?
My biggest pet peeves during an interview would be no eye contact or when they ask questions that can be found on a website. I always like to think of an interview as a two-way mirror or even better a casual conversation. We’re trying to get to know you, but at the same time, you should be getting to know us. Remember that you will be staying at least 3 years here so use this opportunity to ask those necessary questions.

What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
UCSF’s PharmD program brings out the best in us.  To succeed, you must get out of your comfort zone. There are going to be a lot of new experiences that you have never participated in. At times, it’s going to be difficult and uncomfortable but that’s where the biggest growth occurs. Stay curious, driven, and rely on your cohort that’s also going through it with you.

What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?
The biggest resource is the people around you. Family, friends, mentors (including pharmacists!), counselors, literally anybody. Have them look at your personal statements or supplemental essays and give feedback. There is so much we can learn from others that we wouldn’t have ever thought about ourselves. Use their perspectives to help focus your own.

What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
Take your time and don’t apply until you feel 100% ready. It’s understandable wanting to rush and complete everything as fast as possible but burnout is real. Take all the time you need to be the best applicant you can be.

What do you do for fun?
I love exploring! Whether it’s traveling to new countries, cities, or even new food places, I’m always looking for the next adventure. It’s also perfect because the Bay Area has so many options and new things popping up, there’s an endless number of things to do!  

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!

Finishing Up Those Prereqs!

"Can students still apply to your school while having some prerequisites in progress? I still need to take some courses to meet the course requirements to apply for your school."

"I saw the deadline for UCSF pharmacy application, but if I still plan to take some of the pre requisites (during fall quarter and/or winter quarter and/or the following spring quarter) would I still be able to apply?"

"I looked at the required academic pre-requisites. I realized that I don't have some of requirements satisfied when I submit the application.  Will missing these two requirements greatly effect my eligibility for being accepted?"

We get these types of questions a LOT. So I figured it was perfect for a blog entry.

So, first, it's totally typical that applicants apply to our program with prerequisite requirements either in-progress or planned. In many cases -- both! They are currently enrolled in courses, and have future plans to enroll in courses after they submit their application. In fact, it's quite rare to receive an application and all prerequisite courses have been completed.

Let me explain....

On your PharmCAS application, you'll list classes in three different ways:

1. ALL college-level courses in your past. (So everything you have a grade in and appears on a college transcript.)
   
   
2. ALL college courses you are currently enrolled in when you submit your application by the deadline. (So this will likely be fall term classes)
   
   
3. ALL future/planned college courses you expect to take after you submit your application, but before you start our PharmD program the following summer. (So this is likely winter and/or spring courses.) These courses/plans can certainly change, but you'll still want to at least list courses that you think you'll be taking --  so we can see that you have a realistic plan. Listing a tentative course lets us know you have a plan to complete the requirement before starting our program. Otherwise if you leave it completely blank, we could assume that you haven’t completed the requirement with no future plans to complete it. Does that make sense? In other words, give us something to work with. 😊  If admitted, we'll provide you with instructions on how to update us on any changes you listed on your application.

Easy-breezy, right?

We do indicate this, in very general terms on our prerequisite webpage: 

In a nutshell:

• Do prerequisite requirements have to be completed before I submit the application? No.
  
  
• Can I take prerequisite classes after I submit the application? Yes.
  
  
• Must I finish prerequisite requirements before I start UCSF's PharmD program? Yes.
  
  
• I got admitted! Can I roll into UCSF's PharmD program and still be working on that last prereq class when the PharmD program starts... I promise I'll finish it while also juggling the PharmD curriculum... it's only a public speaking class... huh?  Nope. No. No. No.  

In Their Own Words: Winter

(Note: I remember reading Winter's opening line from one of her admissions essays: "At birth, uniqueness was thrust upon me. With a name like "Winter" in the arid desert of Arizona, how could I not stand out?"  I've always loved and appreciated bold opening statements. It just sets the reader up for a strong essay by a confident applicant. Winter joined the Admissions Committee during the pandemic -- so much of her work has been conducted remotely. Winter's confidence, and friendliness, was key in helping convey the UCSF culture through remote interviews. As an out-of-state student, Winter brings a unique -- and much welcomed -- perspective to our admissions process.)

Name: Winter
Hometown: Queen Creek, Arizona
Previous institutions attended: Arizona State University
Undergraduate Major: Biochemistry and Psychology

Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
Being a member of the Admissions Committee was an interest of mine ever since I went through the admissions process. One of my career interests is academia and a huge portion of higher education is admitting new students. I was interested in the entire process of admissions and even volunteered to give tours and host Interview Day Student Chat Rooms during my first year. Since becoming a member of the Admissions Committee, I have enjoyed working with other members of the committee and interviewing prospective students. This experience has given me a new perspective on the variety of students pursuing pharmacy as a career.

What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?
The amount of time, and care, members of the Admissions Committee give to each applicant surprised me (in a good way!) UCSF truly values each applicant, and reviews them holistically and completely.

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?
I think applicants can try to be someone that they’re not. Applicants may have met different UCSF students at various pre-pharmacy events and perceive a specific student as the "UCSF model". There is no perfect pharmacy student and there is no perfect UCSF pharmacy student.

What stands out to you on an application?

To me, strong personal essays stand out on an application. When I can feel the emotion in these essays, an application builds in dimensionality. I no longer feel like I’m reading an application, but meeting a person.

What impresses you about an application/applicant?
I am impressed when I see growth on an application. Applicants that are willing to own up to mistakes they may have made during their undergraduate career, or in their personal lives, and discuss the steps they have taken to grow from this experience shows maturity.

What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)
It drives me crazy when I feel like applicants haven’t fully prepared their application before submission -- or prepped for their interview. I don’t believe that there should be grammar and spelling mistakes in applicant’s personal essays -- there is plenty of time to prepare an application! Applicants should put their best foot forward by having many eyes on their essays before submission so these mistakes are caught. In interviews, applicants should know why they want to be a pharmacist or why they want to attend UCSF, in particular. If applicants are caught off-guard by questions like these, it makes me think they probably aren’t that passionate about being a pharmacist or attending this program.

What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
Some characteristics necessary to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program are: curiosity, passion for the field, resiliency, and empathy. UCSF’s PharmD curriculum can be very challenging, at times, but with passion for pharmacy and resiliency, you can succeed in the curriculum.

What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?
For one, I used Joel’s blog (and if you’re reading this, you are too!) to get background on UCSF and the admissions process as I was applying. I also used the UCSF website and other pharmacy students at different institutions who interviewed at various pharmacy schools to get a strong background on the process before I submitted my application and attended interviews. These are all great resources! I would also suggest using your mentors at your undergraduate institution or your current workplace to review your application materials and practice interview questions. If you are in a pre-pharmacy club with an advisor or work with a pharmacist, those individuals have gone through an interview and admissions process before, so they are fantastic resources in making sure you put your best foot forward during the application process.

What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
Be yourself. UCSF is not looking for pharmacy robots that know how to answer questions with generic responses. We want to get to know you!

What do you do for fun?
Since I’m still new to the Bay Area, I am still exploring. I find fantastic new restaurants, coffee shops, and hiking trails every week! I have a dog so my ideal free day is a morning coffee (+ a puppachino for my pup!) and hike. In the evenings, I like to unwind by streaming TV shows or movies -- my favorites are thrillers!

In Their Own Words: Mari

(Note: I loved having Mari on the Admissions Committee. She was so committed to making sure each applicant who she interviewed and reviewed got a fair shot in the process. Those that were lucky enough to meet her through the interview process found her to be caring and funny -- two qualities that really define her personality. Below she mentions "meaningful experiences" several times. Through the admissions process, she was always a champion of those candidates that brought these types of meaningful experiences to the table. Yay, Mari!)

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?)

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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: 

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.

2019 and Beyond: PCAT No Longer Required

(Note: The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) was retired on January 10, 2024, NO PCAT testing dates will be offered during the 2024-25 admissions cycle or beyond.)

Over the past couple of years, I've posted a lot of information about the PCAT. It seems to be the topic that generates the most questions from prospective students and applicants.

Three years ago we launched a pilot program that required all UCSF applicants to complete the PCAT as part of their application.  We are ending that program. Beginning with the class applying in 2019 (for entry in summer 2020) the PCAT will not be a required part of the application process.

Yes, you read that correctly, the PCAT is not required -- rather it’s optional. "What's that mean?" you ask.

Well, the PCAT isn't for everyone. Nor is it necessary for everyone. Let me explain.  For some candidates, taking the PCAT can really help bolster an otherwise questionable academic portfolio. We want this to be an option for those applicants. If an applicant believes the PCAT provides evidence of their academic preparedness for the UCSF PharmD program, they are encouraged to take the PCAT and submit their scores to PharmCAS.  Here are two examples:

1. An applicant who is at or near our minimum 2.80 GPA requirement may consider taking the PCAT as a way to indicate their grasp of material that may not be evident in their academic background.
2. An applicant who completed science prerequisite coursework more than seven years ago and would like to prove they are still very familiar with the material may opt to take the PCAT.

But every candidate is different -- so even applicants who fall into the two categories above may have unique circumstances that wouldn't necessitate taking the PCAT as part of their application to UCSF.

We know there are likely to be many questions so I encourage you to contact us! 

In Their Own Words: Troy

(Note: It's funny that Troy mentions his experience teaching a Kanye West course while at Cal -- because that's one thing I always remember about his application. We asked "What makes you unique from all the other students that will be admitted in the class?" Troy didn't hold back.  He promised he'd bring his leadership skills to the PharmD program and he certainly didn't disappoint as he served as UCSF's Student Body President during his third year of pharmacy school. Having him on the Admissions Committee was kind of a no-brainer, knowing his rich experiences would serve us well when selecting a unique and authentic group of students to be a part of our entering class.)

Name: Troy
Hometown:  San Jose, CA
Previous institution attended: UC Berkeley
Undergraduate Major: Cellular Biology - Human Physiology

Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
I applied to be on the Admissions Committee because, years ago, UCSF took a chance on a kid like me and I felt like it was only right that I give back to a place that has given me so much. In the past, I felt like I was too much of a free spirit to be in this field. However, some person must have looked at
my application and saw me as a diamond in the rough, and now I’m in the same position and I’m just so amazed at how things come full circle. When I look through applicants, I try to find people who show real potential and have core values that give them a chance to leave an incredible legacy during their three years here, despite their flaws. At the start of this new curriculum, I think we need to find these people to kick off this new era in the school. Everyone at UCSF are diamonds in the rough, so to speak – constantly refining ourselves but already inherently valuable.

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?
Remember that the entire application process gives us a chance to dive deeper into understanding who you are as a human being. I want to understand the motivations behind things that you’ve done and things that you want to do in the future. The “why” is what I’m trying to understand from applicants when I go through their file or when I interview people. Many applicants will forget this at some point in their application process.

Think about movies. If we don’t understand the history of a character or why they do the things they do throughout the film, then the experience becomes convoluted and cliché. If a character is interesting, honest, and compelling, then the viewer becomes invested in the character and wants to see them succeed. Make people interested in seeing how your story unfolds!

What stands out to you in an application?
The applications I really remember are ones that expand my perspective or applications that teach me something I didn’t know before.

What impresses you about an application/applicant?
Applicants that have a really strong sense of the pervading discourse that guides how they make decisions. Also, applicants that have an idea about how they can push humanity forward through their careers. Or at the very least, applicants that seem to be on the track to answering these questions.

What are your pet peeves when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file?
Too many applicants try to be who they think we want them to be instead of who they truly are. The application process is just as much choosing a school that fits you as it is choosing an applicant that fits UCSF. It’s easy to tell when someone isn’t being genuine.

Have you or any of your friends exaggerated on Tinder? Your photos could have you courtside at a Warriors game with a puppy sitting on your lap and Lin-Manuel Miranda could write your “About Me” but eventually, you’re going to have to meet your date in person and they can smell the front from a mile away. Be yourself! Because unlike Tinder dates, you can’t just ghost the pharmacy school you choose to attend.

What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
One of the first things a mentor of mine told me when I was coming into the program is that UCSF is here to teach you how to think. Everything comes down to your mindset! You will forget side effects. You will forget first-line therapies. But if you understand how to think critically and solve problems, you’ll be valuable wherever you go.

The other thing I’d say is don’t be afraid to be great, today. A lot of people think, “Once I graduate school, once I finish residency, once I get this position....” The point of all of this is not to run a rat race better than other people. This profession is about lifting others up, asking deep questions, and solving problems within healthcare with what you’ve learned. That is possible on day one. Find mentors and a group of friends that inspire you and everything will fall into place.

What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?
People are your biggest resource! Put yourself out there and talk to people. Not just pharmacy people – anyone. Every person has something valuable and interesting to share with you when given the chance and put into the right context. In my experience, the best applicants (and the best clinicians) have an incredible perspective of the world we live in.

Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?
You know, sometimes I wonder why they admitted me to this program too! A lot of people tell me they remembered me as the applicant who taught a Kanye West class at Cal. But in general, I think the admissions committee could tell I was an applicant who was consistent.  The voice behind my essays, the work I wrote about in my CV, and the person you talk to when you meet me are all part of same person with the same core values. When a person has a strong sense of their core, they can succeed when they’re lightyears out of their comfort zone, which you’ll find is where you spend most of your time while you’re at this school.

What do you do for fun?
I love hanging out with the different people I’ve met around the Bay. Some of my friends like going to shows and that’s always a blast. I have a squad that likes to hoop and check out breweries, but we also recently started a book club because we’ve been reading so much lately. There a few art galleries around SF and Oakland that have been very moving which I’ve enjoyed. I’m really a huge nerd at heart so I really enjoy being around people who are really passionate about whatever they’re into.

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