Yes, Interview Days are held on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Honesty REALLY is the best policy!
Towards the end of the day last week, I was looking for a particular application and ended up getting sucked into a bunch of old files -- but not just any files -- these are "special files."
Unfortunately, not the good kind of "special"....
It's pretty fascinating to read through some of these files -- all sorts of crazy stuff appears. It used to be easier, I suppose, to falsify or alter documents (specifically transcripts); however, since the introduction of PharmCAS (and the transcript verification process), I don't reckon that happens anymore. [Off topic: I think that may have been the very first time I've ever used the word "reckon" in the written form. It sounds like cowboy talk. I am not a cowboy so I'm not sure what inspired its use.] These days, most of the falsified documents deal with inaccurate reporting of information or exaggerating experiences, hours and/or time lines. It's pretty easy for us to verify this stuff by making a few phone calls and putting pieces together.
Determining whether an applicant has used previously published text as part of their application is now a bit easier with PharmCAS' partnership with turnitin.com, which bills itself as "the global leader in addressing plagiarism." As per the PharmCAS Application Instructions:
Every year, I get notified (several times) by PharmCAS that an applicant has violated the Applicant Code of Conduct -- which prevents them from applying to schools that participate in the PharmCAS application process. As we begin the new cycle, I spent some time reviewing the code and decided to share it below. The wording is pretty strong but given the high expectations of this profession, it's totally appropriate.
What are your thoughts?
Applicant Code of Conduct
PREAMBLE
Once admitted to a professional pharmacy program, students are considered to be members of the pharmacy profession and therefore bear the responsibility to adhere to the professional, ethical, and legal standards prescribed for the practice of pharmacy and their college or school of pharmacy. The ethical and legal responsibilities of student pharmacists are typically reviewed during orientation to the professional program and throughout the time the student is enrolled in school.
Applicants to pharmacy schools, although not yet members of the profession, are likewise bound to legal and ethical standards of behavior during the admission process. Colleges and schools of pharmacy are encouraged to admit applicants with “a high level of professionalism or professional potential” *.
The Applicant Code of Conduct provides an explicit statement of applicant responsibilities and expected standards of performance and behavior. Applicants must electronically sign a copy of the code of conduct, signifying that they have read and agree to accept the code’s provisions. It is drawn from the ethical principles of the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists.
Misconduct, as defined in the Applicant Code of Conduct, and all forms of dishonesty, will not be tolerated in the application process. Colleges and schools of pharmacy will determine whether an applicant has violated the Code of Conduct and whether sanctions should be imposed. Sanctions imposed by the institutions include, but are not limited to, revocation of application, or sharing information with admission committees about the applicant’s behavior. Any applicant found to have violated the principles of conduct risks losing the privilege of applying to or entering the pharmacy profession. Conduct violations will be communicated to all schools and colleges of pharmacy in the U.S. as well as other health education associations.
PRINCIPLES
The following section describes the principles that are the foundation of the Applicant Code of Conduct. The discussion that accompanies each principle is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all possible situations or examples that may be considered to be violations of the Code.
As an applicant to the profession of pharmacy, I pledge to:
Act with honesty and integrity throughout the admission process when interacting with school admissions officers, admission committees, and PharmCAS staff. Integrity is an obligation that requires each applicant to provide information honestly. Applicants must not falsify information (for example, make a false claim to be an officer in an organization, falsify work experience, or provide altered transcripts). Applicants must also reveal information about previous legal offenses pertinent to admission to a professional program (for example, previous felony convictions or drug or alcohol offenses). An applicant should accurately represent herself or himself to staff and others during the admission process. It is inappropriate to contact admission staff to inquire about an application claiming to be someone else.
Respect the knowledge, skills and values of those involved in the admission process, including the faculty and staff at schools or colleges of pharmacy and PharmCAS staff. It is unacceptable for an applicant to disparage the competence, knowledge, qualifications, or services of faculty and staff involved in the admission process. It is inappropriate to imply in word, gesture, or deed that an application has been poorly managed or the applicant mistreated by a staff member without tangible evidence. Professional relations among all members of the admission committees at schools of pharmacy, PharmCAS staff and applicants should be marked with civility. Thus, slanderous comments, uncivil language and abusive behavior should be avoided, and each person should recognize and facilitate civil behavior among all involved in the application process.
Respect the autonomy and dignity of fellow applicants, admission staff, college or school faculty, staff, and students, and anyone involved in the admission process. The applicant should use the highest professional courtesy when interacting with fellow applicants, admission staff, college or school faculty, staff, and students, and anyone involved in the admission process. Offensive or threatening comments via e-mail or voice mail messages or any other form of verbal or nonverbal communication will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behavior includes the use of language, gestures, or remarks with sexual overtones. Applicants should maintain a neat and clean appearance, and dress in attire that is generally accepted as professional by faculty and staff during their interview and when meeting with anyone to discuss admission to a professional pharmacy program.
Be responsible and accountable for my actions and personally manage and respond to all matters related to my application. Applicants to the professional pharmacy degree program must demonstrate responsibility by taking ownership of all aspects related to the application process. Applicants are expected to review application materials from PharmCAS and schools and colleges to which they apply. It is the applicant’s responsibility to meet deadlines, provide information as requested, and follow the admission process for each school or college to which they apply. Applicants, not PharmCAS, are responsible for promptly correcting any errors or omissions identified in the applicant’s file.
Applicants are expected to respond to constructive feedback from admission staff and faculty by appropriate modification of their behavior. If an applicant has a question about the pharmacy admissions process after exhausting all available online and printed resources, the applicant should contact the appropriate PharmCAS or pharmacy school admissions office directly for clarification. Staff will not discuss an application with an applicant’s parent, spouse, relative, friend, or employer regardless of who submits the fee payment. The PharmCAS fee payment does not relieve applicants of the obligation to properly submit all requested data and application materials by the deadline.
Applicants who have not been accepted may consult admission staff to learn how they may correct deficiencies in their application or academic performance or seek to learn more about admission criteria for schools to which they may apply, but should remain respectful of decisions made by those involved in the admission process.
Unfortunately, not the good kind of "special"....
It's pretty fascinating to read through some of these files -- all sorts of crazy stuff appears. It used to be easier, I suppose, to falsify or alter documents (specifically transcripts); however, since the introduction of PharmCAS (and the transcript verification process), I don't reckon that happens anymore. [Off topic: I think that may have been the very first time I've ever used the word "reckon" in the written form. It sounds like cowboy talk. I am not a cowboy so I'm not sure what inspired its use.] These days, most of the falsified documents deal with inaccurate reporting of information or exaggerating experiences, hours and/or time lines. It's pretty easy for us to verify this stuff by making a few phone calls and putting pieces together.
Determining whether an applicant has used previously published text as part of their application is now a bit easier with PharmCAS' partnership with turnitin.com, which bills itself as "the global leader in addressing plagiarism." As per the PharmCAS Application Instructions:
Please be aware that your admission essay may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin for Admissions for the detection of plagiarism duplication and other potential violations of the applicant code of conduct. All submitted essays and other materials will be included as source documents in the Turnitin for Admissions reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such documents.
This new addition to the process should prove to be quite interesting!
What are your thoughts?
Applicant Code of Conduct
PREAMBLE
Once admitted to a professional pharmacy program, students are considered to be members of the pharmacy profession and therefore bear the responsibility to adhere to the professional, ethical, and legal standards prescribed for the practice of pharmacy and their college or school of pharmacy. The ethical and legal responsibilities of student pharmacists are typically reviewed during orientation to the professional program and throughout the time the student is enrolled in school.
Applicants to pharmacy schools, although not yet members of the profession, are likewise bound to legal and ethical standards of behavior during the admission process. Colleges and schools of pharmacy are encouraged to admit applicants with “a high level of professionalism or professional potential” *.
The Applicant Code of Conduct provides an explicit statement of applicant responsibilities and expected standards of performance and behavior. Applicants must electronically sign a copy of the code of conduct, signifying that they have read and agree to accept the code’s provisions. It is drawn from the ethical principles of the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists.
Misconduct, as defined in the Applicant Code of Conduct, and all forms of dishonesty, will not be tolerated in the application process. Colleges and schools of pharmacy will determine whether an applicant has violated the Code of Conduct and whether sanctions should be imposed. Sanctions imposed by the institutions include, but are not limited to, revocation of application, or sharing information with admission committees about the applicant’s behavior. Any applicant found to have violated the principles of conduct risks losing the privilege of applying to or entering the pharmacy profession. Conduct violations will be communicated to all schools and colleges of pharmacy in the U.S. as well as other health education associations.
PRINCIPLES
The following section describes the principles that are the foundation of the Applicant Code of Conduct. The discussion that accompanies each principle is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all possible situations or examples that may be considered to be violations of the Code.
As an applicant to the profession of pharmacy, I pledge to:
Act with honesty and integrity throughout the admission process when interacting with school admissions officers, admission committees, and PharmCAS staff. Integrity is an obligation that requires each applicant to provide information honestly. Applicants must not falsify information (for example, make a false claim to be an officer in an organization, falsify work experience, or provide altered transcripts). Applicants must also reveal information about previous legal offenses pertinent to admission to a professional program (for example, previous felony convictions or drug or alcohol offenses). An applicant should accurately represent herself or himself to staff and others during the admission process. It is inappropriate to contact admission staff to inquire about an application claiming to be someone else.
Respect the knowledge, skills and values of those involved in the admission process, including the faculty and staff at schools or colleges of pharmacy and PharmCAS staff. It is unacceptable for an applicant to disparage the competence, knowledge, qualifications, or services of faculty and staff involved in the admission process. It is inappropriate to imply in word, gesture, or deed that an application has been poorly managed or the applicant mistreated by a staff member without tangible evidence. Professional relations among all members of the admission committees at schools of pharmacy, PharmCAS staff and applicants should be marked with civility. Thus, slanderous comments, uncivil language and abusive behavior should be avoided, and each person should recognize and facilitate civil behavior among all involved in the application process.
Respect the autonomy and dignity of fellow applicants, admission staff, college or school faculty, staff, and students, and anyone involved in the admission process. The applicant should use the highest professional courtesy when interacting with fellow applicants, admission staff, college or school faculty, staff, and students, and anyone involved in the admission process. Offensive or threatening comments via e-mail or voice mail messages or any other form of verbal or nonverbal communication will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behavior includes the use of language, gestures, or remarks with sexual overtones. Applicants should maintain a neat and clean appearance, and dress in attire that is generally accepted as professional by faculty and staff during their interview and when meeting with anyone to discuss admission to a professional pharmacy program.
Be responsible and accountable for my actions and personally manage and respond to all matters related to my application. Applicants to the professional pharmacy degree program must demonstrate responsibility by taking ownership of all aspects related to the application process. Applicants are expected to review application materials from PharmCAS and schools and colleges to which they apply. It is the applicant’s responsibility to meet deadlines, provide information as requested, and follow the admission process for each school or college to which they apply. Applicants, not PharmCAS, are responsible for promptly correcting any errors or omissions identified in the applicant’s file.
Applicants are expected to respond to constructive feedback from admission staff and faculty by appropriate modification of their behavior. If an applicant has a question about the pharmacy admissions process after exhausting all available online and printed resources, the applicant should contact the appropriate PharmCAS or pharmacy school admissions office directly for clarification. Staff will not discuss an application with an applicant’s parent, spouse, relative, friend, or employer regardless of who submits the fee payment. The PharmCAS fee payment does not relieve applicants of the obligation to properly submit all requested data and application materials by the deadline.
Applicants who have not been accepted may consult admission staff to learn how they may correct deficiencies in their application or academic performance or seek to learn more about admission criteria for schools to which they may apply, but should remain respectful of decisions made by those involved in the admission process.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
In Their Own Words: Margrit
(Editor's note: This is the second of a multi-part series I'm titling "In Their Own Words". I'll start by highlighting student committee members and then perhaps introduce you to faculty members as time and space allows. In addition to getting to know a little about them, this will also give you insight into the admissions process. Hopefully, this will also allow you to put real faces/names behind what is often characterized as a mysterious and secret process. Students play a huge role in our annual admissions cycle, serving as full-fledged members of our committee. Students serve a two-year term during their 3rd and 4th years of the program. Many of the same qualities that got them into pharmacy school -- leadership, commitment, maturity, etc. -- are what landed them a spot on the admissions committee. If I had to describe Margrit in one word it would be ENERGETIC -- and yes, in all caps! She's been a valuable member of the committee and has assumed her responsibilities with great passion and dedication.)
Name: Margrit
Year: Class of 2012
Hometown: Harlingen, TX
Previous institutions attended: Carnegie-Mellon University (Bachelor of Science), Pace University (Master of Education)
Undergraduate Major: chemical engineering and biomedical engineering
Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
I have a deep interest in all facets of education. I used to teach before pharmacy school. When I came to UCSF, I wanted to continue my practice in education somehow, so I got involved with the “architects” of our curriculum -- the Educational Policy Committee. Naturally, the admissions process is not only essential, but also unique in education. It’s not everyday that you get to shape the character of an entire class! My favorite part of the process is putting a face to applications on interview day.
What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?
I was pleasantly surprised of how holistic the entire process is. We really want to get to know applicants. It’s not all about numbers.
In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?
I would say painting a picture of someone who they are not. Nothing is more of a turn-off. Many applicants assume they know what we want to hear, so they make up this perfect persona. We can really see through that, especially on interview day.
What stands out to you on an application?
I definitely look for unique life experiences. In particular, I’m interested in those experiences that are meaningful and have influenced or shaped an applicant’s life.
What is your pet peeve when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)
I don’t like robotic interviews. Some applicants can be so “rehearsed” that, before I finish the question, they are already answering! I like to see someone be genuine and thoughtful in interviews. I want to see a personality (but keep it professional).
What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
Motivation to endure four years of school. Dedication to do it well. Determination to rise when you hit some walls. Balance and fun, because it’s not all about books!
What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?
Get a taste of pharmacy and talk to current pharmacists practicing in different settings. Know the profession and where it’s going. Everything else will fall into place, regardless of where you study pharmacy.
What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
You know yourself best, so make sure you have genuine reasons to become a pharmacist. Trust me, it sounds simple, but those reasons may be the hardest to defend during an interview. We want to be sure this is what you want.
Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?
I think the Admissions Committee saw in me the potential to make unique contributions to my class, the school, and the profession. I am what you consider a career changer (atypical student). I came to UCSF after three years of teaching in Harlem and France. During those years, I gained valuable life and professional experience, where leadership is a must. Perhaps, interviewers could appreciate my maturity and motivation to become a pharmacist. My background in engineering, research, and teaching gave me skills that I could transfer to the pharmacy practice. Most importantly, nothing can replace the passion and excitement I have for the things I choose to do, like pharmacy.
What do you do for fun?
I love to travel abroad during long breaks. I love to eat different ethnic foods. I love learning foreign languages. I really enjoy watching films and documentaries, especially foreign films or those that are not your typical blockbusters (although, I like summer action films too).
To read previous "In Their Own Words" postings, visit:
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
In Their Own Words: Caroline
(Editor's note: I thought it would be a great idea to introduce you to members of our Admissions Committee via mini-profiles and Q&A sections. This is the first of a multi-part series I'm titling "In Their Own Words". I'll start by highlighting student committee members and then perhaps introduce you to faculty members as time and space allows. In addition to getting to know a little about them, this will also give you insight into the admissions process. Hopefully, this will also allow you to put real faces/names behind what is often characterized as a mysterious and secret process. Students play a huge role in our annual admissions cycle, serving as full-fledged members of our committee. Students serve a two-year term during their 3rd and 4th years of the program. Many of the same qualities that got them into pharmacy school -- leadership, commitment, maturity, etc. -- are what landed them a spot on the admissions committee. First up is Caroline. In admissions-talk, I would refer to her as the "total package." She possessed all the characteristics we look for in a successful applicant and was/is an ideal fit for UCSF. Caroline is a perfect representative of our community to help select future classes.)
Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most? I applied to be a member of the committee so that I could have a chance to help choose the next generation of student pharmacists. I hope to be a professor at UCSF someday, so I jumped at the chance to work with faculty and other students in this process. I wanted to ensure that we are choosing top applicants who are a great fit for UCSF, not just because they got good grades in undergrad or want to attend because we’re ranked #1.
What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants? Practice interviewing with people you trust, and people who will give you honest feedback. I practiced with one of my former bosses, and she gave me some really good feedback about my performance. I think practicing in front of a mirror, or even just saying your answer to a question out loud, helps as well. But don’t over-rehearse! We don’t want to hear just memorized answers, we want to see you think on your feet as well.
Name: Caroline
Year: Class of 2012
Hometown: Pinole, CA
Previous institutions attended: UC San Diego (Bachelor’s degree); Mesa College (additional pre-requisite courses)
Undergraduate Major: molecular biology
Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most? I applied to be a member of the committee so that I could have a chance to help choose the next generation of student pharmacists. I hope to be a professor at UCSF someday, so I jumped at the chance to work with faculty and other students in this process. I wanted to ensure that we are choosing top applicants who are a great fit for UCSF, not just because they got good grades in undergrad or want to attend because we’re ranked #1.
What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process? How much time and effort goes into picking those 122 students! It takes months of work, and many hours by faculty and students, not to mention Joel and Sammie in the Office of Student & Curricular Affairs (OSACA). We are really looking at the whole picture of the student.
In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make? Saying what they think we want to hear in an interview. Be yourself! We want to know who YOU are, not who you are trying to be in an interview. If you have an opinion that opposes what we are saying, we’re interested to hear your reasoning. No one’s ever right 100% of the time, not even your interviewers!
What stands out to you on an application? I love it when people have taken different classes in undergrad, besides the pharmacy pre-requisites. I was a Molecular Biology major, which was probably the same as 99 other people in my class. But I’ve met Graphic Design majors who are now in pharmacy school, and are doing really well academically! There’s no need to follow the path that you think is “right.” I think it’s great when students have interesting and diverse backgrounds.
What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?) Students who have great grades in English but then have typos or grammatical errors in their essays. Or students who write really great essays in their application materials but bomb the on-site essay. It’s really hard to know whether the student can communicate effectively in writing if there are so many inconsistencies. And communication is key for pharmacists!
What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program? Passion and drive. This program is tough! Some days you just want to crawl into bed and ignore all the leadership responsibilities you’ve taken on and studying that you have to do, because it’s overwhelming. At the end of the day, if you’re not passionate about being a good pharmacist, it makes it really tough to get through this program.
What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants? Practice interviewing with people you trust, and people who will give you honest feedback. I practiced with one of my former bosses, and she gave me some really good feedback about my performance. I think practicing in front of a mirror, or even just saying your answer to a question out loud, helps as well. But don’t over-rehearse! We don’t want to hear just memorized answers, we want to see you think on your feet as well.
What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant? Be yourself, and make sure you are passionate about pharmacy before you apply here.
Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program? I feel like I was a very well rounded candidate. I had worked as a pharmacy technician and I loved it, so I think that passion showed in my application essays. I also had pretty decent grades (though nowhere near a 4.0!) and had worked in industry before being a pharmacy tech, so I had some research experience as well. I had done my research on the pathways here, and was able to discuss my interest in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway with my interviewers.
What do you do for fun? I love exploring San Francisco. Although I grew up in the East Bay, I had never spent much time in SF except for Union Square for holiday shopping excursions. I really enjoy trying new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops with friends, or even just walking around a new neighborhood. I once spent a whole afternoon walking around the Inner Richmond, and browsing through used books at Green Apple Books. I also love walking through Golden Gate Park and going up in the DeYoung Museum tower for a great view of SF. There is so much to do in this city!
Meet more students in our PharmD program by visiting our Student Profiles page!
Meet more students in our PharmD program by visiting our Student Profiles page!
Seize the Day
Wow! I absolutely love this video....
A special congratulations to the PharmD Class of 2011!
Celebrating Commencement 2011:
UCSF Chancellor Advises Graduates to
“Seize the Day”
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Usually, how many out-of-state students do you accept every year?
It ranges anywhere from 10-20% every year -- depending on how many out-of-state applications we receive. We can only select from those that apply! Our entering class mirrors our applicant pool.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Should the LORs come from people that know me longer or people that know me for a shorter time but have better articulation skills? Thanks!
You shouldn't have to sacrifice one for the other. Your letters should come from individuals who know you well AND can articulate that in a letter. A letter from someone that doesn't know you very well can't possibly be very detailed or provide helpful information to the Admissions Committee. A person that can't articulate themselves and address those areas being asked about (in the PharmCAS letter of recommendation) will probably not serve you well. Right? I addressed this issue in a previous post: http://pharmdadmissions.ucsf.edu/2008/09/are-letters-of-recommendation-really.html
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