Update - Admissions Decisions/Notifications!

As of today, all admissions decisions have been made and notifications sent out. If you have not received an email notification, please contact me directly (not through this blog.)

Hello Joel, I read on a forum that acceptances and rejections were already sent out. I wanted to go to the source and ask you if this is true? Thank you.

It's true! We've sent some offers of admissions and some letters of denial already.

As I mentioned at the Interview Welcome Session, we would be sending notifications (both kinds) as soon as a decision has been made and as soon as we are ready. Not everyone is notified at the same time. Remember, just because someone else has been admitted, it means nothing for you. And on the flip-side, just because someone has been denied, it also means nothing for you. (Unless, of course, you are one-half of conjoined twins -- which would be a whole different story and create a whole different set of circumstances.)

We are right on track!

Also mentioned was the fact that our notification window lasts until April 1. If you haven't heard from us by April 2, contact me directly -- not through this blog.

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?

Hey Joel! I was wondering if you will be sending out acceptances via mail or e-mail this year? Also how is reviewing applications going? Good I hope!

Hey Anonymous! We haven't quite decided yet whether we will notify by email or regular mail. Just yesterday, ANOTHER university sent erroneous notifications to students -- so the whole e-mail thing still makes me nervous. However, I think that's the direction we are leaning. We just need to be VERY CAREFUL, obviously.

As far as the Final Review process - things are going very good! Thanks for asking. We had another long meeting this afternoon but at least the interview process is behind us so we can now focus on this aspect of the admissions cycle. But yes, things are going well and we are right on track! (Although we are seeing a LOT of people that need to work on their on-site essay skills.)

Pharmacy Information Days -- Coming Soon!

It's hard to believe that spring is right around the corner. Eeeks! Hey Time, where did you go?  For us, spring means Pharmacy Information Days! We have planned three terrific events in three dynamic cities... 

Saturday, March 10, 2012

  

  

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Saturday, May 19, 2012

 

To learn more about UCSF's Pharmacy Information Days (and register to attend), visit our Pharm Info Day website!

Oh, I just remembered... Shirin, our Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator, blogged about this event in the past. It's a good read. Check it out here!

Is there any chance we can find out who our interviewers are ahead of time? Thank you.

No.

Is the UCSF supplemental application available for viewing without formally applying? I plan to apply in the near future but would like a preview. Thanks!

No. The UCSF Supplemental Application will become available on our website in mid-July.