In Their Own Words: Timothy

(Note: I remember meeting Timmy when he was an undergrad student. He was in San Francisco one summer as part of UCSF's Summer Research Training Program and asked to meet with me to discuss the PharmD program. The pre-pharmacy student I met back then is the exact same 4th-year PharmD student I know today. Let me explain. As you can imagine, I meet a lot of pre-pharmacy students. Some end up entering our program. It can be both fascinating and frustrating how some present themselves as applicants versus how they carry themselves as students. Not so with Tim. His inquisitiveness, compassion, passion for social justice, and gratefulness for the opportunities that have been provided to him -- all characteristics I saw when he sat across the table and asked me thoughtful questions as a pre-pharmacy student -- are evident to this day. There are no illusions. There are no pretenses. With Timmy, every person who comes in contact with him gets the benefit of the doubt. Really. It was a no-brainer to have Timothy serve on the Admissions Committee.)

Name: Timothy

Year: Class of 2015

Hometown: Oakland, CA
Previous institutions attended: University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Undergraduate Major: General Biology

Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?

My motivation to be a member of the Admission Committee comes from being inspired by my classmates. Each person comes with experiences that have shaped him or her into a conscientious individual with a goal to advance care through pharmacy. Being an Admission Committee member allows me to participate in the process of selecting change-agents, while gaining a glimpse of future leaders in healthcare.

Reading applicant stories was exhilarating. It allowed me to learn about the world through the eyes of others. I gained perspectives that I would never have the opportunity to experience because of our unique differences. I am grateful to be a member of the Admissions Committee because it has expanded my horizons surrounding struggles and challenges that others face, and how pharmacy can contribute to improving them.

What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?

The amount of care that each applicant receives! For an applicant that is admitted, there are many individuals from the Admission Committee who review either the application or the interview. Since each spot in the entering class is highly valuable, we look at every detail of an applicant to build a community of the best and the brightest.

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?

The most common mistakes are grammatical errors and impassionate essays. Part of being trained as a pharmacist is to have an eye for detail. Misspelled words (especially if it’s your own name) hints at carelessness. Essay contents tell us about your ambition to become a leader in pharmacy. After reading many applications, it’s easy to determine which set of essays was given tremendous thought versus those written on a whim.

What stands out to you on an application?

Applications that leave me with a great impression are those that catch me off guard. They are bold in their academic preparation and involvement in organizations, creating experiences that allow them to expand their minds beyond the sciences. They take risks with their essays and bring them to life. Every word is meticulously chosen to convey their thoughts. At the end of reviewing their application, I feel as though I know them AND gained a unique perspective of the world.

What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)

My pet peeve during an interview is when an applicant replies with answers they think I want to hear. It’s incredibly easy to detect insincerity. Just be yourself and speak with your own voice! We just want to get to know you.

What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?

A zest for knowledge is important! The PharmD program is rigorous and the addition of extracurricular activities can be trying for many students. Amidst the challenging classes, especially non-clinical ones, it’s important to realize that building a strong foundation is important to understanding the complexities of medications. Having a love for what’s taught will make your pharmacy journey exciting and memorable.

What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?

Joel’s blog!! It was a great source of inspiration, information, and, at times, comic relief! I would also speak with pharmacy students at programs you’re interested in. We always enjoy speaking with prospective students. Students are really honest about the program, so you can get good insight on whether you think a program is a good fit for you.

What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Getting admitted into UCSF doesn’t mean you’ll only interact with UCSF affiliates. We are inherently part of San Francisco, and there are amazing individuals out there. The city attracts the best and the brightest in every field, so imagine all the wonderful people you’ll meet! So include researching the city on your to-do list

Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?

Of all questions, I think this one is on par with the human condition question. Perhaps it’s because I took risks on my application and wrote bold statements. Or maybe it’s because I made sure my essays reflected the real me: my past, personality, and ambitions. Only Joel knows ☺

What do you do for fun?

I really like noodles, especially ramen. I’ve been trying to find some of the best Bay Area ramen restaurants! I also enjoy going to the gym. It’s my sanctuary where I can think, reflect, and tune out of the world for an hour. Also, I work out daily so I can eat whatever I want! 

(Note: Timothy is also profiled on our website.)

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

Helpful tip: Always save the course syllabus!

You may not always want to save textbooks or class notes from every college course you've ever completed -- but it's a good idea to save the syllabus! (And super-easy.) Just get a binder and as each course is completed, file the syllabus away!

On many occasions, prospective (and admitted students) have questions about a particular course and whether we will accept it towards fulfilling one of our prerequisite requirements. While a course description is readily available in your college's online course catalog, often times the brief description doesn't provide enough information. If needed, a detailed course syllabus will allow us to review specific course content -- thus being able to provide you with a quicker response.

Trust me, this will make your life that much easier! Rather than tracking down a syllabus from your past instructor, the academic department, or the university -- you can simply refer to your syllabus binder.  You can thank me later!

Home stretch...

Feels good to be nearing the end of another admissions cycle. It seems like the interviews were so long ago -- in reality, it's been only about four weeks.

I've gotten a several calls this week about our notifications being sent out -- which made me think about a blog post I wrote a few years ago that addressed admissions decisions.

Perhaps I should do another to keep the information fresh, yah? (I think last time I wrote on this topic, we sent notifications out via hard copy -- so there's definitely some updates since then!) So, in the style of a Q&A (my favorite), here goes:

How are notifications sent out?
Email.

Have you sent admission offers out yet?
Yes.

Have you sent all admission offers out yet?
No.

Have you sent deny notifications out yet?
Yes.

Have you sent all deny notifications out yet?
No.

Are you behind?
Absolutely not! We are right on track. (In fact, I was able to listen to -- while working, of course -- a few NCAA tournament games today. Normally, I can't have that kind of noise/distraction in the background... but since we are so ahead-of-schedule, our staff/office has been quite chill this week.)

When will all applicants be notified?
By April 1. If you haven't heard back from us by then, definitely contact us! (Make sure you are checking your email spam folder. With the words "pharmacy", many emails are directed to spam folders.)

Is there a certain day of the week notifications are sent?
No. It's totally random. There are lots of other things we juggle -- meetings, presentations, other responsibilities, etc.

Is there a certain time of the day notifications are sent?No. Again, it's totally random.

If someone is offered admission, does that person's acceptance/decline affect another person's admission offer?
No. (Only in the case of the wait-list will that occur, which happens after all candidates are notified of their status. In other words, we do not wait to hear whether an offer is accepted before making another offer.

Do you have rolling admissions?
No.

If someone is offered admission somewhere else, does that affect their admission offer with UCSF?
No.

Will notifications be sent out during spring recess?
Spring recess? What's that?  Ha! We do not get a spring break. We will be working. (But I do get a kick out of students asking "How was your spring break? What did you do?"  Uh, worked....!) Yes, we will continue with sending out notifications on "spring recess."

What is your opinion on sending thank-you notes following an interview? Is there a preference for hard-copy vs. electronic notes?
I recently participated on a panel with other pharmacy school directors and this was one of the questions asked. We all had VERY DIFFERENT responses. I'd like to use this topic as a blog post topic in the near future. I think it's an interesting question and I'd like to provide more insight and thoughtful response than here.

Would you be willing to entertain us with some more blog entries/picture posts in the coming days? Like musings on this year's admissions cycle! We do miss your updates.
Thanks for the feedback. My posts have been limited since the fall. November through March is a very busy time. I hope to get back in the blog-game in the coming weeks.

If there's something I'm missing, let me know! I'd love to add it to this list.

Finally in the spirit of March Madness, what anti-anxiety medication do you suggest?  I'm stressed that my brackets are already falling apart and it's only the first round. Grrrrrr....Ugh!

It REALLY Doesn't Matter...

I received a call yesterday from an applicant who will be interviewing in a few weeks, wondering whether their pre-assigned interview date reflected their competitiveness. In addition, the topic was also brought up in conversation during our first interview day last week. I always find this question/topic quite puzzling as an applicant's assigned interview date is totally random, with the exception of, perhaps, where they currently reside. I thought I pretty much put this concern to rest several years ago when I explained our assignment date process in a blog post -- but maybe it wasn't enough for paranoid interviewees?

Just for fun (and I was actually really curious myself), I pulled data from the most recently admitted  class to see what percentage of admitted students interviewed on each of the five interview days held in early 2013*:

Interview Day 1  - 24%

Interview Day 2  - 22%

Interview Day 3  - 20%

Interview Day 4  - 14%

Interview Day 5  - 20%

I would say..... IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER...

 

*Note: Not all interview dates have the same number of candidates being interviewed. Some days have as many as 72 and as few as 48 candidates.

Global Health Sciences: 5 Questions with a Clinical Scholar

Nicole is so awesome! It's not surprising, given her outgoing personality, she's been so successful in so many areas.

This Q&A originally appeared on UCSF's Global Health Sciences website but I wanted to share it here since so many of you (prospective students) ask about global health opportunities.

Five questions for: Nicole Nguyen, PharmD, Clinical Scholar 2012

Before training as a pharmacist at UCSF, Nicole Nguyen developed an interest in global health as a health educator for HIV prevention, malaria, and sanitation workshops in Kiamuri, Kenya. Nicole furthered her career interests in global health, research, and teaching upon entering the Health Services & Policy Research pathway within UCSF's School of Pharmacy. During her training at UCSF, Nicole continued her exploration of global health while interning at the World Health Organization on projects relating to pharmaceutical policy research and access to essential medicines. In 2012, Nicole received her PharmD from UCSF and entered a yearlong training as a Pharmacy Practice Resident with UCSF. During that year, Nicole participated in the Global Health Clinical Scholars Program. Nguyen is now a Clinical Pharmacist at the UCSF Medical Center.

What was your research focus while you were a Clinical Scholar?
I developed an interest in the health disparities that stem from decreased access to medicine and became particularly concerned with Nigeria, due to its history of failed vaccination campaigns for polio. In collaboration with my mentor, Tina Brock, I worked on identifying the perceived barriers to vaccination for women's cancer prevention in Nigeria. I worked with the RISE Clinic in Nigeria and targeted health professionals in Anambra State to examine their perceptions of the barriers to HPV vaccination.

What were some of the challenges you encountered in your fieldwork?
Preparing for and implementing the study in-country was logistically challenging to coordinate in a short time frame (around four months for preparation and three weeks in-country), but having a motivated team at the RISE Clinic made it possible. Developing and nurturing the relationship with my in-country colleagues was key. During data collection I administered my survey to local health professionals and was well received by most, but there were a few encounters with individuals that challenged our intentions. The lesson I learned was to just try your best, be transparent, and be okay with rejection.

What have you been up to since you finished the Clinical Scholars program in June 2013?
In addition to working as a pharmacist at UCSF, I have continued to work on and disseminate my findings from the study I began as a Clinical Scholar. In the fall of 2013, I presented my work at the International Pharmaceutical Federation World Congress in Dublin, and I continue to work on the publication of the data. I continue to work with RISE Clinic on an educational campaign as the next phase of the project.

How do you envision the future integration of global health with your career as a pharmacist?
My goal is to pursue an academic career, one in which I can continue global health research, teaching and clinical practice. It is rare to see pharmacists successfully integrate global work within their clinical practice, but the Clinical Scholars program has made me better prepared and motivated to do it all.

What advice would you give other pharmacists who are considering a career in global health?
Seek out opportunities for training and collaboration that will provide field experience and contextualize some of the global health issues in low-resource settings. Make connections outside of pharmacy. Be flexible and creative in seeking opportunities. Before jumping into a global project, consider what unique skills you can contribute but prioritize the needs of the community. If done with thoughtful preparation, it can be incredibly fulfilling.

Photo credit: Maeakafa Ryan McOmber

Admitted Students Offer Advice

We host many outreach and informational programs throughout the year. We always try to include current students in the program as it provides prospective students/applicants an opportunity to hear directly from them -- their advice, experiences, and challenges.

Students who will enter the program this fall are not too far removed from the application process. It's still fresh in their minds. I asked them, "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?" Below are some of their responses!

“Be yourself. Be honest.” -Vicki

“Spend lots of time on the essays. Talk about as many experiences as you can. Don't keep talking about the same experience in all the essays. Make sure your responses to essay questions are backed by examples and experiences.” -Ami

“Keep a pharmacy journal. Every time you learn something new in pharmacy, attend a conference, shadow a pharmacist, write it down. It will be extremely helpful when preparing your application essays.” -Leanne

“Two words: time management. Make sure you have everything in order: what classes you need to take, when to ask for letters of recommendation, and all your deadlines laid out. I suggest creating a timeline.” -Helen

“Do as much research about the Doctor of Pharmacy program as you can. You're about to spend the next four years of your life here! Just as UCSF will see if you're a good fit, make sure that this program is a good fit for you.” -Allison

“Disregard all thoughts of where you "stand" as an applicant. Be yourself, tell the truth and apply. I almost didn't submit my application because I didn't think I would get in, yet here I am.” -Jennifer

"Have the conviction to turn down an offer of admission if it means sacrificing doing what you love. In other words, make sure you do not compromise your identity in order to get into UCSF. Represent your true self, and let the Admissions Committee make the hard decisions."-Keil

 

“Analyze all of your life experiences in order to trace how they have shaped you as a person and led you to the decision of pursuing a career in pharmacy. It will help you understand yourself better, define your goals, and set your priorities.” -Yuliya

“Developing a successful application is no trivial task. The more time and effort you put into the application, the better it will be. You can't do it all in one sitting. It took me months of daily editing to finish and I'm glad I took the time.” - Leo

“UCSF’s application is the most difficult but yet the most rewarding. If you put your heart into it (and try to enjoy it),  you will find that you not only present the school a complete YOU -- but also gain a new understanding of yourself.  DIG DEEPLY!” -Louis

“Get a head start on writing your essays! Take time to really reflect and answer each essay question thoroughly and genuinely. The essays are YOUR chance to sum up who you are, what your goals are, and why you want to attend UCSF.” -Dalga

“Really focus on writing good essays! Your writing style and content can give a sense of who you are and how you stand out. Know your attributes and what you want to convey, and edit edit edit!” –Christina

“Don't underestimate yourself. There were so many times I thought I wasn't competitive enough because of my stats. However, UCSF is definitely a school that looks at more than numbers. As long as you're passionate about pharmacy, you can shine!” -Riti

“My advice would be to keep a journal of all your experiences and activities. When it comes time to respond to essay questions, you will have pages of snapshots to pull from. This helped me express my thoughts, both genuinely and with details.” -Nola

“Have fun with it. The essays are designed to get a deeper understanding of the applicant. It really is a time to open up and discover who you really are. The essay process can be therapeutic, if you let it.” -Timothy

“Take time to really think about who you are as an individual, not who you think UCSF is looking for.  Knowing this will help you respond with  genuine and meaningful answers (on the application and in the interview) which is very important.” -Sierra

“Don’t be afraid to be yourself -- on paper and off.  If you draw from your experiences and answer honestly from the heart, everything will be alright.” -Richard

“Be yourself during the process. Make sure the admissions committee knows your journey and show them your passion for pharmacy. Don’t be nervous, have confidence. Remember both you and the committee are trying to determine if you are a good fit.” -Katelyn

“Be confident that you are deserving of one of the 122 spots in the class, and apply whole-heartedly and fearlessly. Know yourself and your passions. Convey your unique characteristics that set you apart from the rest.” -Jenny

“TAKE TIME to evaluate strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledge your weaknesses and think about how to improve. For example, if you haven't worked in a pharmacy, think about healthcare-related experiences (e.g, traveling abroad, personal hospitalization, etc.).” -Jade

“Avoid online forums after your application is submitted. Reading that other applicants have been invited to an interview or offered admission can cause you to unnecessarily read into your own status.” -Robert

“Don't wait until the day before the deadline to submit your supplemental application.” -Aaron

“Take advantage of the essay portions when applying. Fully express yourself through writing so you can deliver your own spin to the application. Besides your academic background, the school takes note of the individuality of each applicant.” -Stephanie

“My best advice is to be 100% comfortable with yourself and entirely genuine. Don't waste time trying to become an applicant that you think UCSF will want. Be exactly who you are and if you are a good-hearted person, they'll see it easily!” -Iris

“Dedicate lots of time to the application process. Edit your application with others' suggestions, make thoughtful changes, even complete re-writes. Prepare for your interview by practicing with a helpful audience.” -Kari

“In the words of Robert Kennedy, ‘Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.’ Have the courage to apply. Be confident. That way you can eliminate nervousness and really express yourself in your essays and interview.” -Niki

“I believe what really makes an individual suited for UCSF is that they are 'outliers' - they have demonstrated uniqueness in their actions and achievements. They can articulate how doing so has developed them into a leader.” -Christopher

In Their Own Words: Chad

(Note: Chad just finished his first year on the Admissions Committee so I was really curious as to how he would reflect on his experiences. True to form, he was just simply honest. With Chad, there just isn't any pretense -- from his own pharmacy school application to his approach reviewing applicant files -- his authenticity and thoughtfulness are totally apparent. Last year when we were interviewing students to be members of the Admissions Committee, one of the student selectors said of Chad "Oh, he can work with ANYBODY!" The others agreed without hesitation. It's that characteristic that makes Chad a pleasant and invaluable addition to our PharmD program and to our committee.)

Name: Chad

Year: Class of 2014

Hometown: Davis, CA (now San Leandro, CA)

Previous institutions attended: Stanford University, CSU East Bay (post-bac)

Undergraduate Majors: Communication and Sociology

Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?

A big part of the reason why I applied was to see how the whole system works. I remember when I applied to pharmacy school I was so fascinated by the admissions process, and I wondered how the Committee made such tough decisions. But more than that, I felt like I had a lot to offer in terms of my background as a non-traditional (read: older) student and as a career-changer. One of UCSF’s strengths is its ability to attract diverse and dynamic students, and serving on the Admissions Committee gave me the opportunity to play a role in the process of selecting those students.

What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?

How vehemently the members of the Admissions Committee argue for the files they’ve reviewed. During our committee meetings, we talk about the applicants in a group panel format. If one member of the committee feels very strongly about a particular student, she or he will make those views very clear. A discussion ensues, and it can be very, uh, lively!

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?

Failing to see an easy solution to a potential shortcoming. For example, not retaking a class in which you got a D or an F and thereby showing us that you have mastered the material. Don’t give us reasons to doubt your commitment and drive; instead, give us reasons to want to admit you without reservation!

What stands out to you on an application?

Passion! It is easy to spot it in an application when it’s there, and it is equally obvious when it’s not. If you have the drive and determination to become a pharmacist, let it show in your essays and in the care you put towards assembling your application. Too often applicants will tell us what they think we want to hear, and in doing so will fail to let their own individuality and passion shine through. If you are truly passionate about this path you have chosen, tell us your story and really OWN it!

What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)

Using flippant or jocular language to the point of being unprofessional. When you are interviewing for pharmacy school (or any professional program, for that matter), you need to drop those “Yeah, like, totally, and stuff…” phrases from your vocabulary. Nerves are understandable, and we all have those idiosyncrasies that come out when we are nervous. But remember that you are being evaluated on communication skills, and it is important to show us that you understand how to communicate professionally. The same goes for written materials. By all means, use humor to make your essays quirky and unique, but don’t cross that line between funny/quirky and inappropriate/unprofessional. Have someone, who can remain objective, review your application before you submit it (i.e., NOT a family member or significant other).

What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?

Commitment, focus, and time management skills – in no particular order! All of those characteristics are essential to succeed. This is a very demanding program, and if you drop your focus or are not completely invested in the final outcome, you will struggle. You also need to be able to choose your activities and extracurricular commitments wisely. Over-committing causes a LOT of stress and can negatively impact your academic performance. It’s important to know when to say no!

What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?

Make FULL use of all the resources that UCSF provides, from Preview Sessions to campus tours to the Supplemental Application presentations. Also, talk to as many UCSF alums or current students as you can to get a sense of the curriculum and the school as a whole. You need to know if UCSF is a good fit for you (and vice versa). On a side note, take everything you read on public forums with a grain of salt. You’ll hear a lot of conspiracy theories etc., so keep an open, yet objective, mind.

What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Get to know everything you can about the school(s) on your list. You will be spending a huge chunk of the next 3-4 years at your school of choice, so be sure it’s the right one for you. Don’t rely on rankings, reputation, NAPLEX pass rate, etc.

Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?

I was a fairly unusual applicant, since I decided to change careers in my late 30s (my previous career was in journalism/media). I think my winding road to pharmacy and previous work experience gave me the insight to compose a unique and thoughtful application. I also had a solid academic background (but I was nowhere near a 4.0 GPA). In addition, I wrote my essays from the heart. A big part of the reason why I decided to change careers was my own experience as a patient, so that background made it very easy for me to tell my story and connect it to the broader goal of becoming a pharmacist.

What do you do for fun?

I like to read, travel with my husband John, see movies, and just relax. When I finish pharmacy school, I’m hoping to get my pilot’s license (which I started several years ago but had to put on hold as I went back to school).

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