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Jennifer Nguyen Overview – Went to MTSAC, transferred to Cal Poly Major: Biotechnology Work ~4 years as a tech Volunteered ~4 hours a week Intern Clubs – Began application in June, submitted late September School – University of the Pacific – Why? Established many “firsts” eg. 1 st chartered University in California Active in the community Caring and diverse faculty Changes in their curriculum  flexible Learn-by-doing philosophy, just like Cal Poly! 3 Year Program (but don’t have this as your only reason when you interview)

PharmCAS Timeline April RegistrationRegistration for PCAT opens (optional) - Computer based PCAT Testing Dates July 20, 27, 2011 September 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, 2011 January 10, 11, 2012* Early June Ask for Letter of Recs Ask for Letter of Recs (2+1) Application Opens -Create your account -Apply for a fee waiver (Deadline: Sept)Apply for a fee waiver -Apply early! The earlier the better. Many schools have rolling admissions. September Early Decision Deadline November Submission deadline for most California Schools Practice interviewing Mid-Dec Academic Update - Send Transcripts Personal Statement Max 4500 characters -Why you selected pharmacy as a career -How the Doctor of Pharmacy degree relates to your immediate and long- term professional goals -Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals. -The personal essay is an important part of your application for admission and provides you with an opportunity for you to clearly and effectively express your ideas.

Supplemental Applications School asks more specific questions – Please explain briefly why you wish to attend ______ – In your own opinion, describe the concept of professionalism. – Have you considered the ramifications of relocating and/or living in Hilo, HI for the duration of your pharmacy academic career? If so, does the possibility of living in Hawai’i appeal to you? If so, why? Do you have any concerns? If so, what are they?

Tips Read all directions on PharmCAS Keep track of deadlines Have reasons why you want to go to that school Have someone read over your personal statements (English professor, Dr. Chan, friends, etc) Keep an open mind. There may be some schools that do not use PharmCAS Keep up-to-date on current issues

Dave Harriman Academic History:. Arcadia High School Class of years Pasadena City College, 2 years CSU Pomona. B.S. Microbiology Spring 2011 GPA: 3.69 Cumulative, 3.49 Science PCAT: 60 (1 st attempt), 95 (2 nd attempt) Experience: 1 year volunteering at a small independent pharmacy Letters of Reference: Anatomy/Physiology Prof, Pharmacist I volunteered for.

Dave Harriman Strengths: Strong Personal Statement, High PCAT score, academic performance Weaknesses: Hardly any community service, could use more experience, no research, did not practice for interviews (could have sold myself more)

Dave Harriman Applied: 10 schools Interviews granted: 10 Interviews attended: Nova (accepted), UOP (waitlisted), & UCSD (rejected) School of choice: Nova Southeastern University Why: Location (weather, new place for growth/development), Reputation, Tuition, New labs/equipment/classrooms

My Advice. PCAT Tips – See handout in member folder for my personal guide to attaining a high PCAT score.. Closed File vs Open File Interview tips. Time Management - Will go over my personal timeline to help gain a perspective on the application process and how you should plan.

Closed File vs Open File Interviews

Closed File = All they have is your resume at the most. Common w/ most California schools. Usually the interview is weighed more heavily w/ this style of interviewing. Open File = The interviewers read through your interview prior to interviewing you. Usually the interview is not weighed as heavily.. Know what questions to expect and be prepared for the style of the interview. Use SDN interview feedback.

Time Management. Be prepared.. E-Submit PharmCAS Application before Fall Quarter starts! This is to give you time to work on the supplemental applications and perhaps time to study for the PCAT if you still need to take it.. It is ok to submit PCAT later. For most schools, up until the January PCAT will be considered.

My Personal Timeline 7/28/2010 LOR from Physiology/Anatomy Teacher Submitted Processed 08/04 7/31/2010LOR from Pharmacist SubmittedProcessed 08/17 8/21/2010 Took the PCAT (second attempt) ($150+$100 fees/supplies) 8/21/2010PharmCAS Application E-Submitted ($650)

8/30/2010PharmCAS Application Verified

8/30/2010PharmCAS Application Verified 9/7/2010PharmCAS Application Mailed

8/30/2010PharmCAS Application Verified 9/7/2010PharmCAS Application Mailed 9/8/2010Schools verified receiving app.

9/9/2010Hawaii Supp. Submitted ($50) 9/10/2010UOP Supp. Submitted ($65) 9/10/2010USC Supp. #1 Submitted ($85) 9/12/2010 MCPHS Worcester Supp. Submitted (Did not have to pay?) 9/14/2010USC Supp. #2 Submitted 9/15/2010USC Transcripts Sent. 9/15/2010USN Transcripts Sent. 9/16/2010USN Application Sent ($150+$10 mailing fee)

9/16/2010Nova Supplemental finished ($50)

9/16/2010Nova Supplemental finished ($50) 9/17/2010Nova interview invitation received!

9/16/2010Nova Supplemental finished ($50) 9/17/2010Nova interview invitation received! 9/17/2010Arizona Supp. Submitted ($50) 9/20/2010USN recieves my application. 9/21/2010 PCAT Scores Released ($20, 95th% Percentile)

9/22/2010 Arizona interview invitation received! Oct 22nd declined interview 10/20 9/24/2010PharmCAS adds Aug. 21st PCAT score 9/25/2010 Hawaii interview invitation received! Dec 10th declined interview 10/20 9/29/2010Confirmation from USC that app. Is complete 10/8/2010 LECOM Eerie interview invitation received! Nov. 9th declined interview 10/20 10/10/2010 MCPHS Interview Invitation received! (postmarked 09/29) declined interview 10/20 10/14/2010Interviewed at Nova! 10/18/2010USN Interview invitation received! declined interview 11/01

11/1/2010UCSD Application Submitted ($60) 11/8/2010Nova Acceptance Received! ( ) 11/9/2010UOP Interview Invitation Received (Postmarked 10/29) 12/30/2010UCSD Interview Invitation Received (Postmarked 12/17) 1/14/2011Interviewed at UOP! 1/21/2011Interviewed at UCSD

1/21/2011UOP Application Placed on Hold Waitlisted 03/18 - declined offer. 3/1/2011UCSD Rejection Letter Received 3/2/2011 USC Interview Invitation Received! March 26th declined interview 03/24 3/5/2011 2nd Nova Deposit Paid ($500)

Natasha Ngo Academic History: Walnut High School Class of 2007 B.S. Biology Summer 2011 GPA: 3.77 Cumulative, 3.69 Science Experience: 1.5 year at independent community pharmacy Letters of Reference: Dr. Chan, Dr. Alas, and Dr. Ha

Natasha Ngo Applied: 4 Schools - UOP, USC, UCSF, & WesternU Interviews granted: 4 Accepted: UOP, WesternU Pending: USC Where am I at now? WesternU What do I like about WesternU? Most personal experience. Interacted with their students/faculty. Block system. Upcoming, soon to be established among fly-by-night schools. Able to serve immediate community. What do I like about USC? Incredibly established school. Founded PharmD program. Amazing networking opportunities. Outstanding and nationally recognized community outreach programs. Interpersonal and communication skills to suffice beyond pharmacy school.

Natasha Ngo Experience Queen of the Valley, Clinical Care Extender MedOnc, E.R. BIO 441, Team Leader WesternU PHCL Health Fairs Organized Pharmacy Presentations Guest GATE Program Lab Bench Research Dr. Alas – Chk2 on DNA DS-Break Repair Pre-Pharmacy Society, President Other: CPP & other Dance programs, Established online business

Natasha Ngo Strengths Well-rounded applicant Strong LORs Myriad of leadership experience Know myself very well Weakness: Organization

Interviews – Suggested Preparations Student Doctor Network Interview Feedback Connect with current students or those who have previously interviewed Mock Interviews Write Responses Note: don’t sound rehearsed! Essay Practice Misc: Professional attire (suit, dress shoes,…) portfolio

Interviews - FAQs Tell me about yourself. Groundwork: background, family, strong qualities, where I see myself in the future… Why Pharmacy? Why not Medicine, etc.? Make personal connections, use experience to validate statements Why this program? Research school, connect with students, etc. Situational or Critical Thinking Do you have any questions for me?

Interviews - FAQs Also on the table: What is an issue in pharmacy today? Do you have any leadership experience? What do you know about the health care reform? What does the future of pharmacy look like? Anything of interest from your application Be confident. Sell yourself! Give examples!! Build a rapport Business cards, thank you letters