PILLS 10th General MeetingPILLS 10th General MeetingPharmacy School Application WorkshopTuesday, May 5th, 2009Pharmacy School Application WorkshopTuesday, May 5th, 2009

PharmCASPharmacy College Application Service

PharmCASPharmacy College Application Service

PharmCASPharmCAS

Pharmacy College Application Service Centralized Application Service 2009-2010 cycle opens: June 1st, 2009 Each school has a deadline

Early November: UCSF/UCSD/UOP/USC/Western Early February: CNCP/MCPHS/Western

Fee: ($150 for the 1st designation, additional designations $40/per).

Once you have e-submitted, PharmCAS still has to process your application (could take 4-5 weeks for it to arrive at the school)

Pharmacy College Application Service Centralized Application Service 2009-2010 cycle opens: June 1st, 2009 Each school has a deadline

Early November: UCSF/UCSD/UOP/USC/Western Early February: CNCP/MCPHS/Western

Fee: ($150 for the 1st designation, additional designations $40/per).

Once you have e-submitted, PharmCAS still has to process your application (could take 4-5 weeks for it to arrive at the school)

PharmCASPharmCAS

PharmCAS: Background InfoPharmCAS: Background Info

•Basic Background Information•Name/Birthday/Address• State Residency

PharmCAS: Academic HistoryPharmCAS: Academic History

• High School Information• Tests: PCAT/TOEFL/TSE get sent to PharmCAS1. IMPORTANT! PharmCAS will match your PCAT scores to your application based on your social security number (SSN). Enter your SSN on your PharmCAS application and PCAT registration form• Colleges Attended1.Transcript request form• Coursework

PharmCAS: Entering CourseworkPharmCAS: Entering Coursework

Have transcripts in hand (You need to enter course descriptions/codes to resemble your transcript)

Enter your courses chronologically You are required to enter ALL of the courses you completed and attempted at

every institution you attended. You MUST include all repeated, failed, and withdrawn courses. If you do not enter every course listed on your official transcripts, your application will be returned to you for corrections and you may miss important school deadlines.

PharmCAS: Additional InfoPharmCAS: Additional Info

• Extracurricular1. Name/Position (175 Characters) /Pharmacy Related/Setting2. Total # of hours spent/Average Weekly hours3. Activity Date• Work Experience• Licenses/Certifications• Honors/Scholarships

PharmCAS: EssayPharmCAS: Essay

Personal Essay should address why you selected pharmacy as a career and 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.

4500 Characters (~1 page max)

PharmCAS: TranscriptsPharmCAS: Transcripts

• Transcripts should be accompanied by the transcript request form• PharmCAS must receive transcripts before school deadline• Coursework should be entered to resemble transcripts to avoid problems• Can check transcript arrive on the status bar

PharmCAS: ReferencesPharmCAS: References

• PharmCAS allows for 4 Letters of Recommendation• References are submitted directly to PharmCAS• Please check to school to see what kind of references you need• There are paper/electronic reference types• What you need:• Name• E-mail• Phone Number• Can check status of references in the status bar

PharmCAS: Academic UpdatePharmCAS: Academic Update

After you submit your application, you will have a chance to enter your Summer/Fall grades and change Planned Courses

Updated Transcripts have to be sent to PharmCAS again

PharmCAS will send you an email to do your Academic Update

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

General InformationPurpose: to enable admissions committees to

get another perspective of you Letter writers will be asked to evaluate you as

an applicant and as a person based on certain criteria

Number allowed on PharmCAS: 4Number you need depends on the school

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

Letter Service through the Career Centerhttp://career.berkeley.edu/Letter/Letter.stmMethod to store letters of recommendation

for future useWill need to pay a feeHow it works:

When asking for letters, tell letter writer to submit the letter to the Career Center, where they will hold your letter for up to 5 years and send it out to various institutions by your request

Letter Service through the Career Centerhttp://career.berkeley.edu/Letter/Letter.stmMethod to store letters of recommendation

for future useWill need to pay a feeHow it works:

When asking for letters, tell letter writer to submit the letter to the Career Center, where they will hold your letter for up to 5 years and send it out to various institutions by your request

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

PharmCAS electronic Letter of Recommendation (eLOR)PharmCAS recommendedHow it works

Enter contact information for the letter writer online through PharmCAS under the references section

PharmCAS will then contact your reference for you and give them instructions on

Progress will be monitored online through PharmCAS

PharmCAS electronic Letter of Recommendation (eLOR)PharmCAS recommendedHow it works

Enter contact information for the letter writer online through PharmCAS under the references section

PharmCAS will then contact your reference for you and give them instructions on

Progress will be monitored online through PharmCAS

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

The Who, When, and Hows of LoRs WHEN:

Ask at least two months in advance in possible WHO:

Ask someone that knows you well, and can speak about your strengths and passion for pharmacy

DON’T just ask someone with a prestigious title Different pharmacy schools will have different requirements

for who they want to see a letter from http://www.pharmcas.org/docs/ReqTypebySchool.pdf Some schools don’t take GSI letters, some require pharmacist

letters, etc.

The Who, When, and Hows of LoRs WHEN:

Ask at least two months in advance in possible WHO:

Ask someone that knows you well, and can speak about your strengths and passion for pharmacy

DON’T just ask someone with a prestigious title Different pharmacy schools will have different requirements

for who they want to see a letter from http://www.pharmcas.org/docs/ReqTypebySchool.pdf Some schools don’t take GSI letters, some require pharmacist

letters, etc.

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

Approaching a letter writerHOW:

Prepare packets for your letter writers that include Resume Personal Statement Cover Letter (Transcripts)

Ask them in person if possible, and ask if they can write you a STRONG letter of recommendation

Thank you cards and updates on your journey to pharmacy school after

Approaching a letter writerHOW:

Prepare packets for your letter writers that include Resume Personal Statement Cover Letter (Transcripts)

Ask them in person if possible, and ask if they can write you a STRONG letter of recommendation

Thank you cards and updates on your journey to pharmacy school after

Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

To register visit: www.pcatweb.info To register visit: www.pcatweb.info

•Register early! Seating is on a first-come first-serve basis.•Check to see when PCAT scores will no longer be accepted

Fees:•$150 Application Fee

•Can send your PCAT score to 14 schools•The first three are included in the application fee•All other schools are $20 each•Applicants usually just send their PCAT score to PharmCAS

•The PCAT tests basic scientific knowledge, math skills, and verbal knowledge

•240 multiple choice questions in five different sections + 2 writing sections

•The exam is about 4 hours with one break in the middle

PCAT Breakdown

•Writing section – 30 minutes, 2 writing topics

•Verbal Ability – 30 minutes, 48 questions on analogies and sentence completions

•Biology – 30 minutes, 48 questions on general biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology

•Chemistry – 30 minutes, 48 questions on general chemistry, organic chemistry

•Reading Comprehension – 50 minutes, 48 questions that require you to read quickly,

comprehend information, and recollect the information

•Quantitative Ability – 40 minutes, 48 questions on basic math, algebra, probability, statistics,

precalculus, calculus

About the PCATAbout the PCAT

How to Study for the PCATHow to Study for the PCAT

Pearson offers:•PCAT practice tests (2) - $40 each or both for $60•Have access until the end of the test cycle (January)•Contains each of the 5 multiple-choice portions with answers and explanations•Contains sample essays for the Writing subtest with a scoring rubric

Kaplan also offers:•PCAT Classroom Course - $1399•PCAT Private Tutoring•PCAT Online Course - $1249

PCAT: Test-Taking StrategiesPCAT: Test-Taking Strategies

•Familiarize yourself with the test by knowing the test content and taking Practice Tests under test conditions

•Practice Tests are available in study guide booklets and on the PCAT website

•Sleep well the night before and eat a good meal before the test

•Answer as many multiple-choice items as possible. Points will not be deducted for incorrect answers.

•Do not get caught up on certain questions because each question is worth the same amount of points

•Work quickly but read each question carefully and mark your answers correctly

•For the Writing sections plan your essay first

PCAT: Test DayPCAT: Test Day You must have your Admission Ticket (will receive through email) to gain admittance to testing People who come late will not be allowed to take the PCAT Morning test times:

Must arrive no later than 8:30 am Test ends at approximately 1:30 pm

Afternoon test times: Must arrive no later than 2:00 pm Test ends at approximately 7:00 pm

What to bring:

•Admission ticket

•Two forms of valid ID with your photo and signature

What not to bring:

Food, drinks, calculators, books, papers, highlighters, rulers, notes, cell phones, cameras, and you

cannot wear a hat with a bill.

PCAT ResultsPCAT Results

•Answer booklets are scanned, writing subtests are scored by trained scorers

•Will receive your Score Report in the mail within 6 weeks of the date of testing

•Scores are reported as scaled scores and percentiles for each of the multiple choice

subtests and as a composite score for the whole multiple choice test

What is considered to be a good PCAT score?

•Some schools require a minimum composite score of the 70th – 80th percentile

•Scores are reported on a scale of 200-600

•Some schools look for good percentile scores in the biology and chemistry sections

•A competitive writing score is considered to be ≥ 4 (out of 5)

•A composite score above the 80th percentile is considered competitive, but may vary

for each school

Supplemental ApplicationsSupplemental Applications

Many schools require a supplemental appEvery school has a different supplemental

application – obtain directly from their website

Make sure you do the entire application (check for multiple parts)

All applications require fees (about $20 to $100)

Many schools require a supplemental appEvery school has a different supplemental

application – obtain directly from their website

Make sure you do the entire application (check for multiple parts)

All applications require fees (about $20 to $100)

SupplementalsSupplementals

Some schools ask only for your basic infoSome schools are essay drivenMake sure you send the application to the

right address – check the deadlineDo NOT send the application to PharmCAS If you need help, call or email the specific

school of pharmacy

Some schools ask only for your basic infoSome schools are essay drivenMake sure you send the application to the

right address – check the deadlineDo NOT send the application to PharmCAS If you need help, call or email the specific

school of pharmacy

SupplementalsSupplementals

Start early – soon after you complete PharmCAS if possible

Gather your thoughts; reflect upon your experiences in college, and to a lesser extent, high school

Create/update a resume – some schools require you to submit one

Set aside time specifically for one supplemental and work on them individually

Start early – soon after you complete PharmCAS if possible

Gather your thoughts; reflect upon your experiences in college, and to a lesser extent, high school

Create/update a resume – some schools require you to submit one

Set aside time specifically for one supplemental and work on them individually

Supplementals: Sample Essay PromptsSupplementals: Sample Essay Prompts

UCSF: How have your personal experiences informed your understanding of the human condition?

USC: What unique, personal qualities and/or life experiences will you bring to your pharmacy career?

UOP: Why do you wish do come to UOP? UCSD: Describe how you have explored

Pharmacy and the Pharmaceutical Sciences to determine that this career path is for you.

UCSF: How have your personal experiences informed your understanding of the human condition?

USC: What unique, personal qualities and/or life experiences will you bring to your pharmacy career?

UOP: Why do you wish do come to UOP? UCSD: Describe how you have explored

Pharmacy and the Pharmaceutical Sciences to determine that this career path is for you.

The Interview ProcessThe Interview Process

The interview is the final hurdle before your acceptance into a pharmacy school.

Getting an interview dramatically increases your chances of acceptance from about 1/10 to about 1/3 (depends on the school).

Important things to consider:What to wearHow to prepare for the interviewWhat to expect on your interview day

The interview is the final hurdle before your acceptance into a pharmacy school.

Getting an interview dramatically increases your chances of acceptance from about 1/10 to about 1/3 (depends on the school).

Important things to consider:What to wearHow to prepare for the interviewWhat to expect on your interview day

Interviews: What to Wear?Interviews: What to Wear?

Dress BUSINESS FORMAL Men: Dress Shirt, Tie, Slacks, Jacket, Dress Shoes Women: Dressy Top, Slacks/Skirt, Jacket, Dress Shoes It is usually safe to go with a dark colored suit.

Dress BUSINESS FORMAL Men: Dress Shirt, Tie, Slacks, Jacket, Dress Shoes Women: Dressy Top, Slacks/Skirt, Jacket, Dress Shoes It is usually safe to go with a dark colored suit.

Preparing for the InterviewPreparing for the Interview

Relax! Most schools try to make interviews as relaxing as possible, so it’s like a conversation.

Confirming that you are genuinely interested in pharmacy and will fit in with their school.

Know why pharmacy (more than just “I want to help people”).

Know about that school’s program and why you want to go there.

Know what you wrote in your own application (extracurriculars, work experience, personal statement, etc.).

Relax! Most schools try to make interviews as relaxing as possible, so it’s like a conversation.

Confirming that you are genuinely interested in pharmacy and will fit in with their school.

Know why pharmacy (more than just “I want to help people”).

Know about that school’s program and why you want to go there.

Know what you wrote in your own application (extracurriculars, work experience, personal statement, etc.).

Interviews: What to ExpectInterviews: What to Expect

Introduction by the Dean or Admissions Director Interviews (oral communication)

Typically given by current professors and students Individual vs. Group Open vs. Closed File

Writing sample (written communication) Tour of the school Pharmacy student panel/chat room Financial aid info session

Introduction by the Dean or Admissions Director Interviews (oral communication)

Typically given by current professors and students Individual vs. Group Open vs. Closed File

Writing sample (written communication) Tour of the school Pharmacy student panel/chat room Financial aid info session

Costs/FeesCosts/Fees

PharmCAS fees start at $150 for the first school, each additional school is $40

Supplemental applications are another fee and is submitted to each school individually (from $20 to $100)

Traveling costs depend on where you interview – book early to get good rates for airfare and hotels (ask for special rates affiliated with the institution)

PharmCAS fees start at $150 for the first school, each additional school is $40

Supplemental applications are another fee and is submitted to each school individually (from $20 to $100)

Traveling costs depend on where you interview – book early to get good rates for airfare and hotels (ask for special rates affiliated with the institution)

Costs/FeesCosts/Fees

Miscellaneous costs include transcripts and sending any paper apps by certified mail

Fee waivers are generally granted only in extraordinary financial circumstances – PharmCAS only waives the fee for the first school (check instructions to see what needs to be submitted)

Miscellaneous costs include transcripts and sending any paper apps by certified mail

Fee waivers are generally granted only in extraordinary financial circumstances – PharmCAS only waives the fee for the first school (check instructions to see what needs to be submitted)

Questions?Questions?