December 4, 2010
University of California, San Francisco |
| Kristianne Meisels Pharm.D candidate 2014 |
1st year pharmacy student at UCSF
Undergrad: UC Santa Barbara
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Pharmacology
Undergrad GPA: 3.4
What is your typical day like in pharmacy school?
I usually have class beginning at 8am, or 10am (love those days), and get home around 1pm in the afternoon, some days are a few hours later. Some days I have special workshops to attend, conferences, or meetings. I try to study after school, and since I currently do not work I find that I have enough time to keep caught up. I am currently taking physical chemistry, biopharmaceutics, biostatistics, pharmacy practice (over the counter medicines), women's health issues, and health insurance 101.
What is the hardest thing about pharmacy school?
Compared to undergrad, pharmacy school is more fast-paced, and the instructors expect you to know everything you learned in undergrad really well! It was definitely an adjustment to get used to the volume of information coming at you everyday in class and learning how to keep up. I needed to change my study habits-there is no such thing as cramming in pharmacy school!
Do you think it is possible to work during pharmacy school?
All programs are different, and all quarters/semesters vary a little, but in general I personally could not work more than 10 hours a week with this type of course load. In undergrad I took a few hard science courses and balanced them out with a few "easier" classes...however, now it is ALL hard science classes! I also think its important to spend most of your time really learning the material, since it will make you a better clinician in the future and you are spending so much money on your education as well.
What advice would you give to those applying to pharmacy school, and specifically UCSF?
I think the most important thing you can do for yourself (even more important than grades) is get experience. Pharmacy experience should be a #1 priority, and #2 community service experience. It will help you grow as a person and in your interviews you will have experiences to talk about. As far as what UCSF looks for in an applicant, they look for genuine, compassionate individuals. My best advice-just be yourself on your applications, and especially your personal statement questions. UCSF, and I am sure all schools, see right through faking it and telling them what you think they want to hear. Just be real.
December 5, 2010
University of California, San Diego
 |
| Traci Bricker Pharm.D Candidate 2012 |
Profile: Traci Bricker
3rd year pharmacy student at UCSD
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Pharmacology
Undergrad GPA: 3.8
What is your typical day like in pharmacy school?
As a pharmacy student, everyday is different! Class can range anywhere from 8am-5pm to 10am-12pm. If you are involved with various student pharmacy organizations, lunches will be filled with meetings, meetings, and more meetings. I always make sure to have a packed lunch. :) Then, depending on the time of the quarter, I will be either studying most of the day or working at my job in an outpatient pharmacy. Free time is filled with going to the gym, eating, and sleeping. There is still plenty of time to go out with your classmates and have fun!
What is the hardest thing about pharmacy school?
The hardest thing about pharmacy school is learning how to manage your time well. Having five classes, a job, multiple projects, leadership positions, and a significant other is a difficult balancing act. Finding time to relax and do something you really enjoy is difficult, but necessary.
The hardest thing about pharmacy school is learning how to manage your time well. Having five classes, a job, multiple projects, leadership positions, and a significant other is a difficult balancing act. Finding time to relax and do something you really enjoy is difficult, but necessary.
What do you like best about UCSD?
What I really like best about UCSD is getting the chance to learn and work with the medical students. For example, at UCSD's free clinics, the pharmacy students have a chance to visit patients with fourth-year medical students and are encouraged to ask the patients questions, take notes, and provide therapy-related suggestions when going over the prescription orders. You really feel like you a part of a team.
What advice do you have for pharmacy school applicants?
Make sure you research the pharmacy school(s) to which you are applying. Different schools have different curriculum focuses, so make sure you will be happy where you apply. Also make sure to find out about their grading system, number of students in each class, and if there are any projects that must be completed before graduating. Further, schools look at more than just GPA's, they look for well-rounded students with leadership potential. Good communication skills are a must.
What steps did you take to prepare for pharmacy school?
I received my B.S. in Pharmacology, which I believe helped me stand out among other applicants. I also worked in a community pharmacy as a pharmacy technician for a year and a half while in undergrad, and this experience helped show that I knew what becoming a pharmacist meant. I worked hard in school and at my job in order to have the best experience possible.
Any last comments/advice?
Pharmacy school is so much more than learning about drugs. Do not lock yourself in a library 24/7 and never talk to anyone because you are too busy studying. Push yourself to take charge, volunteer, take on a leadership role and you will be surprised at how much more rewarding school can be. Get to know your classmates, have fun, party every once-in-a-while and you will create lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. And finally, after school is over, apply for a residency!
University of Southern California
December 5, 2010
Loma Linda University
 |
| Leon Kung Pharm.D candidate 2014 |
Profile: Leon Kung
1st year pharmacy student at Loma Linda University
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
What is your typical day like in pharmacy school?
For me a typical day as a pharmacy student would be waking up at 7am to get ready. I live on school apartments, so I can walk to school in 10 minutes. The class starts at 8am everyday. Then every hour we get about 5-10 minutes break. From 11am-1pm, if there is no student organization activity we would get lunch together either by going out or eat it in school. Then we will continue at 1pm with classes till about 2pm-3pm everyday.
Next quarter, I will have 8 hour of IPPE every Tuesday in a community pharmacy setting. After I get home, I usually take an hour nap then cook or grab some dinner. Then I start to study. I usually go to the library to study since I can concentrate more there. Also, we help each other out to understand some difficult concepts. Depend on if I have test/quiz the next day, I usually sleep around 1-2am.
Next quarter, I will have 8 hour of IPPE every Tuesday in a community pharmacy setting. After I get home, I usually take an hour nap then cook or grab some dinner. Then I start to study. I usually go to the library to study since I can concentrate more there. Also, we help each other out to understand some difficult concepts. Depend on if I have test/quiz the next day, I usually sleep around 1-2am.
What is the hardest thing about pharmacy school?
The hardest thing about pharmacy school is time management. Since we all have to fulfill hour intern hours by 4th year, so we have to really manage the time if we work. You will need to learn how to balance school with extracurricular activities and work. Otherwise you will never have enough time to do anything.
What do you like best about Loma Linda University?
I like how I can reach professors a lot easier in Loma Linda versus in undergrad. I also feel the professors in LLU really care about their students. I can just go and talk to them any time. They also grade all the exams and assignments. Also since LLU is a Christian based school, they have tons of mission trips where you can go during break or summer to go somewhere in the world to help out the ones in need. It will be pharmacy related too.
What advice would you give to those applying to pharmacy school?
For advice to current applicants to pharmacy schools, they should definitely study hard. But on the other hand, interview and public speaking skill is also super important in getting in and be successful in pharmacy school. Also try to learn everything you can in your biochemistry and physiology class, because they are very important in pharmacy school. Talk to your professors, you will need their letter of recommendations. Lastly, apply to the schools early, it will increase your chance of getting in.
What did you do to prepare for pharmacy school?
I didn't know that I want to do pharmacy until my third year of undergrad. Once I decided, I volunteered at a hospital pharmacy almost once a week. I started to fulfill the pre-requisite of the courses immediately during regular school year and summer. I also actively participated in pre-pharmacy association. Then I had to ask my professors for letters of recommendation 3 months before applying. I applied around August-September, you should start as early as possible so this increases your chance of getting in. Then I went to 7 interviews total from November till March. Finally I decided to go to LLU at the end.
Any other advice/comments?
Pharmacy school is not easy, but it is certainly doable. As long as you can manage your time, and study hard you will do great. Also pharmacy is not for everyone, certainly you should try to volunteer or work in different pharmacy setting to see if you like it.
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