UCSF Phi Delta Chi Pledgeclass Presentation - Part 2

Alright.  Time for Part 2.  Some more of the same stuff, but new stuff as well, compared to my previous visits.  The most important new info is in the Cost of Attendance section.

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Admission Stats

GPA - 3.55 ave (2.96-3.97 range.  I assume this is from the newest class.)

Prereq - 3.47 ave (2.77-3.99 range)

Total Units - 142.3 ave

Gender - 63% female, 37% male

CA residents - 86%

US citizens - 95%

Ethnicity - 46% asian, 19% white, 15% under represented minorities, 15% unknown [This got a laugh]

Age - 25 years ave (21-39 range)

Degree - 92% bacchelor's degree, 7% graduate degree, 1% associate's degree

Degree types - Top 2 biochem and chemistry, accounting, anthropology, architecture, art, history, biotechnology, business, english, environmental science, etc.

Tips for Applying

- Start early!

- Space out your work

- Plan your class schedules in advance so you know you can complete your degree and prerequisites on time.

- Be organized

- Read and follow directions!!

- Letter of Recommendations - Don't be afraid to ask "Can you write me a strong letter?"

- Ask early - Give them enough time.  These are just as important as the personal statement.  You don't want a generic LOR.  They should be personalized.

- Personal Statement - Be yourself and be genuine.  It needs to be quality, thought provoking, and well-written.  Don't write what you think they want to read, they can tell.  Come up with something you can believe in.

- What does UCSF look for?  There are no typical UCSF student pharmacists.  You need to convey passion and good understanding of why you chose pharmacy as a profession.  They want unique experiences, personalities, and backgrounds.  Grades are not everything.  

Employment Volunteer Opportunities

- Pharm Tech Programs/PTCB Certification

- Pharmacy Clerk

- Hospital or Clinic Volunteer Programs

Any healthcare experience will do. The Key is persistence in getting a position. Your network will be valuable in getting a position.

Attiude is everything. Regardless of the duty. Have a great attitude and do the best you can. Pharmacy is a small world. People are taking time out of their day to teach you something and if they get a little return on their investment, i.e. free labor, then so be it. And it's important to see if it’s something you really like.

Cost of Attendance

For UCSF, 2009-2010 is $26,397 (per year)

Projected future costs::

2010-2011 - $30,594

2011-2012 - $33,122

2012-2013 - $35,877!!!!

Note: these figures do not include room, board, school supplies, etc.  Source info on UC tuition fee proposals can be found here.

Current Options:

- Stafford Loans (subsidized/unsubsidized) 6.8%

- Subsidized ~8,500, unsubsidized ~24,500 (grace period)

- Grad Plus loans: 8.25%-8.5% (These are a bit higher.  Usually Stafford loans was enough)

- Health Professional Loans (school Loans): 5%  Granted on a by need basis.

- Scholarships

- Grants

Apply early for FAFSA.  The UCSF Student Financial Aid Office is amazing.  Despite the fee increases, it's still a good investment in your future.

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Well... there goes the nice difference in cost for California residents compared to the private schools.  It sucks, but that's just how it goes.  It's just good to know what to anticipate and prepare.  Next up is the Student Panel.