First Week of My Last Semester at SFSU

My first week is over.  I'm not used to having to leave the house at 6:30am, but I'm managing.  I need a bit more work in fixing my sleep cycle but I'm getting there.

And 6:30 isn't exactly right either.  I can leave a little bit later, but 6:30 is being safe.  I'm doing the dreaded morning commute across the San Francisco Bay Bridge during the peak hours.  I actually got to a late start on Monday and left at 7:00am and got to class by 8:20am (it starts at 8:10am).  On Friday I left at 6:45am and got there by 7:30am.  That's only a difference of 15 minutes for departure time, but a 50 minute difference in arrival!

But on to my classes...

Intro Psy Research

It's hard to evaluate the class.  It's a large class, and we spent most of the time with administration issues. There wasn't much actual learning.  That ended up being somewhat convenient, since my textbook should arrive from amazon.com tomorrow.  I do hope the learning ramps up soon though.

Genetics

Now for this class I had the book before the first class started, and I was glad I did. The professor definitely expects you to read the relevant chapter before going into lecture.  There's no step by step instruction on minute details.  I like that.  This is my first science class in three semesters, and I want it to be challenging.  It's time to dive back in.

GLP and GMP: Principles & Compliance

This is just a one unit class at my community college.  I didn't really know what to expect out of it, but it seemed like it might be relevant.  And since it takes place only over three Saturdays, if I was wrong, then it wouldn't be a big deal.  After the first class is over... I'm still not sure.  We went over some of the basic history of some of the laws that I had to learn about when studying for the PTCE like the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, we learning how to write proper research notebooks, and then given worksheets and homework to help us learn how to navigate the FDA website.

I think what I'm getting out of it is worth it.  I am actually learning some stuff.  And this should help me be able to register for future classes as a continuing student, when it comes time to retake some prerequisites.


My Cat

Since I mentioned my cat a couple days ago, and how he made me late on Monday, I thought I'd put up one last update about Pouncer.  The cancer has seriously impeded his ability to eat.  I was watering down soft canned food and he still couldn't eat that.  He would start choking and then back away from food.  Now he just looks and the food and doesn't even try to eat it.  =/  Today he pretty much just drank a lot of milk after he saw that he couldn't eat the food we were trying to feed him.  So tomorrow we'll be taking him in to the vet before he starts starving.  That would be a horrible way to go.  I'm gonna miss him.

Weight Loss - Part 5

It's been (over) a month, so it's time for that new update on my weight loss goal.  Once again, while not directly related to pharmacy, working towards improving my health, self-esteem, and energy levels will most definitely help me reach my goal.  It's not all about fleshing out the application.

Now for the numbers:

Starting Weight: 216.8
Weight Last Month: 207.6
Week 13 Weight: 211.8
Week 14 Weight: 210.4
Week 15 Weight: 213.2
Week 16 Weight: 211.2
Week 17 Weight: 210.4
Total Weight Loss: 6.4
Pounds Still to Go: 25.6
Trendline Estimate: 201.2

- Week 13: Went to the gym 0 days this week

- Week 14: Went to the gym 0 days this week

- Week 15: Went to the gym 0 days this week

- Week 16: Went to the gym 1 days this week

- Week 17: Went to the gym 7 days this week

First... not that anyone noticed, but I changed when I'm going to update my weightloss posts.  Rather than every fourth Monday, it's going to be every 27th.  My target date to lose my weight is before my birthday, on April 27th, so it was time to sync things up.

Second of all, I found my gym card, and have been going to the gym every day since I picked it up again.

Third of all... I gained weight since this past update.  Largely due to the fact that I misplaced my gym card, the holidays, and possibly (if the set point theory is true) due to having a set point that I'm having trouble overcoming.

A key lesson.  For me, the gym is definitely way to go if I'm going to overcome my weight.  But not only to reach my target weight, but most likely to also to maintain my weight for the rest of my life.

The best thing to come of the experience however, is my renewed motivation to go to the gym.  Not only in going every day, but doing 1+ hours of cardio each time.

I'm confident that I can still make my target weight from this point on.  See you again in a month.

[Note:  It looks like I only lost 0.8 pounds from last week, even though it's the week I went to the gym every day.  I am fairly confident that the Week 16 date is far too low.  I didn't think it was right when I recorded the number.  I knew I didn't work hard enough, or eat few enough calories, to lose two pounds.  In the middle of last week, I messed around with my scale, and saw that sometimes it would give me a reading that was up to two pounds off.  So I'm pretty sure that's what happened, and that in reality, I lost nearly three pounds this past week due to all my effort.]

New(ish) post from Reports from the Pharm - Interview Selection

The UCSF Admissions blog doesn't have a regular schedule when it comes to updates, but when it is updated, there tends to be a lot of useful information. I just hopped on over there a few minutes ago and was happy to see a new post was put up on the 10th. This one was themed all around selecting candidates for interviews.

In fact, a lot of it is about clearing up rumors that are being spread that are just plain false.  I'm fairly certain that I've read some of these over on thestudentdoctor.net forums.  [Quick Note:  I'm not saying those forums are bad.  They most certainly are not.  But it is most definitely, in fact, a forum of people who are just spreading what they know, whether it is correct or not.  That's something that everyone should remember.  If you don't get information from the source, always double check when possible!  With that said, those forums are generally very helpful, and I expect to spend more time there in the future, to seek out all kinds of information.]

The answers clearing up rumors are more certainly helpful.  You read it, understand it, and move on.  However the most thought provoking question and response was:

“As for people with the interviews, I would start reading the interview feedback section and re-read it a few times. I'd also read the last year and the one before that (threads.) You want to have a general idea of the process, so that there aren't any surprises - remember, fortune favors the prepared mind.”

Eeeks! Be careful. There’s a fine line between being prepared and being rehearsed. Everyone has a different experience and being so overly prepared may mask the authenticity that we look for during the interview. Just saying…

I'm not even close to getting an interview, since I haven't even applied yet.  But it's good to know things like this three or four... or even ten... steps ahead of time.  I can let it simmer in the back of my mind.  I'll need to make sure I don't cross the line between being prepared with being rehearsed.

I've heard/read many times that the interview is an essential part of the selection process, it is important to not go in unprepared, and that it's important to do practice interviews so you don't screw up.  Those two points very well can lead to coming off as rehearsed if done to an extreme.

Is the answer to simply treat it like the kind of speech/presentation where you write only the bullet points on your flashcards but let the answers come out naturally and not word for word?  Possibly.

Something else for me to think about is that how will writing a blog about the whole process of getting into pharm school affect things. Will blogging take me to a point where it influences my answers during the interview to come off as rehearsed.  I can't say.

That's something I can tackle in the future.  It's not something I'll have to concern myself with for months yet.  If not more than a couple years.  But now it's lit up, and I can drop it off in the corner of my mind where I'll remember to pick it up again later.

My Final Undergrad Semester Begins!

Finally my last semester as an undergrad has begun. It's a relief, but one that comes with many regrets. I wish I had more time to retake some of the pre-pharm prerequisites. But I have no choice. I have reached the end of my degree completion plan, and the school knows it.  They even sent me an email saying, "The spring 2010 will be the last semester that you are permitted to attend San Francisco State University." to let me know that they know it.

With as impacted as a lot of the programs are at SFSU, more specifically the chem and bio departments, and the push to relieve that stress on the school (so far as to no longer admit freshmen and transfers for this Spring semester), that means I'll have to get lucky if I'm going to be able to take any of the prerequisites at SFSU.

There is absolutely zero chance of being able to squeeze my way in to any class through the Open University method (which is last priority, open to everyone including non-students), so I'll have to be on the look out for any prerequisites that are offered as night courses and pay a high per unit cost.

So how did my day go?

- My Cat & Getting to School

Well... my schedule is 8:10-9:00am Introduction to Psychology Research, then 9:10-10:00am for Genetics. I was doing well this whole week prior in getting my body adjusted for the morning commute across the Bay Bridge. That meant I would need to leave the house at 6:30am to comfortably arrive at SFSU, find parking, and make it to class.

Well... problem is that my cat got sick. He's 14 years+, he has cancer in his mouth, and lost all his teeth.  We're ready to put him to sleep sometime within the next several weeks, because it's getting hard for him to even eat the soft canned food. And he got sick over the weekend, constantly sneezing and having a hard time breathing. And he likes to sleep in my bed.

What this means for me is that while I went to bed at 9:00pm, he kept me up all night. I never slept for more than two hours at a time. I didn't have the heart to kick him out of my room.  I'd wake up and the clock showed 2:10, then 2:30, 4:00, 5:05. I was thinking that I'd get up shortly after 6:00am to get ready and be out the door by 6:30am. But when I woke up for the last time, it was already 6:53!

I got out of bed, threw on some clothes, grabbed a Nutri-grain bar, and headed off to school. Some teachers  drop students if they don't show up to the first day of class. Even though I left the house thirty minutes later than I planned, I was still able to get in the door only ten minutes late.

- Intro Psy Research

As I walked through to door, the teacher commented on how students shouldn't be late. (Perhaps she's new, she definitely isn't the regular Psy Research teacher who teaches all the sections.)  I didn't plan on being late of course, but I also knew I wouldn't the last to enter. It was the first day of class, and there hasn't been a single class that I've ever attended where students didn't keep on coming in late on the first day, as students fumbled through their new schedules. Especially morning classes.

I must have been the one of the first few people to arrive late, because sure enough, people kept on coming in up to fifteen minutes after I arrived. Her reaction was also exceedingly more and more harsh, so the point that this one girl froze as she entered because the professor grunted at her, then violently waved her hand in a hurrying motion telling the girl to go find a seat.

As I don't plan on ever being late, I don't expect to get that reaction anytime soon. But who knows.  Occasionally something happens.

- Genetics

Genetics was a much more pleasant reaction. Besides haven't to stand the entire time because the room was full of enrolled students and students who wanted to add, the teacher seemed friendly, laid out some straight forward grading policies, explained the book and the associated website that goes along with it, and overall created a very comfortable environment.

Later on today I'll be downloading the syllabus, and begin reading chapter one today (and finish reading it by Wednesday's class). I'm also going to be taking all her suggestions in working on the problems in the book, even though they won't be collected for points, as well as going through the activities on the book's website.

I'm excited to be in my first science course in a while, and especially one that's fresh material.  It's nice having a desire to learn once again. And applying that desire in a class that I know will benefit me in the career that I'm pursuing.

USC Info Session - Part 7 - Info Packet

Taking a closer look at what's inside the info packet.  Most of the sheets in that top row were covered in previous posts, but it's time to take a closer look at the Dual Degree Programs sheet, the USC brochure, and the USC Pharmacy magazine.

-- USC Pharmacy magazine

It's a pretty cool magazine.  Has articles on events the school has thrown, updates from the faculty, awards given to faculty/students, and articles on health care.  I'll be reading it more in depth later.  However, most of that info probably won't be duplicated here on this blog.  Most of it isn't immediately relevant to getting into pharmacy school.

One thing that I will share.  I was confused in my notes during the intro portion of the presentation about what I meant by "Safety Net Clinic".  From skimming through the magazine, I found out that a Safety-Net Clinic" is a clinic that delivers "health care services to low income, homeless and other vulnerable populations".  As I do more research on what will happen to me after graduating from pharm school *crosses fingers*, it's definitely going to be important to know terms like that.

-- USC Brochure

I'm calling it a brochure, but it's just as thick, if not thicker, than the USC Pharmacy magazine.  The table of contents includes

- Overview

- About the School

- Dean's Message

- Calendar

- Administration & Support Groups

- Pharmacy Career Opportunities

- Facilities, Services, & Organizations

- Admissions

- Academic Policies

- Registration, Tuition & Payment

- Financial Aid

- Degree Programs

- Courses of Instruction

- Faculty

- Health Sciences Campus Map

- Contact Information

That's a pretty comprehensive set list of topics.  If I was to say what major topic was the Info Session lacking, it would have been talking about the actual program.  The theory of the way they teach, and what their program offers and does exceptionally well or makes them unique among other campuses.  But at least this brochure contains a list of all the classes they offer, along with a brief description of each.

The other topics that I'm more immediately intrigued by are Organizations, Career Opportunities, Academic Policies, and Degree Programs.

Organizations is just a passing matter.  Every school is going to have something to join, and it will be different from school to school.  That's something that may be a pro for one school over another, but reality is that it's one of the criteria that's near the bottom when it comes to choosing a school.

Career Opportunities is certainly something I should be looking into now.  The clearer the picture I have in my head of what my future is going to be like, the more motivated I can become, and the more confident I will be able to present myself when it comes time for the interview.

Academic Policies is more of a curiosity right now.  I'm not in any school yet, but it's interesting to see how things are run.  Like for instance, what kind of GPA you have to maintain before being kicked out of the program.  (It starts at 2.5 by the end of the first semster or 2.8 by the end of year one, 2.8/2.9 for year two, 2.9/3.0 for year three, and it stays at 3.0 for year four.)

And the most important item on that list is this last one.  What kind of degree programs are offered is a huge deal.  I know I've been in school a long time, and quite a few dual degree programs require more time than just getting a PharmD alone, but the idea of getting a dual degree appeals to me very much.  Whereas what organizations a school offers is fairly low on my list, the dual degree programs is fairly high.

And with that said... let's go on to the last item in the Info Packet that I want to cover...


-- Dual Degree Programs

Here is a list of the dual degrees that USC offers, as well as links to the appropriate page on their website:

- Doctor of Pharmacy/M.S. Gerontology (or Certificate in Gerontology)
- Doctor of Pharmacy/M.S. Regulatory Science
- Doctor of Pharmacy/Juris Doctor (Law)
- Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration
- Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Public Health
- Doctor of Pharmacy/Doctor of Philosophy

Something important to keep in mind that I learned from our tourguide.  You will have to take the appropriate standardized exam (such as the GRE) to get into many of these programs.

And something very important that I learned during the introduction presentation.  USC holds a couple info sessions each year, geared specifically towards their dual degree programs.  The next one will be on April 30th, same time (2-4pm), and they will be about the Gerontology, Regulatory Science, and MPH programs.

While USC has some prerequisites that I may not finish before my first round of applications are turned in, that dual degree info session is something I'm interested in attending.  I know UCSF partners with UCBerkeley in getting an MPH, and there may be other schools that I come across that also offers one or more of these degrees.  So if I'm able to attend, I may be back at USC come April 30th.

-- Conclusion

Truthfully, I don't think I'll be applying to USC during my first round of applications.  The different schools have different prerequisites, and USC has the most.  I don't think I'll be able to fit them all in by the time I apply.  It also has the higher GPA requirement, which I don't think I'll also be able to meet, even with straight A's.  I just have too many units to be able to raise my GPA fast enough.

With that said, the trip was well worth it.  The presentation was very nice, even though the tour was very minimal, due (in part) to the fact that the presentation ran on a bit long.  (Or that's the feeling I got at least.)  The school is beautiful though.  I love the idea of having a volleyball court right outside the building (if I got accepted in the dorms.)  The selection of dual degrees is impressive.  And well... the presenters all came off very sincere and enthusiastic.  There is no reason that I could see that would automatically make me cross USC off my list, if it weren't for my own failings in being able to meet their requirements in time.

And that's it.  That's the end of this series of posts about the USC Info Session.  The next school may possibly be WesternU on April 12th.

USC Info Session - Part 6 - Tour and Tips

While USC did provide a sheet of blank paper to takes notes on, obviously from all the info that I've put up, I recorded more than would fit on a single sheet 'cause I used my netbook to takes notes during the presentation.  However that blank sheet was very useful when it came to taking notes during the tour.

Unfortunately the tour wasn't as comprehensive as I would have liked.  It was nice that we were broken down into groups of five, especially considering how many of us there were, but we didn't actually go inside any of the buildings that were being talked about.  From what I inferred, the room where we had our presentation in wasn't even one of the classrooms that we'd be studying in.  (Although it may be very similar, I just have no way of knowing.)

However, while we didn't get to see a lot of the insides of the buildings that were being talked about, our tourguide did give us a lot of useful information.  Hopefully I can make sense of this mess that's supposed to be my handwriting.

First, some perspective, here's the map of area again:

Click to Enlarge

There are three things to look at in this picture.  (This picture is to the direct right of the pharmacy building.)  On the left side is the entrance to the book store, those double doors on the right are the entrance to the cafeteria, and what's blocked by the trees are the dorms.  If you get let into the dorms, you can wake up and be in class in not much more than a minute!  My tourguide didn't live in the dorms, she said cause she didn't apply early enough.  However, she believes that they only cost $550 a month (to share a room?  or share a kitchen area with separate rooms?  I'm not sure.)  That's not bad at all.

A cramped and close up picture of the dorms.

A look at the inside of the cafeteria that I took after the tour.

The other entrance to the cafeteria.  Behind that wall on the left

is a grill where a cook grills burgers and other things at lunch.

Next up is the library.  The library hours can be found here.  The library is has extended hours during exam times (I believe).

The entrance to the library.

Just inside the entrance.

To the left and right of the previous picture are couches.

One of the study areas with some computers.  There is another

computer area on the first floor that looks different,

but also nice.  I didn't explore beyond this point.

Next isn't much, but just completes the view of this little area.

Back to right out front of the pharmacy building.  You can see the

volleyball net and the building where the med students are at.

Random tips from the tourguide:

- Bring a resume on your first day.  Especially useful for the several career fairs that are set up so you can get hired right away.

- Most students fulfill their hours in their first or second year, so they can focus completely on studying in the later years.

- A lot of students who don't live in the dorms live in South Pasadena (which is only 6 miles away, and the commute isn't all that bad), or in Alhambra.  It's a bit cheaper in Alhambra, and if you like Asian food, there are plenty of places to eat around that area.

- They give you flash cards for the stuff like the Top 100 Drugs, but it was very helpful to get work experience before entering pharmacy school so the learning didn't have to rely on flashcards alone.

- It doesn't hurt to send a thank you email to your interviewer after you're interviewed.

- After you're accepted into USC, they require a $500 deposit to secure that spot.  Touro requires a $2k spot.

- Time management skills are important.

- There is no gym on the Health Sciences Campus.  If you want to use the gym that's part of your tuition, then you have to take the shuttle to the main campus.

- Go to studentdoctor.net.  There is a lot of useful information there.

Next: Closer look at the info packet

USC Info Session - Part 5 - Financial Aid

[Summary of the Quick Start Sheet handed out in the packet]

- 1 - Complete the FAFSA information - Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov (USC Code: 001328).

- 2 - Complete Supplemental Form - Log in to My Financial Aid and Document.  The Supplemental Form is in the "Document Library".

- 3 - Health Profession Student Loan - If you want to be considered for this, you have to complete your parent information on the fafsa, and submit copies of Student and Parent Federal Income Tax Returns including W2s and all schedules.  Use the Non-Filing Statement Form if you or your parents didn't file taxes.  Submission instructions are here.

[Now here's the presentation from Alison, the Associate Director of Financial Aid]

First, follow the Quick Start sheet.  Submit it early.  The deadline says March 2nd for the due date, but we want you to submit it early so if there are mistakes you have time to correct them and won't be disqualified.  We suggest submitting it by February 1st.

Be sure to complete the graduate supplemental form, USC specific form, how many units you're taking (18+), and your housing plans.  By April 15th, submit your tax returns or a non-filing form.  The Document Library on our website will have links to any form that you may possibly need.

Your next steps.

The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan is based on your credit score.  You can have a co-signer.  They can be released from it later on.  If you're an international student, you'll need to ask for private financing.

Another loan you'll want to look at is the Stafford Loan.  It has a fixed interest of 6.8%

Standard repayment on loans is 10 years, which can be extended up to 30 years.

There are scholarship opportunities, but only after starting your 2nd year.  Usually $2,500 to $3,000 on average.  A lot of these are given.  Some people get full scholarships.  You'll be applying for these during your  1st year to use for your 2nd year.

The cost for attendance for a year is $39,638.  And estimated total budget is $62,981 (That's if you include $1,200/month on rent, which I'm sure doesn't have to be the case.)  Next year a standard computer for all students might be included.

For any questions, email: pharmfao@usc.edu

Next: Tour

USC Info Session - Part 4 - Admissions Part 2

Next up was talking about the website.

-- First up, was showing how to confirm what classes counted towards the prerequisites.  That can easily be found at the Course Equivalencies link.

-- Next was talking about the actual application.  That can usually be found in the How to Apply link.  It's down at the moment, but will be back up when the application cycle for the entering class of 2011 begins (which should be sometime in early June.)  Applications have to be turned in by November 1st.

Before starting the USC application, start the PharmCAS application first.  At minimum, sign up for the process, because you need to get a PharmCAS ID to start the USC application.  This way the info can be properly synched up.

It was suggested to start the application process early.  It takes about 2-5 week for the PharmCAS application to be processed, and USC won't look at your USC application until that gets finished, so it's helpful to take care of PharmCAS first to make sure it's all done as soon as possible.

USC has rolling admissions and do interviews in November, January, February, and March.  The specific dates will be published in June or July.  USC is the only school (in California) that publishes the exact dates when interviews will be conducted, so make sure you know when those dates are (which are always on a Saturday), and don't have plans during any of those dates.  About 1/3 of the applicants get interviewed.

About 50% of the applicants send in their completed applications one month before the deadline.  The earlier you send in your applications, the earlier you have a chance of getting interviewed.  (Try for July/August)

If you need to ask "Is (the deadline) midnight Eastern or Pacific (standard time)?" then you're probably too late.  You'll still be considered of course, but it's a sign you might not be prepared.

IMPORTANT: There is a second part to the application.  You do the first part, you'll get an email congratulating you for completing part one, but then it says to proceed to part two.  A lot of people don't read the full email and don't proceed to part 2.  Be sure to read all the instructions.

-- The Interview

It's good to have:

Knowledge and Experience in Healthcare

Leadership Extra curricular Activities

Oral Communication Skills

Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills

It's about 20 minutes.  No phone interviews.

Know how to answer Why Pharmacy?  And Why Here?  Be able to communicate those answers.  People have had 3.8/3.9 GPAs and thought they were locked in to get accepted, didn't prepare for the interview, and were rejected.

It is very beneficial to be involved in organizations.  You don't necessarily need to be president, but being involved in general helps.  In pharmacy, you'll be interacting with patients and doctors, and communication skills are essential.

And of course, there is a writing test.

-- FAQs

- Do I need to send in my transcripts to USC? Yes.  Send them into the pharmacy office and not the general graduate office.

- Do you accept AP scores?  Yes.  For a one semester class (Not for prerequisites that require two semesters)… general bio will satisfy the first class in a one year series.  AP report do not have to sent in as an official report.  Prefer personal copy.

- Do you waive any pre-reqs?  No.  If you have a degree but are still missing a class, that doesn't count.

- Do you prefer a specific major?  No requirement.  English Business, Piano Performance, Psychology… we accept all kinds.  However.  If we see that you’re not academically strong, that's a bad sign.  Even if you get all A's in the prerequisite classes, but they're all taken at a community college, they won't be sure you can handle the program.  It's recommended that you take as many classes at a four year college as possible.  It's fine to take some at a community college for time/money/whatever reasons, but take at least more than half of the classes at a four year school.

- What is the average GPA? The min is 3.0, the average has been going up every year.  5-6 years ago, it was 3.3.  Last year, it was 3.5.  If you’re above 3.0, you all have a chance.  You’ll want to finish your remaining classes as strong as possible.

- Where do I send in Letters of Recommendation?  Go to PharmCAS.  If someone wants to mail it to the pharmacy office, as long as they have their name on it.  That’s fine.  One from must be from faculty.  Another ideally from someone who can describe your potential to be a pharmacist.  If three letters come in, we’ll read all of them.  (But don't send in 4 or 5, we likely won't read them all, because of how many we need to read through.)

- When do I expect to hear from you?  When you submit your application, you’ll get an email right away saying you completed the application.  Everyone with a completed application will get an email first regardless if you get an interview or not.  It will tell you if your application is complete (or incomplete)  Everyone will get this checklist email.

Do not ask them to check if they got it if you sent it in a week ago.  If two months pass…. That’s another question.  Sometimes people list their names wrong  (mix up first and last), PharmCAS ID, etc, so be careful.  Double check.  Can’t merge the USC and PharmCAS applications if they're different.  It happens every year.

Must reply to invitation.  If you're not invited for Nov, you may still be invited for Jan/Feb/March.

(Additional questions beyond the FAQ)

What is the class size?  185, the classroom (that we were in) sits 190.

How many people get interviewed?  We interview about 450 to 550 applicants.  About 1/3^rd of interviewees are accepted.  Sometimes half.  For the November interviews, we accepted just over 50 of 145 applicants.  The others are on active consideration list.  Then January interviews happen, some will get accepted, then look over consideration list again (of both the January and November applicants who didn't get accepted right away), and so on.

- Do people get accepted in the summer?  (Due to people declining their acceptance because they decided to go to another school, decided they didn't want to move that far, etc.)  One year we did not accept anyone in summer.  But usually accept 5 to 40, varies quite a bit.

- What kind of extracurricular activities are favored?  Anything really.  On the USC campus, you'll be entering competitions, participating in Kids Day, giving flu shots, etc.  We want to see that you want to do that kind of stuff too.

- Is it in your favor if you come from a UC or CSU?  It doesn't matter.  A little over 60% of our students are from UCs, but most of our applicants are from UCs.

Next: Financial Aid

USC Info Session - Part 3 - Admissions Part 1

[Quick Note: Before he left, Dr. Baron answered some questions, and one was about acceptance rates.  He said that about 1500 people applied, and 187 were accepted.  That info just seemed to fit better for this post.]

This next session was headed up by Xin Gong, the Admission Coordinator.

-- Do your research - The first thing they look at is academics, but after that, demonstrating your knowledge of the field will become a big factor.

-- Get some experience - Five years ago, maybe half the candidates had some kind of experience, now it is considerably higher than 50%.

-- Check the requirements - They have more required courses than all the other California pharmacy schools.  Starting with the entering class of 2010, a degree is required.  All courses must be completed by mid-August (before orientation.)  It's ok to take a summer class that you need to complete, as long as finals are over by orientation.  They'll allow time for transcripts to arrive, but just make sure that you do turn those transcripts in or you will be kicked out.

-- Minimum 3.0 GPA - That's for both Cumulative and Prerequisite GPA (prerequisite really meaning math and science, and not including classes like economics and psychology).

Many schools have some kind of academic forgiveness program, and that's fine.  USC will take whatever GPA your school says you have for your cumulative, and not what the PharmCAS says (which counts every class no matter what).

For your prerequisite GPA, they will only count the last time you took a course, so it will benefit you to retake classes.  Must have a C or higher.  [Note:  This is what I typed in my notes, and I'm pretty sure it's right.  But always double check everything.]

-- Resume and Two Letters of Recommendation required

-- Send a copy of your official transcripts to the pharmacy office - Do not just send it to PharmCAS, and do not send it to the graduate office.  Send specifically to the pharmacy office.  They are a separate office from the graduate office.

For those of you who realized that you wanted to do pharmacy while you still have a long way to go in your undergrad career.  She encouraged everyone to begin the application process early, even if you still have seven classes to go.  And as each semester finishes, just keep on sending them updated transcripts.  That way they know you're still interested, and they'll adjust your place in the application process accordingly.  (How many classes you've completed will affect how they prioritize you.)

-- No standardized tests required - Meaning no PCAT or anything else.

-- Online/Distance courses are not accepted for prerequisites - If it's for a non-math/science class they may make an exception.

-- Changes this year - Physics has been reduced to one semester (two quarters), as opposed to a full year.  And as a tip, if you did take a full year, put down the one with the higher grade.  [Note: Just to be clear, that was their tip, and not mine.]  There is no more English/communication requirement (unless you're an international student).  Only micro-economics is accepted, and no more macro.

[That's it for now.  There was a lot of info, so I'm going to break here, and continue with the rest of of the admissions info with the next post.]

Next: Admissions continued

USC Info Session - Part 2 - Welcome & Introduction

We took our seats and pretty much right on time, we were welcomed by Peter Dean, the Recruitement Coordinator.  He handled all the transitions and introduced us to Dr. Mel Baron, PharmD., MPA, the Assistant Dean for Programmatic Advancement and Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics & Policy (phew!)

He has been a pharmacist for 52 years.  He graduated from USC, back when there was no such thing as a cell phone or a computer.  And he wanted to talk to us about how to profession is looking today.  He wanted to make sure that we all understood that the profession of pharmacy isn't contained in a small "pharmacist box" that many people seem to believe it is.

When he graduated, the chain pharmacy did not exist.  It was all community and local pharmacies, and of course hospital pharmacies.  When he graduated, he opened up his own pharmacy in a medical building, and did that for a long period of time.  Towards the end, they began to (not?  I think I left out a "not" in my notes) just fill out prescriptions.  They focused on spinal cord injuries, incontinent patients, iliostemy and cholostomy surgery, he had nurses on staff, IV and chemo hoods, and even sold drugs wholesale.

Eventually he sold his company to a Fortune 500 company.  He worked for that corporation for four years.  Eventually he didn't want to do that anymore, and he didn't want to retire, so he considered teaching.  He began as a part time teacher in 1980, then full time in 1990.  He currently teaches 1st year students.

What kinds of things does he do now besides teaching students?  For over 10 years he had been interested in health literacy.  To really take a look at how we really inform patients about medicines, and management, etc. A lot of info is poorly written.  And here in California (especially southern California), there is a heavily Hispanic population.  So a lot of his projects have focused on low income, low literacy Hispanics.

[Note:  I'm not sure what I meant in my notes about this next part - Team safety net clinics.  Provide care for uninsured, homeless, minimally insured. - Not quite sure what a "safety net clinic" is.]

Many pharmacists here work as a team.  And focus on providing care and helping their patients manage what they're taking.  Part of that population has difficulty in understanding their medications.  So I (we) created photo novellas.  (He holds up several samples of these photo novellas.  They look like they have nothing to do with drugs/medications, and just look like what you'd expect on the cover of some daytime drama.  Usually a man and woman dressed up in fancy evening wear, looking intimately at each other.)

They're pretty much a soap opera, but they deliver a health message.  "Oscar and the Giant" is about pediatric asthma.  He holds up another one titled "Sweet Temptations" and asks what we think that one is about.  Someone yells out sex as the answer.  He says, "No.  Diabetes."  We laugh.  "Fiesta Fiasco" is about the appropriate use of medication.

He took the idea even further and had a meeting with the National Institute for Transplantation, and not only created (will create?) a novella for them, but they are working on a series of ten 3 to 5 minute videos to help explain what is going on.

He wanted to tell us all that to give us an example of the other kinds of things that pharmacists can do.  He also does consulting.  He consults with community clinics, hospitals, and lawfirms about malpractice issues.

Then after his introduction, the student pharmacist with him introduced himself.  He knew he wanted to own his own pharmacy, and while he was confident before even starting the program, he assured us that after you are finished (he's a 4th year), you'll know that USC's program did an excellent job is preparing you for what's out there.

And that's pretty much it for the introduction.  He left us off with a speech about, if you're a great person, you'll get hired.  Just make sure you strive to be great, and work hard, and don't just try to be mediocre, and it'll pay off.

Next: Admissions

USC Info Session - Part 1 - Overview

Click to Enlarge, The map can be downloaded here.

The info session was a two hour info session.  The school has eight more scheduled this year according to their website.  After parking in the $8.00 all day parking lot that they advertised, just keep on walking up Zonal, cross the street, pass by the large student parking structure, and you're there!

I didn't notice when they set up the lobby, because I was donating blood and hanging out in the cafeteria, but once through the main doors to the building, they had a table set up to sign in and pick up a info packet.

Info Packet (from left to right): Blank Sheet for Note Taking,

Course Equivalency Sheet, Prerequisites, Description of Dual

Degrees, Financial Aid Quick Start, Agenda, School of Pharmacy

Brochure, Folder, Summer 2009 Issue of USC Pharmacy Magazine

The Agenda:

2:00 pm - Welcome

2:05 pm - Introduction to the School of Pharmacy

2:25 pm - The Application Process

3:00 pm - Financial Aid

3:15 pm - Question and Answer Session

3:25 pm - Tour

4:00 pm - Ajourn

When we were first led to the presentation room, there were maybe 40 of us, but by the time everyone arrived, there were nearly 100 potential applicants, including a group of 40+ people who all drove down from Sacramento together.  Everything went according to schedule for the most part.  And when we were given the tour, they had enough student pharmacists to give us tours that we broke down into just groups of five!

Out tour went on long, not because there was a lot to show, but because we took some time to do some extra grilling of our tourguide.  After that was all over, there were drinks and snacks waiting for us.  Even better, the admissions and finacial aid directors were both still there happy to answer any questions that anyone had.

I didn't actually stay much longer afterwards.  I felt that I already got all the info that I wanted.  Part 2 will go more in depth into what went on.

Back From The USC Info Session

Back from my round trip to the USC Info Session.  I start sorting through all the notes tomorrow, but I'll say that I did get more than I expected.

For the curious, here's some numbers:

# of miles driven: 774
# of prospective applicants in attendance: ~100
# of dollars spent: $81.00 ($63.00 on gas!)

I ended up not listening to any audiobook during the trip.  I listened to podcasts the whole way.  (The Poker Beat and Nerdy Show).  I love the long battery life on my Asus.

The first pic I took with my new camera.  The

flowers in my grandma's family room.

I stayed over at my grandma's house, which to my surprise, was only just over 15 miles away from the campus.  (I didn't print out google maps directions before I left, because I finally had a GPS to use during my trip.  So much stress gone from the trip.)  I stayed there an extra night just to spend some time with her.  She wanted to cook for me, which I'm not going to turn down, grill me a bit, and then give me some encouragement.  It's good to appreciate times like that, so I made sure to not forget to do that.

I woke up and left the house at about 11am, and had some trouble finding the parking lot.  The problem is there were two parking lots "available in a parking structure on Biggy and Zonal".  The one advertised on the  website "for $8.00/day" is the one that's tied to the small yellow restaurant (The food from there smelled delicious by the way.  But I was already full, so I didn't try it.), and not the more typical parking lot that I was looking for.

Not this parking lot that's on Biggy.  Go to the yellow

one that's right before this, with the entrance on Zonal.

I know I was there early, but I had my computer with me to keep me entertained, and since I drove so far away, I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss the beginning of the Info Session.  I wanted to make sure I knew which building to be at and where to meet up.  And there happened to be a blood drive going on, and since I had plenty of time, I donated some of my O Positive blood, and picked up some snacks and a Subway gift card for my donation.

That's it for now.  Next post will start digging into the actual info of the Info Session.

Pre-USC Info Session - Part 2

Good News

I called USC about their info session, and making a reservation was no problem at all.  (Info can be found on their website.)  They didn't need my name, just said that they'll sign me in when I get there.  All in the information they really wanted was how many people would be coming.  (Just myself.).  The receptionist directed me to the website for info on parking and all that, and said I just have to check in before 2pm.  And that's it.  I'll be on the road tomorrow.  (Still have to decide which audiobook I'm going to listen to while I drive.  American Gods by Neil Gaiman, or Soldier's Son by Robin Hobb.)

Bad News

The time that I'll be on the road is the question.  I ordered my camera, but it won't arrive 'til tomorrow.  My departure time is going to be dependent on when it arrives.  Hopefully it won't be too late in the afternoon.  I'd prefer to leave no later than 4pm.  Can't do much to speed up the delivery process.  All I can do is just make sure I'm ready to leave as soon as it gets here.

Pre-USC Info Session

Good News

I bought myself a new camera.  My old one broke down.  (My really old one.)  I'm not going to easily go back down there to take pictures later if I wanted, so it was time to buy a replacement.  I'm not a picky person.  I just wanted something functional, that had a physical zoom (and not just digital).  All the extra features are exactly that.  Extra.

I also already had a Sony memory stick that I have no use for, so I pretty much went to amazon, and looked up cheap Sony cameras.  This is what I came up with.

I'm not as excited about getting a new toy as I would if I got a Palm Pre, but this'll still be fun to play with. =)

Bad News

Potential delay in my USC trip. I was just on the USC website to look up directions and any other important info I might need, and then I noticed this:

To make a reservation, please call the Office of Admission and Student Affairs one or two weeks before the session you want to attend at (323) 442-1466.

I did not make a reservation.  I left off some important info on my calendar.  I wrote down that the WesternU info session required a registration fee, but didn't leave so much as an asterisk to remind me about calling in for a reservation for USC.

Not much I can do about it now besides call in tomorrow and see if it's still possible to make a reservation.  If not, there's always Feb 12th and April 16th dates for me to check out.