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.

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